30 20 644 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/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/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. Located inside the "BOOM" based. send resume t~etro Star PO Box 581718 Tulsa, OK 74158 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 918-615-8177 nformation Ca[[ 8-549-8090 THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE In Calls Only, NW OKC 405-822-7378 nwokcmassageguy@aol.cim 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 w4w~.metrostarnews.com Me ro Star Classfieds A S S P H 2" square for as little as 539 per ~ issue. 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. BUY GI Joe Action Figures (12" size Only) Located inside the "BOOM" Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-5555 NOW OPEN !!in iae Marketplace on 39th Eureka Springs, AR www.eurelcasprings.org KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-882-6127 THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE In Calls Only, NWOKC 405-822-7378 nwokcmassageguy@aol.cim nformation Ca[[ 8-549-8090 based. send resume t~etro Star PO Box 581718 Tulsa, OK 74158 Start building a business today to supplement your income in case of layoff. High potential commissions. A S S P H E E Me ro Star Classfieds 2" square for as little as 539 per ~ issue. Email: srarnews@ sbcglobal.net Call Robin @ 405-590-2871 Excellent instruction. Set your own hours. 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/69d5cd0324e64b3b0b28ace70a0236d4.jpg e56f6261c3de91a3d53b6e2b3fb2955e https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/93cf0fb2a1c6f6bfbeb49db9e57de8be.pdf b8dbb9f6d09648599512e938330287af PDF Text Text METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" Church Visits Oklahoma Again By Victor Gorin APRIL 1, 2009 Hi ary Clinton will[ fight for gay rights worl[dwide By Rex Wockner in Wockner , Clinton by Rex Meeting with young people at the European Parliament in Brussels on March 6, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised to fight for gay rights on the world stage. Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Sherwood with biker group protesting Fred Phelps demonstrators at Moore High School. Gorin photo MOORE, OK __ Spreading their ukual rants of far out homophobia, members of Fred Phelps Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas came to protest near the Oklahoma State Capitol as well as Moore High School March 2. Few in the GLBT or fair minded community are not familiar with this church, as they have been protesting with infamous "God Hates Fags" signs along with other similar sentiments nationwide and abroad for over a decade. They gained national attention in 1998 when they picketed Matthew ShepardS funeral in Laramie,Wyoming with infamous signs, some stating "Matthew is in Hell". Rarely’ missing an opportunity to present their viewpoint, they have picketed funerals of those who have died of AIDS, and staged protests against governments who have granted rights or tal~en any action they perceive as "fag enabling." More recently their skewed logic went even further when they picketed funerals of American soldiers, incredulously promoting the concept that God is punishing America with the deaths of soldiers because our nation is too tolerant of homosexuals. Understandably this has raised anger with countless patriotic Americans, especially those in the military; veterans and their families & friends. Although the Westboro group had been to Oklahoma before, they returned again to protest against the Oklahoma Legislature for permitting a gay pastor, the Reverend Scott Jones- Cathedral of Hope UCC, to lead a Prayer for the Day at the invitation of State Representative A1 McAffrey. This protest drew a small crowd with TV & press coverage coverage at N.W. 23rd and Sante Fe, before the Phelps clan moved on ........... Continued See BAPTlST Page-9 At a question-and-answer session, Clinton called on Maxim Anmeghichean, programs director for the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay~ Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, after commenting on his "I Love Hillaw" T-shirt. Anmeghichean said: "My name is Max. I am from Moldova, and I am a gay rights activist. In seven countries in the world homosexuals are sentenced to death and many more to prison. A lot of gay men arotmd the world die because of the HIV/ AIDS policies that the Bush administration had that did not allow to spend money on prevention for men who have sex with men. How do you see the foreign policy of the United States changing in the coming years in the field of human rights mad in partictdar sexual rights and gay and lesbian rights?" ........... Continued See HILLARY Page-8 �2 April 2009 �v~v~.metrostarnews.com ~°~t~oSTAR 3 �Busy year ahead £or Sooner State Rodeo By Michael W. Sasser New membership and renewed energy and interest in the Association are keys to a successful 2009. "XWe need the community’s involvement, bars’ involvement and participants’ involvement to bring a rodeo back to Tulsa," Dickrnan said. "It’s going to be an exciting year and we invite everyone in the commun!ty to join in." E~oto: fim Grubb, 7~m Dickmann, Don George, V¢7ll Hughes, & Scou" Gouard hosting a spaghel~i dinner to benefit St. Jerome’s Church. TULSA, OK __ With a new executive board elected in February, events already under its belt and a slate of others scheduled for the remainder of the year, the Sooner State Rodeo AssociaOon has a bustling 2009 ahead. "Our overall objective is to bring a rodeo back to Tulsa and to have one on a regular basis," said Tim Dickman, newly elected president. In addition to Dickman, Kevin George, Darin Steward, Kevin Murphy, Don George and Bob "West were elected vice president, tre~asurer, recording secretary, corresponding secretary and trustee respectively in February. "We want to remind people we’re still here, we’re still active and we are starting a new campaign to get people interested. Dickanau said. A spaghetti dinner at St. Jerome’s Church and a club night at Mavericks drew the community~ attention and attracted several new members. Key events ahead are also expected to garner notice and new members. The Associatioffs next general membership meeting is slated for Sunday, April 5th at St. Jerome’s Church in Brady Heights, and the general public is invited to attend. On April 24th at 9 pm at Mavericks, the Sooner State Royalty Roundup season kicks offwith a lead-in to the f~l 2009 competition. Past ’Royalty competitors will be on hand as well as those from other Associations. "We have the whole year m get contestants, but this event and others ~ve will have throughout the year help people raise the money they need to in order to compete and to get some experience beforehand," Dickman said. The Sooner State ¯ Rodeo Association is hosting its 3rd ka~nual Spring Blowout Barrel Race on Saturday, May 2nd at a site to be determined by the end of March. 4 For more information, call (918) 577-0030 or wvo~c.soonerstaterodeo.com KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY AT PH OENIX RISING MAY 2 OKEQ art gallery opens new exhibit featuring artist Krysta Hamilton By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Looking for some after May Day fun? On Saturday May 2 Phoenix Rising will host the 3rd annual Kentuc~- Derby ParD; where you can enjoy food with friends, wet your whistle at the cash bar and enjoy the thrill of the Kentucky Derby on the big screen. Originally organized by a group of friends who love equestrian sport, the first party had around 65 people, the next about 80, and they are hoping for a bigger crowd this year to experience the fun. As one of the organizers Max Paty puts it, "Last year it vcent from dead quiet when the race started, and then they just went crazy when the horses came down the home stretch, and it was really exciting!" It’s a free event with complimentary snacks and a cash bar, and everyone is invited, including out of towners who happen to be in OKC that day. It’s a great way to celebrate that event with your friends while meeting nev¢ ones. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis Ik Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-gpm, Thursday, April 2, 2009, for the opening of the new exhibit showing the paintings of artist, g-,Tsta Hamilton. The exhibit will remain up through the month of April, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. 7his monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for EqualiO, (OkEq): OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Tmnsgender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill EqualiO, Cente~ April 2009 �From ~2.95 Ask About La V®nda www.metrostarnews.com ~I®t~oSTAR 5 �anna Pa ge Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland 200 By Victor Gorin Pageant co-owner James Walke~ Adrienne Fische~ Alanna Paige, Anita Ryde~ and other co-owner Mark Christensen. Gorin photo O~IOMA CITY, OK__ On February 20 Manna Paige captured the title of Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland for 2009, with Anita Ryder ( currently also Miss Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) winning first alternate. As a preliminary contest for the Miss Gay Oldahoma America Pageant, they will go on to compete for that title. It was a festive evening at Angles as the current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland Adrienne Fischer passed on that tide ( she is also the current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma) to Miss Paige. A1 Mc rey O ahoma County Medalion Dinner. A NEW KING GETS CRO’WNED! Pictured above are pageant co-owner James VCalker, Adrienne Fischer, Manna Paige, Anita Ryder & other pageant co-owner Mark Christensen By Victor Gorin By Victor Gorin Judy Calhoun celebrates her birthday at the annual Oklahoma County Democratic Patty_ Medallion Dinn~ well wished by AI McAfl~ey and Ieshia who led herfriends in song. Gorin photo. OYA~S,HOMA CITY, OK__ State Representative A1 McAffrey was the Master of Ceremonies for the Oklahoma Count), Democratic Party February 20. This is an annual event for the Party that is not only for fellowship, but also strengthening plans and resolve for the future. Represented at this event were both the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats and the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus. Count3; Conventions will be held April 4, Congressional House District Conventions May 2, with the State Convention May 16 in Oklahoma City. To become involved or register to vote, go to ww,v.okdemocrats. org, or call State Party Headquarters (405) 427-3366, and in Tulsa call Tulsa County Headquarters (918-742 2457). 6 @et~oSTAR 2nd alternate Amadeus Ka~nii York- Texas, IGng Richard Cranium oflndiana , and Ist alternate Owen McCord of Georgia. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma City again hosted the National Mr.Gay US of A MI contest at Angles dates September 1115. Emceed by the vivacious Amaya Mann, the competition began with 31 qualified contestants, narrowed down to 14 finalists for the finale March 15. Passing on his tide was the reigning King from 2008 Xander Kinidy of Tennessee, whose mother was present at the event. Capturing the tides for 2009 are 2nd Alternate Amadeus Karmanii York of Texas, 1st Alternate Owen McCord of Georgia, and the new king, Richard Cranium of Indiana. April 2009 �Wockner News Service ANALYSIS: California Supremes hear Prop 8 challenge Tl~e California Supreme Court on March 5 held its hearing in the case challenging Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage -- and the hearing was an apparent disaster t’or the gay side¯ The justices constantly interrupted the gay side’s lawyers with aggressive questions, but let pro-Prop-8 attorney Ken Starr speak mostly unimpeded. ~ae justices seemed fixated on the fact that California’s domestic-partnership law gives gay Couples the same rights as a marriage, and the), downplayed the fact that they had ruled that separate isn’t equal in their May 2008 decision that legalized same-sex marriage. The justices seemed enamored of the notion that the people can do almost whatever they want via the ballot-box amendment process -- including repealing freedom of speech, banning gay adoption and pretty much anything else. in concluding that the court is going to uphold Prop 8. ’Milk’ gays the Oscars That would leave the gay side with two options: Return to the California ballot with a proactive initiative to attempt to undo Prop 8. Or take it to,the U.S. Supreme Court, using the court s ruling in the Colorado Amendment 2 case as a precedent. In that case, the high court struck dovin a state constitutional amendment that prohibited Colorado governments from protecting gay people in anti-discrimination laws. The justices said government cannot irrationally single out~one group of people for disfavored treatment. The Academy Awards offered some gayerthan-usual moments Feb. 22 as the movie Milk snagged two Oscars. Both of these "next step" options are considered risky moves. The court must issue its ruling by early June. Dolly Parton: ’I am not gay The justices all but laughed out of the chamber state Attorney General Jerry Browffs nove! "inalienable rights" natural-law argument against Prop 8. just an amendment or instead a constitutional revision. A revision has to start in the Legislature or at a constitutional convention; it can’t start with people collecting voter signatures, as Prop 8 did. On the case’s other big question -- whether the 18,000 couples who married in California between June and November 2008 will end up un-married if the court upholds Prop 8 -- a majority of the justices seemed opposed to viewing Prop 8 as rettoactive, despite its rather plain wording: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." At one point, the justices had a bit of Clintonian fun ruminating on "what the meaning of the word ’is’ is" in Prop 8. Kenneth Starr came across at the hearing as smart, confident, well-spoken and quick on his feet. None of the gay side’s lawyers did as well. But, in fairness, they were hardly able to get a word in edgewise because of constant interruptions from the justices. And openly gay Dustin Lance Black, accepting the trophy for original screenplay, gave a shout-out to gay kids. "When I was 13 years old, my beatitiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Tex., to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk," Black said. ’~md it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. "If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ’less than’ by : or by their you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what ~yone ~eils you, God does love you, ~d that veiT SO0n~ I promise you; ~ou ~ill have equal rights federally across this great nation "~e On that key question, the gay side appears doomed as well, because court precedent on the issue does not favor the gay side’s arguments. Only a couple of the justices appeared possibly open to the idea of expanding their notion of what constitutes a constitutional revision. Accepting the award for best actor, for his portrayal of gay icon Harvey Milk, actor Sean Penn said: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns .... For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone." of ours." In Singapore, where gay sex is illegal, MediaCorp TV deleted portions of Black’s and Penn’s speeches from its rebroadcast of the awards. Country-music legend Dolly Parton is straight, she told CNN’s Larry King on Feb. 21. "I am not ga~" Parton said. "I have been accused of that. But I have been happily married for 42 years to the same man. And he’s not the least bit, you know, threatened by the fact that I may be gay. And he knows have a lot of friends. But I love everybody. It doesn’t matter to me." Part0n said gay people like her because she’s authentic. "I think the gay people have always liked me because I have always been mysel[ I’m not intimidated by ho~v people perceive me, I don’t judge nor criticize people," she said. "I think that’s another reason they at least know that I’m sympathetic. I think all people have a right to be who they are. We’re all God’s children and God should be the one to judge, not other people. So I have a lot of gay friends, lesbian friends." MediaCorp/Channel 5 censorship manager David Christie said the broadcast "would have been in serious breach of the MDA (Media Development Authority) Programme Code if such controversial content was not editorially managed." "The code explicitly disallows content that sympathizes with, promotes or normalizes such a lifestyle from being broadcast," he said. The Asian satellite TV service STAR also censored the two men’s speeches, dropping the audio each time the word "gay" or "lesbian" was uttered. Utah senator demoted for anti-gay remarks Utah state Sen. Chris Buttars was ousted from two committees by Republican leaders Feb. 20 after he made homophobic remarks to a documentary maker. Buttars spoke in January to TV reporter Reed Cowan, who is making a documentary on the ¯ Mormon church’s involvement in the passage of California’s Proposition 8. The senator’s comments included: "Homosexuality will always be a sexual perversion. And you say that around here now and everybody goes nuts. But I don’t care .... They’re mean. They want to talk about being nice, they’re the meanest buggers I’ve ever seen .... It’s just like the Moslems. Moslems are good people and their religion is anti-war. But it’s been taken over by the radical side .... What is the morals of a gay person? You can’t answer that because anything goes .... They’re probably the greatest threat to America going down I know of. ... q]aey want superiority. It’s the beginning of the end. Oh, it’s worse than that. Sure. Sodom and Gomorrah was localized. This is worldwide." According to Salt Lake City’s KTVX, ~vhich broke the story: "Buttars also talks about a certain type of reported gay sex!~al activity which he claims is taking place. But ABC 4 does not consider that appropriate for its news content Students at George Mason University in Fairfax County, Va., elected a gay drag queen as homecoming queen Feb. 14. Senior Ryan Allen, who ran for the honor as Reann Ballslee, beat out two women for the crown. "It was just for fun," Allen told the Washington Post. "In the larger scheme of things, winning says so much about the university. X~[e’re one of the most diverse campuses in the country, and... ,ve celebrate that." MORTUARY ~ERVICE,~ STAR beams into more than 50 countries to some 300 million viewers. Media and blogger analysts were unanimous www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 7 �Gay New Yorkers protest sex-shop arrests Beau poses nude Beau Breedtove, the 21-year-old man who had sex with Portland, Ore., Mayor Sam Adams just after Breedlove turned 18, has posed nude for the May issue of the gay porn magazine Unzipped. The revelation of the aNair nearly ended Adams’ career earlier this year. Adams was 42 years old at the time of the brief relationship and, when asked about it during his mayoral campaign, had denied it happened. Nae men claim to still be ftiends. Several dozen gay N~v ~rkers protested near Mayor Mict§ael Bloomberg~ mansion Feb. 14 over what they say are bogus arrests ofg~y men in adult video arcades. Photo by Joe Jervis Several dozen gay New ¥orkers protested near Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s mansion Feb. 14 over what they say are bogus arrests of gay men in adult video arcades. The activists claim undercover police o~cers have been hitting on gay men, then, after the men agree to have sex, leading them outside, offering them money, and arresting them for prostitution, whether they accept the money or not. At least 50 men have been victims of the sting, the activists said. The motive for the arrests is to create a pretense for shutting down the shops, the activists said. ~e arrests have been condemned by openly lesbian City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and openly gay state Sen. Tom Duane, among others. Hawaii House passes civil-union bill Hawaii’s House of Representatives passed a civil-union bill Feb. 12 by a vote of 33-17. The measure now advances to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where its fate is unpredictable. Republican Gov. Linda Lingle has not taken a position on the legislation. The proposal would grant civil-union couples all the state-level benefits, protections and responsibilities of marriage. Hawaii presendy has a reciprocal-beneficiaries law that grants registered same-sex couples limited spousal rights. Similar limited laws are in place in Maine and Washington. P~etroSTAR Colorado senator in anti- gay rant Colorado state Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley, unleashed a six-minute anti-gay diatribe on the floor of the Senate Feb. 23 during debate on a bill to allow gay state employees to share health benefits ~vith their partners. He equated gay sex with murder and adultery and seemingly suggested that people ~vho engage in gay sex commit ’,detestable" acts Renfroe said: "Homosexuality is seen as a violation of this natural creative order, and it is an offense to God .... Leviticus 18:22 ’ says: ’You shall not lie witha man as one lies with a female. It is an abomination.’ Leviticus 20:13 says, ’If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a ,voman, both of them have committed a detestable act, and they shall surely be put to death.’ ... When we create laws that goes (sic)against what biblically we are supposed to stand for, I think we are agreeing, or allowing to go forward, a sin which should not be treated by government as something that is legal. ... We are taking sins and making them to be legally OK, and that is ,vrong. That is an abomination .... And I’m not saying that this is the only sin that’s out there. Obviously, we have sin. We have murder, we have all sorts of sins. We have adultery. And we don’t make laws making those leg~A .... All sin is equa!. That sin there is as equal to any other sin that’s in the Bible." Five states -- California, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont -- and Washington, D.C., have full civil-union laws that grant all state-level spousal rights. The bill passed. Massachusetts and Connecticut let gay couples marry, and New York recognizes same-sex marriages from states and countries that permit them. arlns Tt~e other countries that let gay couples marry are Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and Spain. 8 "Beau Breedlove was extremely professional at his first erotic photo shoot in Los Ba~geles this past weekend," Unzipped online editor Sean Carnage told Advocate.corn Feb. 18. "He came to L.A. to prove that the Portland scandal does not define his sexuality. The photos portray the real Beau -- a confident and extremely handsome young man who is openly sensual, openly sexual and has nothing to hide." Drag r?yalty stripped ofregaha be sergeant-atMr. and Miss Gay Vancouver XXIX, along with the Emperor and Empress V of Surrey, were allowed to enter the Canadian province of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly only after removing their tiaras, crowns and sashes, The Vancouver Sun reported March 2. "We had some trouble getting them into this house because of some, what I believe to be, antiquated rules here, but they are here, minus tiaras and sashes," New Democratic Party legislator Spencer Herbert said as he introduced the foursome to fellow legislators. Legislative sergeant-at:arms Gary Lenz explained that "protocol" prohibits headgear and certain other items inside the chamber, to maintain "dignity." Larry amer: Lincoln and Washington were gay Veteran gay and MDS activist, author and playwright Larry Kramer says he has evidence that Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were gay. Speaking to the Montreal newspaper Hour on March 5, Kramer said he will reveal the details in a book he’s writing, The American People: A History. "It’s a monster book," Kramer said. "It’s an attempt to put us (gay people) back in history from the beginning. No history book ever recorded anything about us, and researching this book I found out that both Lincoln and George Washington were gay.... I have stuff that will go beyond anything that has ever .... been wntten or stud ......... Clinton responded: "Human rights is and will always be one of the pillars of our foreign policy. And in particular, the persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians is something that we take very seriously. It is terribly unfortunate, as you just recited, that, you lmow, right now in unfortunately many places in the world violence against gays and lesbians, certainly discrimination and prejudice, are not just occurring but condoned and protected, and we would hope that over the next few years we could have some influence in trying to change those attitudes." Clinton continued: "Specifically, with respect to HIV/AIDS, we have made a very big treatment commitment, as some of you know, through our program called PEPFAR. And it is an important part of the American approach toward trying to deal with the HIV/ MDS pandemic. But we haven’t done enough on prevention, and we haven’t done enough on outreach or testing. We’re beginning to, and under our administration we will do much more. And I can only hope that we all live long enough -- certainly I hope I live long enough; I think you all will -- to see the end to this kind of discriminatory treatment, and recognition that human rights are the inalienable right of every person no matter who that person loves, and that’s what we should be trying to achieve." Apd12009 �Sonja Martinez Receives the Richard May Award May Award to Sonja Martinez. Sonja is the daughter of Jesse and ka~ita Martinez of Oldahoma City. The Richard May Award was established by the Oklahoma MDS Care Fund to honor Richard May, a founder of the organization who passed away in March, 2000. The premise of the Richard May Award is that it is to be given annually in recognition of an individual who has given, in an exceptional way, of their time and talents to promote education, research and service regarding HIV/AIDS. The recipient should exemplify quiet strength and compassion, never seeking recognition, which was the spirit of Richard May. Sofia Martinez (Center) with her niece Jessica Martinez-Brooks and her sister and artist Bernadette Martinez. Press phom OK_LAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) _ The Oklahoma MDS Care Fund celebrated its Seventeenth Bmnual "Red Tie Night" at the Cox Communications Center February 28, 2009. The "Red Tie Night" brings together man), individuals and corporations to raise as much as one million dollars in a single night through various donations, auctions and generosity of many Oklahomans. The goal of the event is to raise money tbr education, direct services and research to fight HIV/ AIDS throughout the State of Oklahoma. One of the highlights of a very eventful evening was the presentation of the Richard Sonja has an annual Christmas Benefit to raise money for those with HIV/AIDS and this next year will be her nineteenth annual benefit. The benefit is held at the COPA bev;veen Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. Sonja accepted the award by saying: "~is award is a very big honor and I thank you so much. I would like to accept this award on behalf of all the dubs and entertainers in the Gay Community who do benefits all year around. I would also like to thank: Barbara and Jackie Cooper, Rick Moses, John Beebe, Tony Sinclair and Dee Goodwin; my family vcho have supported me and loved me unconditionally. And the Red Tie, thank you for all that you do." Christian, I623 N. iVlaplewood Tulsa, OK www,mcctuls org Oklahoma City, OK No matter who you are o are on life’s journey, y~: -R®ver®.d ~r. K~hy Kansas City’s Heartland Men’s Chorus rills OKC Crowd By Victor Gorin Charles Johnson presents director Dn Joseph Nadeau with a plaque j~om the City ofthe Village thanking them for their pe,formance. Gorin photo to Moore Oklahoma for another protest at Moore High School. Although their reasoning for picking out Moore High School for a protest site was unknown, their website did promise "We will picket you hypocrites and we continue to THANK GOD for the tornados that keep kicking Oklahoma’s backside.’Moore High School dismissed classes 15 minutes early for those students wishing to avoid the protest, but many stayed to tal~e part in what ’turned out to be a major counter protest. That protest, organized by Chelsea Marlett ( daughter ofRon Marlett, ~vho ran against Sally Kern in the State Legislative race 2008) not only brought out many from the GLBT community, but also many others to form a diverse crowd of around 2000 that included civil libertarians, yeterans groups, and just plain folks young and old. Undoubtedly the most spectacular counter protesters were the bikers, xvho rode repeatedly past the Phelps clan revving their engines to the crowd’s applause. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma City was treated to a grand performance by the Heartland Men’s Chorus March 3 when the played to a large crowd at the Village Christian Church. N~e Chorus, which began in 1986, has performed extensively in the Missouri/Kansas area, and also throughout the United States and abroad. Featuring an eclectic mix of men’s choral music encompassing several music styles, the chorus was won acclaim and respecf froma wide City has were recognized by the City ( suburban community of OKC), and this concert, which was their OKC debut, would also benefit the BritVil Food Bank. Bringing their songs to Oklahoma, they presented their concept concert, "And Justice for All." Beginning xvith a number from the musical South Pacifici "You’ve got to be Cargfully Taught/Children will Listen", which depicted racism, they ,;vent through a series of selections accompanied by readings and accompanying pictures which portrayed the struggles of blacks, women, and the more recent activism of title GLBT community. Highlights included activist classics "We Shall Overcome" & ’Tkin’t gonna let nobody Turn me Round, but also included the comic relief of"Color of Colorado," a campy classic from the off Broadway musical "When Pigs FI~’ that portrays how vital the GLBT community really is to America. Closing with "I will stand with You," they left the audience with not only a call for unity but hope for a better tomorrow. Jeannie and other Moore High School students protest Phelps group. Gorin photo As one of them put it, Kevin Sherwood stated "I fought for our country for people to be able to live their lives they way they want. I fought so they ( the Phelps group) can say what they want to say, but we get the same rights. What upset me more than anything else is that they came here to scare kids. But apparently most of them ain’t all that scared!" Living proof of that was Jeannie, a student of Moore High School,who after some colorful outbursts about her opinion of the Phelps clan, had this to say" God loves all of us, we’re all equal, gays lesbians, it doesn’t matter God loves us all." Under the direction of Dr. Joseph Nadeau, they performed the following day for the American Choral Directors National Convention which also took place in Oklahoma City. They held the distinction of being one of only 2 gay men’s choruses to be invited to perform for that conference in the group’s 50 year history. 405.525.9555 www.metrostarnews.com #~÷troSTAR 9 �10 ~oSTAR April 2009 �Wockner News Service British PM opposes Prop8 British Prime Minister Gordon Brown opposes Proposition 8, the California ballot measure that last November re-banned samesex marriage after the state Supreme Court had legalized it. "This Proposition 8, this attempt to undo the good that has been done, this attempt to create divorces among 18,000 people who were perfectly legally brought together in partnerships, this is unacceptable and shows me why we alxvays have to be vigilant, why we have alvcays got to fight homophobic behavior and any form of discrimination," Brown said March 5 at a Downing Street reception for GLBT VIPs. On March 4, the California Suprelne Court heard oral arguments in the case seeking to overturn the constitutional amendment. It is widely expected that the effort will fail, with the justices deciding, in effect, that the right of the voters to amend the constitution is more sacrosanct than the constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law. The court must issue its decision by early June. Burundi plan to ban gay sex dies in Senate A move to ban gay sex in the Central African nati~ 6f Burundi was reiected by the Senate Feb. 16 after having passed the National Assembly unanimously in November. "Burundi’s Senate, after significant pressure and ’heated debate,’ today reiected the proposed amendment to criminalize homosexual conduct. Victory -- for the moment," said Scott Long, head of Human Rights Watclqs LGBT Rights Division. The proposal, part of a much larger bill, set a punishment of between three months and two years in prison, along with a large fine, for engaging in consensual adult gay sex. The Senate and Assembly must now form a commission to reconcile the two versions of the bill before sending it to President Pierre Nkurunziza. "Any reconciliation could, potentially, reinstate the provision criminalizing samesex conduct," said the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. "Whatever the outcome, the fact that the majority of senators voted against the provision shows a growing recognition that all citizens are entitled to the full enjoyment of human rights irtespective of their sexual orientation." Eighty-four of the world’s 19 5 nations ban gay sex. Colombian gay leader m dered Well-lmown Colombian gay activist idvaro Miguel Rivera Linares, 41, was killed March www.rnetrostarnews.com 6 in his apartment in Call He suffered a fatal blow to the head and was found tied to his bed and gagged. The apartment had been trashed but there were no signs of forced entry and nothing was stolen. Rivera received national attention when he fought a 2001 mandate by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas that all residents ofa FARC-controlled sector of the eastern state of Meta take an HIV test or leave the area within a week. Thereafter, he received death threats and was followed on the streets and harassed at worlc He eventually left Meta, his home state, as a result. Leading Latino-issues blogger Andrds Duque called Rivera’s death "a tremendous loss to the international human rights movement." Argentina lifts military gay ban Argentina’s military decriminalized homosexuality and lifted its gay ban Feb. 27. Part of an overhaul of the military justice system, the change was approved by Parliament last year and took effect six months after passage. U.S.-based Latino-issues, blogger Andrds ~t}que called the m.ove ’.on.e more L.GBT nghts development in a Latin American nation that leapfrogs over current U.S. policy" Gays in the U.S. military are required to remain in the closet under the "Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell" policy signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Prior to that time, gays were not allowed in the U.S. military at all. New regulations prohibit broadcast of songs and videos that glorify arson, rape, shooting or murder, as well as depictions of sex acts. Gay activists, locally and internationally, have campaigned for years against the anti-gay alleged "murder music" of Jamaican artists such as Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, T.O.K. and Capleton. Phelpses banned from entering UK Anti-gay Kansas pastor Fred Phelps and his daughter Shirley have been banned from entering the United Kingdom, the Telegraph reported Feb. 19. The "God hates fags" team had announced plans to picket a performance of’l-he Laramie Project on Feb. 20 at a school arts center in Basingstoke, Hampshire. A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "Both these individuals have engaged in unacceptable behavior by inciting hatred against a number of communities .... We will continue to stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country." In an interview with the BBC, Shirley PhelpsRoper stated: "There are members of WBC (Westboro Baptist Church) that are not named Phelps .... Unless they intend to begin checking the bare backsides of every person coming into that country to find that tattoo that says ’Property of WBC,’ they will have no way of identifying who is from WBC." In the end, a single, unidentified demonstrator showed up and was chased offby about 50 counterprotesters, the BBC reported. HIV rate climbs in Asia 300,000 at Sydney Mardi Gras Sydney’s 31st gay Mardi Gras parade attracted 300,000 spectators, 130 floats and 9,500 participants March 7. Openly gay Olympic gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham led offthe procession. His winning dive at the Beijing Olympics was the highest-scoring dive in Olympic history. Marching units included the Federal Police, the military and New South Wales firefighters. U.S. comedian Joan Rivers also joined in, riding on top of a truck. Jamaica .bans most anti- gay music Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission has effectively banned most anti-gay dancehall songs from being played over the airwaves. Gay and bisexual men in Asia are having risky unprotected sex, causing dramatic climbs in HIV infection rates, said officials attending a World Health Organization HIV/AIDS conference Feb. 18 in Hong Kong. The gathering heard that more than 30 percent of gay and bisexual men in Bangkok are HIV-positive, while some Chinese cities report a rate as high as 18 percent, and China as a whole has a rate of 3.8 percent among gay/bisexual men. The director of Chinas AIDS-control center, Wu Zunyou, said amphetamine use and Internet hookups are factors in the climbing infection rate. HIV now is Chinas deadliest infectious disease, according to a new report from the Ministry of Health. Singapore censors Oscars Singapore’s MediaCorp TV censored its replay of the Academy Awards Feb. 23, removing portions of Dustin Lance Black’s acceptance speech. Black won the original screenplay Oscar for Milk, and said: "When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Tex., to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. "If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ’less than’ by their churches, by the government or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you, and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours." Sean Penn’s acceptance speech also was truncated. He won the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Harvey Milk. Penn said: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns .... For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone." Subscribers to one of the main Singaporean gay e-mail lists were outraged at the edits. "This sort of bigoted, intolerant and ignorant action by a national broadcaster is better suited for Iran or North Korea than a nation that puts itself forward as a modern worldclass city," wrote one. MediaCorp/Channel 5 censorship,manager David Christie said the broddcast would have been in serious breach of the MDA (Media Development Authority) Programme Code if such controversial content was not editorially managed." "The code explicitly disallows content that sympathizes with, promotes or normalizes such a lifestyle from being broadcast," he said. Gay sex is illegal in Singapore. The Asian satellite TV service STAR also censored the two men’s speeches, dropping the audio each time the word "gay" or "lesbian" vcas uttered. STAR beams into more than 50 countries to some 300 million viewers. More than 8 percent of gay and bisexual men in Jakarta are HIV-positive, the conference heard, as are 7.8 percent in Cambodia. #d®troSTAR 11 �By Camper English Colder, smaller, weaker: Better martinis ~lhe diplomatic way of defining the "best martini" is as "the martini that you like the best." But, really, if you’re pulling a jug of vodka out of the freezer and pouring it into a glass, you’re not drinking a martini at all. You’re drinldng a glass of cold vodl~a. Add olives and you’ve got vodka with a snack. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I drink cold vodka all the time, and ~vho doesn’t enjoy a string of olives for dinner? But a martini is a mixed drink, necessitating more than one ingredient to mix into it. Bar-haviora Problems Gay bar bartenders, who are not necessarily gay bartenders, are usually the most ei~cient and fair intoxicologists in tl~e drinking universe. I say "fair" because at straight establishments, hot women and rid>looking men (usually jerk~) get first priority, and the bartenders frequently take drink orders out of order. Infuriating! This is not often the case in gay ~vatering holes, where the bartenders tend to be the hottest people in the room and dofft need to impress you by serving you first (you need impress them with the size of your tips). The working theory is that the martini star~ed as a spinoff of the Martinez, a cocktail made with sweetened gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters (with a lemon twist). As tastes in cocktails shifted away from sweet drinks, the "Dry Martini" made with d~/vermouth became more popular, and eventually most everybody forgot about the bitters. Vodka didn’t become an option until later. Given the variations over time, you could rightfully order your martini made with gin or vodka, sweet or dry vermouth or none at all, bitters or not, olives or a twist - and you could find a published recipe to back it up. None are the "right" way to make a martini, but I would encourage experimentation to find the way that’s right for you. While jumbo-sized martini glasses used in many bars provide a lot of liquor for the dollar, by the time you get to the bottom half you’re drinking room-temperature alcohol. That is bad. Or worse, it’s a warm salt bath if you’ve got the extra-large-sized olives in there that help to heat it xtp. The Also, gay bar patrons Imow how to behave (toward the very dassiest of bars serve their martinis in very small, very bartender anyway) and will often line up in an orderly fashion cold glasses - with an additional quantity of the drink in an at the drink well rather than shouting and waving like the ice-chilled container on the side. That is lovely. At home, I opening scene of The Love Boat al! along the bar. I take use vintage (small) glassware and keep the remainder cooling straight friends to my favorite gay bar and they are anlazed at ofthe strained drink in the the German,like efficientT in place. They are often jealous and frdezer’ ...... determine to start coming there every night, until they hear ........... .... ...... the 14th Madonna remix in a row. I can’t say I blame them. Do not fear vermouth. Try it and you might In a nightclub or other crowded venue, or anywhere with a find you actually like it mixed crowd, all bets for orderly ordering are off. You need - but probably not the to gain the attention of tl~e bartender as well as make him or 4-year-old, mostly full her think you’re going to be a good (i.e., fast, non-annoying) bottle gathering dust in customer. Here are a few suggestions for attracting the the back of your liquor bartender and keeping his attention. cabinet. Use a fresh bottle. Vermouth spoils like wine Look available. You want to make eye contact with the after opening, so buy small bartender and have her give you the "I see you" nod. To bottles and keep them in accomplish this, face the bar, not your friends behind you. If the refrigerator to lengthen you’re turned around chatting and using the bar as a leaning their life span. post, you’re not giving the right signal. Be ready. When you are trying to get the bartender’s attention, have visible cash in your hand -but don’t ~vave it around unless there is a row of drag queens in six-inch heels blocking your line of sight. And if you’re planning to pay with a credit card, you may want to keep that hidden. It takes longer to process, so the bartender will serve the cash-holding folks first. Also, be ready with your friends’ drink orders. Don’t wait until the bartender gets there to turn around and say, "What do you guys want?" As the person standing next to you, H1 swoop in and say "~ree martinis please" when your back is turned. I’m like that. S~’ategize. Don’t shout to get the bartender’s attention. Nobody likes to be yelled at while doing their job. A friendly "Hi!" sometimes helps though. Make your first tip the most generous one to help ensure prompt service and healthy pours for the rest of the evening. And be respectful of others - if the guy next to you was waiting longer but the bartender comes to you, give him the "he was here first" point. The bartender will remember that you’re next, and you never kmow if that guy next to you wil! return the favor and pay for your drink. 12 ~et~:oSTAR Ice, too, is an ingredient in the drink. If you keep your vodka or gin in the freezer, not much water will melt into your martini. Dilution brings the drink down to a manageable level of alcoholic strength to keep you from making that too-strong scrunchy face that gives you wrinkles. A martini should be refreshing, not painful. The shaken-versus-stirred decision is not worth the ~veight given to it. Shaking adds ice chips and air bubbles that make the drink look doudy and taste fizzy, whereas stirring results in a clear and smooth cocktail from the get-go. I prefer a stirred martini when I’m at a nice cocktail lounge, but I do often shake them at home. Not because it tastes better, but because shaldng is more fun. Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer and publisher of Alcademics. com. ’ April 2009 �~e internationally renowned cast of Woody Sez- back row from left: Helen Russell, Darci Deaville, Andy Tekstein; J~ont- David Lutken as Woody @hoto courtesy of The Scotsman Publications Ltd.) OKLAHOI~La~ CITY, OK (PR) __ Lyric ~eatre, OkAahoma’s premiere professional theatre company, will present the American Premiere of Woody Sez, the words, music, & spirit ofV[oody Guthrie as part of the 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season. This unique theatrical concert event celebrates the life and spirit of American folk legend Vioody Guthrie, whose music continues to inspire today’s finest storytelling songwriters including Bob DyIan, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, the Indigo Girls, and Billy Bragg. Lyri& production will run from March 26th through April 1 lth and features the show’s original cast from its European generously underwritten by Continental Resources, one of the largest independent oil and natural gas companies in the United States. The show will play a special two-night engagement at the Enid Symphony Center on Tuesday, March 31st and g~rednesday, April 1st at 7:30pm, marking the first time in the company’s 47-year history that a full prod,uction will be performed outside of Lyric s home venue. Back in Oldahoma City, Woody Sez performances are March 26th through April 1 lth: Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm & 8:00pro. For tickets: ,a-wvc.lyrictheatreokc.com, (405) 524-9312, or in person at 1727 NW 16th St, Oldahoma City, OK. In Oklahoma City, the renovation and opening of Plaza Theatre, located on NW 16th Street between Penn and Classen, means that audiences can look forward to an intimate world-class theatrical experience, complete ~vith free accessible parking, tdtracomfortable seating, and a full service cash bar. Drinks are even allowed inside the theatre as the audience takes in the performance. The 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season concludes in May with Steel Magnolias. Lyric will continue to produce its annual summer season at downtmvn Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall, beginning in June with Disney’s High School Musical 2 and continuing with The Music Man, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Producers, and Little Shop of Horrors. tour. st0ryte!l& ~na David tutken Stars in {he and actor, musici~s Darcie Deaville ,Teirstein join in ,to portray up the fabric of Guthrie’s amazing story. The four accompany themselves on over 15 different instruments, ranging from guitar and fiddle to jaw harp and dulcimer. \Voodrow Wilson "W’oody" Guthrie was born in 1912 in Okemah, Oklahoma. He is best kmown as an American singersongwriter and folk musician, whose musical legacT indudes hundreds of political, traditional and children’s songs, ballads and improvised works. Many of his recorded songs are archived in the Library of Congress. Guthrie traveled from Oklahoma to California and later New York and used his rich life experiences and observations to write traditional folk and blues songs, many of which deal with the Great Depression. Guthrie died from complications of Huntington’s disease, a progressive genetic neurological disorder. When Nick Corley accepted the position as Lyric’s new artistic director, he was thrilled with the timing and what it meant for the future of Woody Sez. With the blessing of the Guthrie estate, Corley, who has directed the show fi’om its inception, prepared Lyric for the American premiere, so that Oklahomans could be the first in ~he country to celebrate Guthrie’s life and music in this special way. Furthermore, so that the celebration of Woody’s spirit can reach even further beyond the Oklahoma City metro area, Lyric Theatre has plans to take the show on the road. A special presentation of Woody Sez, the words, music, & spirit of Woody Guthrie has been w~-w.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 13 �Arkansas Domestic Partnership Registry Under Attack Gay News Bureau It is, said editor Don Lee in a editorial, "demagoguery based on religious prejudice bordering on moral fascism..." ~e Carroll County (AR) News reported King "felt the bill (to ban DPRs) was needed because tourism in Eureka Springs has become identified too strongly with issues of sexuality." EUREKA SPRINGS, AR The only Domestic Partnership Registry in Arkansas-and one of the fe~v in the Mid-South region of the country--may soon be history if one right-wing state legislator has his way. Given the town’s long-standing reputation as a major wedding destination, King’s rationale is fraudulent, says Walsh. But the Eureka Springs mayor, city council and supporters of the DPR, vow to vigorously oppose a move by Republican Arkansas State Rep. Bryan King to do away with it. "What the hell does he think goes on in all those heart shaped hot tubs and honeymoon cabins," Walsh said. "King’s real aim is to impose his extremist religious and political views on our town and at the expense of gay residents, business owners and tourists. In only 22 months, 256 unmarried couples from 55 Arkansas communities and 14 other states have registered as domestic partners in Eureka Springs. At least 28 of those couples came from neighboring Oklahoma and another 32 from Missouri, says Michael Walsh, who wrote the domestic partnership law that went into effect in June 2007. Efforts to keep the resort town from officially honoring gay and straight couples is "transparent homophobia," he says. "There are six words to describe State Rep. Bryan King of Arkansas," said Walsh, "and they are, ’State Rep. Sally Kern of Oklahoma’. To know one is to know the other." DPR advocates say it is hypocritical for any state lawmaker to condemn municipal domestic partnership laws while accepting campaign contributions from I~aft Foods, Wal-Mart, FedEx and Cox Communications, companies that have domestic partner policies. King is serving his final term as state representative and may next run for the Arkansas senate. His detractors say he has nothing to lose and much to gain by assaulting the DPR at this time. King introduced his anti-DPR measure March 9. Out lesbian Arkansas State Rep. Kathy Webb, a Democrat, opposes the ban and has said it may be killed at the committee level. Arkansas Speaker of the House Robbie Wills is also on record as opposing the bill. But Eureka Springs city officials are not taking any chances. In a statement signed by the entire Eureka Springs City Council, Mayor Dani Joy strongly defended the DPR and condemned King’s intrusion into city affairs. "I vdll not stand silent any longer and allow a demographic of our citizens to be humiliated and degraded," she said. "Prejudice or bigotry have no place in our city. The gay and lesbian community are our fi’iends, neighbors and family." The editor of the tmvffs weekly newspaper, The Lovely County Citizen, characterized Y,dng’s anti-DPR bill as a "regressive, faithbased, discriminatory, venal.., and cynical act." 14 ~{et~’oSTAR "Playing the gay card is a way for cheap politicians in Arkansas to fan the fires of hate and fatten up their campaign coffers." But, on the brink of what may be a precarious tourist season, King’s bill cotfld also deprive the town of a critical revenue stream. According to city records, the DPR has generated almost $10,000 for the city in less than two years. Registration costs $35 per couple. Diversity Weekend Kicks Offin Eureka Springs FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Domestic Partner Certificates. The courthouse is dosed Saturday and Sunday. City Clerl~’s office is in the City Hall, lower level of the Western Carroll County Courthouse, 44 S. Main. Office hours are 9:30 AM - 12 Noon and 1:30 to 4:30 PM. Over150 unique shops and galleries. Be sure to stop by and say hi to Charlie at A Byrds Eye View. Weekend favorites include The Tourist Stop, Mountain Eclectic, Antique Affaire, The Inn Convenience Store, Fusion Squared and Eclectic Edge. Over 6 vendors are setting up in the old Eureka Screams Theater parking lot and lobby, located on H~W 23 South. Friday Sunday, 8 AM - 5 PM, everything from Tools to Toys. Welcome Mixer, Pizza Bar, 13 N Main, 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Come feel the warmth. Mix and mingle with locals and visitors from around the county. CITY PARKING FREE AFTER 6 PM. Rock and Roll with Tiffany Christopher, The New Delhi, 2 North Main, All ages welcome, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM-ish. Walsh puts the figure at closer to $250,000 to $500,000 when DPR-related expenditures on hotels, motels, B &Bs, restaurants, bars, caterers, ministers, florists, gift shops, photographers mad spending by friends and }’amilies are included. It’s a Hawaiian Luau Weekend. Karake, Dance, Giveaways and FUN. Friday and Saturday, Henri’s Just One More, 19 1/2 Spring, Open Noon - 2AM, Full menu served till 9 PM nightly. NO COVER CHARGE. "Precisely when the state needs all the tax revenue it can it, I~dng’s bill is exceedingly short-sighted," he said. The always popular Tiki Torch Club and their Spring Diversity Dance Par-Tee. Arrive early this place fills up fast. Midnight Teaser Drag Show with Secdackeiry. * To express your support, send a brief e-mail to Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy at mayor@ cityofeurekasprings.org ~ Express your outrage to Arkansas State Rep. Bryan King at: kingb@arkleg.state.ar.us * Ask your friends, co-workers, family members and neighbors to do the same. * Send this story to news outlets, LGBT organizations, web sites and blogs. * Ask your elected local and state representatives to speak out on this issue, as did the Eureka Springs mayor when Sally Kern was on the rampage last year. = Come to Eureka Springs for Diversity Weekend April 3-5 and get your own DPR. See www.eurekapride.com for events. The Spring PDA photo shoot. Just some good time amusement for the tourist and to annoy the fundies. SPRINGS PUBHC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA), 12 noon, Basin Park band shell, downtown. A G-rated opportunity to smooch your sweetie-or the perfect stranger-for posterity. Eureka Pride has free treats to pass out. The Eclectic Edge, 49 Spring, ARTIST RECEPTION drop by and meet Artist Matt Johnson and Gallery owners David and Ginny between 1 and 5 PM. Light , refreshments. Register to win a piece of Matt s artwork. Raffie to benefit the local Doggie Shelter. KARAOYdS: Jack’s Place, 37 Spring, 2 PM - 6 PM, WOW!.!! Jello Shots For a BUCK! ALL GIRLS BAND IRIS: Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St. Better show out early, these ladies have been known to Jump Start their show as early as 7 PM and then ~vind it up Midnight. The North West Arkansas Center For Equality and UA PRIDE, are havin,,g a dance. Entire, family welcome, upstairs at The Space, located across from the U.S. Post Office in Uptown-Downtown Eureka on Spring St., DJ dance music and activities for the kids. $5 cover, FREE to children 12 and under. 8 -11 PM. For a complete list of activities and events go to www.eurekapride.com and diversitypride. com. New Owners For Joplin’s Pla-Mor Lounge. Male Illusionist. That’s right they’re all girls and they’re dressed too ’KISS’. The IgSSS Tribute Band, Lumberyard, 105 East Van Buren, 9:00 PM. Stick around for DJ TIC’S Spin Cycle and Dance Party. Ashley McBryde... the miracle gift returns for SPRING ,n Eureka. Jacks Place. 37 Spring St, 9:00 PM.- Midnight, no cover. Handsome Lee wit! be checking IDs at the door. EUREKA’S UNDERGROUND the subterranean and always gay Eureka Live, 35 North Main, Trash Disco Party, drink specials. NO COVER CHARGE! THE DIVERSITY BAND: Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St. 9 PM - ~ 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 479-244-6320 for your PICK-UP! New owners ofJoplin’s Pla-Mor Lounge, Tim, Bonnie and Tom. Staffphoto JOPLIN, MO (PR) After more than 40 years in the bar business including several gay clubs, Dick and Billy Jack decided to retire and let longtime friends Tim, Tom and Bonnie take over their latest venture, the Pla-Mor Lounge located at 532 S. Joplin St, Joplin’s only gay club. New hours beginning in April will be Tues-Sat 5pm to 1am. Happy hour 5pro to 7pm. Phone 417-624-2722 SATURDAY, APRIL 4 Name That Tune With Sandy at the Smokehouse Card, 580 West Van Buren, 8:30 A.M to1 l:30ish, biscuits as big as your head. WIN Fabulous Prizes, like Sparlcy Sun Glasses! Saturday and Sunday Only. The Diversity Bikers "Bridges and Dam Poker Run." Planer’s Hill Parking lot on the corner of 62 and 23 (Main Street) Starting at 12:45 PM. Retiring Pla-Mor owners Dick and Billy Jack. Staffphoto April 2009 �@ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Hideaway, Tulsa @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City www.rnetrostarnews.com @ The End Up, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @The Mine Shaft, Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa #~et~oSTAR 15 �of the world. Zinfandel vines were brought to California in the 1850s and it is now that state’s second most extensively planted red grape behind cabernet sauvignon. Initially, research confirmed a relationship between Zinfandel and Primitivo (a variety grown in Italy’s Puglia region), causing speculation that Zinfandel might have originated in Italy. However, in late 200 t, DNA fingerprinting determined that Crljenak Ka~telanski (a littleknown grape from Croatia) and Zinfandel have identical DNA profiles. Beside the Zinfandel grown in California (and Italy’s Priraitivo), there are only isolated plantings of this grape, mainly in South Africa and Australia. The Zinfandel grape can produce wines ranging from light, nouveau styles to hearty, robust reds with berrylike, spicy (sometimes peppery) flavors, plenty of tannins, enough complexity and longevity to be compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Mr. D’s V2 case I really dig California Zins. For springtime/ back yard grill time, what better red xvine than Zinfandel to go with short ribs, beef brisket, grilled veggies and brats. Here are some killer bottles I think should be considered to go with your barbeque fun. Brief histoD+ of the grape [ZIHN-fuhn-dehl] qlais is thought to be California’s most popular red-wine grape because it’s not widely grown in other parts EarthQuake Zin ’06 The Phillips brothers pride themselves on farming their vineyards with a meticulous eye on quality. Their wines regularly take top accolades in wine competitions. This Zin is really full bodied with lots zing and flavor. In addition to the Earthquake brand of reservetier wines, wine brands under the Michael David Winery umbrella include the popular 7 Deadly Zins. This wine has recently come down in price about 20% in this market and it’s a must try. FoxGlove Zin ’07 Wine critic Robert Parker says that this one of the most ,mpress~!}e in the coot, high elevations Cruz M+0~nt~sT’ ~is Zi~ 9~(s ffo~m Vasq Robles ~fi~ is a n~ addition t0 ~¢~e~akers Bob & Jim Varner~ oo~tfoli6. I was completely surpnse~ at[)~Ow gogd~h~s single vineyard wi~e is for the~money. ~’ ~, + }~’~ If you are one of those xvho beliei( better, read on. Hyse Couzins ’05, This is the first intriguingblend 39% Zinfandel and drinldng xvell right now, to decant. Wine critid sa3 for the next 5 - 7 years. This be hard to find so if you see it, wine has also come down in 20% in this market and Remember that Zinfandel are two Couzins. Edmeades Mendocino This hasgot to be one of and 20061ooks to be to 2005 has some Petite Grenache blended color. ~nere is a cherry ~ spring Cabernet. juicy fruit acid balanc~ comedian Robin this winery and great Cabernet also For this Zin, ~only Family, is also currently making. uch xvineries like Paradigm, and Past clients include Screaming Eagle },arc 29. "We brought a bdtfle for ) w’. file opt in California during ~he We hadnt fasted it before hand’and bottle, I Wished a c9uple more. This wine in oiar state and this zin is ]his writer is one of the managers a~ the Grand Vin wine shop. He also bar tends and hosts wine & food town as the Enthusiasts of Tulsa. / www.l~ineSpecta- md pepper. Turn processor onand chop f~r Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Ingredients 2 -14 oz can chic~ peas, drained 4 cloves garlic, peeled " 1/2 cup jarred, i:o~ted red’peppers. drained Zest of one lemon Juice of one lemon !/4 cup tahini (may substitute ~vith pmnut or almond butter) i/2 cup olive oil | teas kosher salt 16 v~®t;oSTAR is creamy. Serve topped with a drizzle of 01ive oil, feta cheese and cracked black pepper if desired. Provide pita wedges and fresh vegetables for spreading. April 2009 �nmen At The BOK Center Tulsa Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band .April 7, 2009 @ 7:30 Ticket Prices: $9I, $57, $4I Get tickets at LiveNation.com, all Tickets.corn Outlets, or charge by phone at 1-866-7-BOK-CTR Bruce Springsteen’s new album ’Working on a Dream’ was released today (January 27, 2009). ’~,Working on a Dream~ was recorded with the E Street Band and features twelve new Springsteen compositions plus one bonus track. It is the fourth collaboration between Springsteen and Brendan O’Brien, who produced and mixed the album. Nickelback Apr 10, 2009 at BOK Center Nickelback With Seether and Saving Abel Aprill 0, 2009 Tickets On Sale Now Prices: $75, $55, $35 Unstoppable rock powerhouse Nickelback have announced dates for their upcoming North American tour in support of their new" album Dark Horse, released on Roadrunner Records on November !8th. Nickelback are a phenomenally successful touring band whose tours have grossed in excess of $100 million thus f.ar and have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Dark Horse is Nickelback’s first release since the immensely popular All ~fhe Right Reasons, released in 2005. Fleetwood Mac May 3, 2009 at BOK Center "Unleashed" Tour May 3, 200~ Tickets Off Sale Now Prices: $149.50, $79.50, $49150 Wne sure to be historic "Unleashed" Tour, beginning on March 1st in Pittsburgh, is an epic cross-c0untry trek featuring 44 shows in major markets. The tour will include al!~ of the Ma& many greatest hits fi’om over the course of the band’s extraordinary career. Fleem~ood Mac, the multi-Grammy winning, multi-platinum Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are back on the road for the first time in five years following several successful solo projects. OKC Civic Center Music Hall April Events THE LEFT HAND SINGING a drama by Barbara Lebow Date: Frida); March 20, 2009 - Saturday, April 11, 2009 Presented by Carpenter Square Theatre MF~SURE FOR MEASURE by William Shakespeare Date: Friday, March 27, 2009 - Sunday, April i9, 2009 Presented by the Oklahoma City Theatre Company Perpetual Motion "Chiaroscuro" Date: Friday, April 03, 2009 - Saturday, April 04, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. Perpetual Motion presents Chiaroscuro CLASSIC SERIES: SEASON FINALE presented by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Date: Saturday, April 04, 2009 Time: 8:00 p.m. Featuring Yuja X~gang, Piano ZOMBIE PROM Date: Frida>; April 10, 2009 - Sunday, Apri! 19, 2009 Zombie Prombook and lyrics by John Dempse, music by Dana E Rowe based on a story by John Dempsey and Hugh Murphy April 10-19, 2009 in the Freede Litde Theatre DISNEY’S THE LION KING Date: Tnesday, April 21, 2009 - Saturday, May 23, 2009 Presented by Celebrity Attractions Begins April 21, 2009 Tracy Morgan and Martin Lawrence put the fun in Funeral When Romeo first reported on the proposed Chris Rock-led American version of the outrageous British farce Death at a Funeral, it was unclear as to whether the wild gay subplot would survive. But as casting begins it seems clear that the queer surprise in the black comedy’s casket is alive and well. Better yet, 30 Rock’s hilarious Tracy Morgan has signed on to star alongside Martin La~vrence in the corned); due in 2010, about a dead patriarch’s funeral interrupted by mishaps~ bizarre guests and the arrival of the deceased’s secret gay lover. As long as Lawrence ~snt contracted to play B~g Momma in this verSion, fans of the original can rest easy:. Now, which brave American actor is going to pla~ the family member who runs around the hOuSe naked for the entire length of the fihn? ...... Cherry Jones’ sister act Object lesson to any actor who believes that coming out will be career-damaging: Cherry Jones. The talented lesbian character actress never stops working, plays the President on 24, was Matt Damon’s reality-checking mother in Ocean’s 13 and won a Tony Award for her pre-Meryl Streep incarnation of Sister Aloysius on Broadway in Doubt. Now she’l! take on another nun role in the upcoming drama Mother and Child starring opposite Naomi xYc:atts, Samuel Jackson, Kerry Washington and Annette Bening. The female-centered adoption drama is currently in production and due for release this December - aka Beg For Your Oscar Month - so the filmmakers must be pretty confident about its chances. Who knows, maybe Jones will have to dear room next to her Tony for a new golden friend. Ghost musical to raise Broadway from the dead? It seems that everything on Broadway is going belly up. Shows are dosing faster than new ones can take their place, ticket sales are in the toilet and all seems hopeless. And it’s desperate times that lead to crazy/genius ideas like Ghost: The Musical taldng root and flowering. The smash 1990 Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore film (for which Whoopi Goldberg won her Color Purple Oscar) is going to sing its way onto one of London’s West End stages sometime in 2010 and, if sufficiently crowd-pleasing, will probably make a mad dash for Broadway sometime later. The writers of "Unchained Melody" are already spending their future royalty check bump, but who’s going to pen the song about Patrick Swayze’s heartbreaking inability to express love without invoking the word "ditto?" Neil Patrick Hat~s. 20th Century Fox photo Nell Patrick Harris hands out TV Land Awards If the Harold and Kumar movies, How I Met Your Mother, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, his SNL appearance and his spoonbending antics on Ellen weren’t enough to convince you that Neil Patrick Harris is a national treasure, try this: now he’s retro-nostalgia-cable-channel TV Land’s answer to Hugh Jackman. The funny, quick-witted song-and-dance man will host April’s TV Land Awards with the requisite amount of skits, mttsical numbers and awards given out to shows like Charles In Charge and Mama’s Family. Expect a lot of vintage TV personalities showing up to join Harris as he tosses out non-vintage one-liners. Romeo San Vicente could sense something was up as early as Doogie Howser, ~I.D. He can be reached care ofthis publication or at DeeplnsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. More ENTERTAINMENT see page 20 w"ww.metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 17 �V @[8 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams SOME LEATHER_ FUN, ANYONE ? friends from North Carolina that we met there, Paul and Dick. After all, meeting new and exciting people is what traveling is all about. By the way, did we mention that they have a leather and chain sling in every room at the Inn Leather? Seriously if you are into leather, want to be into leather or just want to look and enjoy leather, then fly, drive, take a train or bus or even hitchhike and get down to die Inn Leather resort in Ft. Laxlderdale and learn how to have some real fun "leather fun". Spirit Journeys Announces Gay Travel Adventure Rafting the Grand Canyon Spirit Journeys has a new gay vacation rafting the Grand Canyon. This journey starts July 1, 2009 and ends July 10, 2009. NEW MILFORD, NJ (PRWEB)__ Spirit Journeys is very pleased to announce its new gay travel adventure rafting through the Grand Canyon. "Going Deep" is the title of this adventure and it begins and ends in Las Vegas and includes eight days and seven nights of rafting the Colorado River some 280 miles through the Grand Canyon. On this journey the goal IS tO experience the canyon and the river at a more profound level than on an ordinary vacation. Photo: Pool atThe Inn Leather Resort Since our travel columns are in publications from coast to coast and since we have readers who are into just about everything we decided to stay in this Leather Resort. The Inn Leather Resort has been serving the leather and levi gay community in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida as well as the entire East coast and the Midwest for over 10 years and a lot of gay men from all over the country love to stay there. During our stay ~ve met guys from New York, Chicago and several other places in the Midwest as well as Floridians. The general manager Chase and his staff of Benji, Kevin and Gabe are extremely professional, friendly and know how to take care of their guests. We just can’t say enough nice things about them. Chase has the most beautiful eyes and smile that you have ever seen in your life. We know that a lot of guys stay here just so that they Can see him! Tnru his professional guidance, the Inn is in the process of being remodeled. ~ae entire staff is really very accommodating. The grounds are filled with luscious tropical plants. The pool area is very inviting. wave, TWVCR/cable tv and alarm clock. They have ample off street parking for their guests. A stay here includes a complimentary continental breakfast poolside every morning. q-here are a lot of restaurants within walking distance and a major shopping center with a supermarket just a few blo~ away. If you are into leather or appreciate leather or just curious, then call and make a reservation. Oh yeah! Did we mention that there is a leather and chain SLING in every room? For those really into leather, be SURE and stop by the Ramrod leather bar at 1508 NE 4th Avenue for the most interesting time that you can EVER have in a gay bar! They have specials going on every day including Leather Sunday; Full Moon Monday, Butt to Butt Wednesda)~ Battle of the Bulge "l-hursday and Fetish Friday. They have a daily two for one happy hour from 3 to 9 PM. Check out their website at: www.ramrodbar.com A very special thanks to Chase, general manager of the Inn Leather and to our new Contact the Inn Leather Resort at: 877.532.7729 or email them at InnLeather610@aol.com and be sure to check out their website at: www.innleather.com. By the way, did we mention that they have a leather and chain sling in every room??? .Amenities include heated swimming pool, hot tub, tree wi-fi and a SLING in every room! Yep! You read that right ............ a leather and chain SLING in every room! Never tried one? XWell this is a perfect opporttinity for you. They have about a dozen rooms and suites and are located just two miles from the beach and just about a 10 minute drive to the major bars and one mile south of do~vntown Ft. Lauderdale and t’wo miles north of the Ft. Lauderdale airport. ~ae Inn Leather is a "clothing optional" resort. Did we mention that there is a leather and chain SLING in every room? Each accommodation includes queen or king size bed, private bath, kitchenette which includes fridge, coffee maker, micro18 While you in the area, be sure and check out the greatest totally nude beach in the country, Haulover Beach! which is located about a twenty minute drive south of Ft. Lauderdale. It is the only legally nude beach in the Florida. Haulover Beach Park contains one of south Florida’s most b~autiful clothing optional beaches-a 0.4 mile stretch of beach on the northernportion that draws people from all walks of life, from other states, Canada and a variety of other countries. Nestled between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, it has pristine white sand shores, open ocean surf, various shaded picnic facilities, beautifully landscaped sand dunes, and concession stands. The beach is ideal for surfing as well as swimming. Thousands of people go to Haulover Beach on a sunny day. Simply put, Haulover Beach is one of the best clothing-optional beaches in the world, as ranked by many online and print publications. As many as 7,000 people visit the beach in a single day. There is a snack cart situated in the clothing optional area most days, as well as chairs available to rent. Haulover Beach is quite large and is broken up into different areas for gays and straights. It is a great way to meet people. Their website is http://www.hauloverbeach. org Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Grand Canyon Rafting The adventure into Self is enhanced by the inspiring surroundings the Canyon has to offer. Being on the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyonhas a way of making humans very humble in the presence of such majesty, major life shifts can happen. Meditation Heart Circles and group movement rituals will be used to help open the mind and heart and deepen the experience of this incredible place. The intention is to actively engage the Canyon and the River; to know them on a more intimate level. The raft stops several times each day to hike, to explore side canyons, to swim in favorite swimming holes or to stand in ~e power of waterfalls. Howie Holben is the guide for this gay vacation. Heis owner and caretaker of Spirit Journeys. He was raised in northern Arizona and has always felt a special bond to the sacred places of the Southwest The gifts he brings to this Journey are his extensive knowledge of these places and the love for the path we follow on this journey. Since early childhood, he has been drawn to indigenous peoples and their spiritual teachings, traditions and practices. This attraction has taken him on many adventures, exploring the countless ways of "being in the world". His personal journey through addiction and recovery has spavcned in him a genuine interest in assisting others on their own spiritual path and he takes great pleasure in introducing people to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them "step outside their box". A Reiki/Karuna Ki Master and Quantum Touch Pracdoner, his desire is to help others uncover their potential and set their hearts and minds free. For additional information on this and other special gay vacations, contact Hmvie Holben or visit w~#.spiritjourneys.com. About Spirit Journeys: Spirit Journeys offers gay travel, gay vacations and gay retreats with a spiritual focus, and unique gay retreat and gay vacation options. Call (800) 754-1875 to learn more about Spirit Journeys. leather and chain sling in every room" April 2009 �~ifest2 Se~ons Hualani. materials ,.~VW. metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 19 �April At P.A.C. Tulsa Kyk°s Bed by Greg Fox April 18 -This year TU BLGTA’s Pride Prom 2009: A BollDvood Ball will be held on Apri! 18 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Westby Pavilion. 3-he event is a prom targeted toward Tulsa-area youth who are not alIowed m or not comfortable with bringing the date of their choice to prom, but it is open to all people ages 15 m 25. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $5 for %lsa UniversitT students. For more information emait http:l /us.mc l O.mail. yahoo.com/mc/ compose?to=tublgta@gmail.com. March-27-29 & April 2-4 8pro Up the Down Staircase -Liddy Doenges N~eatre Anyone who’s ever started a new job will relate to this comedy about Sylvia, an idealistic young English teacher maneuvering her way through a blizzard of paperwork, contradictmT orders and indecipherable instructions. She discovers that "Keep on file in numerical order" means throw in wastebasket, "Let it be a challenge" means April 14-15 7:30pro Aspen Santa Fe Ballet John H. XXqlliams ~eatre "Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is a jewel of a company...a refreshing surprise!" declares Ba&stage.com. This dazzling contemporary dance company will perform three to four pieces from its eclectic repertoire that contains works by some of the world’s [bremost choreographers, such as TwT1a %arp, Jorma Elo and Paul Taylor. The Vertical Hour April 16-18 at 8 p.m., April 19 at 2 p.m. Lid@ Doenges ~eatre "iI~e "vertical hour" is the first hour after an injury when ~sistance has the greatest chance of being beneficial, tn this 2006 play by Englishman David Hare, an ~Mnerican former war correspondent turned Yale political science professor joins her British boyfi’iend, Philip, for a visit to his fhther, Oliver. She has a pro-Iraq viewpoint, while the father, a doctor with liberal leanings, is against not only the war but many of the beliefs she holds about a range of issues. Nadia is both offended by and attracted to Oliver. Me ro Star Classfieds 2" square for as little as $39 per issue. Email: starnews@sbcglobal.net ~gebsite- vmcw.kylecornics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aot.com 918.835.7887 SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY e~ll: bittergirl@qsyndlcate.corn 20 ~®~ro~TAN ~w,joanhilty.net ~ ~1 April 2009 �by Jack Fertig Apill 2009 "Your are everyone’s darling Aries" Mercury, Venus, and the Sun are aligning in Aries bringing together charming, witty banter and mad, impulsive flirtations. Venus is retrograde so be careful with those flirtations. They’re not likely to go anywhere you’ll want to stay! ARIES (March 20-Apri~ 19): For now, you are everybody’s darling and could get away with almost anything. Dedicate that power for good, not selfish motives. You have so much of yourself to offer; select your beneficiaries wisely to be fully appreciated. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - May 20): Take some private time with your nearest and dearest in pursuit of pleasures that nurture your soul. No need to hide in a cloister. You can be wild, loud, and frivolous, but do get away from your usual routines and pals. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): Fun with your friends can easily get way out of hand, but is that necessarily a bad thing? You could talk a tiger out of his or her stripes, but then what? When you start to improvise, then the fun really begins! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your fascination with a new sport or hobby is probably just a passing fancy. Enjoy it, but don’t invest in new gear at this point! Same with any dates right now. Don’t confuse a great time with falling in love. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Changes are needed around your home, and will be again soon. Whatever re-arrangements or new tchatchkes you like now will become annoying later. Just think of it as a springboard - and budget accordingly. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Dahhhling! You are just too, too charming. Be careful not to ta!k your way into something you can’t get out of! Sure, you can fake sincerity for now, but that will trip you up later! Be real! No, really real! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Brace yourself and take a close look at any financial problems. This is the not the time to be buying anything (bad impulses!) or selling (you’ll get better prices later). Just take stock, and get things into order. CANCER (~une 2t- July 22): The m65n’s not full this week, but you’re shining like it may as well be. Dazzle your way up the ladder of success. Be clear on where you want to go and with ,~hom. Or at least leave room to change partners and destination. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Sometimes it’s best to let people air out their differences or to hone their arguments in fiery debate. If your peacemaking talents aren’t really needed, give yourself an aesthetic challenge at a movie or an art show you’d normally not attend. VlRGO (August 23 - September 22): Being a love god is a better deal when you can choose your worshippers. Even then, you’re likely to make bad choices. Have your fun, but commitments should be made in the cold light of day, not in the throes of passion. L~BP.A (September 23 - October 22): This is a great time to work on a relationship, not to start one. Problems are easy to discuss now. Solutions can come later. It may feel like you’re backtracking. That’s actually good for clarifying those problems. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Re-evaluate your goals at the gym. How much are you motivated by pride and vanity? Oh, really? Pushing too hard for looks may be undermining your health. Prioritize health, and your looks wil! last longer! www.metrostarnews.com 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 Have a God filled and Blessed Day! ~et~oSTAR 21 �(12" size Only) KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man Full Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands (2437) PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(~t available Community @op e iving Now Hiring Male & Female H~V/A~DS i 501 c (3) l"qon P~ofit 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+ an~ 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 22 #~etroSTAR April 2009 �Suppo~ those who suppor~ us. Their ads aliow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222! ~a~:habanainn.com KELLY KIR£Y, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant i!i,:,ili[~ !i;(i/I VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. X~!ALNUT AVE. Oklahoma City, OK 800-913-1310 THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPIZESSg/AY Oklahoma Cit7, OK 405-525-0730 vavw.habanainn.com EXPRESSIONS Comm Fdlowship 6009 1"~ Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 405 -761 - 1878 ~ww.expressionsO KC.com HOPE CLINIC 3540 E.TESTING 31st Ttflsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHt~ST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 10 AM MCC LFNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 ~,vw.mcctulsa.org ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK va~w.anglesclub.com OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836:8700 wv,wc.bambooloungetulsa.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Ttflsa, OK 918-584-9494 w~waclubmajesfictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH ~RESS\VAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 v~v.habanainn.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK j udygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSg!AY Oklahoma Cit7, OK 73112 405-840-2106 ~vw.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: wv,wc.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn www.okeq.org >> KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oldahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 HIDEAWAY LOLFNGE 11730 E. I1TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thru Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXX~AY Ol’dahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 w~:habanainn.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 12noon to 2am THE MINESHAFT 424 S Memorial Di: Tulsa, OK 918-836-1250 Open Sun thru Sat 12noon to 2am TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 31~D Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am www.metrostarnews.com ~etroSTAR 23 �ahomans for Equality The Festival will be held on Saturday, June 6th, from 11arn to 11prn at Centennial Park at: 6th & Peoria. The Festival features a Kids Zone with inflatable water slides, a mechanical bull & a rock climbing wall for the adults, food & drinks, and all kinds of LGBT-friendly vendors, businesses, organizations & churches. Online registration still open! The 2009 Pride Parade starts on Saturday, June 6th at 7:30prn in the Brady Arts District and ends at the Diversity Festival at Centennial Park at 6th & Peoria. Shuttles and security will be provided. Online registration stilt open! Tulsa Folk-Rocker, Eric Hirnan is bringing his new band, Eric and the #.dams, to the Centennial Park Stage to headline at 9:00prn on Saturday night, June 6th. On May 30th at the historic Cain’s Ballroom, the annual Equality Gala will be held, celebrating the 2009 theme "Dreams Really Do Come True!" Visit ww~.okeq,org for tickets! The Tulsa Pride Exhibition of Fine Art, MOREcolor 2009, opens Thursday, June 4th from 5:00-9:00prn and continues Friday June 5th & Saturday June 6th from Noonennis R. Neill Equality Center. .. Turn-A-Bout Fundraiser Library Event PFLAG Spaghetti Dinner Diversi~ Day at the Zoo Pride ~nterfaith Service Gender Avengers/Trans Night ToUoLS.A. Leather Show PFLAG Movie Night OYP Fashion Show & Fundraiser Pride, Pioneers & Pancakes April 1st, 10pro May 28th, 7pro May 29th, 6:30pm May 30th, 10am May 31st, 3pro June 1st, 7pro June 2nd, 7pro June 3rd, 7pro June 5th, 7pro June 6th, 7:00am Club Maverick Tulsa Central Libra~ Fellowship Congregational Church Tulsa Zoo St. Jerome’s Parish Church OkEq Equality Center OkEq Event Center Circle Cinema Centennial Park Stage Centennial Park Building � 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 METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" Church Visits Oklahoma Again By Victor Gorin APRIL 1, 2009 Hi ary Clinton will[ fight for gay rights worl[dwide By Rex Wockner Mr. andMrs. Kevin Sherwood with bikergroup protesting Fred Phelps demonstrators atMoore High School. Gorin photo MOORE, OK __ Spreading their ukual rants of far out homophobia, members of Fred Phelps Westboro Baptist Church ofTopeka, Kansas came to protest near the Oklahoma State Capitol as well as Moore High School March 2. Few in the GLBT or fair minded community are not familiar with this church, as they have been protesting with infamous "God Hates Fags" signs along with other similar sentiments nationwide and abroad for over a decade. They gained national attention in 1998 when they picketed Matthew ShepardS funeral in Laramie,Wyoming with infamous signs, some stating "Matthew is in Hell". Rarely’ missing an opportunity to present their viewpoint, they have picketed funerals of those who have died ofAIDS, and staged protests against governments who have granted rights or tal~en any action they perceive as "fag enabling." More recently their skewed logic went even further when they picketed funerals of American soldiers, incredulously promoting the concept that God is punishing America with the deaths of soldiers because our nation is too tolerant of homosexuals. Understandably this has raised anger with countless patriotic Americans, especially those in the military; veterans and their families & friends. Although the Westboro group had been to Oklahoma before, they returned again to protest against the Oklahoma Legislature for permitting a gay pastor, the Reverend Scott Jones- Cathedral of Hope UCC, to lead a Prayer for the Day at the invitation of State Representative A1 McAffrey. This protest drew a small crowd with TV & press coverage coverage at N.W. 23rd and Sante Fe, before the Phelps clan moved on ........... Continued See BAPTlST Page-9 in , Clinton Wockner by Rex Meeting with young people at the European Parliament in Brussels on March 6, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised to fight for gay rights on the world stage. At a question-and-answer session, Clinton called on Maxim Anmeghichean, programs director for the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay~ Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, after commenting on his "I Love Hillaw" T-shirt. Anmeghichean said: "My name is Max. I am from Moldova, and I am a gay rights activist. In seven countries in the world homosexuals are sentenced to death and many more to prison. A lot of gay men arotmd the world die because of the HIV/ AIDS policies that the Bush administration had that did not allow to spend money on prevention for men who have sex with men. How do you see the foreign policy of the United States changing in the coming years in the field of human rights mad in partictdar sexual rights and gay and lesbian rights?" ........... Continued See HILLARY Page-8 2 April 2009 v~v~.metrostarnews.com ~°~t~oSTAR 3 Busy year ahead £or Sooner State Rodeo By Michael W. Sasser E~oto: fim Grubb, 7~m Dickmann, Don George, V¢7ll Hughes, &Scou" Gouard hosting a spaghel~i dinner to benefit St. Jerome’s Church. TULSA, OK __ With a new executive board elected in February, events already under its belt and a slate of others scheduled for the remainder of the year, the Sooner State Rodeo AssociaOon has a bustling 2009 ahead. "Our overall objective is to bring a rodeo back to Tulsa and to have one on a regular basis," said Tim Dickman, newly elected president. In addition to Dickman, Kevin George, Darin Steward, Kevin Murphy, Don George and Bob "West were elected vice president, tre~asurer, recording secretary, corresponding secretary and trustee respectively in February. "We want to remind people we’re still here, we’re still active and we are starting a new campaign to get people interested. Dickanau said. A spaghetti dinner at St. Jerome’s Church and a club night at Mavericks drew the community~ attention and attracted several new members. Key events ahead are also expected to garner notice and new members. The Associatioffs next general membership meeting is slated for Sunday, April 5th at St. Jerome’s Church in Brady Heights, and the general public is invited to attend. On April 24th at 9 pm at Mavericks, the Sooner State Royalty Roundup season kicks offwith a lead-in to the f~l 2009 competition. Past ’Royalty competitors will be on hand as well as those from other Associations. "We have the whole year m get contestants, but this event and others ~ve will have throughout the year help people raise the money they need to in order to compete and to get some experience beforehand," Dickman said. The Sooner State ¯ Rodeo Association is hosting its 3rd ka~nual Spring Blowout Barrel Race on Saturday, May 2nd at a site to be determined by the end of March. New membership and renewed energy and interest in the Association are keys to a successful 2009. "XWe need the community’s involvement, bars’ involvement and participants’ involvement to bring a rodeo back to Tulsa," Dickrnan said. "It’s going to be an exciting year and we invite everyone in the commun!ty to join in." For more information, call (918) 577-0030 or wvo~c.soonerstaterodeo.com KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY AT PHOENIX RISING MAY 2 By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Looking for some after May Day fun? On Saturday May 2 Phoenix Rising will host the 3rd annual Kentuc~- Derby ParD; where you can enjoy food with friends, wet your whistle at the cash bar and enjoy the thrill of the Kentucky Derby on the big screen. Originally organized by a group of friends who love equestrian sport, the first party had around 65 people, the next about 80, and they are hoping for a bigger crowd this year to experience the fun. As one of the organizers Max Paty puts it, "Last year it vcent from dead quiet when the race started, and then they just went crazy when the horses came down the home stretch, and it was really exciting!" It’s a free event with complimentary snacks and a cash bar, and everyone is invited, including out of towners who happen to be in OKC that day. It’s a great way to celebrate that event with your friends while meeting nev¢ ones. OKEQart gallery opens new exhibit featuring artist Krysta Hamilton TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis Ik Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-gpm, Thursday, April 2, 2009, for the opening of the new exhibit showing the paintings of artist, g-,Tsta Hamilton. The exhibit will remain up through the month ofApril, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. 7his monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for EqualiO, (OkEq): OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Tmnsgender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation ofthe Dennis R. Neill EqualiO, Cente~ 4 April 2009 From ~2.95 AskAbout LaV®nda www.metrostarnews.com ~I®t~oSTAR 5 anna Pa ge Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland 200 By Victor Gorin Pageant co-ownerJames Walke~ Adrienne Fische~ Alanna Paige, Anita Ryde~ and other co-owner Mark Christensen. Gorin photo O~IOMA CITY, OK__ On February 20 Manna Paige captured the title of Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland for 2009, with Anita Ryder ( currently also Miss Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) winning first alternate. As a preliminary contest for the Miss Gay Oldahoma America Pageant, they will go on to compete for that title. It was a festive evening at Angles as the current A1 Mc rey O ahoma County Medalion Dinner. reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland Adrienne Fischer passed on that tide ( she is also the current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma) to Miss Paige. Pictured above are pageant co-owner James VCalker, Adrienne Fischer, Manna Paige, Anita Ryder & other pageant co-owner Mark Christensen By Victor Gorin A NEW KING GETS CRO’WNED! By Victor Gorin Judy Calhoun celebrates her birthday at the annual Oklahoma County Democratic Patty_ Medallion Dinn~ well wished by AIMcAfl~ey and Ieshia who led herfriends in song. Gorin photo. OYA~S,HOMA CITY, OK__ State Representative A1 McAffrey was the Master of Ceremonies for the Oklahoma Count), Democratic Party February 20. This is an annual event for the Party that is not only for fellowship, but also strengthening plans and resolve for the future. Represented at this event were both the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats and the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus. Count3; Conventions will be held April 4, Congressional House District Conventions May 2, with the State Convention May 16 in Oklahoma City. To become involved or register to vote, go to ww,v.okdemocrats. org, or call State Party Headquarters (405) 427-3366, and in Tulsa call Tulsa County Headquarters (918-742 2457). 2nd alternate Amadeus Ka~nii York- Texas, IGng Richard Cranium oflndiana , and Ist alternate Owen McCord ofGeorgia. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma City again hosted the National Mr.Gay US ofA MI contest at Angles dates September 11- 15. Emceed by the vivacious Amaya Mann, the competition began with 31 qualified contestants, narrowed down to 14 finalists for the finale March 15. Passing on his tide was the reigning King from 2008 Xander Kinidy ofTennessee, whose mother was present at the event. Capturing the tides for 2009 are 2nd Alternate Amadeus Karmanii York ofTexas, 1st Alternate Owen McCord of Georgia, and the new king, Richard Cranium of Indiana. 6 @et~oSTAR April 2009 Wockner News Service ANALYSIS: California Supremes hear Prop 8 challenge Tl~e California Supreme Court on March 5 held its hearing in the case challenging Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage -- and the hearing was an apparent disaster t’or the gay side¯ The justices constantly interrupted the gay side’s lawyers with aggressive questions, but let pro-Prop-8 attorney Ken Starr speak mostly unimpeded. ~ae justices seemed fixated on the fact that California’s domestic-partnership law gives gay Couples the same rights as a marriage, and the), downplayed the fact that they had ruled that separate isn’t equal in their May 2008 decision that legalized same-sex marriage. The justices seemed enamored of the notion that the people can do almost whatever they want via the ballot-box amendment process -- including repealing freedom of speech, banning gay adoption and pretty much anything else. The justices all but laughed out of the chamber state Attorney General Jerry Browffs nove! "inalienable rights" natural-law argument against Prop 8. "~e just an amendment or instead a constitutional revision. A revision has to start in the Legislature or at a constitutional convention; it can’t start with people collecting voter signatures, as Prop 8 did. On that key question, the gay side appears doomed as well, because court precedent on the issue does not favor the gay side’s arguments. Only a couple of the justices appeared possibly open to the idea of expanding their notion ofwhat constitutes a constitutional revision. On the case’s other big question -- whether the 18,000 couples who married in California between June and November 2008 will end up un-married if the court upholds Prop 8 -- a majority of the justices seemed opposed to viewing Prop 8 as rettoactive, despite its rather plain wording: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." At one point, the justices had a bit of Clintonian fun ruminating on "what the meaning of the word ’is’ is" in Prop 8. Kenneth Starr came across at the hearing as smart, confident, well-spoken and quick on his feet. None of the gay side’s lawyers did as well. But, in fairness, they were hardly able to get a word in edgewise because of constant interruptions from the justices. Media and blogger analysts were unanimous in concluding that the court is going to uphold Prop 8. That would leave the gay side with two options: Return to the California ballot with a proactive initiative to attempt to undo Prop 8. Or take it to,the U.S. Supreme Court, using the court s ruling in the Colorado Amendment 2 case as a precedent. In that case, the high court struck dovin a state constitutional amendment that prohibited Colorado governments from protecting gay people in anti-discrimination laws. The justices said government cannot irrationally single out~one group of people for disfavored treatment. Both of these "next step" options are considered risky moves. The court must issue its ruling by early June. Dolly Parton: ’I am not gay Country-music legend Dolly Parton is straight, she told CNN’s Larry King on Feb. 21. "I am not ga~" Parton said. "I have been accused of that. But I have been happily married for 42 years to the same man. And he’s not the least bit, you know, threatened by the fact that I may be gay. And he knows have a lot of friends. But I love everybody. It doesn’t matter to me." Part0n said gay people like her because she’s authentic. "I think the gay people have always liked me because I have always been mysel[ I’m not intimidated by ho~v people perceive me, I don’t judge nor criticize people," she said. "I think that’s another reason they at least know that I’m sympathetic. I think all people have a right to be who they are. We’re all God’s children and God should be the one to judge, not other people. So I have a lot of gay friends, lesbian friends." ’Milk’ gays the Oscars The Academy Awards offered some gayerthan- usual moments Feb. 22 as the movie Milk snagged two Oscars. Accepting the award for best actor, for his portrayal of gay icon Harvey Milk, actor Sean Penn said: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns.... For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone." And openly gay Dustin Lance Black, accepting the trophy for original screenplay, gave a shout-out to gay kids. "When I was 13 years old, my beatitiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Tex., to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk," Black said. ’~md it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. "If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ’less than’ by : or by their you are beautiful, wonderful creatures ofvalue and that no matter what ~yone ~eils you, God does love you, ~d that veiT SO0n~ I promise you; ~ou ~ill have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours." In Singapore, where gay sex is illegal, MediaCorp TV deleted portions of Black’s and Penn’s speeches from its rebroadcast of the awards. MediaCorp/Channel 5 censorship manager David Christie said the broadcast "would have been in serious breach of the MDA (Media Development Authority) Programme Code if such controversial content was not editorially managed." "The code explicitly disallows content that sympathizes with, promotes or normalizes such a lifestyle from being broadcast," he said. The Asian satellite TV service STAR also censored the two men’s speeches, dropping the audio each time the word "gay" or "lesbian" was uttered. STAR beams into more than 50 countries to some 300 million viewers. Utah senator demoted for anti-gay remarks Utah state Sen. Chris Buttars was ousted from two committees by Republican leaders Feb. 20 after he made homophobic remarks to a documentary maker. Buttars spoke in January to TV reporter Reed Cowan, who is making a documentary on the ¯ Mormon church’s involvement in the passage of California’s Proposition 8. The senator’s comments included: "Homosexuality will always be a sexual perversion. And you say that around here now and everybody goes nuts. But I don’t care.... They’re mean. They want to talk about being nice, they’re the meanest buggers I’ve ever seen.... It’s just like the Moslems. Moslems are good people and their religion is anti-war. But it’s been taken over by the radical side.... What is the morals of a gay person? You can’t answer that because anything goes.... They’re probably the greatest threat to America going down I know of. ... q]aey want superiority. It’s the beginning of the end. Oh, it’s worse than that. Sure. Sodom and Gomorrah was localized. This is worldwide." According to Salt Lake City’s KTVX, ~vhich broke the story: "Buttars also talks about a certain type of reported gay sex!~al activity which he claims is taking place. But ABC 4 does not consider that appropriate for its news content Students at George Mason University in Fairfax County, Va., elected a gay drag queen as homecoming queen Feb. 14. Senior Ryan Allen, who ran for the honor as Reann Ballslee, beat out two women for the crown. "It was just for fun," Allen told the Washington Post. "In the larger scheme of things, winning says so much about the university. X~[e’re one of the most diverse campuses in the country, and... ,ve celebrate that." MORTUARY ~ERVICE,~ www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 7 Gay New Yorkers protest sex-shop arrests Several dozen gay N~v ~rkers protested near Mayor Mict§ael Bloomberg~ mansion Feb. 14 over what they say are bogus arrests ofg~y men in adult video arcades. Photo byJoe Jervis Several dozen gay New ¥orkers protested near Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s mansion Feb. 14 over what they say are bogus arrests of gay men in adult video arcades. The activists claim undercover police o~cers have been hitting on gay men, then, after the men agree to have sex, leading them outside, offering them money, and arresting them for prostitution, whether they accept the money or not. At least 50 men have been victims of the sting, the activists said. The motive for the arrests is to create a pretense for shutting down the shops, the activists said. ~e arrests have been condemned by openly lesbian City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and openly gay state Sen. Tom Duane, among others. Hawaii House passes civil-union bill Hawaii’s House of Representatives passed a civil-union bill Feb. 12 by a vote of 33-17. The measure now advances to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where its fate is unpredictable. Republican Gov. Linda Lingle has not taken a position on the legislation. The proposal would grant civil-union couples all the state-level benefits, protections and responsibilities of marriage. Hawaii presendy has a reciprocal-beneficiaries law that grants registered same-sex couples limited spousal rights. Similar limited laws are in place in Maine and Washington. Five states -- California, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont -- and Washington, D.C., have full civil-union laws that grant all state-level spousal rights. Massachusetts and Connecticut let gay couples marry, and New York recognizes same-sex marriages from states and countries that permit them. Tt~e other countries that let gay couples marry are Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and Spain. Beau poses nude Beau Breedtove, the 21-year-old man who had sex with Portland, Ore., Mayor Sam Adams just after Breedlove turned 18, has posed nude for the May issue of the gay porn magazine Unzipped. The revelation of the aNair nearly ended Adams’ career earlier this year. Adams was 42 years old at the time of the brief relationship and, when asked about it during his mayoral campaign, had denied it happened. Nae men claim to still be ftiends. "Beau Breedlove was extremely professional at his first erotic photo shoot in Los Ba~geles this past weekend," Unzipped online editor Sean Carnage told Advocate.corn Feb. 18. "He came to L.A. to prove that the Portland scandal does not define his sexuality. The photos portray the real Beau -- a confident and extremely handsome young man who is openly sensual, openly sexual and has nothing to hide." "We had some trouble getting them into this house because of some, what I believe to be, antiquated rules here, but they are here, minus tiaras and sashes," New Democratic Party legislator Spencer Herbert said as he introduced the foursome to fellow legislators. Legislative sergeant-at:arms Gary Lenz explained that "protocol" prohibits headgear and certain other items inside the chamber, to maintain "dignity." Larry amer: Lincoln and Washington were gay Veteran gay and MDS activist, author and playwright Larry Kramer says he has evidence that Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were gay. Colorado senator in antigay rant Colorado state Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley, unleashed a six-minute anti-gay diatribe on the floor of the Senate Feb. 23 during debate on a bill to allow gay state employees to share health benefits ~vith their partners. Speaking to the Montreal newspaper Hour on March 5, Kramer said he will reveal the details in a book he’s writing, The American People: A History. He equated gay sex with murder and adultery and seemingly suggested that people ~vho engage in gay sex commit ’,detestable" acts .... been wntten or stud......... "It’s a monster book," Kramer said. "It’s an attempt to put us (gay people) back in history from the beginning. No history book ever recorded anything about us, and researching this book I found out that both Lincoln and George Washington were gay.... I have stuff that will go beyond anything that has ever Renfroe said: "Homosexuality is seen as a violation of this natural creative order, and it is an offense to God.... Leviticus 18:22 ’ says: ’You shall not lie witha man as one lies with a female. It is an abomination.’ Leviticus 20:13 says, ’If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a ,voman, both of them have committed a detestable act, and they shall surely be put to death.’ ... When we create laws that goes (sic)against what biblically we are supposed to stand for, I think we are agreeing, or allowing to go forward, a sin which should not be treated by government as something that is legal. ... We are taking sins and making them to be legally OK, and that is ,vrong. That is an abomination.... And I’m not saying that this is the only sin that’s out there. Obviously, we have sin. We have murder, we have all sorts of sins. We have adultery. And we don’t make laws making those leg~A.... All sin is equa!. That sin there is as equal to any other sin that’s in the Bible." The bill passed. Drag r?yalty stripped ofregaha be sergeant-atarlns Mr. and Miss Gay Vancouver XXIX, along with the Emperor and Empress V of Surrey, were allowed to enter the Canadian province of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly only after removing their tiaras, crowns and sashes, The Vancouver Sun reported March 2. Clinton responded: "Human rights is and will always be one of the pillars of our foreign policy. And in particular, the persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians is something that we take very seriously. It is terribly unfortunate, as you just recited, that, you lmow, right now in unfortunately many places in the world violence against gays and lesbians, certainly discrimination and prejudice, are not just occurring but condoned and protected, and we would hope that over the next few years we could have some influence in trying to change those attitudes." Clinton continued: "Specifically, with respect to HIV/AIDS, we have made a very big treatment commitment, as some of you know, through our program called PEPFAR. And it is an important part of the American approach toward trying to deal with the HIV/ MDS pandemic. But we haven’t done enough on prevention, and we haven’t done enough on outreach or testing. We’re beginning to, and under our administration we will do much more. And I can only hope that we all live long enough -- certainly I hope I live long enough; I think you all will -- to see the end to this kind of discriminatory treatment, and recognition that human rights are the inalienable right of every person no matter who that person loves, and that’s what we should be trying to achieve." 8 P~etroSTAR Apd12009 Sonja Martinez Receives the Richard May Award Sofia Martinez (Center) with her niece Jessica Martinez-Brooks and her sister and artist Bernadette Martinez. Pressphom OK_LAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) _The Oklahoma MDS Care Fund celebrated its Seventeenth Bmnual "Red Tie Night" at the Cox Communications Center February 28, 2009. The "Red Tie Night" brings together man), individuals and corporations to raise as much as one million dollars in a single night through various donations, auctions and generosity of many Oklahomans. The goal of the event is to raise money tbr education, direct services and research to fight HIV/ AIDS throughout the State of Oklahoma. One of the highlights of a very eventful evening was the presentation of the Richard May Award to Sonja Martinez. Sonja is the daughter ofJesse and ka~ita Martinez of Oldahoma City. The Richard May Award was established by the Oklahoma MDS Care Fund to honor Richard May, a founder of the organization who passed away in March, 2000. The premise of the Richard May Award is that it is to be given annually in recognition of an individual who has given, in an exceptional way, of their time and talents to promote education, research and service regarding HIV/AIDS. The recipient should exemplify quiet strength and compassion, never seeking recognition, which was the spirit of Richard May. Sonja has an annual Christmas Benefit to raise money for those with HIV/AIDS and this next year will be her nineteenth annual benefit. The benefit is held at the COPA bev;veen Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. Sonja accepted the award by saying: "~is award is a very big honor and I thank you so much. I would like to accept this award on behalf of all the dubs and entertainers in the Gay Community who do benefits all year around. I would also like to thank: Barbara and Jackie Cooper, Rick Moses, John Beebe, Tony Sinclair and Dee Goodwin; my family vcho have supported me and loved me unconditionally. And the Red Tie, thank you for all that you do." Christian, I623 N. iVlaplewood Tulsa, OK www,mcctuls org Oklahoma City, OK No matter who you are o are on life’s journey, y~: -R®ver®.d ~r. K~hy 405.525.9555 Kansas City’s Heartland Men’s Chorus rills OKC Crowd By Victor Gorin CharlesJohnson presents director Dn Joseph Nadeau with a plaquej~om the City ofthe Village thanking themfor theirpe,formance. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma City was treated to a grand performance by the Heartland Men’s Chorus March 3 when the played to a large crowd at the Village Christian Church. N~e Chorus, which began in 1986, has performed extensively in the Missouri/Kansas area, and also throughout the United States and abroad. Featuring an eclectic mix of men’s choral music encompassing several music styles, the chorus was won acclaim and respecf froma wide City has were recognized by the City ( suburban community of OKC), and this concert, which was their OKC debut, would also benefit the BritVil Food Bank. Bringing their songs to Oklahoma, they presented their concept concert, "And Justice for All." Beginning xvith a number from the musical South Pacifici "You’ve got to be Cargfully Taught/Children will Listen", which depicted racism, they ,;vent through a series of selections accompanied by readings and accompanying pictures which portrayed the struggles of blacks, women, and the more recent activism of title GLBT community. Highlights included activist classics "We Shall Overcome" & ’Tkin’t gonna let nobody Turn me Round, but also included the comic relief of"Color of Colorado," a campy classic from the off Broadway musical "When Pigs FI~’ that portrays how vital the GLBT community really is to America. Closing with "I will stand with You," they left the audience with not only a call for unity but hope for a better tomorrow. Under the direction of Dr. Joseph Nadeau, they performed the following day for the American Choral Directors National Convention which also took place in Oklahoma City. They held the distinction of being one of only 2 gay men’s choruses to be invited to perform for that conference in the group’s 50 year history. to Moore Oklahoma for another protest at Moore High School. Although their reasoning for picking out Moore High School for a protest site was unknown, their website did promise "We will picket you hypocrites and we continue to THANK GOD for the tornados that keep kicking Oklahoma’s backside.’Moore High School dismissed classes 15 minutes early for those students wishing to avoid the protest, but many stayed to tal~e part in what ’turned out to be a major counter protest. That protest, organized by Chelsea Marlett ( daughter ofRon Marlett, ~vho ran against Sally Kern in the State Legislative race 2008) not only brought out many from the GLBT community, but also many others to form a diverse crowd of around 2000 that included civil libertarians, yeterans groups, and just plain folks young and old. Undoubtedly the most spectacular counter protesters were the bikers, xvho rode repeatedly past the Phelps clan revving their engines to the crowd’s applause. Jeannie and other Moore High School students protest Phelps group. Gorin photo As one of them put it, Kevin Sherwood stated "I fought for our country for people to be able to live their lives they way they want. I fought so they ( the Phelps group) can say what they want to say, but we get the same rights. What upset me more than anything else is that they came here to scare kids. But apparently most of them ain’t all that scared!" Living proof of that was Jeannie, a student of Moore High School,who after some colorful outbursts about her opinion of the Phelps clan, had this to say" God loves all of us, we’re all equal, gays lesbians, it doesn’t matter God loves us all." www.metrostarnews.com #~÷troSTAR 9 10 ~oSTAR April 2009 British PM opposes Prop8 British Prime Minister Gordon Brown opposes Proposition 8, the California ballot measure that last November re-banned samesex marriage after the state Supreme Court had legalized it. "This Proposition 8, this attempt to undo the good that has been done, this attempt to create divorces among 18,000 people who were perfectly legally brought together in partnerships, this is unacceptable and shows me why we alxvays have to be vigilant, why we have alvcays got to fight homophobic behavior and any form of discrimination," Brown said March 5 at a Downing Street reception for GLBT VIPs. 6 in his apartment in Call He suffered a fatal blow to the head and was found tied to his bed and gagged. The apartment had been trashed but there were no signs of forced entry and nothing was stolen. Rivera received national attention when he fought a 2001 mandate by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas that all residents ofa FARC-controlled sector of the eastern state of Meta take an HIV test or leave the area within a week. Thereafter, he received death threats and was followed on the streets and harassed at worlc He eventually left Meta, his home state, as a result. On March 4, the California Suprelne Court heard oral arguments in the case seeking to overturn the constitutional amendment. It is widely expected that the effort will fail, with the justices deciding, in effect, that the right of the voters to amend the constitution is more sacrosanct than the constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law. The court must issue its decision by early June. Burundi plan to ban gay sex dies in Senate Leading Latino-issues blogger Andrds Duque called Rivera’s death "a tremendous loss to the international human rights movement." Argentina lifts military gay ban Argentina’s military decriminalized homosexuality and lifted its gay ban Feb. 27. Part of an overhaul of the military justice system, the change was approved by Parliament last year and took effect six months after passage. A move to ban gay sex in the Central African U.S.-based Latino-issues, blogger Andrds nati~ 6f Burundi was reiected by the Senate ~t}que called the m.ove ’.on.e more L.GBT Feb. 16 after having passed the National nghts development in a Latin American Assembly unanimously in November. nation that leapfrogs over current U.S. "Burundi’s Senate, after significant pressure and ’heated debate,’ today reiected the proposed amendment to criminalize homosexual conduct. Victory -- for the moment," said Scott Long, head of Human Rights Watclqs LGBT Rights Division. The proposal, part of a much larger bill, set a punishment of between three months and two years in prison, along with a large fine, for engaging in consensual adult gay sex. The Senate and Assembly must now form a commission to reconcile the two versions of the bill before sending it to President Pierre Nkurunziza. "Any reconciliation could, potentially, reinstate the provision criminalizing samesex conduct," said the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. "Whatever the outcome, the fact that the majority of senators voted against the provision shows a growing recognition that all citizens are entitled to the full enjoyment of human rights irtespective of their sexual orientation." policy" Gays in the U.S. military are required to remain in the closet under the "Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell" policy signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Prior to that time, gays were not allowed in the U.S. military at all. 300,000 at Sydney Mardi Gras Sydney’s 31st gay Mardi Gras parade attracted 300,000 spectators, 130 floats and 9,500 participants March 7. Openly gay Olympic gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham led offthe procession. His winning dive at the Beijing Olympics was the highest-scoring dive in Olympic history. Marching units included the Federal Police, the military and New South Wales firefighters. U.S. comedian Joan Rivers also joined in, riding on top of a truck. Eighty-four of the world’s 19 5 nations ban gay sex. Colombian gay leader m dered Well-lmown Colombian gay activist idvaro Miguel Rivera Linares, 41, was killed March Jamaica .bans most antigay music Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission has effectively banned most anti-gay dancehall songs from being played over the airwaves. Wockner News Service New regulations prohibit broadcast of songs and videos that glorify arson, rape, shooting or murder, as well as depictions of sex acts. Gay activists, locally and internationally, have campaigned for years against the anti-gay alleged "murder music" ofJamaican artists such as Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, T.O.K. and Capleton. Phelpses banned from entering UK Anti-gay Kansas pastor Fred Phelps and his daughter Shirley have been banned from entering the United Kingdom, the Telegraph reported Feb. 19. The "God hates fags" team had announced plans to picket a performance of’l-he Laramie Project on Feb. 20 at a school arts center in Basingstoke, Hampshire. A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "Both these individuals have engaged in unacceptable behavior by inciting hatred against a number of communities.... We will continue to stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country." In an interview with the BBC, Shirley Phelps- Roper stated: "There are members ofWBC (Westboro Baptist Church) that are not named Phelps.... Unless they intend to begin checking the bare backsides of every person coming into that country to find that tattoo that says ’Property ofWBC,’ they will have no way of identifying who is from WBC." In the end, a single, unidentified demonstrator showed up and was chased offby about 50 counterprotesters, the BBC reported. HIV rate climbs in Asia Gay and bisexual men in Asia are having risky unprotected sex, causing dramatic climbs in HIV infection rates, said officials attending a World Health Organization HIV/AIDS conference Feb. 18 in Hong Kong. The gathering heard that more than 30 percent of gay and bisexual men in Bangkok are HIV-positive, while some Chinese cities report a rate as high as 18 percent, and China as a whole has a rate of 3.8 percent among gay/bisexual men. The director of Chinas AIDS-control center, Wu Zunyou, said amphetamine use and Internet hookups are factors in the climbing infection rate. HIV now is Chinas deadliest infectious disease, according to a new report from the Ministry of Health. More than 8 percent of gay and bisexual men in Jakarta are HIV-positive, the conference heard, as are 7.8 percent in Cambodia. Singapore censors Oscars Singapore’s MediaCorp TV censored its replay of the Academy Awards Feb. 23, removing portions of Dustin Lance Black’s acceptance speech. Black won the original screenplay Oscar for Milk, and said: "When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Tex., to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. "If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ’less than’ by their churches, by the government or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you, and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours." Sean Penn’s acceptance speech also was truncated. He won the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Harvey Milk. Penn said: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns.... For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone." Subscribers to one of the main Singaporean gay e-mail lists were outraged at the edits. "This sort of bigoted, intolerant and ignorant action by a national broadcaster is better suited for Iran or North Korea than a nation that puts itself forward as a modern worldclass city," wrote one. MediaCorp/Channel 5 censorship,manager David Christie said the broddcast would have been in serious breach of the MDA (Media Development Authority) Programme Code if such controversial content was not editorially managed." "The code explicitly disallows content that sympathizes with, promotes or normalizes such a lifestyle from being broadcast," he said. Gay sex is illegal in Singapore. The Asian satellite TV service STAR also censored the two men’s speeches, dropping the audio each time the word "gay" or "lesbian" vcas uttered. STAR beams into more than 50 countries to some 300 million viewers. www.rnetrostarnews.com #d®troSTAR 11 By Camper English Colder, smaller, weaker: Better martinis ~lhe diplomatic way of defining the "best martini" is as "the martini that you like the best." But, really, if you’re pulling a jug of vodka out of the freezer and pouring it into a glass, you’re not drinking a martini at all. You’re drinldng a glass of cold vodl~a. Add olives and you’ve got vodka with a snack. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I drink cold vodka all the time, and ~vho doesn’t enjoy a string of olives for dinner? But a martini is a mixed drink, necessitating more than one ingredient to mix into it. Bar-haviora Problems The working theory is that the martini star~ed as a spinoff of the Martinez, a cocktail made with sweetened gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters (with a lemon twist). As tastes in cocktails shifted away from sweet drinks, the "Dry Martini" made with d~/vermouth became more popular, and eventually most everybody forgot about the bitters. Vodka didn’t become an option until later. Gay bar bartenders, who are not necessarily gay bartenders, are usually the most ei~cient and fair intoxicologists in tl~e drinking universe. I say "fair" because at straight establishments, hot women and rid>looking men (usually jerk~) get first priority, and the bartenders frequently take drink orders out of order. Infuriating! This is not often the case in gay ~vatering holes, where the bartenders tend to be the hottest people in the room and dofft need to impress you by serving you first (you need impress them with the size of your tips). Given the variations over time, you could rightfully order your martini made with gin or vodka, sweet or dry vermouth or none at all, bitters or not, olives or a twist - and you could find a published recipe to back it up. None are the "right" way to make a martini, but I would encourage experimentation to find the way that’s right for you. Also, gay bar patrons Imow how to behave (toward the bartender anyway) and will often line up in an orderly fashion at the drink well rather than shouting and waving like the opening scene ofThe Love Boat al! along the bar. I take straight friends to my favorite gay bar and they are anlazed at the German,like efficientT in place. They are often jealous and ofthe strained drink in the frdezer’ ...... determine to start coming there every night, until they hear ........... .... ...... the 14th Madonna remix in a row. I can’t say I blame them. In a nightclub or other crowded venue, or anywhere with a mixed crowd, all bets for orderly ordering are off. You need to gain the attention of tl~e bartender as well as make him or her think you’re going to be a good (i.e., fast, non-annoying) customer. Here are a few suggestions for attracting the bartender and keeping his attention. While jumbo-sized martini glasses used in many bars provide a lot of liquor for the dollar, by the time you get to the bottom half you’re drinking room-temperature alcohol. That is bad. Or worse, it’s a warm salt bath if you’ve got the extra-large-sized olives in there that help to heat it xtp. The very dassiest ofbars serve their martinis in very small, very cold glasses - with an additional quantity of the drink in an ice-chilled container on the side. That is lovely. At home, I use vintage (small) glassware and keep the remainder cooling Look available. You want to make eye contact with the bartender and have her give you the "I see you" nod. To accomplish this, face the bar, not your friends behind you. If you’re turned around chatting and using the bar as a leaning post, you’re not giving the right signal. Be ready. When you are trying to get the bartender’s attention, have visible cash in your hand -but don’t ~vave it around unless there is a row of drag queens in six-inch heels blocking your line of sight. And if you’re planning to pay with a credit card, you may want to keep that hidden. It takes longer to process, so the bartender will serve the cash-holding folks first. Also, be ready with your friends’ drink orders. Don’t wait until the bartender gets there to turn around and say, "What do you guys want?" As the person standing next to you, H1 swoop in and say "~ree martinis please" when your back is turned. I’m like that. S~’ategize. Don’t shout to get the bartender’s attention. Nobody likes to be yelled at while doing their job. A friendly "Hi!" sometimes helps though. Make your first tip the most generous one to help ensure prompt service and healthy pours for the rest of the evening. And be respectful of others - if the guy next to you was waiting longer but the bartender comes to you, give him the "he was here first" point. The bartender will remember that you’re next, and you never kmow if that guy next to you wil! return the favor and pay for your drink. Do not fear vermouth. Try it and you might find you actually like it - but probably not the 4-year-old, mostly full bottle gathering dust in the back of your liquor cabinet. Use a fresh bottle. Vermouth spoils like wine after opening, so buy small bottles and keep them in the refrigerator to lengthen their life span. Ice, too, is an ingredient in the drink. Ifyou keep your vodka or gin in the freezer, not much water will melt into your martini. Dilution brings the drink down to a manageable level of alcoholic strength to keep you from making that too-strong scrunchy face that gives you wrinkles. A martini should be refreshing, not painful. The shaken-versus-stirred decision is not worth the ~veight given to it. Shaking adds ice chips and air bubbles that make the drink look doudy and taste fizzy, whereas stirring results in a clear and smooth cocktail from the get-go. I prefer a stirred martini when I’m at a nice cocktail lounge, but I do often shake them at home. Not because it tastes better, but because shaldng is more fun. Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer andpublisher of Alcademics. com. ’ 12 ~et~:oSTAR April 2009 ~e internationally renowned cast ofWoody Sez- back rowfrom left: Helen Russell, Darci Deaville, Andy Tekstein;J~ont- David Lutken as Woody @hoto courtesy of The Scotsman Publications Ltd.) OKLAHOI~La~ CITY, OK (PR) __ Lyric ~eatre, OkAahoma’s premiere professional theatre company, will present the American Premiere ofWoody Sez, the words, music, & spirit ofV[oody Guthrie as part of the 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season. This unique theatrical concert event celebrates the life and spirit ofAmerican folk legend Vioody Guthrie, whose music continues to inspire today’s finest storytelling songwriters including Bob DyIan, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, the Indigo Girls, and Billy Bragg. Lyri& production will run from March 26th through April 1 lth and features the show’s original cast from its European tour. st0ryte!l& ~na David tutken Stars in {he and actor,musici~s Darcie Deaville ,Teirstein join in ,to portray up the fabric of Guthrie’s amazing story. The four accompany themselves on over 15 different instruments, ranging from guitar and fiddle to jaw harp and dulcimer. \Voodrow Wilson "W’oody" Guthrie was born in 1912 in Okemah, Oklahoma. He is best kmown as an American singersongwriter and folk musician, whose musical legacT indudes hundreds of political, traditional and children’s songs, ballads and improvised works. Many of his recorded songs are archived in the Library of Congress. Guthrie traveled from Oklahoma to California and later New York and used his rich life experiences and observations to write traditional folk and blues songs, many ofwhich deal with the Great Depression. Guthrie died from complications of Huntington’s disease, a progressive genetic neurological disorder. When Nick Corley accepted the position as Lyric’s new artistic director, he was thrilled with the timing and what it meant for the future ofWoody Sez. With the blessing of the Guthrie estate, Corley, who has directed the show fi’om its inception, prepared Lyric for the American premiere, so that Oklahomans could be the first in ~he country to celebrate Guthrie’s life and music in this special way. Furthermore, so that the celebration of Woody’s spirit can reach even further beyond the Oklahoma City metro area, Lyric Theatre has plans to take the show on the road. A special presentation ofWoody Sez, the words, music, & spirit ofWoody Guthrie has been generously underwritten by Continental Resources, one of the largest independent oil and natural gas companies in the United States. The show will play a special two-night engagement at the Enid Symphony Center on Tuesday, March 31st and g~rednesday, April 1st at 7:30pm, marking the first time in the company’s 47-year history that a full prod,uction will be performed outside of Lyric s home venue. Back in Oldahoma City, Woody Sez performances are March 26th through April 1 lth: Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm & 8:00pro. For tickets: ,a-wvc.lyrictheatreokc.com, (405) 524-9312, or in person at 1727 NW 16th St, Oldahoma City, OK. In Oklahoma City, the renovation and opening of Plaza Theatre, located on NW 16th Street between Penn and Classen, means that audiences can look forward to an intimate world-class theatrical experience, complete ~vith free accessible parking, tdtracomfortable seating, and a full service cash bar. Drinks are even allowed inside the theatre as the audience takes in the performance. The 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season concludes in May with Steel Magnolias. Lyric will continue to produce its annual summer season at downtmvn Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall, beginning in June with Disney’s High School Musical 2 and continuing with The Music Man, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Producers, and Little Shop of Horrors. w~-w.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 13 Arkansas Domestic Partnership Registry Under Attack Gay News Bureau EUREKA SPRINGS, AR The only Domestic Partnership Registry in Arkansas-- and one of the fe~v in the Mid-South region of the country--may soon be history if one right-wing state legislator has his way. But the Eureka Springs mayor, city council and supporters of the DPR, vow to vigorously oppose a move by Republican Arkansas State Rep. Bryan King to do away with it. In only 22 months, 256 unmarried couples from 55 Arkansas communities and 14 other states have registered as domestic partners in Eureka Springs. At least 28 of those couples came from neighboring Oklahoma and another 32 from Missouri, says Michael Walsh, who wrote the domestic partnership law that went into effect in June 2007. Efforts to keep the resort town from officially honoring gay and straight couples is "transparent homophobia," he says. "There are six words to describe State Rep. Bryan King ofArkansas," said Walsh, "and they are, ’State Rep. Sally Kern of Oklahoma’. To know one is to know the other." DPR advocates say it is hypocritical for any state lawmaker to condemn municipal domestic partnership laws while accepting campaign contributions from I~aft Foods, Wal-Mart, FedEx and Cox Communications, companies that have domestic partner policies. King is serving his final term as state representative and may next run for the Arkansas senate. His detractors say he has nothing to lose and much to gain by assaulting the DPR at this time. King introduced his anti-DPR measure March 9. Out lesbian Arkansas State Rep. Kathy Webb, a Democrat, opposes the ban and has said it may be killed at the committee level. Arkansas Speaker of the House Robbie Wills is also on record as opposing the bill. But Eureka Springs city officials are not taking any chances. In a statement signed by the entire Eureka Springs City Council, Mayor Dani Joy strongly defended the DPR and condemned King’s intrusion into city affairs. "I vdll not stand silent any longer and allow a demographic of our citizens to be humiliated and degraded," she said. "Prejudice or bigotry have no place in our city. The gay and lesbian community are our fi’iends, neighbors and family." The editor of the tmvffs weekly newspaper, The Lovely County Citizen, characterized Y,dng’s anti-DPR bill as a "regressive, faithbased, discriminatory, venal.., and cynical act." It is, said editor Don Lee in a editorial, "demagoguery based on religious prejudice bordering on moral fascism..." ~e Carroll County (AR) News reported King "felt the bill (to ban DPRs) was needed because tourism in Eureka Springs has become identified too strongly with issues of sexuality." Given the town’s long-standing reputation as a major wedding destination, King’s rationale is fraudulent, says Walsh. "What the hell does he think goes on in all those heart shaped hot tubs and honeymoon cabins," Walsh said. "King’s real aim is to impose his extremist religious and political views on our town and at the expense of gay residents, business owners and tourists. "Playing the gay card is a way for cheap politicians in Arkansas to fan the fires of hate and fatten up their campaign coffers." But, on the brink of what may be a precarious tourist season, King’s bill cotfld also deprive the town of a critical revenue stream. According to city records, the DPR has generated almost $10,000 for the city in less than two years. Registration costs $35 per couple. Walsh puts the figure at closer to $250,000 to $500,000 when DPR-related expenditures on hotels, motels, B &Bs, restaurants, bars, caterers, ministers, florists, gift shops, photographers mad spending by friends and }’amilies are included. "Precisely when the state needs all the tax revenue it can it, I~dng’s bill is exceedingly short-sighted," he said. * To express your support, send a brief e-mail to Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy at mayor@ cityofeurekasprings.org ~ Express your outrage to Arkansas State Rep. Bryan King at: kingb@arkleg.state.ar.us * Ask your friends, co-workers, family members and neighbors to do the same. * Send this story to news outlets, LGBT organizations, web sites and blogs. * Ask your elected local and state representatives to speak out on this issue, as did the Eureka Springs mayor when Sally Kern was on the rampage last year. = Come to Eureka Springs for Diversity Weekend April 3-5 and get your own DPR. See www.eurekapride.com for events. Diversity Weekend Kicks Offin Eureka Springs FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Domestic Partner Certificates. The courthouse is dosed Saturday and Sunday. City Clerl~’s office is in the City Hall, lower level of the Western Carroll County Courthouse, 44 S. Main. Office hours are 9:30 AM - 12 Noon and 1:30 to 4:30 PM. Over150 unique shops and galleries. Be sure to stop by and say hi to Charlie at A Byrds Eye View. Weekend favorites include The Tourist Stop, Mountain Eclectic, Antique Affaire, The Inn Convenience Store, Fusion Squared and Eclectic Edge. Over 6 vendors are setting up in the old Eureka Screams Theater parking lot and lobby, located on H~W 23 South. Friday - Sunday, 8 AM - 5 PM, everything from Tools to Toys. Welcome Mixer, Pizza Bar, 13 N Main, 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Come feel the warmth. Mix and mingle with locals and visitors from around the county. CITY PARKING FREE AFTER 6 PM. Rock and Roll with Tiffany Christopher, The New Delhi, 2 North Main, All ages welcome, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM-ish. It’s a Hawaiian Luau Weekend. Karake, Dance, Giveaways and FUN. Friday and Saturday, Henri’s Just One More, 19 1/2 Spring, Open Noon - 2AM, Full menu served till 9 PM nightly. NO COVER CHARGE. The always popular Tiki Torch Club and their Spring Diversity Dance Par-Tee. Arrive early this place fills up fast. Midnight Teaser Drag Show with Secdackeiry. Male Illusionist. That’s right they’re all girls and they’re dressed too ’KISS’. The IgSSS Tribute Band, Lumberyard, 105 East Van Buren, 9:00 PM. Stick around for DJ TIC’S Spin Cycle and Dance Party. Ashley McBryde... the miracle gift returns for SPRING ,n Eureka. Jacks Place. 37 Spring St, 9:00 PM.- Midnight, no cover. Handsome Lee wit! be checking IDs at the door. EUREKA’S UNDERGROUND the subterranean and always gay Eureka Live, 35 North Main, Trash Disco Party, drink specials. NO COVER CHARGE! THE DIVERSITY BAND: Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St. 9 PM - ~ 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 479-244-6320 for your PICK-UP! SATURDAY, APRIL 4 Name That Tune With Sandy at the Smokehouse Card, 580 West Van Buren, 8:30 A.M to1 l:30ish, biscuits as big as your head. WIN Fabulous Prizes, like Sparlcy Sun Glasses! Saturday and Sunday Only. The Diversity Bikers "Bridges and Dam Poker Run." Planer’s Hill Parking lot on the corner of 62 and 23 (Main Street) Starting at 12:45 PM. The Spring PDA photo shoot. Just some good time amusement for the tourist and to annoy the fundies. SPRINGS PUBHC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA), 12 noon, Basin Park band shell, downtown. A G-rated opportunity to smooch your sweetie-or the perfect stranger-for posterity. Eureka Pride has free treats to pass out. The Eclectic Edge, 49 Spring, ARTIST RECEPTION drop by and meet Artist Matt Johnson and Gallery owners David and Ginny between 1 and 5 PM. Light , refreshments. Register to win a piece of Matt s artwork. Raffie to benefit the local Doggie Shelter. KARAOYdS: Jack’s Place, 37 Spring, 2 PM - 6 PM, WOW!.!! Jello Shots For a BUCK! ALL GIRLS BAND IRIS: Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St. Better show out early, these ladies have been known to Jump Start their show as early as 7 PM and then ~vind it up Midnight. The North West Arkansas Center For Equality and UA PRIDE, are havin,,g a dance. Entire, family welcome, upstairs at The Space, located across from the U.S. Post Office in Uptown-Downtown Eureka on Spring St., DJ dance music and activities for the kids. $5 cover, FREE to children 12 and under. 8 -11 PM. For a complete list of activities and events go to www.eurekapride.com and diversitypride. com. New Owners ForJoplin’s Pla-Mor Lounge. New owners ofJoplin’s Pla-Mor Lounge, Tim, Bonnie and Tom. Staffphoto JOPLIN, MO (PR) After more than 40 years in the bar business including several gay clubs, Dick and Billy Jack decided to retire and let longtime friends Tim, Tom and Bonnie take over their latest venture, the Pla-Mor Lounge located at 532 S. Joplin St, Joplin’s only gay club. New hours beginning in April will be Tues-Sat 5pm to 1am. Happy hour 5pro to 7pm. Phone 417-624-2722 Retiring Pla-Mor owners Dick and Billy Jack. Staffphoto 14 ~{et~’oSTAR April 2009 @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @ Hideaway, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The End Up, Tulsa @The Mine Shaft, Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa www.rnetrostarnews.com #~et~oSTAR 15 I really dig California Zins. For springtime/ back yard grill time, what better red xvine than Zinfandel to go with short ribs, beef brisket, grilled veggies and brats. Here are some killer bottles I think should be considered to go with your barbeque fun. Brief histoD+ of the grape [ZIHN-fuhn-dehl] qlais is thought to be California’s most popular red-wine grape because it’s not widely grown in other parts of the world. Zinfandel vines were brought to California in the 1850s and it is now that state’s second most extensively planted red grape behind cabernet sauvignon. Initially, research confirmed a relationship between Zinfandel and Primitivo (a variety grown in Italy’s Puglia region), causing speculation that Zinfandel might have originated in Italy. However, in late 200 t, DNA fingerprinting determined that Crljenak Ka~telanski (a littleknown grape from Croatia) and Zinfandel have identical DNA profiles. Beside the Zinfandel grown in California (and Italy’s Priraitivo), there are only isolated plantings of this grape, mainly in South Africa and Australia. The Zinfandel grape can produce wines ranging from light, nouveau styles to hearty, robust reds with berrylike, spicy (sometimes peppery) flavors, plenty of tannins, enough complexity and longevity to be compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Mr. D’s V2 case EarthQuake Zin ’06 The Phillips brothers pride themselves on farming their vineyards with a meticulous eye on quality. Their wines regularly take top accolades in wine competitions. This Zin is really full bodied with lots zing and flavor. In addition to the Earthquake brand of reservetier wines, wine brands under the Michael David Winery umbrella include the popular 7 Deadly Zins. This wine has recently come down in price about 20% in this market and it’s a must try. FoxGlove Zin ’07 Wine critic Robert Parker says that this one of the most ,mpress~!}e in the coot, high elevations Cruz M+0~nt~sT’ ~is Zi~ €9~(s ffo~m Vasq Robles ~fi~ is a n~ addition t0 ~¢~e~akers Bob & Jim Varner~ oo~tfoli6. I was completely surpnse~ at[)~Ow gogd~h~s single vineyard wi~e is for the~money. ~’ ~, + }~’~ Ifyou are one of those xvho beliei( better, read on. Cabernet. juicy fruit acid balanc~ comedian Robin this winery and great Cabernet also For this Zin, ~only Family, is also currently making. uch xvineries like Paradigm, and Past clients include Screaming Eagle },arc 29. "We brought a bdtfle for ) w’. file opt in California during ~he We hadnt fasted it before hand’and bottle, I Wished a c9uple more. This wine in oiar state and this zin is ]his writer is one of the managers a~ the Grand Vin wine shop. He also bar tends and hosts wine & food town as the Enthusiasts ofTulsa. Hyse Couzins ’05, This is the first intriguingblend 39% Zinfandel and drinldng xvell right now, to decant. Wine critid sa3 for the next 5 - 7 years. This be hard to find so if you see it, wine has also come down in 20% in this market and Remember that Zinfandel are two Couzins. Edmeades Mendocino This hasgot to be one of and 20061ooks to be to 2005 has some Petite Grenache blended color. ~nere is a cherry ~ spring / www.l~ineSpectamd pepper. Turn processor onand chop f~r Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Ingredients 2 -14 oz can chic~ peas, drained 4 cloves garlic, peeled " 1/2 cup jarred, i:o~ted red’peppers. drained Zest of one lemon Juice of one lemon !/4 cup tahini (may substitute ~vith pmnut or almond butter) i/2 cup olive oil | teas kosher salt is creamy. Serve topped with a drizzle of 01ive oil, feta cheese and cracked black pepper if desired. Provide pita wedges and fresh vegetables for spreading. 16 v~®t;oSTAR April 2009 nmen At The BOK Center Tulsa Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band .April 7, 2009 @ 7:30 Ticket Prices: $9I, $57, $4I Get tickets at LiveNation.com, all Tickets.corn Outlets, or charge by phone at 1-866-7-BOK-CTR Bruce Springsteen’s new album ’Working on a Dream’ was released today (January 27, 2009). ’~,Working on a Dream~ was recorded with the E Street Band and features twelve new Springsteen compositions plus one bonus track. It is the fourth collaboration between Springsteen and Brendan O’Brien, who produced and mixed the album. Nickelback Apr 10, 2009 at BOK Center Nickelback With Seether and Saving Abel Aprill 0, 2009 Tickets On Sale Now Prices: $75, $55, $35 Unstoppable rock powerhouse Nickelback have announced dates for their upcoming North American tour in support of their new" album Dark Horse, released on Roadrunner Records on November !8th. Nickelback are a phenomenally successful touring band whose tours have grossed in excess of $100 million thus f.ar and have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Dark Horse is Nickelback’s first release since the immensely popular All ~fhe Right Reasons, released in 2005. Fleetwood Mac May 3, 2009 at BOK Center "Unleashed" Tour May 3, 200~ Tickets Off Sale Now Prices: $149.50, $79.50, $49150 Wne sure to be historic "Unleashed" Tour, beginning on March 1st in Pittsburgh, is an epic cross-c0untry trek featuring 44 shows in major markets. The tour will include al!~ of the Ma& many greatest hits fi’om over the course of the band’s extraordinary career. Fleem~ood Mac, the multi-Grammy winning, multi-platinum Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are back on the road for the first time in five years following several successful solo projects. OKC Civic Center Music Hall April Events THE LEFT HAND SINGING a drama by Barbara Lebow Date: Frida); March 20, 2009 - Saturday, April 11, 2009 Presented by Carpenter Square Theatre MF~SURE FOR MEASURE by William Shakespeare Date: Friday, March 27, 2009 - Sunday, April i9, 2009 Presented by the Oklahoma City Theatre Company Perpetual Motion "Chiaroscuro" Date: Friday, April 03, 2009 - Saturday, April 04, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. Perpetual Motion presents Chiaroscuro CLASSIC SERIES: SEASON FINALE presented by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Date: Saturday, April 04, 2009 Time: 8:00 p.m. Featuring Yuja X~gang, Piano ZOMBIE PROM Date: Frida>; April 10, 2009 - Sunday, Apri! 19, 2009 Zombie Prombook and lyrics by John Dempse, music by Dana E Rowe based on a story by John Dempsey and Hugh Murphy April 10-19, 2009 in the Freede Litde Theatre DISNEY’S THE LION KING Date: Tnesday, April 21, 2009 - Saturday, May 23, 2009 Presented by Celebrity Attractions Begins April 21, 2009 Tracy Morgan and Martin Lawrence put the fun in Funeral When Romeo first reported on the proposed Chris Rock-led American version of the outrageous British farce Death at a Funeral, it was unclear as to whether the wild gay subplot would survive. But as casting begins it seems clear that the queer surprise in the black comedy’s casket is alive and well. Better yet, 30 Rock’s hilarious Tracy Morgan has signed on to star alongside Martin La~vrence in the corned); due in 2010, about a dead patriarch’s funeral interrupted by mishaps~ bizarre guests and the arrival of the deceased’s secret gay lover. As long as Lawrence ~snt contracted to play B~g Momma in this verSion, fans of the original can rest easy:. Now, which brave American actor is going to pla~ the family member who runs around the hOuSe naked for the entire length of the fihn? ...... Cherry Jones’ sister act Object lesson to any actor who believes that coming out will be career-damaging: Cherry Jones. The talented lesbian character actress never stops working, plays the President on 24, was Matt Damon’s reality-checking mother in Ocean’s 13 and won a Tony Award for her pre-Meryl Streep incarnation of Sister Aloysius on Broadway in Doubt. Now she’l! take on another nun role in the upcoming drama Mother and Child starring opposite Naomi xYc:atts, Samuel Jackson, Kerry Washington and Annette Bening. The female-centered adoption drama is currently in production and due for release this December - aka Beg For Your Oscar Month - so the filmmakers must be pretty confident about its chances. Who knows, maybe Jones will have to dear room next to her Tony for a new golden friend. Ghost musical to raise Broadway from the dead? It seems that everything on Broadway is going belly up. Shows are dosing faster than new ones can take their place, ticket sales are in the toilet and all seems hopeless. And it’s desperate times that lead to crazy/genius ideas like Ghost: The Musical taldng root and flowering. The smash 1990 Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore film (for which Whoopi Goldberg won her Color Purple Oscar) is going to sing its way onto one of London’s West End stages sometime in 2010 and, if sufficiently crowd-pleasing, will probably make a mad dash for Broadway sometime later. The writers of "Unchained Melody" are already spending their future royalty check bump, but who’s going to pen the song about Patrick Swayze’s heartbreaking inability to express love without invoking the word "ditto?" Neil Patrick Hat~s. 20th Century Foxphoto Nell Patrick Harris hands out TV Land Awards If the Harold and Kumar movies, How I Met Your Mother, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, his SNL appearance and his spoonbending antics on Ellen weren’t enough to convince you that Neil Patrick Harris is a national treasure, try this: now he’s retro-nostalgia-cable-channel TV Land’s answer to Hugh Jackman. The funny, quick-witted song-and-dance man will host April’s TV Land Awards with the requisite amount of skits, mttsical numbers and awards given out to shows like Charles In Charge and Mama’s Family. Expect a lot ofvintage TV personalities showing up to join Harris as he tosses out non-vintage one-liners. Romeo San Vicente could sense something was up as early as Doogie Howser, ~I.D. He can be reached care ofthispublication or at DeeplnsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. More ENTERTAINMENT see page 20 w"ww.metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 17 V @[8 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams SOME LEATHER_ FUN, ANYONE? Photo: Pool atThe Inn Leather Resort friends from North Carolina that we met there, Paul and Dick. After all, meeting new and exciting people is what traveling is all about. By the way, did we mention that they have a leather and chain sling in every room at the Inn Leather? Seriously ifyou are into leather, want to be into leather or just want to look and enjoy leather, then fly, drive, take a train or bus or even hitchhike and get down to die Inn Leather resort in Ft. Laxlderdale and learn how to have some real fun "leather fun". Since our travel columns are in publications from coast to coast and since we have readers who are into just about everything we decided to stay in this Leather Resort. The Inn Leather Resort has been serving the leather and levi gay community in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida as well as the entire East coast and the Midwest for over 10 years and a lot of gay men from all over the country love to stay there. During our stay ~ve met guys from New York, Chicago and several other places in the Midwest as well as Floridians. The general manager Chase and his staff of Benji, Kevin and Gabe are extremely professional, friendly and know how to take care of their guests. We just can’t say enough nice things about them. Chase has the most beautiful eyes and smile that you have ever seen in your life. We know that a lot of guys stay here just so that they Can see him! Tnru his professional guidance, the Inn is in the process of being remodeled. ~ae entire staff is really very accommodating. The grounds are filled with luscious tropical plants. The pool area is very inviting. .Amenities include heated swimming pool, hot tub, tree wi-fi and a SLING in every room! Yep! You read that right............ a leather and chain SLING in every room! Never tried one? XWell this is a perfect opporttinity for you. They have about a dozen rooms and suites and are located just two miles from the beach and just about a 10 minute drive to the major bars and one mile south of do~vntown Ft. Lauderdale and t’wo miles north of the Ft. Lauderdale airport. ~ae Inn Leather is a "clothing optional" resort. Did we mention that there is a leather and chain SLING in every room? Each accommodation includes queen or king size bed, private bath, kitchenette which includes fridge, coffee maker, microwave, TWVCR/cable tv and alarm clock. They have ample off street parking for their guests. A stay here includes a complimentary continental breakfast poolside every morning. q-here are a lot of restaurants within walking distance and a major shopping center with a supermarket just a few blo~ away. Ifyou are into leather or appreciate leather or just curious, then call and make a reservation. Oh yeah! Did we mention that there is a leather and chain SLING in every room? For those really into leather, be SURE and stop by the Ramrod leather bar at 1508 NE 4th Avenue for the most interesting time that you can EVER have in a gay bar! They have specials going on every day including Leather Sunday; Full Moon Monday, Butt to Butt Wednesda)~ Battle of the Bulge "l-hursday and Fetish Friday. They have a daily two for one happy hour from 3 to 9 PM. Check out their website at: www.ramrodbar.com A very special thanks to Chase, general manager of the Inn Leather and to our new leather and chain sling in every room" While you in the area, be sure and check out the greatest totally nude beach in the country, Haulover Beach! which is located about a twenty minute drive south of Ft. Lauderdale. It is the only legally nude beach in the Florida. Haulover Beach Park contains one of south Florida’s most b~autiful clothing optional beaches-a 0.4 mile stretch of beach on the northernportion that draws people from all walks of life, from other states, Canada and a variety of other countries. Nestled between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, it has pristine white sand shores, open ocean surf, various shaded picnic facilities, beautifully landscaped sand dunes, and concession stands. The beach is ideal for surfing as well as swimming. Thousands of people go to Haulover Beach on a sunny day. Simply put, Haulover Beach is one of the best clothing-optional beaches in the world, as ranked by many online and print publications. As many as 7,000 people visit the beach in a single day. There is a snack cart situated in the clothing optional area most days, as well as chairs available to rent. Haulover Beach is quite large and is broken up into different areas for gays and straights. It is a great way to meet people. Their website is http://www.hauloverbeach. org Contact the Inn Leather Resort at: 877.532.7729 or email them at InnLeather610@aol.com and be sure to check out their website at: www.innleather.com. By the way, did we mention that they have a leather and chain sling in every room??? Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Spirit Journeys Announces Gay Travel Adventure Rafting the Grand Canyon Spirit Journeys has a new gay vacation rafting the Grand Canyon. This journey starts July 1, 2009 and ends July 10, 2009. NEW MILFORD, NJ (PRWEB)__ Spirit Journeys is very pleased to announce its new gay travel adventure rafting through the Grand Canyon. "Going Deep" is the title of this adventure and it begins and ends in Las Vegas and includes eight days and seven nights of rafting the Colorado River some 280 miles through the Grand Canyon. On this journey the goal IS tO experience the canyon and the river at a more profound level than on an ordinary vacation. Grand Canyon Rafting The adventure into Self is enhanced by the inspiring surroundings the Canyon has to offer. Being on the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyonhas a way of making humans very humble in the presence of such majesty, major life shifts can happen. Meditation Heart Circles and group movement rituals will be used to help open the mind and heart and deepen the experience of this incredible place. The intention is to actively engage the Canyon and the River; to know them on a more intimate level. The raft stops several times each day to hike, to explore side canyons, to swim in favorite swimming holes or to stand in ~e power ofwaterfalls. Howie Holben is the guide for this gay vacation. Heis owner and caretaker of Spirit Journeys. He was raised in northern Arizona and has always felt a special bond to the sacred places of the Southwest The gifts he brings to this Journey are his extensive knowledge of these places and the love for the path we follow on this journey. Since early childhood, he has been drawn to indigenous peoples and their spiritual teachings, traditions and practices. This attraction has taken him on many adventures, exploring the countless ways of "being in the world". His personal journey through addiction and recovery has spavcned in him a genuine interest in assisting others on their own spiritual path and he takes great pleasure in introducing people to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them "step outside their box". A Reiki/Karuna Ki Master and Quantum Touch Pracdoner, his desire is to help others uncover their potential and set their hearts and minds free. For additional information on this and other special gay vacations, contact Hmvie Holben or visit w~#.spiritjourneys.com. About Spirit Journeys: Spirit Journeys offers gay travel, gay vacations and gay retreats with a spiritual focus, and unique gay retreat and gay vacation options. Call (800) 754-1875 to learn more about Spirit Journeys. 18 April 2009 ~ifest2 Se~ons Hualani. ,.~VW.metrostamews.com materials ~etroSTAR 19 April At P.A.C. Tulsa April 18 -This year TU BLGTA’s Pride Prom 2009: A BollDvood Ball will be held on Apri! 18 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Westby Pavilion. 3-he event is a prom targeted toward Tulsa-area youth who are not alIowed m or not comfortable with bringing the date of their choice to prom, but it is open to all people ages 15 m 25. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $5 for %lsa UniversitT students. For more information emait http:l/us.mc l O.mail.yahoo.com/mc/ compose?to=tublgta@gmail.com. March-27-29 & April 2-4 8pro Up the Down Staircase -Liddy Doenges N~eatre Anyone who’s ever started a new job will relate to this comedy about Sylvia, an idealistic young English teacher maneuvering her way through a blizzard of paperwork, contradictmT orders and indecipherable instructions. She discovers that "Keep on file in numerical order" means throw in wastebasket, "Let it be a challenge" means April 14-15 7:30pro Aspen Santa Fe Ballet John H. XXqlliams ~eatre "Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is a jewel of a company...a refreshing surprise!" declares Ba&stage.com. This dazzling contemporary dance company will perform three to four pieces from its eclectic repertoire that contains works by some of the world’s [bremost choreographers, such as TwT1a %arp, Jorma Elo and Paul Taylor. The Vertical Hour April 16-18 at 8 p.m., April 19 at 2 p.m. Lid@ Doenges ~eatre "iI~e "vertical hour" is the first hour after an injury when ~sistance has the greatest chance of being beneficial, tn this 2006 play by Englishman David Hare, an ~Mnerican former war correspondent turned Yale political science professor joins her British boyfi’iend, Philip, for a visit to his fhther, Oliver. She has a pro-Iraq viewpoint, while the father, a doctor with liberal leanings, is against not only the war but many of the beliefs she holds about a range of issues. Nadia is both offended by and attracted to Oliver. Me ro Star Classfieds 2" square for as little as $39 per issue. Email: starnews@sbcglobal.net 918.835.7887 SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY Kyk°s Bed by Greg Fox ~gebsite- vmcw.kylecornics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aot.com e~ll: bittergirl@qsyndlcate.corn ~w,joanhilty.net ~~1 20 ~®~ro~TAN April 2009 by Jack Fertig Apill 2009 "Your are everyone’s darling Aries" Mercury, Venus, and the Sun are aligning in Aries bringing together charming, witty banter and mad, impulsive flirtations. Venus is retrograde so be careful with those flirtations. They’re not likely to go anywhere you’ll want to stay! ARIES (March 20-Apri~ 19): For now, you are everybody’s darling and could get away with almost anything. Dedicate that power for good, not selfish motives. You have so much of yourself to offer; select your beneficiaries wisely to be fully appreciated. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - May 20): Take some private time with your nearest and dearest in pursuit of pleasures that nurture your soul. No need to hide in a cloister. You can be wild, loud, and frivolous, but do get away from your usual routines and pals. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): Fun with your friends can easily get way out of hand, but is that necessarily a bad thing? You could talk a tiger out of his or her stripes, but then what? When you start to improvise, then the fun really begins! CANCER (~une 2t- July 22): The m65n’s not full this week, but you’re shining like it may as well be. Dazzle your way up the ladder of success. Be clear on where you want to go and with ,~hom. Or at least leave room to change partners and destination. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Sometimes it’s best to let people air out their differences or to hone their arguments in fiery debate. If your peacemaking talents aren’t really needed, give yourself an aesthetic challenge at a movie or an art show you’d normally not attend. VlRGO (August 23 - September 22): Being a love god is a better deal when you can choose your worshippers. Even then, you’re likely to make bad choices. Have your fun, but commitments should be made in the cold light of day, not in the throes of passion. L~BP.A (September 23 - October 22): This is a great time to work on a relationship, not to start one. Problems are easy to discuss now. Solutions can come later. It may feel like you’re backtracking. That’s actually good for clarifying those problems. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Re-evaluate your goals at the gym. How much are you motivated by pride and vanity? Oh, really? Pushing too hard for looks may be undermining your health. Prioritize health, and your looks wil! last longer! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your fascination with a new sport or hobby is probably just a passing fancy. Enjoy it, but don’t invest in new gear at this point! Same with any dates right now. Don’t confuse a great time with falling in love. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Changes are needed around your home, and will be again soon. Whatever re-arrangements or new tchatchkes you like now will become annoying later. Just think of it as a springboard - and budget accordingly. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Dahhhling! You are just too, too charming. Be careful not to ta!k your way into something you can’t get out of! Sure, you can fake sincerity for now, but that will trip you up later! Be real! No, really real! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Brace yourself and take a close look at any financial problems. This is the not the time to be buying anything (bad impulses!) or selling (you’ll get better prices later). Just take stock, and get things into order. 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 Have a God filled and Blessed Day! www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 21 (12" size Only) (2437) PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(~t Community @op e iving H~V/A~DS i 501 c (3) l"qon P~ofit 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+ an~ 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 KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man Full Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available Now Hiring Male & Female 22 #~etroSTAR April 2009 Suppo~ those who suppor~ us. Their ads aliow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222! ~a~:habanainn.com KELLY KIR£Y, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant i!i,:,ili[~ !i;(i/I H35O40PEE.T3E1SstTING CLINIC VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. X~!ALNUT AVE. Oklahoma City, OK 800-913-1310 Ttflsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPIZESSg/AY Oklahoma Cit7, OK JUDY G. PHOTO’S 405-525-0730 Tulsa, OK vavw.habanainn.com judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 EXPRESSIONS Comm Fdlowship CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 6009 1"~ Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 3627 NW EXPRESSg!AY 405-761 - 1878 Oklahoma Cit7, OK 73112 ~ww.expressionsOKC.com 405-840-2106 ~vw.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK va~w.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836:8700 wv,wc.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Ttflsa, OK 918-584-9494 w~waclubmajesfictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH ~RESS\VAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 v~v.habanainn.com SPIRIT OF CHt~ST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 10 AM MCC LFNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 ~,vw.mcctulsa.org OKLAHOMANS 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 CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oldahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: wv,wc.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn >> HIDEAWAY LOLFNGE 11730 E. I1TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thru Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXX~AY Ol’dahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 w~:habanainn.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 12noon to 2am THE MINESHAFT 424 S Memorial Di: Tulsa, OK 918-836-1250 Open Sun thru Sat 12noon to 2am TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 31~D Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am www.metrostarnews.com ~etroSTAR 23 ahomans for Equality The Festival will be held on Saturday, June 6th, from 11arn to 11prn at Centennial Park at: 6th & Peoria. The Festival features a Kids Zone with inflatable water slides, a mechanical bull & a rock climbing wall for the adults, food & drinks, and all kinds of LGBT-friendly vendors, businesses, organizations & churches. Online registration still open! The 2009 Pride Parade starts on Saturday, June 6th at 7:30prn in the Brady Arts District and ends at the Diversity Festival at Centennial Park at 6th & Peoria. Shuttles and security will be provided. Online registration stilt open! Tulsa Folk-Rocker, Eric Hirnan is bringing his new band, Eric and the #.dams, to the Centennial Park Stage to headline at 9:00prn on Saturday night, June 6th. On May 30th at the historic Cain’s Ballroom, the annual Equality Gala will be held, celebrating the 2009 theme "Dreams Really Do Come True!" Visit ww~.okeq,org for tickets! The Tulsa Pride Exhibition of Fine Art, MOREcolor 2009, opens Thursday, June 4th from 5:00-9:00prn and continues Friday June 5th & Saturday June 6th from Noonennis R. Neill Equality Center. .... Turn-A-Bout Fundraiser Library Event PFLAG Spaghetti Dinner Diversi~ Day at the Zoo Pride ~nterfaith Service Gender Avengers/Trans Night ToUoLS.A. Leather Show PFLAG Movie Night OYP Fashion Show & Fundraiser Pride, Pioneers & Pancakes April 1st, 10pro May 28th, 7pro May 29th, 6:30pm May 30th, 10am May 31st, 3pro June 1st, 7pro June 2nd, 7pro June 3rd, 7pro June 5th, 7pro June 6th, 7:00am Club Maverick Tulsa Central Libra~ Fellowship Congregational Church Tulsa Zoo St. Jerome’s Parish Church OkEq Equality Center OkEq Event Center Circle Cinema Centennial Park Stage Centennial Park Building 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, April 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 4 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 Metro Star News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Metro Star News Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 2009 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele James Nimmo Jeanne Flanigan Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Susan A. Muscari Gerald Libonati Michael W. Sasser Romeio San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Jack Fertig Devre Jackson 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 Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/131 The Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/133 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/128 Art Gallery Comics crossword puzzle Dolly Parton drag entertainment government Heartland Men's Choir Hillary Clinton homophobia international news Kentucky Derby Krysta Hamilton Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Miss Gay Mr. Gay National news Oklahoma News Oscars protest Richard May Award rodeo Westboro Baptist Church https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/6a3f8ba78d49f6837bbeebf1b66411e2.jpg 12697e49cabff1cd69f26756d299d6ab https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/68cdcbe698d972e5b50eb3bcf1e1fb7f.jpg 539979d5e87e11e0bbb10626b7af56e6 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 Newspaper article 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 [2019] Stonewall activism made its way to Tulsa Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2019 Description An account of the resource Newspaper article covering the history of Tulsa’s LGBT community, stonewall, and the evolution of Pride in Tulsa. Toby Jenkins interviewed about OKEQ’s history. Discusses Tulsa Police Department’s harassment of LGBT folk in the 70’s. Activist John M. Faires interviewed. Tulsa Tribune articles quoted disparaging homosexuals. Discusses local businesses attitudes toward homosexuality, most not wanting to hire LGBT people but most willing to have them as customers. Housing discrimination also discussed. Tom Neal discusses his history of advocacy. Article mentions creating of H.O.P.E. Neal comments on the effect of Stonewall on Tulsa 50 years after the fact, says he is shocked by current political climate. Includes AP photo of gay activists and allies protesting a speech by Anita Bryant outside the Oklahoma State Capitol on Feb. 21, 1978. Also has Tulsa World file photo of woman holding pride flag. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Tulsa World Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa World Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 30, 2019 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newspaper article 7x15' 10x7' Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper article Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Tulsa World, June 30, 2019 pp. G1, G3 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa Pride 2019, Stonewall, Toby Jenkins, Anita Bryant, John M. Faires, Gay Community Caucus, Tulsa Community Relations Committee, homophobia, Oklahomans for Human Rights, Tom Neal, Susan Savage, Tulsa Government, Tulsa World, Tulsa Tribune, H.O.P.E., HIV, AIDS, workplace protections, Oklahomans for Equality https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/9ab7b81afd063d59b9185dcb89d02670.jpg 247cc1609f0b5e3173808903f408c8ec 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 Newspaper article 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] Over the Rainbow: Tulsa Pride has evolved during the last 30 years, receiving much local support Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2009 Description An account of the resource Article covering Pride 2009. Discussion about the growing acceptance of LGBT rights in the United States. Focus is on resistance from within the state and support from Tulsa. Noah Blatt, 9 years old, was grand marshal of the parade after donating $11 to OKEQ. Includes picture of performer Mindy Bartlett. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Erin Fore Urban Tulsa Weekly Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Urban Tulsa Weekly Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Urban Tulsa Weekly Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 2009 June 2009 June 4-10, 2009 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Erin Fore Urban Tulsa Weekly Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource News clipping 6x13' Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper article Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Urban Tulsa Weekly, June 4-10, 2009 pg. 24 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride, Tulsa Pride 2009, Oklahomans for Equality, Sally Kern, Toby Jenkins, Mindy Bartlett, Eric Himan and the Adams https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/ddac39db5b605163d6db17f44d13ab44.jpg ed4a8c0f834ae0d7817a3afe0ec9ba64 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 Newspaper article 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 [2007] Thousands celebrate pride Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2007 Description An account of the resource Newspaper article covering Tulsa Pride 2007. 2007 was the 25th anniversary of pride. Between 15,000 and 18,000 people attended the parade and festivities held at Veterans Park. Tim Williams, OKEQ public relations coordinator, is quoted about the first Tulsa pride event. Marc Acuff, event coordinator, is quoted about his plans for the coming years. Protestors are present. Kathy Hinkle, board member of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, is quoted about accepting her son’s sexuality. Toby Jenkins, community outreach coordinator for OKEQ and pastor of Emerging Church of Tulsa, is quoted about the feeling of dignity and self-worth that being involved in pride gives him. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Althea Peterson Adam Wisneski Tulsa World Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Tulsa World Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa World Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 10, 2007 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Althea Peterson Adam Wisneski Tulsa World Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newspaper clipping 6.5x4.25' 5.5x4' Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper article Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context June 10, 2007, Tulsa World, pp. A17, A25 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa Pride 2007, Oklahomans for Equality, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, protestors https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/7d3e3d038d2b87c2ccffecae5c057d15.jpg fb499b9b429a7ae6d2d2ba210b558807 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 Newspaper article 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] Events celebrating diversity set tonight through June 11: Activities include Gay Day at the Tulsa Zoo, a film on gay survivors of the Holocaust, and a gay-pride parade Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2005 Description An account of the resource Article covering plans for the week of Tulsa Pride 2005. Events were hosted at a number of local faith communities and gathering places and sponsored by PFLAG, TOHR, and other Pride groups. Includes photo of parade goer Rick Martin helping carry a 120-foot pride flag in 2003 by Kelly Kerr. Nancy McDonald received PFLAG’s first Lifetime Achievement Award Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa World Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Tulsa World Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa World Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 3, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa World Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newspaper clipping 6.5x11' Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper article Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Tulsa World, June 3, 2005 pg. A17 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa Pride 2005, Tulsa Zoo, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Fellowship Congregational Church, Michael Adee, More Light Presbyterians, College Hill Presbyterian Church, Diversity Celebration Alliance, Charles Shusterman Jewish Community Center, Holocaust, Dr. Jay Geller, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Brady Arts District, Tulsa Central Library, Council Oak Men’s Chorale, Women of Council Oak, Tulsa City-County Library, Diversity Gala, Gilcrease Museum, Rick Martin, Tim Palmer, Nancy McDonald, Pride parade, Cherry Street, Veteran’s Park https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/5cf101e3b808733d8982f8d1adc0f528.png cc9a437e130ad3e87c0e8ef03d7a1aa4 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/8c792f712649776475d0a4b009ab956b.pdf d73b307b359e1b6860337445af100272 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 Newspaper article 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 [2001] Gay pride week events kick off today Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2001 Description An account of the resource List of events planned for Tulsa Pride 2001: TOHR Follies 2001,Tulsa Interfaith Service, Council Oak Men's Chorale concert, Family law panel, Embracing Art exhibit and artists' reception, GLBT Film Festival, TOHR Diversity Gala, Pride parade, GLBT Festival. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource World's own Service Tulsa World Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Tulsa World Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa World Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2, 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource World's own Service Tulsa World Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Printout of digital edition of newspaper article Roughly 8.5x11' 1 page Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper article Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Tulsa World, February 10, 2004 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa Pride 2001, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, TOHR Follies, interfaith services, Council Oak Men’s Chorale, Diversity Gala, GLBT Festival, Pride parade, family law, Embracing Art, GLBT Film Festival https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/55742e85e407b0e1a528156c623a4d13.pdf 2fd94098d7ee46b2d8cec22e1daf5e0e PDF Text Text ���� Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. 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 [1993] Anti-Gay Discrimination: Some Illustrative Recent Studies Subject The topic of the resource Anti-Gay Discrimination Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Terry Luce Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1993 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Terry Luce Description An account of the resource As Part of its mission, the sexual Orientation Task Force's document, in 1976, detailed prejudicial behavior against gay persons. One of the missions of the current task force (1992-93) is to examine recent literature on attitudes and behavior towards gay persons; specifically, negative attitudes and aggression. This present report, therefore, will provide an update by reviewing recent, representative studies appearing in various psychology journals. It is not meant to be a comprehensive review, but rather attempts to provide a glimpse into attitudes toward, and abusive treatment of gays, as reflected in prominent psychology research journals. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/18 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/96 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant The United States of America (50 states) 1993 Anti-Gay Discrimination Sexual Orientation Task Force Terry Luce https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/31a961000fd22d8e63602246ed538d58.png d089dfce83ce02f356ddfdcb36745e5b https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/e218e7fba9d3693a2dd6a40ad6d74b3c.mp4 e151730eb28917c1a70b220dd26d275a Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Video Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 01:42:17 Compression Type/rate of compression for moving image file (i.e. MPEG-4) MP4 Producer Name (or names) of the person who produced the video Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] TOHR Diversity Workshop Subject The topic of the resource Pride Celebrations Description An account of the resource Footage of workshop intended to prepare volunteers for 2003's Diversity Celebration. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource MP4 01:42:17 720x480p 1.36GB Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Video Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Diversity Celebration 2003 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/8d31d075fd2152b402fbb494b9cab19d.pdf 4d9df71a4e1805b014401082c36656b0 PDF Text Text Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center 2006 Year in Review October 2005 • October 31, 2005 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) purchases the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center at 621 E 4th Street in the East End of downtown Tulsa. November 2005 • Raise the Flag • The 1st public event at the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center is held as the U.S., Oklahoma & Rainbow flags raised are raised over the building. An inter-denominational blessing of building, COMC & WCO performances and over 200 in attendance filled out the day. Creating Change – Oakland, CA Center Director Greg and TOHR Presdent Laura Belmonte attend the 4-day conference, attending the Community Center Institute, Advocacy Workshops, Coalition-Building, etc. and touring the SF GLBT Community Center. Greg also gave a presentation at the David Bohnett CyberCenter Reception during the opening night of the conference. December 2005 • The Fairy Tree Working in conjunction with RAIN, Tulsa CARES and Our House, Too, TOHR volunteers and donors presented nearly 50 gifts to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS through the 4th Annual Fairy Tree. • Parent’s Night Out Providing a night out on the town or an evening of shopping, parents were able to drop off their children for a safe and fun evening at the Center. The permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center features an improved KidsCorner for similar activities and a safe space for children while parents attend classes, meeting or social events. • Holiday Dinner A holiday tradition with PFLAG, nearly 200 people enjoyed a meal, entertainment and the presentation of the Tulsa PFLAG Swan Awards at Fellowship Congregational Church UCC • Christmas Day Dinner The Tulsa GLBT Community Center hosted a catered Christmas Day Dinner with nearly 30 people attending and enjoying the day with “family.” January 2006 • BrokeBackQ Dinner Over 80 people enjoyed a free BBQ meal at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center prior to the premiere of the blockbuster Brokeback Mountain at AMC Southroads 20. February • Out on the Town �Approximately 30 people enjoyed an evening Out on the Town with dinner at the Metro Diner, followed by the play The Laramie Project at the University of Tulsa. • Field of Dreams Over 80 Oklahomans enjoyed the first formal event in the Great Hall of the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center with dinner by Thyme – An American Bistro and wines from Wildhurst Vineyards of CA, while raising over $160,000 for renovations and improvements for the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center. • Wild Hearts Ball V The Field of Dreams continued into the night with the 5th Annual signature event of the Pyramid Project, TOHR’s Capital Campaign. Nearly 250 individuals enjoyed thumping music, dugout dancers and special drinks and surprises in the Event Center of the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center. March • April • A Triple Hit The one-year anniversary of one the most popular TOHR programs in the Tulsa GLBT Community Center was recognized by the community with appreciation, as traffic to the Tulsa GLBT Community Center tripled in the inaugural year of the David Bohnett CyberCenter (DBC). May • National Center for Lesbian Rights Seminar Local attorneys Camille Quinn and Tim Studebaker, joined National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) attorneys and representatives to present a legal workshop at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center covering the legalities of GLBT parenthood in Oklahoma. June • Diversity Celebration – Tulsa Pride 2006 Tulsa’s 24th annual celebration of GLBT pride and diversity continued to grow as the Diversity Coalition of TOHR, PFLAG & OYP presented the week of special events, featuring the Tulsa GLBT Pride Parade & Festival on the second Saturday of June. Tulsa police estimated a crowd of 15,000 at the Festival with an estimate of nearly 20,000 enjoyed all 11 events in 8 days. The 2006 celebration also featured the largest number of corporate sponsorships with Blockbuster Video, Wild Oats Natural Marketplace & U.S. Cellular, among others, signing on to support GLBT equality. • East Village Art Show The permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center hosted its inaugural art show with the East Village Art Show during Diversity Celebration – Tulsa Pride 2006! Over 80 works of art in the Event Center, hors d’oeuvres by TW’s Catering, wines by Wildhurst Vineyards and 250 in attendance made the evening a success. • Imagine – Diversity Gala 2006 TOHR’s largest fundraiser of the year broke the record books in all categories as 325 patrons and guests filled the galleries and Vista Room at Tulsa’s Gilcrease Musueum. The dinner, by Thyme – An American Bistro, wines by Loring Wines of California, presentation of the Community Hero Awards and Volunteer of the Year and fantastic silent and live auctions combined to make the evening the “night of the year.” �• OKC Pride TOHR, the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and the Pride Store spent two days at the OKC Pride Festival. The Pride Store proved very popular, while thousands were reached with TOHR’s newsletter the Torch and free copies of the Advocate. July • Out on the Town A small but enthusiastic crowd enjoyed a perfect summer evening game of baseball at Drillers Stadium. The permanent Center is located across the street from a relocated Drillers Stadium planned for the East End of downtown Tulsa. August • Pagan Pride The permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center hosted its first non-TOHR related event with Pagan Pride 2006. Approximately 500 people enjoyed the sights and sounds of a variety of cultures during the 2-day event. September • Out on the Town Dinner & DIVA’s were the feature of the fall Out on the Town. The DIVA concert benefited H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach, Prevention & Education). H.O.P.E. also provides HIV testing at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center twice per week. • TDS September Event Nearly 125 people enjoyed educational workshops and an evening party during the September Event of TDS at the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center. • McPride TOHR, the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and the Pride Store visited the 2nd annual McPride Family Picnic in McAlester, OK to help bring the rainbow to SE Oklahoma. A crowd of nearly 200 enjoyed the day in Chadick Park. • Zarrow Mental Health Symposium � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Sub-Series] OKEQ > Organizational History > TOHR, OHR Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] TOHR History in Review Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2006 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 2006 History in Reveiw TOHR https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f261e80d36bba7d2809c6bb6777b1c1c.pdf b2a63d8c37947eabec2b4c5c14157ace PDF Text Text ‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com 10/6/19, 6(45 PM https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f59de7c5c8f20.html TOP STORY ‘We share it with a whole community’: 5-year anniversary of samesex marriage in Oklahoma an occasion to remember, look forward, proponents say By Tim Stanley Tulsa World 17 hrs ago 1 of 4 Judge Jane Wiseman (right) of the Court of Civil Appeals officiates the wedding of Sharon Baldwin (left) and Mary Bishop as they stand with Toby Jenkins (center), executive director of Oklahomans for Equality, outside the Tulsa County Courthouse in 2014. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World file Matt Barnard After marrying her longtime partner, Mary, in 2014, Sharon BishopBaldwin found herself adjusting to a whole new way of speaking. It wasn’t easy at first. https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html Page 1 of 7 �‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com 10/6/19, 6(45 PM “I had trouble sometimes just saying ‘my wife,’ ” she said. “Like if I was calling to get a prescription for Mary. They’d say ‘what’s your relationship?’ And before I replied, there’d be a moment of hesitation.” NOW PLAYING ! 1 of 27 " | | # HD Don't Miss! - 10/5 Preview NEXT Don't Miss! - 10/7 Part of the problem, Bishop-Baldwin said, was her anticipation of the reaction. Too often back then, it was an awkward one. “They might respond oddly,” she said, causing a little “nervous embarrassment” for both parties. But today, five years later, all of that has changed. “Now the word ‘wife’ rolls off my tongue without a second thought,” Bishop-Baldwin said. And the reactions? For the most part, they’ve smoothed out, too, she said — “to just such a matter-of-fact transaction.” Society, Bishop-Baldwin believes, is finally getting used to its new reality. And with it, acceptance of same-sex relationships is slowly growing. This Sunday, Oct. 6, will officially mark five years since same-sex couples in Oklahoma were first legally permitted to marry. For the Bishop-Baldwins and other couples who took advantage of it that first week in 2014, it means their own five-year anniversary is at hand. And with that, an opportunity also comes to both reflect and look forward. The Bishop-Baldwins, whose lawsuit in response to a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage in 2004 paved the way, became the first to claim a marriage license at Tulsa County Courthouse, after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case and the judge lifted a stay. https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html Page 2 of 7 �‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com 10/6/19, 6(45 PM The couple will commemorate the five-year milestone, they said, with some special company: They’re having dinner with Sue Barton and Gay Phillips, the other couple involved in their long 10-year legal battle. “That seemed like the appropriate thing to do,” Mary BishopBaldwin said. “They were with us every step of the way.” Barton and Phillips had been married previously elsewhere, and won the right that same day to have Oklahoma recognize their union. John David and Jason Bragg-Sutton, formerly of the Tulsa area, will celebrate their 5-year anniversary on Oct. 11. The Nowata couple had been together five years before marriage became legal, John David said. Secure in their bond, they didn’t feel like they needed marriage to affirm that. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t see the value in it, John David said: “It’s not a gay marriage certificate that I hold, it’s a marriage certificate. The ability to say that shows it doesn’t matter. I’m on the same level as others and equal to them.” The couple were married in 2014 at a park in Owasso, joined by a few friends and family. “It is a huge thing,” John David added of the anniversary. “It feels like we’ve accomplished something. It’s definitely a milestone.” Complicating any celebratory plans, he said, are the demands of parenthood. With six adopted children, “we may just be taking a nap that day,” John David laughed. “Maybe we can go out for a quiet dinner — just relax and be married for a little while rather than being parents.” Rush to the courthouse Surprised like everyone else by the unexpected news of Oct. 6, 2014, Toby Jenkins, director and CEO of Oklahomans for Equality, joined other marriage equality proponents at the Tulsa courthouse, where he made sure the Bishop-Baldwins would be first to get a license. “I said nobody gets married until Sharon and Mary do,” he said, wanting to make sure their role was properly recognized. https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html Page 3 of 7 �‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com 10/6/19, 6(45 PM A total of 21 couples would be issued licenses that first day. From there, the surge continued, Jenkins said. Over the first year of legal same-sex marriage, around 1,200 licenses would be issued in Tulsa, and 4,200 statewide, said Jenkins, whose organization tracked the numbers. The painstaking task involved some guesswork, he cautioned, since licenses don’t identify male or female, just spouse names. Primarily concerned with making sure all counties were complying, Jenkins didn’t pursue numbers after that. But he’s happy to report that “in five years, there’s not been a court clerk who’s refused (a license) that we are aware of. It does feel like our elected officials are willing to follow the rule of law.” A few months after Oklahoma began issuing licenses in June 2015, same-sex marriage became legal nationwide thanks to a U.S. Supreme Court decision. Undoubtedly, it’s contributed to the rapid rise in the number of samesex households in which the couples are married. The rate has more than doubled over a decade, from 26.6% in 2008 to nearly 60% in 2017, according to the most recent data available, the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey. The survey estimated that in 2017 there were 935,229 same-sex households in the U.S., of which married couples made up 555,492. That growth is one reason advocates like Jenkins believe same-sex marriage is here to stay. “There are so many LGBTQ Americans who have exercised their legal right to ever strip us totally of that,” he said. In addition, Mary Bishop-Baldwin believes, there are fewer people today who would even want to take it away. “Too many straight people know gay people, and love gay people, and now see what marriage means to them,” she said. Both Bishop-Baldwins were editors at the Tulsa World when the lawsuit was filed, and Mary Bishop-Baldwin is still an assistant editor. https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html Page 4 of 7 �‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com 10/6/19, 6(45 PM Never forget While Jenkins is grateful for marriage, the occasion of the anniversary also reminds him of its limitations. “Marriage fixed so much,” he said, “but the sad reality is there’s a lot it didn’t … employment protection, housing protection and certainly it has not stopped hate crimes. … it hasn’t changed people’s hearts.” Just this past July, a mural at the Oklahomans for Equality center was vandalized, a reminder that anti-LGBTQ sentiment still exists in the community, he said. Jenkins also can’t help feeling sad, too, for all the Oklahomans for whom Oct. 6, 2014, came too late. “There were so many people who needed those protections but who missed out on it,” he said. For Oklahoma’s LGBTQ community going forward, Jenkins said, it’s important not to forget how it got here. He thinks it’s already become too easy to take marriage for granted. “We need to remember how forever indebted we are” to the BishopBaldwins, Barton and Phillips, he said. “We are able to get married because of their work, which was courageous and at times isolating for them.” For their part, the Bishop-Baldwins say they would rather people remember the struggle, and what the situation once was for same-sex couples. A good reminder of it, they said, comes every year in the form of their original anniversary. Many years before they were allowed to marry, the Bishop-Baldwins held a commitment ceremony. “It was at a beach house in Florida — and at the time, that was all the wedding we thought we’d ever have,” said Sharon Bishop-Baldwin. As a result, that original anniversary — which they will celebrate for the 20th year next March 26 — will always have a special meaning to them. But this week, they added, the focus will be on Oct. 6. https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html Page 5 of 7 �‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com 10/6/19, 6(45 PM “It’s not just a celebration about us,” Mary Bishop-Baldwin said. “We share it with a whole community of people — a whole community who never thought they’d have the opportunity to get married.” Featured video Mourners show up to honor World War II veteran w… Tim Stanley 918-581-8385 tim.stanley@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @timstanleyTW Tim Stanley Staff Writer Stanley is a general assignment reporter and the writer behind the award-winning "World War II Veterans Remember" series & book. 918-581-8385 https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html Page 6 of 7 �‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html 10/6/19, 6(45 PM Page 7 of 7 � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Article 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 [2019] Bishop-Baldwin Marriage 5 years Later Subject The topic of the resource First Same Sex Marriage in Oklahoma 2014 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa World Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Tim Stanley Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa World Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 6, 2019 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Oklahomans for Equality Judge Jane Wiseman Mary Bishop-Baldwin same-sex marriage Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Toby Jenkins https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/ad20efeb17a26adcb09dc5c8e4173cbb.pdf f114a930b5b0ca5eb8a15548a7f7df81 PDF Text Text June 6th 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM www.tulsapride.org Centennial Park - 6th and Peoria Festival Events: Pioneer Pancake Breakfast From 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM Centennial Park Community Building Presents Golden Girls 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM Centennial Park Community Building Orasi Productions Presents BBQ ANGEL 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM Centennial Park Community Building Pride Parade at 7:30 PM Begins at Boulder and Brady ends at Centennial Park Equality Fire Works Show Centennial Park Lake at Dark Centennial Park Under the Stars Experience all of OZ after the festival! Orasi Designed By Productions orasi_productions@yahoo.com oklahomans for equality No outside food, beverage or coolers Dennis R. Neill Equality Center 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. 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] Pride Ad Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans For Equality Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oklahomans For Equality Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 6, 2009 Centennial Park - 6th & Peoria Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Oklahomans For Equality 2009 Pride BBQ Angel Centennial Park Eric Himan Pancake Breakfast pride Parade https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/d1a228b7d28755dc049a0b9a4f533bbf.png 0a0b3d576a86e4c498257d6fa3f2fe43 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/195c7b9f4bd452d230c0832a6a3ac1be.mp4 3918179526aad18a34e98c6397b36510 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Video Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 02:43:19 Compression Type/rate of compression for moving image file (i.e. MPEG-4) MP4 Producer Name (or names) of the person who produced the video Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Director Name (or names) of the person who produced the video Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2002] Diversity Gala and Pride Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2002 Diversity Dinner and Pride Festival Description An account of the resource Footage of 2002 Pride events and Diversity Gala. Contains footage of Diversity Gala emcee Heather Harp and event speakers. Also features performances by Rachael Sage and Jason Warner. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2002 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource MP4 02:43:19 1.41 GB Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Video Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2002 Diversity Gala 2002 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Shelton Baker - Pride Director https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/1fa8400892345e4e029068d25f743c2a.pdf a370e598d56933fb19ad9016b1c3a9e5 PDF Text Text History of TOHR 1980 to 2003 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) is Oklahoman’s oldest and largest GLBT organization. TOHR was founded in 1980 by a small group of people concerned about human rights and equality for GLBT persons in Tulsa, including Dennis Neill, Bob Inglish, Mike Green and Gary Durst. The Tulsa organization was originally a part of the Oklahoma City-based chapter. The organization was then known as Oklahomans for Human Rights (OHR). In 1985, as the Oklahoma City organization declined in activity, the Tulsa Chapter decided to form its own non-profit organization to be called the Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). During that year, TOHR was incorporated to pursue its new mission of serving the residents of Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma. Soon after its establishment, TOHR launched the Gay Information Line, or 743GAYS, which has been in operation ever since. For the first several months, the call volume was extremely high as several religious groups worked to overwhelm the line with harassing phone calls. The volunteers, however, persevered and the harassing calls slowly declined. Since it’s beginning, the Gay Information Line has been a critical link for many people needing help and support on GLBT and health issues. During its first year, TOHR also conducted voter registration and political surveys, sponsored a softball team and tournament, and conducted health clinics (venereal diseases were rampant in the gay community before AIDS.) In the 1980s, TOHR sponsored several high-profile social events for the GLBT community; provided a speaker’s bureau to help educate the community; launched the first gay pride picnic; and operated the popular Southwest Invitational, a sports event that attracted participants from across the nation. The organization’s monthly membership meetings routinely attracted from 50 to 150 participants as the community saw TOHR as the principal source of information and support. During this time, nationally known GLBT spokespersons who came to Tulsa at TOHR’S invitation included LGTF activists Virginia Apuzzo; Valerie Torino, Mayor of West Hollywood, Calif.; Troy Perry, founder of MCC; Lt. Leonard Matlovich, and others. The organization’s work in the community was awarded with two operating grants from the Chicago Resource Center, the first time an Oklahoma GLBT organization received out-of-state funding and recognition. With the advent of HIV and AIDS in the 1980s, TOHR sent a medical professional to health conferences to advise the community on the transmission of the virus and other dangers. In addition, TOHR opened the first anonymous testing site in northeastern Oklahoma. The organization was responsible for acquiring state funding for �AIDS testing and education by establishing the Tulsa Chapter of the AIDS Support Program, or ASP. This effort was later assumed by another organization, known as HOPE (HIV Outreach, Prevention, and Education). In 1998, HOPE spun off from TOHR so both organizations could focus on their respective missions. Today, HOPE operates a testing and counseling site a 3503 East Admiral Place in Tulsa. TOHR opened Tulsa’s first Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Community Center in October 1996 at 1338 East 38th Street in the Brookside neighborhood of Tulsa. The center quickly became a popular meeting spot for community groups, support groups, and those who wished to network with other members of the GLBT community. The center began to operate a book and video library, referral service, and pride retail store. TOHR organized Tulsa’s first gay pride march in 1997 with 60 participants. In 1998, the event grew to include approximately 150 marchers. In 1998, the march grew into a parade. Tulsa’s first Diversity Parade was held in 1999 on Peoria Avenue in the Brookside neighborhood of Tulsa and featured Rep. Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, as its first Grand Marshal. The parade culminated with the Diversity Festival at Tulsa’s Veteran’s Park. Both events drew large crowds and proved very successful, beginning a new tradition for Tulsa’s GLBT community. In 2000, TOHR received grants from the Collins Higgins Foundation and Gill Foundation of Denver, Colo., for expanding programs and operating support. Also, in 2000, TOHR was selected as a 2001 host site for the OutGiving InCommunity Project of the Gill Foundation. More than 25 local organizations (over half were non-GLBT groups) participated in the project held at the Community Center. This was considered an honor for TOHR to be selected as a national host site. Finally, in 2000, TOHR launched its first-ever capital fundraising campaign, the Pyramid Project. The goal of this major capital campaign is to raise a total of $1 million for a permanent and visible home for the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Of the goal, $500,000 will be utilized to acquire a permanent facility for the center, and $500,000 will fund an endowment to sustain operation of the facility for future generations. In 2001, TOHR was selected to be one of three “Fast Track” programs in the nation by the Gill Foundation. Through this program, the Gill Foundation provides $40,000 of operating support over three years ($15,000 in 2001; $15,000 in 2002; and $10,000 in 2003). The intent of the operating grants is to help sustain the organization’s operating fund during the capital campaign. In addition, the Gill Foundation has provided TOHR technical assistance during the campaign. TOHR was selected by the Gill Foundation based on the quality and reputation of the organization, and the potential for Tulsa to become a more positive environment for members of its GLBT community. �Presently, TOHR is developing an annual operating plan for 2003 and a set of long-range goals to guide the organization through 2006. The organization also is preparing to move its capital campaign into the middle phase by seeking major corporate and foundation support. TOHR also has completed a major revision of its bylaws, taking the organization from an association to a corporate model. In addition, major restructuring of the organization will take TOHR to new heights in 2003 and beyond! � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Sub-Series] OKEQ > Organizational History > TOHR, OHR Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1980-2003] History of TOHR Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oklahomans for Equality Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1980-2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Oklahomans for Equality 1980-2003 History TOHR https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b609d1081173d91c5fa26a601332d2b8.pdf f82144a330a82ae9441df54bac8e467f PDF Text Text Oklahomans for Equality 2009 Review Oklahomans for Equality seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Serving LGBT Oklahomans and their allies since 1980, it is the oldest continuously operating LGBT advocacy organization in America’s heartland. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, our headquarters is located at the corner of 4th and Kenosha in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma in the vibrant east village and actively involved in the revitalization of the urban core of Tulsa County. The Equality Center has been recognized by the National Preservation Historic Trust as an excellent example of repurposing a historic structure. Originally a 1920’s oil refinery office with 18,000 square feet was purchased and renovated in 2005. It now serves as the epicenter of the vibrant LGBT community in Northeastern Oklahoma. In June 2009 the Equality Center was featured on the Preservation Trust website “This Place Matters”. From the earliest days of the founding of our organization, advocacy on behalf of the gay community has been front and center. We have found that speaking up for ourselves is the most effective route in addressing discrimination. Working closely with local and state legislative bodies and familiarizing elected officials about our issues is a continuous effort. Small businesses and larger companies and corporations can benefit from our diversity in the work place workshops. Occasionally, a confrontational response is required when an individual targets our community with hate speech. Our opponents have learned we will not be silent when persecuted. Most of the time, when insensitive comments are made towards a certain segment of a community it comes from a lack of education. We offer a speaker’s bureau that in 2009 spoke on 9 college campuses and 3 high schools and even a federal agency. We maintain an exhaustive lending library that is heavily utilized by our members and visitors to the Equality Center. Archiving our story in Oklahoma is critically important so we established the history project where hundreds of memorabilia, stories, and documented events are cataloged and added monthly to the substantial collection. Throughout the calendar year we have lectures that feature some of the top experts in LGBTQ studies. Our goal for our membership is to equip them to be the best citizens in our community. Oklahomans for Equality has created 38 different weekly programs that serve the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Grief recovery, mental health support, legal clinics, children’s events for those raising a family, health and fitness activities to help us comply with Oklahoma’s new vision for a healthier state are just few of those programs. Each program is volunteer led by trained and certified professionals. In 2009 Oklahomans for Equality partnered with 13 area non profits in special events or projects that served Tulsans. We have turned into the anchor city for the heartland region �in LGBTQ advocacy work. Visitors from bordering states come to study how we have created an effective outreach in one of the most conservative sections of the country. In 2009 14 cities sent teams to visit the Equality Center � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2009] Review of Oklahomans for Equality Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oklahomans for Equality Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1980-2009 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Oklahomans for Equality 2009 2009 Review History OkEq Review https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/9770fc02a35bf20e8a7ab58f539a5213.png 9f152bfeebb7a1971618eb6d71f60971 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 [Series] The Pyramid Project > Strategic Planning & Leadership Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br />Box 5, Folder 5 - Meeting Materials<br />Box 5, Folder 8 - Strategic Planning &amp; Leadership<br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2002] Pyramid Project Logo Subject The topic of the resource Pyramid Project Description An account of the resource Logo for TOHR's Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2002 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PNG Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Logo Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/04503bbe6e30c9565b29c16f466293ff.png d30f2c67237b7f3fd588527ebfce42c3 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/12e6a6cfc6303c59bc2919ef3b518315.pdf d75ed591b9fc4d9f7b94c6793095daab PDF Text Text TULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS The TORCH OVERVIEW �Index • Torch Committee • Resource Examples • Monthly Publication Matrix • Publication Flow • Article Suggestions, April Issue • Advertising �Torch Committee • Writers – Devon Retherford – Lamont Lindstrom • Copy Editor – Ellen Averill • Editor & Layout – Tim Scott • Advertising Sales – TOHR Board of Directors �Copy Resource Examples • • TORCH Writers TOHR Committees – – – – – • • • • • Pyramid Project Advocacy Committee Events Programs & Facilities History Project Board Members Executive Director Volunteers The GLBT community Other Organizations – PFLAG – HOPE – Soulforce �Monthly Publications MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN Distribution Members Members Community Members Members Community Pages 6 6 6 6 6 8 3.1 Spring Issue 3.2 3.3 3.4 Summer Issue Issue Special Coverage Pride Guide 2004 Spring Issue (4 pages) 3.1 MONTH JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Distribution Members Members Community Members Members Community Pages 6 6 6 6 6 8 Issue 3.5 3.6 3.7 Fall Issue 3.8 3.9 3.10 Winter Issue Special Coverage Year in Review �Publication Flow Total cycle: 30 days Writer’s submit articles for consideration Article is reviewed for content by Director Ok? Yes Article is sent to Editor for review and editing. No No Yes Board Approval Ok? Yes Ok? Final Edit Director Layout Prep for Mailing •Direct Mail •Clubs •Pride Center •Web site No Print Fold & Stuff Distribute �Publishing Schedule April Issue Feb 29, ’04 Planning Mar 7, ’04 3/6 – 3/13 Advertisements 3/6 – 3/13 Layout Mar 28, ‘04 3/8 – 3/16 Editing of Articles Final Layout Edit 3/10 – 3/16 3/17 – 3/18 Approval, Board of Directors Adjustments & Edit Prep for Mailing Mar 21, ’04 3/1 – 3/6 Gather/Write Articles/Interviews Printing Mar 14, ’04 3/19 – 3/20 3/20 – 3/22 3/22 – 3/23 3/24 – 3/25 Mail 3/26 – 3/31 Article and advertising deadline is March 13 �Article Suggestions April Issue • • • • • • • • • Interview Karen Welden and her spouse about getting married in SFO, assigned to Lamont Lindstrom (Lead story) Interview with a Board Member, assigned to Lamont Lindstrom. New GLBT Center, with a new list of things needed for the center, assigned to Devon Retherford Executive Director update, assigned to Laura Belmonte Diversity Celebration information, assigned to Tim Scott State of anti-gay legislation in Oklahoma, assigned to Brent Ortolani The vision of TOHR, assigned to Mark Bonney Programs, assigned to Ken Youngblood Other suggestions? �Advertising • TORCH distribution is monthly. • Ad sizes are based on a 3 column newsletter. • Ad prices are per column inch, per issue. • Provided copy should be in high resolution .jpg, .bmp, .png, .tif, or .gif formats, as close to actual ad size as possible. • Submittal deadline is the 12th of the month. • TORCH is printed in black ink on white paper. The printable web file (pdf) is in full color. �Advertising Rates Distribution Rate per Column Inch Standard Monthly Issue (Membership Distribution) $7.50 Discounts apply on all ads 5 column inches and over. Special Quarterly Issue (Community Distribution) $ 9.00 Discounts apply on all ads 5 column inches and over. Reserve advertising space in 12 issues (including the 4 Quarterly issues) and pay only $7.00 per column inch. Per ad discounts apply. Discount per Ad Ad Copy Size % Discount Up to 4 column inches 0% 5-10 column inches 15% 11-15 column inches 25% 16-20 column inches 35% 20-30 column inches 40% �Example 5 ruler inches tall 1 column inch wide Single Ad, member distribution •1x5 ad =5 col inches x 7.50 per col inch = $37.50. •Discount on a 5 col inch ad is 15%. Total cost for 1 issue after discount is $31.88. Single Ad, community distribution •1x5 ad =5 col inches x 9.00 per col inch = $45.00 •Discount on a 5 col inch ad is 15%. Total cost for 1 issue after discount is $38.25. Pre-paid for 12 issues: •1x5 ad = 5 col inches x 7.00 per col inch = $35.00 per ad x12 issues=$420.00 •Discount on a 5 col inch ad is 15%. Total cost for 12 issues after discount is $357.00. •Each ad cost $29.75 �What’s Next • Begin Submitting Articles. • Watch the schedule. • Help sell advertising. • Help recruit volunteers to print, fold, collate, stuff, address, and stamp. • Begin thinking about the May issue. � https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f09b700a6e5578b62245a2d2d6251772.pdf d75ed591b9fc4d9f7b94c6793095daab PDF Text Text TULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS The TORCH OVERVIEW �Index • Torch Committee • Resource Examples • Monthly Publication Matrix • Publication Flow • Article Suggestions, April Issue • Advertising �Torch Committee • Writers – Devon Retherford – Lamont Lindstrom • Copy Editor – Ellen Averill • Editor & Layout – Tim Scott • Advertising Sales – TOHR Board of Directors �Copy Resource Examples • • TORCH Writers TOHR Committees – – – – – • • • • • Pyramid Project Advocacy Committee Events Programs & Facilities History Project Board Members Executive Director Volunteers The GLBT community Other Organizations – PFLAG – HOPE – Soulforce �Monthly Publications MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN Distribution Members Members Community Members Members Community Pages 6 6 6 6 6 8 3.1 Spring Issue 3.2 3.3 3.4 Summer Issue Issue Special Coverage Pride Guide 2004 Spring Issue (4 pages) 3.1 MONTH JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Distribution Members Members Community Members Members Community Pages 6 6 6 6 6 8 Issue 3.5 3.6 3.7 Fall Issue 3.8 3.9 3.10 Winter Issue Special Coverage Year in Review �Publication Flow Total cycle: 30 days Writer’s submit articles for consideration Article is reviewed for content by Director Ok? Yes Article is sent to Editor for review and editing. No No Yes Board Approval Ok? Yes Ok? Final Edit Director Layout Prep for Mailing •Direct Mail •Clubs •Pride Center •Web site No Print Fold & Stuff Distribute �Publishing Schedule April Issue Feb 29, ’04 Planning Mar 7, ’04 3/6 – 3/13 Advertisements 3/6 – 3/13 Layout Mar 28, ‘04 3/8 – 3/16 Editing of Articles Final Layout Edit 3/10 – 3/16 3/17 – 3/18 Approval, Board of Directors Adjustments & Edit Prep for Mailing Mar 21, ’04 3/1 – 3/6 Gather/Write Articles/Interviews Printing Mar 14, ’04 3/19 – 3/20 3/20 – 3/22 3/22 – 3/23 3/24 – 3/25 Mail 3/26 – 3/31 Article and advertising deadline is March 13 �Article Suggestions April Issue • • • • • • • • • Interview Karen Welden and her spouse about getting married in SFO, assigned to Lamont Lindstrom (Lead story) Interview with a Board Member, assigned to Lamont Lindstrom. New GLBT Center, with a new list of things needed for the center, assigned to Devon Retherford Executive Director update, assigned to Laura Belmonte Diversity Celebration information, assigned to Tim Scott State of anti-gay legislation in Oklahoma, assigned to Brent Ortolani The vision of TOHR, assigned to Mark Bonney Programs, assigned to Ken Youngblood Other suggestions? �Advertising • TORCH distribution is monthly. • Ad sizes are based on a 3 column newsletter. • Ad prices are per column inch, per issue. • Provided copy should be in high resolution .jpg, .bmp, .png, .tif, or .gif formats, as close to actual ad size as possible. • Submittal deadline is the 12th of the month. • TORCH is printed in black ink on white paper. The printable web file (pdf) is in full color. �Advertising Rates Distribution Rate per Column Inch Standard Monthly Issue (Membership Distribution) $7.50 Discounts apply on all ads 5 column inches and over. Special Quarterly Issue (Community Distribution) $ 9.00 Discounts apply on all ads 5 column inches and over. Reserve advertising space in 12 issues (including the 4 Quarterly issues) and pay only $7.00 per column inch. Per ad discounts apply. Discount per Ad Ad Copy Size % Discount Up to 4 column inches 0% 5-10 column inches 15% 11-15 column inches 25% 16-20 column inches 35% 20-30 column inches 40% �Example 5 ruler inches tall 1 column inch wide Single Ad, member distribution •1x5 ad =5 col inches x 7.50 per col inch = $37.50. •Discount on a 5 col inch ad is 15%. Total cost for 1 issue after discount is $31.88. Single Ad, community distribution •1x5 ad =5 col inches x 9.00 per col inch = $45.00 •Discount on a 5 col inch ad is 15%. Total cost for 1 issue after discount is $38.25. Pre-paid for 12 issues: •1x5 ad = 5 col inches x 7.00 per col inch = $35.00 per ad x12 issues=$420.00 •Discount on a 5 col inch ad is 15%. Total cost for 12 issues after discount is $357.00. •Each ad cost $29.75 �What’s Next • Begin Submitting Articles. • Watch the schedule. • Help sell advertising. • Help recruit volunteers to print, fold, collate, stuff, address, and stamp. • Begin thinking about the May issue. � https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/7f66dce210491820db548b0621c376ba.gif f380104af572abdce0fd5dd84ff019e8 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/d562f1959f3723713224ca93695c2617.png 9f152bfeebb7a1971618eb6d71f60971 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] TOHR Torch Guidelines, Style Guide, Logos Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 25th Anniversary Logo Pyramid Project Logo Torch Guidelines Torch Layout Torch Logo https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/1942dd3c5201efb8e5f299605646519c.jpg ea6c8080dd95c23cfb5a340aae51a7f4 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/bbc4b8e233008cb882bbabd2b41f6239.pdf f692c6d7dd3e7bd8077d1324cd757b27 PDF Text Text September/October 2006 the volume five/issue six CH ~omans for human rights �Thinking Globally, Acting Locally As [ sit at my desk amazed at the quick passage of this blistering summer, I am staring at the rainbow and U.S, flags 1 keep in a clip before me. Both symbolize two personaI traits that illuminate the very core of my bei~g. for human rights Oklahomans for Human Right~ (TOHR) Tulsa, OK 74~01 The first embodies my pride in being openly gay, especially in a place like Tulsa where tha~ is not exactly easy. www.tohr,or8 The second reflects my even greater pride in being an American. As a historian, [ have devoted nay career to teaching about and studying our nation’s glorious, complicated past. 1 have a deep and abiding love for our count.2/and its ideals of"life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" for all. Although gay and lesbian people in the United States still do not enjoy full pebtical equality, we have far more freedoms and rights tban our brothers and sisters in many other countries a fact made horribly apparent all over the globe in recent weeks.. In July, thanks to local activist extraordinaire Toby Jenkins, Tulsa joined dozens of cities nationwide that held vigils commemorating the first annNersary of the vicious, public executions of two banian boys, Mabmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marboni. The boys, aged 14 and 17, were accused of aggravated sodomy by the Iranian government. The reality is that the boys were killed for being gay. Their tragic stol2/ highlights the oppression millions of gay and lesbian people face worldwide. While the violence between Hezbollah and Israel provided a frigbtening illustration of the hatreds that divide the Middle East, it is very striking that, in Jerusalem, Christian, Jewish. and Muslim leaders joined forces in opposing an international gay rights parade. Indeed, a flyer circulated in ultraorthodox Jewish neighborhoods offered $4,400 to anyone who would assassinate a marcher. Earlier this year. the State Department’s annual report on human rights painted an equally harsh picture of homophobic violence and hostili~ elsewhere. In Nigeria, bomosexualily is a federal offense punishable by prison sentences of up to 14 years. In Jamaica, Steve Harvey, a leading AIDS activist, and Brian Williamson. a wellknown advocate Ibr gay rights, were both brutally murdered. In Poland, Latvia, and Russia, peaceful gay rights demonstrators were subjected to physical assaults, and pelted with rocks, bottles, and rotten eggs. In Uganda, consensual homosexual sex can be punished by life in prison, In Saudi Arabia, gay men have received up to 2,000 lashes and have been bebeaded in public squares. TOHR stands in solidarity with thousands of others across the world in decrying these horrible abuses. Take a moment and send a sileat wish that we may someday live in a world where every gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender person is accorded peace, dignib’, and freedom. II1 Solidari~, Laura A Belmonte, PhD President, TOHR TOHR’s CaPital CamPaign The Pyramid Project Sue Welch �10th Anniversary Celebration of the Tulsa GLBT Community Center If l Had a Hammer ... or some fringe Renovations are progressing well at the new building which will permanently house the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Plans are to move into the facility in late October - only a few weeks away. Consequently, if you would like to help with renovations, come on down! Any skill level is appreciated and there is still much to do. If you have a ladder, drill, paint supplies, bring them. If you would like to help but do not have any of the above tools, come anyway and we will gladly assign you a task. Volunteer weekend workdays for September are at 10:00 AM on the following dates: 9th, 10th, 23rd, 24th and 30th. Lunch and a good time with friends are provided. Over 125 volunteers, a design group of local professionals and TOHR representatives, have been working hard to make this a place we can be proud oP. Members of the design group are: Kirk Holt, Amanda Daily, Steven Edwards, Charles Faudree, Brett Logan, Rick Phillips, Carson Smith from Kinslow Keith & Todd, Larry Synar, Shannon Walker, Laura Belmonte, Mark Bonney, Greg Gatewood and Sue Welch. Please come lend a hand and be one of the first to see the progress! For more info, call Sue Welch at 918-810-8156. The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center (the Center), will celebrate its first decade of serving the GLBT & allied community during Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2006 at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza. The evening kicks off at 6:00 PM with the Center’s 10th Anniversary Reception. Celebratory drinks, individualized cakes and exhibits highlighting the first 10 years of the Center will mark the occasion. The TOHR Annual Meeting, with Awards & Recognitions, the State of the Organization, a Year in Review and Board of Director elections (see "Preparing for the Future," page 11, for nominees), follows the reception at 7:00 PM. The evening will also mark the last official TOHR function in a leased space, as the Tulsa GLBT Community Center will be moving to its permanent home, 621 E 4th Street in the East End of downtown Tulsa, this October. It’s been an exciting and busy year for Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). TOHR has partnered with Tulsa PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) and OYP (OpenArms Youth Project) to plan and make "Diversity Celebration--Tulsa PPdDE!" bigger and better. Your input and ideas can help take it to the next level. We’re also implementing a strategic plan and a marketing initiative that will help change Tulsa and Oklahoma for the better. You can help make it all happen with your support and by attending the TOHR Annual Meeting on September 28th at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza. See you at the Center. Win up to $10,000! the GREAT DIVIDE! $20/ticket Drawing in February 2007 GET YOUR TICKETS AT THE TULSA GLBTCOMMUNITY CENTER 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza 3:00-9:00 PM Monday-Saturday �The 2006 Elections can change things for the better - or the worse - for the Oklahoma Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) & allied community. With your help, it’ll be for the better. Now is the time to register to vote if you’re not already registered or update your registration. It’s simple and fast. Just stop by the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street, Monday through Saturday from 3:00-9:00 PM. The Voter Registration Form takes just about 5 minutes to complete. We’ll then send your completed form to the Tulsa County Election Board and you’ll be ready to help change Oklahoma for the better with your vote. Democrat Sue Barton, who won her party’s nomination last month, will face incumbent Frank Lucas in Oklahoma’s 3rd District. The 3rd District is Oklahoma’s largest and includes Osage, Pawnee, and parts of Creek counties. Barton has worked as an advocate for more than 20 years on behalf of children, youth and families, including working with Youth Services of Oklahoma. She is co-owner and director of barton.phillips and associates, a consulting company providing training and technical assistance to agencies that provide care for children and youth. A progressive Democrat, Barton’s campaign is focusing on affordable health care, a livable wage, preserving social security and fiscal accountability, among other issues. Frank Lucas, the Republican Incumbent who is running for his seventh term in Congress, operates a cattle ranch and farm in Roger Mills County. His website currently features his votes in Congress to keep the phrase "under God" in the pledge of allegiance, to forbid the use of federal money to print ballots in languages other than English, and against possible electric rate increases in rural areas. thank you Thanks to the dedication and hard work from volunteers and auction donors, Diversity Gala 2006 at the Gilcrease Museum achieved 35% over our goal! Thanks to all below who did so much to ensure a successful evening. Laura Belmonte Brent Be~Otolino Andrew Carter Stephen Eberle Greg Gatewood Janet Gearin Richard Hurtig Devre Jackson Lynn Jones Meagan Kauffman Dwight Kealiher Norman Kopp Lamont Lindstrom John Madigan Nancy & Joe McDonald Dennis Neill Tracey Norvell David Parsons Don Rush Andy Smith Keith Smith John Southard Linda Stevens A1 Triggs Michael Villafuerte Wendy Whysel Justice Waidner Ken Youngblood 818 Martini Bar Aberson’s Ernie Acala Christina Applegate Jimmy Black Brook Restaurant Burnett’s Flowers Cynthia Brumbaugh Can’abba’s Italian Grill Chalkboard Charleston’s Cisar-Holt Class Act Party Rental Council Oak Men’s Chorale Dr. Sean Costello, DDS Sarah Diggdon Dog Dish Amanda Earl Charles Faudree Flemings Garden Diva Garlic Rose Mitchell Garrett Gilcrease Museum Dale Gillman’s Antique Warehouse Lou & Jack Hodgson Kirk Holt Home Collection Ihloff Salon and Day Spa LaDonna’s on 15th Street Mark Lackey Loring Winery McGills McNellie’s Irish Pub Miss Jackson’s Salon Nielson’s Fine Gifts Margos PF Changs Prive Samson, et AI. Sheri-Mayer Designs Blane Snodgrass, OD Snow Goose Starbucks TA Lorton Julie Trainum Candance Trombka Thyme Bistro Tulsa Opera University of Tulsa Golf Bob VanFleet White Lion The Yoga Room Zeigler’s Framing �is tulsa moving forward? Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor Responds to TOHR The Advocacy Committee of Tulsa Oklahonmns tbr Human Rights (TOHR) works with allied organizations to monitor and defend the rights of’lulsa’s Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual & Transgender (GLBF) community. One of our major goals is to persuade the City of Tulsa to add "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" as listed categories on the City’s stataments of non discrimination. TOHR President Laura Behnonta, who also chairs TOHR’s Advocacy Comnfi/tee, recently contacted newly elected Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor requesting that City policy apply equally ta alI Tulsa citizens: Dear Mayor Taylor: [ am writing in regard to your call for ] ulsans to extol the virtues of our city in au effort to generate national interest in our amenities and oppo~lunities. While I agree entirely with your faith in Tulsa, I would also like to discuss a much-deserved negative aspect of Tulsa’s reputation. Many thoughtful citizens think our city is doomed if it does not take steps to protect and celebrate it’s diversity. This is particularly true in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) comlnunity. By some indices, Oklahol~aa ranks 45~h in the nation in terms of inclusion and civil rights protections for gay people. While Manford and Oklahoma County have amended their non-discrimination ordinances to encompass sexual orientation, Tulsa has not taken this vital step despite the fact that the city’s Human Rights Comnlission first began recommending such a change in 1975. As you undoubtedly know, GLBT people are an integral element of this city. We own dozens of businesses and employ thousands of people. We are doctors, lawyers, teachers, firefighters, police officers, m~d every other occupation under the sun. Eighty-six percent of Fortune 500 companies now explicitly protect their GLBT employees. Despite widespread and legitimate concern fbr the city’s economic futm~, Tulsa has refused to join over 300 cites across the United States including Cincinnati and Salt Lake City who have expanded their non-discrimination policies to ensure that sexual minorities are judged solely on their merits as employees, tenants, alld customers. In my capacity as a professor at Oklahoma State University. 1 have seen dozens of extremely promising ga~ people flee our state or refi~se job offers mainly because of the region’s reputation as a stronghold of intolerance. These individuals include a Rhodes Scholar nominee, t~vo Goldwater Fellows, and Ph.D.s from universities including Ha~ward. Yale, and Stanford. These are precisely tile type of professionals we must keep in and draw to Tulsa if we are to build tbe city to ,,~hich we aspire. You have broad support in tile GLBT community and we very much hope you wilI recti~ this glaring flaw in the fabric of our city. Sincerely, Laura A. Belmonte, Ph.D. Laura A. Belmonte, Ph.D. President, TOHR Chair, Say No to Hate Coalition June 8, 2006 Dear Dr. Belmonte: Thank you so much for raking the time to share your views regarding the City of Tulsa’s non-diseriinination policies. Please know tbat your input is impo~ant to me as I work through the mm~y issues facing our city. As you know, Tulsa is borne to a wonderful gathering of diverse and talented individuals and families. It is indeed one of our greatest strengtbs as a city and an asset that I recognize. As I have stated before; I am committed to making sure my appoinUnents on our many boards, commissions and trust authorities reflect the face of Tulsa. I am also committed to making sure our hiring policies are fair and nondiscriminatory. I am copying your le~er to the chairman of the Human Rights Commission for review and recommendations. Again, thank you for your letter and for keeping the best interests of Tulsa in mind. Sincerely, Kathy Taylor Mayor Tulsa Oklahomans for Htunan Rights (TOHR) will continue to work with Mayor Taylor, members of Tulsa’s City Council and ~ith the City of Tuls~’s Human Rights Commission to ensure that all Tulsans enjoy equal employntent, housing, and other rights. You cm~ coutact the mayor at hrcp:// www.cityofl~lsa.org/Reporting/ General.asp mad Tulsa City Council members at hltp:/ www.tulsacoun¢il.org/aboutcc.php �THERE WOULO BE NO WITHOUT LYNN RIGG3 Oklahoma’s has one of the best state songs around thanks to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma.~ (1943), a musical adaptation of Lynn Rigg’s play Green Grow the Lilacs (1931). Riggs was born in 1899 on a farm near Claremore. He escaped Oklahoma when he turned I8, surviving on odd jobs in Chicago and New York. He returned to Tulsa a year later and worked briefly as a reporter fbr the Oil and Gas Journal. Par~-Chemkee, Riggs used income from leasing his Claremore land allotment to attend the University of Oklahoma where he studied English and started to write poetry. Stress and illness (probably connected with a growing awareness of his homosexuality), however, prevented Riggs from graduating. Instead, in 1923. he left Norman and moved to Santa Fe at the invitation of gay poet Witter (Hal) Bynner (1881-1968) who had briefly taught at OU in 1922. Bynner, who edited the literary ~oumal the Laughing Horse, published a few of Rigg’s early poems. Bynner’s own Santa Fe home is now a gay-friendly Bed and Breakfast, the Inn of the Turquoise Bear. In Santa Fe, Riggs joined m~ literary and artistic circle that partly rotated around the wealthy Taos socialite Mabel Dodge Luhan who had talked bisexuaI British author D. H. Lawrence into moving to New Mexico. Along with Bynner, Rigg’s New Mexico friends included gay artist Cady Wells and gay novelist Myron Brinig. Bet~een 1935 and 1940, Riggs owned a home in Santa Fe located at 770 Acequia Madre. He also had an apartment in New York, at J Christophe~ St and also lived, for a few years, in France and Los Angeles working on Holly~vood movie screenplays These included 77~e Garden of Allah (1936), fe~taring Marlene Dietrich and Charles Boyer, Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ploinsman (1936) starring Gary Cooper and Jean Arthur, and also two early Basil Rathbone features, gT~erlock Homes and the Voice of Terror and Sherlock Holmes h! Washington. In Hollywood, Joan Crawford was a fgvorite beard. She gave Riggs a Scottish Terrier named Baron. Riggs only returned to Oklahoma for brief visits. One of these was to attend the History Project Memories John. D. Cutright, MSW, LCSW Counselor 8, Psychotherapist 4870 E Lewis Ave Suite 190 Tulsa, OK 74105 918.284.0123 Providing Mental Health Services for Children, Adolescents, Adults and Couples. �up DBAT ~tulsa oklahomans for human rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) seeks equal rights for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) individuals and families tkrough advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Tulsa GLBT Conmaunity Center. Working for GLBT equality since 1980, TOHR is entering a new phase of its 26- year history. This Foil, the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, TOFIR’s largest cotrmaunity program, will move into its permanent home in dovcntown Tulsa. The 20+, and growing~ list of community-oriented programs directly affect over 25,000 individuals annually in Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. With the move to the permanent Center, and with your continued support, TOHR programs will reach thousands more - malting strides toward our mission of GLBT equality for Oklahoma. We invite you to visit the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street to learn more of how you can be involved. We look forward to working with you to achieve the mission of equality for GLBT Oklahoma. New Association for GLBT Owners & Professionals Forms in Tulsa Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) is offering a new program for the Gay, Lesbian. Bisexual, Transgel~der (GLB~I) and allied community - Diversity Business Association Tulsa (DBAT), DBAT provides a forum Io the GLBT buslaess and professional comnmngy and its allies for tbe purpose of net,~orking, professiona! development, increasing visibility and strengthening reIationships among business and communb3, members. The new group is working with DBA in OKC to enhance statewide cooperation. The next DBAT session is Thursday, October 5th. 6:30-8:00 PM at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza. At this meeting, we’ll explain the structure of the new group, sign up members, and discuss volunteer needs/opportunities. This session will also have a networking segment in which pm’dcipants can give a short presentation on their business. Our first official meeting will be held in the NEW Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 621 E 4tb Street in downtown Tulsa, on November 14th. Our program for this meeting will be on healthcare insurance and the new Oklahoma Healthcare Premium Assistance program for small businesses. For more information, please contact Su- for the record The new Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center in downtown Tulsa will open its doors none too soon as we’ll welcome 10.000 visitors (for the year) before the end of the December. During the first 8 months of this year, 7.631 visitors (a 305% increase in traffic compmed to last year) have helped make the Center a hotspot for community activities, meetings and special events. The David Bohnett CyberCenter is one of the fastest growing community programs. Teenagers to seniors, 2,029 in the past 8 months, utilize the I0 stateof-the-art computer stations for web access, research, chatting, homework, etc. on a daily basis. The oldest, continually operating community program of TOHR is the Tulsa GLBT Information Llae. In existence since 1982, the line averages nearly 10 calls per day, providing business/professional referrals, nightclub into/ locations and community event information to over 300 people per month. community resource kiosk hivtesting 20’something david bohnett cybementer the pride store nancy mcdonald rainbow library tulsa, .... ~-"communib! center Monday-Saturday 3to9PM o~,~o ~. ~/~t /~.o,~to tulsa glbtinfo line twe-spiritsociety tulsa area primetimers gender outreach t.u,l,s,a, ekklesia-the gathering much more �OUT,OK in Tulsa & OKC OUT OK, tbe longest-running GLBT film festival in Oklaboma. returns tbr another outrageous year of celluloid fun this October llth-22nd. OUT OK 5 is unleashing first-run, independent. gay movies in Tulsa and Oklahoma Cit2 . In addition to tbe vein popular ABSOLUT Cocktail Parties, OUT OK is proud to announce "In Concert with FUNNY KINDA GUY", following the screening of the riveting Scottish documentary of the same name. Direct from Scotland, Simon, a postop transperson will serenade us with his jazz-inspired tunes which have captured the Glasgow music and club Arguably the first gay sequel, writ- Right to Serve - 09.12.06 Tbe Soulforce "Right to Serve" Campaign is confi’ontiug tbe government-sanctioned discrimination of the military policy "Do~Et Ask, Don’t Tell." The U.S. House of Representatives is currently considering a repeal, however the legislation lacks support and needs public awareness to move it along. Direct actions began August 23rd witb genuine intentions to serve openly in the mititmy. Tbe next step is tbe "Right to Setwe" sit-in and demonstration on Tuesday, September 12 at I1:00 AM at the U.S. Army Recruitment Center, 6401 NW Expressway, OKC. For more in~brmatiou, please contact Michael E. Cich at michael.cich@okstate.edu. Walls - 09.21-23/28-30.06 An original production Walls aims to break down walls of fear through showing tbat wbetber black or wbite or gay or straigbt.., we are really not all that different. Walls tells tile story of two individuals - wbo bappeued to be women - that fall in love. Friends since they were 5, the story follows their lives showing that the journey of life is not that different for may of us. Written by a ~oup from Commmaity of Hope UCC, Walls hits tbe stage on SeNember 2Ist-23rd and September 28th-30th at Fellowship Congregational Churcb UCC. 29th & Harvard. Tickets range from $20 to $50 and are available by calling Community of Hope at 918.747.6300. McPride - 09.23.06 You’l! want to bead to Southeast Oklahoma on Saturday, September 23rd for tbe 2nd Annual McPride Family Picnic in McAlester. Chadick Park, near downtown McAlester, is the site of entertainment, information, games & more from 1 !:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Oklaboma’s Cowboy Crooner Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald, former MGO Kris Kobl of Tulsa, 100 Ways lead vocalist Susan Lea, OKC entertainer Stephanie DeBarge, Phillip Parker aud Michael Camfield beadline the entertaimnent for the day. Booths from across the state, including TOHR, the Ttdsa GLBT Community Center and the Pride Store, along with guest speakers, volleyball, and music will fill the park all day. TOHR Annual Meeting - 09.28.06 eNdirector Q.Allan Brocka returns with EATING OUT 2: SLOPPY SECONDS. Director Phillip J. Bartell re-introduces the cast of hot sex kittens, Gwen and Tiffani, man-whore Marc, awkward gay boy Kyle (Jim Verraros of American ldol 1), and a hot bubbling menu of All-American beef (see photo). Fine-dining at its dirtiestbest! Actors will in atl.endance. For more information, contact Philip Au at 918-682-4654, ex~ 3 or pau@out-ok.com The TOHR Annual Meeting, ~vith Awards & Recognitions, the State of the Organization, a Year in Review and Board of Director elections (please see page 4 for nominees), is Thursday, September 28th. The evening kicks off with the Tulsa GLBT Community, Center 10th Anuiversary Receptiou at 6:00 PM with celebratory drinks and refreshments. The evening also marks the last oft5cial TOHR function in a leased space, as the Center will be moving to its permanent home at 621 E 4th Street in the East End of downtown Tulsa later this year. See page 3 for more information on how you can help tbe move happen during voluuteer Weekend Workdays, and more information on the TOHR Annual Meeting. DBAT - 10.05.06 Diversity Busiuess Association Tulsa (DBAT), a new association program of TOHR tbr GLBT business owners aud professionals, has fanned in Tulsa. The uext meeting of DBAT is October 5th, 6:30-8:00 PM at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street. The session features the structure of the new group, member sign-ups and a discussion for opportunities. There’ll also be a networking segment in which participants can give a sbort presentation on their business. For more information, please contact Susan Hartman ar slhartman@cox.net or 918.274.1699. AIDS Walk Tulsa 2006 - 10.07.06 All in Oklahoma wbo want to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and help meet the needs for HIV prevention and care, are encouraged to participate in AIDS Walk Tulsa 2006 on Satmday, October 7th. The Ibstivities begin at 9:00 AM at Veterans Park, 1875 S Boulder, with refreshments and awards presented to the top individuals and teams Ibllowing the 2-mile walk. Tulsa’s 14th annual walk raises I~nds to support direct HIV/AIDS ser- �vices in Tulsa and reealves matching funds ~om a National AIDS Challenge Grant. The Tulsa AIDS Walk is a project of the Community Se~Mce Council of Greater Tulsa. Silver sponsors are the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa and Starbucks Coffee. Bronze sponsors are Ciao, Baby!, Evan Taylor Photography, MAC AIDS Fund, Miss Jackson’s Network-I.T.. Tulsa PFLAG and Tnlsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). OUT OK - 10.11-21.06 OUT OK has more days, more movies, and more beautiful actors m~d talented flhmnakers than ever. OUT OK 5 opens with Stewart Wade’s delightfully romantic comedy of errors, COFFEE DATE. As a practical joke, gorgeous straight man, Todd, is sent on a blind date with hot gay man. Kelly. With hilarious performances from Wilson Cruz (My So-Called Life, Noah’s Arc), Oscar-nominated Sally Kirkland (Anna, Bruce Almighty), Jonathan Silvermm~ (Weekend at Bernie’s, Death Becomes Her), ninety’s teen singing sensation Deborah Gibson, and Jonathan Bray (King of Queens, The Practice), dating will never be the same. Director and actors will be in attendance. See page 8 for more information on more films and how to get one of the hottest tickets in town - OUT OK. Masterpieces of Hope- 10.14.06 It’s time for runaway fun on the runway for RAIN (Regional AIDS intercommunity Network)! Join RAIN and local fashion designers on Saturday, October 14th at the Tulsa Marrio~ Southern Hills at 1902 E 71st Street. The event benefits people living with H1V/AIDS. Enjoy dinner, dancing, and the auction of designer denim jackets, including a jacket designed by Todd Oldham. For more information, please call 918.834.4195 or visit the RAIN webahe at www.rainoklahommorg. OML 2007 - 10.20-22.06 T.U.L.S.A. (Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association) is proud to present the Oklahoma Mr. Leather 2007 weekend October 20-22, 2006. The weekend kicks off with a meet and greet, followed by a tour of niglatclubs on Friday evening. Saturday, October 21st is the big day with NLA-OKC Educational Classes during the day and the OML 2007 contest at Phoenix Rising in OKC at 10:00 PM. A Victory Brunch closes out the weekend. Visit w~vw.tulsaleather.com for more information. TestFest 2006 - 10.28.06 H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach. Prevention & Education) is gearing up for TestFest 2006 on Saturday, October 28, 2006. FREE 20-minute result HIV tests and additional STD testing will take place at the new Tulsa GLBT Communit3~ Center. 621 E 4th Street, from 11 AM to 7 PM. Log onto w~vw.hopetesting.org or vrvvw.tohr.org for more information. Harvest Festival - 10.28/29.06 The ne~v Tulsa GLBT Community Center will be the site of the Harvest Festival on SaParday & Sunday, October 28th & 29th. The FREE Festival features an array of booths and information with palm readings, card readings and much more from 11 AM to 8 PM. The Witches Ball on Saturday night from 8 PM ’til midnight is something you don’t want to miss. See www.witchesballtolsa.com for more information. �Julie Trainum TORCH: Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? JT: I grew up mostly in Ankeny, Iowa. I am a proud lowan. I came to Tulsa to attend TU back in the early 80’s. I have to say that I call Ttdsa my home. I’ve left several times but 1 keep moving back to Tulsa. I’ve got the "Take Me Back to Tulsa" disease...some may think that this qualifies as a mental health disorder ready for the DSM V! TORCH: When and wt~v did you get involved with TOHR? JT: I became involved in Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) because of three big reasons. First, in 1998, I had been working for a national organization to assist churches in becoming open and affimaing and I was motivated and interested in advocacy and education and the connecfion to TOHR was a good fit for my interests. Second, when 1 got involved in TOHR in 1999, I needed contact with the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) community in Tulsa because I hadn’t been out for very long. I didn’t know very many people and it seemed a belter way to meet people for me than bars. Third, I began working with GLBT youth at Youth Services of Tulsa tions of TOHR would be of great assistance to youth who were struggling with their identities, family issues, and the need for healthy "out" role models. TORCH: Working fi)r Youth S~rvices of Tulsa, what are some oj the biggest challenges that young GLBT people face? JT: After working with youth over the past seven years, l think some of their challenges and issues have changed and yet some have not. Youth continue to need support and a safe environment to understand their sexuality. Media attention that GLBT persons have received over the past five years has produced a false sense of safety that says, in the genera! public’s eye, that "It’s okay to be gay." Unfortunately, this leaves off the second half of the point which is, "unless it is in MY family." At home and at school, youth continue to deal with a barrage of re]igious abuse and alienation. Schools are coming around to assisting these youth in allowing (under Title IX) Gay Straight Alliances. However, these youth face a lot of bureaucracy when establishing a group, and they still need advocacy and assistance from the community. And, of course, school bullying of selfidentified GLBT youth and their straight allies continues to be quite accepted locally and does not stop in school hallways, lunchrooms, and even classrooms. TORCI~’ Can you give us a preview of TOHR’s new programming fl~r young adults? JT: I am excited to see the 20Something goup getting offthe ground with TOHR. 1 have ce~ainly met many youth who couldn’t wait to be 21 and hit the bar scene only to be soon disappointed. And so many leave Tulsa for points more a~epting and open on the east coast or in ~e noghwest. This group w~nts to have a social connection and also one that wil! make a difference, whether they commit to working on a Habi~t House or in the AIDS Walk. We need these young adults in our communi~. We don’t have to wait for them to become the leaders of tomo~ow, because they are leaders today, mad we are behind them. TORCH: How can the new Tulsa GLBT Commu~li~y Center better se~we Tulsa area young adults? JT: The new Tulsa GLBT Community Center can be a place where youth and adults will learn froth each other and work together in a partnership. Yes, thel~ will be computers in the David Bohnett CyberCenter and other things like the Pride store, but there can be so much more! Career mentoring? Employment resources? Drama groups? Art shows? TOHR wishes to be a resource for advocacy and supporting GSAs, education, and other adult mentors. The Tulsa GLBT History Project alone is one of all youth’s greatest resources in understanding where the GLBT communi~ has been in Oklahoma, what it h~s accomplished, and how it has dealt with adversity. �TOHR Welcomes New StaffDkloho_ minis for Human Rights (TOHR) welcomes Sue Arrth~on 0z our part-time Office Manager. Sue has recently relocated to Oklahoma from Mhmeapoils, Mitmesota. Sue will be working with community volunteers at lhe Tulsa GLBT Community Center and assisting in the operational management of TOHR. Stop by the Tulsa GLBT Community Center soon to welcome Sue to the GLBT & allied community of Tulsa and Oklahoma. JOHN EDWARD ERICKSON Seeking any information about John Edward Erickson who was a student at the University of Tulsa during the summer of 1967, before moving back home to the Chicago Area. If anyone has information about John, please contact Phyllis Algeo at phyllisalgeo@yahoo.com. Phyllis is married to an old friend of John who would much like to reestablish ties. Tulsa Oklahomans tbr Human Rights (TOHR) will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Tulsa GLBT Commtmity Center and charting a course for the filture with elections of a new Board of Directors during the TOHR Ammal Meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2006. The new and continuing slate of Board of Directors with their positions, and short bio’s are listed below: Paul Allen Laura Belmonte, Ph.D. President Brian K. Bertolino i! Chair of Special Events Steve W. Eberle Secretary, Co-chair Grants Committee Janet Gearin Chair of Event Colnmittee Lamont Lindstrom Co-chair Grants Committee Mike Mills 2nd Vice-President, Chab- of Board Jeremy Simmons Chair of Advocacy Andy Smith 1st Vice-President, (’hair of Facilities Commiltee, Capital Fund Trustee AI Triggs Co-Chair of Membership Julie A. Trainum Chair of Programming Tim Williams Chair of Public Relations - Marketing Kristopher Wilmes Co-Chair of Membership Paul Allen A [ifeloug resident of Bixby, Oklahoma, Paul holds a BS from Oklahoma State University and a MS from Northeastern State UniversilT. Fol~lerly employed as the Director of Business Services for a large medical group, he currently works as a Senior Consultant for GE Healthcare. Active in Council Oak Men’s Chorale for over six years, Paul currently serves on the Vocal Pride Foundation Board. Paui also has served as the Minister of Worship at MCC United iu Tulsa. He is finishing up serving on the Pyramid Prqiect Con]mittee and the Field of Dreams Committee for TOHR. Paul is the fnther of t~o children and enjoys participating in their many activities. Laura A. Belmonte, Ph.D. Raised in New York and Atlauta, Laura has lived in Tulsa since 1997. After graduating from the Universi~ of Georgia, she earned a doctorate at the University, of Virginia. She is currently an associate professor of American histo~T at OSU. She has served on the TOHR board since 2003 and is also the chair of the city’s Say No to Hate coalition. Her interests include Buddlfism. meditation, yoga, running, working out, golf, and film. Brian K. Bertolino II Brian was born and raised iu Hollywood, FL where he graduated from South Broward High. He has lived in Ttdsa for six years and has become active in onr commtmity believing that the younger generation needs to take an active role in the decisions that will affect them tomorrow. He has been a volunteer at the Community Center, and this year was the Entertainment Chair for Diversity Celebration - Tulsa Pride 2006! He plans to return to college this spring to pursue a career in event coordination for non-profit organizations. Stephen W. Eberle Steve ~vas born and raised in Albany, NY. Steve graduated from Texas A&M University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, the family business. Following a 16-year sales career with the Vaughan Seed Company of Chicago, Steve moved to Tulsa and sold to greenhouse and garden center accounts in Kansas and Oklahoma. His career then shifted to animal protection, a life-long passion, serving as Executive Director of the Washington County SPCA in Bartlesville for two years. That led to vohmteer work in animal protectiou legislation and successful campaigns to outlaw cockfighting, bear wrestling and horse tripping in Oklaho(Continued on page i 2) �opening of Oklahoma! in Tulsa’s Convention Hall (Brady Theater) in April 1947. Riggs had mixed memories of his boyhood state, describing Oklahomarts as "a suspect fraterniW, as fearful of being recognized by others as they were by themselves. Gamblers, traders, vagabonds, daredevils, fools. Men with a sickness, men with a distemper. Men disdainful of the set~led, the admired, the regular ways of life... Pioneers, eaten people." On the other hm~d, he wrote his play Green Grow the Lilacs featuring Oklahomans "who were not parsimonious of speech and ordinarily, not parched in flieir fruity enjoyment of life. These people were few and far between indeed; but they existed, uneaten, undisturbed, hearty, fertile~ and gay." Riggs had complicated relations with friends and lovers. He had only two longer-term partners, both younger: the Mexican artist Emdque GasqueMolina (who painted and wrote as Ramon Naya) and Gui Machado, a performer in Jos~ Limon’s New York dance company. With profits from Oklahoma!, Riggs bougbt a home on Shelter Island, off Long Island, where he died fi’om stomach cancer in 1958. Besides Green Grow the Lilacs, Riggs lel~ behind a legacy of poems and plays (including the experimental Cherokee Night). And who can ignore Oklahoma!’s lyrical plea? The farmer and the cowman should befriends, Oh, the farmer and the cowman Association of Oklahoma fbr three years, traiued as an Enviromnental Consultant and now provides environmental consulting and education to homes, schools and business through the University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State University. Steve has worked for the past 28 years with nearIy 50 different not-for-profits in Tulsa. priularily in fundraising and Board se~wice. Steve resides near downtown Tulsa, attends Iloly Family Cathedral and has a strong group of Iongtimc friends with a commol~ goal of serving those in need. Janet Gearln Oklahoma born and bred. Janet left Oklahoma to pursue degrees that would lead her into a career as a Psychiatric Clinical Specialist. Her first stop was in Denver where she speut 3 years getting her BS in Nursing. As a University of Colorado graduate, Janet then had to make a decisiou of where to go for her Masters degree. She chose the great city San Francisco and spent 2 years there getting that Clinical Specialist certification from the University of Califbrnia-San Francisco. Janet chose to return to her home state to be close to family aud to be the first Clinical Specialist to practice in the state of Oklaboma. She is now well into her 31st year with the Department of Veterm~s AB;airs. In the 1980’s, she began helping those with HIV and AIDS. She was among those who established the TOHR helpline. She was with Shanti for several years, served on its first Board of Directors, and worked as a facilitator for mauy support groups for friends, t:amily and persons with H1V/AIDS. Janet remembers the early d~ys of RAIN, PFLAG, and interfaith AIDS Ministries as organizations that led the way. She worked with the Community Service Council for a number of years to expand, build and organize community services. She spoke to many different groups-.from secretaries to Dental hygienists to other nurses during those years trying to build bridges oF support and assistance tbr the Gay community as well as those living with HIV/AIDS. In 1989, with the founding of Follies Revue, Inc., she Found her real passion. She served as President several years and helped Follies raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for HIV/AIDS sttpport and service organizations over a 10-year period of time. Since 2003, Janet has served on the TOHR board and she also works as a Center voluuteer on Friday evenings. Larnont Lindstrom Lamout currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of TOHR. Lamont received his Ph.D. from the Uuiversity of California at Berkeley and is a Professor of Anthrognlogy at the Univel’sity of Tulsa. Lamont is active in the Society of Gay and Lesbian Anthropologists and the advisor of the Unive~3ity of Tulsa’s BLGTA (Bi, Lesbian, Gay & Transgender Association). Michael Mills Michael has approximately twenty-five years of diverse experience in private industry and higher education. For the past eighteen years, he has held a variety of administrative management positions at The University of Tulsa, encomgnssing the areas of academic support services and student services administratiou. Currently, he holds the position of Associate Dean of Students and Director of Career Services and University and Community Setwice. Mr. Mills received his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University and his master’s degree from The University of Oklahoma. Mr. Mills has presented workshops on a variety of topics, including Resume Writing, Interview Techniques, Dress-for-Success, Business Etiquet*e, The Successful Job Search, and Effective Communication. He currently serves as VicePresident for Community Outreach on the Board of Directors for Youth Services of Tulsa. �(Cont#Tuedfrom page 12) Jeremy Simmons Jeremy grew up in Ramona, OK, lived in Stillwater for a few years, then moved to Tulsa in 1994. He began volunteering with TOHR’s HIV Testing Clinic at the beginning of 1996 and ~vas hired for outreach work that summer. He worked on various outreach contracts for the first several years that focused on HIV prevention for gay and bisexual men. This included testing and distributing condoms at the bars and facilitatiug groups like the weekly Coming Out Suppo~ Group. In 2001, he became the HOPE Testing Clinic Coordinator, which entails training new employees on HIV testing and makin gsure that everything runs smooth in the cliuic. He has also been active locally with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and was President of the BLGTA at TU. He is an HIV Instructor Trainer with the American Red Cross and helps out the OSU Prevention for Positives program. Andy Smith 22 years old, is a recent graduate of the University of Tulsa with a degree in Engineering Physics and works for the United States Department of Energy - Southwestern Power Administration. Andy is a transgender female-to-male individual who is diversely involved in the community. He currently serves as First Vice-President of TOHR, directs the Gender Outreach program for TOHR, is involved with the Community of Hope UCC, the musical group - The Key of Q, the leather comlnunity, OUTOK, and the Tulsa School of Metaphysics. Andy just recently celebrated his three-year anniversary with girlfriend Carrie Whitmarsh. A! Triggs AI is a graphic designer in the Tulsa area, is active in the Green Country Marketing Association and currently serves on the TOHR Board of Directors. He and his partnet live in mid-town Tulsa and are involved with the GLBT & allied community in numerous endeavors and avid supporters of community organizations. Juiie A. Trainum Julie holds a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Tulsa and an MDiv from Phillips Theological Seminary. She is the Health Education and Prevention Coordinator for Youth Se~wices of Tulsa. She works within the community building referral sources for youth to receive sexual health services. Julie provides educational seminars and classes to youth and parents on sexual health issues and healthy relationships. Julie also provides HIV testing and counseling in collaboration with H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic. She also trains medical staff and community leaders working with young adults in issues for GLBT youth and other hard to reach youth. At Youth Services, Julie co-facilitates "Out and Loud" a GLBT educational support group for youth. Tim Williams Born in Pawhuska, Oklahoma - the heart of the Osage Indian Nation, Tim and his family moved from there to Ardmore, Oklahoma and finally to Tulsa in 1970. Tim graduated from Union High School and began working in the food service indust~2 . Currently he is a caterer by trade; for the last 20+ years he has owned and operated his own company in Tulsa: TW’s-Anything for a Buck Catering. Specializing in Corporate Jet Catering, TW’s-AFAB Catering also has a faithful clientele in the corporate field as well as private and non-profit customers. The Company has a great reputation for donating their services to the community. His lifelong passion has been Historic Preservation and to that end, he currently serves on the City of Tulsa’s COA Committee of the Tulsa Historic Preservation Commission. Personally active in preservation, Tim has restored 12 houses in the Brady Heights Historic District (Continued on page 14) �where he currently resides in a 1909 Folk Victoriau SVIe home with his partner of 4 years. Jonathan Brown and their 120-pound adorable (log h’mnan. Tim served on the Pyramid Project Committee for TOHR and participates in the myriad of events and fnndraisers created fbr the benefit of the new Tnlsa GLBT Community Center. Kristopher Wilmes Born in Missouri. Kfistopher reIocated to TuIsa at a ve~ young age. lle loves enterraining Ills friends and ~amily at his mid-town borne with partner of 3 yeats, Dustin Gross and their 80 lb. Akita. His interests aIso include going to the theatre, walking Riverside Park with the dog, traveling and socializing with friends around town. Kris has a marketing degree from Northeastern State University. but was drawn to the profession of Human Resonrces right out of college. He has 10 years of HR experience at various companies in the Tulsa area, including: Olsten Staffing. MCI/ Worldco~n, and for the last two years at U.S. Cellular as an Associate Relations Manager, Itis professional focus is on leadership training, diversity and inclusion m~d employee relations. thank you The TOHR Board of Directors is a working board as menlbers govern the organization and perform many hands-on duties for the benefit of the organization and the community. Our deepest appreciation goes to several long-time members of the TOHR Board who are retiring this year. Thank you to Mark Bonney, Andrew Carter, Kelly Carter, Dwight Kealiher, John Madigan, Mike Redman, Linda Reis. Kaye Smith. Marcia Telukevich. Mike Villafuerte, and Ken Yonngblood for your years of service and dedication to tbe Gak, Lesbian. Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) & allied community of Tulsa and all of Oklahoma. Your expertise, time and talents have benefited the community greatly - thank you. TOHR PARTNERS WITH OKLAHOMA COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS Tulsa Oklahonums fi~r Human Rights (TOHR) thank~ the Tulsa-based Wil/iam~ Companies fi~r it~ recent generous grant oJ $ 7,146 to support technoloyy ~rowth in TOHR ’~ qf/orts to secure GLBT equality f~r Oklahoma, Grant funds ~ ill enhance the David Bohnett CyberCenter. A new ~erver and color lmerjet will greatly TOHR also thanks the Hille Foundation for it,s recent suppor¢ and ongoing ~artnership to ensure the Tulsa & Oklahoma GLBT & allied community are served through the various community-oriented pro~’ams qf TOHR. Thank you. ,flash what’s going on that affects you? know the issues with tohr’s advocacy flashes sign up for free at tohr.org what’s happening in Tulsa? special events, community info, national news & entertainment keep up on your community with the tohr enews sign up for free at tohr.org �membership ~tulsa oklahomans for human rights Name (as it should appear on mail addressed to you): I (we) want to join TOHR/ __ Student, Senior or Americorps Volunteer $15 IndividuaJ $30 Family / Household $50 __Patron $100 Mailing Address Method of Donation Check enclosed, payable to TOHR My company offers a matching gift pro Telephone gram. The proper forms are enclosed or will follow Please bill (our) credit card: [MPORTANT __Visa Email Address Card # __MC __AMEX �m~a oklahomans for human rights PO Box 2687 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101 Www’toh r.org your online GLB.T community � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] TOHR Torch, September - October 2006; Volume 5, Issue 6 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2006 September-October Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights October 2006 September 2006 TOHR Torch