6 20 643 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/900915304f717af154e23b12cfe81a05.jpg ddf91067f00f2e9cefe0192783ef5940 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Unite. Educate. Celebrate! flier Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Flier advertising 2003's pride events. Advertises individual events throughout pride week leading up to parade. Includes list of event sponsors. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 5-14, 2003 Language A language of the resource Englsih Type The nature or genre of the resource Flier Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Diversity Week 2003 Paragraph 175 Awakenings Singing with Pride Family Pride Spaghetti Dinner PlayMor Follies 2003 Diversity Gala Bound By Blood Interfaith Service Art Exhibit & Silent Auction Daddy and Papa James Hormel Jim Verraros Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Gay-friendly business Human Rights Campaign Miller Coors Light Outline Magazine 106.9 KHITS Bud Light Tim Scott ID Lubricants Gayly Oklahoman Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays TW's AFAB The Tulsa Bus Plant Council Oak Men's Chorale Parish Church of St. Jerome All Souls Unitarian Church Women of Council Oak Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/3c06d6fa49ab758de3eda48d02d418f4.jpg cec693e7d16b1f53d47e7a98c5161a91 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Ride with Pride Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Poster board advertising Pride bumper stickers. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2003 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Diversity Celebration 2003 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender Community Center https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/7ccb91f4502ccbc782b457e9dddeef01.jpg 75538af90070094b1fb969271c6702a3 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] IBM Ad: Workplace Diversity = Marketplace Success Subject The topic of the resource Pride Description An account of the resource Pride month advertisement for IBM highlighting their diversity policies. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource IBM Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Advertisement Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride Month Gay-friendly businesses IBM https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/bc18fa22be2169b14947591ffb3550e5.jpg 0079a8326be52e12f8962ba22906e391 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] T-Shirts and Tanks, Get Yours Today! Advertisement Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Advertisement for Pride 2003 shirts. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Advertisement Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Diversity Celebration 2003 Pride 2003 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/323809fafd415c0177339e544c5e4e79.jpg 8ac1346a66fe61dc2a39fffd28292de1 Physical Object An inanimate, three-dimensional object or substance. Note that digital representations of, or surrogates for, these objects should use Moving Image, Still Image, Text or one of the other types. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Peace Through Pride Pin Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Pin from 2003's Diversity Celebration Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Pin Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Diversity Celebration 2003 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/ac4e7155c96d82f88dc23478fed298fa.jpg 9f8a4ca1f8b24e719670bc52c00384a6 Physical Object An inanimate, three-dimensional object or substance. Note that digital representations of, or surrogates for, these objects should use Moving Image, Still Image, Text or one of the other types. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] Diversity Celebration Pin Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2004 Description An account of the resource Pin from 2004's Diversity Celebration Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 4-12, 2004 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Pin Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2004 Diversity Celebration 2004 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/c7641729331198cf80878d1d621281e2.jpg 216b9c8ff0503606252ceeef63779479 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b310cde7c20101c7d372a18f34483f0e.pdf c52538920077b3300b717fc407c32658 PDF Text Text THE VOLUME 7 PREMIER SOURCE FOR ISSUE 4 GLBT OKLAHOMA Twi~er.com/MetroStarNews to exempt Oklahoma Ha e Cr mes Law protecting GLBTs State Senate It is very sad that any lawmaker in Oklahoma would introduce legislation that would force Oklahoma law enforcement officials to violate ground brealdng Federal law that would extend legal protections to LGBT Oklahomans who may become victims of violence motivated by bigotry." Statement by State Senator Andrew Rice who was one of the 6 Senators who voted no. By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ SB 1965, introduced by State Senator Steven Russell ( Republican-District 45) deals mainly with the Fede~aI Hate Crimes expansion signed into law by President Obama in October 22,2009, which added Federal Hates crimes protection to include gender, sexual oriei~tation, gender identity and disability in addition to the already covered categories of agencies from sharing evidence or providing assistance ro Federal authorities if they are im~esrigating a hate crime in Oklahoma. It has passed the State Senate 39-6. Oklahoma Hate Crimes laws (Section 850 Title 21) cover race, color, tel igion, gender, disability, familial status and national origin. As sexual orientation and gender identity are not covered, hate crimes against GLBTs in the state of Oklahoma could not be prosecuted as such under state law, yet such a crime could be punished as a hate crime under Federal [axe; which passage of SB 1965 would attempt m change. However Constitutionally Federal Law supercedes state law. As Tamya Cox of Oldaboma’s ACLU puts T lsa M tary Veteran Kelly rbv honored by O ahomans for By Michael xYZ Sasser TULSA, OK Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) is set to h--~nor Tulsa accountant Kelly ~rby with a Lifetime Achievement Award on April 24 at their 30th Anniversary Equality Gala. "I have to say that at 56 years old the word ’lifetime’ is a little daunting," says the aftable longtime activist. Kirby is being honored for 20 years of major activism for the Oklahoma GLBT community. "I appreciate the fact that they are recognizin, g my accomplishments," Kirby says. I think what I have done is important and I would have done it without aW recognition of it." it, "For example, if a bloody baseball bat was used in an Oklahoma hate crime against a gay person and it was held by state authorities who are most likely to be first on the scene, if this bill becomes law it could not be given to Federal authorities as evidence for prosecution." Since Oklahoma State Hate Crimes laws don’t covering GLBTs, SB 1965 would make it virtually impossible for hate crimes against GLBTs in Oklahoma to be successftdiv prosecuted as hate crimes. Scott J. Hamilton. Executive Director of the Cimarron Alliance stated, "\g)~e are appalled that the Oklahoma Senate would pass legislation that, in effect, green lights violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens in this state. Not only is it unconstitutional, it is unconscionable. In the meantime our state vdll spend without limit to defend this in court. Oklahoma is in the midst of a budget crisis of historic proportions. I find it hard to believe that bigotry is so pervasive in our state that our policymakers would rather pass hate filled legislation than addressing failing schools and reductions in services for seniors." ........ Continued See BILL 1965 Page-5 ® MetroStarNews.com APRIL 1,2010 Pau Robert ompsor A lifetime of service-forever a gacy (1939-2010) By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Among Oklahomans who take an interest in equality and justice there are very fe~v who didn’t know about Paul Thompson, and many knew him xvell as he -worked hard to make Oklahoma better until his life ended. At least 2 generations of activists worked beside him, enduring the heartbreak of setbacks and the joys of victories as history marched on. His energy was tireless, chairing meetings, working with bureaucracies, organizing events, making speeches, doing mailings, and on and on. Although he had his own business, PRT Designs (interior decorating), his true passion was working with people for justice. He was well known for his outspoken pride clearly shown by his trademark outfits, which included xvearing a different rainbow color with matching socks every day. He co-chaired the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus from 1992 until 2010, and was active for many years with the Oklahoma Democratic Party. He also played a significant role in organizing Oklahoma City’s first Pride Parade in 1988, a true ~ilestone not only for Oklahoma City but rather the entire GLBT community of Oklahoma. That event was a major turning point in Oklahoma, with the KKK waiting in the Safexvay (now Homeland) parking tot on N.-W. 39th Street to stop the "queer parade." But that event had a happy ending as fellow activist Jim Ninamo put xt, "When they saw how many participants were marching, they tucked their tails and left." The rest was history, with that proud tradition continuing today. Paul served as the Male CoChair for the OKC Pride Parade and Festival for many years until 2009, when he was given a Chairmanship Emeritus Award for his service. ........ Continued See THOMPSON Page-4 giving well over 100 interviews and malting For more than two decades, Kirby has been a sure his clients know he might end up in the visible activist for GLBT issues with an emphasis media. on marriage equality and for gay "A lot of people in Tulsa and lesbian service members. It "1 lost a relationship feel that they can’t speak hasn’t always been an easy role to that had been long up because of family or play. term when he was community or work," Kirby On \Vorld A~DS Day in 1991, discharged from the says. "I had to get past that." Kirby participated in a smal! Air Force for being Still Kirby said he demonstration in Tulsa on a wet, gay," Kirby says. believes different people rainy night. Unbeknownst to him, should be featured by his photo was taken and the next media as representative of the state GLBT day appeared in a newspaper. community. "I got a phone call from my biggest client the next da)~" Kirby remembers. "q-he mvner of the ........ Continued See KIRBY Page-7 company asked me ifI had the opportunity to make a statement for my cause, if I would do it. I hadn’t really thought about it until then, but I said that yes, I probably would. An hour later, I was fired and lost two-thirds of my business. I basically had to start over from scratch building my business. Kelly WKirby 1974 at age 20, United States I guess that was my activist wake-up call." Air Force, honor guard dress uniform. _*Kirby said that "he hasn’t shut up"" since then, �Cimarron Alliance Moves Forward with new- O ces and a Dynamic Director By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Margaret Cox proudly cutting the ribbon held by the new Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, with Lisa Ptsiri of the Oldahoma City Chamber of Commerce looking on. Gorin photo OKLM-IOMA CITY, OK__ Cimarron Alliance Group was formed in 1995 as a political action committee (PAC) focused on equality for the GLBT community in Oldaho,na. Although other groups existed at that time, anaong them the Oldahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, the Mliance was a venture of successful business people and professionals who would be able to give serious financial backing to deserving candidates seeking public office as well as put on events for the GLBT community. First chaired by the late Bill Rogers, the organization became a major force for the GLBT community and the Oldalxoma political landscape. In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed as a 501(c)(3) organization, a nonprofit status which enables an organization to, among other things, accept contributions which are tax deductible to the giver. While this type of organization is prohibited fi’om most political activity, including contributing to or promoting candidates or political parties, the CAF was focused on educational issues facing the GLBT community, informing not only them but also straights as well. In this endeavor they have held events such as their annual Leadership Summit, which is a convention of leadership from all GLBT groups. They made history in 2001 when their Gay Pride banners for Oklalmma City light poles were oMered taken down by then Mayor Kirk Humphreys. They took the city 1:o Federal court and on September 13,2002 Judge Robin Cauthron ruled that the banners were protected by Federal free speech rights mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Redesigned in 1997, the Pride banners still fly on special occasions. Now as we face a new decade with pride facing prejudice, especially with opposition 2 to GLBT equality clearly shown to be alive and kicking in Oldahoma, Cimarron is facing challenge as they undergo change. For the first time they have an office, !ocated at 729 N.gi. 17th Street in OHahoma City. Likewise they now have their first fulltirne Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, a native Otdahoman. A~er many years in New York City with many ventures he has returned home to fight for equality. Born inI960 in south Oklalmma City, he graduated as a valedictorian of Capitol Hill High School in 1978. He later graduated from OU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and his first job was being a promoter for the Oldahoma Opry, an Oldahoma City venue for country and western musicians. He later took a far better paying position with an oil company but lost that job during the oil bust of 1983, actually driving to the unemployment office in a Mercedes. What followed was a variety of ventures to pay the bills, ranging from teaching junior high school chorus to painting garage doors to makJng doughnuts, among other endeavors. Finally he flew to New York City (the Mercedes long gone) with 3 suitcases and $200 to meet a friend awaiting he could stay vdth. Doing writing and consulting for an import/export business, he moved on to success with the advertising agency Charron, Schwartz and Partners. Walking through the subway one fateful day beneath Grand Central Station he saw Wayne Johnson, a gentleman that would prove to be a soulmate. As the relationship came together, Scott came out at work (no problem) and they legally married in Connecticut. Following this, he got involved working with nonprofit organizations. Finding himself laid off, he began checking around for other ....... Continued See ClMARRON Page 5 April 1, 2010 �is T.E.N? By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer 7he Equalily Network, or TEN. is comprised of three organizational entities: TEN PAC, TEN, and TEN Institute. Pictured above is Laura Belmonte. an activist who is also i4ce President and Co-Founder ofTEN. Townsend photo TULSA. OK TEN, or "The Equality Network" is a non-partisan statewide organization working to achieve equality and secure legal protection for tesbian. ga)~ bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Oklahomans through advocacy, coalition building and individual empowerment in the political process. Founded in 2009. TEN is comprised of three organizational entities: TEN PAC, TEN, and TEN Institute. "Over the last decade or so that I’ve worked for LGBT equalityin Oklahoma I’ve become increasingly impressed with the amazing progress statewide LGBT advocacy groups are having elsewhere," said Laura Belmonte, Vice President and Co-Founder of TEN. "Last year a number of positive forces converged and we concluded that the timing xvas right to implement a three-pronged strategy of ’educate, advocate, elect.’" Belrnonte also has a PhD amd is currently Director of American Studies and associate professor of Arnerican History at Oklahoma State University. "The launching ofTEN is the fulfilhnent of a personal dream and I feel very fortunate ro have the opportunity to work ~vith such a committed and talented group of people," adds Belmonte. "Each day, we are hearing from people all over the state - most in places where there is no organized effort for LGBT equality - and we are quite encouraged by the alliances that are developing. With time, effort, and a lot of help we think that TEN can help make some positive changes for LGBT Oklahomans." TEN is affiliated with the Equality Federation (vrww.equalityfederation.org), the national alliance of state-based LGBT advocacy organizations. Collectively these state groups have compiled a remarkable string of pro-equality victories on a range of issues including workplace fairness, antibullying and relationship recognition. Even a small group of w!!l-prepared constituents can www.metrostarnews.com make a powerful impression on a legislator. Legislators need to hear from people who support LGBT equality all the time, not only at times when the LGBT community is being targeted. "The board combines people with professional and non-professional experience in lobbying and advocacy at the state and local levels on causes as varied as LGBT rights, animal protection, HIV/A.IDS, economic injustice, and gender equality," adds Belmonte. "This wilt be a continua!, longterm effort. It is going to take time and effort to move Oklalaoma toward more inclusive ~nd just public policies for LGBT people." For more information you may contact Belmonte at lbelmonte@theequalitynetwork. org or 918.906.2134. Our web site is ~wcw. theequalitynetwork.org. You can also find TEN on Facebook and Twitter (follow TENEquality). Openly Gay Norman City Councilman wins re-election but now is running for State House NORMAN, OK (PR) __ When Tom Kovach was first elected to the Norman City Council in 2008, he wasn’t the first openly gay person to do so. That milestone was achieved by David Ray in 2002, but Tom did have the distinction of being the second, and of being re-elected unopposed this year. He represents Ward 2. However, as State Representative Bil! Nations of District 44 is leaving office due to term limits, Tom Kovach has announced he is running for that office as a Democrat, His stated reasoning, " Sometimes government produces ideas that in the light of day lack common sense. I have always been willing to speak out on those occasions as the voice of the people, and I remains so." "Throughout my years in Norman I have worked with people from all walks of life, helping them find solutions to the problems they faced. I have done so as a union leader, a smal! business owner and now as a local business executive. I accomplished these things through honesty, respectful communication and a willingness to hear all sides of an issue, the same qualities that will mark my service as your next state representative." He has lived in the district more than 40 years, graduating from OU with a degree in Letters. He currently works as a Customer Service Manager for Astromomics, a leading U.S. dealer and producer of quality optics. He and his partner Will Weir are active in many social service agencies in the Norman area, and look forward to doing more for their fellow Oklahomans. A Toast to Life It’s time to Paint the Town Robert! By Robin D-Townsend Contributing W-riter Other Options and Friends Food Pantry board president, Robert Painter tu,ws 40 in April and is planning a huge_f!~ndraising eventfor t,§e organization to celebrate the occasion. Townsend photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s a birthday bash like none other. Turning 40 is Robert Painter, famous for his ’best little tact stand down by the tracks,’ (a.k.a., ~lhe Iguana Mexican Grill). Painter is also the board president of Other Options, Inc (OOI) and has chosen to celebrate ’the big 4-0’ in a very unique way. "Our Toast to Life event is the signature fundraiser for Other Options and it is held annually in April?said Painter. ~Ttpril also happens to be the same month as my birthday. I really w~tnted to take advantage of the name Ihave made for myself to help an or,ga,~)ization who has done so much for people.’ Painter became acquainted with OOI when his dear friend, Tim Wade ~vas diagnosed with HIV. The only place he could find immediate help at no cost in Oklahoma City was at Other Options. This is where Painter met Mary Arbuclde, Executive Director of OOI and Friends Food Pantry. Wade found assistance with medication, food and other support services at OOI. Sadly, Wade passed away in 2009 but Painter has kep,t, his memory alive by giving back. The bigge,,st thing we [O~I] need is our own building, adds Painter. That is why our goal is $40,000 for this event and I think we can do it." Forty seems to be the magic number. Since 1989 Other Options in Oklahoma City has provided professional, consistent services to people who are HIV positive and disabled individuals, focusing on the impact HIV/AIDS has had in the lives of those they serve. The mission of Other Options is to create a better understanding of HIV/AIDS, provide training, guidance and provide educational directories that link the affected community to services. The venue will include live music, various artists and entertainers, dancing, and deadCenter will be showing films on the big screen, there will be a fashion show and a silent auction will be held. Another unique part of this event will be the art gallery featuring Oklahoma City artists Debbie Curtis, Joe Slack, Ben Potter, Brent Weber and Bryan Boone. Other surprises are also in store. ~ Toast to Life; Paint the Town Robert,’ vdtl be held on April 10th at 7:40pm at 25 NW 9th (just \grest of Nae Iguana). Tickets for the event are $40 and will include food, drink, entertainment and parldng. For tickets or to make a donation please call (405) 6058020. Reserve tickets are requested; the event is free to clients of Other Options. 1st Annual Tulsa Violence Symposium In Memory of Joseph Walker-Hoover Jaheem Herrera TULSA, OK (PR) April 16, 2010 hosted by Youth Services of Tulsa. Nae event will take place at Langston University Tulsa starting at 9AM. Registration to attend this event is not necessary. The event will address national and local concerns about the growing problems of student-on-student abuse in our communities - Bullying, Dating Violence/Date Rape, and Domestic Violence. If you would like to schedule a booth for your organization, please contact Michael Merryman at 918.382-4429, or email to mmerryman@yst.org. ’uPtcv - Civil Rights *Criminal ment Family Law - Litigation 625 N.W. t S.th Street a City, OK [vIETROSTAR 3 �Dear Editor, I wanted to share the letter Congresswoman Mary Fallin sent to me in response to my letter regarding EDNA and The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill and the reaction of the Oldahoma Legislature. Kendell Powers Oklahoma Civ/ March 8, 2010 Mr. Kendel Powers 600 Northwest 23rd Street, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73103-1464 Dear Mr. Powers: Thank you for taking the time to contact me about the Employment NonDiscrimination Act. Understanding your ideas and concerns is important to me, as it helps me to better represent you and the Fifth District of Oklahoma. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, would extend existing provisions of Federal law to prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of "actual or perceived" sexual orientation. The bill expands civil rights protections on the vague basis of perception, requiring courts to determine an employer’s thoughts when an employment action is taken. Currently Title \HI prohibits workplace harassment that is based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This legislation is anotber example of political correctness gone wrong. This bill is constitutionally questionable, weakens both state and federal marriage laws, and creates a legal trap for businesses, schools, and people of faith. I have long opposed the government’s creeping assault on the faithbased values our country was founded on, the flaws in this bill are numerous and obvious. ENDA is inconsistent with the rights guaranteed by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (PdaRA), which prohibits the Federal Government from substantially burdening the free exercise of religion. It nullifies the rights of some religious schools which, although not "controlled, managed or owned by a specific religion," may still consider religious faith and traditional moral values to be an essential part of their curriculum. This opens some of Oldahomds most successful faith-based institutions to unconstitutional government involvement and supervision. Without a blanket exemption for all religious educational institutions, nondenominational religious schools will be forced to operate under government review of curriculum and constant fear of litigation. The.proposed legislation makes a protected class based on sexual behavim; which will jeopardize our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and religious expression. ENDA is a direct attack on individual religious freedoms and creares a lega! tightrope for employers over which law to follow and violate. Employers with rnoral or religious beliefs opposed to homosexualiV will be forced to lay down their rights and convictions at the door, creating a hostile work environment. In addition to ENDA’s blatant disregard for traditional values, values 4 tsv{~£T~qOSTAR that still mean something to the people of Oklahoma, the law is so vaguely defined and so unenforceable that it seems to be more of a handout to trial lavo,ers than anything else. As your Representative, I stand for religious liberty and people of all faiths and oppose a convoluted, vaguely defined and unenforceable set of new regulations governing personal behavior and hiring practices. Thank you again for taking the time to share your ideas and concerns. As the 11 lth Congress addresses the man), challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and vie,vs with me. However, due to increased security measures, mail delivery may be delayed for up to two weeks. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my website at ,aw~v.fallin.house.gov to contact me via email in the future. While visiting my site you may also sign up for my e-newsletter as well as find usefu! information about the 11 lth Congress. Sincerely Mary Fallin Member of Congress Dear Editor, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Hunting season is on for gays and lesbians as long as the Oklahoma Legislature is in session. If the rednecks don’t get us the suit-and-tie boys will. Not content with passing SQ 71 ! in 2004 making marriage only bet~veen one man and one woman as many times as they like, the Senate has just passed 39-6 a bill (SB1965) to opt out of the recentl~ passed federal Shepard/Byrd Hate Crime~ I[aw. ~e bill nmv goes to the House side of the Capitol. Senate Bill 1965 seems optimistically numbered in that I’m sure Sen. Russell, the sponsor, and 38 of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle would like to return to the year 1965 ifno~ earlier, when gays and lesbians knew that our place was not alongside other Americans but rather in the closet of narrow, scared shadows with the door hinges well rusted. ~e voting record is located here: http://tinyurl.com/ycgog86 It’s odd that many of these legislators weren’t even born then or were very young. Where did they learn such animosity towards strangers that never did them any harm? Surely not in their church pews or at their dinner tables, do you think? After all, African-Americans had just achieved a legal victory in 1965 with the ’passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Acts for which white bigots thought the sky would fall in. The sky did not fal! in and it won’t fall in when gays and lesbians achieve our social and legal victory over the bigots of Oldahoma. 2q~e only thing lost will be the legal right bigots so jealously retain to impose their ignorance over the rest of us. According to Sen. Russell’s legislative webpage he has a serious military record and several medals. If medals are a mark of bravery why is Sen. Russell so afraid of gays and lesbians that he sponsors bills that remove them from the protection of the law and maintain their second-class status as taxpayers--second-class in that gay/lesbian money is ACcepted for payment of taxes yet we are EXcepted when it comes to protection from hatred and discrimination? X~y is Sen. Russell afraid of gay/lesbian equality under the law? Senator Russell just can’t stop fighting wars and looking for enemies. He should reenlist and put his life back on the line, for his country of course. James Nimmo Oklahoma City, OK Hawaii’s Garden Isle: Kauai, In terms of scenery, the one Hawaiian island that comes closest to living up to the expectations of many first-time visitors is Kauai, a comparatively small but magnificently lush isle of rain forests, towering seaside cliffs and seduded beaches. Sumptuous full-service resorts to quaint B&B’s. A list of where to stay and things to do now online in our Travel Section @ www.MetroStarNews.com Dear Editor, TULSA, OK__ Senate Bil! 1965 has to be defeated. This bill would restrict Oklahoma law enforcement from complying with the federal justice department during a hate biased crime investigation. The bill’s author, State Senator Steven Russell, has suggested the Federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act would restrict free speech (aka ministers preaching against homosexuality). So the Oklahoma Senate has refused to hear bills that would assist victims ofliate biased crimes but have tentatively approved another bill that would remove any hope of justice for LGBT victims of violence. This is unacceptable and I strongly urge everyone to contact their State Senator and challenge them to not approve Senate Bill 1965 on it’s final hearing. Visit this website and find out how to reach your senator. http:llwww.facebook.comll195662;www. oksenate.gov/Senators/maps.htm Toby Jenkins President, Oklahomans for Equality Tulsa; OK .......... ......... : ...... He was born in Oklahoma City on November 19, 1939. AaCter growing up there and graduating from Central High School he worked maW jobs before creating PRT Designs, His road to activism began when he was arrested after leaving a gay bar over 40 years ago on bogus charges of lewd conduct. Unlike almost any of his peers, he fought the charge and won. He continued to fight injustice wherever he saw it. In addition to activism in the gay community he also helped African Americans, serving on the board of the Oklahoma City NAACP for over 15 ),ears as well. ........ Metro Star Travel Column Now Online Kauai’s famed Na Pali Coast, with its 4, 000foot cli~ rMng big,§ above the sea. Photo by Andrew Collins A memorialput up on the Nix/2. 39th Street Strip Median at N.14z. 39th and Pennsylvania by Nathanid Batchelder qfthe Peace House Paul passed away March 8 at Baptist Integris Medical Center due to a stroke and subsequent heart failure. A memorial service was held for him at the 1st Unitarian Church March 14. Speakers included Laura Rhoads, who knew him as "Unde Paul" when he was her childhood friend, as well as former Oklahoma Commissioner Jim Roth. Followed by a potluck supper a multitude of his friends and fellow activists shared memories, lamented how far he’d brought us, and how to make his legacy live on. No ma#er who yot are on life’s journ~ 3131 ,R. Pennsylvania, Oklaho 405.525.9555 April 1,2010 �jobs in a nationwide search. By chance he found an executivedirector’s position open with Cimarron Alliance and his first thought was,, A gay organization in Oklahoma CitT, how is that possible?" He applied for the position and got it. With the encouragement of his partner ’,Wayne (still in New York but who will join him later) he has plans for a new direction fi~r himself and for Cimarron. One of his major concerns, as it is for all nonprofits, is how to achieve objectives or even survive in this type of economy. His answer, "You keep going because the needs do not abate just because money is tight. If you believe in social jnstice, that doesn’t stop until there is justice. " He has been pleasantly surprised at the financial contributions people have made recently to the organization, and those volunteering their time and talents as well. He also realizes that for a long time there was a perception that Cimarron is an organization primarily focused as being an elite group of white,~ wealthy, handsome gay men. When it was formed in 1995 a membership cost $250. Today there are no dues to join the organization, and the Cimarron Alliance PAC no longer exists. Currently the Foundation hosts an annual Stop Hate in the Hallways summit, which has been a major factor for school systems in Oldahoma considering or implementing anti-bullying policies that protect students who are GLBT or perceived to be from harassment, q-he main objective now is more outreach. As Scott stated, " One of my goals for " this year, besides raising enough money to pay the bills, is to demonstrate with sincerity and conviction that this is an organization that is approachable and dedicated to serving everyone in the community." Beginning in April Cimarron Alliance Foundation will begin a "411 Series" ofg0 minute presentations on various aspects of problems facing the GLBT community. Topics covered could include living with a partner who is an addict, tax problems, race or religion as well as all categories covered by Federal law. As of press time, the bill was headed to the Oldahoma State House of Representatives, but may undergo changes before it is voted on there. Senator Rice stated that he hopes the bill is stopped in the House or vetoed by the Governor. Pat Sund, a spokeman for Governor Henry, said the governor is watching the bill but has not yet made a decision as to whether he will sign it. Memori , David Osthoff OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ David Henry Osthoff lost his battle with an extended illness ~aursda~; February 25, 2010, in Oldahoma City. He was born September 26, 1953, in Hopewell, Virginia to Charline Ehrlich. David had several jobs through the years, but will mainly be remembered as a server at Gusher’s Restaurant for many years before returning to Cookson, OK to care for his mother. He enjoyed reading, gardening and playing pool in the Family Pool League. David was a very caring and compassionate person. He never judged people, never met a stranger and never forgot anyone’s birthday or anniversary. He was preceded in death by his loving mother and father Charline and Billie Ballew. He is survived by two brothers and a sister; six nieces and nephews, and many close friends. Special thanks to the staff at North Winds Living Center in .O,KC. A celebration of David s life is planned for Sunday; April 18th in The Finishline located inside The Habana Inn at 4:30 p.m. Londerm D, Raine captures the title of Miss Gay Lawton By Victor Gorin Contributing Writer domestic violence, health issues, inheritance laws, situations usually faced by people in general with unique aspects for GLBTs. How does it feel to be directing an organization like Cimarron in the reddest state in the country? Scott feels encouraged stating, " ~ have found pockets of folks who are progressive in their thinking, deeply committed to social justice in a personal way. W~ile this is m~ incredibly red state I think there’s hope because I see work being done, quietly moving forward. That lets me kmow justice is not an insurmountable problem." ~fhere will be monthly meetings at the office, encouraging networking with officers from other GLBT organizations. ~Ihey will happen at 5:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. Now located at 729 N.W. 17th Street in Oklahoma City, they can be reached e-mail at info@CimarronAlliance.org or by phone at (405) 495 9300. Their website warw.cimarronalliance.org tn addition to the obvious intention to deny protection to GLBT Oklahomans, Senator l~dce pointed out that the bill, ,-is it was written, likewise prohibits Oklahoma law enforcement from providing evidence to Federal authorities investigating any category of hate crime committed in Oklahoma, including those committed due to the victings www.rnetrostarnews.com ~nner Londenn Raine with ~l[ie Laine, Miss Gay Lawton 1982 and Miss Gay Oklahoma 1983. Gorin photo OKd_AHOi~cb~ CITY, OK__ It was a glamorous nigl~t at Angles March 5 when the Londenne Raine was crowned the new Miss Gay Lawton 2010, with 1st alternate A_lanna Paige. As a preliminary to the Miss Gay Oklahoma Pageant, they wil! go on to compete in that event. Also performing at the occasion was our current Miss Gay Oklahoma Shantell Mandelay. Miss G~ Lawton is one of the longest running preliminary competitions to Miss Gay Oklahoma, which began in 1978. Now 29 years young, the first Miss Gay Lawton was Lady Paris in 1981.5 winners of this pageant have gone on to win the title mCMiss Gay Oklahoma, and one (.Jacqulyn DeVaroe) has won the title of Miss Gay America. The current promoter is Aubrey Stone, who is Miss Gay Lawton of 2004. Eureka Springs Diversity 2010: THE GAYLIEN EKEND EUREKA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ Eureka, the little city in the hills of the Arkansas . Ozarks that has become the pride of diversity, is gearing up for 2010. Spring Diversity will be held on April 9 -11. The same weekend as the annual U~EO. Conference. You’re invited to come join the Gaylien invasion of NOT just a few city blocks, NOT just a small handful of business, but one entire city. What’s to do? Say "I DO" and register your love with a Domestic Partner Certificate. The Courthouse is closed Saturday and Sunday so come early Friday or hangover till Monday. Tnere are over 150 unique shops and galleries to browse or max out your credit card. To start your weekend drop by the Pizza Bar. The Pizza Sluts will host their third Diversity X~¢elcome Mixer there at 13 N. Main, on Friday, 6-8 PM. You can pickup a complete schedule of Diversity Weekend For more information visit wvc~v. eurekapride.com or diversitTpride.com Art Opening and Exhibit of Original Works by ’ Dennis R. Scott.. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Apri! exhibit at the Dennis tL Neill Equality Center Gallery will feature works by Dennis 1L Scott. If there were a simple way to describe his art, it would be called "accidental art" since art is the accident of discovery - the unexpected result of the meandering mind. Dennis Scott, a retired English teacher, resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is ~ writer, lyricist, poet, craftsman, and artist. He has previously exhibited and sold his art at Utica Arts in The Square Show, Blue Dome Festival, Dennis R. Neill° Equality Center Gallery, River Walk Arts Festival, Cherry Street Arts Festival, Brook Arts Festival and the Parsons, Kansas Art Walk. His art has been sold to clients as far away as Florence, Italy. Dennis Scott has been creating in the medium of digital "art" for the last six years. His work is unlike typical digital or computer art because his art depicts his own way of seeing life and interpreting what he sees. One could easily peg Dennis Scott’s art abstract, impressionistic, or surreal but categories are of little concern to him. The art exhibit at the Dennis R. O’Neil Equality Center Gallery in April titled "Les Belles Dames Nues" (Lovely Nal(ed Ladies) ,vill feature over 65 nude prints of Dennis Scott’s art with over 40 of the works never having been printed before. Dennis Scott’s nude art is tasteful, yet evocative. Please join us to visit with Dennis Scott at the Opening Night Reception on Tnursday, April 1, from 6 to 9pro. Refreshments will be served. Dennis’s art will be on display throughout April. Free help ~1ET}~OSTAR 5 �Supplements By Ronald Blake Contributing writer Haotv: Ronald Blake, Cerdfied Fitness Instructor throz<gh ISSA International Sports . SciencesAssociadon My best fi’iend said I should do it. My brother said t should definitely do it. My co-worker said I don’t need to do it. My neighbor has never done it. Everyone has an opinion on taking supplements for health and well being. Should you do it? I have an easy but nebulous answer: I don’t knovd Let me gather some information from you. If you have a food allergy then you might want to consider taking supplements. Someone lactose intolerant will not drink milk or eat dairy products. This aversion to Betsy the Cow could cause a deficiency in calcium. Someone with a gluten allergy might miss out on the benefits of thiamine and riboflavin. This too could require supplementation. If you are very athletic and push your body to the outer limits of sanity then you’re a likely candidate for extra nutrition. This would certainly include triathaletes, marathoners, or bodybuilders. A 40 hour work week, intense training, and housecleaning when you get home might lead to insipid intercourse intertwined with irascibility in the evening. That isn’t fun! These uber athletes should strongly consider supplementation to get those needed nutrients that lead to late-day copacetic copulation. If the ornitho!ogy creatures gathered at your birdfeeder are eating more than you then it might be time to purchase meal or drink supplements. It isn’t safe to take in less than 1000 calories per day and it can zap your energy xvhile depleting valuable mineral reserves like iron from your body. Consult the family doctor or a nutritionist for suggestions on getting what your body needs to function properly. If you drink like Karen Walker, Captain Jack Sparrmv, or Mayberry’s Otis Campbell then you are an excellent candidate for supplemental drinks or shakes. Alcohol can adversely affect the body’s absorption and metabolism of nutrients. Excessive alcohol ravages the liver and pancreas too. This al! means that the body doesn’t get the nutrients it really needs. tfyou take a blow torch to all your foods and frequendy use adjectives such as charred, burnt, crispy, or well done to describe your meal it is a good bet that supplements on a store shelf have your name on them. Overcooking foods usually destroys B-group, C, and E vitamins. Boiling vegetables can also denude beneficial vitamins and minerals and 6 NETROSTAR le,ave you needing rnore nutritional assistance. Light steaming of vegetables can keep the good stuffin and taste just as good. Dieting can cause a need for supplements too. Many dieters are now eliminating entire food groups fi’om their plates. That means these folks aren’t getting important vitamins and minerals that would normally come from these food groups. Eliminating all carbs, all fat, or all protein just isn’t wise. Talk with your medical experts about nutritional replacements for these lost foods. You could also just go back to being a regular human being and sensibly eating carbs, fat, and protein togethe~: MI of this information should really guide you toward a professional opinion now. Consult your doctor, a certified fitness trainer or a nutritionist to assist you with deciding if supplements are necessary for you. Your brother, your co-worker, and your neighbor probably aren’t doctors, a certified fitness trainer, or a nutritionist. With that advice and lmowledge move your thimble five spaces to GO and collect your nutrients and vitamins for improved health and wellness! ¯ N~is health and fitness column is brought to you by that guy ycho enjoys visits to Hooters despite his non-breeder status. That lover of wings guy is Ron Blake and he can be reached at www.myblakefimess.com. Tony Kushner Pulitz& Prize-Winning Playwright, To Appear On Sunday, April 18 . TULSA, OK (PR) __ Renowned screemvriter and creator of Angels in America, playwright Tony Kushner will make his first live appearance in Tulsa on Sunday, April 18, 20!0 at the Synagogue: Congregation B’nai Emunah. He willbe interviewed on this occasion by noted actor and filmmaker Tim Blake Nelson. The Synagguo e is located at the corner of Peoria and Seventeenth Street. Details are available on the Synagogue xvebsite: www. tu!sagogue.com. 3rd Mr. Gay US of A Contest held at Angles Amadeus York of Texas gets the tit]e By Victor Gorin Mr Gay US ofA MI in white Amadeus York with the previous winner Richard Cranium. Gorin photo OKI.~AHOMA CITY, OK__ For aficianados of male impersonation it was a night in heaven March 14 when the new winner was crowned Mr.Gay US of A M! ( male illusion). Beginning March 12 the contest opened with 50 contestants, narrowed down to 12 finalists on the Sunday night conclusion. Promoted by Brenda Quayle, the contest is part of the US of A pageantry system which is now in its 26th year of operation. Accompanying the contest was a silent auction benefitting Camp Kindle, an organization providing free camping programs for children and young adults infected or affected by HIV. Giving up his tide was Richard Cranium of Texas. The new winners were 2nd runnerup Windz of New York, 1st runnerup Chad Meridian of Arkansas, and the new Mr. Gay US of A M! Amadeus York of Texas. April 1, 2010 �"It would be good if readers and viewers see a different face each time there is an issue in the community," Kirby says. "The broader community should see different people." Kirby has always been willing to speak out on issues. He and his partner of 11 years are legally married in California and Kirby has been a tireless advocate of marriage equalityan issue that has gained momentum around the country in recent years but not budged in conservative leaning Oldahoma. Ending the ban on out GLBT servicemernbers in the US military has also been a cause near, dear - and personal to Kirby. He served in the Air Force at the end of the Vietnam War and several of his friends were discharged because they were gay. One of those friends was particularly special. "I lost a relationship that had been long term when he was discharged from the Air Force for being gay," Kirby says. "I don’t lmow if it would have worked out for life, but I felt a very personal pain." Kirby became active in the military issue after former President Bill Clintoffs efforts to lift the ban on GLBT servicemembers evolved into the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy that stands today. Since then he has joined in on lobbying efforts of the state delegation and lobbied organizations to which be belongs - the American Legion and the Non-Commissioned officers Association -- to support repealing the ban. With the current debate on repealing DADT, Kirby feels there is some progress being made (~ward equal rights to serve. ’ Each time the issue comes up, there are more and more people willing to support repealing the ban," he says. "Whether or not there are enough people now I don’t lmow. I think right now there is as good a chance as there has ever been. I wish the military ’~,,~,~v. metrosta rn ews.co rn would look at the other countries who have removed that ban - none of them have had any problems." Kirby says he is committed to continue pushing for his causes and for the advancement of the community. , For more information on OkEqs 30th Anniversary Equality Gala, visit www.okeq. org. Your life an open book on Drag Race The autobiography challenge sends the latest queen packing on Ru-Paul’s Drag Race By Bebe Zahara Benet As I travel all around the country to promote my new single, so many people have told me that this season’s Jessica Wild reminds them of me. I told my mija this during our interview this week, many things I loved about watching her on RuPaul s Drag Race. ticA ll reca~ ~foweek 7 andprevious shows ate online now. All 12 weeks will be posted on our website at: www. mewosta~ews.com ~(~t~°oSTAR 7 �April 1, 2010 �~v.metrostarnews.com �10 April 1, 2010 ��Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. Club Maverick Hosts 19th Annual O~t &About in OKC & Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City Straley. Gorin photo @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The End Up, Tulsa , will be goin~ to the this coming April. The Leather Lifestvle has been around awhile in OHahoma, and @ Angles, Oklahoma City com. @Club 209, Tulsa @ The Cop& Oklahoma City puf " in Chri @Club Majestic, Tulsa 12 ~®t~oSTAR @ Ledo, Oklahoma City April 1, 2010 �by Jack Fertig April 2010 "Go back to basics, GeminW’ Saturn backing into Virgo reminds us to clean up old business before starting new relationships. Aspecting Uranus and Neptune, she’ll dig up complications that must be dealt with to make progress. Go slowly and carefully. You have until late July to get it right. ARIES (March 2(}-Apri~ 19): Recalculate the equation of any partnership that’s troubling you. Can or should it be saved? Strong instincts and inspiration could lead you astray, but probably contain a kernel of truth. Friends can help you reconcile those with reality. TAURUS (April 2(} - May 2(}): Feeling stuck at work can push you back to reexamine your goals. Where do you feel most creative, and what doyou really have to offer? If professional goals feel nebulous, frame the question in terms of your social ideals. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): While your goals and ideals seem to be in flux, go back to basics, The most relevant questions about reaching out to the world around you ar6 taught early in life. Be nice, share and try to learn. Community service can also help clear your head: SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 2(}): Clean up any loose ends and nasty rumors affecting your reputation. Helpful inspiration comes from your home and family. Advice from siblings and neighbors can seem confusing, but don’t take it too literally and it could prove valuable. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Coming toward a peak of your professional reputation, now is the time to get the word out about your achievements and services. Typos and snafus lie in wait. Be very attentive to those details! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You’re coming into a phase of your life where your ideas and your mind will be much challenged. Review what you believe and why. Confusion about who you are and what’s important can be a healthy stage of growth. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Feeling unsure about sex and relationships can be a good step toward greater awareness. OK, it’s uncomfortable now. Meditation and other quiet secluded retreats - some with your love, some without - will ease the exploration. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Discuss longstanding family issues with siblings, or community problems with neighbors. Things probably aren’t as dark and complicated as they feel. New perspectives will help if you’re willing to be _very_ open-minded. METROPOLITAN LEO (July 23 - August 22): New ideas and skills can help get you out of financial trouble, but first understand how and why you got into that trouble. You won’t get that on your own. Your partner or an advisor can help you figure it out. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Taking the weight of the world on your shoulders is bad for your health. Discussing problems with your partner, or a trusted friend or counselor, is necessary even if it’s aggravating. A mild exercise program (swimming?) and meditation help, UBRA (September 23 - October 22): It seems you can’t catch a break, so make one for yourself. Take time off to meditate and play. Settle your nerves and charge up your batteries. You need this. in the long run it’s the responsible thing to do! COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Uric Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org 69 Spread 70 Boston cager, briefly 771 Social customs 72 silence ~r Copland ,Output role fbr fodie 63 Initial stake " 65 Plumb of The Brady Bunch Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! Solution page 15 SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21}: Take a hard look at your future and get ready to clear out the clutter in your life. Mending fences could mean quitting some friendships and groups, but offers you a chance to make it clean and amicable. :~Nw.metrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 13 �by Greg Fo× Chuck Breckenridge "~&cd~er buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. You determine your own hours,, your own pace aRe your own compensation. Great way to work around your current scnedule, earn extra money. and try. new financial services career. 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Ark~ansas www.magneticvalteyres or t .corn info@magneticvalleyresor t.com 800-210-840~ 479-244-6821 2116 N~7 43rd CULLENS PENNSYLVANIA AVE. Contact the owner to view this wonderful home. ~=~. ,,wme.kyleeomics.com (405) ~4-5~52 E-Mail - April 1, 2010 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HAB.A~A INN 2200 N%%r 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222! www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY Pd~SORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 ,a~aw.magneticvalleyresor t.com NELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.VZ 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 PR~MEPdCA Dana ~hlsa, Oldahoma 877.700.9503 EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 TUI~A EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcasde.com CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3t31 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com ~srA GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIWSTD Hotline M~Si Bl~ke’s ~uying’ from 2:00 7:00 p,m, Dancersat 16:00 $,75 i~ome~tic drafl~,from noom2:00 &.m. !’Blak8 s Buyhg from n0omTi00 p:m. Dancers at ;t0:00 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 ~A~GLES 2117 ?’PgZ 39th St. Oklahoma City~ OK ww,v.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOL~GE 7204 E. PINE Tttlsa, OK 9!8-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com OKI_AHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vaw#.olcstonewall.o rg OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 ,,~wv.clubmajestictulsa.com E N Y A ~ R[A N S E S P CAR D O tO P ~EIR O ~--A ,-O 0~-0H ~ k J Jg IO N O E N T $6.00 BEER BUST from 2:00 p.m..,2:00 a.m. "Blake’s Buying" from 2:00 p.m.o T A O 7:00.p.m. Dancers at 10:00 p.m. 2200 NW 39TH ~P~SSWAY 405-525-2900 THE COPA 2200NW39THE~P~SSWAY O ahom ci ,O 405-525-0730 w~av.metrostamews.com L A P S E ~O A T I H ~ S T O P o O V V O ~glo L A R ~ S AIR C H E S S ........... $4.50 Windex .................................................................................... $4.50 AL EVE OREO CE L T ~ORE S~ REST TA L E EndUp Shot ........................................................................... $2.00 EndoUp-O>The-Floor Sho{ ................................................... $& O0 RaRlesnake, .............................................................................. $3.00 ~ETROSTAR 15 �~s ~i~gesl i~pad since Roosevelt, ~ecause the conservative 7 4100 No L]~e]~ Av÷nu÷, Oklahome Ci~ 140S) 427-3366 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA VOLUME 7 ISSUE 4 Twi~er.com/MetroStarNews to exempt Oklahoma Ha e Cr mes Law protecting GLBTs State Senate It is very sad that any lawmaker in Oklahoma would introduce legislation that would force Oklahoma law enforcement officials to violate ground brealdng Federal law that would extend legal protections to LGBT Oklahomans who may become victims of violence motivated by bigotry." Statement by State Senator Andrew Rice who was one of the 6 Senators who voted no. By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ SB 1965, introduced by State Senator Steven Russell ( Republican-District 45) deals mainly with the Fede~aI Hate Crimes expansion signed into law by President Obama in October 22,2009, which added Federal Hates crimes protection to include gender, sexual oriei~tation, gender identity and disability in addition to the already covered categories of agencies from sharing evidence or providing assistance ro Federal authorities if they are im~esrigating a hate crime in Oklahoma. It has passed the State Senate 39-6. Oklahoma Hate Crimes laws (Section 850 Title 21) cover race, color, tel igion, gender, disability, familial status and national origin. As sexual orientation and gender identity are not covered, hate crimes against GLBTs in the state of Oklahoma could not be prosecuted as such under state law, yet such a crime could be punished as a hate crime under Federal [axe; which passage of SB 1965 would attempt m change. However Constitutionally Federal Law supercedes state law. As Tamya Cox of Oldaboma’s ACLU puts it, "For example, if a bloody baseball bat was used in an Oklahoma hate crime against a gay person and it was held by state authorities who are most likely to be first on the scene, if this bill becomes law it could not be given to Federal authorities as evidence for prosecution." Since Oklahoma State Hate Crimes laws don’t covering GLBTs, SB 1965 would make it virtually impossible for hate crimes against GLBTs in Oklahoma to be successftdiv prosecuted as hate crimes. Scott J. Hamilton. Executive Director of the Cimarron Alliance stated, "\g)~e are appalled that the Oklahoma Senate would pass legislation that, in effect, green lights violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens in this state. Not only is it unconstitutional, it is unconscionable. In the meantime our state vdll spend without limit to defend this in court. Oklahoma is in the midst of a budget crisis of historic proportions. I find it hard to believe that bigotry is so pervasive in our state that our policymakers would rather pass hate filled legislation than addressing failing schools and reductions in services for seniors." ........Continued See BILL 1965 Page-5 T lsa M tary Veteran Kelly rbv honored by O ahomans for By Michael xYZ Sasser TULSA, OK Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) is set to h--~nor Tulsa accountant Kelly ~rby with a Lifetime Achievement Award on April 24 at their 30th Anniversary Equality Gala. "I have to say that at 56 years old the word ’lifetime’ is a little daunting," says the aftable longtime activist. Kirby is being honored for 20 years of major activism for the Oklahoma GLBT community. "I appreciate the fact that they are recognizin,g my accomplishments," Kirby says. I think what I have done is important and I would have done it without aW recognition of it." Kelly WKirby 1974 at age 20, United States Air Force, honorguard dress uniform. ® MetroStarNews.com APRIL 1,2010 Pau Robert ompsor A lifetime ofservice-forever a By Victor Gorin Contributing writer (1939-2010) OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Among Oklahomans who take an interest in equality and justice there are very fe~v who didn’t know about Paul Thompson, and many knew him xvell as he -worked hard to make Oklahoma better until his life ended. At least 2 generations ofactivists worked beside him, enduring the heartbreak ofsetbacks and the joys ofvictories as history marched on. His energy was tireless, chairing meetings, working with bureaucracies, organizing events, making speeches, doing mailings, and on and gacy on. Although he had his own business, PRT Designs (interior decorating), his true passion was working with people for justice. He was well known for his outspoken pride clearly shown by his trademark outfits, which included xvearing a different rainbow color with matching socks every day. He co-chaired the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus from 1992 until 2010, and was active for many years with the Oklahoma Democratic Party. He also played a significant role in organizing Oklahoma City’s first Pride Parade in 1988, a true ~ilestone not only for Oklahoma City but rather the entire GLBT community of Oklahoma. That event was a major turning point in Oklahoma, with the KKK waiting in the Safexvay (now Homeland) parking tot on N.-W. 39th Street to stop the "queer parade." But that event had a happy ending as fellow activist Jim Ninamo put xt, "When they saw how many participants were marching, they tucked their tails and left." The rest was history, with that proud tradition continuing today. Paul served as the Male Co- Chair for the OKC Pride Parade and Festival for many years until 2009, when he was given a Chairmanship Emeritus Award for his service. ........Continued See THOMPSON Page-4 For more than two decades, Kirby has been a visible activist for GLBT issues with an emphasis on marriage equality and for gay and lesbian service members. It hasn’t always been an easy role to play. On \Vorld A~DS Day in 1991, Kirby participated in a smal! demonstration in Tulsa on a wet, rainy night. Unbeknownst to him, his photo was taken and the next day appeared in a newspaper. "1 lost a relationship that had been long term when he was discharged from the Air Force for being gay," Kirby says. "I got a phone call from my biggest client the next da)~" Kirby remembers. "q-he mvner of the company asked me ifI had the opportunity to make a statement for my cause, if I would do it. I hadn’t really thought about it until then, but I said that yes, I probably would. An hour later, I was fired and lost two-thirds ofmy business. I basically had to start over from scratch building my business. I guess that was my activist wake-up call." _*Kirby said that "he hasn’t shut up"" since then, giving well over 100 interviews and malting sure his clients know he might end up in the media. "A lot of people in Tulsa feel that they can’t speak up because of family or community or work," Kirby says. "I had to get past that." Still Kirby said he believes different people should be featured by media as representative of the state GLBT community. ........Continued See KIRBY Page-7 Cimarron Alliance Moves Forward with new- O ces and a Dynamic Director By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Margaret Cox proudly cutting the ribbon held by the new Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, with Lisa Ptsiri of the Oldahoma City Chamber of Commerce looking on. Gorin photo OKLM-IOMA CITY, OK__ Cimarron Alliance Group was formed in 1995 as a political action committee (PAC) focused on equality for the GLBT community in Oldaho,na. Although other groups existed at that time, anaong them the Oldahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, the Mliance was a venture of successful business people and professionals who would be able to give serious financial backing to deserving candidates seeking public office as well as put on events for the GLBT community. First chaired by the late Bill Rogers, the organization became a major force for the GLBT community and the Oldalxoma political landscape. In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed as a 501(c)(3) organization, a nonprofit status which enables an organization to, among other things, accept contributions which are tax deductible to the giver. While this type of organization is prohibited fi’om most political activity, including contributing to or promoting candidates or political parties, the CAF was focused on educational issues facing the GLBT community, informing not only them but also straights as well. In this endeavor they have held events such as their annual Leadership Summit, which is a convention of leadership from all GLBT groups. They made history in 2001 when their Gay Pride banners for Oklalmma City light poles were oMered taken down by then Mayor Kirk Humphreys. They took the city 1:o Federal court and on September 13,2002 Judge Robin Cauthron ruled that the banners were protected by Federal free speech rights mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Redesigned in 1997, the Pride banners still fly on special occasions. Now as we face a new decade with pride facing prejudice, especially with opposition to GLBT equality clearly shown to be alive and kicking in Oldahoma, Cimarron is facing challenge as they undergo change. For the first time they have an office, !ocated at 729 N.gi. 17th Street in OHahoma City. Likewise they now have their first fulltirne Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, a native Otdahoman. A~er many years in New York City with many ventures he has returned home to fight for equality. Born inI960 in south Oklalmma City, he graduated as a valedictorian of Capitol Hill High School in 1978. He later graduated from OU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and his first job was being a promoter for the Oldahoma Opry, an Oldahoma City venue for country and western musicians. He later took a far better paying position with an oil company but lost that job during the oil bust of 1983, actually driving to the unemployment office in a Mercedes. What followed was a variety of ventures to pay the bills, ranging from teaching junior high school chorus to painting garage doors to makJng doughnuts, among other endeavors. Finally he flew to New York City (the Mercedes long gone) with 3 suitcases and $200 to meet a friend awaiting he could stay vdth. Doing writing and consulting for an import/export business, he moved on to success with the advertising agency Charron, Schwartz and Partners. Walking through the subway one fateful day beneath Grand Central Station he saw Wayne Johnson, a gentleman that would prove to be a soulmate. As the relationship came together, Scott came out at work (no problem) and they legally married in Connecticut. Following this, he got involved working with nonprofit organizations. Finding himself laid off, he began checking around for other ....... Continued See ClMARRON Page 5 2 April 1, 2010 is T.E.N? By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer 7he Equalily Network, or TEN. is comprised of three organizational entities: TENPAC, TEN, and TENInstitute. Pictured above is Laura Belmonte. an activist who is also i4ce President and Co-Founder ofTEN. Townsendphoto TULSA. OK TEN, or "The Equality Network" is a non-partisan statewide organization working to achieve equality and secure legal protection for tesbian. ga)~ bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Oklahomans through advocacy, coalition building and individual empowerment in the political process. Founded in 2009. TEN is comprised of three organizational entities: TEN PAC, TEN, and TEN Institute. "Over the last decade or so that I’ve worked for LGBT equalityin Oklahoma I’ve become increasingly impressed with the amazing progress statewide LGBT advocacy groups are having elsewhere," said Laura Belmonte, Vice President and Co-Founder of TEN. "Last year a number of positive forces converged and we concluded that the timing xvas right to implement a three-pronged strategy of ’educate, advocate, elect.’" Belrnonte also has a PhD amd is currently Director ofAmerican Studies and associate professor ofArnerican History at Oklahoma State University. "The launching ofTEN is the fulfilhnent of a personal dream and I feel very fortunate ro have the opportunity to work ~vith such a committed and talented group of people," adds Belmonte. "Each day, we are hearing from people all over the state - most in places where there is no organized effort for LGBT equality - and we are quite encouraged by the alliances that are developing. With time, effort, and a lot of help we think that TEN can help make some positive changes for LGBT Oklahomans." TEN is affiliated with the Equality Federation (vrww.equalityfederation.org), the national alliance of state-based LGBT advocacy organizations. Collectively these state groups have compiled a remarkable string of pro-equality victories on a range of issues including workplace fairness, antibullying and relationship recognition. Even a small group ofw!!l-prepared constituents can make a powerful impression on a legislator. Legislators need to hear from people who support LGBT equality all the time, not only at times when the LGBT community is being targeted. "The board combines people with professional and non-professional experience in lobbying and advocacy at the state and local levels on causes as varied as LGBT rights, animal protection, HIV/A.IDS, economic injustice, and gender equality," adds Belmonte. "This wilt be a continua!, longterm effort. It is going to take time and effort to move Oklalaoma toward more inclusive ~nd just public policies for LGBT people." For more information you may contact Belmonte at lbelmonte@theequalitynetwork. org or 918.906.2134. Our web site is ~wcw. theequalitynetwork.org. You can also find TEN on Facebook and Twitter (follow TENEquality). Openly Gay Norman City Councilman wins re-election but now is running for State House NORMAN, OK (PR) __ When Tom Kovach was first elected to the Norman City Council in 2008, he wasn’t the first openly gay person to do so. That milestone was achieved by David Ray in 2002, but Tom did have the distinction of being the second, and of being re-elected unopposed this year. He represents Ward 2. However, as State Representative Bil! Nations of District 44 is leaving office due to term limits, Tom Kovach has announced he is running for that office as a Democrat, His stated reasoning, " Sometimes government produces ideas that in the light of day lack common sense. I have always been willing to speak out on those occasions as the voice of the people, and I remains so." "Throughout my years in Norman I have worked with people from all walks of life, helping them find solutions to the problems they faced. I have done so as a union leader, a smal! business owner and now as a local business executive. I accomplished these things through honesty, respectful communication and a willingness to hear all sides of an issue, the same qualities that will mark my service as your next state representative." He has lived in the district more than 40 years, graduating from OU with a degree in Letters. He currently works as a Customer Service Manager for Astromomics, a leading U.S. dealer and producer of quality optics. He and his partner Will Weir are active in many social service agencies in the Norman area, and look forward to doing more for their fellow Oklahomans. A Toast to Life It’s time to Paint the Town Robert! By Robin D-Townsend Contributing W-riter Other Options andFriends Food Pantry board president, Robert Painter tu,ws 40 in Apriland isplanninga huge_f!~ndraising eventfor t,§e organization to celebrate the occasion. Townsend photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s a birthday bash like none other. Turning 40 is Robert Painter, famous for his ’best little tact stand down by the tracks,’ (a.k.a., ~lhe Iguana Mexican Grill). Painter is also the board president of Other Options, Inc (OOI) and has chosen to celebrate ’the big 4-0’ in a very unique way. "Our Toast to Life event is the signature fundraiser for Other Options and it is held annually in April?said Painter. ~Ttpril also happens to be the same month as my birthday. I really w~tnted to take advantage of the name Ihave made for myself to help an or,ga,~)ization who has done so much for people.’ Painter became acquainted with OOI when his dear friend, Tim Wade ~vas diagnosed with HIV. The only place he could find immediate help at no cost in Oklahoma City was at Other Options. This is where Painter met Mary Arbuclde, Executive Director ofOOI and Friends Food Pantry. Wade found assistance with medication, food and other support services at OOI. Sadly, Wade passed away in 2009 but Painter has kep,t, his memory alive by giving back. The bigge,,st thing we [O~I] need is our own building, adds Painter. That is why our goal is $40,000 for this event and I think we can do it." Forty seems to be the magic number. Since 1989 Other Options in Oklahoma City has provided professional, consistent services to people who are HIV positive and disabled individuals, focusing on the impact HIV/AIDS has had in the lives of those they serve. The mission of Other Options is to create a better understanding of HIV/AIDS, provide training, guidance and provide educational directories that link the affected community to services. The venue will include live music, various artists and entertainers, dancing, and deadCenter will be showing films on the big screen, there will be a fashion show and a silent auction will be held. Another unique part of this event will be the art gallery featuring Oklahoma City artists Debbie Curtis, Joe Slack, Ben Potter, Brent Weber and Bryan Boone. Other surprises are also in store. ~Toast to Life; Paint the Town Robert,’ vdtl be held on April 10th at 7:40pm at 25 NW 9th (just \grest ofNae Iguana). Tickets for the event are $40 and will include food, drink, entertainment and parldng. For tickets or to make a donation please call (405) 605- 8020. Reserve tickets are requested; the event is free to clients of Other Options. 1st Annual Tulsa Violence Symposium In Memory of Joseph Walker-Hoover Jaheem Herrera TULSA, OK (PR) April 16, 2010 hosted by Youth Services ofTulsa. Nae event will take place at Langston University Tulsa starting at 9AM. Registration to attend this event is not necessary. The event will address national and local concerns about the growing problems of student-on-student abuse in our communities - Bullying, Dating Violence/Date Rape, and Domestic Violence. Ifyou would like to schedule a booth for your organization, please contact Michael Merryman at 918.382-4429, or email to mmerryman@yst.org. ’uPtcv - Civil Rights *Criminal ment Family Law - Litigation 625 N.W. t S.th Street a City, OK www.metrostarnews.com [vIETROSTAR 3 Dear Editor, from hatred and discrimination? X~y is Sen. I wanted to share the letter Congresswoman Mary Fallin sent to me in response to my letter regarding EDNA and The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill and the reaction of the Oldahoma Legislature. Russell afraid of gay/lesbian equality under the law? Senator Russell just can’t stop fighting wars and looking for enemies. He should reenlist and put his life back on the line, for his country of course. Kendell Powers Oklahoma Civ/ James Nimmo Oklahoma City, OK March 8, 2010 Dear Editor, Mr. Kendel Powers 600 Northwest 23rd Street, Suite 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73103-1464 Dear Mr. Powers: that still mean something to the people of Oklahoma, the law is so vaguely defined and so unenforceable that it seems to be more of a handout to trial lavo,ers than anything else. As your Representative, I stand for religious liberty and people of all faiths and oppose a convoluted, vaguely defined and unenforceable set of new regulations governing personal behavior and hiring practices. Thank you again for taking the time to share your ideas and concerns. As the 11 lth Congress addresses the man), challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and vie,vs with me. However, due to increased security measures, mail delivery may be delayed for up to two weeks. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my website at ,aw~v.fallin.house.gov to contact me via email in the future. While visiting my site you may also sign up for my e-newsletter as well as find usefu! information about the 11 lth Congress. Sincerely Mary Fallin Member of Congress Dear Editor, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Hunting season is on for gays and lesbians as long as the Oklahoma Legislature is in session. If the rednecks don’t get us the suit-and-tie boys will. Not content with passing SQ 71 ! in 2004 making marriage only bet~veen one man and one woman as many times as they like, the Senate has just passed 39-6 a bill (SB1965) to opt out of the recentl~ passed federal Shepard/Byrd Hate Crime~ I[aw. ~e bill nmv goes to the House side of the Capitol. Senate Bill 1965 seems optimistically numbered in that I’m sure Sen. Russell, the sponsor, and 38 of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle would like to return to the year 1965 ifno~ earlier, when gays and lesbians knew that our place was not alongside other Americans but rather in the closet of narrow, scared shadows with the door hinges well rusted. ~e voting record is located here: http://tinyurl.com/ycgog86 It’s odd that many of these legislators weren’t even born then or were very young. Where did they learn such animosity towards strangers that never did them any harm? Surely not in their church pews or at their dinner tables, do you think? After all, African-Americans had just achieved a legal victory in 1965 with the ’passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Acts for which white bigots thought the sky would fall in. The sky did not fal! in and it won’t fall in when gays and lesbians achieve our social and legal victory over the bigots of Oldahoma. 2q~e only thing lost will be the legal right bigots so jealously retain to impose their ignorance over the rest of us. According to Sen. Russell’s legislative webpage he has a serious military record and several medals. If medals are a mark of bravery why is Sen. Russell so afraid of gays and lesbians that he sponsors bills that remove them from the protection of the law and maintain their second-class status as taxpayers--second-class in that gay/lesbian money is ACcepted for payment of taxes yet we are EXcepted when it comes to protection Thank you for taking the time to contact me about the Employment Non- Discrimination Act. Understanding your ideas and concerns is important to me, as it helps me to better represent you and the Fifth District of Oklahoma. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, would extend existing provisions of Federal law to prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of "actual or perceived" sexual orientation. The bill expands civil rights protections on the vague basis of perception, requiring courts to determine an employer’s thoughts when an employment action is taken. Currently Title \HI prohibits workplace harassment that is based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This legislation is anotber example of political correctness gone wrong. This bill is constitutionally questionable, weakens both state and federal marriage laws, and creates a legal trap for businesses, schools, and people of faith. I have long opposed the government’s creeping assault on the faithbased values our country was founded on, the flaws in this bill are numerous and obvious. ENDA is inconsistent with the rights guaranteed by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (PdaRA), which prohibits the Federal Government from substantially burdening the free exercise of religion. It nullifies the rights of some religious schools which, although not "controlled, managed or owned by a specific religion," may still consider religious faith and traditional moral values to be an essential part of their curriculum. This opens some of Oldahomds most successful faith-based institutions to unconstitutional government involvement and supervision. Without a blanket exemption for all religious educational institutions, nondenominational religious schools will be forced to operate under government review of curriculum and constant fear of litigation. The.proposed legislation makes a protected class based on sexual behavim; which will jeopardize our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and religious expression. ENDA is a direct attack on individual religious freedoms and creares a lega! tightrope for employers over which law to follow and violate. Employers with rnoral or religious beliefs opposed to homosexualiV will be forced to lay down their rights and convictions at the door, creating a hostile work environment. In addition to ENDA’s blatant disregard for traditional values, values Hawaii’s Garden Isle: Kauai, In terms of scenery, the one Hawaiian island that comes closest to living up to the expectations of many first-time visitors is Kauai, a comparatively small but magnificently lush isle of rain forests, towering seaside cliffs and seduded beaches. Sumptuous full-service resorts to quaint B&B’s. A list of where to stay and things to do now online in our Travel Section @ www.MetroStarNews.com TULSA, OK__ Senate Bil! 1965 has to be defeated. This bill would restrict Oklahoma law enforcement from complying with the federal justice department during a hate biased crime investigation. The bill’s author, State Senator Steven Russell, has suggested the Federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act would restrict free speech (aka ministers preaching against homosexuality). So the Oklahoma Senate has refused to hear bills that would assist victims ofliate biased crimes but have tentatively approved another bill that would remove any hope of justice for LGBT victims ofviolence. This is unacceptable and I strongly urge everyone to contact their State Senator and challenge them to not approve Senate Bill 1965 on it’s final hearing. Visit this website and find out how to reach your senator. http:llwww.facebook.comll195662;www. oksenate.gov/Senators/maps.htm TobyJenkins President, Oklahomans for Equality Tulsa; OK .......... ......... : ...... ........ Metro Star Travel Column Now Online Kauai’sfamedNa Pali Coast, with its 4, 000- foot cli~ rMng big,§ above the sea. Photo by Andrew Collins He was born in Oklahoma City on November 19, 1939. AaCter growing up there and graduating from Central High School he worked maW jobs before creating PRT Designs, His road to activism began when he was arrested after leaving a gay bar over 40 years ago on bogus charges of lewd conduct. Unlike almost any of his peers, he fought the charge and won. He continued to fight injustice wherever he saw it. In addition to activism in the gay community he also helped African Americans, serving on the board of the Oklahoma City NAACP for over 15 ),ears as well. A memorialput up on the Nix/2. 39th Street Strip Median at N.14z. 39th andPennsylvania by NathanidBatchelder qfthe Peace House Paul passed away March 8 at Baptist Integris Medical Center due to a stroke and subsequent heart failure. A memorial service was held for him at the 1st Unitarian Church March 14. Speakers included Laura Rhoads, who knew him as "Unde Paul" when he was her childhood friend, as well as former Oklahoma Commissioner Jim Roth. Followed by a potluck supper a multitude of his friends and fellow activists shared memories, lamented how far he’d brought us, and how to make his legacy live on. No ma#er who yot are on life’s journ~ 3131 ,R. Pennsylvania,Oklaho 405.525.9555 4 tsv{~£T~qOSTAR April 1,2010 jobs in a nationwide search. By chance he found an executivedirector’s position open with Cimarron Alliance and his first thought was,, A gay organization in Oklahoma CitT, how is that possible?" He applied for the position and got it. With the encouragement of his partner ’,Wayne (still in New York but who will join him later) he has plans for a new direction fi~r himself and for Cimarron. One of his major concerns, as it is for all nonprofits, is how to achieve objectives or even survive in this type of economy. His answer, "You keep going because the needs do not abate just because money is tight. If you believe in social jnstice, that doesn’t stop until there is justice. " He has been pleasantly surprised at the financial contributions people have made recently to the organization, and those volunteering their time and talents as well. He also realizes that for a long time there was a perception that Cimarron is an organization primarily focused as being an elite group of white,~ wealthy, handsome gay men. When it was formed in 1995 a membership cost $250. Today there are no dues to join the organization, and the Cimarron Alliance PAC no longer exists. Currently the Foundation hosts an annual Stop Hate in the Hallways summit, which has been a major factor for school systems in Oldahoma considering or implementing anti-bullying policies that protect students who are GLBT or perceived to be from harassment, q-he main objective now is more outreach. As Scott stated, " One of my goals for " this year, besides raising enough money to pay the bills, is to demonstrate with sincerity and conviction that this is an organization that is approachable and dedicated to serving everyone in the community." Beginning in April Cimarron Alliance Foundation will begin a "411 Series" ofg0 minute presentations on various aspects of problems facing the GLBT community. Topics covered could include living with a partner who is an addict, tax problems, domestic violence, health issues, inheritance laws, situations usually faced by people in general with unique aspects for GLBTs. How does it feel to be directing an organization like Cimarron in the reddest state in the country? Scott feels encouraged stating, " ~ have found pockets of folks who are progressive in their thinking, deeply committed to social justice in a personal way. W~ile this is m~ incredibly red state I think there’s hope because I see work being done, quietly moving forward. That lets me kmow justice is not an insurmountable problem." ~fhere will be monthly meetings at the office, encouraging networking with officers from other GLBT organizations. ~Ihey will happen at 5:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. Now located at 729 N.W. 17th Street in Oklahoma City, they can be reached e-mail at info@CimarronAlliance.org or by phone (405) 495 9300. Their website warw.cimarronalliance.org tn addition to the obvious intention to deny protection to GLBT Oklahomans, Senator l~dce pointed out that the bill, ,-is it was written, likewise prohibits Oklahoma law enforcement from providing evidence to Federal authorities investigating any category of hate crime committed in Oklahoma, including those committed due to the victings race or religion as well as all categories covered by Federal law. As of press time, the bill was headed to the Oldahoma State House of Representatives, but may undergo changes before it is voted on there. Senator Rice stated that he hopes the bill is stopped in the House or vetoed by the Governor. Pat Sund, a spokeman for Governor Henry, said the governor is watching the bill but has not yet made a decision as to whether he will sign it. Memori , David Osthoff OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ David Henry Osthoff lost his battle with an extended illness ~aursda~; February 25, 2010, in Oldahoma City. He was born September 26, 1953, in Hopewell, Virginia to Charline Ehrlich. David had several jobs through the years, but will mainly be remembered as a server at Gusher’s Restaurant for many years before returning to Cookson, OK to care for his mother. He enjoyed reading, gardening and playing pool in the Family Pool League. David was a very caring and compassionate person. He never judged people, never met a stranger and never forgot anyone’s birthday or anniversary. He was preceded in death by his loving mother and father Charline and Billie Ballew. He is survived by two brothers and a sister; six nieces and nephews, and many close friends. Special thanks to the staff at North Winds Living Center in .O,KC. A celebration of David s life is planned for Sunday; April 18th in The Finishline located inside The Habana Inn at 4:30 p.m. Londerm D, Raine captures the title ofMiss Gay Lawton By Victor Gorin Contributing Writer ~nner Londenn Raine with ~l[ie Laine, Miss Gay Lawton 1982 andMiss Gay Oklahoma 1983. Gorin photo OKd_AHOi~cb~ CITY, OK__ It was a glamorous nigl~t at Angles March 5 when the Londenne Raine was crowned the new Miss Gay Lawton 2010, with 1st alternate A_lanna Paige. As a preliminary to the Miss Gay Oklahoma Pageant, they wil! go on to compete in that event. Also performing at the occasion was our current Miss Gay Oklahoma Shantell Mandelay. Miss G~ Lawton is one of the longest running preliminary competitions to Miss Gay Oklahoma, which began in 1978. Now 29 years young, the first Miss Gay Lawton was Lady Paris in 1981.5 winners of this pageant have gone on to win the title mCMiss Gay Oklahoma, and one (.Jacqulyn DeVaroe) has won the title of Miss Gay America. The current promoter is Aubrey Stone, who is Miss Gay Lawton of 2004. Eureka Springs Diversity 2010: THE GAYLIEN EKEND EUREKA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ Eureka, the little city in the hills of the Arkansas . Ozarks that has become the pride of diversity, is gearing up for 2010. Spring Diversity will be held on April 9 -11. The same weekend as the annual U~EO. Conference. You’re invited to come join the Gaylien invasion of NOT just a few city blocks, NOT just a small handful of business, but one entire city. What’s to do? Say "I DO" and register your love with a Domestic Partner Certificate. The Courthouse is closed Saturday and Sunday so come early Friday or hangover till Monday. Tnere are over 150 unique shops and galleries to browse or max out your credit card. To start your weekend drop by the Pizza Bar. The Pizza Sluts will host their third Diversity X~¢elcome Mixer there at 13 N. Main, on Friday, 6-8 PM. You can pickup a complete schedule of Diversity Weekend For more information visit wvc~v. eurekapride.com or diversitTpride.com Art Opening and Exhibit ofOriginal Works by ’ Dennis R. Scott.. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Apri! exhibit at the Dennis tL Neill Equality Center Gallery will feature works by Dennis 1L Scott. If there were a simple way to describe his art, it would be called "accidental art" since art is the accident of discovery - the unexpected result of the meandering mind. Dennis Scott, a retired English teacher, resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is ~ writer, lyricist, poet, craftsman, and artist. He has previously exhibited and sold his art at Utica Arts in The Square Show, Blue Dome Festival, Dennis R. Neill° Equality Center Gallery, River Walk Arts Festival, Cherry Street Arts Festival, Brook Arts Festival and the Parsons, Kansas Art Walk. His art has been sold to clients as far away as Florence, Italy. Dennis Scott has been creating in the medium of digital "art" for the last six years. His work is unlike typical digital or computer art because his art depicts his own way of seeing life and interpreting what he sees. One could easily peg Dennis Scott’s art abstract, impressionistic, or surreal but categories are of little concern to him. The art exhibit at the Dennis R. O’Neil Equality Center Gallery in April titled "Les Belles Dames Nues" (Lovely Nal(ed Ladies) ,vill feature over 65 nude prints of Dennis Scott’s art with over 40 of the works never having been printed before. Dennis Scott’s nude art is tasteful, yet evocative. Please join us to visit with Dennis Scott at the Opening Night Reception on Tnursday, April 1, from 6 to 9pro. Refreshments will be served. Dennis’s art will be on display throughout April. Free help www.rnetrostarnews.com ~1ET}~OSTAR 5 Supplements By Ronald Blake Contributing writer Haotv: Ronald Blake, Cerdfied Fitness Instructor throz<gh ISSA International Sports . SciencesAssociadon My best fi’iend said I should do it. My brother said t should definitely do it. My co-worker said I don’t need to do it. My neighbor has never done it. Everyone has an opinion on taking supplements for health and well being. Should you do it? I have an easy but nebulous answer: I don’t knovd Let me gather some information from you. If you have a food allergy then you might want to consider taking supplements. Someone lactose intolerant will not drink milk or eat dairy products. This aversion to Betsy the Cow could cause a deficiency in calcium. Someone with a gluten allergy might miss out on the benefits of thiamine and riboflavin. This too could require supplementation. Ifyou are very athletic and push your body to the outer limits of sanity then you’re a likely candidate for extra nutrition. This would certainly include triathaletes, marathoners, or bodybuilders. A 40 hour work week, intense training, and housecleaning when you get home might lead to insipid intercourse intertwined with irascibility in the evening. That isn’t fun! These uber athletes should strongly consider supplementation to get those needed nutrients that lead to late-day copacetic copulation. If the ornitho!ogy creatures gathered at your birdfeeder are eating more than you then it might be time to purchase meal or drink supplements. It isn’t safe to take in less than 1000 calories per day and it can zap your energy xvhile depleting valuable mineral reserves like iron from your body. Consult the family doctor or a nutritionist for suggestions on getting what your body needs to function properly. If you drink like Karen Walker, Captain Jack Sparrmv, or Mayberry’s Otis Campbell then you are an excellent candidate for supplemental drinks or shakes. Alcohol can adversely affect the body’s absorption and metabolism of nutrients. Excessive alcohol ravages the liver and pancreas too. This al! means that the body doesn’t get the nutrients it really needs. tfyou take a blow torch to all your foods and frequendy use adjectives such as charred, burnt, crispy, or well done to describe your meal it is a good bet that supplements on a store shelf have your name on them. Overcooking foods usually destroys B-group, C, and E vitamins. Boiling vegetables can also denude beneficial vitamins and minerals and le,ave you needing rnore nutritional assistance. Light steaming of vegetables can keep the good stuffin and taste just as good. Dieting can cause a need for supplements too. Many dieters are now eliminating entire food groups fi’om their plates. That means these folks aren’t getting important vitamins and minerals that would normally come from these food groups. Eliminating all carbs, all fat, or all protein just isn’t wise. Talk with your medical experts about nutritional replacements for these lost foods. You could also just go back to being a regular human being and sensibly eating carbs, fat, and protein togethe~: MI of this information should really guide you toward a professional opinion now. Consult your doctor, a certified fitness trainer or a nutritionist to assist you with deciding if supplements are necessary for you. Your brother, your co-worker, and your neighbor probably aren’t doctors, a certified fitness trainer, or a nutritionist. With that advice and lmowledge move your thimble five spaces to GO and collect your nutrients and vitamins for improved health and wellness! ¯ N~is health and fitness column is brought to you by that guy ycho enjoys visits to Hooters despite his non-breeder status. That lover ofwings guy is Ron Blake and he can be reached at www.myblakefimess.com. Tony Kushner Pulitz& Prize-Winning Playwright, To Appear On Sunday, April 18 . TULSA, OK (PR) __ Renowned screemvriter and creator ofAngels in America, playwright Tony Kushner will make his first live appearance in Tulsa on Sunday, April 18, 20!0 at the Synagogue: Congregation B’nai Emunah. He willbe interviewed on this occasion by noted actor and filmmaker Tim Blake Nelson. The Synagguoe is located at the corner of Peoria and Seventeenth Street. Details are available on the Synagogue xvebsite: www. tu!sagogue.com. 3rd Mr. Gay US ofA Contest held at Angles Amadeus York ofTexas gets the tit]e By Victor Gorin Mr Gay US ofA MI in white Amadeus York with theprevious winner Richard Cranium. Gorin photo OKI.~AHOMA CITY, OK__ For aficianados of male impersonation it was a night in heaven March 14 when the new winner was crowned Mr.Gay US ofA M! ( male illusion). Beginning March 12 the contest opened with 50 contestants, narrowed down to 12 finalists on the Sunday night conclusion. Promoted by Brenda Quayle, the contest is part of the US ofA pageantry system which is now in its 26th year of operation. Accompanying the contest was a silent auction benefitting Camp Kindle, an organization providing free camping programs for children and young adults infected or affected by HIV. Giving up his tide was Richard Cranium ofTexas. The new winners were 2nd runnerup Windz ofNew York, 1st runnerup Chad Meridian ofArkansas, and the new Mr. Gay US ofA M! Amadeus York ofTexas. 6 NETROSTAR April 1, 2010 "It would be good if readers and viewers see a different face each time there is an issue in the community," Kirby says. "The broader community should see different people." Kirby has always been willing to speak out on issues. He and his partner of 11 years are legally married in California and Kirby has been a tireless advocate of marriage equalityan issue that has gained momentum around the country in recent years but not budged in conservative leaning Oldahoma. Ending the ban on out GLBT servicemernbers in the US military has also been a cause near, dear - and personal to Kirby. He served in the Air Force at the end of the Vietnam War and several of his friends were discharged because they were gay. One of those friends was particularly special. "I lost a relationship that had been long term when he was discharged from the Air Force for being gay," Kirby says. "I don’t lmow if it would have worked out for life, but I felt a very personal pain." Kirby became active in the military issue after former President Bill Clintoffs efforts to lift the ban on GLBT servicemembers evolved into the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy that stands today. Since then he has joined in on lobbying efforts of the state delegation and lobbied organizations to which be belongs - the American Legion and the Non-Commissioned officers Association -- to support repealing the ban. With the current debate on repealing DADT, Kirby feels there is some progress being made (~ward equal rights to serve. ’ Each time the issue comes up, there are more and more people willing to support repealing the ban," he says. "Whether or not there are enough people now I don’t lmow. I think right now there is as good a chance as there has ever been. I wish the military would look at the other countries who have removed that ban - none of them have had any problems." Kirby says he is committed to continue pushing for his causes and for the advancement of the community. , For more information on OkEqs 30th Anniversary Equality Gala, visit www.okeq. org. Your life an open book on Drag Race The autobiography challenge sends the latest queen packing on Ru-Paul’s Drag Race By Bebe Zahara Benet As I travel all around the country to promote my new single, so many people have told me that this season’s Jessica Wild reminds them of me. I told my mija this during our interview this week, many things I loved about watching her on RuPaul s Drag Race. ticAll reca~ ~foweek 7andprevious shows ate online now. All 12 weeks will be posted on our website at: www. mewosta~ews.com ’~,,~,~v. metrostarnews.corn ~(~t~°oSTAR 7 April 1, 2010 ~v.metrostarnews.com 10 April 1, 2010 Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. O~t &About in OKC & Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ The Cop& Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The End Up, Tulsa Club Maverick Hosts 19th Annual Straley. Gorinphoto , will be goin~ to the this coming April. The Leather Lifestvle has been around awhile in OHahoma, and @Club 209, Tulsa com. puf " in Chri @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Ledo, Oklahoma City 12 ~®t~oSTAR April 1, 2010 by Jack Fertig April 2010 "Go back to basics, GeminW’ Saturn backing into Virgo reminds us to clean up old business before starting new relationships. Aspecting Uranus and Neptune, she’ll dig up complications that must be dealt with to make progress. Go slowly and carefully. You have until late July to get it right. ARIES (March 2(}-Apri~ 19): Recalculate the equation of any partnership that’s troubling you. Can or should it be saved? Strong instincts and inspiration could lead you astray, but probably contain a kernel of truth. Friends can help you reconcile those with reality. TAURUS (April 2(} - May 2(}): Feeling stuck at work can push you back to reexamine your goals. Where do you feel most creative, and what doyou really have to offer? If professional goals feel nebulous, frame the question in terms of your social ideals. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): While your goals and ideals seem to be in flux, go back to basics, The most relevant questions about reaching out to the world around you ar6 taught early in life. Be nice, share and try to learn. Community service can also help clear your head: CANCER (June 21- July 22): Discuss longstanding family issues with siblings, or community problems with neighbors. Things probably aren’t as dark and complicated as they feel. New perspectives will help if you’re willing to be _very_ open-minded. LEO (July 23 - August 22): New ideas and skills can help get you out of financial trouble, but first understand how and why you got into that trouble. You won’t get that on your own. Your partner or an advisor can help you figure it out. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Taking the weight of the world on your shoulders is bad for your health. Discussing problems with your partner, or a trusted friend or counselor, is necessary even if it’s aggravating. A mild exercise program (swimming?) and meditation help, UBRA (September 23 - October 22): It seems you can’t catch a break, so make one for yourself. Take time off to meditate and play. Settle your nerves and charge up your batteries. You need this. in the long run it’s the responsible thing to do! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21}: Take a hard look at your future and get ready to clear out the clutter in your life. Mending fences could mean quitting some friendships and groups, but offers you a chance to make it clean and amicable. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 2(}): Clean up any loose ends and nasty rumors affecting your reputation. Helpful inspiration comes from your home and family. Advice from siblings and neighbors can seem confusing, but don’t take it too literally and it could prove valuable. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Coming toward a peak of your professional reputation, now is the time to get the word out about your achievements and services. Typos and snafus lie in wait. Be very attentive to those details! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You’re coming into a phase of your life where your ideas and your mind will be much challenged. Review what you believe and why. Confusion about who you are and what’s important can be a healthy stage of growth. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Feeling unsure about sex and relationships can be a good step toward greater awareness. OK, it’s uncomfortable now. Meditation and other quiet secluded retreats - some with your love, some without - will ease the exploration. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Uric Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 69 Spread 70 Boston cager, briefly 771 Social customs 72 silence ~r Copland ,Output role fbr fodie 63 Initial stake " 65 Plumb of The Brady Bunch Solution page 15 :~Nw.metrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 13 by Greg Fo× ,,wme.kyleeomics.com E-Mail - Chuck Breckenridge "~&cd~er buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. You determine your own hours,, your own pace aRe your own compensation. Great way to work around your current scnedule, earn extra money. and try. new financial services career. 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Ark~ansas www.magneticvalteyresort.corn info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-840~ 479-244-6821 2116 N~7 43rd CULLENS PENNSYLVANIA AVE. Contact the owner to view this wonderful home. ~=~. (405) ~4-5~52 April 1, 2010 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HAB.A~A INN 2200 N%%r 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222! www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY Pd~SORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 ,a~aw.magneticvalleyresort.com NELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.VZ 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 PR~MEPdCA Dana ~hlsa, Oldahoma 877.700.9503 THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TUI~A EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3t31 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIWSTD Hotline EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcasde.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 ~srA GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ~A~GLES 2117 ?’PgZ 39th St. Oklahoma City~ OK ww,v.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOL~GE 7204 E. PINE Tttlsa, OK 9!8-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKI_AHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vaw#.olcstonewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org CLUB MAJESTIC E N Y A ~R[A N S E S 124N. BOSTON P O tO P ~EIR O CAR D O Tulsa, OK ~--A O 0~-0- E N T 918-584-9494 ,-- ,,~wv.clubmajestictulsa.com H ~ k J J g I O N T A O 2200 NW 39TH ~P~SSWAY 405-525-2900 L A P S E ~O A T I H~S T O P o THE COPA 2200NW39THE~P~SSWAY O V V O ~glo L ~ AIR C H E O ahom ci ,O S S 405-525-0730 A R S AL EVE OREO CE L T ~ORE S~ REST TA L E M~Si Bl~ke’s ~uying’ from 2:00 7:00 p,m, Dancersat 16:00 $,75 i~ome~tic drafl~,from noom2:00 &.m. !’Blak8 s Buyhg from n0omTi00 p:m. Dancers at ;t0:00 $6.00 BEER BUST from 2:00 p.m..,2:00 a.m. "Blake’s Buying" from 2:00 p.m.o 7:00.p.m. Dancers at 10:00 p.m. ...........$4.50 Windex....................................................................................$4.50 EndUp Shot...........................................................................$2.00 EndoUp-O>The-Floor Sho{...................................................$&O0 RaRlesnake, ..............................................................................$3.00 w~av.metrostamews.com ~ETROSTAR 15 ~s ~i~gesl i~pad since Roosevelt, ~ecause the conservative 7 4100 No L]~e]~ Av÷nu÷, Oklahome Ci~ 140S) 427-3366 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, April 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 4 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Steven Petrow Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Magazine, March 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/193 The Metro Star Magazine, May 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/194 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/186 Advice Art Opening and Exhibit Bitter Girl David Osthoff Don't shop-Adopt Drag Race employment discrimination federal hate crimes law fitness-supplements funnies Kelly Kirby Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Miss Gay Lawton Mr. Gay USA Obituaries Paul Robert Thompson QPuzzle Qscopes Rainbow Pages Robert Painter-Other Options and Friends Food Pantry T.E.N.- The Equality Network The Gaylien Weekend Tom Kovach Tony Kushner travel Tulsa Violence Symposium https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/21b7160a063dea87f270489e3b2cf605.jpg c749a3814bc8412bf9530b35f251851f https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/9ebbc07de1ada862fdf4ea8c5c2c49ab.pdf 2276ae9576ef2f367670f95c02ddf45c PDF Text Text LOC ~L NEWS NATIONAL NEWS THE PREMIER WORLD NEWS SOURCE LIFESTYLE FOR GLBT FITNESS TRAVEL ,&DV[CE ENT~ITAINMENVF OKLAHOMA Go green while gettin’ down witli Solar Soun{i 2, the new and improved sun-powered portabl~ speakers from pioneering company Devotec. VOLUME7 ISSUE 12 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com d "Arna Lee’ Smith Passes Away A legacy and legend left Behind He was fondly remembered as he owned a series of dubs in Oklahoma City, beginning back in the days when a GLBT night on the town could be a scary adventure. During the early 1960s America and Oklahoma were quite different, where being gay was officially still a mental illness, sodomy laws were still in the books, and gay rights (let done marriage) weren’t even discussed. Police raids on gay bars were common, albeit on dubious pretexts and very selective law enforcement, much facilitated "Truly we lost a pioneer. He paved the road for the gay life we have in Oldahoma City today, which is going strong now because of him." Ginger Lamar OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ When Arnold Lee Smith’s Memorial Service was held at Bill Meritt’s Memorial Chapel November 2 there were of course family members, he was survived by 4 children in addition to grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Born June 24, 1927 he served in the military, and afterwards got married and had a family. He was preceded in death by his partner of over 37 years, Larry "Fuzzy" Braker. His daughter, Debbie Hill, gave a touching eulogy xvith lighthearted memories of her dad, a man who taught her to love the outdoors, people and life. Even in his final days she remembered his sense of campy humor. During his stay ar the Norman Veteran’s Home she remembered a time when a nurse sported a new big hairdo. When that nurse asked Arnold if he liked it he replied, "Oh honey, give me a comb and I can fix that!" FREE ~ DECEMBER 1,2010 Stop Hate in the Hallways 3rd Annua1 Conference- and more Relevant than ever "This is not a religious issue. It even goes beyond a basic human rights issue. It is al! ab,,out the cl~ildren, es~pecially tkiose GLBT children who will I3e children forever Scott Hamilton, ~xecutive Director of Cimarron Alliance By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Arnold Lee Smith 1.927-2010 See page- 4 & 12 or ashamed to fight back. Bu{evenin ii~ik dark scenario Arnbld~’ first club, Lee~ Lounge which opened in the mid 1960s in the Paseo District, was a brigh.t spot for the GLBT community that refused to back down. Although the club endured relentless police harassment, the club proudly kept going. On many occasions -#hen he was arrested along with his customers, he would bail himself and his customers out and re-open the bar the same night. His drag persona, Arna Lee, became famous during this time, accompanied by his outrageously fun costumes and tap dancing with a campy wit to match. During this time he became a "Drag Mother" to many budding female impersonators, a passion that spanned over 40 years. He was probably best known as the owner of Oklahoma’s first major show bar, The Roadhouse, located way out in a secluded location near Frontier City. There many major entertainers got their start, and the community had a place to go even if it was for most a lengthy drive. Even tong after the bar closed in 1978, their customers and performers held many Roadhouse Reunions to celebrate the good times they had there, and the movement it hdped create for GLBT Oldahomans. Following this venture Mr. Smith purchased the Outrigger in 1979, located in the Viva Motor Inn ( now the site of the YWCA Women’s Crisis Center). Done up in a.lovely south seas scenario with bathescaphe speakers, ir was a lively party ........ Continued See LEE Page-4 By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Left Scott Hamilton, Executive Director of Cimarron Alliance, and Oklahoma City Superintendant ofPublic Schools I~rl Springe~ Gorin photo OICLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The first time Cimarron Alliance sponsored a Stop Hate in the Hallways Conference it was a first in more ways than one. Although school bullying had raised the concerns of some school systems, and there had been conferences about safer classrooms, Stop Hate in the Hallways was the first time bullying facing GLBT students, or those perceived to be, was ever addressed. For too many of those in the GLBT commumty ~vho remember their school days, the previous conferences may have seemed like ignoring the gorilla in the room, and their perception has merit. By 2007 the National School Climate Survey indicated that over 86.2% of GLBT students had been harassed, and 22.1% had been physically assaulted. GLBT youth are 7 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and 1/3 of sexual minority suicides occur before the age of 17. Inaction by school authorities contributes to the problem, wins action talien in only 44% of the reported incidents, while 59% of the incidents are never reported. As with the previous conferences, this event drew educators and school administrators as well as others involved together from throughout Oldahoma, this time held at the Moore -Norman Technology Center. Headlining a workshop about administrative policy issues was Oklahoma City School Superintendant Karl Springer and Millard House, the Assistant Superintendant of the Tulsa Public Schools. Both school systems have adopted anti bullying policies which specify the category of real or perceived sexual orientation, and Oklahoma’s City’s policy goes further to include sexual identity. The two keynote speakers were Warren Blumenfeld and Steve Wessler. Mr Bluemfeld, today a professor of Multicultural and International Curriculum Studies at Iowa State University, told of growing tip Jewish "and perceived as GLBT when he was relentlessly bullied and faced severe harassment from junior high to the college level. After a series of workshops, the conference ended with a presentation by Steve Wessler, the Executive Director of the Center for Preventing Hate, based in Maine which he created in ! 999. He had worked in the Maine Attorney General’s office and as a lawyer in private practice, but now has a crusade he has taken towards making schools safer for all students. ........ Continued See HATE Page-6 �2200 W I~ Se~ice Road OKC 1.800.988.2221 w~.habanainn.com 2 December �:r 2 Election aftermathleas some of our Friends Survived Openly Gay Native ONahoman inducted into the Music Hall of Fame 2010 World AIDS Day celebrations promote awareness, education By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team By Robin D-Townsend Metro Star Team By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Mayflower Congregation in NW OKC holds World AIDS Day celebration events eac,b year in Oklahoma City. In ~ont of the church, white crosses with red ribbons are placed to remember those whose lives have been directly affected with H1V/AIDS. Oklahoman Sam Harris inducted into the Oklahoma dvIusic Hail ofFame. "[ kind of feel like, are you sure? Really? Do you have the right gw?" Those were the senriments expressed by Oklahoma native Sam Harris who at age 49 was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Halt oirFame along with country singer Jean Shepa/d la Pauls Valley native best lmown tbr her 1953 duet with Ferlin Husky entitled "Dear John), rock guitarist Jamie Oldaker ( who played in the bands of Bob Seger, Eric Clapton, and was a founding member of the Tractors, a country rock group) and Les Gilliam, who was named as the Official Oklahoma Balladeer by the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1998. Born in Cushing and growing up in Sand Springs, Mr. Harris won recognition for his winning performance of "Over the Rainbow" on the televised talent show Starsearch, which has become his signature song. His first hit with Motown records, "Sugar Don’t Bite" was a national hit peaking at #36 on Billboard’s singles chart in 1984 that also become a dance classic. Since then he has performed at sold our concerts at venues including New York City’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Vc’est End. He has starred on Broadway and numerous television appearances. He is openly gay, and has been with his partner Danny Jacobsen, who is a film producer, since 1994. They adopted a son, Cooper Atticus Harris- Jacobsen, in 2008, and Sam and Danny got married on November 1 that same year. The Oklalmma Music Hall of Fame, located in Muskogee began with a vision in 1996 fol!owed with an act by the Oldahoma State Legislature. Their headquarters and museum is a renovated Frisco Freight Depot located at 401 S. 3rd Street. Past honorees have included Merle Haggard, Woody Guthrie. Patti Page, Carrie Underwood and the _All American Reiects. N~eir website is ,a~w.omhof.org. Fo,wter Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner fim Roth with State Representative AI McAdff~ey, and Atto,wey & Oklahoma Regent Richard Ogden at a fi¢ndraiserfor Al shortly before the election. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ World AIDS Day is December 1st each year, drawing people from around the world together raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. The events help demonstrate international solidarity in the face of this disease. The day allows public and private partners to come together to raise awareness and encourage progress inHIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in highprevalence countries and around the world. "HIV/AIDS is not just in our country but worldwide," said Mary Arbuckle, Executive Director of Other Options and Friends Food Pantry in Oklahoma City. "World AIDS Day brings attention to this catastrophic disease creating unity in the ~vorld by all of us coming together." Other Options supports the OKC HIV/AIDS community with the Friends Food Pantry, an unduplicated program in Oklahoma for people living with HIV/ AIDS. They provide a home ddivery program of food for homebound clients, case management of the HOPWA program (Housing opportunity for people living with HIV/AIDS) and their Humanitarian Medication Program is now providing eight, third world countries with recycled medications from across the US. Other Options and other ASP organizations will help with the November 30th event at Mayflower Congregation. With the help of MAC AIDS "Viva Glam" employees will be volunteering all day at Other Options ro get involved in the celebration. \Vgorld health officials report the number of people infected with the virus that causes AIDS seems to be mostly stable. According to an epidemic update by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Joint U.N. Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the figure (about 33 million) has remained virtually unchanged for the past few years. ....... Continued See AIDS Page 7 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ In a turn of events that left progressives and Democrats reeling, the nation and especially Oklahoma experienced a drastic change of power. With the election of Mary Fallin and our new governor, we not only have our first female governor but also the first time all of our statewide offices are held by Republicans, with conservatives now in even greater control of both houses of our state legislature. Among the allies of the Oklahoma GLBT community who survived the tide were Andrew Rice-Incumbent State Senator District 46, Anastasia Pittman-Incumbent State Representative District 99, State Representative Al McAffrey-Incumbent State Representative District 88 and our first and only openly gay state legislator, and Willa Johnson-Incumbent Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1. Although Brittany Novotny did make history as the first transgendered person to run for elective office in Oklahoma, she did not succeed in ousting Sally Kern, the incumbent in District 84 well lmown for her anti-gay sentiments. In order to change the political scene for the future the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus is worldng on expanding their membership and mailing list, forming a PAC ( Political Action Committee) and improving their voter guide system. As for the future Jeanne Flanigan, the female co-chair of the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, still has some optimism and calls for action. As she puts it, "The new leadership shotfld know that right after they are sworn in we will be keeping track of how they are protecting our rights. If they ~vant to roll back any civil rights we will be writing letters to them and editors, and demonstrating at the Capitol. We have had a wake up call, and realize how serious our task is of educating voters and getting them to vote." ’uptc¥ ® Civil RightS ®Criminal ,ment ® Family Law ® Litigation 625 N.W. 13th Street CitV, OK 73103 December 1, 2010 3 �Dennis R. Nefll Equality Center to feature works from Tulsa artist Liz Ingersoll of"Mia Bdla Art" BIKES FOR ? LIGHT ’EM UP Sex), ladies have long had a love affair with motorcycles. Seems unlikel); but examine the evidence; nobody’s forcing those busty blonds and brunettes to bend over the handlebars in every bike rag sitting on newsstands. One could argue that the female species likes the feeling of all that prover. Whatever the case may be, California Scooter Co. has carved a niche in the market for.women who have a need for speed with three styles - Classic, Greaser and Babydoll - and a custom-built option. The company claims on its website that you’re in for the ride of your life, and if one of these is waiting for your honey in the garage on Christmas morning, you probably will be. ($4,995 and up; www.californiascooterco.com) SNAP TO IT TULSA, OK __The December Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit oflocat artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature works from Tulsa artist Liz Ingersoll of"Mia Bella Art". Liz Ingersoll began her career as a part time portrait/event photographer in 2004 and established a name in the local community as Mia Belta Images. Since October 2009 Liz has participated in numerous art shmvs under the new name of Mia Bella Art. To keep her artwork fresh and exciting she releases a new collection each month from July thru January and prints only limited editions. In October 2010 Mia Bella Art was proud to receive the Best in Show Award from Utica Square’s Art in the Square and was honored to provide 9 large pieces for the fihning of The Lamp. For a complete list of upcoming shows, venues and local shops that sell Mia Bella Art, find her on facebook or visit www. miabellaart.com. To contact Liz for commission xvork or invite her to participate in your venue, email contact@miabeltaart. corn or call 918-693-2677. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, December 2nd from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month, w~wv.okeq. org ~ parties. As his health failed him he went into the Norman Veteran’s Center, a nursing home for veterans, where he remained until his death on Oct0ber 31~ He left behind many friends who will always remember what he did to make Oklahoma a better place. His bulbs will shine bright in these festive trunlcs from Pact, an eco-friendly and cause-conscious underwear shop. A portion of the proceeds will help charitable organizations EarthSpark and Citizen E~ct send handheld solar lanterns to Haitians in need. ($22; wv#~v.wearpact. con1) GO THE EXTRA SMILE Unless your dentist loo}cs like John Stamos, you\q rather stay away, which presents a problem ifyou covet bright white chompers. Sure, there are overthe-counter bleaching methods - and they’re relatively inexpensive - but they’re also messy and often painful. Ramona Singer infamously called Kodak antiquated, much to the chagrin ofJi!l Zarin, who was hosting an event on the company’s behalf during a season three episode of ~Ihe Real Housewives of New York. Points go to Team Jill for that round, because Rarnona was way off base. In fact, the iconic brand is as cuttingedge as they come where affordable consumer technolog7 is involved. Case in point: the EasyShare M580, the world’s thinnest I4-raegapixei, five-timeszoom digital camera. Thg pocket-sized point-andshoot also features a Share Button, which allows users to tag and upload pics to Facebook, YouTube, the Kodal< Gallery and Flickr within seconds of plugging it into a computer. Mmhmm. xXOaatcha got now, Ramona? ($199.95; www.kodak.com) Simple, safe and effective, Supersmile takes a bite out of the competition with 4 December 1, 2010 MOR~ GIFT IDEB2S - Page 12 a clinically proven gift set that includes a Professional Series II LS45 Advanced Sonic Pulse Toothbrush (with patented 45-degree angled bristles) and a three-month supply of its professional whitening system. The system safely whitens natural teeth and restores bonding, veneers, caps and dentures to their original splendor. It also strengthens enamel and eliminates harmful bacteria, plaque and gingivitis. The one thing it won’t do, however, is cure morning breath; dude is still gonna taste icky in the a.m. ($159; www.supersmile. com) Arnold Lee Smit/a AKA Arna Lee place until it closed in 1981. After a sojourn in Florida for a few years, he r~turned and began his last club venture, a bar complex on Lincoln Boulevard nostalgically named the Roadhouse, which had multiple bars as well as various shops. However after the loss of his partner in 1995, who passed away the day after the Oldahoma City bombing, that venture failed after only about a year of operation, and Arnold went into retirement. His house faced N.W. 39th Street, and his outdoor birthday parties during the annual OKC Pride Parade were a joyous tradition. Even close to his final days Arna Lee still performed at Tramps, the Hilo, and other clubs, frequently at fundraisers for the Oldahoma Gay Rodeo Association and AIDS "Walk OKC, as well as performing in private �Supremes refi se to block DADT The Supremes are keeping Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in force. The U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 12 refused to vacate an order from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that suspended an injunction from the federal District Court in Riverside, Califi, that prohibited the U.S. government from enforcing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military gay ban. Which means: DADT can be enforced during appeal of the Riverside decision that found it unconstitutional -- unless President Barack Obama, Congress and the Pentagon end the ban in the interim. Plaintiff Log Cabin Republicans had asked the Supreme Court to vacate the 9th Circuit order, thereby allowing Riverside Judge Virginia Phillips’ injunction to go back into force. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who hears such requests from the 9th Circuit, referred the matter to the full Supreme Court, where Justice Elena Kagan opted not to take part in the decision. Phillips issued her injunction Oct. 12 after finding that DADT violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of free speech, due process and right to petition for redress of grievances. The injunction remained in place until Oct. 20, when the 9th Circuit issued a brief stay ~vhile it decided whether to issue a longer stajg which it did Nov. 1. During the eight days the injunction was in force, the military stopped kicking gays and lesbians our of the services and began letting them re-enlist. The Obama administration’s insistence on appealing Phillips’ DADT strikedown has been highly irritating to gay activists, given that the president says he strongly opposes DADT. Obama, however, says the policy needs to be ended by Congress, which created it, not the courts. Xhe administration also has argued that the Justice Department has an obligation to defend federal laws that are challenged, and that DADT should not be ended abruptly because that will disrupt and harm military operations. The Pentagon recently conducted a massive survey of members of the military to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked versions of the findings, which will be released officially in December, reportedly reveal that most members of the armed forces are fine with GLB people serving openly. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure this ),ear authorizing the military to end DADT but the Senate did not follow suit after Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., staged a filibuster over the matter. "It is unfortunate that an unconstitutional law that is causing substantial harm to military readiness and to tens of thousands of troops is allowed to remain in effect for even one more day," said Alexander Nicholson, executive director of Servicemembers United. "~is just underscores the need to continue to put pressure on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to allow the defense authorization bill (which includes DADT repeal language) to come back up and take its first procedural step before the Senate’s Thanksgiving recess," Nicholson said. "Servicemembers United, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Stonewall Democrats, and the Log Cabin Republicans have all strongly and consistently called on Sen. Reid to do just that. It is now time for other organizations, as wel! as the White House, to publicly do the same." The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force urged supporters to call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and tell both of their U.S. senators to authorize repeal of DADT by voting for the defenseauthorization bill this month. "We can only be assured of having the 60 votes we need if we can change minds before the new members of the Senate take their seats," the group said. But LCR attorney Dan Woods thinks that ship has all but sunk. "With the likelihood of Congress repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell fading with each passing day, judicial relief continues to be perhaps the most viable avenue for ending this unconstitutional policy," Woods said. "We and Log Cabin Republicans will continue to fight on to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans who want to serve in our military without regard to their sexual orientation. Our next step will be to ask the 9th Circuit to expedite the government’s appeal from Judge Phillips’ judgment and ~nJ uncnon ¯ LCR Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper commented: "We are committed to pursuing every avenue in the fight against this failed and unconstitutional polic~ Log Cabin will continue working to secure the votes needed for legislative repeal, and if necessary, we look forward to seeing President Obama’s attorneys in court next year to prove, once again, that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell doesn’t work." Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire. The 11 plaintiffs all have been denied federal rights and protections solely because they are married to a person of the same sex. The suit, filed in federal District Court in Connecticut, addresses DOMA’s nonrecognition of marriages in connection with federal employee and retiree benefits progranas, Social Security benefits, survivor benefits under federal pension laws, work leave to care for a spouse under the Family and Medical Leave Act, and state retiree health insurance benefits that are controlled by federal tax law. Additional plaintiffs ~vho pay excess ~ederal income tax because they cannot file their federal returns as married couples will join the suit once the IRS officially rejects their requests for refunds. "Every day that DOMA stands, it arbitrarily divides married couples into two categories," said GLAD Legal Director Gary Buseck. Also on Nov. 9, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the feds in New York over DOMA. The group represents 81-year-old Edie Windsor, who had to pay $350,000 in additional estate taxes because the federal government treated her as single, even though she was married to Thea Spyer and their marriage was recognized by the state of New York. "(T)he federal government ... taxed Thea’s estate as though we were strangers rather than spouses," Windsor said. "(It’s) a tax on being gaY"These cases provide further evidence that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act is not simply an abstract insult to the dignity of same-sex couples and their families -although it is indeed a deeply offensive law," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "DOMA causes real harm to people like Joanne Pedersen, Ann Meitzen and Edie Windsor, denying them economic security, health coverage and other critical federal rights and benefits that other married couples take for granted." The section of DOMA that prevents the federal government from recognizing stares’ same-sex marriages already was struck down as unconstitutional earlier this year in two cases from Massachusetts, but the Obama administration has appealed the rulings. The section, which the federal District Court in Boston found unconstitutional in three ways, states: "In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ’marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ’spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife." The language overrides any state’s determination that a Edie lZ~ndsog right, and ~ea S~ye,: ACLUphoto couple is married and says that they are not married for purposes trait ~ie New England legal group Gay federal laws and programs, even though the & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders filed federal government otherwise has always a multiplaintiff lawsuit challenging the deferred to state determinations of marital constitutionality of the federal Defense of status. Marriage Act on Nov. 9. The Boston court said DOMA violates the In Pedersen v. Office of Personnel Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment Management, GLAD represents five married ..... Continued see MARRIAGE - page 6 same-sex couples and a widower, who live in Gays sue reds over marriage again December ~, 2010 �DADT protesters arrested at White House By Rex Woclmer Photo by Sean Cark’on, Talk About Equali~ Courtesy of GetEQUAL WASHINGTON, DC __ Thirteen supporters of the direct-action group GetEQUAL were arrested at the xYc~lite House fence Nov. 15 after handcuffing themselves to it and supergluing their handcuff locks. They demanded that the Senate join the House in authorizing ,repeal of the Dofft Ask, Don’t Tell military ban on noncloseted GLBs before the Senate adjourns this year. Arrested were Dan Choi, Autumn Sandeen, Evelyn Thomas, Mara Boyd, Geoff Farrow, Robin McGehee, Miriam Ben-Shalom, Justin Elzie, Ian Finkenbinder, Robert Smith, Dan Fotou, Scott glooledge and Michael Bedwell. "Included in the thirteen arrested are veterans and advocates spanning three generations of brave and courageous Americans, who sacrificed their careers and lives to see the day this discriminatory ban on openly gay and lesbian service in the military finally goes into the history books," said GetEQUAL Director Robin McGehee. "Today we have sent a loud and clear message to the U.S. Senate and President Obama that we expect them to make good on their promises to end this inhumane law this year, during the lame-duck session of Congress." DADT was struck down as unconstitutional by a federal District Court earlier this year and for eight days an injunction prohibited the military from kicking out open gays or barring them from enlisting. But the Obama administration appealed the injunction all the way to the Supreme Court, which upheld a stay of it issued by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Tnat reinstated the policy for the duration of the appeals of the District Court ruling. Obama has said he wants Congress, not courts, to end the ban, and Justice Department laxvyers argued in court filings that the ban must not be lifted abruptly by a judge because that would harm military operations. The House of Representatives voted earlier this year to authorize the armed forces to end DADT, but the Senate failed to follow suit. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been conducting a massive survey of troops and their families, due to be released in December, to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked reports of the findings suggest that a majority of members of the military are not troubled by openly gay servicemembers. 6 December ~, 2010 ~~R But Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee has, for all intents and purposes, vowed to continue to block Senate authorization of DADT repeal, complaining that the massive Pentagon survey didn’t ask the right questions. "All four service chiefs are saying we need a thorough and complete study of the effects -- not how to implement a repeal, but the effects on morale and battle effectiveness," McCain told MSNBC on Nov. 14. "That’s what I ,want, and once we get this (current) study, ~ve need to have hearings and we need to exarnine it and we need to look at whether it’s the kind of study that we wanted. It isn’t, in my view, because I wanted a study to determine the effects of the repeal on battle effectiveness and morale. What this study is designed to do is to find out how the repeal could be implemented." Popular LGBT tourist destination first in Arkansas to offer health insurance coverage to domestic partners o city workers EUREICA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ The only city in Arkansas with a Domestic Partnership Registry has become the first city in the state to provide health care coverage for the domestic partners of municipal workers. The cig;s insurance provider, the Arkansas Municipal League, notified the city on November 15, 2010 that beginning January !, 2011 both same- and opposite-sex partners of city wm-kers will have the same access to health insurance as legal spouses. The announcement culminated a yearlong campaign by residents of this northwest Arkansas tourist town which in June 2007 became the first city in the state to enact a Domestic Partnership Registry ordinance to ot~cially recognize unmarried couples in committed relationships. "Once again Eureka Springs is leading by exan~ple, this time in the realm of workplace equality," said Michael Walsh, who helped lead the effort to expand health care coverage. "Marital status shouldn’t be the deciding factor in access to ’family plan’ insurance. Legally wed or not, all city workers should get the same employment benefits, including access to health insurance for their partners." Expanding the definition of"fan~ily dependent" was "the right thing to do," Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy wrote to the Municipal League in August, just xveeks before the city council passed a resolution endorsing domestic partnership insurance coverage. Photo by Sean Carlson, Courtesy of "I am aware as well as you that some will GetEQUAL construe this as a ’gay issue’," said Joy. "But the reality is that there are many heterosexual The DADT repeal measure is part ofthe couples who chose to live together in a bill that will fund the entire U.S. military in committed relationship - as a family - without 2011. As a result, McCain’s obstructionism entering into the civil contract of marriage,. has left the overall funding bill unpassed by the Senate as well. These folks face the same ’family’ challenges Surveys have found that neatly 80 every day, not the least of which is providing percent of Americans are fine with letting health care for themselves and for those who gays in the military come out of the closet are dependent on them .... the definition of by ending the DADT policy. family is at the center of our concerns." Joy and cityTransit Director Lamont Richie met with the Arkansas Municipal League Nov. 4 to lobby for a more inclusive health insurance policy. Monday’s announcement that their efforts were successful "is a huge step forward," said Richie. "And though only employees of the City of Eureka Springs will be able to take advantage of it for now," he said, "other TULSA, OK (PR) __ Don your gay communities in apparel and join us for the 3rd annual Fatalalala Ball. ~e evening will include the state may be pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus and the encouraged to adopt naughty and nice elves, Cash Bar and heavy their own Domestic hor d’oeuvres. Pull out ),our holdiay dress and Partnership Registries business casual and enjoy. Admission Price is as a means of providing one of the following: pet food for A Friend health insurance for A Friend, personal toiletries for Our benefits to domestic House Too, non perishable food items for St partners of their Jerome Church Food Pantry. employees." 3rd Annual Falalalala Ball Saturday, December 18th: 7pro Dennis R Neill Equality Center For more information visit: vrw~v.OkEq. org N to the U.S. Constitution by treating married gay couples differently from married straight couples without any rational basis for doing so. It also found that DOMA violates the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by intruding in areas of exclusive state authority, and violates the Spending Clause in Article 1 of the Constitution by forcing Massachusetts to discriminate against its married gay citizens in order to receive certain types of federal funding. President Barack Obama does not support same-sex marriage, although he did in 1996 when he was campaigning for an Illinois Senate seat. But in a recent xYvq~ite House meeting with five progressive bloggers, the president suggested he might be getting ready to change his mind again. "I do not intend to make big news sitting here with tl~e five of you, as wonderful as you guys are," Obama said at the Oct. 27 meeting. "But H1 say this .... I have been to this point unwilling to sign on to same-sex marriage primarily because of my understandings of the traditional definitions of marriage, but I also think you’re right that attitudes evolve, including mine. I think that it is an issue that I wrestle with and think about because I have a whole host of friends who are in gay partnerships. I have staff members who are in committed, monog~ous relationship.s, who are raising children, who are wonderful parents, and I care about them deeply, and so while I’m not prepared to reverse myself here, sitting in the Roosevelt Room at 3:30 in the afternoon, I think it’s fair to say that it’s something that I think a lot about. That’s probably the best you’ll get out of me toda): ... The one thing I wil! say today is I think it’s pretty dear where the trendlines are going ... the arc of history." Most inspiring was OSU-OKC students who participated in the Upward Bound summer session, a preparation program for first generation college students., xvho have held rallies at Western Heights High School and the Oklahoma State Capitol raising awareness about school bu!lying. The conference, although inclusive of the GLBT community, also included other categories of bullying including race, religion, and physica! disabilities. Cimarron Alliance hopes the conference will grow, with more teacher and school administrators. �By Steven Petrow &even Pelrow is the author of’The Essential Book of Gay Manners & Etiquette. " Send him your questions at queeries@live.com. "We waist to help other kids fight bullying" "Events like these help us remember, in a good way, those we have lost and to remember that there has been so much progress for this disease," said Chuck Longacre of Oklahoma City. "There is just a marked change for a lot of folks living better and living longer now." Longacre worl~ with Red Rock and Expressions Outreach Center (just offthe OKC strip) providing free HIV/ AIDS testing and counseling. The first World AIDS Day was celebrated on December 1, 1988 and officials say the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS probably peaked in 1996. WHO takes the lead in the global health sector’s response to HIV/AIDS and provides evidence-based information at www.who.int/hivlen/. HRC scorecard: Congress is polarized The new edition of the Human Rights Campaign’s "Congressional Scorecard" has found an increase in both "highly supportive" and "highly anri-LGBT" legislators. HRC said the findings reveal a "stark polarization." ’~k strong and devoted group of antiLGBT legislators continues to stymie the progress LGBT people deserve," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "The fact that the first ever vote to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the House of Representatives was countered by a filibuster in the Senate illustrares the landscape." In the House, 145 members received a pro-gay score ofg0 percent or better, compared to 128 members in the previous Congress. Senators scoring 90 percent or better this year rose from 32 to 36. However, the number of senators receiving a zero score from HRC climbed as well, from 16 to 32. The number of House zeros remained unc,,h.anged. As more and more American’s support equality for LGBT people, some members of Congress are showing real leadership while others are digging in their heels to cater to an anti-LGBT fringe constituency," said HRC Legislative Director Allison Herwitt. The scorecard is based on votes and cosponsorships regarding hate crimes, gays in the military, employment nondiscrimination, tax equity, same-sex marriage, same-sex partner immigration, HIV treatment, needle exchange, and the Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court confirmations. For full results, see hrc.org/scorecard. No matter who yo* are on life’s journt -Re~ere~d ~r. 0 3131 N. December 1, 2010 7 ��IVfETROPOLITAN COI~MUNITY CHURCHES ~ev Sieve To U[~e Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO ~804 Wo~h[p Sunday 6:00 PM CommunRy Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM December t, 2010 9 �Creep of the Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne WYtkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a f!’eelance writer and Oct (beiieve it~O .. When shes nOt taking on the creeps of the world she reviews rock roll sh~ows in Detroit with her twin sister "Clint McCance" he’d feel. "I would disown my kids if You know the old saying, "If you they were gay," he posts. "They will not be don’t have anything nice to say, say it on Facebook?" Well, Arkansas Midland School ~velcome at my home or in my viciniry. I will absolutely run them off. Of course my District vice president Clint McCance took kids will imow better. My kids will have solid it to heart recently when he posted some vile christian beliefs." anti-gay hate speech to rival Fred Phelps and Where these "solid Christian beliefs" will his band of "God Hates Fags" loonies. \Vhat set McCance off come from I don’t know. Certainly not from was a cal! for supporters of their father. ," i’m not sure that LGBT youth to wear purple in there’s an honorable Needless to say, memory of the young people McCance’s comments way to wish all gay who recently committed caused quite a stir with people dead even it= suicide after being bullied. many people calling for his he had used different I "Seriously they want me firing. words to do it. A visibly uncomfortable to wear purple because five queers committed suicide," he and maybe even contrite McCance appeared oh CNN with Anderson posted. "The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the Cooper and apologized for his comments saying they were "too emotional" and "went people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and too far." As for the terms "fag" and "queer" he told killed therselves because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE." Cooper, "I know those are hurtful words and like I said, I picked the wrong words to use. Yes, really. Did I mention he was a school And used them poorly. I didn’t bring honor board member? Oh, to be a gay kid in to what I was about." Midland. Those lucl~, devils. I’m not sure that there s an honorable way , One of McCances friends commented, to ~vish all gay people dead even if he had Because hatred is always right:. 2 used different words to do it. To which he responds, "No because being He also stated that he doesn’t "wish death a fag doesnt give you the right to ruin the on anyone" and that "it does look like I’m a rest of our lives. If you get easily offended hatemonger or a horrible person’and that’s by being called a fag then dent tell anyone not me at al!." you are a fag. Keep that shit to yourself. I Urn, yes. It does look like that. Very dent care how people decide to live their much like that, in fact. It’s kind of hard to lives. They dent bother me if they keep it to accept that a person who thinks, "Hey I have thereselves. It pisses me off though that we a minute to post on Facebook before I head make a special purple fag day for them. I like off to this school board meeting and here’s that fags cant procreate. I also enjoy the fact something totally appropriate to say" isn’t that they often give each other aids and die." a hatemonger. No matter how much they D~d you catch that lastpart. He enj.ovs apologize or resign from the school board on when gays get AIDS and die. Ha ha. You Anderson Cooper 360. know, typical LOL stuff. So, yeal~. He resigned. And he’s sorry. But Another friend commented, "You kmow the boot print of mistrust and feat on the this is somebodys kids here how would you backs of LGBT school kids, especially those feel if they were talkin about your kids like in the Midland school system, isn’t going to this. It would make you feel like SHIT." wash out so easily. ~ No worries, McCance knows exactly how 10 December1,2010 �20TH ANNUAL- C H R~ ST HAS AIDS BENEFIT BENEFITTING THE WINDS HOUSE MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 & TUESDAY, DECEi~4BER 7 DINNER AT 6:30 PM ENTERTAINbAENT AT 8:00 P!Vt THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY x¢VITH ENTERTAINiMENT BY: SONJA ~RTINEZ BEN WILLIAMS JOHN BEEBE P,~ENEE ANDERSON ,~{ATTHEW HEATH-FITZGERALD KITTY BOB AIMES FOR RESE ROXIE HART NOR!~AA JEAN GOLDENSTEIN IONS CALL (405) 525-0730 PRICE 45,00 RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED. HALF OF ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE XA!INDS HousE. ~T~S’~AR t December 1, 2010 �By Ed Sikov PRODIGAL SUN Go green while gettin’ down with Solar Sound 2. the new and improved sun-powered portable speakers from pioneering compaW Devotec. Building upon the success of the original Solar Sound. this upgrade promises a superior listening experience with the use of specialty woven speaker cones; silver-plated, oxygen-free copper cabling; an efficient power circuit to provide even more juice to the amp; and a larger integrated battery that increases playing time to five to 10 hours, depending on the volume levd. 3-hat’s where the sun comes in. With its embedded solar panel and quick charging system, the unit can play continuously under UV rays - even when the built-in battery is dead. Party on, parry boy. ($99.99; www.devotecindustries.com) THE BIGGER PICTURE ’SCANDLE’-OUS There are digital photo frames, and then there’s the CEIVA digital photo frame. What’s the difference? For starters, CEIVA frames come preloaded with your favorite pics, so when the recipient opens the box your pearly whites are peering fight back. But that’s not the best part. The frames are connected, allmving anyone, anywhere to send photos directly to the frame by camera phone, e-mail, Facebook and more - a nice surprise for grandma when she walks in to see ne,v pictures from her favorite gay grandson. Unless her favorite gay grandson hits the wrong button, of course. But then, he really shouldn’t have such scandalous content stored on his Droid, now should he? ($127.99 and up; wvvw.ceiva.com) GARDEN VARIETY Turn up the heat with Scandle, a shimmery candle that burns two degrees above body temperature to produce a soothing body oil in a relaxing aroma. Perfect for massages, cuticle treatments or as an everyday moisturizer. ($22.95; www. scandlecandle.com) SHAVE THE WAY Paging Peg Bundy! Al’s trophy ~vife " loved her some bonbons - but probably not this ~nd. Moulton’s Bon Bons are truffleshaped mounds of clay and organic compost combined with seeds. The Garden pack features two each of basil, parsley, chives and thyme, while the herb tea selection includes double quantities of borage, chamomile, lemon balm and Stinging Nettle. Just toss the handcrafted clay* balls into the garden or an indoor container, add water, and watch them grow. Perfect for that crazy uncle who "talks" his plants. Misery loves compan}: ($14.95; wx~,~v.moultonology.com) December 1, 2010 Ed Sikov # the author ofDark lcqcto,7; 7he Life ofBette Davis and ot?~er books aboutfilms and filmmakers. " he Scarborough Fair" It’s very loud in the city much louder than any Fire Island sound system blasting the recent archaeological discovery, Barbra Streisand. But I’ve kept a bit of my summer garden in preserved form, and it’s literally a tonic. Just before we left the beach house, I was seized with an ovmwhelming need to take something with me - something to get me through the tough, cold northeast winter. Dan had already put his suitcase outside the gate when, stricken with this impulse, I dropped my stuff, sprinted to the container garden in the back, and ripped out bunches of herbs. "What are you doing?" said Dan when I reappeared carrying two fistfuls of aromatics. "What are you doing?" I replied as I stuffed them into my backpack. He answered on cue: "What are you doing?!" It’s a routine we do. "I don’t know," I said as I picked up my backpack. "It’s part of a Native-American ha~est ritual." "Don’t be racist," Dan scolded. We distracted ourselves by insulting each other as we walked to the ferry. By the time we got home, the herbs looked pretty sad, so to refresh them I wrapped them in a wet towel and stuck them in the refrigerator. I decided to make an herbal infusion, so the next morning, I bought a fifth of Absolut. After doing some cursory Internet research, I decided I kaaew better. (I’m obnoxious.) So I washed the ragged bouquets, dried them in a salad spinner, and laid them out on the counter. I hadn’t planned this desperate harvest at all; the herbs I’d blindly grabbed at twilight consisted of sage, thyme, tarragon, lovage, parsley and rosemarT~ and holes to catch even the shortest stubble, cutting every hair with fewer strokes. Designed to be innovative and attractive in function and design, this cordless, electric shaver also features the SldnGlide system that combines a smooth surface with rounded edges to glide effortlessly over his manly mug. Kyan would be proud. ($199-$349; www. store.philips.com) FIVE O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE ’Ihis ain’t your daddy’s razor. The Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D uses GyroFlex 3D technology to enable three-dimensional contouring that pivots around, tilts inward and flexes outward to adjust seamtessly to every curve of the face and neck. The UltraTrack heads include channels to catch longer hairs, slots to catch normal hairs, Get your glug on anytime, anywhere The infusion ingredients instantly chose themselves: parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Don’t you just love that song? I put the iPod on its little donut and set it to my Pau! Simon playlist, then gently bruised the herbs to release their oils and juices, stuffed them in a large, dean, Mason-type glass jar, poured the Absolut in and sealed it. I waited one day too long. On the third day, the infusion was a gorgeous shade of bright green; the next day it starting browning, and I yanked the herbs out before the thing started to look like peat moss runoff. ¯ne taste? Well, the Garfunlde herb mix tasted very good, though in the future I might just use rosemary (it’s got the best flavor) and some parsley for color. Turning an herbal infusion into a cocktail is easy: you can have it straight up at room temperature, put it on the rocks, stick the bottle in the freezer or add some seltzer and a lime segment. Simple! And ifa guest says your handcrafted infused vodka is not ro her liking? Just tell her to go reap it in a sickle of leather. That should shut her up. (But what the hell does it mean?) "~he Scarborough Fair" Get some herbs. I’d try rosemary first, with some parsley for color. Measurements are useless here, since the whole point is to make it handcrafted by you. Wash and dry the herbs thoroughly, put them in a glass jar with a lid that seals tightly, pour in enough Absolut to cover the herbs, and seal the jar. Taste often. When it looks and tastes right t.o you, strain the infusion back into the Absolut bottle or the bottle or jar of your choice. Drink it straight, or mixed with some seltzer or a small splash of tomato juice. with The Original Disposable Flask, a lightweight, durable, collapsible and freezable portal of potency that fits perfectly in a pocket or purse. Great for one-time use or as reusable, refillable respite. ($2.99; www. disposableflasks.com) �& Chuck Breckenridge x~;q~ether buying or selling I’!t work hard for you. 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas LANCE ~:-- www.magneticvalleyresort.com info @magneticvalleyresor t.com ~ COIJLD MAKE A "~ PHONE CALLS 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Downtown, xN Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center; Tulsa Gay Center. Aff’ordable Homes and Apartments. For #~ore hb~a~on visit: MAK~ THOSB wu,w.gaybra~ybeigh#tu/sa.com ,leeomics.com erm~il: bitt ergid@qsyndicate.com www.joanhitty.net N~@~T~ December i, 20i0 13 �By Jack Fertig December 2010 "Be sensible, LibraP’ Mars in Sagittarius provokes us to speak and act out in search of new perspectives. He’s squared to Uranus, though, provoking accidents, rash statements and decisions we’ll regret later. The greatest adventures are deep inside. Meditation and introspection can yield tremendous insights. ARIES (Paarch 20- Apri~ 19): Your ruler, Mars, is goading you to explore new ideas and places. Even - or especially - in quiet meditation in a dark room you can hardly help but to make important discoveries. Staying true to yourself means accepting growth and change. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - P~ay 20): Finding sexual adventure is easy enough, but it could complicate friendships. The erotic energy that’s making you so popular could be harnessed into a more political charisma. What to do? The answer is deep inside you. GEMIN~ (Paay 21- June 20): It’s harder than usual to stay out of arguments. "Your friends could help you if you can keep the signals clear. Thinking ahead is good; intuiting ahead is better. Accept criticism from the boss, even if overly harsh, as a challenge to improve. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 20): Get out and have a little fun, but even there, think ahead and be careful. Home is a danger zone, and not just for the preponderance of accidents that happen there. Not a good time to call the folks either! CAPRICORN (December 2t January 19): Digging up family secrets could prove explosive. How much are you ready to learn? Revealing those (or other) secrets could cause a lot of trouble. You need to talk, but select your confidante wisely. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Going out on a limb for political principle can gain you points for audacity and integrity, but leave you in the lurch. Holding true to core values is most important, but how they work in reality should evolve with the times. PISCES (February 19 - I~arch 19): Daring risks and changes might get you ahead, but the only guarantee is that without taking a chance you’ll trip yourself up badly. Meditate on what’s important. In the end instinct and intuition will serve better than apparent logic. CANCER (June 21o July 22): Talking with your boss about your goals is sure to highlight existing confusion, but can lead toward resolution. Not talking about the problem will just make it worse. Just complaining about lack of direction will undermine efforts and confidence. LEO (July 23 - August 22): The call to adventure may be irresistible, but it does involve bigger risks than you can anticipate. Look ahead and be careful to cut down on dangers, but you will be surprised - maybe for the better. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Domestic squabbles might make for some crazy passion or lead to great makeup sex. That won’t eliminate the conflict, but it could reframe it dramatically. That could lead to a helpful breakthrough, but you still have lots of work ahead of you! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Worrying about accidents invites them as much as carelessness does. Be sensible, observe standard precautions, but dithering and first-guessing yourself is no good either. "Helpful" efforts, whichever end you’re on, are also likely to make things worse. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Hide the plastic. Any unnecessary shopping can only end badly. Set aside a carefully budgeted amount for entertainment and have some fun. You need to release some energy, but there’s no need for it to be expensive. 14 December 1, 2010 Creating Community for People iving with H V/A DS 50~. c (3) Non P~ofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HI’Z+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people !ive through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. VVe invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net 31 �L! 5336 E. Admiral Pi. Tulsa, Ok 74115 (918) 836-0915 Monday’." Blake’s Buying!!! Buy two Liquor Drinks, Blake buys the third!! (please see bar for details) Dancers @ 10pm Tuesday. 75¢ Bud and Bud Light Drafts!! Dancers @ 10pr!! Wednesday: Pool Tournament 7:30prn!! Dancers @ 10prn! Thursday: Bingo Night 7:00prn!! Dancers @ !0prn Friday: Poo~ Tournament: Dancers at 8:00pr!!! Wednesdays Saturday: Prizes nightly!!!!! Dancers at 8:00prn!! "You can staA your a~ywhere as ~ong as yo ~ with 3 years bitches Sunday: $6 Beer Bust and PJ Parbj! Dancers going to stop December 1, 2010 15 �Next Meeting is Tuesday, December 7 at Oklahoma Democratic Party H 4 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 73105 405’427-3366 ~vw.okstonewall.org d � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document LOC ~L NEWS NATIONAL NEWS WORLD NEWS LIFESTYLE FITNESS TRAVEL ,&DV[CE ENT~ITAINMENVF THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT VOLUME7 ISSUE 12 d "Arna Lee’ Smith OKLAHOMA Go green while gettin’ down witli Solar Soun{i 2, the new and improved sun-powered portabl~ speakers from pioneering company Devotec. See page- 4 & 12 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com FREE ~ DECEMBER 1,2010 Passes Away Stop Hate in the Hallways 3rd Annua1 Conference- and more Relevant than By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team A legacy and legend left Behind He was fondly remembered as he owned a series of dubs in Oklahoma City, beginning back in the days when a GLBT night on the town could be a scary adventure. During the early 1960s America and Oklahoma were quite different, where being gay was officially still a mental illness, sodomy laws were still in the books, and gay rights (let done marriage) weren’t even discussed. Police raids on gay bars were common, albeit on dubious pretexts and very selective law enforcement, much facilitated ever "This is not a religious issue. It even goes beyond a basic human rights issue. It is al! ab,,out the cl~ildren, es~pecially tkiose GLBT children who will I3e children forever Scott Hamilton, ~xecutive Director of Cimarron Alliance By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Arnold Lee Smith 1.927-2010 "Truly we lost a pioneer. He paved the road for the gay life we have in Oldahoma City today, which is going strong now because of him." Ginger Lamar OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ When Arnold Lee Smith’s Memorial Service was held at Bill Meritt’s Memorial Chapel November 2 there were of course family members, he was survived by 4 children in addition to grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Born June 24, 1927 he served in the military, and afterwards got married and had a family. He was preceded in death by his partner of over 37 years, Larry "Fuzzy" Braker. His daughter, Debbie Hill, gave a touching eulogy xvith lighthearted memories of her dad, a man who taught her to love the outdoors, people and life. Even in his final days she remembered his sense of campy humor. During his stay ar the Norman Veteran’s Home she remembered a time when a nurse sported a new big hairdo. When that nurse asked Arnold ifhe liked it he replied, "Oh honey, give me a comb and I can fix that!" or ashamed to fight back. Bu{evenin ii~ik dark scenario Arnbld~’ first club, Lee~ Lounge which opened in the mid 1960s in the Paseo District, was a brigh.t spot for the GLBT community that refused to back down. Although the club endured relentless police harassment, the club proudly kept going. On many occasions -#hen he was arrested along with his customers, he would bail himself and his customers out and re-open the bar the same night. His drag persona, Arna Lee, became famous during this time, accompanied by his outrageously fun costumes and tap dancing with a campy wit to match. During this time he became a "Drag Mother" to many budding female impersonators, a passion that spanned over 40 years. He was probably best known as the owner of Oklahoma’s first major show bar, The Roadhouse, located way out in a secluded location near Frontier City. There many major entertainers got their start, and the community had a place to go even if it was for most a lengthy drive. Even tong after the bar closed in 1978, their customers and performers held many Roadhouse Reunions to celebrate the good times they had there, and the movement it hdped create for GLBT Oldahomans. Following this venture Mr. Smith purchased the Outrigger in 1979, located in the Viva Motor Inn ( now the site of the YWCA Women’s Crisis Center). Done up in a.lovely south seas scenario with bathescaphe speakers, ir was a lively party ........Continued See LEE Page-4 Left Scott Hamilton, Executive Director ofCimarron Alliance, and Oklahoma City Superintendant ofPublic Schools I~rl Springe~ Gorin photo OICLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The first time Cimarron Alliance sponsored a Stop Hate in the Hallways Conference it was a first in more ways than one. Although school bullying had raised the concerns of some school systems, and there had been conferences about safer classrooms, Stop Hate in the Hallways was the first time bullying facing GLBT students, or those perceived to be, was ever addressed. For too many of those in the GLBT commumty ~vho remember their school days, the previous conferences may have seemed like ignoring the gorilla in the room, and their perception has merit. By 2007 the National School Climate Survey indicated that over 86.2% ofGLBT students had been harassed, and 22.1% had been physically assaulted. GLBT youth are 7 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and 1/3 of sexual minority suicides occur before the age of 17. Inaction by school authorities contributes to the problem, wins action talien in only 44% of the reported incidents, while 59% of the incidents are never reported. As with the previous conferences, this event drew educators and school administrators as well as others involved together from throughout Oldahoma, - this time held at the Moore -Norman Technology Center. Headlining a workshop about administrative policy issues was Oklahoma City School Superintendant Karl Springer and Millard House, the Assistant Superintendant of the Tulsa Public Schools. Both school systems have adopted anti bullying policies which specify the category of real or perceived sexual orientation, and Oklahoma’s City’s policy goes further to include sexual identity. The two keynote speakers were Warren Blumenfeld and Steve Wessler. Mr Bluemfeld, today a professor of Multicultural and International Curriculum Studies at Iowa State University, told of growing tip Jewish "and perceived as GLBT when he was relentlessly bullied and faced severe harassment from junior high to the college level. After a series of workshops, the conference ended with a presentation by Steve Wessler, the Executive Director of the Center for Preventing Hate, based in Maine which he created in ! 999. He had worked in the Maine Attorney General’s office and as a lawyer in private practice, but now has a crusade he has taken towards making schools safer for all students. ........Continued See HATE Page-6 2200 W I~ Se~ice Road OKC 1.800.988.2221 w~.habanainn.com 2 December Openly Gay Native ONahoman inducted into the Music Hall of Fame By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team 2010 World AIDS Day celebrations promote awareness, education By Robin D-Townsend Metro Star Team :r 2 Election aftermathleas some ofour Friends Survived By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Oklahoman Sam Harris inducted into the Oklahoma dvIusic Hail ofFame. "[ kind of feel like, are you sure? Really? Do you have the right gw?" Those were the senriments expressed by Oklahoma native Sam Harris who at age 49 was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Halt oirFame along with country singer Jean Shepa/d la Pauls Valley native best lmown tbr her 1953 duet with Ferlin Husky entitled "Dear John), rock guitarist Jamie Oldaker ( who played in the bands of Bob Seger, Eric Clapton, and was a founding member of the Tractors, a country rock group) and Les Gilliam, who was named as the Official Oklahoma Balladeer by the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1998. Born in Cushing and growing up in Sand Springs, Mr. Harris won recognition for his winning performance of "Over the Rainbow" on the televised talent show Starsearch, which has become his signature song. His first hit with Motown records, "Sugar Don’t Bite" was a national hit peaking at #36 on Billboard’s singles chart in 1984 that also become a dance classic. Since then he has performed at sold our concerts at venues including New York City’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Vc’est End. He has starred on Broadway and numerous television appearances. He is openly gay, and has been with his partner Danny Jacobsen, who is a film producer, since 1994. They adopted a son, Cooper Atticus Harris- Jacobsen, in 2008, and Sam and Danny got married on November 1 that same year. The Oklalmma Music Hall of Fame, located in Muskogee began with a vision in 1996 fol!owed with an act by the Oldahoma State Legislature. Their headquarters and museum is a renovated Frisco Freight Depot located at 401 S. 3rd Street. Past honorees have included Merle Haggard, Woody Guthrie. Patti Page, Carrie Underwood and the _All American Reiects. N~eir website is ,a~w.omhof.org. Mayflower Congregation in NWOKCholds WorldAIDS Day celebration events eac,b year in Oklahoma City. In~ont ofthe church, white crosses with red ribbons areplaced to remember those whose lives have been directly affected with H1V/AIDS. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ World AIDS Day is December 1st each year, drawing people from around the world together raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. The events help demonstrate international solidarity in the face of this disease. The day allows public and private partners to come together to raise awareness and encourage progress inHIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in highprevalence countries and around the world. "HIV/AIDS is not just in our country but worldwide," said Mary Arbuckle, Executive Director of Other Options and Friends Food Pantry in Oklahoma City. "World AIDS Day brings attention to this catastrophic disease creating unity in the ~vorld by all of us coming together." Other Options supports the OKC HIV/AIDS community with the Friends Food Pantry, an unduplicated program in Oklahoma for people living with HIV/ AIDS. They provide a home ddivery program of food for homebound clients, case management of the HOPWA program (Housing opportunity for people living with HIV/AIDS) and their Humanitarian Medication Program is now providing eight, third world countries with recycled medications from across the US. Other Options and other ASP organizations will help with the November 30th event at Mayflower Congregation. With the help ofMAC AIDS "Viva Glam" employees will be volunteering all day at Other Options ro get involved in the celebration. \Vgorld health officials report the number of people infected with the virus that causes AIDS seems to be mostly stable. According to an epidemic update by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Joint U.N. Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the figure (about 33 million) has remained virtually unchanged for the past few years. ....... Continued See AIDS Page 7 Fo,wter Oklahoma Corporation Commissionerfim Roth with State Representative AIMcAdff~ey, andAtto,wey & Oklahoma Regent Richard Ogden at afi¢ndraiserforAl shortly before the election. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ In a turn of events that left progressives and Democrats reeling, the nation and especially Oklahoma experienced a drastic change of power. With the election of Mary Fallin and our new governor, we not only have our first female governor but also the first time all of our statewide offices are held by Republicans, with conservatives now in even greater control of both houses of our state legislature. Among the allies of the Oklahoma GLBT community who survived the tide were Andrew Rice-Incumbent State Senator District 46, Anastasia Pittman-Incumbent State Representative District 99, State Representative Al McAffrey-Incumbent State Representative District 88 and our first and only openly gay state legislator, and Willa Johnson-Incumbent Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1. Although Brittany Novotny did make history as the first transgendered person to run for elective office in Oklahoma, she did not succeed in ousting Sally Kern, the incumbent in District 84 well lmown for her anti-gay sentiments. In order to change the political scene for the future the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus is worldng on expanding their membership and mailing list, forming a PAC ( Political Action Committee) and improving their voter guide system. As for the future Jeanne Flanigan, the female co-chair of the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, still has some optimism and calls for action. As she puts it, "The new leadership shotfld know that right after they are sworn in we will be keeping track of how they are protecting our rights. If they ~vant to roll back any civil rights we will be writing letters to them and editors, and demonstrating at the Capitol. We have had a wake up call, and realize how serious our task is of educating voters and getting them to vote." ’uptc¥ ® Civil RightS ®Criminal ,ment ® Family Law ® Litigation 625 N.W. 13th Street CitV, OK 73103 December 1, 2010 3 LIGHT ’EM UP BIKES FOR ? Dennis R. Nefll Equality Center to feature works from Tulsa artist Liz Ingersoll of"Mia Bdla Art" Sex), ladies have long had a love affair with motorcycles. Seems unlikel); but examine the evidence; nobody’s forcing those busty blonds and brunettes to bend over the handlebars in every bike rag sitting on newsstands. One could argue that the female species likes the feeling of all that prover. Whatever the case may be, California Scooter Co. has carved a niche in the market for.women who have a need for speed with three styles - Classic, Greaser and Babydoll - and a custom-built option. The company claims on its website that you’re in for the ride of your life, and if one of these is waiting for your honey in the garage on Christmas morning, you probably will be. ($4,995 and up; www.californiascooterco.com) SNAP TO IT His bulbs will shine bright in these festive trunlcs from Pact, an eco-friendly and cause-conscious underwear shop. A portion of the proceeds will help charitable organizations EarthSpark and Citizen E~ct send handheld solar lanterns to Haitians in need. ($22; wv#~v.wearpact. con1) GO THE EXTRA SMILE Unless your dentist loo}cs like John Stamos, you\q rather stay away, which presents a problem ifyou covet bright white chompers. Sure, there are overthe- counter bleaching methods - and they’re relatively inexpensive - but they’re also messy and often painful. Ramona Singer infamously called Kodak antiquated, much to the chagrin ofJi!l Zarin, who was hosting an event on the company’s behalf during a season three episode of ~Ihe Real Housewives of New York. Points go to Team Jill for that round, because Rarnona was way off base. In fact, the iconic brand is as cuttingedge as they come where affordable consumer technolog7 is involved. Case in point: the EasyShare M580, the world’s thinnest I4-raegapixei, five-timeszoom digital camera. Thg pocket-sized point-andshoot also features a Share Button, which allows users to tag and upload pics to Facebook, YouTube, the Kodal< Gallery and Flickr within seconds of plugging it into a computer. Mmhmm. xXOaatcha got now, Ramona? ($199.95; www.kodak.com) Simple, safe and effective, Supersmile takes a bite out of the competition with MOR~ GIFT IDEB2S - Page 12 a clinically proven gift set that includes a Professional Series II LS45 Advanced Sonic Pulse Toothbrush (with patented 45-degree angled bristles) and a three-month supply of its professional whitening system. The system safely whitens natural teeth and restores bonding, veneers, caps and dentures to their original splendor. It also strengthens enamel and eliminates harmful bacteria, plaque and gingivitis. The one thing it won’t do, however, is cure morning breath; dude is still gonna taste icky in the a.m. ($159; www.supersmile. com) 4 December 1, 2010 TULSA, OK __The December Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit oflocat artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature works from Tulsa artist Liz Ingersoll of"Mia Bella Art". Liz Ingersoll began her career as a part time portrait/event photographer in 2004 and established a name in the local community as Mia Belta Images. Since October 2009 Liz has participated in numerous art shmvs under the new name of Mia Bella Art. To keep her artwork fresh and exciting she releases a new collection each month from July thru January and prints only limited editions. In October 2010 Mia Bella Art was proud to receive the Best in Show Award from Utica Square’s Art in the Square and was honored to provide 9 large pieces for the fihning of The Lamp. For a complete list of upcoming shows, venues and local shops that sell Mia Bella Art, find her on facebook or visit www. miabellaart.com. To contact Liz for commission xvork or invite her to participate in your venue, email contact@miabeltaart. corn or call 918-693-2677. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, December 2nd from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month, w~wv.okeq. org ~ Arnold Lee Smit/a AKA Arna Lee parties. As his health failed him he went into the Norman Veteran’s Center, a nursing home for veterans, where he remained until his death on Oct0ber 31~ He left behind many friends who will always remember what he did to make Oklahoma a better place. place until it closed in 1981. After a sojourn in Florida for a few years, he r~turned and began his last club venture, a bar complex on Lincoln Boulevard nostalgically named the Roadhouse, which had multiple bars as well as various shops. However after the loss of his partner in 1995, who passed away the day after the Oldahoma City bombing, that venture failed after only about a year of operation, and Arnold went into retirement. His house faced N.W. 39th Street, and his outdoor birthday parties during the annual OKC Pride Parade were a joyous tradition. Even close to his final days Arna Lee still performed at Tramps, the Hilo, and other clubs, frequently at fundraisers for the Oldahoma Gay Rodeo Association and AIDS "Walk OKC, as well as performing in private Supremes refi se to block DADT The Supremes are keeping Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in force. The U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 12 refused to vacate an order from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that suspended an injunction from the federal District Court in Riverside, Califi, that prohibited the U.S. government from enforcing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military gay ban. Which means: DADT can be enforced during appeal of the Riverside decision that found it unconstitutional -- unless President Barack Obama, Congress and the Pentagon end the ban in the interim. Plaintiff Log Cabin Republicans had asked the Supreme Court to vacate the 9th Circuit order, thereby allowing Riverside Judge Virginia Phillips’ injunction to go back into force. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who hears such requests from the 9th Circuit, referred the matter to the full Supreme Court, where Justice Elena Kagan opted not to take part in the decision. Phillips issued her injunction Oct. 12 after finding that DADT violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of free speech, due process and right to petition for redress of grievances. The injunction remained in place until Oct. 20, when the 9th Circuit issued a brief stay ~vhile it decided whether to issue a longer stajg which it did Nov. 1. During the eight days the injunction was in force, the military stopped kicking gays and lesbians our of the services and began letting them re-enlist. The Obama administration’s insistence on appealing Phillips’ DADT strikedown has been highly irritating to gay activists, given that the president says he strongly opposes DADT. Obama, however, says the policy needs to be ended by Congress, which created it, not the courts. Xhe administration also has argued that the Justice Department has an obligation to defend federal laws that are challenged, and that DADT should not be ended abruptly because that will disrupt and harm military operations. The Pentagon recently conducted a massive survey of members of the military to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked versions of the findings, which will be released officially in December, reportedly reveal that most members of the armed forces are fine with GLB people serving openly. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure this ),ear authorizing the military to end DADT but the Senate did not follow suit after Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., staged a filibuster over the matter. "It is unfortunate that an unconstitutional law that is causing substantial harm to military readiness and to tens of thousands of troops is allowed to remain in effect for even one more day," said Alexander Nicholson, executive director of Servicemembers United. "~is just underscores the need to continue to put pressure on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to allow the defense authorization bill (which includes DADT repeal language) to come back up and take its first procedural step before the Senate’s Thanksgiving recess," Nicholson said. "Servicemembers United, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Stonewall Democrats, and the Log Cabin Republicans have all strongly and consistently called on Sen. Reid to do just that. It is now time for other organizations, as wel! as the White House, to publicly do the same." The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force urged supporters to call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and tell both of their U.S. senators to authorize repeal of DADT by voting for the defenseauthorization bill this month. "We can only be assured of having the 60 votes we need ifwe can change minds before the new members of the Senate take their seats," the group said. But LCR attorney Dan Woods thinks that ship has all but sunk. "With the likelihood of Congress repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell fading with each passing day, judicial relief continues to be perhaps the most viable avenue for ending this unconstitutional policy," Woods said. "We and Log Cabin Republicans will continue to fight on to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans who want to serve in our military without regard to their sexual orientation. Our next step will be to ask the 9th Circuit to expedite the government’s appeal from Judge Phillips’ judgment and ~nJuncnon¯ LCR Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper commented: "We are committed to pursuing every avenue in the fight against this failed and unconstitutional polic~ Log Cabin will continue working to secure the votes needed for legislative repeal, and if necessary, we look forward to seeing President Obama’s attorneys in court next year to prove, once again, that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell doesn’t work." Gays sue reds over marriage again Edie lZ~ndsog right, and ~ea S~ye,: ACLUphoto ~ie New England legal group Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders filed a multiplaintiff lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act on Nov. 9. In Pedersen v. Office of Personnel Management, GLAD represents five married same-sex couples and a widower, who live in Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire. The 11 plaintiffs all have been denied federal rights and protections solely because they are married to a person of the same sex. The suit, filed in federal District Court in Connecticut, addresses DOMA’s nonrecognition of marriages in connection with federal employee and retiree benefits progranas, Social Security benefits, survivor benefits under federal pension laws, work leave to care for a spouse under the Family and Medical Leave Act, and state retiree health insurance benefits that are controlled by federal tax law. Additional plaintiffs ~vho pay excess ~ederal income tax because they cannot file their federal returns as married couples will join the suit once the IRS officially rejects their requests for refunds. "Every day that DOMA stands, it arbitrarily divides married couples into two categories," said GLAD Legal Director Gary Buseck. Also on Nov. 9, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the feds in New York over DOMA. The group represents 81-year-old Edie Windsor, who had to pay $350,000 in additional estate taxes because the federal government treated her as single, even though she was married to Thea Spyer and their marriage was recognized by the state ofNew York. "(T)he federal government ... taxed Thea’s estate as though we were strangers rather than spouses," Windsor said. "(It’s) a tax on being gaY- "These cases provide further evidence that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act is not simply an abstract insult to the dignity of same-sex couples and their families -- although it is indeed a deeply offensive law," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "DOMA causes real harm to people like Joanne Pedersen, Ann Meitzen and Edie Windsor, denying them economic security, health coverage and other critical federal rights and benefits that other married couples take for granted." The section ofDOMA that prevents the federal government from recognizing stares’ same-sex marriages already was struck down as unconstitutional earlier this year in two cases from Massachusetts, but the Obama administration has appealed the rulings. The section, which the federal District Court in Boston found unconstitutional in three ways, states: "In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ’marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ’spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife." The language overrides any state’s determination that a couple is married and says that they are not married for purposes trait federal laws and programs, even though the federal government otherwise has always deferred to state determinations of marital status. The Boston court said DOMA violates the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment .....Continued see MARRIAGE - page 6 December ~, 2010 DADT protesters arrested at White House By Rex Woclmer Photo by Sean Cark’on, Talk About Equali~ Courtesy ofGetEQUAL WASHINGTON, DC __ Thirteen supporters of the direct-action group GetEQUAL were arrested at the xYc~lite House fence Nov. 15 after handcuffing themselves to it and supergluing their handcuff locks. They demanded that the Senate join the House in authorizing ,repeal of the Dofft Ask, Don’t Tell military ban on noncloseted GLBs before the Senate adjourns this year. Arrested were Dan Choi, Autumn Sandeen, Evelyn Thomas, Mara Boyd, Geoff Farrow, Robin McGehee, Miriam Ben-Shalom, Justin Elzie, Ian Finkenbinder, Robert Smith, Dan Fotou, Scott glooledge and Michael Bedwell. "Included in the thirteen arrested are veterans and advocates spanning three generations of brave and courageous Americans, who sacrificed their careers and lives to see the day this discriminatory ban on openly gay and lesbian service in the military finally goes into the history books," said GetEQUAL Director Robin McGehee. "Today we have sent a loud and clear message to the U.S. Senate and President Obama that we expect them to make good on their promises to end this inhumane law this year, during the lame-duck session of Congress." DADT was struck down as unconstitutional by a federal District Court earlier this year and for eight days an injunction prohibited the military from kicking out open gays or barring them from enlisting. But the Obama administration appealed the injunction all the way to the Supreme Court, which upheld a stay of it issued by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court ofAppeals. Tnat reinstated the policy for the duration of the appeals of the District Court ruling. Obama has said he wants Congress, not courts, to end the ban, and Justice Department laxvyers argued in court filings that the ban must not be lifted abruptly by a judge because that would harm military operations. The House of Representatives voted earlier this year to authorize the armed forces to end DADT, but the Senate failed to follow suit. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has been conducting a massive survey of troops and their families, due to be released in December, to help it decide how to end DADT. Leaked reports of the findings suggest that a majority of members of the military are not troubled by openly gay servicemembers. 6 December ~, 2010 ~~R But Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee has, for all intents and purposes, vowed to continue to block Senate authorization ofDADT repeal, complaining that the massive Pentagon survey didn’t ask the right questions. "All four service chiefs are saying we need a thorough and complete study of the effects -- not how to implement a repeal, but the effects on morale and battle effectiveness," McCain told MSNBC on Nov. 14. "That’s what I ,want, and once we get this (current) study, ~ve need to have hearings and we need to exarnine it and we need to look at whether it’s the kind of study that we wanted. It isn’t, in my view, because I wanted a study to determine the effects of the repeal on battle effectiveness and morale. What this study is designed to do is to find out how the repeal could be implemented." Photo by Sean Carlson, Courtesy of GetEQUAL The DADT repeal measure is part ofthe bill that will fund the entire U.S. military in 2011. As a result, McCain’s obstructionism has left the overall funding bill unpassed by the Senate as well. Surveys have found that neatly 80 percent of Americans are fine with letting gays in the military come out of the closet by ending the DADT policy. 3rd Annual Falalalala Ball Saturday, December 18th: 7pro Dennis R Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK (PR) __ Don your gay apparel and join us for the 3rd annual Fatalalala Ball. ~e evening will include pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus and the naughty and nice elves, Cash Bar and heavy hor d’oeuvres. Pull out ),our holdiay dress and business casual and enjoy. Admission Price is one of the following: pet food for A Friend for A Friend, personal toiletries for Our House Too, non perishable food items for St Jerome Church Food Pantry. For more information visit: vrw~v.OkEq. org N Popular LGBT tourist destination first in Arkansas to offer health insurance coverage to domestic partners o city workers EUREICA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ The only city in Arkansas with a Domestic Partnership Registry has become the first city in the state to provide health care coverage for the domestic partners of municipal workers. The cig;s insurance provider, the Arkansas Municipal League, notified the city on November 15, 2010 that beginning January !, 2011 both same- and opposite-sex partners of city wm-kers will have the same access to health insurance as legal spouses. The announcement culminated a yearlong campaign by residents of this northwest Arkansas tourist town which in June 2007 became the first city in the state to enact a Domestic Partnership Registry ordinance to ot~cially recognize unmarried couples in committed relationships. "Once again Eureka Springs is leading by exan~ple, this time in the realm of workplace equality," said Michael Walsh, who helped lead the effort to expand health care coverage. "Marital status shouldn’t be the deciding factor in access to ’family plan’ insurance. Legally wed or not, all city workers should get the same employment benefits, including access to health insurance for their partners." Expanding the definition of"fan~ily dependent" was "the right thing to do," Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy wrote to the Municipal League in August, just xveeks before the city council passed a resolution endorsing domestic partnership insurance coverage. "I am aware as well as you that some will construe this as a ’gay issue’," said Joy. "But the reality is that there are many heterosexual couples who chose to live together in a committed relationship - as a family - without entering into the civil contract of marriage,. These folks face the same ’family’ challenges every day, not the least of which is providing health care for themselves and for those who are dependent on them.... the definition of family is at the center of our concerns." Joy and cityTransit Director Lamont Richie met with the Arkansas Municipal League Nov. 4 to lobby for a more inclusive health insurance policy. Monday’s announcement that their efforts were successful "is a huge step forward," said Richie. "And though only employees of the City of Eureka Springs will be able to take advantage of it for now," he said, "other communities in the state may be encouraged to adopt their own Domestic Partnership Registries as a means of providing health insurance benefits to domestic partners of their employees." to the U.S. Constitution by treating married gay couples differently from married straight couples without any rational basis for doing so. It also found that DOMA violates the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by intruding in areas of exclusive state authority, and violates the Spending Clause in Article 1 of the Constitution by forcing Massachusetts to discriminate against its married gay citizens in order to receive certain types of federal funding. President Barack Obama does not support same-sex marriage, although he did in 1996 when he was campaigning for an Illinois Senate seat. But in a recent xYvq~ite House meeting with five progressive bloggers, the president suggested he might be getting ready to change his mind again. "I do not intend to make big news sitting here with tl~e five of you, as wonderful as you guys are," Obama said at the Oct. 27 meeting. "But H1 say this .... I have been to this point unwilling to sign on to same-sex marriage primarily because of my understandings of the traditional definitions of marriage, but I also think you’re right that attitudes evolve, including mine. I think that it is an issue that I wrestle with and think about because I have a whole host of friends who are in gay partnerships. I have staff members who are in committed, monog~ous relationship.s, who are raising children, who are wonderful parents, and I care about them deeply, and so while I’m not prepared to reverse myself here, sitting in the Roosevelt Room at 3:30 in the afternoon, I think it’s fair to say that it’s something that I think a lot about. That’s probably the best you’ll get out ofme toda): ... The one thing I wil! say today is I think it’s pretty dear where the trendlines are going ... the arc of history." Most inspiring was OSU-OKC students who participated in the Upward Bound summer session, a preparation program for first generation college students., xvho have held rallies at Western Heights High School and the Oklahoma State Capitol raising awareness about school bu!lying. The conference, although inclusive of the GLBT community, also included other categories of bullying including race, religion, and physica! disabilities. Cimarron Alliance hopes the conference will grow, with more teacher and school administrators. By Steven Petrow &even Pelrow is the author of’The Essential Book ofGay Manners &Etiquette. " Send him your questions at queeries@live.com. "We waist to help other kids fight bullying" "Events like these help us remember, in a good way, those we have lost and to remember that there has been so much progress for this disease," said Chuck Longacre of Oklahoma City. "There is just a marked change for a lot of folks living better and living longer now." Longacre worl~ with Red Rock and Expressions Outreach Center (just offthe OKC strip) providing free HIV/ AIDS testing and counseling. The first World AIDS Day was celebrated on December 1, 1988 and officials say the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS probably peaked in 1996. WHO takes the lead in the global health sector’s response to HIV/AIDS and provides evidence-based information at www.who.int/hivlen/. HRC scorecard: Congress is polarized The new edition of the Human Rights Campaign’s "Congressional Scorecard" has found an increase in both "highly supportive" and "highly anri-LGBT" legislators. HRC said the findings reveal a "stark polarization." ’~k strong and devoted group of anti- LGBT legislators continues to stymie the progress LGBT people deserve," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "The fact that the first ever vote to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the House of Representatives was countered by a filibuster in the Senate illustrares the landscape." In the House, 145 members received a pro-gay score ofg0 percent or better, compared to 128 members in the previous Congress. Senators scoring 90 percent or better this year rose from 32 to 36. However, the number of senators receiving a zero score from HRC climbed as well, from 16 to 32. The number of House zeros remained unc,,h.anged. As more and more American’s support equality for LGBT people, some members of Congress are showing real leadership while others are digging in their heels to cater to an anti-LGBT fringe constituency," said HRC Legislative Director Allison Herwitt. The scorecard is based on votes and cosponsorships regarding hate crimes, gays in the military, employment nondiscrimination, tax equity, same-sex marriage, same-sex partner immigration, HIV treatment, needle exchange, and the Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court confirmations. For full results, see hrc.org/scorecard. No matter who yo* are on life’s journt -Re~ere~d ~r. 3131 N. 0 December 1, 2010 7 IVfETROPOLITAN COI~MUNITY CHURCHES ~ev Sieve To U[~e Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO ~804 Wo~h[p Sunday 6:00 PM CommunRy Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM December t, 2010 9 10 December1,2010 Creep ofthe Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne WYtkowski has been gayfor pay since 2003. She’s af!’eelance writer and Oct (beiieve it~.O. When shes nOt taking on the creeps ofthe world she reviews rock roll sh~ows in Detroit with her twin sister "Clint McCance" You know the old saying, "Ifyou don’t have anything nice to say, say it on Facebook?" Well, Arkansas Midland School District vice president Clint McCance took it to heart recently when he posted some vile anti-gay hate speech to rival Fred Phelps and his band of "God Hates Fags" loonies. \Vhat set McCance off was a cal! for supporters of LGBT youth to wear purple in memory of the young people who recently committed suicide after being bullied. "Seriously they want me to wear purple because five queers committed suicide," he posted. "The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed therselves because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE." Yes, really. Did I mention he was a school board member? Oh, to be a gay kid in Midland. Those lucl~, devils. , One ofMcCances friends commented, Because hatred is always right:. 2 To which he responds, "No because being a fag doesnt give you the right to ruin the rest of our lives. Ifyou get easily offended by being called a fag then dent tell anyone you are a fag. Keep that shit to yourself. I dent care how people decide to live their lives. They dent bother me if they keep it to thereselves. It pisses me off though that we make a special purple fag day for them. I like that fags cant procreate. I also enjoy the fact that they often give each other aids and die." D~d you catch that lastpart. He enj.ovs when gays get AIDS and die. Ha ha. You know, typical LOL stuff. Another friend commented, "You kmow this is somebodys kids here how would you feel if they were talkin about your kids like this. It would make you feel like SHIT." No worries, McCance knows exactly how ," i’m not sure that there’s an honorable way to wish all gay people dead even it= he had used different I words to do it. he’d feel. "I would disown my kids if they were gay," he posts. "They will not be ~velcome at my home or in my viciniry. I will absolutely run them off. Of course my kids will imow better. My kids will have solid christian beliefs." Where these "solid Christian beliefs" will come from I don’t know. Certainly not from their father. Needless to say, McCance’s comments caused quite a stir with many people calling for his firing. A visibly uncomfortable and maybe even contrite McCance appeared oh CNN with Anderson Cooper and apologized for his comments saying they were "too emotional" and "went too far." As for the terms "fag" and "queer" he told Cooper, "I know those are hurtful words and like I said, I picked the wrong words to use. And used them poorly. I didn’t bring honor to what I was about." I’m not sure that there s an honorable way to ~vish all gay people dead even if he had used different words to do it. He also stated that he doesn’t "wish death on anyone" and that "it does look like I’m a hatemonger or a horrible person’and that’s not me at al!." Urn, yes. It does look like that. Very much like that, in fact. It’s kind of hard to accept that a person who thinks, "Hey I have a minute to post on Facebook before I head off to this school board meeting and here’s something totally appropriate to say" isn’t a hatemonger. No matter how much they apologize or resign from the school board on Anderson Cooper 360. So, yeal~. He resigned. And he’s sorry. But the boot print of mistrust and feat on the backs ofLGBT school kids, especially those in the Midland school system, isn’t going to wash out so easily. ~ 20TH ANNUALC H R~ ST HAS AIDS BENEFIT BENEFITTING THE WINDS HOUSE MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 & TUESDAY, DECEi~4BER 7 DINNER AT 6:30 PM ENTERTAINbAENT AT 8:00 P!Vt THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY x¢VITH ENTERTAINiMENT BY: SONJA ~RTINEZ JOHN BEEBE BEN WILLIAMS P,~ENEE ANDERSON ,~{ATTHEW HEATH-FITZGERALD ROXIE HART KITTY BOB AIMES NOR!~AA JEAN GOLDENSTEIN FOR RESE IONS CALL (405) 525-0730 PRICE 45,00 RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED. HALF OF ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE XA!INDS HousE. ~T~S’~AR t December 1, 2010 THE BIGGER PICTURE PRODIGAL SUN Go green while gettin’ down with Solar Sound 2. the new and improved sun-powered portable speakers from pioneering compaW Devotec. Building upon the success of the original Solar Sound. this upgrade promises a superior listening experience with the use of specialty woven speaker cones; silver-plated, oxygen-free copper cabling; an efficient power circuit to provide even more juice to the amp; and a larger integrated battery that increases playing time to five to 10 hours, depending on the volume levd. 3-hat’s where the sun comes in. With its embedded solar panel and quick charging system, the unit can play continuously under UV rays - even when the built-in battery is dead. Party on, parry boy. ($99.99; www.devotecindustries.com) ’SCANDLE’-OUS There are digital photo frames, and then there’s the CEIVA digital photo frame. What’s the difference? For starters, CEIVA frames come preloaded with your favorite pics, so when the recipient opens the box your pearly whites are peering fight back. But that’s not the best part. The frames are connected, allmving anyone, anywhere to send photos directly to the frame by camera phone, e-mail, Facebook and more - a nice surprise for grandma when she walks in to see ne,v pictures from her favorite gay grandson. Unless her favorite gay grandson hits the wrong button, of course. But then, he really shouldn’t have such scandalous content stored on his Droid, now should he? ($127.99 and up; wvvw.ceiva.com) GARDEN VARIETY Paging Peg Bundy! Al’s trophy ~vife " loved her some bonbons - but probably not this ~nd. Moulton’s Bon Bons are truffleshaped mounds of clay and organic compost combined with seeds. The Garden pack features two each of basil, parsley, chives and thyme, while the herb tea selection includes double quantities of borage, chamomile, lemon balm and Stinging Nettle. Just toss the handcrafted clay* balls into the garden or an indoor container, add water, and watch them grow. Perfect for that crazy uncle who "talks" his plants. Misery loves compan}: ($14.95; wx~,~v.moultonology.com) Turn up the heat with Scandle, a shimmery candle that burns two degrees above body temperature to produce a soothing body oil in a relaxing aroma. Perfect for massages, cuticle treatments or as an everyday moisturizer. ($22.95; www. scandlecandle.com) SHAVE THE WAY ’Ihis ain’t your daddy’s razor. The Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D uses GyroFlex 3D technology to enable three-dimensional contouring that pivots around, tilts inward and flexes outward to adjust seamtessly to every curve of the face and neck. The UltraTrack heads include channels to catch longer hairs, slots to catch normal hairs, By Ed Sikov Ed Sikov # the author ofDark lcqcto,7; 7he Life ofBette Davis and ot?~er books aboutfilms and filmmakers. " he Scarborough Fair" It’s very loud in the city much louder than any Fire Island sound system blasting the recent archaeological discovery, Barbra Streisand. But I’ve kept a bit of my summer garden in preserved form, and it’s literally a tonic. Just before we left the beach house, I was seized with an ovmwhelming need to take something with me - something to get me through the tough, cold northeast winter. Dan had already put his suitcase outside the gate when, stricken with this impulse, I dropped my stuff, sprinted to the container garden in the back, and ripped out bunches of herbs. "What are you doing?" said Dan when I reappeared carrying two fistfuls of aromatics. "What are you doing?" I replied as I stuffed them into my backpack. He answered on cue: "What are you doing?!" It’s a routine we do. "I don’t know," I said as I picked up my backpack. "It’s part of a Native-American ha~est ritual." "Don’t be racist," Dan scolded. We distracted ourselves by insulting each other as we walked to the ferry. By the time we got home, the herbs looked pretty sad, so to refresh them I wrapped them in a wet towel and stuck them in the refrigerator. I decided to make an herbal infusion, so the next morning, I bought a fifth ofAbsolut. After doing some cursory Internet research, I decided I kaaew better. (I’m obnoxious.) So I washed the ragged bouquets, dried them in a salad spinner, and laid them out on the counter. I hadn’t planned this desperate harvest at all; the herbs I’d blindly grabbed at twilight consisted of sage, thyme, tarragon, lovage, parsley and rosemarT~ The infusion ingredients instantly chose themselves: parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Don’t you just love that song? I put the iPod on its little donut and set it to my Pau! Simon playlist, then gently bruised the herbs to release their oils and juices, stuffed them in a large, dean, Mason-type glass jar, poured the Absolut in and sealed it. I waited one day too long. On the third day, the infusion was a gorgeous shade of bright green; the next day it starting browning, and I yanked the herbs out before the thing started to look like peat moss runoff. ¯ne taste? Well, the Garfunlde herb mix tasted very good, though in the future I might just use rosemary (it’s got the best flavor) and some parsley for color. Turning an herbal infusion into a cocktail is easy: you can have it straight up at room temperature, put it on the rocks, stick the bottle in the freezer or add some seltzer and a lime segment. Simple! And ifa guest says your handcrafted infused vodka is not ro her liking? Just tell her to go reap it in a sickle of leather. That should shut her up. (But what the hell does it mean?) "~he Scarborough Fair" Get some herbs. I’d try rosemary first, with some parsley for color. Measurements are useless here, since the whole point is to make it handcrafted by you. Wash and dry the herbs thoroughly, put them in a glass jar with a lid that seals tightly, pour in enough Absolut to cover the herbs, and seal the jar. Taste often. When it looks and tastes right t.o you, strain the infusion back into the Absolut bottle or the bottle or jar of your choice. Drink it straight, or mixed with some seltzer or a small splash of tomato juice. and holes to catch even the shortest stubble, cutting every hair with fewer strokes. Designed to be innovative and attractive in function and design, this cordless, electric shaver also features the SldnGlide system that combines a smooth surface with rounded edges to glide effortlessly over his manly mug. Kyan would be proud. ($199-$349; www. store.philips.com) FIVE O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE with The Original Disposable Flask, a lightweight, durable, collapsible and freezable portal of potency that fits perfectly in a pocket or purse. Great for one-time use or as reusable, refillable respite. ($2.99; www. disposableflasks.com) December 1, 2010 Get your glug on anytime, anywhere & Chuck Breckenridge x~;q~ether buying or selling I’!t work hard for you. LANCE ~ COIJLD MAKE A "~ ~:-- PHONE CALLS ,leeomics.com MAK~ THOSB 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresort.com info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Downtown, xN Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center; Tulsa Gay Center. Aff’ordable Homes and Apartments. For #~ore hb~a~on visit: wu,w.gaybra~ybeigh#tu/sa.com N~@~T~ December i, 20i0 13 erm~il: bittergid@qsyndicate.com www.joanhitty.net By Jack Fertig December 2010 "Be sensible, LibraP’ Mars in Sagittarius provokes us to speak and act out in search of new perspectives. He’s squared to Uranus, though, provoking accidents, rash statements and decisions we’ll regret later. The greatest adventures are deep inside. Meditation and introspection can yield tremendous insights. ARIES (Paarch 20- Apri~ 19): Your ruler, Mars, is goading you to explore new ideas and places. Even - or especially - in quiet meditation in a dark room you can hardly help but to make important discoveries. Staying true to yourself means accepting growth and change. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - P~ay 20): Finding sexual adventure is easy enough, but it could complicate friendships. The erotic energy that’s making you so popular could be harnessed into a more political charisma. What to do? The answer is deep inside you. GEMIN~ (Paay 21- June 20): It’s harder than usual to stay out of arguments. "Your friends could help you if you can keep the signals clear. Thinking ahead is good; intuiting ahead is better. Accept criticism from the boss, even if overly harsh, as a challenge to improve. CANCER (June 21o July 22): Talking with your boss about your goals is sure to highlight existing confusion, but can lead toward resolution. Not talking about the problem will just make it worse. Just complaining about lack of direction will undermine efforts and confidence. LEO (July 23 - August 22): The call to adventure may be irresistible, but it does involve bigger risks than you can anticipate. Look ahead and be careful to cut down on dangers, but you will be surprised - maybe for the better. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Domestic squabbles might make for some crazy passion or lead to great makeup sex. That won’t eliminate the conflict, but it could reframe it dramatically. That could lead to a helpful breakthrough, but you still have lots of work ahead of you! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Worrying about accidents invites them as much as carelessness does. Be sensible, observe standard precautions, but dithering and first-guessing yourself is no good either. "Helpful" efforts, whichever end you’re on, are also likely to make things worse. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Hide the plastic. Any unnecessary shopping can only end badly. Set aside a carefully budgeted amount for entertainment and have some fun. You need to release some energy, but there’s no need for it to be expensive. 14 December 1, 2010 SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Get out and have a little fun, but even there, think ahead and be careful. Home is a danger zone, and not just for the preponderance of accidents that happen there. Not a good time to call the folks either! CAPRICORN (December 2t - January 19): Digging up family secrets could prove explosive. How much are you ready to learn? Revealing those (or other) secrets could cause a lot of trouble. You need to talk, but select your confidante wisely. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Going out on a limb for political principle can gain you points for audacity and integrity, but leave you in the lurch. Holding true to core values is most important, but how they work in reality should evolve with the times. PISCES (February 19 - I~arch 19): Daring risks and changes might get you ahead, but the only guarantee is that without taking a chance you’ll trip yourself up badly. Meditate on what’s important. In the end instinct and intuition will serve better than apparent logic. Creating Community for People iving with H V/A DS 50~. c (3) Non P~ofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HI’Z+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people !ive through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. VVe invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net 31 L! 5336 E. Admiral Pi. Tulsa, Ok 74115 (918) 836-0915 Poo~ Tournament: Wednesdays Prizes nightly!!!!! "You can staA your a~ywhere as ~ong as yo ~ with Monday’." Blake’s Buying!!! Buy two Liquor Drinks, Blake buys the third!! (please see bar for details) Dancers @ 10pm Tuesday. 75¢ Bud and Bud Light Drafts!! Dancers @ 10pr!! Wednesday: Pool Tournament 7:30prn!! Dancers @ 10prn! Thursday: Bingo Night 7:00prn!! Dancers @ !0prn Friday: Dancers at 8:00pr!!! Saturday: Dancers at 8:00prn!! Sunday: $6 Beer Bust and PJ Parbj! Dancers 3 years bitches going to stop December 1, 2010 15 Next 4 405’427-3366 Meeting is Tuesday, December at Oklahoma Democratic Party H N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, 73105 ~vw.okstonewall.org 7 d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 12 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Ronald Blake Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Philip Green Romeo San Vincente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Ed Sikov Steven Petrow Rex Wockneer D'Anne Witkowski Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, November 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/195 The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2011; Volume 8, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/190 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/187 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/a507a047bc22141cbe17fde66b58ce9b.jpg 077340619b82598559e876b48d895e5e https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/5bb63104bb30356402cc8cb05fd7d679.pdf a18db0a08906cd2698eed2395edddec1 PDF Text Text THE VOLUME 7 PREMIER SOURCE ISSUE 2 FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA Twitterocom!MetroStarNews Prop 8 federal trial continues in San Francisco News analysis By Rex Wockner Famous atto~v, eys David Boies, le_~ and Ted Olson are in federal court in San Francisco t~sving to kill Prop 8. Also picuwed: Olson’s wife, Lady Booth Olson. Photo by Diana Walker At press time, the trial in the federal lawsuit against Proposition 8 was continuing in U.S. District Court in San Francisco before Judge Vaughn \Valker. Famous heterosexual attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles are trying to convince Walker that Prop 8, which amended California’s constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage, violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law. Leading gay-rights groups have been sidelined in the case, limited to filing "friend of the court" briefs, because they didn’t play nice with Olson and Boles early on. They publicly dissed the case as unwise and poorly timed. ~e lawsuit, which likely will end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, could lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 states. Convemely, it also could possibly stall the movement for same-sex marriage for a generation, should the U.S. Supreme Court uphold Prop 8. Judge Walker had wanted to beam video of the trial to other federal courthouses and post it on YouTube, but the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, put the kibosh on that idea Jan. 13, saying officials in the federal courts’ 9th Circuit hadn’t followed proper procedure in lifting the ban on cameras in federal courts. Olson and Boles strongly supported broadcasting the trial. The pro-Prop-8 side vociferously opposed the plan, ultimately filing an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to stop it. Gay activists and commentators suggested that Prop 8 defenders were horrified at the idea of the trial being broadcast because they lmow that their anti-gay rhetoric, which is being analyzed in detail at the trial, is hateful, false and, when exposed in f~l, so ........ Continued See PROP 8 Page-5 ® MetroStarNews.com FEBRUARY 1,2010 OkEq Celebrates "Wi d Hearts Week nd" with p ans for ree Events for Valentines TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for Equality, Oklahoma’s preeminent Gay Rights Organization will host three separate events beginning Friday February 12th, Saturday February 13th and Sunday February !4th at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. FRIDAY, February t2th, from 7-9pro, the first of the "Wild Hearts Weekend" events: Relationship Recognition Reception - an effort to mitigate the discrimination against the GLBT Community due to a lack of Equal Marriage Rights will be held in the Great Hall of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center beginning with a lecture series by Tulsa’s top legal and financial professionals Saturday, February 13th, 2010, 7-11pm, the second of the "Wild Hearts Weekend" events: Wild Hearts Ball 10th Anniversary Celebration and Dance - the annual fundraiser and social event to benefit Otdahomans for Equality will be held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with dance music by DJ Zeke with video graphics set to the best mobile light show in town. Also available are Party Pictures with Cupid by Steven Michael Hall Photography, party appetizers and desserts along with raffles and door prizes plus a silent auction. Cash Bar available for guests 21 mad older. Sunday, February 14th, 2010, 1 lam-2pm - The third of the "Wild Hearts W-eekend" public. with Debby@okeq.org or call 918-743-4297. State Representative AI McAffrey to introduce Legislation for Domestic Partner Benefits for Ol ahoma State Employees By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK In the upcoming legislative session, State Representative A1 McAffrey plans to introduce legislation to allow domestic partners of Oklahoma state employees to obtain health care benefits. Mr. McAffrey, Oklahoma’s only first and only openly gay state legislator, a Democrat who represents District 88, stated that it would enable the partners of state employees to obtain the benefits currently available to spouses and dependents. A domestic partner is defined as someone Darters whom on is involved in and would include heterosexual couples as well as those in same sex relationships. This is the first time this has been proposed in the Oklahoma legislature. He related that this would not only help provide those eligible better access to healthcare coverage, it would help attract and retain talent among Oklahomas workers as well as raise consciousness in Oklahoma about that issue. It will be introduced when the session begins February 1, where it may or may not get out of committee, and if it does it may or may not pass. But he promised that if it doesn’t succeed, "I’ll introduce it again next year" �~entine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire: In ancient Rome, February !4th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalla.The lives of young boys and girls were strictly sep~ate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and ~vould then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and Unpopular campaignS: Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers ) join his military leagues. He believed that reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius, RDI R.AS celebrations include lots of feasting, partying and parading on the big day, also kno~vn as Shrove Tuesday - just before Ash Vdednesday - when the Church rules of fasting and sacrifice take effect. It’s been that way in Christian countries around the world sinCe the Middle Ages. Today most of the world’s celebrations occur during the week of Fat Tuesday, which falls on February 16th this year. Fat Tuesday in New Orleans It’s been five long years since the devastation of Ban Empl cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II, He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with dubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, around the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a ceremonies, names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. As the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as for ; year, arose in this Hurricane Katrina, and the biggest party town in America ~vill pick itself up for the 2010 Fat Tuesday celebration with even bigger crowds and more parades - expected this year. The New Orleans Mardi Gras parade schedule began on January 6, that is when the first King Cakes are socially avafl~biel k ~onti~ues thr0tlgh to Fat Tuesday, February 16, 2010. Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebrations around the world The biggest and loudest of them, as always, are in Rio and New Orleans, although the Karneval, or Fasching, festivities in Cologne and Berlin get pretty wild, Carnaval in Nice shows offthe ~vackier side of the trendy Riviera scene, and the Italians in Venice are the worldwide experts on the art of street theater. uptcv * Civil Rights Criminal ment * FamilV Law Litigation Street )ma cit% OK 73103 2 ~ETROSTAR February 2010 �PFLAG OKC joins with Edmond By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OY,ZAHOMA CITY, OK __ A merger with PFLAG Oldatloma City and PFLAG Edmond has been in the works over the past fe~v months. Officially, the two ioined forces on October 12th, joining to make both a single, stronger group. People often come. to PFLAG to find acceptance and support for GLBT issues and understanding. Some people just become involved to offer Bobbie and Georgie co-facilitate the Transgender support group in support. Oklahoma City. Townsendphoto "We are now PFI~G, OKC/Edmond under one name," promoting family involvement. The benefits said Louise Baker, President of the group. of membership; you get an email vote for "One of the reasons we became OKC/ officers, you are a part of PFLAG poll by Edmond PFLAG is that OKC has many national quarterly. There are educational gay-straigi~t alliances and Edmond has none. programs and you help create a safe Those gays will have parents who want to environment for people. look for support. We feel it is a win-win and The group is also actively working to a good move for both groups." promote equality in schools. "We are very The combined groups ofPFLAG OKC/ dose in one of the three high schools in Edmond will be hostinga ~ndraising event to sppp0rt the cause. The event wilJ b~ ~e!d at ~he Boom (on the O~C strip); Saturday FebruaW 27th at 7 pm. Emcee will be Edmond to ~:et a GSA (gav-strai~t alliance)," said B~er. One student said~they wanted it. They wrote the bylaws and sent it to the student cotmcil~ There is dso a r~ need for Heather Scott, PFLAG Secretary, ~raoke by Shown Elmore, PFLAG Vice-President, Stand-Up Comedy Louise Bakel; PFLAG President. The group promises fun for everyone! "It’s not i.ust about going to a comedy act. We really want people to come out and support PFLAG," adds Baker. "We need to be here fore support and advocacy." The group is also looking for members. Family membership is $40 and single is $35, thus GSA’s in the middle school also but ~ve are taking this one step at a time." .PFI_&G OKC/Edmond would also like to add that they applaud the OKCPS board for passing the passing the anti-bullying policy to include GLBT’S. PFLAG OKC/Edmond meets the first Tuesday of each month. For questions, or if you would like’ to attend a meeting, please call (405) 525-3800 or write to pflagokc@yahoo. 2007 it was a major loss for the organization, which was already strained from a lack of active membership for the past several years. This came to a head in 2009, when Treasurer Diana Faulkner’s term expired and there to nobody to take that office, which is currently administered in the interim by Paul Thompson. Consensus of the group at the point was that the group must change course or dissolve. A letter was sent out to the general membership advising them of a Final Meeting taking place Monday, February 8 at 7 p.m. located at Okdalloma City’s Neighborhood Alliance Center, 1236 N.W 36th Street ( N.W. 36th Street and Classen Boulevard). As Paul Thompson relates, "It’s gotten to the point where so few of us are actively engaged that it (O.G.L.P.C.) simply cannot be sustained as it is. Without enough people we cannot accomplish any meaningful work. There’s no point in going on if we’re not going to do a good job." Regardless of the outcome, Paul stated that he will no longer serve as male co-chair following the February meeting, Also currently serving as officers are Female co-chair Jeanne Flanigan and Secretary Victor Gorin. Pending the outcome of the February meeting, based on the attendance, commitment and interest shown, a decision will be made as to the future of the organization, which has a long history and legacy. For those interested in seeing O.G.L.P.C. continue, it wil! be imperative that they are at this final meeting. AuthOr s gnmg. By Victor Gorin Contrib[lting writer wwv¢,metrosta mews.corn ConoYero Tulsa for his neW book com. educate dected officials about issues of the GLBT community. O.G.L.P.C. held annual dinners to celebrate accomplishments and future hopes, issuing annual awards of merit to deserving individuals as well as "Phobie Awards" towards those who deserved that distinction. O.G.L.EC. continued to grow, their tables often seen registering voters, signing up members and passing out literature at community gathering places and events. Amassing a mailing list of over 3,000 gay or gay friendly Oldalloma households, they issued voter guides during major elections letting these voters know who their friends were. When O.G.L.EC.’S Membership/Mailing Chair John Calhoun moved to Canada in "Firs sday" Art Opening and Exhibit of Origina Works by Robb Rouse in ahoma Gay Lesbian over ? Caucus, OKL~MOMA CITY, OK When current O.G.L.EC. male co-chair Patti ~hompson was first elected to that post in 1992, he inherited what was then an orgaafization on the move vibrantly working for change against tough odds. The Oklahoma Gay mid Lesbian Political Caucus, ( kamwn better as O.G.L.EC.) had been formed and incorporated in 1985, with chapters in both Oklalmma City and Tulsa. ~ae organization became a major institution of the Okdahoma GLBT community, usually present whenever there was an opportunity for action to affect change. Their purpose was to educate the GLBT community about voting and taking part in the politic~ process, and also to conditions." Wade and his partner, Gary, leave culture, cable and consumerism behind and strike out for rural Michigan-a place with fewer people than in their former spinning dass. At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream is a sidesplitting and heartwarming look at taking a risk, fulfilling a dream, and finding a home-with very thick and very dark curtains. TULSA, OK (PR) On Tuesday, February 2nd at 7:00pm, Oklahomans for Equality and Booksmart Tulsa ~vill host a literary event and book signing at the Dennis R. Nell! Equality Center, 621 East 4th Street, Tulsa Oldahoma with xYgade Rouse for At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream. Finally fed up with the frenzy of city life and a job he hates, Wade Rouse decided to make either the bravest decision of his life or the worst mistake since his botched Ogilvie home perm. He uproots his life and tries as Thoreau did some 160 years earlier, to "live a plain, simple life in radically reduced TULSA, OK (PR) The February Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists ar the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa), will feature an array of works by artist Robb Conover. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, February 4th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month of February. Robb Conover’s art is influenced by some of the world’s greatest POP Artists, Watercolorists, Realist and Sculptors plus Film as an art media. His work is driven by a method to his madness. He works out a calculated plan to arrange expression and soul into all forms that end up on his canvas. After studying in New York, Los Angeles and Phoenix, Robb states "there are no accidental meetings, not even in art. There’s a reason for every inch of paint that you see on my canvas. If we are to tmderstand art as an experience we cannot fear what the artist brings back with him from his journey~ to other planes and planets". Robb’s art will be on display through February 2010. ;OETROSTAR 3 �Compatible Odd Couple by James Nimmo OFd~AHONLA CITY, OK__ I’m compatible with Sally Kern! Yup, you read it right. ~hough Kern and I are polar opposites religiously, politically, orientationally, and educationally, I’m compatible with Oklahoma GOPer Rep.~ Sally Kern and her newly introduced HB 2279 which, if passed, would not allow incompatibility to be used a~ grounds for a divorce between opposite gender (of course) adults. Kern who has hyperventilated while sniffng in gay and lesbian closets has nmv turned her big nose m sniffing between the sheets of the hetero marriage bed. ( http:// tinyutl.com/yc45mhh ) Pre-existing conditions such as minor children in the household, a marriage of ten years or longer, or written objection by the other spouse would prevent using incompatibility as grounds for an Oklahoma divorce. I’m so compatible with Kern over her non-divorce bill I could be the son she almost had. Not only that, I’!1 see her bet and raise her one. Tlais being Oklahoma, the third hole in America’s Bible Belt, I ~vouldn’t bet the rent on this bill dying in committee, the fate of most of the worst of Okie legislative submissions. N~erefore, I’m proposing a bill that would take Kern’s aspirations a step higher. Since a judge, in effect, examines the two people engaged in a divorce proceeding to see if at least one of the parties has suNcient grounds for divorce, why not have a judge examine the proposed bride and groom at the beginning of the procedure when they apply for an Oldahoma marriage license? Why not head off any incompatible marriages before they become incompatible divorces? In Iny bill, the hopeful newlyweds would have to prove to the examiner not only their undying love for each other but also have to prove that their financial prospects are propitious, their religious beliefs are rooted in the Christian Bible, their educational backgrounds are conducive to a lifetime of constructive pillow talk, and above all, both parties are willing and able to produce children as fast as physically possible. A failing grade in any of these aspects would disallow the issuance of the marriage license. If Kern wants to meddle in straight people’s private affairs just as she has in gay people’s affairs shouldn’t she be willing to fully insert the police power of the state right from the beginning of a proposed marriage? In fact, Kern should revise her divorce bill as a state question needing approval from the voters. If marriage is so important that it must be denied to same-gender ta~xpayers, as it is in Oklahomii, why not let straight voters police themselves? As a staunch and starchy "kernserwative", as she bills herself, shouldn’t she be strong enough to impose the state government into all aspects of married life? She claims her bill will alleviate many of Oklahoma’s societal ills. ’She proclaims "If ~ve eould reduce divorce in Oklahoma we would also reduce our prison population and welfare rolls while benefiting families and children. That’s a goal xvorth pursuing." This link includes the text of the Kern bill, http:/Itinyurl.com/ydq9fgd She continues, "If we can lower our divorce rate, our quality of life will improve and we will also reduce the need for many state services in this time of budget shortfall, freeing tip money to go to core services such as schools and roads." Who knew that keeping children in a warring household with two unhappy parents was the solution that would help reduce Oklahoma’s budget deficit? Again, Kern is using children as a shield for her schizophrenic view of privacy. Remember in 2009 she proposed and passed a legislative resolution objecting to a United Nations project to protect children from violence. If she wants to protect children from the harms of divorce, why is she against protecting children from violence? ( http://tinyufl. com/y8ujchv ) Remember the joke that was going around concerning the mock acceptance of same-gender marriage? It went something like, "Why should gays and lesbians be spared the pitfalls and expense of married life?" My new version of that joke is, "Why should straights be spared the intrusiveness of Sally Kern poking her nose into their marriages or divorces?" Or here’s another joke, this time from one of Kern’s heroes, Ronald Reagan. In one of his speeches, he said poking maliciously at government programs, "I’m from the government and I’m here to help you." Isn’t Sally Kern from the government? Is she here to help you? Among many religious fundamentalists and political conservatives (Butt repeat myself) there is the thinking that America is an exceptional country. Now I know what they mean by that. They’re saying "America must play by the rules Iset down, but when it’s convenient, I get an exception)’ In Kerffs case she claims an exception for her divorce bill and its intrusive meddling in the private matrimonial affairs of adults. realized and understood now that we have this anti bullying law." Transgendered people often live with the fear of being lonely, unlovable and, more practically, unemployed. According to the traqsgendered news source, ’Topix,’ sixty percent of transgender people in one 2006 study were unemployed, for example. Many relationships end during and after transition. Dating can be painful; several people interviewed said it xvas nearly impossible to find understanding partners. "We want to be there to help the counselors as Well as family members and the transgendered person looking for help and acceptance," added Georgie. "We ~vant to be a resource for the public schools, PFLAG and other of thgse types of organizations." If you would like to attend the meetings, you must call (405) 443-4131 or email info@ twofoldgroup.org. Visitors are screened for authenticity to protect those truly seeking help. Transgender support group meets in OKC The best New Year’s resolution to have is the one that works for you. Don’t have a resolution just for the sake of having one or just to keep up with the Joneses. Find something that needs improvement and take it to task. I have parted the Red Sea and several health and fitness resolution suggestions are malting their way to the Promised Land. Use social networking sites to find ten other peoplethat are resoMng to do the same thing as you. Use these people as your support group to keep your resolution on track. It is much better to have a group of individuals striving for the same goal. Stay in communication ~vith these team members as frequently as possible for the best results. Purchase a diary and start using it. Forget about all the normal nonsense that authors usually pen. inside these autobiographies. Just keep tabs on all the exercise you get throughout the year. Make a daily notation even if you didn’t have any physical exertion on a particular day. This Catholic guilt method should keep you feeling the need for some form of exercise each day. After a years absence, fitness guru Ronald Blake returns in the March issue. By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Each Monday of the month, the TWOFOLD (Transgender With Out Fear Of Lifestyle Disapproval) meets in NW Oklahoma City. This peer support group is designed to allow attendees the opportunity to share their feelings, frustrations and coping mechanisms for those experiencing common identity changes that accompany gender identity issues. "We are pretty lucky here because I think people are really accepting," said Bobby, one of the co-facilitators of the group. "We have had two particularly interesting people recently come to our meetings. One was 19 and one was 9 years old. She [9 year old] had the support of the morn, but not really the dad or the school." "The 19 year old and fought with her morn about wearing dresses and not wanting to grow her hair long," added Georgie, another group co-facilitator. "Then she Lifestyle Fitness column by Ronald Blake returns to Metro Star in next months issue. Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk A Valentine’s burlesque performance on matters of the heart. TULSA, OK (PR) __ TwoLips Burlesk will be performing their debut show, Pucker Up and Take It, on Friday, February 5th, 2010, 9:00pm, with an encore performance Saturda); February 6th, 9:00pro at the Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. 4th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Brand new in 2010, two years-before the apocalypse, Tulsa has a new kind of performance troupe in town: ~¢¢oLips Burlesk! This Valentine’s show, encompassing the true spirit of burlesque, vaudeville, cabaret, tease--and even a little drag to sweeten things up~T~voLips Burlesk treat you and your loved ones to the tastiest treats to hit the streets since chocolates in a box. Founded by Tulsans Amanda Storms, Tarynn Archer, and Chris Dailey, TxvoLips brings you a performance spectacle that will dazzle, excite, and prove to be the finest of Photo: RonaM Blake, Cet~fied Fitness Instructor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association its kind--raising the bar for local burlesque. Featuring the talents of Poppy Pie, Honey Du Jour, Sinna’ Bunnz, and Tangy Tart along with other local favorites, the show is ¯ packed full of sugary goodness, and will have you laughing hysterically and drooling vdth excitement. Still hungry? There’s more: drag-lesque, audience participation, topless antics---even a kissing booth! And to top it all off, the evening will be hosted by non5 other than Tulsa’s own National Midwest Entertainer of the Year, Drag Emcee Extraordinaire Nildd Le’Chapelle. Come and support Tulsa’s sweetest troupe! Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk runs February 5th and 6th at 9:00pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. Intended for mature, like-minded audiences only. For more information:contact Amanda Storms at TwoLip~Burlesk@gmail. corn, call (918) 232-1448, or visit the TwoLips Butlesk page on Facebook. Free help 8 89 February 2010 �Wockner News U.S. HIV border ban lifted Bozeman protects gays and transgenders Gay weddings to start in D.C. March 5 New policies that removed the United States’ 22-year-old ban on HIV-positive immigrants and foreign visitors took effect ~e City Commission in Bozeman, Mont., on Jan. 11 added ~sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to a policy that protects city" employees from discrimination. The vote was 3-0. The policy also will officially extend spousal benefits to employees’ same-sex partners. Gay marriages will start in the District of Columbia, the latest locality to legalize "samesex marriage, on March 5. That’s when the bill passed by the Council and signed by the mayor xvill have completed its mandated congressional review period and any couples who obtained a license on the first day possible, March 2, will have made it through the mandatory three-day waiting period between getting a license and getting married. Same-sex marriage is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain and Sweden; in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province; and in the U.S. states’of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. It will become legal in Portugal in April. Jan. 4. Three days later, HIV-positive Dutchman Clemens Ruland and his partner Hugo Bausch arrived at New York’s Kennedy Airport and were met by a representative of Human Rights Watch and the Dutch Embassy’s cultural attache. "Travel restrictions on HIV-positive people fundamentally affect their human dignity," said Boris Dittrich from HRW’s LGBT Rights Program. "Lifting the HIV travel ban was a victory for human rights." Bausch won the trip for himself and Ruland in a Dutch AIDS Foundation contest to celebrate the ban’s demise. In announcing the change last October, President Barack Obama said: "We talk about reducing the stigma of this disease, yet we’ve treated a visitor living with it as a threat. We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic, yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people with HIV from entering our own country. If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it." In a joint statement at the time, the Global Network of People Living With HIV, the European AIDS Treatment Group and Germany’s Deutsche AIDSHilfe "congratulate[d] the United States government on fulfilling its promise and completing the legal procedure that was started by former President Bush on World AIDS Day 2007." "This is a great victory for the fight against the worldwide discrimination of people living with HIV," said AIDS-Hilfe’s Peter Wiessner. "I remember times where we never thought that this ,vould happen. This is an emotional moment and it feels a bit like the fall of the Berlin Wall." EATG’s David Haerry called the ban’s demise "groundbreaking" and said it sends "a strong message to other countries maintaining stigmatizing restrictions today, such as Russia, China, Australia and Canada." The groups’ statement said that more than 60 nations, including some in Europe, have sugmanzmg entry or residency restr,cnons and that "27 countries deport people on the grounds of having an HIV infection." Xhe three organizations said they hope the U.S. government will take one final step in relegating the ban to the dustbin of hist0ry: "Erase all information with regards to the HIV status of people ftom its immigration databases." Trans priso to. open Italy About 30 inmates wilt be moved to a prison near Florence, Italy, that will house only transgender prisoners, local media reported Jan. 12. The facility in the town of Pozzale is nearly vacant at present, holding two female inmates. Gay couple ’marries’ in China State media reported Jan. 13 that a gay couple got "married" in a gay bar in Chengdu, China. Zeng Anquan, 45, and Pan Wenjie, 27, tied tile knot before 200 gay friends. "We are no !onger hiding anymore," Zeng told China Daily. "The wedding is our happiest and most precious moment. We don’t care how others consider us, as long as we are together. (W)e are deeply in love and will never desert each other." Zeng’s brother responded to the wedding by freezing Zeng’s capital in the company the two own, he said, and Zeng’s sister told him she won’t acknowledge him as her brother again until he breaks up with Pan. Mayor Sanders and gay daughter talk to reporters after mayor’s Prop 8 trial appearance AFER Board President Chad Gdfli.n, Mayor Sanders and a~ughter Lisa. Wockner photo Republican San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and his gay daughter Lisa talked to reporters in San Francisco on Jan. 19 after the mayor testified in the federal trial seeking to overturn Proposition 8 as a violation of fl~e U.S. Constitution. Here’s some of what they had to say. Before I becan~e mayor I spent 26 years on the San Diego Police Department, and I’m very proud of the career that I had, and I witnessed, in the early years, discrimination in both the department and thee city and, as I’ve said, I’ve seen discrimination and hate crimes occur in the city of San Diego. I think denying marriage equality is just as ~vrong as telling blacks that they couldn’t use white-only drinking fountains. It’s government action that’s founded in prejudice. The first step towards equalityin society is equality under the law. So, I’m unpalatable and embarrassing that it could turn the public against them. Information introduced during the trial on Jan. 13, for example, revealed that one defendant in the case, Hak-Shing William Tam, wrote a letter to voters during the Prop 8 campaign saying that once gays have the right to marr)~ they will pursue legalization of pedophilia. "On their agenda list is: legalize having sex with children," the letter said. Ir a!so claimed that legal same-sex marriage in California would cause "other states (to) fall into Satan’s hands." Prop 8’s lawyers claimed they didn’t ~vanr cameras in court for, among other reasons, fear that their witnesses could face nasty retaliation from militant, if not violent, homosexual thugs who saw the video feed. ~xe anti-same-sex-marriage side also objected to the playing in court of their successfully alarmist TV ads from the Prop 8 campaign, which suggested that gay marriage could lead to schoolchildren being,aught inappropriate, bad or wrong things. Many analysts and commentators believe the gay-marriage-will-harm-your-kids TV ads may have tipped the balance against samesex marriage in the minds of voters both in California and, more recently, Maine, where some of the California ads were recycled. ~e Prop 8 trial is being Iive-blogged, tweeted and analyzed to within an inch of its life by an army of bloggers, activists and news reporters. Prop8trialtracker.com is a good place to start. The San Jose Mercury News also has a good live-blog of the case at mercurynews. com. On Jan. 15, the Courage Campaign, which operates prop8trialtracker, refused to alter the site’s logo after the group was hit with a cease-and-desist demand from protectmarriage.com. The two sites’ logos are identical except for one minor, huraorous variation. See tinyurl.com/logosgate. Courage Campaign said its logo qualifies as permissible parody. ..... Continued see MAYOR - page 6 www.metrostarnews.corn ~{ET~OSTAR 5 �The Bitch is Back By Michael W. Sasser But Bego said Hton is not going to be out of the public spodight. "He does not plan on retiring," Bego said. "We can look forward to music from him for die rest of his life. He is just one of those kinds of artists." Hton John: The Bitch is Back by Mark Bego is available at booksellers nationwide. In Memory of David Marshal1 Beavers March 17, 1968 ..... December 19, 2009 Elton John biographer Mark Bego at 7~e Abbey in West Hollywood,. Photo by: John Klinger ne of the first albums that author Mark Bego bought was an Elton John LP on viny!. Later, one of the first album reviews that Bego wrote for his college newspaper was on an Elton John release. "In a wa)~ I’ve been writing about Elton John for almost 40 years," Bego said. "I’ve always been interested. I fed like I’ve been £ollowinghim for my entire career.’, It therefore comes as no surprise that Bego refers to his latest book, Elton John: The Bitch is Back as "a labor of love." The book was long. in the planning. "About six years ago I talked to my agent about doing a book on Elton, he asked around and at the time there wasn’t a lot of interest," Bego said. Instead, Bego was engaged to write a book on Billy Joel. "Billy Joel and Elton John have a lot of people in common," Bego said. That rene,ved his interest and finally the unauthorized biography of Sir Elton wa~s underway. In Elton John: ~e Bitch is Back, renowned celebrity author Bego has rounded up a fascinating group of interview subjects for this unique biography of one of the music world’s biggest superstars. "~ specifically wanted to talk to people who personally know Etton," Bego said. "Tnese people’s insights into Elton m~e this quite e~citing." Interviews include Mice Cooper, Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones, Mary Wilson of Tne Supremes, Angela Bowie, Sarah Dash of LaBelle, Randy Jones of the Village People, Duncan Faure of Xhe Bay City Rollers, Gary Brooker of Procol Harum and the colorfi~ and outrageous RuPaul. "One interview really led to the next one," Bego said. "I interviewed a lot of people who aren’t normally sought out to talk about Elton. So a lot of die stories in the book are ones that fans of Elton won’t read anywhere else." ~Ihe book focuses on Elton’s public and private life and the absolute intersection of the two. "Usually creative people use inspiration from their personal lives in their work," Bego said. "Elton has certainly lived a colorfi~ life and you can’t ignore that. He has been through so many stages. Gay and not gay, married, drugs. All of these changes had to be induded." John is widely embraced by the gay community, even at stages of his public life where he denied his homosexuality. Bego said that he believes that John’s flirtation with heterosexuality and his brief marriage to a woman were a response to die early days of the AIDS epidemic. ’7~ lot of people, induding Elton, freaked out and I think he decided tie had to daange, had to stop having sex with men or else he was going to die," Bego said. "I think that was the inspiration for his marriage." Heterosexuality did not take, Bego said. "He was having three-way gay sex the same week he got married," the author added. Bego was surprised to learn other things about the estimable Sir Elt0n as well. "He has always been so charitable so it was surprising to discover that he and his real father never got along wel! - even when his father was dying," Bego said. ~lat contrasted with Elton’s close relationship with his stepfather and many other people and causes of which he was supportive. Bego was also surprised to learn j~at the famed collaboration between Elton and Bernie Taupin was a distant one geographically. "q-hey were never in the same place at the same time," Bego said. "One of them would write the music, then send to the other for lyrics. They collaborated but were never together. W~nen they met, that’s how it happened and it just became their formula for Success." Today, Hton is in a new phase of his career - bum/composing music for movies and for Broadway. He has also, Bego said, settled down personally, free of drugs and partnered with his true love. OKZAHObcD~ CITY, OK__ David Beavers passed away shortly before Christmas at Deaconess Hospital after a batde with pneumonia. Born in Mooresville, North Carolina, he is survived by his naother Emily and 2 brothers, Frankie and Mark. He spent d~e last years of the life in Oklahoma City, a well knmvn personality in the gay nightlife scene. He had been affectionately niclmamed Uncle Fester due to an uncanny resemblance and ability to imitate that electrifi!ing charac{er of the Addams Family YV show of the 1960s. He loved cooldng, computers and Patti LaBelle. As he was born on St..Patrick’s day, he loved the parties the bars held on his birthday. During his life he had worked for the State of Oklahoma, Levi’s and the Habana, made many friends and touched a lot of lives. A Memorial Service was held at die Finishline January 24. In Memoriam: Pdcky Lee Miller OK_LAMOMA CITYY, OK ~ Ricky Lee Miller passed away January 11, 20 I0 in Holdenville, Oklahoma at Boyce Manner Nursing Home after suffering from a long illness. He was born in Oklahoma City February 13, 1957 to Karl and Darla Miller. Predeceased by lfis mother Darla, he is survived by his father and stepmother, Lou Mae Miller. Ricky was well known as an expert in Ichthyology ( study of fish/marine life). Memorial services were held on January 14 at Rose Hill Burial Park of Oklahoma City. He will be missed by many longtime friends. proud to say that my daughter Lisa got married to her wife Meaghan in Vermont last month. I’m very proud of both of them and I only wish that she could be recognized as equal under California law. Hopefully the court will do the right thing so that loving couples like Lisa and Meaghan don’t have to travel 3,000 miles to get their marriagglicense -- away from family, away from friends and away from coworkers." "We need to boil this down to people instead of man and woman and everything else. We have two people who have a loving, caring relationship, who can have a family, who can do all the same things that a married couple have, and yet we have said, ’Since you’re not heterosexual, we’re not going to recognize you as being as important as heterosexual relationships.’ I think that’s fundamentally discriminatory and I think that’s wrong." February 2010 �~outhwest v~v.metrostarnews.com I~4;;4:~oSTAR 7 �.... No matter who ~ are on life’s 405:525.9555 o Cho o ~~ A Metropo~ita~Un Community Church �Out &About New Years Eve 2009 Clint ofthe Copa Resolution- Lose weight and be better with my money For 2Ol OWish for more gay marriages[ ~dsa Eagle Staff:ready to serve the o’owd at thier New Years Eve Black & White Ball, and did they ever[ Jenna at Angles, OKC with group. Resolution- to getfit and work out every day. To be happy and not give a f--k what anyone thinks[ ChefSuzie Lopez @ the Boom, OKC. New Year’s Resolution- ~y to loose some zoe~ght, exercise and be more fit. 2010 wish- fbr the economy to come back Cheyenne and Amanda Daye at Tramps New Year’s Res’oltution- ~ love my husband more than I have. Wish fbr 2010- For rny husband to love me more than he hast These three were zoay out of control at the Bamboo Lounge, 7;alsa. KerL~ Susan & Casey@ Partners, OKC Photo Jay Murray with his part~ter Bill Greedier at Phoenix Rising. New Year’s Resolutions- To strive for another 30years togethe~ Wish for 2010Peace in the world Resolution- to Live life, Robert at the Park, OKC with dancer Sam. Wish for 2010- A/lore civil rights, and special rights forpeople like me[ page 12 ~.metrostarnews.corn #~ETROSTAR 9 �February 2010 ��Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy Out &About New Years Eve 2009 Derrick with his 3 gir~ends Detv’tcks ~ " ’ Resolution: To be a better person and not " get too screwed up allyear long & 201 O- World peace. @ Alibi’s, OKC Regina Ledotgv at the Park, owner of.PINKS New Koar"s Resolution- To get my bigger store open a~ make it successfiaL ’ Wish j~r 2010- For evetTone to be more gay fiqendly! @ Club 209, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa Garre#t at Finishline-blonde in center. Resolution- to be happier than I am now Wish for 2010- For everyone w get along and world peace. Richard at the Park OKC. Resolution- have more tim and make more mono,. Wish for 2010- To be bigger and better than 2009! "Tot Eq 2010" February 2010 �by Jack Fertig February 2010 "DoWt take anything for granted, An aspect between Venus in Aquarius and Mercury in Capricorn is supposed to promote charm and flirtation, but carries the risk of trying too hard and coming off as inauthentic. To make it worse, Eris is aspecting both, offering bitchy, competitive undertones. Be careful where you pull out that Margo Channing attitude! Just be your own sweet self, darling. ARIES (March 20-Apri~ !9): "Your keen vision of future possibilities and your competitive spirit can help you talk out tough issues with your boss - or as the boss. You may need to rein it in a little to keep your inspiring speeches realistic. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Knowing better than those around you is no challenge, but does that really matter? The real trick is to excel in serenity. To do that, you have to take time alone to cultivate your cool with meditation and inner exploration. GEMIN~ {May 2% June 20): Speaking in a foreign language or exploring new ideas and possibilities could make you even sexier. Your friends will play along, up to a poin,.t. They have their own agenda. Don t take ~nything for granted! CANCER (June 21- July 22): Being adept in dealing with authority is not the same as being a control queen! If you need help distinguishing the two, your partner’s insights - or any advice you receive in bed - can prove very helpful. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Money’s tight, but getting out to play is necessary for mental health. You can socialize on the cheap! What you really have to offer is your strong sense of values and playfulness. Remember that, and you’ll be rich in the things that count. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Before you say what seems to matter, think about what really matters. Kindness and truth are high on that list. Work harder on kindness. Being kinder to family members could prove much to your advantage. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Your efforts at imitating Dorothy Parker or Bette Davis could end up hurting friends’ feelings. Those old clever bitch imitations have been done to death. You have it in you to be a charming original. ~ 30 ,18 20 19 2"1 22 ;$1 ! 55 56 32 57 59 33 60 PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Charity is not a competitive sport. Give what you can, but remember the airplane drill about putting on your own air mask before helping others. Focus on your own needs and take care of yourself. Then you’ll be in a better position to help others. MCCo METROPOLITAN LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): A little humility would help you develop those teamwork skills. Just remember~ all your brilliance is really based on effectivenes!! Making others look good will reflect better on you than selfish efforts. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): A playful attitude at work can help boost morale and productivity, but keep that playfulness squeaky clean!Responses to naughty provocation will backfire! OK, a little double-entendre in the right places is good, but be very careful with that! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): "Family fun" is supposed to be just that - fiJn. Getting too competitive can spoil it for everyone. Bringing your clan together as a team can strengthen bonds, but remember: friendship first, . competition second! COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BlesSed Day! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Eager to learn new things, " especially at work, you could unintentionally come off as snippy or provocative. Imagine you’re hosting a party with your great-aunts present (or your colleagues’), and behave accordingly. www.metrostarnews.com ~(~t~’oSTAR 13 �Sy&ey Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras This massive celebration began in 1978 and takes place over about four weeks and includes a huge laun& party, a Mars Gras Film Festival, several big parties, and the incrediblycolorfiA Mardi Gras Parade. New this 2010, M~di Gras began holding its massive Mardi Gras tk party aweek after the parade (as opposed to directly after it, as it has in the past). More than a half-million observers and tourists have colne to watch the parade in past years, and the party can draw another 15,000 revelers. Log on to w~w~.mardigras.org.au for a full description of ~ents as well as tickets. You LIKE THIS COLOR T THINKING IT’.6 A L|-r’TLE FOR email: bitt ergirl~qsyndicate.com [~®troSTAR 14 : February 2010 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. A TIONS: HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 www.magneticvalleyresor t.com NELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant A T~W: VALERIE WILHFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 FL ’- GIFTS: INS MA THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a we& 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm ro 2am CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21goldcastle.com Northwest Arkansas Center For Equality "Linldng Together as One" RESTA~NTS: HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com Chuck greckenridge JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Ci~, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TRAVEL sales required. based. For more information: 888-391-9222 www. nwacenterforequality.org 179 Church Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vw,vw.oksmnewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 < www.okeq.org CLUB 209 2O9 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubrnajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 N%V 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 ww~v.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXA?RESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com HID ~EAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thin Sat 2pm to 2am ~.metrostarnews.com ,~is~isS~’s Soluti 6no bi~ P A R T s R N NETROSTAR 15 �HELP US BRING OKLAHOMA iNTO THE 2] ST CENTURY! "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do, it’s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Party. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the GLBT community, we are working to make change and shape history. T We meet the 1st Tuesday of every month at ~he OKLAHOMA STATE HEADQUARTERS ! � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA VOLUME 7 ISSUE 2 Twitterocom!MetroStarNews Prop 8 federal trial continues in San Francisco News analysis By Rex Wockner Famous atto~v,eys David Boies, le_~ and Ted Olson are infederal court in San Francisco t~sving to kill Prop 8. Also picuwed: Olson’s wife, Lady Booth Olson. Photo by Diana Walker At press time, the trial in the federal lawsuit against Proposition 8 was continuing in U.S. District Court in San Francisco before Judge Vaughn \Valker. Famous heterosexual attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles are trying to convince Walker that Prop 8, which amended California’s constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage, violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law. Leading gay-rights groups have been sidelined in the case, limited to filing "friend of the court" briefs, because they didn’t play nice with Olson and Boles early on. They publicly dissed the case as unwise and poorly timed. ~e lawsuit, which likely will end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, could lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 states. Convemely, it also could possibly stall the movement for same-sex marriage for a generation, should the U.S. Supreme Court uphold Prop 8. Judge Walker had wanted to beam video of the trial to other federal courthouses and post it on YouTube, but the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, put the kibosh on that idea Jan. 13, saying officials in the federal courts’ 9th Circuit hadn’t followed proper procedure in lifting the ban on cameras in federal courts. Olson and Boles strongly supported broadcasting the trial. The pro-Prop-8 side vociferously opposed the plan, ultimately filing an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court to stop it. Gay activists and commentators suggested that Prop 8 defenders were horrified at the idea of the trial being broadcast because they lmow that their anti-gay rhetoric, which is being analyzed in detail at the trial, is hateful, false and, when exposed in f~l, so ........Continued See PROP 8 Page-5 ® MetroStarNews.com FEBRUARY 1,2010 OkEq Celebrates "Wi d Hearts Week nd" with p ans for ree Events for Valentines - TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for Equality, Oklahoma’s preeminent Gay Rights Organization will host three separate events beginning Friday February 12th, Saturday February 13th and Sunday February !4th at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. FRIDAY, February t2th, from 7-9pro, the first of the "Wild Hearts Weekend" events: Relationship Recognition Reception - an effort to mitigate the discrimination against the GLBT Community due to a lack of Equal Marriage Rights will be held in the Great Hall of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center beginning with a lecture series by Tulsa’s top legal and financial professionals Saturday, February 13th, 2010, 7-11pm, the second of the "Wild Hearts Weekend" events: Wild Hearts Ball 10th Anniversary Celebration and Dance - the annual fundraiser and social event to benefit Otdahomans for Equality will be held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with dance music by DJ Zeke with video graphics set to the best mobile light show in town. Also available are Party Pictures with Cupid by Steven Michael Hall Photography, party appetizers and desserts along with raffles and door prizes plus a silent auction. Cash Bar available for guests 21 mad older. Sunday, February 14th, 2010, 1 lam-2pm - The third of the "Wild Hearts W-eekend" public. with Debby@okeq.org or call 918-743-4297. State Representative AI McAffrey to introduce Legislation for Domestic Partner Benefits for Ol ahoma State Employees By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK In the upcoming legislative session, State Representative A1 McAffrey plans to introduce legislation to allow domestic partners of Oklahoma state employees to obtain health care benefits. Mr. McAffrey, Oklahoma’s only first and only openly gay state legislator, a Democrat who represents District 88, stated that it would enable the partners of state employees to obtain the benefits currently available to spouses and dependents. A domestic partner is defined as someone Darters whom on is involved in and would include heterosexual couples as well as those in same sex relationships. This is the first time this has been proposed in the Oklahoma legislature. He related that this would not only help provide those eligible better access to healthcare coverage, it would help attract and retain talent among Oklahomas workers as well as raise consciousness in Oklahoma about that issue. It will be introduced when the session begins February 1, where it may or may not get out of committee, and if it does it may or may not pass. But he promised that if it doesn’t succeed, "I’ll introduce it again next year" ~entine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire: In ancient Rome, February !4th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II, He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged as the Goddess ofwomen and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalla. The lives ofyoung boys and girls were strictly sep~ate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and ~vould then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with dubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, around the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a ceremonies, names ofyoung women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and Unpopular campaignS: Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers ) join his military leagues. He believed that reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius, RDI R.AS celebrations include lots offeasting, partying and parading on the big day, also kno~vn as Shrove Tuesday - just before Ash Vdednesday - when the Church rules offasting and sacrifice take effect. It’s been that way in Christian countries around the world sinCe the Middle Ages. Today most of the world’s celebrations occur during the week ofFat Tuesday, which falls on February 16th this year. Fat Tuesday in New Orleans It’s been five long years since the devastation of names of saints for those of maidens. As the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom ofyoung men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as for ; year, arose in this Hurricane Katrina, and the biggest party town in America ~vill pick itselfup for the 2010 Fat Tuesday celebration with even bigger crowds - and more parades - expected this year. The New Orleans Mardi Gras parade schedule began on January 6, that is when the first King Cakes are socially avafl~biel k ~onti~ues thr0tlgh to Fat Tuesday, February 16, 2010. Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebrations around the world The biggest and loudest ofthem, as always, are in Rio and New Orleans, although the Karneval, or Fasching, festivities in Cologne and Berlin get pretty wild, Carnaval in Nice shows offthe ~vackier side ofthe trendy Riviera scene, and the Italians in Venice are the worldwide experts on the art ofstreet theater. Ban Empl uptcv * Civil Rights Criminal ment * FamilV Law Litigation Street )ma cit% OK 73103 2 ~ETROSTAR February 2010 PFLAG OKC joins with Edmond By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OY,ZAHOMA CITY, OK __ A merger with PFLAG Oldatloma City and PFLAG Edmond has been in the works over the past fe~v months. Officially, the two ioined forces on October 12th, joining to make both a single, stronger group. People often come. to PFLAG to find acceptance and support for GLBT issues and understanding. Some people just become involved to offer Bobbie and Georgie co-facilitate the Transgender support group in support. Oklahoma City. Townsendphoto "We are now PFI~G, OKC/Edmond under one name," said Louise Baker, President of the group. "One of the reasons we became OKC/ Edmond PFLAG is that OKC has many gay-straigi~t alliances and Edmond has none. Those gays will have parents who want to look for support. We feel it is a win-win and a good move for both groups." The combined groups ofPFLAG OKC/ promoting family involvement. The benefits of membership; you get an email vote for officers, you are a part ofPFLAG poll by national quarterly. There are educational programs and you help create a safe environment for people. The group is also actively working to promote equality in schools. "We are very dose in one of the three high schools in Edmond will be hostinga ~ndraising event Edmond to ~:et a GSA (gav-strai~t alliance)," to sppp0rt the cause. The event wilJ b~ ~e!d said B~er. One student said~they wanted at ~he Boom (on the O~C strip); Saturday it. They wrote the bylaws and sent it to the FebruaW 27th at 7 pm. Emcee will be student cotmcil~ There is dso a r~ need for Heather Scott, PFLAG Secretary, ~raoke by Shown Elmore, PFLAG Vice-President, Stand-Up Comedy Louise Bakel; PFLAG President. The group promises fun for everyone! "It’s not i.ust about going to a comedy act. We really want people to come out and support PFLAG," adds Baker. "We need to be here fore support and advocacy." The group is also looking for members. Family membership is $40 and single is $35, thus GSA’s in the middle school also but ~ve are taking this one step at a time." .PFI_&G OKC/Edmond would also like to add that they applaud the OKCPS board for passing the passing the anti-bullying policy to include GLBT’S. PFLAG OKC/Edmond meets the first Tuesday of each month. For questions, or if you would like’ to attend a meeting, please call (405) 525-3800 or write to pflagokc@yahoo. com. ahoma Gay Caucus, over ? By Victor Gorin Contrib[lting writer Lesbian OKL~MOMA CITY, OK When current O.G.L.EC. male co-chair Patti ~hompson was first elected to that post in 1992, he inherited what was then an orgaafization on the move vibrantly working for change against tough odds. The Oklahoma Gay mid Lesbian Political Caucus, ( kamwn better as O.G.L.EC.) had been formed and incorporated in 1985, with chapters in both Oklalmma City and Tulsa. ~ae organization became a major institution of the Okdahoma GLBT community, usually present whenever there was an opportunity for action to affect change. Their purpose was to educate the GLBT community about voting and taking part in the politic~ process, and also to educate dected officials about issues of the GLBT community. O.G.L.P.C. held annual dinners to celebrate accomplishments and future hopes, issuing annual awards of merit to deserving individuals as well as "Phobie Awards" towards those who deserved that distinction. O.G.L.EC. continued to grow, their tables often seen registering voters, signing up members and passing out literature at community gathering places and events. Amassing a mailing list of over 3,000 gay or gay friendly Oldalloma households, they issued voter guides during major elections letting these voters know who their friends were. When O.G.L.EC.’S Membership/Mailing Chair John Calhoun moved to Canada in 2007 it was a major loss for the organization, which was already strained from a lack of active membership for the past several years. This came to a head in 2009, when Treasurer Diana Faulkner’s term expired and there to nobody to take that office, which is currently administered in the interim by Paul Thompson. Consensus of the group at the point was that the group must change course or dissolve. A letter was sent out to the general membership advising them of a Final Meeting taking place Monday, February 8 at 7 p.m. located at Okdalloma City’s Neighborhood Alliance Center, 1236 N.W 36th Street ( N.W. 36th Street and Classen Boulevard). As Paul Thompson relates, "It’s gotten to the point where so few of us are actively engaged that it (O.G.L.P.C.) simply cannot be sustained as it is. Without enough people we cannot accomplish any meaningful work. There’s no point in going on if we’re not going to do a good job." Regardless of the outcome, Paul stated that he will no longer serve as male co-chair following the February meeting, Also currently serving as officers are Female co-chair Jeanne Flanigan and Secretary Victor Gorin. Pending the outcome of the February meeting, based on the attendance, commitment and interest shown, a decision will be made as to the future of the organization, which has a long history and legacy. For those interested in seeing O.G.L.P.C. continue, it wil! be imperative that they are at this final meeting. AuthOr Rouse in Tulsa for his neW book s gnmg. TULSA, OK (PR) On Tuesday, February 2nd at 7:00pm, Oklahomans for Equality and Booksmart Tulsa ~vill host a literary event and book signing at the Dennis R. Nell! Equality Center, 621 East 4th Street, Tulsa Oldahoma with xYgade Rouse for At Least in the City Someone Would HearMe Scream. Finally fed up with the frenzy of city life and a job he hates, Wade Rouse decided to make either the bravest decision of his life or the worst mistake since his botched Ogilvie home perm. He uproots his life and tries as Thoreau did some 160 years earlier, to "live a plain, simple life in radically reduced conditions." Wade and his partner, Gary, leave culture, cable and consumerism behind and strike out for rural Michigan-a place with fewer people than in their former spinning dass. AtLeast in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream is a sidesplitting and heartwarming look at taking a risk, fulfilling a dream, and finding a home-with very thick and very dark curtains. "Firs sday" Art Opening and Exhibit of Origina Works by Robb ConoYero TULSA, OK (PR) The February Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists ar the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa), will feature an array ofworks by artist Robb Conover. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, February 4th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month of February. Robb Conover’s art is influenced by some of the world’s greatest POP Artists, Watercolorists, Realist and Sculptors plus Film as an art media. His work is driven by a method to his madness. He works out a calculated plan to arrange expression and soul into all forms that end up on his canvas. After studying in New York, Los Angeles and Phoenix, Robb states "there are no accidental meetings, not even in art. There’s a reason for every inch of paint that you see on my canvas. Ifwe are to tmderstand art as an experience we cannot fear what the artist brings back with him from his journey~ to other planes and planets". Robb’s art will be on display through February 2010. wwv¢,metrostamews.corn ;OETROSTAR 3 Compatible Odd Couple by James Nimmo OFd~AHONLA CITY, OK__ I’m compatible with Sally Kern! Yup, you read it right. ~hough Kern and I are polar opposites religiously, politically, orientationally, and educationally, I’m compatible with Oklahoma GOPer Rep.~ Sally Kern and her newly introduced HB 2279 which, if passed, would not allow incompatibility to be used a~ grounds for a divorce between opposite gender (of course) adults. Kern who has hyperventilated while sniffng in gay and lesbian closets has nmv turned her big nose m sniffing between the sheets of the hetero marriage bed. ( http:// tinyutl.com/yc45mhh ) Pre-existing conditions such as minor children in the household, a marriage of ten years or longer, or written objection by the other spouse would prevent using incompatibility as grounds for an Oklahoma divorce. I’m so compatible with Kern over her non-divorce bill I could be the son she almost had. Not only that, I’!1 see her bet and raise her one. Tlais being Oklahoma, the third hole in America’s Bible Belt, I ~vouldn’t bet the rent on this bill dying in committee, the fate of most of the worst of Okie legislative submissions. N~erefore, I’m proposing a bill that would take Kern’s aspirations a step higher. Since a judge, in effect, examines the two people engaged in a divorce proceeding to see if at least one of the parties has suNcient grounds for divorce, why not have a judge examine the proposed bride and groom at the beginning of the procedure when they apply for an Oldahoma marriage license? Why not head off any incompatible marriages before they become incompatible divorces? In Iny bill, the hopeful newlyweds would have to prove to the examiner not only their undying love for each other but also have to prove that their financial prospects are propitious, their religious beliefs are rooted in the Christian Bible, their educational backgrounds are conducive to a lifetime of constructive pillow talk, and above all, both parties are willing and able to produce children as fast as physically possible. A failing grade in any of these aspects would disallow the issuance of the marriage license. If Kern wants to meddle in straight people’s private affairs just as she has in gay people’s affairs shouldn’t she be willing to fully insert the police power of the state right from the beginning of a proposed marriage? In fact, Kern should revise her divorce bill as a state question needing approval from the voters. If marriage is so important that it must be denied to same-gender ta~xpayers, as it is in Oklahomii, why not let straight voters police themselves? As a staunch and starchy "kernserwative", as she bills herself, shouldn’t she be strong enough to impose the state government into all aspects of married life? She claims her bill will alleviate many of Oklahoma’s societal ills. ’She proclaims "If ~ve eould reduce divorce in Oklahoma we would also reduce our prison population and welfare rolls while benefiting families and children. That’s a goal xvorth pursuing." This link includes the text of the Kern bill, http:/Itinyurl.com/ydq9fgd She continues, "Ifwe can lower our divorce rate, our quality of life will improve and we will also reduce the need for many state services in this time of budget shortfall, freeing tip money to go to core services such as schools and roads." Who knew that keeping children in a warring household with two unhappy parents was the solution that would help reduce Oklahoma’s budget deficit? Again, Kern is using children as a shield for her schizophrenic view of privacy. Remember in 2009 she proposed and passed a legislative resolution objecting to a United Nations project to protect children from violence. If she wants to protect children from the harms of divorce, why is she against protecting children from violence? ( http://tinyufl. com/y8ujchv ) Remember the joke that was going around concerning the mock acceptance of same-gender marriage? It went something like, "Why should gays and lesbians be spared the pitfalls and expense of married life?" My new version of that joke is, "Why should straights be spared the intrusiveness of Sally Kern poking her nose into their marriages or divorces?" Or here’s another joke, this time from one of Kern’s heroes, Ronald Reagan. In one of his speeches, he said poking maliciously at government programs, "I’m from the government and I’m here to help you." Isn’t Sally Kern from the government? Is she here to help you? Among many religious fundamentalists and political conservatives (Butt repeat myself) there is the thinking that America is an exceptional country. Now I know what they mean by that. They’re saying "America must play by the rules Iset down, but when it’s convenient, I get an exception)’ In Kerffs case she claims an exception for her divorce bill and its intrusive meddling in the private matrimonial affairs of adults. Transgender support group meets in OKC By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Each Monday of the month, the TWOFOLD (Transgender With Out Fear Of Lifestyle Disapproval) meets in NW Oklahoma City. This peer support group is designed to allow attendees the opportunity to share their feelings, frustrations and coping mechanisms for those experiencing common identity changes that accompany gender identity issues. "We are pretty lucky here because I think people are really accepting," said Bobby, one of the co-facilitators of the group. "We have had two particularly interesting people recently come to our meetings. One was 19 and one was 9 years old. She [9 year old] had the support of the morn, but not really the dad or the school." "The 19 year old and fought with her morn about wearing dresses and not wanting to grow her hair long," added Georgie, another group co-facilitator. "Then she realized and understood now that we have this anti bullying law." Transgendered people often live with the fear of being lonely, unlovable and, more practically, unemployed. According to the traqsgendered news source, ’Topix,’ sixty percent of transgender people in one 2006 study were unemployed, for example. Many relationships end during and after transition. Dating can be painful; several people interviewed said it xvas nearly impossible to find understanding partners. "We want to be there to help the counselors as Well as family members and the transgendered person looking for help and acceptance," added Georgie. "We ~vant to be a resource for the public schools, PFLAG and other of thgse types of organizations." If you would like to attend the meetings, you must call (405) 443-4131 or email info@ twofoldgroup.org. Visitors are screened for authenticity to protect those truly seeking help. Lifestyle Fitness column by Ronald Blake returns to Metro Star in next months issue. Photo: RonaM Blake, Cet~fied Fitness Instructor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association The best New Year’s resolution to have is the one that works for you. Don’t have a resolution just for the sake of having one or just to keep up with the Joneses. Find something that needs improvement and take it to task. I have parted the Red Sea and several health and fitness resolution suggestions are malting their way to the Promised Land. Use social networking sites to find ten other peoplethat are resoMng to do the same thing as you. Use these people as your support group to keep your resolution on track. It is much better to have a group of individuals striving for the same goal. Stay in communication ~vith these team members as frequently as possible for the best results. Purchase a diary and start using it. Forget about all the normal nonsense that authors usually pen. inside these autobiographies. Just keep tabs on all the exercise you get throughout the year. Make a daily notation even if you didn’t have any physical exertion on a particular day. This Catholic guilt method should keep you feeling the need for some form of exercise each day. After a years absence, fitness guru Ronald Blake returns in the March issue. Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk A Valentine’s burlesque performance on matters of the heart. TULSA, OK (PR) __ TwoLips Burlesk will be performing their debut show, Pucker Up and Take It, on Friday, February 5th, 2010, 9:00pm, with an encore performance Saturda); February 6th, 9:00pro at the Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. 4th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Brand new in 2010, two years-before the apocalypse, Tulsa has a new kind of performance troupe in town: ~¢¢oLips Burlesk! This Valentine’s show, encompassing the true spirit of burlesque, vaudeville, cabaret, tease--and even a little drag to sweeten things up~T~voLips Burlesk treat you and your loved ones to the tastiest treats to hit the streets since chocolates in a box. Founded by Tulsans Amanda Storms, Tarynn Archer, and Chris Dailey, TxvoLips brings you a performance spectacle that will dazzle, excite, and prove to be the finest of its kind--raising the bar for local burlesque. Featuring the talents of Poppy Pie, Honey Du Jour, Sinna’ Bunnz, and Tangy Tart along with other local favorites, the show is ¯ packed full of sugary goodness, and will have you laughing hysterically and drooling vdth excitement. Still hungry? There’s more: drag-lesque, audience participation, topless antics---even a kissing booth! And to top it all off, the evening will be hosted by non5 other than Tulsa’s own National Midwest Entertainer of the Year, Drag Emcee Extraordinaire Nildd Le’Chapelle. Come and support Tulsa’s sweetest troupe! Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk runs February 5th and 6th at 9:00pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. Intended for mature, like-minded audiences only. For more information:contact Amanda Storms at TwoLip~Burlesk@gmail. corn, call (918) 232-1448, or visit the TwoLips Butlesk page on Facebook. Free help 8 89 February 2010 U.S. HIV border ban lifted Bozeman protects gays and transgenders New policies that removed the United States’ 22-year-old ban on HIV-positive immigrants and foreign visitors took effect Jan. 4. Three days later, HIV-positive Dutchman Clemens Ruland and his partner Hugo Bausch arrived at New York’s Kennedy Airport and were met by a representative ofHuman Rights Watch and the Dutch Embassy’s cultural attache. "Travel restrictions on HIV-positive people fundamentally affect their human dignity," said Boris Dittrich from HRW’s LGBT Rights Program. "Lifting the HIV travel ban was a victory for human rights." Bausch won the trip for himself and Ruland in a Dutch AIDS Foundation contest to celebrate the ban’s demise. In announcing the change last October, President Barack Obama said: "We talk about reducing the stigma of this disease, yet we’ve treated a visitor living with it as a threat. We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic, yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people with HIV from entering our own country. Ifwe want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it." In a joint statement at the time, the Global Network of People Living With HIV, the European AIDS Treatment Group and Germany’s Deutsche AIDSHilfe "congratulate[d] the United States government on fulfilling its promise and completing the legal procedure that was started by former President Bush on World AIDS Day 2007." "This is a great victory for the fight against the worldwide discrimination of people living with HIV," said AIDS-Hilfe’s Peter Wiessner. "I remember times where we never thought that this ,vould happen. This is an emotional moment and it feels a bit like the fall of the Berlin Wall." EATG’s David Haerry called the ban’s demise "groundbreaking" and said it sends "a strong message to other countries maintaining stigmatizing restrictions today, such as Russia, China, Australia and Canada." The groups’ statement said that more than 60 nations, including some in Europe, have sugmanzmg entry or residency restr,cnons and that "27 countries deport people on the grounds of having an HIV infection." Xhe three organizations said they hope the U.S. government will take one final step in relegating the ban to the dustbin of hist0ry: "Erase all information with regards to the HIV status of people ftom its immigration databases." Trans priso to. open Italy About 30 inmates wilt be moved to a prison near Florence, Italy, that will house only transgender prisoners, local media reported Jan. 12. The facility in the town of Pozzale is nearly vacant at present, holding two female inmates. ~e City Commission in Bozeman, Mont., on Jan. 11 added ~sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to a policy that protects city" employees from discrimination. The vote was 3-0. The policy also will officially extend spousal benefits to employees’ same-sex partners. Gay couple ’marries’ in China State media reported Jan. 13 that a gay couple got "married" in a gay bar in Chengdu, China. Zeng Anquan, 45, and Pan Wenjie, 27, tied tile knot before 200 gay friends. "We are no !onger hiding anymore," Zeng told China Daily. "The wedding is our happiest and most precious moment. We don’t care how others consider us, as long as we are together. (W)e are deeply in love and will never desert each other." Zeng’s brother responded to the wedding by freezing Zeng’s capital in the company the two own, he said, and Zeng’s sister told him she won’t acknowledge him as her brother again until he breaks up with Pan. Mayor Sanders and gay daughter talk to reporters after mayor’s Prop 8 trial appearance AFER Board President Chad Gdfli.n, Mayor Sanders and a~ughter Lisa. Wocknerphoto Republican San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and his gay daughter Lisa talked to reporters in San Francisco on Jan. 19 after the mayor testified in the federal trial seeking to overturn Proposition 8 as a violation of fl~e U.S. Constitution. Here’s some ofwhat they had to say. Before I becan~e mayor I spent 26 years on the San Diego Police Department, and I’m very proud of the career that I had, and I witnessed, in the early years, discrimination in both the department and thee city and, as I’ve said, I’ve seen discrimination and hate crimes occur in the city of San Diego. I think denying marriage equality is just as ~vrong as telling blacks that they couldn’t use white-only drinking fountains. It’s government action that’s founded in prejudice. The first step towards equalityin society is equality under the law. So, I’m .....Continued see MAYOR - page 6 Wockner News Gay weddings to start in D.C. March 5 Gay marriages will start in the District of Columbia, the latest locality to legalize "samesex marriage, on March 5. That’s when the bill passed by the Council and signed by the mayor xvill have completed its mandated congressional review period and any couples who obtained a license on the first day possible, March 2, will have made it through the mandatory three-day waiting period between getting a license and getting married. Same-sex marriage is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain and Sweden; in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province; and in the U.S. states’of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. It will become legal in Portugal in April. unpalatable and embarrassing that it could turn the public against them. Information introduced during the trial on Jan. 13, for example, revealed that one defendant in the case, Hak-Shing William Tam, wrote a letter to voters during the Prop 8 campaign saying that once gays have the right to marr)~ they will pursue legalization of pedophilia. "On their agenda list is: legalize having sex with children," the letter said. Ir a!so claimed that legal same-sex marriage in California would cause "other states (to) fall into Satan’s hands." Prop 8’s lawyers claimed they didn’t ~vanr cameras in court for, among other reasons, fear that their witnesses could face nasty retaliation from militant, if not violent, homosexual thugs who saw the video feed. ~xe anti-same-sex-marriage side also objected to the playing in court of their successfully alarmist TV ads from the Prop 8 campaign, which suggested that gay marriage could lead to schoolchildren being,aught inappropriate, bad or wrong things. Many analysts and commentators believe the gay-marriage-will-harm-your-kids TV ads may have tipped the balance against samesex marriage in the minds of voters both in California and, more recently, Maine, where some of the California ads were recycled. ~e Prop 8 trial is being Iive-blogged, tweeted and analyzed to within an inch of its life by an army of bloggers, activists and news reporters. Prop8trialtracker.com is a good place to start. The San Jose Mercury News also has a good live-blog of the case at mercurynews. com. On Jan. 15, the Courage Campaign, which operates prop8trialtracker, refused to alter the site’s logo after the group was hit with a cease-and-desist demand from protectmarriage.com. The two sites’ logos are identical except for one minor, huraorous variation. See tinyurl.com/logosgate. Courage Campaign said its logo qualifies as permissible parody. www.metrostarnews.corn ~{ET~OSTAR 5 The Bitch is Back By Michael W. Sasser But Bego said Hton is not going to be out of the public spodight. "He does not plan on retiring," Bego said. "We can look forward to music from him for die rest of his life. He is just one of those kinds of artists." Hton John: The Bitch is Back by Mark Bego is available at booksellers nationwide. In Memory ofDavid Marshal1 Beavers March 17, 1968.....December 19, 2009 Elton John biographer Mark Bego at 7~e Abbey in West Hollywood,. Photo by: John Klinger ne of the first albums that author Mark Bego bought was an Elton John LP on viny!. Later, one of the first album reviews that Bego wrote for his college newspaper was on an Elton John release. "In a wa)~ I’ve been writing about Elton John for almost 40 years," Bego said. "I’ve always been interested. I fed like I’ve been £ollowinghim for my entire career.’, It therefore comes as no surprise that Bego refers to his latest book, Elton John: The Bitch is Back as "a labor of love." The book was long. in the planning. "About six years ago I talked to my agent about doing a book on Elton, he asked around and at the time there wasn’t a lot of interest," Bego said. Instead, Bego was engaged to write a book on Billy Joel. "Billy Joel and Elton John have a lot of people in common," Bego said. That rene,ved his interest and finally the unauthorized biography of Sir Elton wa~s underway. In Elton John: ~e Bitch is Back, renowned celebrity author Bego has rounded up a fascinating group of interview subjects for this unique biography of one of the music world’s biggest superstars. "~ specifically wanted to talk to people who personally know Etton," Bego said. "Tnese people’s insights into Elton m~e this quite e~citing." Interviews include Mice Cooper, Bill Wyman ofThe Rolling Stones, Mary Wilson ofTne Supremes, Angela Bowie, Sarah Dash of LaBelle, Randy Jones of the Village People, Duncan Faure ofXhe Bay City Rollers, Gary Brooker of Procol Harum and the colorfi~ and outrageous RuPaul. "One interview really led to the next one," Bego said. "I interviewed a lot of people who aren’t normally sought out to talk about Elton. So a lot of die stories in the book are ones that fans of Elton won’t read anywhere else." ~Ihe book focuses on Elton’s public and private life and the absolute intersection of the two. "Usually creative people use inspiration from their personal lives in their work," Bego said. "Elton has certainly lived a colorfi~ life and you can’t ignore that. He has been through so many stages. Gay and not gay, married, drugs. All of these changes had to be induded." John is widely embraced by the gay community, even at stages of his public life where he denied his homosexuality. Bego said that he believes that John’s flirtation with heterosexuality and his brief marriage to a woman were a response to die early days of the AIDS epidemic. ’7~ lot of people, induding Elton, freaked out and I think he decided tie had to daange, had to stop having sex with men or else he was going to die," Bego said. "I think that was the inspiration for his marriage." Heterosexuality did not take, Bego said. "He was having three-way gay sex the same week he got married," the author added. Bego was surprised to learn other things about the estimable Sir Elt0n as well. "He has always been so charitable so it was surprising to discover that he and his real father never got along wel! - even when his father was dying," Bego said. ~lat contrasted with Elton’s close relationship with his stepfather and many other people and causes of which he was supportive. Bego was also surprised to learn j~at the famed collaboration between Elton and Bernie Taupin was a distant one geographically. "q-hey were never in the same place at the same time," Bego said. "One of them would write the music, then send to the other for lyrics. They collaborated but were never together. W~nen they met, that’s how it happened and it just became their formula for Success." Today, Hton is in a new phase of his career - bum/composing music for movies and for Broadway. He has also, Bego said, settled down personally, free of drugs and partnered with his true love. OKZAHObcD~ CITY, OK__ David Beavers passed away shortly before Christmas at Deaconess Hospital after a batde with pneumonia. Born in Mooresville, North Carolina, he is survived by his naother Emily and 2 brothers, Frankie and Mark. He spent d~e last years of the life in Oklahoma City, a well knmvn personality in the gay nightlife scene. He had been affectionately niclmamed Uncle Fester due to an uncanny resemblance and ability to imitate that electrifi!ing charac{er of the Addams Family YV show of the 1960s. He loved cooldng, computers and Patti LaBelle. As he was born on St..Patrick’s day, he loved the parties the bars held on his birthday. During his life he had worked for the State of Oklahoma, Levi’s and the Habana, made many friends and touched a lot of lives. A Memorial Service was held at die Finishline January 24. In Memoriam: Pdcky Lee Miller OK_LAMOMA CITYY, OK~Ricky Lee Miller passed away January 11, 20 I0 in Holdenville, Oklahoma at Boyce Manner Nursing Home after suffering from a long illness. He was born in Oklahoma City February 13, 1957 to Karl and Darla Miller. Predeceased by lfis mother Darla, he is survived by his father and stepmother, Lou Mae Miller. Ricky was well known as an expert in Ichthyology ( study of fish/marine life). Memorial services were held on January 14 at Rose Hill Burial Park of Oklahoma City. He will be missed by many longtime friends. proud to say that my daughter Lisa got married to her wife Meaghan in Vermont last month. I’m very proud of both of them and I only wish that she could be recognized as equal under California law. Hopefully the court will do the right thing so that loving couples like Lisa and Meaghan don’t have to travel 3,000 miles to get their marriagglicense -- away from family, away from friends and away from coworkers." "We need to boil this down to people instead ofman and woman and everything else. We have two people who have a loving, caring relationship, who can have a family, who can do all the same things that a married couple have, and yet we have said, ’Since you’re not heterosexual, we’re not going to recognize you as being as important as heterosexual relationships.’ I think that’s fundamentally discriminatory and I think that’s wrong." February 2010 ~outhwest v~v.metrostarnews.com I~4;;4:~oSTAR 7 No matter who ~ .... are on life’s 405:525.9555 o Cho o ~ Un ~ A Metropo~ita~ Community Church Out &About New Years Eve 2009 ~dsa Eagle Staff:ready to serve the o’owd at thier New Years Eve Black & White Ball, and did they ever[ These three were zoay out ofcontrol at the Bamboo Lounge, 7;alsa. Clint ofthe Copa Resolution- Lose weight and be better with my money For 2OlOWishfor more gay marriages[ Jenna atAngles, OKC with group. Resolution- to getfit and work out every day. To be happy and notgive af--k what anyone thinks[ ChefSuzie Lopez @ the Boom, OKC. New Year’s Resolution- ~y to loose some zoe~ght, exercise and be morefit. 2010 wish-fbr the economy to come back Cheyenne andAmanda Daye at Tramps New Year’s Res’oltution- ~ love my husband more than I have. Wishfbr 2010- For rny husband to love me more than he hast KerL~ Susan & Casey@ Partners, OKC Photo Jay Murray with his part~ter Bill Greedier at Phoenix Rising. New Year’s Resolutions- To strivefor another 30years togethe~ Wishfor 2010- Peace in the world Resolution- to Live life, Robert at the Park, OKC with dancer Sam. Wishfor 2010- A/lore civil rights, and special rightsforpeople like me[ page 12 ~.metrostarnews.corn #~ETROSTAR 9 February 2010 Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy Out &About New Years Eve 2009 Derrick with his 3 gir~ends De~ tv’t"cks’ Resoluti"on: To be a betterperson and not get too screwed up allyear long &201O-Worldpeace. @Alibi’s, OKC Regina Ledotgv at the Park, owner of.PINKS New Koar"s Resolution- To get my bigger store open a~ make it successfiaL ’ Wishj~r 2010- For evetTone to be more gayfiqendly! @ Club 209, Tulsa Garre#t at Finishline-blonde in center. Resolution- to be happier than I am now Wishfor 2010- For everyone w get along and worldpeace. Richard at the Park OKC. Resolution- have more tim and make more mono,. Wishfor 2010- To be @Club Majestic, Tulsa "Tot Eq 2010" bigger and better than 2009! February 2010 by Jack Fertig February 2010 "DoWt take anything for granted, An aspect between Venus in Aquarius and Mercury in Capricorn is supposed to promote charm and flirtation, but carries the risk of trying too hard and coming off as inauthentic. To make it worse, Eris is aspecting both, offering bitchy, competitive undertones. Be careful where you pull out that Margo Channing attitude! Just be your own sweet self, darling. ARIES (March 20-Apri~ !9): "Your keen vision of future possibilities and your competitive spirit can help you talk out tough issues with your boss - or as the boss. You may need to rein it in a little to keep your inspiring speeches realistic. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Knowing better than those around you is no challenge, but does that really matter? The real trick is to excel in serenity. To do that, you have to take time alone to cultivate your cool with meditation and inner exploration. GEMIN~ {May 2% June 20): Speaking in a foreign language or exploring new ideas and possibilities could make you even sexier. Your friends will play along, up to a poin,.t. They have their own agenda. Don t take ~nything for granted! CANCER (June 21- July 22): Being adept in dealing with authority is not the same as being a control queen! If you need help distinguishing the two, your partner’s insights - or any advice you receive in bed - can prove very helpful. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): A little humility would help you develop those teamwork skills. Just remember~ all your brilliance is really based on effectivenes!! Making others look good will reflect better on you than selfish efforts. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): A playful attitude at work can help boost morale and productivity, but keep that playfulness squeaky clean!Responses to naughty provocation will backfire! OK, a little double-entendre in the right places is good, but be very careful with that! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): "Family fun" is supposed to be just that - fiJn. Getting too competitive can spoil it for everyone. Bringing your clan together as a team can strengthen bonds, but remember: friendship first, . competition second! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Eager to learn new things, " especially at work, you could unintentionally come off as snippy or provocative. Imagine you’re hosting a party with your great-aunts present (or your colleagues’), and behave accordingly. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Money’s tight, but getting out to play is necessary for mental health. You can socialize on the cheap! What you really have to offer is your strong sense of values and playfulness. Remember that, and you’ll be rich in the things that count. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Before you say what seems to matter, think about what really matters. Kindness and truth are high on that list. Work harder on kindness. Being kinder to family members could prove much to your advantage. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Your efforts at imitating Dorothy Parker or Bette Davis could end up hurting friends’ feelings. Those old clever bitch imitations have been done to death. You have it in you to be a charming original. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Charity is not a competitive sport. Give what you can, but remember the airplane drill about putting on your own air mask before helping others. Focus on your own needs and take care of yourself. Then you’ll be in a better position to help others. MCCo METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM ~ ,18 19 20 2"1 22 30 ! ;$1 32 33 55 56 57 59 60 Have a God filled and BlesSed Day! www.metrostarnews.com ~(~t~’oSTAR 13 Sy&ey Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras This massive celebration began in 1978 and takes place over about four weeks and includes a huge laun& party, a Mars Gras Film Festival, several big parties, and the incrediblycolorfiA Mardi Gras Parade. New this 2010, M~di Gras began holding its massive Mardi Gras tk party aweek after the parade (as opposed to directly after it, as it has in the past). More than a half-million observers and tourists have colne to watch the parade in past years, and the party can draw another 15,000 revelers. Log on to w~w~.mardigras.org.au for a full description of ~ents as well as tickets. You LIKE THIS COLOR T THINKING IT’.6 A L|-r’TLE FOR email: bittergirl~qsyndicate.com : [~®troSTAR 14 February 2010 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. A TIONS: HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 www.magneticvalleyresort.com NELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant A T~W: VALERIE WILHFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 FL ’- GIFTS: INS MA ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 2O9 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubrnajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 N%V 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 ww~v.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXA?RESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com HID~EAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thin Sat 2pm to 2am THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a we& 2pm to 2am THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm ro 2am CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vw,vw.oksmnewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 RESTA~NTS: GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Ci~, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TRAVEL < ,~is~isS~’s Soluti 6no bi~ P A R T s R N Northwest Arkansas Center For Equality "Linldng Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 www.nwacenterforequality.org 179 Church Ave, Fayetteville, AR72703 ~.metrostarnews.com Chuck greckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. sales required. based. NETROSTAR 15 HELP US BRING OKLAHOMA iNTO THE 2] ST CENTURY! "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do, it’s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Party. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the GLBT community, we are working to make change and shape history. T We meet the 1st Tuesday ofevery month at ~he OKLAHOMA STATE HEADQUARTERS ! Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 2 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Steven Petrow Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189 The Metro Star Magazine, March 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/193 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/188 "At Least Someone in the City Will Hear Me Scream" "Wild Hearts Weekend" Advertisment Al McAffrey Australia Bitter Girl Bozeman Montana China-Same Sex Marriage classifieds Comic Strips David Marshall Beavers Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Domestic Partner Benefits Don't shop-Adopt Elton John Equality Center Fat Tuesday First Tuesday Art Opening heath care History of Saint Valentine's Day HIV border Ban Italy Jerry Sanders Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Lifestyle Fitness Mardi Gras Metro scene national-world news Nightclubs and Bars OkEq Equality Center Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Oklahoma News PFLAG PFLAG OKC Prop 8 Pucker Up and Take it QPuzzle Qscopes Rainbow Pages religion Ricky Lee Miller Ronald Blake same sex marriage Supreme Court Sydney The Bitch is Back The Little Black Book Trans Prision Transgender With Our Fear Of Lifestyle Disapproval travel TWOFOLD TwoLips Burlesk US HIV border ban lifter Wade Rouse work discrimination https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/2a03c0c75cdfbe0b5346eab05261ba0b.jpg 9c8ceace2661d22e3da206cba5abd49a https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/dabb8fc3797f90350cd8f80fcd06e1ff.pdf 36874c7ef06b4655add7bdccadb95643 PDF Text Text VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1 ~ ncom/ ® JANUARY 1, 2010 Legislation Proposed To Exempt O ahoma Froth New Federa Hate Crimes Law OKC School Board votes to add sexual orientation and gender identity to antibu ying policy "I don’t know about Senator Russell, but I enlisted in the United States Navy to fight for the rights of all Americans regardless of their skin color, gender or who they are. Today I’m serving in the State Legislature to fight for ~e rights of all Oklahomans. "Ihat’s a fight I’ll never give up." State Representative A1 McAffrey Robin Townsend Contributing Writer By Victor Gorin Quigley. "This is not about any one person, Springer added. "However, I am sure Mr, Quigley will be very positive about this." "This has to do with Oklahoma City OKLAHOMA CITY, OK With great Schools looking at the past and having our news recendy out of Washington about policy in line with that we wanted to protect passing marriage equality in D.C., we are all of our children," Springer continued. "It’s proud to celebrate that victory. There is cause about the kids, nothing else. We don’t tolerate for celebration right here at home as well as any kind of bullying in our school district." Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) Springer has served as the Superintendent of makes positive strides for LGBT equality. In OKCPS since July 2008. December, the Oklahoma "As best as we can tell City Schoo! Board voted to ’Tm extremely happy, based on our ongoing add sexual orientation and I’m glad it finally research, this is the first gender identity to their antihappened. I’ve been trans-inclusive public policy bullying policy. fighting for this 12 ever adopted in Oklahoma," "It is really about us years." Joe Quigley said Laura Belmonte, Ph.D., protecting our children," --~ Vice President and Cosaid Kar! Springer, Founder ofT.E.N. (The ~uperintendent o~OKCPS. Equality Network). Belmonte has served This is a Very strong statement the board is in a variety of academic, non-profit, and m~ng because this is something that was LGBT organizations including Oldahomans needed to protect all of our children." for Equality and Tulsa’s ’Say No To Hate’ Springer said he does not feel this news coalition. has a[nytl~ing to do with district teacher Joe ....... Continued See BULLYING Page-6 Oklahoma State Representative AI McAffkey with State Senator Debbe Lq~wich. OYA_AHOMA CITY, OK __ When Barak Obama signed into law expanded Federal Hate Crimes protection to include the GLBT community last October, it was hailed as a major milestone by GLBT and human rights activists which finally came to pass after over a decade of struggle. Named for the late Matthew Shepard, a gay man kidnapped and murdered in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998, and James Byrd, a black man dragged to death in Texas that same year, it became law as part of an authorization for $680 billion of defense spending. Noting 12,000 known incidents of hate crimes based on sexual orientation over the past 10 years, Obama stated that it would "help protect our citizens from violence based on what they look like, who they love or how they pray." Gorin photo Opponents of this legislation claimed that this measure would prohibit free speech, criminalizing those who speak out on controversial issues such as opposition to abortion or homosexuality. However, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder stated that this expanded protection would only prohibit violent acts based on bias and would not restrict speech. President Obama also recognized that this wasn’t simply a means to an end as he further stated, "Despite the progress vce’ve made, there are still laws to change and hearts to open." These words proved prophetic in Oklahoma as State Senator Steve Russell (Republican District 45) stated his plans tointroduce legislation in the upcoming Oklahoma legislative session that would exempt Oklahoma from adhering to the ........ Continued See HATE CRIMES Page-6 Houston elects lesbian mayor by Rex Wockner HOUSTON, TX__ Voters in Houston, the fourth-largest city in the U.S., elected an openly lesbian mayor Dec. 12. City controller Annise Parker captured 53.6 percent of the vote in an election that saw a turnout out of fewer than 17 percent of registered voters. "I know what this win means to many of us who never thought we could achieve high office," Parker, 53, said in her victory speech, with her partner of 19 years, Kathy Hubbard, and their three children at her side. "This election has changed the world for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community," she said. Some analysts suggested Parker’s victory margin came at the hands of white liberals and gay and lesbian voters. In the final weeks of the campaign, antigay activists gay-baited Parker with anti-gay mailers and e-mail blasts. "I wish you could be here right now," Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund Presi,dent Chuck Wolfe e-mailed from Parker~ victory "This is an important milestone countr~ but it’s equally important to know voters in Houston chose Annise even after a flurry of anti-gay campaigns designed to divide and distract voters. This time the extremists failed." Annise Parker new Mayor ofHoustion. Official Flickr photostream "It’s hard to describe how happy everyone is here," Wolfe said. "After so much depressing news lately regarding LGBT equality, it’s nice to be able to smile this wide." "l-he Victory Fund supported Parker all six dmes she was dected to the City Council and in her successful campaign for city controller. Other cities that have had openly gay mayors include San Diego; Providence, R.I.; Pordand, Ore.; Chula Vista, Calif.; and Cambridge, Mass. -- but Houston, population 2.2 million, is the largest. �Everyone involved with the Metro Star wishes to say thank you to our advertisers for their support over the years and in 2009. We look forward to providing you a quality marketing source for 2010. ~5 Years or more ofsupport. Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa OK Century 21 Gold Castle, OKC, OK Kelly Kirby, CPA, Tulsa, OK MCC Spirit of Christ, Joplin, MO ~,.9 4+ Years. Club Majestic, Tulsa OK ~9 3+ Years. Habana inn, OKC, OK Finishline, OKC, OK The Copa, OKC, OK The Ledo, OKC, OK Gushers, OKC, OK ~ 2 + Years Chuck Breckenridge, Keller Williams, Tulsa., OK Angles, OKC, OK Club 209, Tulsa, OK ~1+ Year. Vallerie Williford, Attny, OKC, OK MCC United, Tulsa, OK Church of the Open Arms, OKC, OK PEOPLE! We also appreciation our seasonal advertisers, Oklahomans for Equality, Tulsa Pride, OKC Pride, IGRA, OGRA, SSRA, Tulsa PAC, Brady Theater, Oklahoma Stonewall Democrates, City of Eureka Springs, Rose State Live, Civic Center Music Hall, BOK Center uptcv o CiVil Rights °Criminal ~ment o Family Law o Litigation 625 N.~W. 13,th Street CitV, OK 7~10~ 2 January 2010 �OKC’s Mayflower Church hosts World AIDS day event GLBT Media Endures High Profile Failures By Robin Townsend Contributing Writer By Michael W. Sasser TULSA, OK Texas based freelance writer Jeffrey Spencer Perry was about ready to make his first article pitch to the Washington D.C. based GLBT newspaper, the Washington Blade, when he came across a news item online. Overnight, the Blade and other newspapers that were part of Windows Media - Atlanta’s Southern Voice, David magazine, 411 and South Florida Blade - had dosed up shop as the company filed for bankruprcy. "I was a little surprised because as I understood it, the Blade and David in particular ~vere longtime players in ~heir markets." said Perry. News of the closings spread like wildfire in the nation’s GLBT community, propelled by the internet. In reporting on the late 2009 slate of closings, Philadelphia Gay News Publisher Mark Segal wrote that, "To say this is the biggest failure in LGBT-media history is an understatement." Twisted Ha~snony Choir sings at the World AIDS Day event held last month in Oklahoma City. Dorner photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ World AIDS Day is celebrated at the first of December each year. It is observed to educate people about, increasing a~vareness, fighting prejudice, raising money and improving education about HIV and AIDS. On Nov. 31st, Mayflower church (a gay affirming church) in Oklahoma City held a World AIDS Day Memorial Service honoring those we have lost and those who are still living with the disease. The local event included stories from people living ~vith HIV and AIDS. special music, a time of remembrance and a video presentation, ~Faces of AIDS" which included favorite photos offi’iends shared for this event. On the lawn of the Mayitower Church hundreds ofwhite wooden crosses xvith red ribbons were on display ~o honor those who have died of this disease. World health o~cials report encouraging data regarding HIV infections. The number of people infected with the virus seerns to be mostly stable except for Africa. According to the 2009 MDS epidemic update by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Joint U.N. Program on HIV/ MDS (UNAIDS), the figure (about 33 million) has remained virtually unchanged for the last tsvo years (the number comes with a margin of error ofsevera! million people). Last yeal; HIV infections in Africa accounted for 72 percent of all 2.7 million new" HIV cases worldwide. in Oklahoma City guests shaied their thoughts on the day and the disease. "It=s a wonderful opportunity for everyone ~o get together and honor and remember those we have lost by keeping the promise to those we love." said Terry Dennison. Director of Education [br Planned Parenthood of Central Oldahoma. His organization helps educate people about ~ransmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. ’Events like these help us remember, in a good way, those we have lost and to remember that there has been so much progress for this disease," said Chuck Longacre of Oklahoma City. "There is iust a marked change for a lot of folks living better and living longer nmv." According to Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT {National AIDS Trustl, "The downward trend in new infections is a testament to the work of the international HIV community. It’s the result of the roll-out of treatment and increased invesm~enr in prevention initiatives. However today’s report shows there are gaps in prevention programs that meet the needs of key groups, such as over 25s and gay men. -We need to get smarter about HIV prevention and also sustain efforts m find new tools such as microbicides and a vaccine if we ate m seriously reduce new infections." The’first \Vorld AIDS Day was celebrated on December 1, 1988 and officials say the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS probably peaked in 1996. WHO takes the lead in the global health sector response ro HIV/AIDS and provides evidencebased information at v~vw.who.int/hiv/enl. www.metrostarnews.com Windows had already closed down Genre magazine and the online-only Homton Voice. Windows Media products weren’t the only ones to dose in late 2009. Shortly after that news went public, the Triangle Journal, Memphis, Tennessee’s only GLBT ne~vspaper also ceased publication. "Many GLBT focused newspapers, magazines and news websites have closed just in the 6 years we have published," said Charles Ward, publisher of the Metro Star, Oklahoma’s only starewide GLBT ne~vspaper. "Many here in Oklahoma have started up and closed after only a few issues due to lack of support from the community. I was surprised about the closure of the Washington Blade because it was a major US newspaper." "I guess I picked the wrong time ro star.t, focusing on writing on iss[ies i~ the GLB~ community,’ said Perry. M~ybe, maybe not. Wl{ile the r;otabie GLBT newspaper failings might have garnered headlines and buzz in the community, a notable national figure who closely monitors such events said they are neither unusual nor necessarily indicative of a serious problem. "It’s no different than any other year," said Todd Evans, publisher of Press Pass Q, a newsletter for the GLBT media and a product of Rivendell Media, the country’s leading GLBT media placement firm. "It’s just a little more dramatic maybe. On average 10 new GLBT publications open and 10 close evelT year, and 2008 was worse than 2009. Niche publications are the first affected [by economic factors] and are the first ro recover. I think we’re expected to do wel! because niche publications do well in recessions." Evans was not surprised by the Windows Media news. "’Windmvs was started as a Ponzi scheme; it’s business model was only based on huge growth and you can’t sustain that," he said. "Having m make huge debt payments is impossible." When business interests alone fuel the passion for a product it can’t long survive, Evans said. Business and "the came" must co-exist. It’s integral for GLBT newspapers to become an integral part of their communities, Evans said. Those that fail simply could not achieve that. "Products that become indispensable to their communiries don’t fail," Evans said. Evans also pointed out that some of the now-closed publications were profitable. Furthermore, he said, several were immediately re-launched. "The Washington Blade, South Florida Blade and Southern Voice have all resurrected themselves in ways that are better for them," Evans said. "Atlanta hasn’t re-launched yet but they received a grant and they are going to launch soon. The Florida Agenda was launched and they didn’t even miss printing one issue." Sonja Mardnez’s 19th Annual Christmas AIDS Benefit raises $10,109 an all time record Entertainers Roxie Harg Kitty Bob Alines, Renee Anderson, John Beebe and Sonja Martinez. Press photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ The COPA was once again the venue for Sonja Martinez’s 19th Annual Christmas AIDS Benefit show supporting The Winds House this year. The show was hosted by Sonja Martinez and was a success once again. The fabulous COPA Club was filled with an extremely generous crowd for two nights. ~[he success, according to Sonja is due to the varions organizations, businesses, and individuals of our city coming together and supporting the worthy cause of The Winds House. This year’s benefit has raised $10,109.00 so far. Contributions are still arriving in the mail. Sonja has asked that thanks be expressed to her wonderful guests, John Beebe, Kitty Bob flames, Roxie Hart and Renee Anderson. Sonja also wishes to express her thanks to Mr. Nick Post and the entire COPA’s Stafffor their continued willingness to host the event and help in every way. In addition, Sonja thanks David Clark and his helpers for the great.COPA decorations. In addition, the wonderful contributions of Rick Moses and his beautiful flowers added to the Christmas environment. Sonja also extends a special thanks ro Jacob Sparso, Robert Mills and the Oklahoma City Ballet whose donation of ballet tickets for auction increased the contributions significantly. The preparation and presentation of a show requires many helpers. Kerry, Casey and Sue Aldns all helped with photography and an auctioneer livened up the crown during the bidding for the ballet tickets. Also. Partners Club and their customers have supported the cause all year long by purchasing Jello shots and ,vhose contributions made an additional increase in the proceeds. Sonja ~vould also like to recognize behind the scenes ~vork of Dee Goodwin, who helps to pull things together. In addition, Sonja says i~ continues ro inspire her ro see a gathering of representatives from the following organizations and businesses in the audience: Partners Club, ~e Boom Boom Room, The AIDS Walk Board, OKC Pride, The OK Classic Bowlers, Birds Etc, Sonja’s softball crowd, and others probably not as easily identified. In addition, there were Gene Goforth and the Winds House Board and helpers ~vho are the true Santas for the season. Finally, Sonja thanks YOU, the community for its continued support for this important cause. You truly gave The Gift Of Love. ....... Continued see NEWSPAPERS page - 8 ~ETR©STAR 3 �Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa Completes Its Fifth Year of Grant Malting in the Tulsa Area TULSA, OK (PR) Tile Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa (the "Fund") is pleased to announce that it has completed its 5th year of grant making to Tulsa area non-profits. Grants awarded this year total $ !00,000 and grants made over the 5 year period exceed $350,000. The Fund was established in late 2004 at the Tulsa Community Foundation. For the first two years~ ir received matching grant fnnds from the Gill Foundation of Colorado. Over the 5 year period the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa has made grants to 63 non-profits in the Tulsa area. Grants have supported agency- work in many areas, including education, arts. health, youth services, hospice, faith and homeless outreach. All of these non-profits have policies in place to ensure they do not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in employment and in providing services. "We are excited to continue supporting worthwhile non-profits which are committed to improving the quality of life in the Tulsa area. At the same time, we are recognizing the important contributions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens and their allies to our community. Our community -will grow even stronger as we continue to support inclusivity in all aspects of our lives," stated Nancy and Joe McDonald, and Dennis Neill, co-chairs of the Fund. For more information: info@gayandlesbianfundfortulsa.org LGBT CommunitT targeted by ’Big Tobacco’ By Robin Townsend Contributing \Vriter OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Tile Oklahoma County Tobacco Use Prevention Coalition is encouraging LGBT Oklahoma tobacco users to make quitting their number one resolution on their New Year’s list and beat ’Big Tobacco’ in 2010. The New Year’s Resolution campaign was designed to promote the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline and help promote healthy lifestyles in our state, "The tobacco industry aggressively targets the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community through direct and indirect advertising, community outreach and event or venue sponsorships," said Alicia Smith, Tobacco Use Prevention Outreach Coordinator at the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD). "LGBT smokers say there are many factors involved in their addiction, including the stress of ’coining out’, involvement in the club and bar scene, relationship problems, lack of family connections and the reinforcement of high rates of alcohol and drug abuse in the LGBT cominunity." Smith also added, "Tobacco kills more Oldahomans than alcohol, auto accidents, 4 L~IETROSTAR AIDS, suicides, murders and illegal drugs combined." According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, in Oklahoma tobacco is responsible for more than 6,000 deaths each year and each year over 4,000 Oklahoma kids become new daily smokers. The tobacco industry spends about $70 in Oklahoma per person per year to promote their product. The Coalition works directly ~vith the LGBT community- to inform them about tobacco prevention to create a leveled playing field with ’Big Tobacco’ by launching an entire campaign encouraging tobacco-users to quit and quit for good. The Oldahoma Tobacco Helptine at 1800-QUIT-NOW I1-800-784-8669-English or 1-800-793-1552-Spanish) is a free service for all Oklahomans with a desire to stop smoking or using other tobacco products. Through the Helpline callers receive one-onone quit coaching throughout their quitting process, specialized materials, free nicotine patches or gum and referrals to community resources. For more information on the Oklahoma County Tobacco Use Prevention Coalition or resources to help you or someone you know quit smoking, please call our direct line at (405) 419-4247. NQA to Host Breakfast for Candidate Brittany Novotnv NORMAN, OK (PR) Tile Norman Queer Mliance (NQA), a social events group for Norman GLBT’s and friends will host a pancake breakfast for Oldahoma House District 84 Candidate Brittany Novotny on Saturday January 23, 2010 from 8 to 10 AM. Tile event will take place at the historic Amtrak/Santa Fe Depot in Norman, which is also lmown as The Performing Arts Studio (PAS). PAS will be showing "Its M1 Relative An Art Exhibition" during the event, which features paintings and sculpture by Bets Holland Lundeen, Kit Holland Peterson and Martin Holland. Brittany is also expected to speak at the event, addressing issues of importance to Oklahomans. For a $10 requested donation, attendees will enjoy all you the pancakes, sausage, bacon and other breakfast items that you can eat. The event is sponsored by the NQA and NQA Member Meg Wilson. For complete information on the event or to RSVP, please see the Facebook page for NQA at: vcww.facebook.com/event. php?eid= 192886481 o47. YDA Women’s Caucus Approves Trans-Inclusive By-Law ATLANTA, GA (PR) __ The Young Democrats of America (YDA), the official youth arm of the Democratic Party representing Democrats age 14-36, held its fall conference in Orlando, Florida the weekend of November 20-22. At the conference, the YDA Women’s Caucus convened to discuss business for the upcoming year. Members voted to add a new paragraph to the by-laws to specify that voting members include women "who self identify as female regardless of the gender assigned at birth." Women’s Caucus Chair Elena Weiss of Georgia said that the language was added "to express the feelings of the membership that all women, including transgender women, should feel welcome to be a part of the mission of empowering young women in the political process." Tile Young Democrats ofkanerica will meet again in February in New Orleans for their spring conference. About the Young Democrats of America Womens Caucus: The Women’s Caucus of the Young Democrats of America is a grassroots youth and young professional women’s organization that has produced many of the current leading women activists and elected officials in all levels of the Democratic Party. It is the only official Democratic group that serves young women age 14-36. For more information, please visit: http://womensyda. ning.com The new by-law language was co-authored by YDA Women’s Caucus Chair Elena Weiss of Georgia and Young Democrats of Oklahoma National Committeewoman Brittany Novotny. What we can’t do alone, we can do together Robin Townsend Contributing Writer Other Options and Friends Food Pantry Executive Directo~ Mary Arbuckle (1), Averil ’Cookie’Arbuckle (c), Founder, Other Options and Robert Painter (r), President ofthe Board of Directors. Dorner photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Last month, Oklahoma City based Other Options celebrated 20 years of service to the HIV/ AIDS community, providing professional, consistent services to PLWA’S (persons living with AIDS). Tile organization’s founder, Cookie Arbuckle, and others were recognized at the celebration. "We are so happy all of you came here tonight to celebrate with us," said Mary Arbuckle. "Our friends have helped us so much and we are so happy to honor them." Mary Arbuclde serves as the organizations Executive Director. The event was held also to celebrate 10 years that Friends Food Pantry has served those living with HIV/AIDS. Tne be.autifxll plaque for Cookie read; "AXC~RIL ’COOKIE’ ARBUCKLE. For all you have done for those living with HIW AIDS. You are loved by so many. What we can’t do alone, we can do together." Cookie Arbuckle wrote the book, 7kids for HW/ AIDS,’ in 1988 and a follow up book, much larger, in 1989. The book is a guide for people living with HIV/AIDS and medical professionals. Special thanks and a plaque were given to Ed Washington, a dedicated volunteer who has devoted an outstanding 10 years of service to the organization, assisting nearly every day since the food pantry opened its doors. Other plaques were awarded to Robert Painter, Board President, Kendall Simpkins, Lina Henneman, Chris Castleberry, Lizz Caywood, Michael Humphrey, Kitty Gulikers, Brian Osborne, Kristen Perkins, Judy Anderson, Stella Scott, Hope White, Starbucks Coffee (North May store and Memorial-MacArther Store), Charla Stevenson, Cyd Roberts, Robin Dornel; Jolane Reimer and Justin Van Nest. For more information about Other Options and Friends Food PantD; please call (405) 605-8020 or visit "~wc.aidscommunity. org. HIV/AIDS Town Hall meeting in Oklahoma City January 11 ¯ By Robin Townsend Contributing Writer Tile office of HIV/AIDS Policy in the US Department of Health and Human Services !s conducting a series of town hall style meetings to discuss HIV/AIDS with a variety of communities across the countr~ Their final meeting will take place in Oklahoma City on January 11, 2010 at 6:00 or 6:30PM. At the time of publication, the venue for this event is pending. "V/e are reaching out to you as community leaders to help us plan and . publicize this event," said Lanren Broussard from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of HIV/AIDS Policy. "We would like to see an audience of 100 plus people and the event is open to any and all interested parties." The comments collected at these meetings will be entered into a report that will supplement the National AIDS Strategy, a public health priority for the Obama administration "The town hall meetings are held in a very informal format," adds Broussard. "We also plan to visit local AIDS service organizations the following day." If you are unable to attend feel free to send a written statement to be read and included in the record. To be notified of the Oklahoma City venue when that site is chosen you may contact Mrs. Broussard by emailing her at Lauren.Broussard@hhs.gov or by calling her direct at (202) 260-8863. For more information on the National MDS Strategy, please visit w,a~v.whitehouse. gov/administration/eop/onap. Oklahoma Tobacco Free help January 2010 �Group Protests Sarah Palin book signing in By Keith Ydmme! The protesters included everyone from a group of guys from Norman High School to college students to older folks. Signs held include "Don’t Palin My Norman", "Gay is OK",~ "Palin - Limbaugh’s Favorite Parrot", "Shame on Sally KKKern", "Go Home, Take Sally With Yoff’, "Palin Hates Equality", "Ignorance is Bliss" and "Gay Pride". References to Sally Kern were made because the Oklahoma representative from House District 84 was among those in line to get a book signed by Palin. Kern, well knmvn for her publicly-made homophobic remarks, is almost universally disliked in the gay community and some media coverage suggested that the protest was as much about protesting Sally Kern as it was Sarah Palin. ~ae event resuhed in no arrests or citations and except for a couple of incidents of name calling, it was a peaceful event that ended without incident. It is, however, likely that more than one attendee succumbed to frostbite."’ OGRA Celebrates Another Christmas Benefit Where in the Constitution is there an orientation test? By Victor Gorin By Jan~es Nimmo BrittaW 4 HD 84 Campaign Event January 30 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ For yet another yuletide season the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association put on their Christmas benefit at the Finishline on Saturday, December 11. Among the awards given out was the Horizon Award given to their new Treasurer, Justin Van Ness for new members serving above and beyond the cal! of duty. Winning the President’s Award, chosen by the chair for outstanding service was longtime community actMst Mary Arbuckle. OGRA is looking forward tO celebrating their 25~ anniversary this year, continuing their proud tradition of gay Oklahomans and their friends enjoying the country and western lifestyle, Part of this also involves charity partners for various worthy causes, with Other Options and R.A.I.N. ( Regional AIDS Interfaith Network) Oklahoma as the beneficiaries for 2009. NORMAN, OK__ On December 3rd, 2009 Sarah Palin rolled into the Hastings Book store in Norman in her big blue bus to sign copies of her book "Going Rogue". Complete with a DJ playing a variety of music from rock to country, the event had a rock concert type of atmosphere. With temperatures below fteezing and a brisk wind of 6 to 15 MpH, it ~as a an event for those committed to a viewpoint. ~timates of the crowd size vary wildly depending on who you talk to, but most peg the number of supporters present at more than athousand and possibly as many as two thousand. David White a Palin supporter from Stillwater, OK. told NewsOK’s Damon Fontenot" She’s done so much for the party, rejuvenating the base, and its been one of the greatest things we have had since Reageff’. Many of the other supporters interviewed in various media seemed to echo Whites sentiments. At one point supporters unveiled a large tarp that had messages written on it that encouraged Palin to run for president in 2012, signed by several people. Some supporters hdd signs saying "x;~Te Love Sarah Brittany Novo~y Democratic Candidate for Palin" with a red lipstick . House District 84 against Republican Sa@ kiss. Kern. Press phom More than a dozen protesters lined up on OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) the west side of Hastings and held opposing signs in the air. Victor Gorin a Metro Star Brittany Novotny, Democratic Candidate reporter was for House District 84, will hold a pancake interviewed by KOCO-TV’s Mark Opgrande. breakfast at Days Inn Northwest, 2801 Gorin was quoted as saying "Vgell, the mood Northwest 39th Street in Oldahoma City on is pretty upbeat on both sides" and added January 30th, 2010 at 8 AM. For a requested "Overall, I’m glad to see people being donation of $10. Attendees will enjoy all you involved." Gorin held a sign "Lesbians care to eat pancakes, sausage, bacon and other United Against Hate" with a picture of Palin. assorted Catlin Frazier was interviewed by News OK breakfast items. Ms. Novotny xvill be on hand and said "Well it’s not nearly as cold as the to speak about the values and vision that will inauguration so I am happy to stand out here lead to victory in HD 84 as she works to help and even though I live in Oklahoma and build a brighter future for Oklahoma. every county in this state went for McCain/ Palin. There are still liberals in this state and For more information, please,visit our voices have been outshouted frequently. the campaign website at http:i/www. I’m here to represent those people." brittany4hd84.com. ~.rnetrostarnews.com 3~ark Christianson Mr OGRA 2010 &Anita Ryder Miss OGRA 2009. Gorin photo Emergency Fundraiser for Maegan Kauffman medical expenses. TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for Equality will host an art show featuring the work of Maegan Kauffman. Proceeds from the art show will be used for Maegan’s medical expenses associated with her treatment for Crohn’s disease. A University of Oldahoma senior majoring in art, she is the granddaughter of Linda Stevens. Maegan has said "As an artist I draw my inspiration from life and the human body as it differs from individual to individual. I am inspired by the human condition, and the way that we not only deal with the challenges we face out in the world, but also with the inner battles we have within ourselves." ~e exhibit will be on display at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center located at 621 East 4th Street and opens December 10th and will run through January 10th. Every piece will be available for purchase. You may also make a donation by designating your gift to the Oklahomans for Equality Maegan Kauffman fund. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Various fundie homo-hating religious denominations have been doing a great deal of proselytizing the last few years. We’ve all been converted by proxy, whether we knew it or not. No, it’s not the Mormons in this case, although they do have their own ways--that’s another stor?~ I’m choosing two Catholic abuse stories that got my attention recently. By allowing far-right wing homo-haters to set beliefs taken from their religious books to become civil law books everyone in this country is an honorary member of the Catholic religion, vassals of the Pope in Vatican City. This means all of us are party’t0 the enabling of child abusers even as these religious corporations enjoy a vast tax-free financial benefit endorsed by the IRS. These tax-shelters are as crooked as Bernie Maddof has been proven to be. They have entered d~e public arena advocating for their particular religious dogma, using it to overturn or prevent the recognition and implementation of cM1 rights for all of U.S. taxpaying citizens. Where in the Constitution is there an orientation test one is required to pass in order to receive the rights, benefits, and privileges guaranteed to all dtizens under the law? However, the Firs~ ~ndmeni) requires that civi[law does not recognize religious dogn~a, period. Below is a link to a story about a relatively cheap monetary settlement made by the diocese of Maine to close the book on one abuse case even as the diocese spent over twice that amount to make sure Catholic ’ dogma rules the private lives of not iust the gay/lesbian residents of Maine, but all of us regardless of where you live. 2qae Catholic Diocese of Maine has been doling out a lot of moriey lately. They Spent $550,000 on the anti-gay campaign. There was alos another $200,000 paid to the victim of a sexually-abusing priest: A lawyer has confirmed that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pordand made a $200,000 settlement on Nov. 5 to his client, who said she was molested by a priest in 1976 in the rectory of St. Michael’s Church in South Betwick. The settlement money came from insurance, said Sue Bernard, spokesperson for the diocese. The diocese received its first complaint about Vallely in 1978 and took action. N~e Church leaders have enabled abusers for decades, yet, these same abuse-enabling church leaders are setting social policy for America. That’s sick. Theres also stalling by the former archbishop of New York City when pressed ina deposition as to why he did nothing to investigate a child abuse complaint brought to his attention when he was a mere bishop, not a prince of the church in Connecticut. NETROSTAR 5 �Clintom U.S. must "stand against" LGBT discrimination in fight against HIV By Lisa Keen Keen News Service U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said today the U.S. government must "stand against any efforts" to discriminate against the LGBT community world,vide. This remarl¢ came during a ceremony Monday afternoon, November 30, to mark World AIDS Day, which is observed on December ! every year. The ceremony was held at the Eisenhower Executive Ot~ce Building, wl}ich houses White House administrative o~ces. Clinton used the occasion to announce that the International AIDS Society, has agreed to hold its 2012 International Conference on AIDS in \Vgashington, D.C.-the first time the preeminent AIDS conference has been held there since 1989. The first International Conference on AIDS was held in 1984 in Atlanta, home of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The conference was held in San Francisco in !989, but was banned from the United States following that conference, because the U.S. had passed a law prohibiting people with HIV infection from entering this country. Jeffrey Crowley, the openly gay director of the White House Of~ce of National MDS Policy, said President Obama is "thrilled" that the International Conference will be held in Washington in 2012. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that ending the ban on HIV immigration and enabling the conference to take place in the United States "shows our commitment to fighting this epidemic and the stigma surrounding it. Now is the time to redouble our efforts, not just abroad, but here at home, where HIV/ AIDS still infects 56,000 and kills 14,000 Americans each year," said Sebelius. "That’s why my department is devoting new energy and resources to reduce the spread of HIV, improve treatments for people with AIDS, and eliminate HIV-related health disparities here in the U.S." President Bush signed legislation in 2008 to end the statutory ban on people with HIV entering the U.S. President Obama on October 30 directed the Department of Health and Human Services to end its 16ngstanding policy of banning people xvith HIV from the U.S. The new policy will take effect beginning early next year, said Clinton. At the press event, Eric Goosby the president’s U.S. Globa! AIDS Coordinatm; noted that it has been 20 years since the last International Conference on AIDS was held in the United States -in San Francisco. Sebelius noted that the Obama administration was launching a new HIV education campaign -the first for the U.S. in 20 years. The new campaign is critical, she said, to address the continued spread of HIV in this countrs: She states that in 2005 the CDC found that almost half of all African American gay men in five major U.S. cities are HIV positive. Clinton noted that discrimination against LGBT people and others have hampered many efforts at HIV outreach and treatment, making the fight against discrimination important to the fight against HIV. Discrimination against LGBT people, she said, is "an unacceptable step backwards" in the fight for human rights generally "and undermines the effect of efforts to fight disease worldwide." "Cardinal E&vard M. Egan, then a Connecticut bishop .... was questioned about cases of child molestation committed by priests under his supervisii3n. When a lawyer taking Egaffs deposition asked why the bishop had failed to intervene immediately in cases involving complaints about a predatory priest, Egan told him, "I didn’t make a decision one way or the other. I kept worldng on it until I resolved the decision." " ( http:// tinyurl.com/ykkwyow ) Such preaching and teaching about the sanctitT of marriage from an institution that knowingly shuffled child abusers around in a holy shell game of deception is beyond the overused word of hypocrisy. It’s more clearly described as a license--a permit to do what it pleases in regard to civil criminal activity, above the law; and above the clouds in their minds, wreaking emotional and physical damage on innocent people. Just how Christlike is that? expanded Federal Hate Crimes law. This proposed measure ~vould forbid state and local law enforcement from cooperating with Federal authorities investigating a gay hate crime in Oklahoma. As Senator Russell stated, "Basically if Oklahoma decided a case that the Feds wanted to overturn, they would be on their own. We would not share evidence or manpower." Russell ~iid state further that his proposed bill would not interfere in cases Oklahoma deemed appropriate in accordance with existing state hate crimes laws which do not indude sexual orientation. kaxlong those in opposition to this legislation is State Representative AI McAffrey, a Democrat representing District 88 and Oklahoma’s only openly gay legislator. As he puts it, "Senator Rttssell is employing the same tired arguments from yesteryear. Preventing crimes against Oldahomans because of who they are is in no way an attack on freedom. That argument is nothing but empty rhetoric used to scare and mislead folks." McAffrey also added that should this legislation pass it would be superseded by Federal law anyway, elaborating that" I believe this is a political ploy because of his position and probably that of his church in opposition to gay rights." "It is the responsibility of the school boaM to guide the district on how it deals with the business of education," Springer concluded. "Bullying is something we take seriously and we do not tolerate in our school district." Comprised of seven members and a chair elected by district pa(rons, the OKCPS Board of Education enacts polic); performs appraisals of policies and procedures, makes provisions 0ffinancial resources, maintains public relations and continues educational planning and development. Angela Monson is Chairperson of the Oklahoma City School Board. Other members include, Lyn Watson, Gall Vines, Phillip Horning, Steve Shafer, Thelma Parks, David Castillo and Wilfredo Santos Rivera. Lyn Watson and Steve Sharer were the two school board members who voted against the policy change. For more information, visit www.okcps.org. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve "I". Urie Spirit of Christ I ICC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM ~¥ww.socItlcc,org Have a God filled and Blessed Day! January 2010 �Wockner News Service DC legalizes gay HRC President j% Sohnonese. Photos by Rex Wockner The Washington, D.C., Council voted 112 Dec. 15 ro legalize same-sex marriage. Mayor Adrian Fenty is expected to sign the bill into law this month. His signature will send the measure to Congress for a 30-day "review" period. Congress is nor expected to block the law, multiple sources said. Gay couples should be able to begin marrying in D.C. once the review period’s 30 "legislative" days pass. ’TM a D.C. resident, I am personally proud of the council for standing so strongly for f~airness and alarming the commo~ humani~ that bonds each of tltS," said LATE BREAR~NS: AP reported on Friday December 18, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed the bill in a public ceremony. The bill must now pass a 30-day period of Congressional review before it becomes law. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey. "It’s a huge victory," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "(It) means a great deal coming after marriage equality losses in New York and Maine." Solmonese said it will be important to remain "vigilant" even after the weddings begin in D.C. "Tile U.S. Congress can choose to intervene and overturn the law at any dine -- a loophole the radical right is bound to try to exploit," he said. In addition, the anti-gay industry is in Superior Court battling a decision by the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics not to give residents an opportunitT to veto the law at the ballot box. At present, D.C. grants full recognition to same-sex marriages that took place elsewhere. Same-sex matrimony is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont and, starting in January, New Hampshire. It also was le~Aized in California and Maine, but voters later re-banned it. Internationally, same-sex couples can marry in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, www.rnetrostamews.com Communion after the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, the Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire. Before Glasspool can be consecrated, a majority of national Episcopal Church leaders need to approve her election, which they likely will. The titular head of the .amgtican Communion, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, denounced tlae diocese’s move, saying it "raises very serious questions not just for the Episcopal Church and its place in the ,Anglican Comnmnion, but for the communion as a whole". "A period of gracious restraint in respect of actions which are contrary to the mind of the communion is necessary if our bonds of mutual affection are to hold," he explained. The Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order fired off a statement from England bacldng \gilliams’ comments. But the structure of the Anglican Communion does not require the Episcopal Church to capitulate to demands or suggestions from Canterbury. Like Robinson, Glasspool is in a relationship. She has been with her partner since 1988. Same-sex marriage begins in NH on Jan. New Hampshire becomes the fifth state where Same-sex couples can marry starting Jan. 1. A biit 0pening m~rri~ ~6 gay ~ouples was passed by the General Court (legislature) and signed by the governor in June. N~e bill also cancels New Hampshire’s civil-union la,a: On Jan. 1,2011, all civil unions will convert into marriages. There is no residency requirement for marriage in New Hampshire but there is a 1979 law that states, "No marriage shall be contracted in this state by a parD" residing and intending to continue to reside in another jurisdiction if such marriage would be void if contracted in such other jurisdiction, and every marriage contracted in this state in violation hereof shall be null and void." No such restriction exists in the other U.S. states where same-sex marriage is legal: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Iowa and Vermont. Charleston, SC, bans anti-gay discrimination The City Council in Charleston, S.C., on Nov. 24 banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identit~ in housing, and on the basis of sexual orientation in public accommodations and services. No council member voted against the measures though one abstained, complaining that the penalty for anti-gay discrimination -- a $500 fine -- is too low. Columbia is the only other South Carolina city to protect gay people from discrimination. Out gays attend White House state dinner At tea~st eight out gays attended President Barack Obama’s first state dinner Nov. 24, reported Towleroad. Openly gay attendees included Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes and partner Sean Eldridge; gay activist Urvashi Vaid and her patmen comedian Kate Clinton; U.S. ExportImport Bank President Fred Hochberg and partner Tom Healy; and music/film mogul David Geffen and partner Jeremy Lingvall. ~e dinner was in honor of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife, Gurshar~n Kaur. Calif. Assembly elects openly gay- speaker Californians don’t have gay marriage anymore but they do now have an openly gay speaker of the .Assembly. John A. Pdrez was selected unanimously by Deraocratic members of the house on Dec. 10. He is believed to be the first openly gay ~klerson to head a state legislative house since lan Spear’s groundbreaking 1992-2000 tenure as Minnesota Senate president. Washington Blade and other gay papers shuttered .... The ~ashington Blade and other gay publications owned by Windmv Media or Unite Media, including Atlanta’s Southern Voice and the South Florida Blade, abruptly shut down Nov. 16. Viindow and Unite were majorityowned by Avalon Equity Fund, an investment corporation that was forced into receivership last year by the Small Business Administration. At press time, it was not clear which entity was responsible for the shutdowns. Other gay publications with ownership that involved Avalon and W’indow, Unite or HX Media closed previousl> including the New ~brk Blade, Bostoffs In Newsweekly, New Orleans’ Impact and the Houston Voice. Avalon also shut down Genre magazine. The V[ashington Blade, which dated to 1969 and was considered one of the nation’s top gay newspapers journalistically, had seemingly flourished for much of its history prior to Window’s ownership. On Nov. 20, some 17 former Blade staffers launched a new gay newspaper in D.C. See dcagenda.com. Lesbian bishop elected in L.A. Episcopal diocese Cpnvention delegates in the Episcopal Church’s Los kmgeles diocese glected an openly lesbian priest, the Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool, as assistant bishop Dec. 5. She will become the second openly gay bishop in the worldwide Anglican. P~ ETROSTAR 7 �EQCA’s Kors: Do not support politicians who oppose gay marriage EQCA Evecutive Director GeoffKors. Photo by Rex" ~bchner The head of Equality California, Geoff Kors, is encouraging LGBT people to refuse to support any politician who opposes samesex marriage. "We have to support only" candidates who are 100 percent for equality ... and this includes support for marriage equality and for coverage for transition-related health care for transgender people," he wrote at lgbtpov.com. "We must help to advance those candidates who support us all the vea~; and refuse to give to those candidates who do not." "Legislators must know that if they backpedal on or do not vote for our rights, it will impact them when election time rolls around again," Kors said. "~lhese legislators risk their endorsements and campaign donations when they cave in to pressure from our opponents. In some districts, these legislators are putting their re-election on the line." Actress Meredith Baxter comes o~ Actress Meredith Baxter came out in an interview on NBC Dec. 2. ’Tin a lesbian. It was a later-in-life recognition of that fact," she said. "I got involved with someone t never expected to get involved with and it was that kind of awakening and I never fought it because it was like, ’Oh, I understand why I had the issues I had early in my life.’:’ Baxter said she always "had a great deal of difficuhT connecting with men in relationships." . "Sometimes, I assumed I was a bad picker, which I was indeed, but I also was involved with people who made me think, ’Oh, they’re the problem,’ because there were problems with the people I chose. It never occurred m me to think, ’Oh, it’s me.’" She said she hopes her coming out will encourage people to stop voting against LGBT people at the ballot box. "If awbody knows someone who’s gay or lesbian, then ,alien they are addressing gay or lesbian issues, political issues, that affect their rights, they are less likely to vote against them, to take away their rights," Baxter said. "So ... ifI can be that lesbian you know now, ’OK, well,df I vote this way, then that actually might affect this person I ~ow, that Meredith.’" Baxter, 62, starred in the TV shows Family and Family Ties. 8 NETROSTAR Van Capelle’s take. Springs een: Legalize gay echoed "Although I’m deeply disappointed with today’s result, and know that the marriage in NJ sense of anguish and frustration is even Rock legend Bruce Springsteen has come out in support of same-sex marriage. He lives in New Jersey, where the Legislature is considering a bill to legalize gay matrimony. ~. "I’ve been following the progress of the marriage-equality legislation currently being considered in Trenton," Springsteen wrote on his Web site. "I’ve long believed in and have always spoken out for the rights of same-sex couples and fully agree with Governor (Jon) Corzine when he writes that ’The marriageequality issue should be recognized for what it truly is -- a civil rights issue that must be approved to assure that every citizen is treated equally under the taw.’" Springsteen urged "those who support equal treatment for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters to let their voices be heard more pronounced among gay and lesbian New Yorkers, at least we now know where indMdual legislators stand," Bloomberg said. "And so now xve begin a new effort to secure ~he additional votes needed to pass this bill. ... Historic change does not come easily; but this vote was a crucial step that I believe will ultimately lead the state to extend full marriage rights to all couples." G LAAD mad at Grammys over now. NY Senate rejects samesex marriage GLAAD PresidentJa~ett Barrios is mad at the Recording Academy for nominating Jamaican dancehall singer Buju Banton’s album "~sta Got Soul"for a Gramm~ File photo 77m New Drk Stare Senam rejected a bill to legalize same-sex matvqage Dec. 2 in a 38-24 vote. 77~e bill hadpassed the Assembly repeatedly and Gov. David Pamrson was chomping at the bit to sign it into law. Eight Democrats voted against the bill. No Republicans votedfor it. A few hours late~ 200-300people gathered in ~mes Square to protest; following a call issued on blogs and social-nel~working sites blogger joe. My God., pictured above Joe Jervis. Wockner News photo by Andrgs Duque ~xe New York State Senate rejected a bill to legalize same-sex marriage Dec. 2 in a 3824 vote. The bill had passed the Assembly repeatedly and Gov. David Paterson was. chomping at the bit to sign it into la~: Eight Democrats voted against the bill. No Republicans voted for it. "Promises made were not honored," said the bill’s author, Sen. Tom Duane, DManhattan. "The LGBT community and all fair-minded New Yorkers have been betrayed. I am enraged, deeply disappointed and profoundly saddened by the vote today." Alan Van Capelle, head of the LGBT lobby group Empire State Pride Agenda, said that while the group was "disappointed by today’s vote, we are pleased that the issue of marriage equality at last was debated in the New York State Senate." "We had long called for a public debate on this matter so we could determine who was truly on our side," he said. "Now we know where we stand and where we need to concentrate our efforts in the future." New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is mad at The Recording Academy for nominating Jamaican dancehall singer Buju Banton’s album "Rasta Got Soul" for a Grammy. GLadlD launched a petition to protest the nomination for Best Reggae Album. "Bantoffs anti-gay lyrics and the_climate of hatred they create are a threat to the safety of gay and transgender people everywhere," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "It is deeply disappointing that The Recording Academy would choose to laud the work of a singer who has advocated violence against the gay community. The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center also has condemned the nomination. According to GLAAD’s translation, Banton’s 1988 song "Boom Bye Bye" says that faggots have to &e and that he will shoot them in the head" or "burn them." The organization said the 1993 song "Batty Rider" also "glorifies the shootin g of gay men ." On Dec. 10, The Recording Academy summarily dismissed GLAAD’s protest: "The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Awards have a long history of supporting freedom of speech and creative expression, and of supporting artists and the music they create. Artists of a variety of political or cultural perspectives have been nominated or featured on the telecast, despite protests and backlash. Tlxe Academy acknowledges that there are very strong and diverse opinions on many issues and in many instances, we have helped initiate dialogue on matters that require education and further discussion. " It takes tolerance to teach tolerance, and it is through dialogue and debate that social discovery may occur. The GRAMMY Awards is a celebration and recognition of outstanding musical achievement b~,- music makers, regardless of politic, and mat will continue to be our mission. Barrios was not pleased. "Advocating the murder of gay people is not a ’political or cultural perspective,’" he fired back. "We urge Recording Academy members NOT to support Buju Banton’s nomination. I~noring his continued promotion of~orutality against gay people sends a message that violence against our cornmunity is OK." For more information, see glaad.org/ bujubantonpetition. Banton is currently in federal custody in Miami after being arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration agents Dec. 3 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. Overall, Evans said he is optimistic about 2010. "We’re very busy right now," he said. "I really hope that carries into next year." Oldalmma has itself struggled to support a GLBT oriented newspaper. "Our newspaper has its good months and real down months," said Ward. "But we manage to keep afloat only because of the loyal suuport that we do have. V-Ze have no salaried employees. I take no salary and our ~vriters and sales people are commissionbased. The future of the Metro Star and any other newspaper depends on commlmity and business advertising. This also allows us to distribute free to our readers. MaW in the Oldalmma business community seems to shy away fi’om supporting an alternative newspaper even though they sure will spend GLBT dollars." Evans and Vc’ard agreed that members of the GLBT community~ o~en take their news products for granted and are apathetic when support is needed. Ward recently conducted a reader’s poll that turned up some interesting statistics, he said. "In our recent online reader poll two questions posed were: Does Oklalmma need a GLBT focused newspaper? 96% said ’absolutely’; and Should the Metro Star shut down? 89% said ’No.’ We have a great readership, just not the advertising support we need to maintain and grow. "We discovered 90 percent of the responders actually read the printed paper and 76 percent were satisfied with the Metro Stai;" V/ard added. Ward said that support for the Metto Star is extremely important for us to provide a voice for GLBT Oklahomans. "We have had to down size the paper the last couple of months due to revenue decline as I’m sure many other business owners have had to do," Ward said. "Hopefully the recession has bottomed out and we will see an upturn in the economy. If not we may have to suspend our operation." Texas writer Perry has shelved plans for his GLBT articles and said he is focusing on Webzines. Evans doesn’t see much in the GLBT news industry changing. "There are still 200 newspapers in the country and there has always been about 200," Evans said. A new paper just launched in Wisconsin. One closes and then another one wi!l open." January 2010 �Wockner News Service Australian Capital EU treaty is first to ban Territory sees civil-union discrimination against battle Some gay activists in the Australian Capital Territory have rejected proposed amendments to the ACT civil-partnership laws. Territory Attorney-General Siraon Corbetl reportedly struck a deal with the federal government that allows ACT gay couples to have an official ceremoW in conjunction with a civil partnership. But to seal the deal, Corbell gave in to a federal demand that the celebrants’ actions will carry no legal weight and that only the actions of the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages matter legally. ~’The proposed changes to the ACT laws entirely undermine the purpose of civil unions," said John Kloprogge of Equal Love Canberra. "’l-he federal government is being held hostage by the Australian Christian Lobby, and the ACT Labor Party should not aid and abet the blackmailing of their federal party colleagues." Equal Love’s Gab Hitch said the amendments "sold out" the gay community. "The ACT civil-union laws have be<n so watered down that they are now unrecognizable to the original legislation tabled by the Stanhope Labor Government," Hitch said. "This is death by a thousand amendments to civil unions in the ACT." Mbanian first lady speaks at gay-rights event Albania’s first lady, Teuta Topi, spoke Dec. 11 at the 2nd Albanian National Human Rights Debate, which had as one of its three tracks "Homophobia and Discrimination of LGBT People in Albania." The other two tracks concerned children’s and women’s rights. Attendees drew up "a set of recommendations and action plans for the improvement of women, youth and sexual minorities’ rights in Albania." The conference received funding from the Dutch Embassy. UN secretary-general calls end to gay discrimination In a World MDS Day message Dec. 1, United Nations Secretary-General Ban F’d-moon said the world must "shine the full light of human rights on HIM" "I urge all countries to remove punitive taws, policies and practices that hamper the MDS response," he said. "In many countries, legal framework_s institutionalize discrimination against groups most at risk. Yet discrimination against sex workers, drug users and men who have sex with men only fuels the epidemic and prev’ents cost-effective interventions. "x,g’~e must ensure that AIDS responses are based on evidence, not ideology, and reach those most in need and most affected." www.metrostarnews.com The European Union’s Treaty of Lisbon, which came into force Dec. 1, incorporates the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the only international governmental document that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation. Article 21 states, "Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.!’ According to the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (aka ILGAEurope), the charter "is the first EU consolidated document containing the values and fundamental economic, social, civil and political rights to which EU citizens should be entitled." "The European Union made it crystal clear and provided the EU institutions and EU member states with guidelines that discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation is incompatible with the application of the union’s law," said ILGA-Europe Board Co-chair Martin K.I. Christensen. Three countries opted out of the charter, Christensen said -- the United Kingdom, Poland and the Czech Republic. "We are particularly concerned with Poland’s reasons for not signing the charter as the Polish leaders believe the charter might compromise their sovereignty in the ’sphere of public morality, family law,’" he said. The Treaty of Lisbon gives more power to the European Parliament, increases EU member states’ and institutions’ obligations to tackle discrimination and to mainstream equality, and makes the EU a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights. "The European Union was ahvays one of the world’s leaders on human rights, but now we have a treaty ratified by all 27 EU member states which clearly identifies the duties of the EU institutions to tal~e human rights and equality issues to the very center of their xvork when adopting various policies and taldng actions," said ILGA-Europe Board Co-chair Linda Freimane. Dish civil-partnership bill to pass this month Ireland’s Parliament is xvidely expected to pass a same-sex civil-partnership bill before the end of the year. It will extend marriage rights in areas such as inheritance, health care, property, alimony and pensions. Some gay groups have denounced the bill as creating a discriminatory second-class status for gay couples. They have called for legalization of samesex marriage instead. Euro Parliament calls for gay freedom of movement 7 arrested for homosexuality in Maldives The European Parliament on Nov. 25 adopted a resolution calling on European Union member nations "to ensure freedom of movement for EU citizeiis and their families, including both registered partnerships and marriages" and "to avoid all kinds of discrimination on any ground, including sexual orientation." MEPs also called for EU-level anti-hatecrime legislation, citing "growing intolerance within the EU." The co-presidents of the Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights, Michael Cashman and Ulrike Lunacek, called the resolution "a step toward equality." "The European Parliament has just sent a clear message that member states need to ensure the freedom of movement of all families and recognize unions between all EU citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation," they said. "The text goes in the direction of an EU-wide recognition of all unions contracted in member states.., but we will need to keep up the pressure on EU institutions and member states in the coming years to fully recognize same-sex unions -- only then will we have genuine equality." Seven men were arrested for suspected homosexual activity on the Maldives island of Maalhos in Northern Ari Atoll, the Haveeru Daily newspaper reported Dec. 8. The Maldives Police Service said officers arrested the men based on "information the police had received," the newspaper reported. Haveeru quoted an island resident as saying that two of the arrested men were imams of district mosques and that the group’s actions "finally came out into the open when a video of their activities ~vas..~ leaked." The report said police are investigating "reports" that additional men are part of the gay-sex "network." The Republic of Maldives consists of 26 atolls and some 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean. Two hundred of the islands are inhabited. The nation’s population is about 309,000. With an average elevation of less than five feet (1.5 meters), the country may drown as global warming raises sea levels. President Mohamed Nasheed has said he is looking into buying land in I~dia, Sri Lanka or Australia should the Maldivian population need to relocate. YouTube suspends account of Canadian gay newspaper chain Canada’s Pink Triangle Press, which publishes the Xtra! chain of gay newspapers in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver, had its YouTube account suspended for two weeks recently for posting "inappropriate" videos. The videos featured footage from the Church Street Fetish Fair and the Northbound Leather Fetish Party. Notices sent by ¥ouTube reportedly cited "nudit3;’ and "sexually gratuitous" imagery. Xtra! Toronto said "YouTube did not respond to multiple requests for comment" on the matter. "YouTube is clearly more strict when it comes to fetish or BDSM videos," said Xtra. ca Managing Editor Brent Creelman. "The Church Street Fetish Fair was a public event and our video was a fun, campy news report." Another PTP editor, Matt Thomas, said there seemed to be no way to appeal the suspension. "They do not provide a means to appeal. I can contact no one," he said. Gays stage approved protest in Russia Nine gay and lesbian activists staged a protest in St. Petersburg, Russia, Dec. 5 over stigmatization of-- and discrimination against -- HIV-positive people. The city administration OK’d the protest - which is noteworthy given the ongoing bans on gay pride in Moscow. Members of GayRussia.ru, the force behind Moscow: Pride, took part in the demonstration. The activists distributed red ribbons and handed out .flyers that said, "Tolerance," "Be human" and "We can play together." "Prevention and education directed to homosexuals and bisexuals is nonexistent from governmental agencies," the organizers said. "Doctors do not ka~ow how to properly advise homosexual patients. The efforts of NGOs are dearly insufficient. We urge the government to fight stigmatization and to respect the rights of citizens." For the past four years, Moscow Mayor ¥uri Luzhkov has banned gay pride events and sent riot police to violently arrest small groups of activists ~vho ignored the bans. He has called gay parades "satanic" and, reportedly; "weapons of mass destruction." A group of combined lawsuits over the bans should see a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights sometime in 2010. NETROSTAR 9 �Austria passes registered- Argentine same-sex marriage blocked, partnership law Supreme Court to nile Leading Aus~’ian gay actTvist I~rt I&ickler H~ised Parliament)) passage oJ:a comprehendve re~istered-part~wrship lain a project activists/sad worked on for 20years. File phom Austria’s Parliament passed a registeredpartnership law for same-sex couples Dec. 10. The vote was 110-64. It takes effect Jan. 1. Homosexual Initiative Vienna (HOSI Wien) said the taw grants 95 percent to 98 percent of the rights and obligations of marriage, including in the areas of immigration, social insurance, inheritance and pensions. Excluded fi’om the law were access to adoption and artificial insemination. "Amother flaw ... is that registration will not take place at the same venue as marriage -- city hall -- but at a so-called administrative authority at the district level," said HOSI ~Wien President Christian H6gl. "However, in cities such as Vienna these authorities coincide in place and therefore registration will take place in the same buildings and even rooms." HOSI’s secretary general, Kurt KricHer, called the law "a great success.:’ "W-e have been fighting for this piece of legislation for more than 20 years," he said. "And we are quite happy that we succeeded to get more progressive divorce rules. For example, a registered partner will only be able to block the dissolution of the partnership up to three years, while a spouse can block the divorce of a marriage up to six years." ~iclder said the partnership law also has no "state-imposed fidelity duty ... and consequently adultery will not be considered a reason for dissolving a registered partnership." The group said it will continue to fight for access to adoption and artificial insemination, and for the registrations to take place in the government oi~ces where marriages are conducted. Government opens gay bar in China Oi~cials in Dali Prefecture in Chinas Yunnan Province have opened a gay bar in hopes of reducing stigma against gay men and thereby slowing the spread of HIV. The prefecture spent about $17,500 to set up the venue, which is run by the gay group Good Friend Center. 10 A nationaljudge on Nov. 30 blocked a city judge)) ruling that legalized gay mardage in Buenos Aires -- cancding the ciF’s first mine-sex wedding scheduledfo,7 Dec. 1 ~- but the nation’s Supreme Cout:~ promptly announced it will rule on. the issue. Photo by Rex Wockner A national judge on Nm: 30 blocked a city judge’s ruling that legalized gay marriage in Buenos Aires -- canceling the city’s first same-sex wedding scheduled for Dec. 1 -- but the nation’s Supreme Court promptly announced it will rule on the issue. Activists Alex Freyre and Josd Maria Di Bello planned their wedding after Judge Gabrida Seijas ruled Nov. 16 in a case the couple filed that it is unconstitutional not to treat everyone equally under the law. But Civil Court 85 Judge Marta G6mez Alsina declared Dec. 1 that Seijas had overstepped her authority in determining that the nation’s ban on same-sex marriage did not apply to Freyre and Di Bello. Buenos Aires, some other Argentine cities and the province of Rio Negro already have civil-union laws for same-sex couples. Hsewhere in Latin America, similar laws are in force in Uruguay, Mexico City, the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, and the Mexican state of Coal~uila, which borders Texas. Same-sex marriage is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the U.S. states of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont and, starting in January, New Hampshire. Indian election o dals recognize third gender Indian transgender and intersex people will no longer have to choose "male" or "female" when they vote, the Election Commission said Nov. 12. They can instead choose "O" for "other." India has a class of transgender people known as i’hijras." Most have penises or are intersex; some are female and some have undergone genital modifications. They usually use female pronouns and dress as women. Iranian HIV stats released Iran’s Health Ministry says that as of mid-October, a total of 20,130 Iranians have tested HIV-positive, 2,097 people have been diagnosed with MDS and 3,409 HIV-positive people have died. The ministry said 93 percent of those who tested HIV-positive are male and only 13 percent of infections resulted from sex, with 77.5 percent resulting from sharing needles to inject drugs. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has claimed that Iran does not have gay people "like you have in (the U.S.)" "In Iran ... absolutely such a thing does not exist as a phenolnenon," he said in 2007. There have been persistent, though unconfirmed, reports for years that Iran hangs men for the crime of engaging in sodomy, but the only sodomy-related executions that have been publicized involved individuals who were accused of additional crimes as well, such as rape. In a 2008 interview, Ahmadinejad denied that people are executed solely for engaging in homosexual acts. "Homosexuals are not even knmvn ,vho they are to be hanged," he told the Democracy Now! radio program. "So, don’t have executions of homosexuals. Of course, we consider it an abhorrent act, but it is not punished through capital punishment." SnOopy R0s~ i~ ~ hap~ 10m0nth 0id labbi~ wh6 ~d~ ~ is la6u~bmk~ :u~ ~6 da~e 6n sh0~s {01era{eS c~a~s H~ biggest i6vg i~ th~ @~er, S6 if you ar~ iooking fb)alak~ comp~fii6n ~lie is the Iabbid for tip in your Protesters march on Uganda’s N?L mission Around 50 gays and their supporters protested at Uganda’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations on Nov. 19 against a draconian anti-gay bill pending in Uganda’s Parliament. The legislation bans anything and everything gay, including: touching someone in a gay way; funding or sponsoring gay groups; broadcasting, publishing or marketing anything gay; advocating for homosexuality; renting to or harboring a homosexual; engaging in "aggravated homosexuality"; and failing to report to authorities one’s awareness of the existence of a gay person within 24 hours of learning the person exists. "Aggravated homosexuality:’ applies to repeat offenders and people who are HIV-positive. It is punished with death, while the other crimes carry penalties as high as life in prison. The bill has been strongly denounced by the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs’ chair, vice chair and ranldng minority member, along with openly lesbian U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., who called the legislation "egregious." The New York demo was organized by the African Services Committee, Health Gap, the International Gay and Lesbian Human R~ghts Commission, Human Rights Watch, the Council for Global Equality, ACT UP/Philadelphia, Advocates for Youth, and Proyecto Sol Philadelphia. A similar protest took place at the Ugandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. first the website f~r the locations. Directory ofLocM An~M Shelters Tulsa Shelter 918-.66%6299 Broken Arrow 9 !8~259-8311 OKC Muskogee Stillwater Coweta Silo~ Springs Claremo}e nd Springs 405297 3104 918 686 7297 405 372 0334 91"8-486 2137 479 524 6535 918341 1260 918 246 2543 9182996311 9182272-4965 9182272722 405 321 6725 918 371 1000 ~ enks ~ Owasso Sapulpa N~r~n Collinsville Courtesy of~a~vw.labrescue:net January 2010 �Tulsa PAC Legally Blonde the Musical January 5-7 at 7:30 p.m.; January 8 at 8 p.m.; January 9 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; January 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Venue: Chapman Music Hall steam and may even spark a renewed love of showtunes in America’s heartland. First they brought in Kristin What the Buder Saw Show Times Jan. 8-9, 14-16 ac 8 p.m.; Jan, 10 at 2 p.m, Venue Liddy Doenges Theatre The Kennedys are coming They’re the closest thing :his country has to a royal amily, and they’ve played istorical roles in everything from the highest level of politics to the quirkiest moments in fashion. So it’s fitting that the History Channel makes the Kennedy family part of its own history - the first scripted project to tir on the cable outlet - with he eight-hour miniseries, The (ennedys. Co-created by 24 )roducer Joel Surnow, the series, due to air in 2011, will focus hot only on the dynastic aspect of the legendary clan and the powerful men it produced, but the women in~,olved in their lives as well. This, of course, means that the iconic, enigmatic Jackie Tulsa S_)7nphony: ~he Music of England [~ ’ men of a et their n0t Ellen? If ShowTimes Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Venue Chapman Music Hall Ballet Folldorico de Mexico ShowTimes: Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Venue: John H. Williams Theatre BOK Center, Tulsa A Single Man will open in Dallas at Angelika Mockingbird, and Legacy theatres on December 25 and in Oklahoma Cio,, 7~dsa, New Orleans and Little Rock on January 8, 2010. Set in Los Angeles in 1962, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, A SINGLE MAN, is the story of George Falconer, a 52 year old British college professor [Colin Firth] who is struggling to find meaning to his life after the death of his long time partner, Jim [Matthew Goode]. George dwells on the past and cannot see his future as we follow him through a single day, where a series of events and encounters, ultimately leads him to decide if there is a meaning to life after Jim. George is consoled by t{is closest friend Charley ~ulianne Moore], a 48 year old beauty who is wrestling with her own questions about the future. A young student of George’s, Kenny [Nicholas Hoult], who is coming to terms vdth his true nature, stalks George as he feels in him a idndred spirit. A SINGLE MAN is a romantic tale of love interrupted, the isolation that is an inherent part of the human condition, and ultimately the importance of the seemingly smaller moments in life. Ford Center, OKC Brad Paisley Jan 08,2010 7:30 p.m. Reigning CMA and ACM Male Vocalist of the Year Brad Paisley is bringing his highly successful American Saturday Night tour to OKC on January 8. Special guests will be Miranda Lambert and Justin Moore. Eric Clapton Mar 2, 2010 Eric Clapton with very special guest Roger Daltrey March 2, 2010 7:30pro Black Eyed Peas Mar 20, 2010 Black Eyed Peas with LMFAO March 20, 2010 7:30pm Bon Jovi Apr 13, 2010 Bon Jovi with Dashboard Confessional April 13, 2010 7:30pm Civic Center Music Hall, OKC LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL by Celebrity Attractions Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - Sunday, January 17, 2010 Liverpool Legends Date: Saturday, January 23, 2010 Time: 8:00 p.m. Louise Harrison (George’s sister) invites you to see the world’s finest tribute to the Beatles! Twice voted BEST SHOW IN BRANSON, this amazing tribute covers all the Beatle years NEXWAND IMPROVED! OKC Philharmonic Classics Date: Saturday, January 30, 2010 Time: 8:00 p.m. Featuring Marc-Andre Hamelin, piano film ..... ............. .... its Lousii 3131 N. w,#& metrostarnews.com 405.525.9555 ~;~tOSTAR 11 �We p the "gay" in Christi 1623 N. Mapiewood Tulsa~ OK 918-838.1715 www.mcctu~sa.org �Room Rat~s From ~2.95 Our Suits ~f~vw.metrostarnews.com ;~-~’~,©STAR 13 �and COSt with find at a and and center. Of long metal tubes and flavored with vanilla, walnut, and fi’uit). 14 51ET~OSTAR uF the surrounding historic area. January 2010 �Rihanna, Rated R By Chris Azzopardi Adam Lambert, For Your Entertainment Judging the guylinered gay based solely on his sexually superfluous shot at being, uh, "spontaneously artistic" during the American Music Awards wouldn’t be fair. He needed none of the pseudo fellatio, because he can sing - and the Idol runner-up thankfully applies his rocketing range to these 14 tracks better than he does a man’s face to his clothed junk. He’s still making whoopee on "For Your Entertainment," the hyper-sexual go0d-gay-gone-bad bit, and turning up the heat on Lady Gaga’s co-written contribution "Fever~" wringing a falsettolaced chorus that’s so Scissor Sisters in its sound and unapologetic homoliciousness. His debut is easily the edgiest of all Idolfirsts (and maybe it knmvs that just a little too well). Perhaps that’s because of Lambert’s versatility- retro glam-rock (like the crippled "Strut"), anthemic rock ("Time for Miracles"), mttsical-lit lifters (disc best "Pick U Up") and vulnerable slowies are all here for our entertainment. Too much? Yeah. Sometimes the album’s like an 18-year-old running loose in a porn store. But, then again, you’re talldng about a guy who boasts about being born vdth glitter on his face. This should be the least of our worries. Grade: B Lady-Gaga, Monsters kill, and few have done more chart-slaying than the towering, twisted musical mastermind behind some year~ weirdest that? moments. So it was more obvious than anything Ga~’s done that we’d get a part two Fame Monster she dropped on us pre-Monster, head-hijacker "Bad Romance" wields a colossal new-wave synth sound like Michael Myers does a machete. Her weapon is unleashed a lot, cutting through the the way gay retro shimmer of "Dance in the Dark" (name~dropping like Madonna via "Vogue"). Songs about se!f-obsession, like !’I’m So Happy I Could Die," don’t exactly jell with "Speechless," a heartfelt orchestral ballad with a ’70 rock feel. But, hey, at least it makes this fame monster seem (you know how these monsters are): %e eight songs - some ferociously fly ("Bad Romance"), a couple big blunders (she tries honkytonk on "Teeth," and it bites) and some old, recycled gimmicks on new" cuts - are part of a generous reqssue of 2008’s N~e Fmne. In step with the world-dominating disco ball more human. Grade: B- www.rnetrostarnews.corn Naat umbrella Pdhanna gave us almost three years ago could’ve come in handy during her very public Chris Brmvn beating. She was mum for a while, but clearly that’s because she wanted the music doing the talking. And so it does on Rated R- a dark, sometimes-horrific portrait of the 21-yea> old Barbadian vixen, who’s recorded a brave pop opus that’s nothing like 2007’s chart glutton Good Girl Gone Ba~ She’s badder, but in the raw, de-sexualized sense that goth-rock "Russian Roulette" evokes with its violent analogies and radical anti- contempo sound. ’~Cold Case Love," about a derailed relationship (and ex-boyfriend Brown, presumably), is meticulously swelled into a blistering masterpiece, ending calmly with a string lilt. You can almost see Rihanna walking out of the fire. She doesn’t start many, as its almost all more heavy than hooky - though self-boasting "Rude Boy;" "Hard" and "Fire Bomb" have insta-hit potential. But this is Rihanna the XX/oman, not the Girl- and her fourth offering is a mature reflection of someone who, at the time she recorded this, wasn’t living under the disco ball anymore. She was seeing herself in it. Grade: A- Also Out Susan Boyle, I Dreamed a John Mayer, Battle Studies Dream q-here are few highs onthe gay-club-loving guitarist’s fifth album - except for the literal one on the catchy lead single, on which he asks, "Who says I can’t get stoned?" The answer is no one, unless pot was the cause of this lazily produced, underwhelming leap from bluesy-rock into processed folk-pop, where even a Taylor Swift duet on "Half of My Heart" feels like an after-thought. We love a go~d frump-gone-famous story, and the Scottish _Britain’s Got Talent_ sensation’s story is bigger titan her voice, a behemoth in itself and more technically flawless than David Beckham’s body. On her covers debut, she’s music’s Lifetime TV, predictably succumbing to ballads (the best being "Proud" and "Wild Horses") bound to make the gifts and gays weep. An extra jolt, and a few risks, could make Boyle all she’s cracked up to be. Shaldra, She VC-olf If hips don’t lie, then a lot of them will be moving to the Columbian chanteuse’s third English-language album. Going for Americanized dance over Latin-hugged grooves, She Wblfis a strange beast, mingling disco, Arabian s~rings and weird quirks like hmvling as if they all made sense together. Tney usually don’t, but She Wolf- with one heckuva campy title track - is a smartly written, hook-heaW piece of ~ pop. It’ll devour you. Leona Lewis, Echo Talk about bleeding love - this too-slick sophomore album from the big-voiced balladeer gushes it. Finding solace (the danggood dramatics of.~’Happy"), the we-belongtogether bit (the corny "My Hand") and the kiss-off ("Outta My Head," a refreshing slip into electro pop) - all delivered with gusto but, regrettably, little diva ’tude. And on an album that almost echoes her debut, you’ll be craving more Marialx-isms. ~ETROSTAR 15 �t6 January 2010 �www.metrostamews.com ~ET~OSTAR 17 �Photo’s by Victor G, & Judy G. @ The End Up, Tulsa @ Bamboo Loungei Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @Church of Open Arms~ OKC 18 @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Ledo, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa Janua~ 2010 �April 9’12, 2010- Palm Springs, California PM~M SPRINGS, CA (PR) __ Feel the energy as Jeffrey Sanker’s legendary White Party 2010 returns to ignite the desert April 9-12, 2010 in Palm Springs, CA. Leading the charge is the biggest line-up of international DJs in re’bite Part)" history, along .with a $30 million totally remodeled Wyndham Resort host hotel and all-ne~v larger location for Sunday T-Dance. The V.¢nnite Party 2010 - an electric surge of power will be fueled by an international DJ roster from all over the globe, including the west-coast debut of chart-topping DJ/produc,er/remix duo, Freemason.s; along with Spains Chus+Ceballos, the UKs Moto Blanco, as welt as Wayne G, Manny Lehman, Abel, Tony Moran, Brett Henrichsen, Joe Gauthreaux, Chi Chi LaRue, Scott)" Thomson and Luke Johnstone. W’eekend passes are on sale now and the electrical energy and excitement for "twentyten" has the internet abuzz! As always, if you buy early- your save big! White Party Weekend Passes include entry to the FOUR main events; VIP Express Passes include entry to ALL weekend events, plus a variety of extras. Mso available are VIP lodging and event packages. To purchases any these check out vcww. :~ jeffreysankei:com. At the center of the action, an a!l-nev¢ experience awaits! Our main host hotel, the magnificently remodeled \~ryndham P~mSprings Resort, has transformed its interior and expanded its pooI area into a lush desert oasis. It’s ALL BOYS, all weekend long! To make reservations, contact: Jackie Cabuntala via email: jackie.cabuntala@ cresttinehotels.com or call 760-416-2904. You must mention ~ghite Party for special ;a~es. Friday; April 9 SPPdNG BR~K POOL PARTY - Come mfi-esh yourself at the completely redesigned and expanded desert oasis www.rnetrostarnews.com VC’yndham Hotel Pool and join the thousands of barely clothed boys partying to the sounds of DJ Luke Johnstone from Noon - 6pro. BOXERS OR BRIEFS UNDERWEAR PARTY- Sex), boxers or tighty-whities? The choice is yours at the event that dares to let it all hang out in more way than one. For hotel guests, it’s as easy as stripping down in your room and parading downstairs for the fun from 9pm-3am at the Wyndham Hotel Grand Ballroom. Join DJ Abel for an evening of skin and sin, presented by Club Papi. Secure clothes check is also available. Saturday, April 10 SPRING BREAK POOL PARTY from 10am - 6pro. Dive head first into the most thmous pool party in the world, sponsored by Mast~rbeat with DJ Brett Henrichsen! Seeing is believing, as the most mindmelting assortment of hot bodied men will be out in ~force, lounging under the desert sun. Poolside, indulge yourself with the talented hands of our massage men and bask in the complimentary sunscreen rub downs by our roving cabana boys! Enjoy nonstop entertainment, induding surprise live performances and more. \-~q-tlTE PARTY 2010 ELECTRIFIED Feel the rush of energy, of the weekend’s signature event, beginning at 9pm and continuing until 5am at the Palm Springs Convention Center. DJ Manny Lehman delivers a high-voltage blast of music, followed by the White Party debut of DJ/producer/remix duo Freemasons. Spectacular surprise performers and live entertainment keep the party sizzling all night long. DJ Chi Chi LaRue unleashes added thrust in her adjacent ElectroPop Lounge! CLIMAX AFTER THE WHITE ....... PARTY - The power surge COntinues from 4am-10am, inside the cavernous and freshly redesigned Wyndham Grand Ballroom! Spain s Chtts+Ceballos (Stereo Prodfictions) unleash the vibes for a seductive nocturnal journey filled with super-charged sound and mesmerizing lighting and effects. Sunday, April 11 SPRING BREAK POOL PARTY from 1 lam - 3pro. Feel the heat rising at the sexiest pool party ever with DJ JOe Gauthreaux, along vdth special live poolside entertainment happening throughout the afternoon. SUNDAY T DkaNCE - UNDER THE BIG TOP - Don’t miss an even bigger, better and bolder festival of fun at an allnew location across from the Palm Springs Convention Center ,3pm-9pm. Direct from the UK, DJ Wayne G and DJ/ producers Moto Blanco ta~e you on a musical thrill ride with a bigger dance floor, new carnival attractions, and twice the overall space, including the White Party Ferris Wheel and incredible choreographed fireworks ~nale. SUNDAY CLOSING PARTY- ~e weekend culminates with the spectaculkr Closin~ Par back at the W ’ndi arn I%tel Grand Ba~lro~i~ from 9pm - 6am, Monday; April I2th. DJ Tony Moran keeps the pulsations pounding with surging house anthems and tribal beats. #4~ETR©,STAR 19 �By Keir~ Orr Homo for the Holidays My puritan forbears would be aghast at the amount of drinking that goes on around the holidays. They’d also be aghast that ~ am gay, so we know how much t care about their opinion. ~Pnanksgiving Eve is one of the biggest bar nights of the year. But the real drinking starts the next morning fbr me. Several years ago Martin and ] took over the preparation of the Family Thanksgiving Dinner. The Turkey Coup came after one too many overcooked { or worse. undercooked) turkeys. So the gay boys get up early and start the turkey prep. This ritual begins at about 8:00 a.m. and is accompanied by Mii~sas. Thanksgiving is the best excuse for early drinking A~’ter the bird is in the oven we start on brunch. This is when we get the rest of the family drinking mimosas, as well. The key to great mimosas is in the orange juice. Use fresh squeezed. Much as I love Taittinger’s champagne there is no reason to use it when you are mixing it with OJ. I use Cook’s Brut: inexpensive and palatable. My ratio is two parts champagne to one part OJ. If you want to kick it up a notch spike it with a splash of Grand Marnier. And don’t forget the garnish, half an orange wheel on the rim. As the afternoon progresses, while the more butch members of the gathering become entranced by watching football, and the rest of us engage in a Judy Garland retrospective marathon, I start ,nixing what I a~ectionately cal! Grandfather Drinks, like Old Fashions or Manhattans. Since we spend the holidays in "Wisconsin I usually mix Brandy Manhattans. It was only after I moved away from Wisconsin that I found out that brandy is not what everyone drinks 20 after being weaned offmilk. If you want a Whiskey Manhattan I recommend Crown Royal. We got hooked on Crown Royal Manhattans on a Vegas trip years ago. Whether brandy or whiskey, the proportion is three parts liquor, one part s~veet vermouth, and a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters over ice. Garnish with a cherry My favorite Grandfi~ther Drink is an obscure drink my father picked up about 60 years ago in Lexington. MA. 7be Flintlock: 1 1/2 oz. Brandy, 112 oz. Apple Brandy; 1 tsp. Lemon Juice, 3 drops Granadine, a couple dashes ~nite Creme de Menthe. I could spend an entire column on what wine to serve with dinner. There are lots of flavors on the traditional holiday" table. and no one wine is perfect. Champagne pairs well with many foo~, and the acidity clears the palate for the i~{Xt dish. Now is the time to break out the Taittinger’s. Pinot Noir ~vorks great with poultry. White wines that are fruit forward and have a litde residual sugar, like a Riesling, are often popular. After a huge holiday dinner we engage in the traditional run to the nearest gay bar. Even if you love your family, after a ful! day of football and embarrassing childhood stories I’m ready for cocktails with lots of gay people. Stick with the holiday theme and try a Pumpkin Pie Shot, made of equal parts Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Goldschlager (or other cinnamon schnapps) shaken mad strained into a shot glass. This is one of those shots, like Oatmeal Cookies, that people swear tastes just like the namesake. Of course, they usually make these claims after the third shot. Happy Holidays, and cheers! Camper English is a cocktails and ~irits wrimr andpublisher ofAlcademics.com January 2010 �by Jack Fertig January 2010 "Focus on work, Pisces!" The disharmony betwee~ Mars, Saturn and Pluto continues with Venus aligning with Pluto. Efforts to establish peace can be coercive. Maybe they need to be, but look ahead to see what price you may pay for your solutions. ARIES (March 20-April 19): Efforts that you intend as playful and creative can be a lot more aggressive than you realize. Your attempts to schmooze up authority figures can be especially over the top. Challenge your own creativity, not others’. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - May Getaways with the family can open up power struggles. Community politics are also itching to explode in your face. Quiet time at home, catching up on housework and reading are your best bets for relaxation. GEM~N~ (May 21- June 2{)): Your mouth seems determined to get you into trouble. Is that a bad thing? Depends on where you open your yap. Keeping clear on the time and the place for everything can be a huge challenge! Be ready to make apologies, not promises! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Arguments over money come up much too easily. There are deeper questions of values that are bothering you. Economy is important, but rather than squabble over pennies, try to examine those larger issues. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): You may be too sexy for your own good. You can sublimate that energy to drive you to professional success, but that won’t be easy! Maintain a conservative, businesslike demeanor, and meet all challenges with calm, confident grace. ~ 42 PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Organizing friends or colleagues into effective work parties will boost your sexual charisma, but if that’s your motivation, both sides of that equation will fail. Focus on work, and play will fall into place. SCORPIO (October 23. November 2t): Efforts to sound charming can too easily come off as aggressively sexual. Focus on work and goals; don’t be afraid to assert yourself in arguments, but you’ll get a lot further if you listen carefully and adapt in response to what you hear. www.metrostarnews.com 43 44 Down 1 Queer ~ymbol from the Greek alphabet 2,~l~ard ~v~rk 3 Turn on 4 Chi Chi LaRue’s field 5 The Silence 0fthe 6 Green lights 20 leans LEO (July 23 - August 22): Insistence and volume do not help you to be heard, but rather provoke people into ignoring you. The best way to get people’s attention is to listen. Exercise is important, but you are now especially accident prone, so be very careful! MBRA (September 23 - October 22): Feeling torn between old traditions and needs for the future? The past offers a solid base and trajectory for the future. It is necessary at times to challenge and uproot traditions. Understand them thoroughly to make better-informed decisions. 35 AQUARIUS (January 20 February ~8): What other people think and say is not as important as your own grasp of the issues. You can’t convince them they’re wrong, but you can get a better understanding of how they think, which can prove helpful in the long run. CANCER (June 21-July 22}: Feeling a bit trapped in your relationship? Remind yourself of what’s really important in life and remember, that list changes with your moods. Telling your darling what you want doesn’t guarantee you’ll get it, but it does increase the odds considerably. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): ’(our playful efforts to provoke others can reveal far more of yourself than you intend. For a more controlled release try your hand at any artistic medium (painting, writing, music...) and see what that brings up for you. 38 in Lavender Creating Community for People iving with H V/A D8 A 50I c (3) Non Pro~t Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIM+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact usby phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net ~ETROSTAR 21 �AIDS WaN Awards $43,300 to Local Nonprofit Organizations ~y G reg OYA_&HOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ MDS Walk of Oklahoma City distributed $43,300 in annual grants on Monday, Nov. 30th during the Oklahoma City World MDS Day Memorial Service at Ma)~ower Congregational Church. The following eight nonprofit orgmfizations that provide HIV/AIDS services received grants: AIDS Service Providers, $3,200; American Red Cross of CeT, tral Oklahoma, $4,000; Guiding Pdght, $1,000; Latino Community Development Agency, $4,100; Legal Aid of Oklahoma, $8,200; Other Options, $12,200; Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma, $7,400; and RAIN-Oklahoma, $3,200. MDS Walk of Oklahoma City exists to raise awareness and funds for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS in the greater Oklahoma City community. The 2009 AIDS Walk of Oldahoma City was held on Sunday, October 11 th at the Myriad Botanical Gardens and the inaugural AIDS -Walk 5k Run was held in Bricktown. More than 1,000 people walked to demonstrate their support for this mission. AIDS Walk of Oldahoma City is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since 1998, AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City has distributed more than $400,000 to help fund local programs focusing on HIV prevention, education, and direct services to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. ~0 "THA’T. "Janet just deci&d that she’s also going to be a lesbian after graduation." w~a~vthe aycartoonsite C6m ........................~.......... g 7. . . . . . . . . . . . :..........................:. . . . . . . . . . . :. . . . . . . . . . . . www.kylecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@;aol.com lirl "On the i~ter~et, nobody l~_ows you re a ~y dog. emalt: bittergirl@qsyndlcate.com 22 N{ETR©STAR January 2010 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 I’FW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 wxvw.habanainn.cora I,~GNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, MR 800-2 t 0-8401 v~w.magneticvalleyresor t.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.gT. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am Chuck Breckenridge JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK j udygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NXgr EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM 597 M Road Whether buying or sdling I’1l work hard for you. Northwest Arkansas Center For Equality "Linking Togetker as One" DIXc~RSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK www.realacceptance.com For more information: GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline 888-391-9222 v~vw.nwacenterforequality.org Tulsa, OK 74158 179 Church Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 ........... x~a~.v.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oldahoma City, OK ,~vw.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 wwv.bambooloungetulsa.com starnews@sbcgiobal.com OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK ~,~v. okstonewall.org CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC !24 N. BOSTON %tsa, OK 9 I8-584-9494 -,,v~v,a: clubmaj es tict ulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPR£SSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 N~/39TH ~RESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 v~vw.habanainn.com HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thru Sat 2pm to 2am www.metrostarnews.corn K ] A C ¥ A S L ] A L ¥ E S STAR A~VERT~S~G ~{ETROSTAR 23 �HELP US BRIHG OELAHOMA IHTO THE 21ST CENTURY! "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What matters, as aJways, is not what we can’t do, it’s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Party. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the GLBI" community, we are working to make change and shape history. T We meet the 1st Tuesday of every month a~ ~he OKLAHOMA STATE MOCRAT C PARTY Avenue, OkJahorna City EADQUARTERS � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document LOCAL NEWS N NAT[ON&L NEWS N WORLD NEWS ~{ L[FEST}[Lg ~5~ [~’[~ N , N THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA FlashBack The STAR Exclusive Lily Tomlin Intervie~v Front Cover March 2007......> Oklahoma News Flash Backs -Page 3-4 Photo Flash Backs - Page 8 & 11 VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1 Twitter.corn!MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com ~EE ! JANUARY 1,2011 Ask, on’ Tel heads By Rex Wockner Obama plans to sign the bill quickly, but that will nor end the ban. Gay servicemembers will need to stay in the closet for a few more months. After Obama signs the measure, he and the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must certify that the military is ready for the change and that it will not harm military readiness or effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting or member retention. Then after that DADT repeal will take effect 60 days later. Xhe process is expected to proceed relatively smoothly. "No longer will patriots be forced to lie in order to serve the country they love and are willing to die f?r," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "~his vote gy:the United Sta{es Senate will have Presi&nt Barack Obama. ~Wockn~rphoto extremely pOsitive rippl~ effects well b~yo~d " Dont Ask; Dont Tell. Our government has ,WA~SHINGTON, DC Don’t Ask, sent a powerful message that discrimination,,, Dont %11, the military’s ba~on open gays, " on any level, should not be tolerated lS " headed for the dustbin of history. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network The Senate voted 65-31 on Dec. 18 to authorize the policy’s repeal and sent the measure to President Barack Obama for his signature. Eight Republicans joined all but one Democrat in voting to repeal the ban. They were Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, Scott Brown of Massachusetts, Richard Burr of North Carolina, John Ensign of Nevada, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Lisa Murkowski ofAlaska and George Voinovich of Ohio. Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia did not vote. Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis called on the Pentagon to cease DADT discharges during the months between now and when repeal is finalized. "I respectfully ask Defense Secretary Robert Gates to use his a[tthority to suspend all Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell investigations during this interim period," Sarvis said. "Until the president signs the bill, until there is certification and until the 60-day congressional period is over, no one should ........Continued See DADT Page-5 Enid P-Flag Presents the 2011 Winter Bal ENID, OK On Saturday Night, January 22, 2011 Enid’s Symphony Hall will coine alive with the festivities of P-Flag’s (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) gala major event, the Winter Ball. N~e event runs from 8 p.m. until midnight and will include a live DJ, light food, a catered ba,; and a professional photographer to take photos of the partiers upon request. Tickets for the Ball are $10 and can be ordered by contacting Enid P-Flag. Xhis event is sponsored by Cross~valk United Church, Enid’s only official open and affirming church. Since opening in March of this year a~ 1319 S. Van Buren Enid’s GLBT community center, which is named simply, "N~e Center", has been busy and activities are growing. Through the Center Enid’s P-Flag chapter provides free counseling find mediation, and recently added free rapid HIV testing. Enid’s P-Flag is also partnering with other organizations through their Bridge Building Program for which GLBTWA youth and young adults sign up to assist people in need of help with tasks such as raking leaves, putting up or taking down holiday decorations, delivering hot meals or other useful activities. Not only does this program help provide needed volunteers, it also connects GLBTQA youth and young adults to the mainstream community and allows them to share their stories of diversity as the beneficiaries get to know them. During this holiday season food has been donated ftom the Center to the Horn of Plenty, which is Enid’s largest food bank. ........Continued See ENID Page-15 Metro to Retire F .er & By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Chaz Ward Founder and Publisher ofthe 7hlsa based Mewo Star Newspaper retires at 71. TULSA, OK __ "It’s the right time to retire. The business is changing and needs younger blood with nexv ideas. It’s been hard work but very rewarding to inform, unite and entertain the GLBT community of Oklahoma and the surrounding region." Chaz Ward When Mr. Ward decided ro start a GLBT focused newspaper he did so with mixed hopes, appropriate apprehensions, and small beginnings. The purpose for starting this enterprise as the Ozarks Star in 2003 was to provide the unrepresented gay community of southxvest Missouri, northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas with a viable voice. It was just a digest size black and white news and information magazine with just 12 pages, four advertisers and a circulation under 700 distributed in Joplin and Springfield, Missouri, Fayetteville, At’kansas, Pittsburg, Kansas and Tulsa. Even then he lmew he ~vas getting into a challenging fidd where countless entrepreneurs had come and gone in that region alone. Then as now in this area of the United States gay newspapers deal with limited advertising revenue because so many business owners are reluctant to be seen in a gay focused publication. "The limited revenue forced us ro rely on part time staff~vorking primarily as a labor of tove, which makes ir tough going," said Mr. \Yard. He would also be dealing with fear and animosity towards the GLBT community, but he had seen toughe~~" times. Growing up in Oklahoma City as a teenager in the mid 1950s he faced what was then a different world. Oklahoma City had only one gay bat’, the Mayflower, and even that oasis of GLBT life was subjected to constant police harassment for which there was no recourse. Homosexuality was considered a mental illness, sodomy laws were tstilt on the books, and gay rights (let alone marriage) weren’t even considered worthy of discussion by mainstream society. Understandably, along with many other GLBT people, he moved to California where the environment was at least a little better, working in management with a nationa! building services firm until his retirement in 1994. He then began buying and remodeling old homes ro resell, one of which he turned into a bed & breald’ast in Joplin that he operated and where the Ozarks Star was born in 2003. Although he knew from firsthand observation what he was getting into, he began his publication xvith lots of encouragement from the areas GLBT community. After selling the bed and breakfast in 2004, he moved to Tulsa and renamed the paper simply, "The Star." At that time the largest publication was the Gayly Oklahoman, which focused primarily on local news, while the Star dealt more with entertainment and syndicated columns. When the Gayly ceased publication in 2006 after 22 years as the primary news source for the GLBT community and a restart failed that same year, The Star became Oklahoma’s largest GLBT newspaper with a new role to fulfill. Victor Gorin, formerly with the Gayly Oklahoman, began working at the Metro Star serving as Copy Editor, writer, working in ad sales, photography and distribution primarily for the Oklahoma City area, joined by writers Robin Dorner and Jeanne Flanigan. Also coming on board in Tulsa were writer Michael Sasser, distributor Bill Francisco and photographer Judy Gabbard. Later becoming the Metro Star in 2007, the paper had grown to a circulation of 4000 to 5000, changed from a magazine to a tabloid, had gained credibility as a viable source of news and information for the GLBT community of Oklahoma which included national news along with local events and entertainment features. ........Continued See METRO STAR Page- 15 22 o5 est Gay Rese S~rvice Road banain .C 2221 Follow us on Fac~book Major Credit Cards Accepted 2 January 1, 2011 [] [] Paul ~ompson passes Away Leaving a lifetime ofService ( 93 o20 0) Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association ~des Again For 25th ye~ars the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association has held this annual Memorial Day weekend event which celebrates gay cowboys & cowgirls with their friends. Held as always at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, the rodeo is like any other with regular roping and riding events, and unlike most others with campy "Drag Races" and goat dressing competitions. This rodeo now ranks among the top 4 rodeos of the International Gay Rodeo Association, which comprises over 20 rodeos in the United States and Canada. Kelly Kirby receives the Equality Oklahoma’s Lifetime Achievement Award Paul ~hompson was a well known activist for the GLBT community, starting from the early 1970s when he w~s arrested for public lewdness for publicly kissing a man on the neck. He fought his case and won, and he continued the rest of his life working to make things better not only" ~br the GLBT community but also other marginalized minorities. He had co-chaired OGLPC fiom 1992 until tis death on March 4 o~: this year. He also had co-chaired the OKC Pride Parade and Festival for many years, and was instrmnental in arranging the first one in 1987. In addition he was a tireless activist with the Oldahoma Democratic Party:, was an active board member ~vith the Oklahoma City chapter of the NAACP and also served on the Martin Luther King Parade Committee. His life made a major impact on the lives and future of GLBT Oldahomans and others seeking justice and equality. Cimarron Alliance Foundation acquires new once and gets a new Director Cimarron Alliance dates back to its original formation in 1995, beginning then as a Political Action Committee striving to promote gay or gay friendly candidates and legislation in Oklahoma. In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed in order to enable the organization to accept tax deductible contributions and work towards educational efforts for the GLBT community and Oklahomans in general about their issues. They acquired their first office this year at 729 N.W. 17th Street, and also hired their first fulltime Executive Director, Scott Hamilton. He strives to keep the Foundation going strong during these tough times stating, "You keep going because the needs do not abate just because money is tight. If you bdieve in social justice that doesn’t stop until there is justice." At their 30th annual Equality Gala Banquet, Equality Otdahoma bestowed their Lifetime Achievement Award on Kelly Kirby. A veteran and successful businessman xvith his own accounting firm, he was honored for over 20 years of activism on behalf of the GLBT community in Tulsa. Not going overboard he stated modestly afterwards, " I would have to say that at 56 years old the word lifetime is a bit daunting." Oklahoma City holds their 23rd Annual Pride Parade and Festival From humble beginnings in 1987, the Oklahoma Pride Parade and Festival once again brought people together to parry, reminisce, and stand together. N~is year it was accompanied by the banners of Cimarron Alliance displayed on the lampposts along the parade route on Classen Boulevard. N~is time it also began with an outrageously fun block party on Friday night June 25th on the 39th Street Strip, follmved by the Festival in Memorial Park Saturday and Sunday which is the beginning point of the Parade. The Parade ~cked off on grand style at 5 p.m., much glamorized by this year’s Grand Marshall, Ginger Lamar. Miss Lamar ( a,k,a, Queen Supreme, Beauty with a Bite, Queen of the F---king Universe) has been a mainstay in the OKC entertainrnent scene for over 30 years. A wild emcee never caught short for a wisecrack or snappy comeback, she has delighted audiences in a style all her own. Today she still reigns as the emcee Saturday nights at the Boom, a proud Oklahoma tradition that truly did it her way. Pride Parade and Festival Celebrated in Tulsa On June 5 Tulsa held their 14th Pride Parade, followed by their biggest festival yet in Centennial Park. N~is year their Parade Marshall was the Reverend Martin Lavanhar, Senior Pastor of Allsouls Unitarian Church ofTulsa. He was honored for his courage shown when he spoke at a conference in Uganda rallying against efforts by that nation to make homosexuali.ty a crime punishable by the death penalty. Aiding a sister Unitarian church in Uganda for this cause was a very risky undertaking but he felt he had to make a stand saying, "I’m 4! years old and I%e never been called upon to go overseas to risk my life for freedom. In some ways this was that kind of call." When he returned safely Toby Jenkins, the Director of Equality Oldahoma stated, "We had to hono~ this wonderful man, to let people know that this straight minister fi’om Oldahoma was only one of m,o ministers who was at this conference in Uganda." Enid gets their first GLBT Commtmky Center, and holds their first Pride Celebration One might not think a town like Enid, well known for its conservatism, grain elevators and their powerful football team( the Enid Plainsman) as a place for a gay scene, but yet this has emerged. Enid High School has a Gay/Straight Alliance, a local P-Flag Chapter ( Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and now a GLBT community center called simply the Center at 1319 S. V3n Buren. Everything fi’om HIV testing to dances are held there, ~long with many groups now forming tip. ~ihis year Enid celebrated their 2nd Pride Festival as Meadowlake Park came to life with vendors and entertainers followed by an evening firewor~ sho,a: This time over 400 people came to savor the solidarity and enjoy the fun. SSRA Rodeo -Back a~er 5 years in Grand Style Back after 5 years, the Sooner State Rodeo Association was again in full swing. Hosted this time by the Ramada Inn East, the event was held on October’s first weekend at the Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort in Sperry. Founded in 2002, SSRA is a member of the International Gay Rodeo Association. 0 Y A CONGREGATION OF THE ~N~T~D CHURCH OF CHRIST Join us Sundays at 6pro 3901 NW 63rd St www.cohokc.com God is still speaMng, Ban Empi~ ’uptcv ® Civil Rights ~Criminal ’ment ® Family Law ® Litigation January 1, 2011 i 3 School Board As a well known activist who has proudly marched in OKC’s Pride Parade carrying a sign that says "Gay Teacher", Joe Quigley has for years been a tireless advocate for equality and safe schools for all students, including those GLBT or perceived to be. For this he has gained the respect and admiration of not only the GLBT community but also that of countless of fair-minded Oklahomans. A teacher with the Oklahoma City School District since 1994 with 10 years of satisfactory appraisals, he was at Northwest Classen High School when in May of 2009 the Oklahoma City School Board voted to fire him. Although they claimed it was for poor performance, Mr. Quigley and his supporters saw it as a ruse to get rid of him due to his advocacy for GLBT students. With the help of the American Federation ofTeachers he took them to court where District Judge Barbara Swinton not only ruled in his favor, but apologized to him on behalf of how he was treated by the district. The District appealed, and. Judge Swinton’s ruling was upheld. The Oklahoma City School Board has now appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. At this time Mr.Quigley is now in a permanent position teaching English at Douglass High School; N O ahoma attempts Exemption from Federal Hate Crimes Law In October of 2009 Presiden{ obama signed into taw expanded Federal Hate Crimes protections to include real or perce@ed sexual orientation or gender identity as well as disabilit)’ and gender. Although this was hailed by the GLBT community and other activists as a long overdue step forward, it was also condemned by some religious groups and other conservatives nationwide who claimed that this measure promoted homosexuality and stifled fi’ee speech. Oklahoma was no exception, and in early 2010 State Senator Steve Russell introduced legislation to exempt Oldahoma from this provision, prohibiting Oklahoma law enforcement authorities from cooperating with the Federal government investigating these ty-pes of hate crimes. After overwhehning passage in the Senate, it went to the State House of Representatives where State Representative Mike Shelton, in a brilliant procedure of legislative maneuvering, got this legislation stopped. He had this to say as to why-- "There are pastors who wear the veil of Chrisrianity who support this legislation. As a Christian this offends me because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for that." Mr. Shelton later received Cimarron Alliance’s Legislator of the Year Award, an honor shared with State Senator Judy Eason McIntyre ofTulsa. Oldahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Moves from Surv "va Mode back to Recovery During late 2009 and into this year, the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus ( known as OGLPC) was in survival mode. Formed in the early 1980s, the group had a long history of advocacy and education for the GLBT community, and was most famous for their voter guides mailed out to GLBT voters and their allies. However, during 2009 and into this year attendance had fallen to the point that the group could not function. Paul Thompson, who had been the male co-chair of the group since 1992, was trying to revive the group when he passed away during March of this year. Determined to carry on the legacy of OGLPC, co-chairs Jeanne Flanigan and Steven Dubois have been working to rebuild the group, and to reform it as a PAC ( Political Action Committee) that ~vill enable OGLPC to do fulfill their goals more effectively. They look forward greater milestones ahead. N Brittany Novomy made history when she ran against State Representative Sally Kern Sally Kern had already made a name for herself long before she sha@d a spotlight with Brittany. First elected in 2004 as a self described "Kernse~-~ative", she gained international notoriety’ after a speech she gave to a Republican gathering was secretly taped and posted on youtube. This speech stated that "gays are a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam"and that "no societ~r" that has embraced homosexuality has lasted for more than a few decades."She led the charge to get the book "King and King" ( ~ story" for children about a gay prince) removed from the Children’s Section of Oklahoma County- Libraries, labeling it "obscene." She also graced the front page of the Metro Star when she presented her Proclamation for Morality at the Oklahoma State Capitol, which claimed that America’s economic woes were due to "abortion~ pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse and other forms of debauchery." In 2010 Brittany Novotny threw her hat in the ring to give District 84 voters a choice. An Oklahoma Cite~ attorney and activist with the Young Democrats, she was the first transgendered person ever to run for public once in Oklahoma. However she made it a point not to focus on that issue, but rather on things that she felt mattered more for average raional Oldahomans like jobs, education and transportation that Sally had neglected due to her focus of social issues. AJthough she lost to Ms.Kern in the Red Sweep of the November general elections, BrittaW still made history and will no doubt make more in the future. Tramps continues the Proud Tradition ofHave a Heart An annual event of love happens . appropriately each year around Valentine’s Day at Tramps with their Have a Heart Benefit Show and Auction. It began as the creation of the late Larry Crosby, then a coowner ofTramps and Sister Gall Addis who was then with Catholic Charities’ Loaves and Fishes Program, which provided meals ~’~r those living with HIV.Although Larry has passed away his sister, Canaille Rohn who is still a part owner ofTramps, along with the stat~" and many volunteers again made this event a fabulous success. This year over $8,000 was raised. Richard Ogden sworn in an Oldahoma Regent [ Openly gay attorney and longtime activist Richard Ogden was appointed by Governor Brad Henry to the Board of Regents of the Regional University" System of Oklahoma on June 10. He was sworn in by District Judge Barbara Sxvinton. As a regent Mr. Ogden will be part of that governing board which is responsible for the hiring of university presidents. Tulsa adopts Non- Discrimination Policy for City Employees On June 17 the Tulsa Cit-y Council voted 6-3 to adopt a nondiscrimination policy for municipal employees on the basis of sexual orientation, ,~though in 1975 then Mayor Robert LaFortune commissioned a report recommending adoption of this policy; the report was rejected Iia 1994 the Tulsa GLBT community participated in formal hearings in favor of this policy, only to be denied again. The Tulsa Human Rights Commission had been recommending this change for over 15 years. I~a-is Wilmes, Oklahomans for Equality’s Advocacy Director stated, "This makes such a strong statement to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and sensible island in a state that is often ridiculed for being intolerant and unjust towards marginalized populations." Tulsa now joins other Oklahoma cities who have this policy for their employees, Del City, Mtus, McAlester,Miami, Noble and Vi.nita. Tulsa School Board Votes for GLBT clusive Nondiscrimination Policy During September the Tulsa School Board voted unanimously to include GLBT persons in their nondiscrimination/anti-bullying policy for teachers, students and parents. Tami Marler, a spokesperson for the Tulsa Public Schools, stated that this change was made in accordance with recommendations by the Civil Rights Office of the U.S. Department of Education. With this measure they now join the school districts of Norman and Oklahoma City ~vho also have this policy, . although Oklahoma City’s policy goes further in also protecting gender identity. "At Century 2t Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPL~ 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 By Rex Wockner Dan Choi hospitalized Activist Dan Choi. Wocknerphoto Leading Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell activist Dan Choi said Dec. 14 that he was committed to a veterans hospital psychiatric ward on Dec. 10, the day after the U.S. Senate again refused to authorize repeal of the DADT ban on open gays in the military. On Dec. 18, the Senate reversed course and voted 65-31 to authorize the repeal. (See separate story.) In an on-the-record e-mail sent from his iPhone, Choi said he had experienced "a breakdown and anxiety, attack." "(T)he failures of government and national lobbying carry consequences far beyond the careers and reputations of corporate leaders, elected o~cials, high powered lobbyists or political elites." Choi wrote. "They ruin lives. My breakdown was a result of a cumulative array of stressors but there is no doubt that the composite betrayals felt on Thursday, by elected leaders and gay organizations as wel! as many who have exploited my name for their marketing purposes, have added to the result." Choi was released from the hospital several days later and sounded like himself in a telephone interview with CNN on Dec. 18. Activists hope to force teaching ofgay history A bill introduced in the California Legislature by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, would require that LGBT people be fairly and accurately included in school teaching material. ~ihe measure is sponsored by Equality California and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network. ~ae bill also prohibits the State Board of Education from using instructional material that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. EQCA said that if enacted, the law "would add LGBT to the existing list of underrepresented cultural and ethnic groups (that) are covered by current la~v related to inclusion in textbooks and other instructional materials in schools." "LGBT people should not be pushed into the closefwhen it comes to what students learn about history," said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. "Educating youth about the contributions ofLGBT Californians and our state’s rich diversity will help foster true acceptance of LGBT students and will ultimately create a safe school environment for all students." GSA Network Executive Director Carolyn Laub added, "LGBT youth are denied a fair education xvhen they are exposed to harmful stereotypes in classroom materials and are excluded from learning about their history." Leno said that "most textbooks don’t include any historical information about the LGBT movement." "Our collective silence on this issue perpetuates negative stereotypes ofLGBT people and leads to increased bullying of young people," he said. "We can’t simultaneously tell youth that it’s OK to be yourself and live an honest, open life when we aren’t even teaching students about historical LGBT figures or the LGBT equal rights movement." UN secretary-general, US ambassador attend LGBT event United Nations Secretary-General Ban Yd,moon and the United States’ U.N. ambassador. Susan Rice. joined a high-level U.N. panel Dec. 10 that condemned anti-gay violence and the criminalization of same-sex relations. The Human Rights Day event was hosted by several nations and organized by the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Human Rights Watch and other organizations. "Violence will end only when we confront prejudice," Ban said. "Stigma and discrimination will end only when we agree to speak out. That requires all of us ro do our part -- to speak out at home, at work, in our schools and communities." "Where there is tension between cultural attitudes and universal human rights, universal human rights must carry the day," he said. "Personal disapproval, even society’s disapproval, is no excuse to arrest, detain, imprison, harass or torture anyone -- ever. ... Human Rights Day commemorates the Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights. It is not called the Partial Declaration of Human Rights. It is not the Sometimes Declaration o~Human Rights. It is the Universal Declaration, guaranteeing all human beings their basic human rights, without exception." Rice told the gathering: "The story ofmy country is, in part, a story of the expanding boundaries of rights and dignity -- of the way that discrimination and prejudice have been countered by acceptance and equality. I feel dais deeply and I feel it very personally. Even at a time of profound challenges at home and abroad, we dare not give up on the great causes of equality and fundamental rights. And that includes the pursuit of full and equal rights for the millions of people in this country and around the world ,vho are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender." "Change," Rice said, "comes from people ... who refuse to move to the back of the bus. It comes from the leaders, the activists, and the ordinary men and women who believe that all human beings have equal worth, equa! dignity, equal consequence -- and equal rights. This conviction underpins the significant steps that the United States has taken over the past two decades to advance the human rights of all of those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender." The event was sponsored by U.N. missions from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, France, Gabon, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and the United States and by the Delegation of the European Commission. Illinois passes civil-union law The Illinois Legislature passed a civilunion bill Dec. 1 and Gov. Pat Quinn said he will sign it into law. Gay or straight couples wilt be able to enter into a civil union starting in July. The unions will carry the san~e state-level rights as marriage. ~ae vote in the Senate was 32-24. ~e vote in the House of Representatives was 61-52. "(These days), legislator after legislator talks about ’my gay daughter;’ ’my gay brother,’" Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy Rick Garcia told Windy City Times. "The most politically powerful thing gay people can do is to come out to family and friends.... Illinoisans are middle-of-the-road, very steadfast folks, so [ think {’this bill~ passage) bodes well for our community across the country." Freedom to Marry Executive Director Evan Wolfson ~velcomed the new iaw as a "step," but said "civil union is no substitute" for marriage. "States that have created civil union as a means of both giving and withholding -- providing legal protections wMle withholding the freedom to marry and all its meaning -- have found that civil union falls far short of marriage vcith al! its tangible and intangible significance in our lives," Wolfson said. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley sounded a similar note Dec. 2, saying: "Eventually marriage will take place. It has to be.... We have to move faster." Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C. In addition, New York and Maryland recognize same-sex marriages that take place elsewhere in the nation or world. Civil-union or domestic-partnership laws that grant all state-level rights of marriage are in place in California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington. Laws that grant same-sex couples some of the rights of marriage are in place in Colorado, Hawaii and Maine. California is a further case unto itself. Same-sex marriage was legal from June to November 2008, when voters amended the state constitution via Proposition 8 to put a stop to it. The couples who married then are still legally married, as are other same-sex couples who live in California and got married anywchere in the world before Prop 8 passed. Gay couples who married somewhere else after Prop 8 passed, or ~vho marry elsewhere in the future, receive every state-level right and obligation of marriage in California except for the legal right to call their marriage a "marriage" when they are in California. They are not recognized under the state’s domestic partnership law, but rather are married.cou,p,les who are denied use of the word "marriage. N January 1, 2011 5 O ahomans Eqt ality hires new Execrative ~e Board of Directors of Equal:t). Oklahoma hired Toby Jenkdns as their new Execut@e Directoi; beginning his duties October 1 .He had served on their Board of Directors since 2008 and has a 13 year history of volunteering for the organization. He has been employed at the Tulsa County Courthouse :[))r 18 years and has for the past 11 years served as the Civil Appeals Court Clerk to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice and a BA degree in Biblical Linguistics and Pastoral Studies. He also holds a masters degree in theolo~~ and has done graduate work in the Sociology of Aging. He has 2 married children and a granddaughter. He is glad to be there stating, "It~ a great honor to work for an organization that saves lives every day. I believe we must do more tO address to needs of our community and challenge them to step up to volunteer service." Norm Teenager commits Suicide af,er Ci W Co nci Meeting Abo t GLBT History On September 27 the Norman City Council voted 7-1 to approve a proclamation ~br GLBT History Month. The Norman Human Rights Commission wrote the proclamation after much deliberation, and there was a great deal of positive publicity concerning the Council’s action. Howevm; this approval met with strong opposition from some Norman residents who showed up at that meeting to air their protests, many using stereotypical and negat@e references to homosexuality. This was wimessed by Zach Harrington, a 19 year old gay Norman resident who had heard similar sentiments when he had been bullied as a student at Norman North High School. Although his parents, Van and Nancy Harrington and his sister Nikki were aware of and supportive of his lifestTle, the sentiments he heard expressed yet again apparently were too much and he took his life at his parents’ home October 10. A candlelight vigil was held for him October 13. Margaret Cox, Don & Mick Schirron honored at the Cimarron Alliance Awards Gala Margaret Cox was honored with the Cimarron .Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award for many years spent to help women achieve equality through her work with the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Organization for \7~/omen, and for ~vork helping the GLBT community through Herland Sister Resources and Cimarron Alliance. Also honored as Legislators of the Year were State Representative Mike Shelton and State Senator Judy Eason Mclntyre. Don Hawkins and Mick Schirron received the Media Avcard as former owners of the Gayly Oldahoman, which began operation in 1983 and was Oklahoma’s longest lasting and largest GLBT newspaper. Beginning as a monthly paper with a circulation of 4000, it later grew to a biweekly publication with a circulation of 10,000. Due to a changing business climate and personal commitments, Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Schirron sold the Gayly in 2006 to Andrew Hiclcs and the late Heather Harp ofTulsa. Although reincorporated, the paper resumed operation in March 15 2006 and ceased publication in December 15 of that same year. Currently the Oklahoma Historical Society is copying an entire set of the Gayly OHahomans on microfilm. @ AIDS Walk O ahoma "Each Step Brings Hope" was the theme for the AIDSXX/-alk 2010 which took place September I9 for the 12th year of this event. Previously held in October, the date ,vas moved up and the location changed to the Sonic Plaza in Bricktown, this time also accompanied by a 5K run that morning. Money raised from this event goes to help those in the OHahoma City area infected and/affected by HIM Arnold ’%rna Lee" Smith passes away at 83 As a longtime club owner, activist and entertainer Arnold Lee Smith, best known as Arna Lee, left a legacy of pride, hope and fond memories for GLBT OHahomans. He was a pioneer, spearheading efforts that won Oklahoma City’s GLBT community many freedoms they now take for granted. When he was a club owner, with a club called Lee’s Lounge in the early 1960s, he endured relentless police harassment and never backed down. Longtime partiers remember police raids where he was arrested along with his customers, and he would bail them out along with himself and re-open his bar that same night. Later he opened Oklahoma’s first premier showbar, the Roadhouse, where many big name Oklahoma entertainers got their start. Later he also owned a steamy dance club called the Outrigger from 1979 until 1981. After a sojourn in Florida, he opened another bar complex also called nostalgically the Roadhouse in 1995, which closed after a year of operation, and then went partly into retirement, still doing shows in various clubs for many good causes. \ghen his heath failed and he entered the Norman Veterans Center Nursing Home, he passed away October 3 I. He was missed by his many friends, and honored because he madea difference for the GLBT community of Oldahoma. be investigated or discharged under this discriminatory law. :.. Certification and the 60-day congressional requirement must be wrapped tip no later than the first quarter of 2011." Sarvis called the repeal of the ban "the defining civil rights initiative of this decade." Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart called the I7-year fight to overturn the ban "a heroic political battle by LGBT advocates who refused to give up." In a statement Defense Secretary Robert Gates said: "Once this legislation is signed into law by the president the Department of Defense will immediately proceed with the planning necessary to carry out this Change carefully and methodically, but purposefully: This effort will be led by Dr. Clifford Stanley, Undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. The legislation provides that repeal will take effect once the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that implementation of the new policies and regulations written by the department is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the armed forces .... I will approach this process deliberately and xvill make such certification only after careful consultation with the military service chiefs and our combatant commanders and when I am satisfied that those conditions have been met for all the Services, commands and units. It is therefore important that our men and women in uniform understand that while today’s historic vote means that this policy will change, the implementation and certification process will take an additional period of time. In the meantime, the current law and policy will remain in effect." Obama issued-a statement that said: "Today, the Senate has taken an hist~oric step toward ending a policy that undermines our national security while violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend. By ending Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell, no longer will our nation be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans forced to leave the militao; despite years of exemplary performance, because they happen to be ga}~ and no longer will many thousands more be asked to live a lie in order to serve the country they love. As commander-in-chief, I am also absolutely convinced that making this change will only underscore the professionalism of our troops as the best led and best trained fighting f6rce the world has ever known. And I join the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; as well as the overwhehning majority of service members asked by the Pentagon, in knowing that we can responsibly transition to a new policy while ensuring our military strength and readiness. It is time to close this chapter in our history. It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gendm; religion or creed. It is time to al!ow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their country openly." "First ursday" Art Opening and E ibit of Original Works by Tulsa World Editorial Cartoonist o Bruce Planteo TULSA, OK (PR) __ The January" Oldahomans for Equality (OlcEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature works by Tulsa World Editorial Cartoonist Bruce Plante. Bruce lcnew, while growing up in Texarkana, Ark., that drawing and humor were in his future: He began drawing cartoons in the second grade and began performing standup comedy in the sixth grade. As a sophomore at the University of Arkansas Bruce became the editorial cartoonist for the Arkansas Traveler, the school newspaper. He graduated the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in 1977. In 1985, Bruce became the first staffeditorial cartoonist for The Chattanooga Times and held that position for 22 years. On Oct. 22, 2007 Bruce was lured away from Chattanooga to Tulsa, taking the position of edit0i:ial cartoonist.for the Tulsa World, replacing the late Doug Marlette. In 1989, he creatdd Plante Ink syndicate which distributes his editorial cartoons to 40 subscribers throughout the United States. His cartoons have been reprinted in The New York Times, USA Today;The %~ashington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Newsweek International (Europe), Newsweek Japan, Playboy; Sports Illustrated, Discover, CBS, CNN, college and high school textbooks and even the Iowa Achievement Test. In 1985, Bruce won Showtime’s Funniest Person in Aa’aerica Contest. He performed standup for 4 years for audiences as large as 3,000 and speak~s to more than 30 civic groups and schools every year. The show begins with a reception on ~lt~ursday, JanualT 6th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month, www.okeq. org Free help By Steven Petrow &even Petrozv is tt§e author of"The Essential Boot: ofGay Manners &Etiquette. Send him your questions at qUeerieS@live.com. "Too affectionate at the mall?" is not to hook-up; you’re making a political statement. ¯ Follow the leader: Breal~ only one rule at a time. Don’t go rogue on your comrades, (i.e. no name-calling, clashing with police). ° Be clean and kissable: Bring your breath mints; you may be kissing a lot of strangers. Don’t hog the best kissers. If everyone else is moving on to a new partner, it’s time to let go. Elton John to sing against Prop 8 Elton John will perform a private concert in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 19 to raise money for the ongoing federal lawsuit against Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in California. ~tle concert, to benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rigi~ts, which hired the gay side’s superstar attorneys, Ted Olson and David Boles, will take place at the Green Acres estate of billionaire political fundraiser Ron Burlde. "We are deeply honored to have the support of Sir Elton John," said AFER Board President Chad Griffin. ’!The American Foundation for Equal Rights stands for the enduring principle that all Americans are created equal, and believes that ending statesanctioned discrimination is a critical step we must tal~e toward ending the hate crimes and suicides that continue to claim the lives of young Americans." John has not always been a supporter of same-sex marriage. On Nov. 12, 2008, eight days after voters passed Prop 8, he told USA Today: "What is wrong with Proposition 8 is that they went for marriag.e Marriage is going to put a lot of people off, the word ’marriage’. ... I dont want to be married. I m very happy with a civil partnership. If BY people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership.... Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships." Prop 8 was struck down as unconstitutional at the federal district court level. The ruling is currently on appeal at the U.S. 9th Circuit Court ofAppeals, which heard oral arguments on Dec. 6. For concert ticket information, e-mail events@afer.org. 3131 January 1, 2011 I 7 Tulsa Eagle Staffready to serve the crowd at thier 2009 New Years Eve Black &White Ball, and did they ever! Sooner &ate Softball Association Games promised an ex’citing summer 2010. Shown above is Oklahoma Chaos Team ofOklahoma Ci~ Gorin photo .............MORE Photo’s on page 11 8 January 1, 2011 AffirmingChurch in Owasso expands ministry to gay OWASS0;OK (PR)~ ~.Table UCC h~ ~0urd~ and ~fi~ort for G~TQS~yo~t~ ~i~i~)~e Youth gr~U~ is c~i~ ~nPlace. ~ey m;et0n F~i~ay ev~fiings from 6:30pm t0 8~00pm. B~ginning the 3rd Monday in Janua~ they will have k PF~G meeting from 7’8 p.m. Rev Melinda Foster leads the congregation and they meet at 202 S Cedar, Suite E, Ow~so OK 74q55. Rev. Melinda Foster can be reached at 918-693- 0458. For more information visit: http://opentableucc.com/ Nommanons Comm ity Heroes TULSA, OK (PR) Oklahomans for Equality is now taldng nominations to recognize individuals or groups who have made an impact on the work for equality for the LGBT community. These awards are presented at the annual Equality Gala on April 30, 2011, Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom. The following awards are presented: Lifetime Achievement Award- Recognizes a lifetime dedication tothe cause of equality for LGBT community in O~ahoma. Past recipients include Nancy McDonald, Dennis Neill and Kelly Kirby. This award is nor always presented, annually. Community Heroes- Recognize ~hose individuals and groups who have represented or served our community in the previous year. Many of these hdroes have "taken a bullet" for our cause. Past recipients include Council Oak Mens Chorale, Jim Roth, Carol Crawford, Tim Williams, and Kelly Carter. The Russell Bennett Award for Spiritual Inclusion - Presented to a faith leader who leads and supports affirming the faith of the LGBT community in our local congregations. Past winners include Rev. Leslie Penrose, Rabbi Sherman and Rev. Richard Ziglar. Grand Marshal for the Tulsa Gay Pride Parade June 11 th- Recognizes an individual who has supported the LGBT community in a courageous and visible manner. Past recipients have been 11 year old Noah Blatt and the Rev Marlin Lavanhar for his advocacy work for the gay community in Uganda. You can download a form at http://www.okeq.org/wp-content/ uploads/2010/12/nominationform. pdf Please return completed form to: Oklahomans for Equality PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 or email paul. allen@okeq.org Rev S eve uric spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and Blessed Day! January 1, 2011 Creep ofthe Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne ~tkowski has been gayforpay since 2003. Shes aJ~eelance zortter andpoet (believe ~t:9. When she’s not taking on the creeps ofthe world she reviews rock ~’ toll shows in Detroit with her ~oin sister "John McCain" 10 January 1, 2011 I wish I still had my dog-eared and tattered copy of Conduct Unbecoming so I could send it to John McCain. Not that he’d bother ro read it. The U.S. military’s vicious anti-gay history with its vcitch-hunts and outright persecution of gay service members probably isn’t of much interest to McCain. Especially since "don’t ask, don’t tell" solved everything. Don’t you dare try to tell him anything different. During a Nov. 28 appearance on "State of the Union" with host Candy Crowley, McCain actually had the audacity to claim that "don’t ask, don’t tell" is an effective policy that doesn’t harm anyone, gay or straight, and that the call for its repeal is just politics. "There was no uprising in the military," he said. "There were no problems in the military with ’don’t ask, don’t tell.’" "If you were gay it was a problem," Crowley interjected. "No it wasn’t," McCain snapped. "It’s called ’don’t ask, don’t tell,’ okay? Ifyou don’t ask them, you don’t ask somebody, and they don’t tell." Got that? It works. End of story. Crowley tried to ask McCain something else, but he cut her off. "I understand your point of view. I understand the poil~t of view by the majority of the media," he said. "But the fact is, this was a political promise made by an inexperienced president or candidate for presidency of the United States." In other words, it’s all Obama’s fault. He’s too young to know what a good idea it is to discriminate against homos in the military. Why, when McCain was Obama’s age he had to walk 15 miles in the snow uphill both ways in order to make a campaign promise likd that. "The military is at its highest point in recruitment and retention and professionalism and capability," McCain continued. "So to somehow allege that this policy has been damaging the military is simply false." Tell that to the thousands of gays and lesbians who have been booted out of the military since "don’t ask, don’t tell" was enacted. According to Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, that number is upwards ~s"R’s cal~ed ’don’t ~ k, don’t te~,’ okay? you don’t ask Ithern, you don’t ask IsorneSody, and they ~.on’t tell." ~ of 14,000. You may recall that in 2002, amid a severe shortage of Arabic-speaking translators, the Army fired six linguists trained in Arabic simply because they were gay. Apparently McCain sees this as some kind of success. "The fact is that this system is working," he told Crowley. McCain repeatedly stressed that he wanted to know what the effect ~vill be of letting gays serve openly - and that’s the operative word, "openly." Because gays already serve in the military, they just have the weight of a government-mandated closet on their backs threatening to tumble open and ruin their careers ar any moment. "I believe we need to assess the effect on the morale and battle effectiveness of those young Marines and’Army people I met at forward-operating bases that are putting their lives on the line every day," he said. Never mind that some of these "young Marines and Army people" are probably gay. McCain Said he has had "a number of" military folks come up ro him and say, "Look, we fight together, we sleep together, we ear together." His choice of anecdotes illustrates one of the main concerns ofhomophobes: that homosexuality is contagious, and the best way to guard against it is to make sure you never l~ow when and if it’s around you and to punish gays and lesbians who dare make such an enormous sacrifice to serve the country. A L G A T S L 0 T A T L L A C Y N Y T Miss Bamboo 2011 @ the Bamboo Lounge ~dsa November 2010. Staffphom @A~tes OKC]anuary 2010. Godn photo Hot Dancers @ 77~e End Up, ~dsa March 2010. ~affphoto F ash Back TobyJenkins, President, Oklahomansfor Equality and Oklahoma State Representative Al 3/IaAd~ey at the 30th Equality Gala, Tulsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella [m~es @the Copa, OKCfidy 2010. Gorin photo @ Finishline, OKCJanua,y 2010. Gorin ghoto @Alibis, OKCJune 2010. Godn ghoto April 2010 Open Arms Youth Project hosts P?vm Night. P,vm Queen, Brenda "G,andma" Bolen and Prom I~%tg, Kim W,§#enhunt. Judy G. Photo Best Wishes For Kel~ Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement Award, p,~sented by N,znoy McDonald @ the 30Anniversary Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo 3det,v Star Staff" Ginger Lamar, Grand 3darshall 2010 OKC Pride. Do,werphoto Untertaine. @ Ledo. O {C 20 OI Gon,, photo @ Club Majestic, TulsaJanuary 2010, fi~dy G. photo Sooner State Rodeo Association at the 2010 Tulsa Pride Parade. Judy Gphoto 2011, From The Metro Star Team @ Club 209, ~dsaJanua,7 2010, Ju4y G. photo Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association @ the Habana hzn Pool Party 3day 2010. Godn photo By Rex Wockner* Judges hint at Prop 8 case twists and turns 9t,§-Gtvuit Federal Court, APpoolphoto @Eric Risberg The effort to undo California’s Proposition 8 inched forward Dec. 6 when a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals entertained nearly three hours of oral arguments from the attorneys in the case. In an ornate courtroom on the third floor of San Francisco’s historic James R. Browning U.S. Courthouse, amid murals, stained glass and statues dating to 1905, the attorneys replayed some of their main arguments and the judges offered hints of where the case might go. The gay side’s lawyers, who include famed attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles, sought to defend U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling from August that Prop 8 violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process. They also argued that the parties who brought the appeal to the 9th Circuit -- the activists who created Prop 8 and the deputy county clerk of Southern California’s dusty Imperial County -- have no legal "standing" to have mounted this appeal ofWalker’s ruling. Those parties are trying to defend Prop 8 because all the public ot~cials who were sued in the case -- including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General (and Gov.-elect) Jerry Brown -- have refused to defend the voter-passed state constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in November 2008 after it had been legal for 4 1/2 months and after t8,000 same-sex couples had married. It is unclear if the court will grant the Prop 8 proponents or Imperial County standing to allow the appeal to move forward. ~e judges seemed unimpressed by Imperial County’s desire to be let into the case. Among other things, they seemed annoyed that the deputy county clerk rather than the actual clerk is pursuing the move. As to whether the people who put Prop 8 on the ballot should be allowed to step into the shoes of the state government and defend a piece of the state constitution that the state itself refuses to defend, the judges hinted that they might bounce that question off of the California Supreme Court to see hmv it feels about the idea. If the 9th Circuit does that, it could delay appellate rulings on both the standing issue and the merits ofWalker’s decision. On the merits, Olson told the judges that California has unconstitutionally "taken a class of citizens and put them in a separate category." California gives same-sex couples all the of marriage under a domesticpartnership law, but prohibits gay couples from marrying. Under another law. gay couples who go get married somewhere else also receive all the California rights of marriage but are prohibited from calling their marriage a marriage in California. Yet other gay couples, who got married in California or somewhere else before Prop 8 passed, are considered to be married in California and are permitted to use the word. It’s very messy. All of this is discriminatory, Olson said. It harms gay Californians. ~here is no legal rational basis for it. It cannot be "justified," he said. "California has built a fence around its gay and lesbian citizens and around the institution of marriage," Olson told the judges. "That is a violation of the equalprotection clause and it’s a violation of the due-process clause." Attorney Charles Cooper for the Prop 8 proponents told the judges that his case in defense of Prop 8 centers on "procreation." In Coopers view, it is rational for the state to limit marriage to men and women because the reason marriage exists in the first place is because sex between men and women produces children. ~e state, he suggested, has a unique interest in human unions that are procreative. At the end of the day, court-watchers were talking about three things that piqued their curiosity during the oral arguments: * Will the case be delayed so the 9th Circuit panel can sound out the California Supreme Court on the question of whether people who put initiatives on the ballot should be able to defend those initiatives when they are struck down by courts? Regardless of whether the judges seek advice from the California Supreme Court, the case ¯ cannot proceed if the 9th Circuit decides that neither the Prop 8 proponents nor Imperial County has legal standing to appeal. If they do not, Walker’s ruling striking down Prop 8 would come back into force. * In hearing the appeal of Walker’s ruling, will the 9th Circuit rely solely on Walker’s expansive trial record, which seems to demolish most of the myths, lies, arguments and opinions that historically have been used to oppress gay and lesbian people? Or will the 9th Circuit look at additional sources of information and seek out other facts . ine court hinted that it may review more than just the District Court’s findings. * And has the 9th Circuit perhaps hinted that it plans to uphold \Valker’s decision but in a way that would limit the case’s impac~ to California, the only state that ever let gays get married and then later took that right away from them? The court spent a fair amount of 12 January 1, 2011 Ed Sikov is the author ofDark l/icto*_7; 7be Life ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!lms and fihnmakers. "Kahlua, Cream and Fiasco: -he White Russian" My cold lasted another week, so forget about literary reticence. Let the gross descriptions fly: Shot spewed out of my nose like raw scrambled eggs, only darke,; more translucent, and graced by tiny bloblets of blood. My lungs hacked up a hocker so gray it could have come out of an old coal miner. When I wasn’t wiping smears of sputura off my hands, sheets and nearby skin mags, ! contemplated my recent poor behavior. Dan was right: I’d become "an old-fashioned asshole." Dan was nothing but affectionate with me, even after I spat goose-shit-green mucous onto his pillow while he slept. He deserved better from me. So did my friends. When I stopped being viral, I invited Craig and Kyle to dinner. Surprisingl); Craig didn’t hang up on me when I called. "I’m sorry..." I began. He cut me off: "Listen, dollface - I’ll forgive you anything as long as you keep your tongue off my boyfriend." "Right-O!" I sang out, amxiery turning me strangely into Terry-Thomas in some British war comedy. "How about dinner here on Saturday? It’s Chicken Cacciatore and an after-dinner drink that doesn’t suck." All was well. Dinner xvas a disaster. Dan was late, so I had to wield the vacuum cleaner and a can of Pledge and set the table while trying to make what turned out to be an absurdly complicated "hunter’s style" chicken with only half the ingredients the recipe called for. (I hadn’t bothered with a shopping list. "Calling Dr. Freud! STAT!") The result was a greasy; taste-free horror - no wild mushrooms, no fresh sage or thyme, clumpy years-old garlic salt instead of garlic.... "Hunter’s style?" What were they hunting - something outof Oliver Twist? Having tasted the cacciatore, I downed some Tormore Single Malt and became morose. But when Dan waltzed in mere minutes before Craig and Kyle were supposed to show up, my irrepressible life force returned. [ became hostile. Craig and Kyle thus entered during the second act of _Who’s Afraid ofVirginia Woolf_, with me playing both George and Martha. I behaved terribly; Dan was rightly embarrassed. I might have summoned enough dignity not to spend the whole evening staring at the gap between Kyle’s bottom shirt button and his belt. a space out of which a perfect tuft of soft hair emerged. Craig noticed, much to his giee and my continuing disgrace. But dessert was fiibulous! Ttxe White Russian is one of my favorite cream-based cocktails because of its subtlety, simplicity and relative lack of.sweetness. It’s got a little Kahlua for a cafd au lair effect, vodka for some kick and thick, chilled heavy cream for the mouth-to-belly bliss that only cold dairy fat can provide. Still, two rounds of White Russians wasn’t enough to make up for hurling lettuce fragments and bacon chunks in Craig’s face after discovering that puppy Kyle had been gobbled up by Jabba the Hut. Am I still bitter? You bet your elephantine ass I am. ~-he White Russian 1 part Absolut 1/2 part coffee liqueur 1 part chilled heaW cream Put some ice in a shaker and add all the ingredients; put the cap on and swirl it around a bi{ rather than shake it. (After all, you’re not trying to make liquor butter.) Pour through strainer into a good-looking glass and serve. time discussing a 1996 case from Colorado in which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a state constitutional amendment that deprived gay people of anti-discrimination protections that Colorado governments previously had extended ro them. A "narrow" ruling against Prop 8 by the 9th Circuit could bring same-sex marriage back to California but possibly thwart Olson, Boles and the American Foundation for Equal Rights’ desire to take before the U.S. Supreme Court the proposition that samesex couples have a constitutional right to get married in all states. Lesbian becomes Colorado Supreme Court justice Monica Marquez became the first openly gay or l~sbian member of the Colorado~ Supreme Court when she was s~vorn in Dec. 10. Her partner, Sheila Barthel, helped her put on her black robe at the ceremony. Marquez, 41, previously served as deputy attorney general. Spacey won’t discuss sexual orientation Actor Kevin Spacey told The Daily Beast on Dec. 15 that he’s not interested in discussing his sexual orientation. "I have not given up my right to privacy," Spacey said. "People have different reasons for the way they live their lives. You cannot put everyone’s reasons in the same box. It’s iust a line I’ve never crossed and never will." "You have to understand that people who choose not to discuss their personal lives are not living a lie." he continued. "That is a presumption that people jump ro.... I iust don’t buy into that the personal can be political. I just think that’s horseshit." ING AROLINI~ NOW...BECAIJSE OF THE. CHANGES IF "/OIJ WANT TO RMIN THEN GO. e~il: bittergirl@qsyndicate,com ty.net Chuck Breckenridge %q~cther buying or selling I’!1 work hard for you. !~-rk~_ra~~ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticValleyresort.corn info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Downtown Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Centel; Tulsa Gay Center. ~M]rordable Homes and Apartments. For mo,:e Info~wmtion visit: www~aybn~dyheightsmha.com By Jack Fertig Janua~ 20tl "Take a cSance on ~ove, Gemini!" Sun squaring Saturn adds the weight of age and responsibility, but Venus enters Sagittarius, leading affections and aesthetics toward new adventures. She gets in the middle of that square offering frivolous escape that can too easily complicate problems at hand, but she also offers some creative solutions. ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19): The responsibilities of work and relationships can feel oppressive. A romantic adventure is much needed. If partnered, plan a getaway. If single, a stern attitude can be sexy, but balance it with playful warmth. (Think gym coach!) TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20}: As hard as you’ve been working, you’re entitled to a much-needed release. Find an appropriate place to scream and let it all out. If you really need to beat someone there are eager victims. Just keep it safe and consensual. GEN~N~ (Nay 21o June 20): Play only for funsies. Don’t take any bets. but take a chance on love or a passionate facsimile. Incredible sex is no basis for a solid relationship. Take it one day at a time and see what else there is. CANCER (June 21o Ju~y 22): A strong sense of responsibility at home can be a millstone or a motivator. Go with the latter. Once you drag your tush into action, momentum will make the rest of it a lot easier. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): Even you may have inarticulate moments, but just take them as a creative challenge. A little playfulness can boost morale and productivity. Too much, not so good. If a few jokes and your dazzling smile aren’t enough, turn it up slowly. V~RGO (August 23 - September 22): Your best investment of time, energy and money is in your own home and community. Think ahead before taking on responsibilities. Spreading humor and good will at home or close by will help build your standing. L~BRA (September 23 - October 22): The weight of the world seems to be on your shoulders. Opportunities can be hard to find, but they’re there! A lighthearted chat with a sister (genetic or otherwise) can help you get perspective. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Life is tough, but don’t let current troubles wear you down. When you catch yourself worrying, channel that into constructive thought toward a solution. Stick to basics and remember what’s important. November 22 - December 20): The money crisis will hit everyone. You may be worrying too much on a personal level. Focus on your personal assets, the kind you would still have even if you were penniless and naked. Never forget: You almost always fare better than most. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January- 19): You’re at the top of your game, but what’s next? The answer to that is not as urgent as it may seem. Relax, indulge in a romantic or sensual retreat, and the hard questions will gain perspective, AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): The world’s troubles are the world’s, not necessarily your own. Discussing global and personal worries with friends will help balance it all out. For answers to the world’s problems and your own, look across borders and oceans. HSCES (February !9- Narch 19): Put your deep, dark imagination to work. Even in a bleak future there are opportunities. You can be inspired to find them for yourself and to guide others. Even if the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train you could ride it out. Community for People iving with H V/A DS A 50I c (3) Not] Profit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net ’1 14 /7 20 27 34 37 43 46 2 3 4 5 : 6 7 8 I 48 11 !2 24 25 26 33 53 54 55 Across 56 63 57 58 49 Down "i[hree-men-in-a-tub event Oral attention getter So,s0 grade 14 Point of View intr0, at Gay.c0m 15 "Oh, ~,X?hat a Beautiful Morning" sin er 16 Prayer Stm~&r !7 Hides ofhai~T guys? t9 ~orkers under Barney Frank 20 He had a crush on Beatle John 1 Lettuce variety 2 US citizen 3 The king in N~e ~ng I. ~br one 4 Time for Frida 5 Fireplace rods 6 Bounds gaily 7 Deadly septe[ 8 HIV exam, e.g. 9 One that reproduces without sex 34 "l~wo to one, }~r one 35 Cat on Tin RoOf 36 LacldngToc"ks ~, 37 E~rly g~atle song that expressed how 20- Across irelt : t3 ’60s radical org. 18 Type of tool 2! .M.use for Millay 24 My Cup Runneth Over s~nger Whitrnan’s dooryard bloomers the shaft a hottie 14 January 1,201t During the Metro Star’s time in publication Oklahoma and America has experienced great changes including two major elections, inclusion of GLBT persons among those with Federal Hate Crimes protection, the OKC and Tulsa School districts adopting policies protecting gay students from harassment and bullying, the tremendous growth of Oldahoma’s gay rights advocacy organizations and at presstime finally the end of legal discrimination for GLBT Americans in the US military. However as 2010 concludes on this happy note Chaz \gard, at age 7t, has made the decision to retire after publishing the newspaper for over 7 years. "It’s time for me to relax, I want to do some traveling, and will continue to help advance total equality for GLBT people." In conclusion the Metro Star wishes to say that they were proud to be part of the GLBT community of Oklahoma and the region, thanking our advertisers and readers for 7 great years. We come to a close xvith a recap of the highlights of 2010, and in this last issue we say thank you and we appreciate the support everyone has given us. Another endeavor has been their Cooking for Ct~ange Program which has been selling freshly made homemade tamales as a means for fundraising. A dozen tamales are only $24 and are available in pork, chicken or vegetarian style. Contact P-Flag to order some! P-Flag Enid also wants .to announce that nominations are open for their 2011 Stand Awards, which are open to GLBTQA individuals, businesses, organizations, media, artists and other categories of Oklahomans ~vho have improved life for the GLBT community in the state. They are also seeking similar groups interested in partnering with P-Flag as a Communty Parmer sponsor to keep the work of the Center going and growing. Enid P-Flag is a 501c3 organization so contributions are tax deductible. To contact Enid P-Flag one can call toll free 1 800 878 5298, or logon pflag@ enidglbt.org.. Flash Back I~cmr & Chaz 200~ January 1, 2011 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 1 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vincente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Devre Jackson Steven Petrow Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/130 The Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/188 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189 activism advertisements Advice Column After Dark AIDs Walk Bamboo Lounge Bike fundraiser Bitter Girls Celtic festival Chelsea Boys civil unions classifieds Club Rox Comic Strips commentary controlling stress denies gay marriage Fundraiser Gay/Lesbian center grants horoscope Joseph Beam Lawanda Jackson Lesbian Notions Loaves and Fishes marriage equality Miss Gay Oklahoma new Jersey Our House Out of Town Owasso Community Theatre Past Out Q Scopes South Africa marriage Star Distributors The Gayly Oklahoman The Star Scene The Wine Rack Too travel Tulsa news Uncle Mikey vacation Why should being gay be a crime? https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/129832fc04e8cebf0f893ae63d56cda3.jpg 11e5cf9e6d9331360b40ecf7c50fcb6e https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/c9908f703ccd5043aa995f3bc0165851.pdf de6ddbfa2a3419a01d13072b4a094665 PDF Text Text LOCAL NEWS N NAT[ON&L NEWS N WORLD NEWS ~{ L[FEST}[Lg ~5~ [~’[~ N THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT , N OKLAHOMA FlashBack The STAR Exclusive Lily Tomlin Intervie~v Front Cover March 2007 ...... > Oklahoma News Flash Backs -Page 3-4 Photo Flash Backs - Page 8 & 11 VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1 Ask, Twitter.corn!MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com on’ Tel heads ,WA~SHINGTON, DC Don’t Ask, Don t %11, the military’s ba~on open gays, lS " headed for the dustbin of history. The Senate voted 65-31 on Dec. 18 to authorize the policy’s repeal and sent the measure to President Barack Obama for his signature. Eight Republicans joined all but one Democrat in voting to repeal the ban. They were Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, Scott Brown of Massachusetts, Richard Burr of North Carolina, John Ensign of Nevada, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and George Voinovich of Ohio. Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia did not vote. Enid P-Flag Presents the 2011 Winter Bal ENID, OK On Saturday Night, January 22, 2011 Enid’s Symphony Hall will coine alive with the festivities of P-Flag’s (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) gala major event, the Winter Ball. N~e event runs from 8 p.m. until midnight and will include a live DJ, light food, a catered ba,; and a professional photographer to take photos of the partiers upon request. Tickets for the Ball are $10 and can be ordered by contacting Enid P-Flag. Xhis event is sponsored by Cross~valk United Church, Enid’s only official open and affirming church. Since opening in March of this year a~ 1319 S. Van Buren Enid’s GLBT community center, which is named simply, "N~e Center", F .er & By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team By Rex Wockner Presi&nt Barack Obama. ~Wockn~rphoto " Metro to Retire ~EE ! JANUARY 1,2011 Obama plans to sign the bill quickly, but that will nor end the ban. Gay servicemembers will need to stay in the closet for a few more months. After Obama signs the measure, he and the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must certify that the military is ready for the change and that it will not harm military readiness or effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting or member retention. Then after that DADT repeal will take effect 60 days later. Xhe process is expected to proceed relatively smoothly. "No longer will patriots be forced to lie in order to serve the country they love and are willing to die f?r," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "~his vote gy:the United Sta{es Senate will have extremely pOsitive rippl~ effects well b~yo~d Dont Ask; Dont Tell. Our government has sent a powerful message that discrimination,,, on any level, should not be tolerated " Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis called on the Pentagon to cease DADT discharges during the months between now and when repeal is finalized. "I respectfully ask Defense Secretary Robert Gates to use his a[tthority to suspend all Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell investigations during this interim period," Sarvis said. "Until the president signs the bill, until there is certification and until the 60-day congressional period is over, no one should ........ Continued See DADT Page-5 has been busy and activities are growing. Through the Center Enid’s P-Flag chapter provides free counseling find mediation, and recently added free rapid HIV testing. Enid’s P-Flag is also partnering with other organizations through their Bridge Building Program for which GLBTWA youth and young adults sign up to assist people in need of help with tasks such as raking leaves, putting up or taking down holiday decorations, delivering hot meals or other useful activities. Not only does this program help provide needed volunteers, it also connects GLBTQA youth and young adults to the mainstream community and allows them to share their stories of diversity as the beneficiaries get to know them. During this holiday season food has been donated ftom the Center to the Horn of Plenty, which is Enid’s largest food bank. ........ Continued See ENID Page-15 He would also be dealing with fear and animosity towards the GLBT community, but he had seen toughe~~" times. Growing up in Oklahoma City as a teenager in the mid 1950s he faced what was then a different world. Oklahoma City had only one gay bat’, the Mayflower, and even that oasis of GLBT life was subjected to constant police harassment for which there was no recourse. Homosexuality was considered a mental illness, sodomy laws were s tilt on the books, and gay rights (let alone marriage) weren’t even considered worthy of discussion by mainstream society. Understandably, along with many other GLBT people, he moved to California where the environment was at least a little better, working in management with a nationa! building services firm until his retirement in 1994. He then began buying and remodeling old homes ro resell, one of which he turned into a bed & breald’ast in Joplin that he operated and where the Ozarks Star was born in 2003. Although Chaz Ward Founder and Publisher ofthe 7hlsa based he knew from firsthand observation Mewo Star Newspaper retires at 71. what he was getting into, he began his publication xvith lots of encouragement from TULSA, OK __ "It’s the right time to the areas GLBT community. After selling the retire. The business is changing and needs bed and breakfast in 2004, he moved to Tulsa younger blood with nexv ideas. It’s been and renamed the paper simply, "The Star." hard work but very rewarding to inform, At that time the largest publication was the unite and entertain the GLBT community Gayly Oklahoman, which focused primarily of Oklahoma and the surrounding region." on local news, while the Star dealt more with Chaz Ward entertainment and syndicated columns. When Mr. Ward decided ro start a GLBT When the Gayly ceased publication in focused newspaper he did so with mixed 2006 after 22 years as the primary news hopes, appropriate apprehensions, and small source for the GLBT community and a beginnings. The purpose for starting this restart failed that same year, The Star became enterprise as the Ozarks Star in 2003 was to Oklahoma’s largest GLBT newspaper with provide the unrepresented gay community a new role to fulfill. Victor Gorin, formerly of southxvest Missouri, northeast Oklahoma with the Gayly Oklahoman, began working and northwest Arkansas with a viable voice. at the Metro Star serving as Copy Editor, It was just a digest size black and white news writer, working in ad sales, photography and and information magazine with just 12 pages, distribution primarily for the Oklahoma City four advertisers and a circulation under area, joined by writers Robin Dorner and 700 distributed in Joplin and Springfield, Jeanne Flanigan. Also coming on board in Missouri, Fayetteville, At’kansas, Pittsburg, Tulsa were writer Michael Sasser, distributor Kansas and Tulsa. Even then he lmew he Bill Francisco and photographer Judy ~vas getting into a challenging fidd where Gabbard. Later becoming the Metro Star in countless entrepreneurs had come and gone 2007, the paper had grown to a circulation in that region alone. Then as now in this area of 4000 to 5000, changed from a magazine of the United States gay newspapers deal with to a tabloid, had gained credibility as a limited advertising revenue because so many viable source of news and information for business owners are reluctant to be seen in a the GLBT community of Oklahoma which gay focused publication. "The limited revenue included national news along with local forced us ro rely on part time staff~vorking events and entertainment features. primarily as a labor of tove, which makes ir tough going," said Mr. \Yard. ........ Continued See METRO STAR Page- 15 t �22 o5 est Gay Rese .C S~rvice Road 2221 banain Follow us on Fac~book 2 January 1, 2011 Major Credit Cards Accepted �[] [] Paul ~ompson passes Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Away Leaving a lifetime of Service Association ~des Again ( 93 o20 0) For 25th ye~ars the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association has held this annual Memorial Day weekend event which celebrates gay cowboys & cowgirls with their friends. Held as always at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, the rodeo is like any other with regular roping and riding events, and unlike most others with campy "Drag Races" and goat dressing competitions. This rodeo now ranks among the top 4 rodeos of the International Gay Rodeo Association, which comprises over 20 rodeos in the United States and Canada. Kelly Kirby receives the Equality Oklahoma’s Lifetime Achievement Award Paul ~hompson was a well known activist for the GLBT community, starting from the early 1970s when he w~s arrested for public lewdness for publicly kissing a man on the neck. He fought his case and won, and he continued the rest of his life working to make things better not only" ~br the GLBT community but also other marginalized minorities. He had co-chaired OGLPC fiom 1992 until tis death on March 4 o~: this year. He also had co-chaired the OKC Pride Parade and Festival for many years, and was instrmnental in arranging the first one in 1987. In addition he was a tireless activist with the Oldahoma Democratic Party:, was an active board member ~vith the Oklahoma City chapter of the NAACP and also served on the Martin Luther King Parade Committee. His life made a major impact on the lives and future of GLBT Oldahomans and others seeking justice and equality. Cimarron Alliance Foundation acquires new once and gets a new Director Cimarron Alliance dates back to its original formation in 1995, beginning then as a Political Action Committee striving to promote gay or gay friendly candidates and legislation in Oklahoma. In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed in order to enable the organization to accept tax deductible contributions and work towards educational efforts for the GLBT community and Oklahomans in general about their issues. They acquired their first office this year at 729 N.W. 17th Street, and also hired their first fulltime Executive Director, Scott Hamilton. He strives to keep the Foundation going strong during these tough times stating, "You keep going because the needs do not abate just because money is tight. If you bdieve in social justice that doesn’t stop until there is justice." At their 30th annual Equality Gala Banquet, Equality Otdahoma bestowed their Lifetime Achievement Award on Kelly Kirby. A veteran and successful businessman xvith his own accounting firm, he was honored for over 20 years of activism on behalf of the GLBT community in Tulsa. Not going overboard he stated modestly afterwards, " I would have to say that at 56 years old the word lifetime is a bit daunting." entertainrnent scene for over 30 years. A wild emcee never caught short for a wisecrack or snappy comeback, she has delighted audiences in a style all her own. Today she still reigns as the emcee Saturday nights at the Boom, a proud Oklahoma tradition that truly did it her way. Pride Parade and Festival Celebrated in Tulsa On June 5 Tulsa held their 14th Pride Parade, followed by their biggest festival yet in Centennial Park. N~is year their Parade Marshall was the Reverend Martin Lavanhar, Senior Pastor of Allsouls Unitarian Church of Tulsa. He was honored for his courage shown when he spoke at a conference in Uganda rallying against efforts by that nation to make homosexuali .ty a crime punishable by the death penalty. Aiding a sister Unitarian church in Uganda for this cause was a very risky undertaking but he felt he had to make a stand saying, "I’m 4! years old and I%e never been called upon to go overseas to risk my life for freedom. In some ways this was that kind of call." When he returned safely Toby Jenkins, the Director of Equality Oldahoma stated, "We had to hono~ this wonderful man, to let people know that this straight minister fi’om Oldahoma was only one of m,o ministers who was at this conference in Uganda." Enid gets their first GLBT Commtmky Center, and holds their first Pride Celebration One might not think a town like Enid, well known for its conservatism, grain elevators and their powerful football team( the Enid Plainsman) as a place for a gay scene, but yet this has emerged. Enid High School has a Gay/Straight Alliance, a local P-Flag Chapter ( Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and now a GLBT community center called simply the Center at 1319 S. V3n Buren. Everything fi’om HIV testing to dances are held there, ~long with many groups now forming tip. ~ihis year Enid celebrated their 2nd Pride Festival as Meadowlake Park came to life with vendors and entertainers followed by an evening firewor~ sho,a: This time over 400 people came to savor the solidarity and enjoy the fun. SSRA Rodeo -Back a~er 5 years in Grand Style Back after 5 years, the Sooner State Rodeo Association was again in full swing. Hosted this time by the Ramada Inn East, the event was held on October’s first weekend at the Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort in Sperry. Founded in 2002, SSRA is a member of the International Gay Rodeo Association. 0 Y A CONGREGATION OF THE ~N~T~D CHURCH OF CHRIST Join us Sundays at 6pro 3901 NW 63rd St www.cohokc.com God is still speaMng, Oklahoma City holds their 23rd Annual Pride Parade and Festival From humble beginnings in 1987, the Oklahoma Pride Parade and Festival once again brought people together to parry, reminisce, and stand together. N~is year it was accompanied by the banners of Cimarron Alliance displayed on the lampposts along the parade route on Classen Boulevard. N~is time it also began with an outrageously fun block party on Friday night June 25th on the 39th Street Strip, follmved by the Festival in Memorial Park Saturday and Sunday which is the beginning point of the Parade. The Parade ~cked off on grand style at 5 p.m., much glamorized by this year’s Grand Marshall, Ginger Lamar. Miss Lamar ( a,k,a, Queen Supreme, Beauty with a Bite, Queen of the F---king Universe) has been a mainstay in the OKC Ban ’uptcv ® Civil Rights ~Criminal Empi~ ’ment ® Family Law ® Litigation January 1, 2011 i 3 �School Board brilliant procedure of legislative maneuvering, got this legislation stopped. He had this to say as to why-- "There are pastors who wear the veil of Chrisrianity who support this legislation. As a Christian this offends me because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for that." Mr. Shelton later received Cimarron Alliance’s Legislator of the Year Award, an honor shared with State Senator Judy Eason McIntyre of Tulsa. Oldahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Moves from Surv " va Mode back to Recovery As a well known activist who has proudly marched in OKC’s Pride Parade carrying a sign that says "Gay Teacher", Joe Quigley has for years been a tireless advocate for equality and safe schools for all students, including those GLBT or perceived to be. For this he has gained the respect and admiration of not only the GLBT community but also that of countless of fair-minded Oklahomans. A teacher with the Oklahoma City School District since 1994 with 10 years of satisfactory appraisals, he was at Northwest Classen High School when in May of 2009 the Oklahoma City School Board voted to fire him. Although they claimed it was for poor performance, Mr. Quigley and his supporters saw it as a ruse to get rid of him due to his advocacy for GLBT students. With the help of the American Federation of Teachers he took them to court where District Judge Barbara Swinton not only ruled in his favor, but apologized to him on behalf of how he was treated by the district. The District appealed, and. Judge Swinton’s ruling was upheld. The Oklahoma City School Board has now appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. At this time Mr.Quigley is now in a permanent position teaching English at Douglass High School; During late 2009 and into this year, the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus ( known as OGLPC) was in survival mode. Formed in the early 1980s, the group had a long history of advocacy and education for the GLBT community, and was most famous for their voter guides mailed out to GLBT voters and their allies. However, during 2009 and into this year attendance had fallen to the point that the group could not function. Paul Thompson, who had been the male co-chair of the group since 1992, was trying to revive the group when he passed away during March of this year. Determined to carry on the legacy of OGLPC, co-chairs Jeanne Flanigan and Steven Dubois have been working to rebuild the group, and to reform it as a PAC ( Political Action Committee) that ~vill enable OGLPC to do fulfill their goals more effectively. They look forward greater milestones ahead. N Brittany Novomy labeling it "obscene." She also graced the front page of the Metro Star when she presented her Proclamation for Morality at the Oklahoma State Capitol, which claimed that America’s economic woes were due to "abortion~ pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse and other forms of debauchery." In 2010 Brittany Novotny threw her hat in the ring to give District 84 voters a choice. An Oklahoma Cite~ attorney and activist with the Young Democrats, she was the first transgendered person ever to run for public once in Oklahoma. However she made it a point not to focus on that issue, but rather on things that she felt mattered more for average raional Oldahomans like jobs, education and transportation that Sally had neglected due to her focus of social issues. AJthough she lost to Ms.Kern in the Red Sweep of the November general elections, BrittaW still made history and will no doubt make more in the future. Tramps continues the Proud Tradition of Have Representative Sally Kern Discrimination Policy for City Employees On June 17 the Tulsa Cit-y Council voted 6-3 to adopt a nondiscrimination policy for municipal employees on the basis of sexual orientation, ,~though in 1975 then Mayor Robert LaFortune commissioned a report recommending adoption of this policy; the report was rejected Iia 1994 the Tulsa GLBT community participated in formal hearings in favor of this policy, only to be denied again. The Tulsa Human Rights Commission had been recommending this change for over 15 years. I~a-is Wilmes, Oklahomans for Equality’s Advocacy Director stated, "This makes such a strong statement to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and sensible island in a state that is often ridiculed for being intolerant and unjust towards marginalized populations." Tulsa now joins other Oklahoma cities who have this policy for their employees, Del City, Mtus, McAlester, Miami, Noble and Vi.nita. a Heart An annual event of love happens . appropriately each year around Valentine’s Day at Tramps with their Have a Heart Benefit Show and Auction. It began as the creation of the late Larry Crosby, then a coowner of Tramps and Sister Gall Addis who was then with Catholic Charities’ Loaves and Fishes Program, which provided meals ~’~r those living with HIV.Although Larry has passed away his sister, Canaille Rohn who is still a part owner of Tramps, along with the stat~" and many volunteers again made this event a fabulous success. This year over $8,000 was raised. made history when she ran against State Tulsa adopts Non- Richard Ogden sworn in an Oldahoma Regent Tulsa School Board Votes for GLBT clusive Nondiscrimination Policy During September the Tulsa School Board voted unanimously to include GLBT persons in their nondiscrimination/anti-bullying policy for teachers, students and parents. Tami Marler, a spokesperson for the Tulsa Public Schools, stated that this change was made in accordance with recommendations by the Civil Rights Office of the U.S. Department of Education. With this measure they now join the school districts of Norman and Oklahoma City ~vho also have this policy, . although Oklahoma City’s policy goes further in also protecting gender identity. [ N O ahoma attempts Exemption from Federal Hate Crimes Law In October of 2009 Presiden{ obama signed into taw expanded Federal Hate Crimes protections to include real or perce@ed sexual orientation or gender identity as well as disabilit)’ and gender. Although this was hailed by the GLBT community and other activists as a long overdue step forward, it was also condemned by some religious groups and other conservatives nationwide who claimed that this measure promoted homosexuality and stifled fi’ee speech. Oklahoma was no exception, and in early 2010 State Senator Steve Russell introduced legislation to exempt Oldahoma from this provision, prohibiting Oklahoma law enforcement authorities from cooperating with the Federal government investigating these ty-pes of hate crimes. After overwhehning passage in the Senate, it went to the State House of Representatives where State Representative Mike Shelton, in a Sally Kern had already made a name for herself long before she sha@d a spotlight with Brittany. First elected in 2004 as a self described "Kernse~-~ative", she gained international notoriety’ after a speech she gave to a Republican gathering was secretly taped and posted on youtube. This speech stated that "gays are a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam"and that "no societ~r" that has embraced homosexuality has lasted for more than a few decades."She led the charge to get the book "King and King" ( ~ story" for children about a gay prince) removed from the Children’s Section of Oklahoma County- Libraries, Openly gay attorney and longtime activist Richard Ogden was appointed by Governor Brad Henry to the Board of Regents of the Regional University" System of Oklahoma on June 10. He was sworn in by District Judge Barbara Sxvinton. As a regent Mr. Ogden will be part of that governing board which is responsible for the hiring of university presidents. "At Century 2t Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPL~ 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 �By Rex Wockner Dan Choi hospitalized Activist Dan Choi. Wockner photo Leading Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell activist Dan Choi said Dec. 14 that he was committed to a veterans hospital psychiatric ward on Dec. 10, the day after the U.S. Senate again refused to authorize repeal of the DADT ban on open gays in the military. On Dec. 18, the Senate reversed course and voted 65-31 to authorize the repeal. (See separate story.) In an on-the-record e-mail sent from his iPhone, Choi said he had experienced "a breakdown and anxiety, attack." "(T)he failures of government and national lobbying carry consequences far beyond the careers and reputations of corporate leaders, elected o~cials, high powered lobbyists or political elites." Choi wrote. "They ruin lives. My breakdown was a result of a cumulative array of stressors but there is no doubt that the composite betrayals felt on Thursday, by elected leaders and gay organizations as wel! as many who have exploited my name for their marketing purposes, have added to the result." Choi was released from the hospital several days later and sounded like himself in a telephone interview with CNN on Dec. 18. Activists hope to force teaching of gay history A bill introduced in the California Legislature by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, would require that LGBT people be fairly and accurately included in school teaching material. ~ihe measure is sponsored by Equality California and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network. ~ae bill also prohibits the State Board of Education from using instructional material that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. EQCA said that if enacted, the law "would add LGBT to the existing list of underrepresented cultural and ethnic groups (that) are covered by current la~v related to inclusion in textbooks and other instructional materials in schools." "LGBT people should not be pushed into the closefwhen it comes to what students learn about history," said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. "Educating youth about the contributions of LGBT Californians and our state’s rich diversity will help foster true acceptance of LGBT students and will ultimately create a safe school environment for all students." GSA Network Executive Director Carolyn Laub added, "LGBT youth are denied a fair education xvhen they are exposed to harmful stereotypes in classroom materials and are excluded from learning about their history." Leno said that "most textbooks don’t include any historical information about the LGBT movement." "Our collective silence on this issue perpetuates negative stereotypes of LGBT people and leads to increased bullying of young people," he said. "We can’t simultaneously tell youth that it’s OK to be yourself and live an honest, open life when we aren’t even teaching students about historical LGBT figures or the LGBT equal rights movement." UN secretary-general, US ambassador attend LGBT event United Nations Secretary-General Ban Yd,moon and the United States’ U.N. ambassador. Susan Rice. joined a high-level U.N. panel Dec. 10 that condemned anti-gay violence and the criminalization of same-sex relations. The Human Rights Day event was hosted by several nations and organized by the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Human Rights Watch and other organizations. "Violence will end only when we confront prejudice," Ban said. "Stigma and discrimination will end only when we agree to speak out. That requires all of us ro do our part -- to speak out at home, at work, in our schools and communities." "Where there is tension between cultural attitudes and universal human rights, universal human rights must carry the day," he said. "Personal disapproval, even society’s disapproval, is no excuse to arrest, detain, imprison, harass or torture anyone -- ever. ... Human Rights Day commemorates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is not called the Partial Declaration of Human Rights. It is not the Sometimes Declaration o~ Human Rights. It is the Universal Declaration, guaranteeing all human beings their basic human rights, without exception." Rice told the gathering: "The story of my country is, in part, a story of the expanding boundaries of rights and dignity -- of the way that discrimination and prejudice have been countered by acceptance and equality. I feel dais deeply and I feel it very personally. Even at a time of profound challenges at home and abroad, we dare not give up on the great causes of equality and fundamental rights. And that includes the pursuit of full and equal rights for the millions of people in this country and around the world ,vho are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender." "Change," Rice said, "comes from people ... who refuse to move to the back of the bus. It comes from the leaders, the activists, and the ordinary men and women who believe that all human beings have equal worth, equa! dignity, equal consequence -- and equal rights. This conviction underpins the significant steps that the United States has taken over the past two decades to advance the human rights of all of those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender." The event was sponsored by U.N. missions from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, France, Gabon, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and the United States and by the Delegation of the European Commission. Illinois passes civil-union law The Illinois Legislature passed a civilunion bill Dec. 1 and Gov. Pat Quinn said he will sign it into law. Gay or straight couples wilt be able to enter into a civil union starting in July. The unions will carry the san~e state-level rights as marriage. ~ae vote in the Senate was 32-24. ~e vote in the House of Representatives was 61-52. "(These days), legislator after legislator talks about ’my gay daughter;’ ’my gay brother,’" Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy Rick Garcia told Windy City Times. "The most politically powerful thing gay people can do is to come out to family and friends .... Illinoisans are middle-of-the-road, very steadfast folks, so [ think {’this bill~ passage) bodes well for our community across the country." Freedom to Marry Executive Director Evan Wolfson ~velcomed the new iaw as a "step," but said "civil union is no substitute" for marriage. "States that have created civil union as a means of both giving and withholding -providing legal protections wMle withholding the freedom to marry and all its meaning -- have found that civil union falls far short of marriage vcith al! its tangible and intangible significance in our lives," Wolfson said. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley sounded a similar note Dec. 2, saying: "Eventually marriage will take place. It has to be .... We have to move faster." Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C. In addition, New York and Maryland recognize same-sex marriages that take place elsewhere in the nation or world. Civil-union or domestic-partnership laws that grant all state-level rights of marriage are in place in California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington. Laws that grant same-sex couples some of the rights of marriage are in place in Colorado, Hawaii and Maine. California is a further case unto itself. Same-sex marriage was legal from June to November 2008, when voters amended the state constitution via Proposition 8 to put a stop to it. The couples who married then are still legally married, as are other same-sex couples who live in California and got married anywchere in the world before Prop 8 passed. Gay couples who married somewhere else after Prop 8 passed, or ~vho marry elsewhere in the future, receive every state-level right and obligation of marriage in California except for the legal right to call their marriage a "marriage" when they are in California. They are not recognized under the state’s domestic partnership law, but rather are married.cou,p, les who are denied use of the word "marriage. N January 1, 2011 5 �O ahomans Eqt ality hires new Execrative ~e Board of Directors of Equal:t). Oklahoma hired Toby Jenkdns as their new Execut@e Directoi; beginning his duties October 1 .He had served on their Board of Directors since 2008 and has a 13 year history of volunteering for the organization. He has been employed at the Tulsa County Courthouse :[))r 18 years and has for the past 11 years served as the Civil Appeals Court Clerk to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice and a BA degree in Biblical Linguistics and Pastoral Studies. He also holds a masters degree in theolo~~ and has done graduate work in the Sociology of Aging. He has 2 married children and a granddaughter. He is glad to be there stating, "It~ a great honor to work for an organization that saves lives every day. I believe we must do more tO address to needs of our community and challenge them to step up to volunteer service." Norm Teenager commits Suicide af,er Ci W Co nci Meeting Abo t GLBT History On September 27 the Norman City Council voted 7-1 to approve a proclamation ~br GLBT History Month. The Norman Human Rights Commission wrote the proclamation after much deliberation, and there was a great deal of positive publicity concerning the Council’s action. Howevm; this approval met with strong opposition from some Norman residents who showed up at that meeting to air their protests, many using stereotypical and negat@e references to homosexuality. This was wimessed by Zach Harrington, a 19 year old gay Norman resident who had heard similar sentiments when he had been bullied as a student at Norman North High School. Although his parents, Van and Nancy Harrington and his sister Nikki were aware of and supportive of his lifestTle, the sentiments he heard expressed yet again apparently were too much and he took his life at his parents’ home October 10. A candlelight vigil was held for him October 13. Margaret Cox, Don & Mick Schirron honored at the Cimarron Alliance Awards Gala Margaret Cox was honored with the Cimarron .Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award for many years spent to help women achieve equality through her work with the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Organization for \7~/omen, and for ~vork helping the GLBT community through Herland Sister Resources and Cimarron Alliance. Also honored as Legislators of the Year were State Representative Mike Shelton and State Senator Judy Eason Mclntyre. Don Hawkins and Mick Schirron received the Media Avcard as former owners of the Gayly Oldahoman, which began operation in 1983 and was Oklahoma’s longest lasting and largest GLBT newspaper. Beginning as a monthly paper with a circulation of 4000, it later grew to a biweekly publication with a circulation of 10,000. Due to a changing business climate and personal commitments, Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Schirron sold the Gayly in 2006 to Andrew Hiclcs and the late Heather Harp of Tulsa. Although reincorporated, the paper resumed operation in March 15 2006 and ceased publication in December 15 of that same year. Currently the Oklahoma Historical Society is copying an entire set of the Gayly OHahomans on microfilm. "First ursday" Art Opening and E ibit of Original Works by Tulsa World Editorial be investigated or discharged under this discriminatory law. :.. Certification and the 60-day congressional requirement must be wrapped tip no later than the first quarter of 2011." Sarvis called the repeal of the ban "the defining civil rights initiative of this decade." Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart called the I7-year fight to overturn the ban "a heroic political battle by LGBT advocates who refused to give up." In a statement Defense Secretary Robert Gates said: "Once this legislation is signed into law by the president the Department of Defense will immediately proceed with the planning necessary to carry out this Change carefully and methodically, but purposefully: This effort will be led by Dr. Clifford Stanley, Undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. The legislation @ provides that repeal will take effect once the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that implementation of the TULSA, OK (PR) __ The January" new policies and regulations written by the Oldahomans for Equality (OlcEq) showcase department is consistent with the standards and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. "Each Step Brings Hope" was the theme of military readiness, military effectiveness, Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in for the AIDSXX/-alk 2010 which took place unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention downtown Tulsa), will feature works by Tulsa September I9 for the 12th year of this of the armed forces .... I will approach this World Editorial Cartoonist Bruce Plante. event. Previously held in October, the date process deliberately and xvill make such Bruce lcnew, while growing up in ,vas moved up and the location changed to certification only after careful consultation Texarkana, Ark., that drawing and humor the Sonic Plaza in Bricktown, this time also with the military service chiefs and our were in his future: He began drawing accompanied by a 5K run that morning. cartoons in the second grade and began combatant commanders and when I am Money raised from this event goes to help performing standup comedy in the sixth satisfied that those conditions have been met those in the OHahoma City area infected grade. and/affected by HIM for all the Services, commands and units. It is As a sophomore at the University therefore important that our men and women of Arkansas Bruce became the editorial in uniform understand that while today’s cartoonist for the Arkansas Traveler, the historic vote means that this policy will school newspaper. He graduated the change, the implementation and certification University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of process will take an additional period of time. Arts in 1977. In 1985, Bruce became the first In the meantime, the current law and policy staffeditorial cartoonist for The Chattanooga will remain in effect." As a longtime club owner, activist and Times and held that position for 22 years. Obama issued-a statement that said: On Oct. 22, 2007 Bruce was lured entertainer Arnold Lee Smith, best known "Today, the Senate has taken an hist~oric step away from Chattanooga to Tulsa, taking the as Arna Lee, left a legacy of pride, hope and toward ending a policy that undermines position of edit0i:ial cartoonist.for the Tulsa fond memories for GLBT OHahomans. our national security while violating the World, replacing the late Doug Marlette. He was a pioneer, spearheading efforts that very ideals that our brave men and women In 1989, he creatdd Plante Ink syndicate won Oklahoma City’s GLBT community in uniform risk their lives to defend. By which distributes his editorial cartoons to 40 many freedoms they now take for granted. ending Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell, no longer subscribers throughout the United States. When he was a club owner, with a club will our nation be denied the service of His cartoons have been reprinted in The New called Lee’s Lounge in the early 1960s, he thousands of patriotic Americans forced to York Times, USA Today;The %~ashington endured relentless police harassment and leave the militao; despite years of exemplary never backed down. Longtime partiers Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los performance, because they happen to be ga}~ Angeles Times, Newsweek, Newsweek remember police raids where he was arrested International (Europe), Newsweek Japan, and no longer will many thousands more be along with his customers, and he would asked to live a lie in order to serve the country Playboy; Sports Illustrated, Discover, CBS, bail them out along with himself and CNN, college and high school textbooks and re-open his bar that same night. Later he they love. As commander-in-chief, I am also even the Iowa Achievement Test. opened Oklahoma’s first premier showbar, absolutely convinced that making this change the Roadhouse, where many big name will only underscore the professionalism of In 1985, Bruce won Showtime’s Funniest Oklahoma entertainers got their start. Later our troops as the best led and best trained Person in Aa’aerica Contest. He performed he also owned a steamy dance club called standup for 4 years for audiences as large fighting f6rce the world has ever known. the Outrigger from 1979 until 1981. as 3,000 and speak~s to more than 30 civic And I join the secretary of defense and the After a sojourn in Florida, he opened groups and schools every year. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; as well another bar complex also called nostalgically The show begins with a reception on as the overwhehning majority of service the Roadhouse in 1995, which closed after ~lt~ursday, JanualT 6th from 6-9pm and members asked by the Pentagon, in knowing a year of operation, and then went partly continues throughout the month, www.okeq. that we can responsibly transition to a new into retirement, still doing shows in various org policy while ensuring our military strength clubs for many good causes. \ghen his heath and readiness. It is time to close this chapter failed and he entered the Norman Veterans in our history. It is time to recognize that Center Nursing Home, he passed away sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more October 3 I. He was missed by his many defined by sexual orientation than they are by friends, and honored because he madea race or gendm; religion or creed. It is time to difference for the GLBT community of al!ow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their Oldahoma. country openly." Cartoonist o Bruce Planteo AIDS Walk O ahoma Arnold ’%rna Lee" Smith passes away at 83 Free help �By Steven Petrow &even Petrozv is tt§e author of"The Essential Boot: of Gay Manners &Etiquette. Send him your questions at qUeerieS@live.com. is not to hook-up; you’re making a political statement. ¯ Follow the leader: Breal~ only one rule at a time. Don’t go rogue on your comrades, (i.e. no name-calling, clashing with police). ° Be clean and kissable: Bring your breath mints; you may be kissing a lot of strangers. Don’t hog the best kissers. If everyone else is moving on to a new partner, it’s time to let go. "Too affectionate at the mall?" Elton John to sing against Prop 8 Elton John will perform a private concert in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 19 to raise money for the ongoing federal lawsuit against Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in California. ~tle concert, to benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rigi~ts, which hired the gay side’s superstar attorneys, Ted Olson and David Boles, will take place at the Green Acres estate of billionaire political fundraiser Ron Burlde. "We are deeply honored to have the support of Sir Elton John," said AFER Board President Chad Griffin. ’!The American Foundation for Equal Rights stands for the enduring principle that all Americans are created equal, and believes that ending statesanctioned discrimination is a critical step we must tal~e toward ending the hate crimes and suicides that continue to claim the lives of young Americans." John has not always been a supporter of same-sex marriage. On Nov. 12, 2008, eight days after voters passed Prop 8, he told USA Today: "What is wrong with Proposition 8 is that they went for marriag.e Marriage is going to put a lot of people off, the word ’marriage’. ... I dont want to be married. I m very happy with a civil partnership. If BY people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership .... Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships." Prop 8 was struck down as unconstitutional at the federal district court level. The ruling is currently on appeal at the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which heard oral arguments on Dec. 6. For concert ticket information, e-mail events@afer.org. 3131 January 1, 2011 I 7 �AffirmingChurch in Owasso expands ministry to gay OWASS0;OK (PR)~ ~.Table UCC h~ ~0urd~ and ~fi~ort for G~TQS~yo~t~ ~i~i~)~e Youth gr~U~ is c~i~ ~nPlace. ~ey m;et0n F~i~ay ev~fiings from 6:30pm t0 8~00pm. B~ginning the 3rd Monday in Janua~ they will have k PF~G meeting from 7’8 p.m. Rev Melinda Foster leads the congregation and they meet at 202 S Cedar, Suite E, Ow~so OK 74q55. Rev. Melinda Foster can be reached at 918-6930458. For more information visit: http://opentableucc.com/ Nommanons Comm ity Heroes TULSA, OK (PR) Oklahomans for Equality is now taldng nominations to recognize individuals or groups who have made an impact on the work for equality for the LGBT community. These awards are presented at the annual Equality Gala on April 30, 2011, Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom. The following awards are presented: Lifetime Achievement AwardRecognizes a lifetime dedication tothe cause of equality for LGBT community in O~ahoma. Past recipients include Nancy McDonald, Dennis Neill and Kelly Kirby. This award is nor always presented, annually. Community Heroes- Recognize ~hose individuals and groups who have represented or served our community Tulsa Eagle Staff ready to serve the crowd at thier 2009 New Years Eve Black & White Ball, in the previous year. Many of these and did they ever! hdroes have "taken a bullet" for our cause. Past recipients include Council Oak Mens Chorale, Jim Roth, Carol Crawford, Tim Williams, and Kelly Carter. The Russell Bennett Award for Spiritual Inclusion - Presented to a faith leader who leads and supports affirming the faith of the LGBT community in our local congregations. Past winners include Rev. Leslie Penrose, Rabbi Sherman and Rev. Richard Ziglar. Grand Marshal for the Tulsa Gay Pride Parade June 11 th- Recognizes an individual who has supported the LGBT community in a courageous and visible manner. Past recipients have been 11 year old Noah Blatt and the Rev Marlin Lavanhar for his advocacy work for the gay community in Uganda. You can download a form at http://www.okeq.org/wp-content/ Sooner &ate Softball Association Games promised an ex’citing summer 2010. Shown above is uploads/2010/12/nominationform. pdf Please return completed form to: Oklahoma Chaos Team of Oklahoma Ci~ Gorin photo Oklahomans for Equality PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 or email paul. allen@okeq.org ............. MORE Photo’s on page 11 8 January 1, 2011 Rev S eve spirit of Christ MCC uric 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and Blessed Day! �January 1, 2011 �Creep of the Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne ~tkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. Shes a J~eelance zortter and poet (believe ~t:9. When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world she reviews rock ~’ toll shows in Detroit with her ~oin sister "John McCain" I wish I still had my dog-eared and policy has been damaging the military is tattered copy of Conduct Unbecoming so I simply false." could send it to John McCain. Not that he’d Tell that to the thousands of gays and bother ro read it. The U.S. military’s vicious lesbians who have been booted out of the anti-gay history with its vcitch-hunts and military since "don’t ask, don’t tell" was outright persecution of gay service members enacted. According to Servicemembers Legal probably isn’t of much interest to McCain. Defense Network, that number is upwards Especially since "don’t ask, don’t tell" solved of 14,000. You may recall everything. Don’t you dare try "R’s cal~ed ’don’t ~ that in 2002, amid a severe to tell him anything different. k, don’t te~,’ okay? shortage of Arabic-speaking During a Nov. 28 you don’t ask appearance on "State of the translators, the Army fired Ithern, you don’t ask Union" with host Candy six linguists trained in IsorneSody, and they Crowley, McCain actually Arabic simply because they had the audacity to claim that ~.on’t tell." ~ were gay. "don’t ask, don’t tell" is an Apparently McCain sees effective policy that doesn’t harm anyone, gay this as some kind of success. "The fact is that or straight, and that the call for its repeal is this system is working," he told Crowley. just politics. McCain repeatedly stressed that he "There was no uprising in the military," he wanted to know what the effect ~vill be of said. "There were no problems in the military letting gays serve openly - and that’s the with ’don’t ask, don’t tell.’" "If you were gay it was a problem," operative word, "openly." Because gays Crowley interjected. already serve in the military, they just have "No it wasn’t," McCain snapped. "It’s the weight of a government-mandated closet called ’don’t ask, don’t tell,’ okay? If you don’t on their backs threatening to tumble open ask them, you don’t ask somebody, and they and ruin their careers ar any moment. don’t tell." "I believe we need to assess the effect on Got that? It works. End of story. the morale and battle effectiveness of those Crowley tried to ask McCain something young Marines and’Army people I met at else, but he cut her off. forward-operating bases that are putting their "I understand your point of view. I lives on the line every day," he said. Never understand the poil~t of view by the majority of the media," he said. "But the fact is, mind that some of these "young Marines and this was a political promise made by an Army people" are probably gay. inexperienced president or candidate for McCain Said he has had "a number of" presidency of the United States." military folks come up ro him and say, "Look, In other words, it’s all Obama’s fault. He’s we fight together, we sleep together, we ear too young to know what a good idea it is to together." His choice of anecdotes illustrates discriminate against homos in the military. one of the main concerns ofhomophobes: Why, when McCain was Obama’s age he had that homosexuality is contagious, and the to walk 15 miles in the snow uphill both ways best way to guard against it is to make sure in order to make a campaign promise likd you never l~ow when and if it’s around you that. and to punish gays and lesbians who dare "The military is at its highest point make such an enormous sacrifice to serve the in recruitment and retention and country. professionalism and capability," McCain ~s continued. "So to somehow allege that this L 0 L Y L A C A L N Y G T A T S 10 January 1, 2011 T A T �F ash Back @Alibis, OKCJune 2010. Godn ghoto @the Copa, OKCfidy 2010. Gorin photo Toby Jenkins, President, Oklahomans for Equality and Oklahoma State Representative Al 3/IaAd~ey at the 30th Equality Gala, Tulsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella [m~es @ Finishline, OKCJanua,y 2010. Gorin ghoto Miss Bamboo 2011 @ the Bamboo Lounge ~dsa November 2010. Staffphom Kel~ Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement Award, p,~sented by N,znoy McDonald @ the 30Anniversary Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo 3det,v Star Staff" Untertaine. @ Ledo. O {C April 2010 Open Arms Youth Project hosts P?vm Night. P,vm Queen, Brenda "G,andma" Bolen and Prom I~%tg, Kim W,§#enhunt. Judy G. Photo 20 OI Gon,, photo @ A~tes OKC]anuary 2010. Godn photo Sooner State Rodeo Association at the 2010 Tulsa Pride Parade. Judy G photo @ Club Majestic, Tulsa January 2010, fi~dy G. photo Hot Dancers @ 77~e End Up, ~dsa March 2010. ~affphoto Ginger Lamar, Grand 3darshall 2010 OKC Pride. Do,wer photo Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association @ the Habana hzn Pool Party 3day 2010. Godn photo Best Wishes For 2011, From The Metro Star Team @ Club 209, ~dsaJanua,7 2010, Ju4y G. photo �By Rex Wockner* class of citizens and put them in a separate category." California gives same-sex couples all the of marriage under a domesticpartnership law, but prohibits gay couples from marrying. Under another law. gay couples who go get married somewhere else also receive all the California rights of marriage but are prohibited from calling their marriage a marriage 9t,§-Gtvuit Federal Court, AP pool photo @Eric Risberg in California. Yet other gay couples, who got married in The effort to undo California’s Proposition California or somewhere else before Prop 8 inched forward Dec. 6 when a three-judge 8 passed, are considered to be married in panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of California and are permitted to use the word. Appeals entertained nearly three hours of oral It’s very messy. arguments from the attorneys in the case. All of this is discriminatory, Olson said. In an ornate courtroom on the third floor It harms gay Californians. ~here is no legal of San Francisco’s historic James R. Browning rational basis for it. It cannot be "justified," U.S. Courthouse, amid murals, stained glass he said. "California has built a fence around and statues dating to 1905, the attorneys its gay and lesbian citizens and around the replayed some of their main arguments and institution of marriage," Olson told the the judges offered hints of where the case judges. "That is a violation of the equalmight go. protection clause and it’s a violation of the The gay side’s lawyers, who include due-process clause." famed attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles, Attorney Charles Cooper for the Prop 8 sought to defend U.S. District Judge Vaughn proponents told the judges that his case in Walker’s ruling from August that Prop 8 defense of Prop 8 centers on "procreation." violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of In Coopers view, it is rational for the equal protection and due process. state to limit marriage to men and women They also argued that the parties who because the reason marriage exists in the first brought the appeal to the 9th Circuit -- the place is because sex between men and women activists who created Prop 8 and the deputy produces children. ~e state, he suggested, county clerk of Southern California’s dusty has a unique interest in human unions that Imperial County -- have no legal "standing" are procreative. to have mounted this appeal of Walker’s At the end of the day, court-watchers were ruling. talking about three things that piqued their Those parties are trying to defend Prop curiosity during the oral arguments: 8 because all the public ot~cials who were * Will the case be delayed so the 9th sued in the case -- including Gov. Arnold Circuit panel can sound out the California Schwarzenegger and Attorney General (and Supreme Court on the question of whether Gov.-elect) Jerry Brown -- have refused to people who put initiatives on the ballot defend the voter-passed state constitutional should be able to defend those initiatives amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage when they are struck down by courts? in November 2008 after it had been legal Regardless of whether the judges seek advice for 4 1/2 months and after t8,000 same-sex from the California Supreme Court, the case couples had married. ¯ cannot proceed if the 9th Circuit decides that It is unclear if the court will grant the neither the Prop 8 proponents nor Imperial Prop 8 proponents or Imperial County County has legal standing to appeal. If they standing to allow the appeal to move forward. do not, Walker’s ruling striking down Prop 8 ~e judges seemed unimpressed by Imperial would come back into force. County’s desire to be let into the case. Among * In hearing the appeal of Walker’s ruling, other things, they seemed annoyed that the will the 9th Circuit rely solely on Walker’s deputy county clerk rather than the actual expansive trial record, which seems to clerk is pursuing the move. demolish most of the myths, lies, arguments As to whether the people who put Prop 8 and opinions that historically have been used on the ballot should be allowed to step into to oppress gay and lesbian people? Or will the shoes of the state government and defend the 9th Circuit look at additional sources of a piece of the state constitution that the state information and seek out other facts . ine itself refuses to defend, the judges hinted court hinted that it may review more than that they might bounce that question off of just the District Court’s findings. the California Supreme Court to see hmv it * And has the 9th Circuit perhaps hinted feels about the idea. If the 9th Circuit does that it plans to uphold \Valker’s decision but that, it could delay appellate rulings on both in a way that would limit the case’s impac~ to the standing issue and the merits of Walker’s California, the only state that ever let gays get decision. married and then later took that right away On the merits, Olson told the judges that from them? The court spent a fair amount of California has unconstitutionally "taken a Judges hint at Prop 8 case twists and turns 12 January 1, 2011 Ed Sikov is the author ofDark l/icto*_7; 7be Life ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!lms and fihnmakers. "Kahlua, Cream and Fiasco: -he White Russian" My cold lasted another week, so forget about literary reticence. Let the gross descriptions fly: Shot spewed out of my nose like raw scrambled eggs, only darke,; more translucent, and graced by tiny bloblets of blood. My lungs hacked up a hocker so gray it could have come out of an old coal miner. When I wasn’t wiping smears of sputura off my hands, sheets and nearby skin mags, ! contemplated my recent poor behavior. Dan was right: I’d become "an old-fashioned asshole." Dan was nothing but affectionate with me, even after I spat goose-shit-green mucous onto his pillow while he slept. He deserved better from me. So did my friends. When I stopped being viral, I invited Craig and Kyle to dinner. Surprisingl); Craig didn’t hang up on me when I called. "I’m sorry..." I began. He cut me off: "Listen, dollface - I’ll forgive you anything as long as you keep your tongue off my boyfriend." "Right-O!" I sang out, amxiery turning me strangely into Terry-Thomas in some British war comedy. "How about dinner here on Saturday? It’s Chicken Cacciatore and an after-dinner drink that doesn’t suck." All was well. Dinner xvas a disaster. Dan was late, so I had to wield the vacuum cleaner and a can of Pledge and set the table while trying to make what turned out to be an absurdly complicated "hunter’s style" chicken with only half the ingredients the recipe called for. (I hadn’t bothered with a shopping list. "Calling Dr. Freud! STAT!") The result was a greasy; taste-free horror - no wild mushrooms, no fresh sage or thyme, clumpy years-old garlic salt instead of garlic .... "Hunter’s style?" What were they hunting - something outof Oliver Twist? time discussing a 1996 case from Colorado in which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a state constitutional amendment that deprived gay people of anti-discrimination protections that Colorado governments previously had extended ro them. A "narrow" ruling against Prop 8 by the 9th Circuit could bring same-sex marriage back to California but possibly thwart Olson, Boles and the American Foundation for Equal Rights’ desire to take before the U.S. Supreme Court the proposition that samesex couples have a constitutional right to get married in all states. Lesbian becomes Colorado Supreme Court justice Monica Marquez became the first openly gay or l~sbian member of the Colorado~ Supreme Court when she was s~vorn in Dec. 10. Having tasted the cacciatore, I downed some Tormore Single Malt and became morose. But when Dan waltzed in mere minutes before Craig and Kyle were supposed to show up, my irrepressible life force returned. [ became hostile. Craig and Kyle thus entered during the second act of _Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf_, with me playing both George and Martha. I behaved terribly; Dan was rightly embarrassed. I might have summoned enough dignity not to spend the whole evening staring at the gap between Kyle’s bottom shirt button and his belt. a space out of which a perfect tuft of soft hair emerged. Craig noticed, much to his giee and my continuing disgrace. But dessert was fiibulous! Ttxe White Russian is one of my favorite cream-based cocktails because of its subtlety, simplicity and relative lack of.sweetness. It’s got a little Kahlua for a cafd au lair effect, vodka for some kick and thick, chilled heavy cream for the mouth-to-belly bliss that only cold dairy fat can provide. Still, two rounds of White Russians wasn’t enough to make up for hurling lettuce fragments and bacon chunks in Craig’s face after discovering that puppy Kyle had been gobbled up by Jabba the Hut. Am I still bitter? You bet your elephantine ass I am. ~-he White Russian 1 part Absolut 1/2 part coffee liqueur 1 part chilled heaW cream Put some ice in a shaker and add all the ingredients; put the cap on and swirl it around a bi{ rather than shake it. (After all, you’re not trying to make liquor butter.) Pour through strainer into a good-looking glass and serve. Her partner, Sheila Barthel, helped her put on her black robe at the ceremony. Marquez, 41, previously served as deputy attorney general. Spacey won’t discuss sexual orientation Actor Kevin Spacey told The Daily Beast on Dec. 15 that he’s not interested in discussing his sexual orientation. "I have not given up my right to privacy," Spacey said. "People have different reasons for the way they live their lives. You cannot put everyone’s reasons in the same box. It’s iust a line I’ve never crossed and never will." "You have to understand that people who choose not to discuss their personal lives are not living a lie." he continued. "That is a presumption that people jump ro .... I iust don’t buy into that the personal can be political. I just think that’s horseshit." �Chuck Breckenridge %q~cther buying or selling I’!1 work hard for you. !~-rk~_ra~~ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticValleyresor t .corn info @magneticvalleyresor t. com ING AROLINI~ NOW...BECAIJSE OF THE. CHANGES IF "/OIJ WANT TO RMIN THEN GO. e~il: bittergirl@qsyndicat e,com ty.net 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Downtown Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Centel; Tulsa Gay Center. ~M]rordable Homes and Apartments. For mo,:e Info~wmtion visit: www~aybn~dyheightsmha.com �By Jack Fertig Janua~ 20tl "Take a cSance on ~ove, Gemini!" Sun squaring Saturn adds the weight of age and responsibility, but Venus enters Sagittarius, leading affections and aesthetics toward new adventures. She gets in the middle of that square offering frivolous escape that can too easily complicate problems at hand, but she also offers some creative solutions. ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19): The responsibilities of work and relationships can feel oppressive. A romantic adventure is much needed. If partnered, plan a getaway. If single, a stern attitude can be sexy, but balance it with playful warmth. (Think gym coach!) TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20}: As hard as you’ve been working, you’re entitled to a much-needed release. Find an appropriate place to scream and let it all out. If you really need to beat someone there are eager victims. Just keep it safe and consensual. GEN~N~ (Nay 21o June 20): Play only for funsies. Don’t take any bets. but take a chance on love or a passionate facsimile. Incredible sex is no basis for a solid relationship. Take it one day at a time and see what else there is. November 22 - December 20): The money crisis will hit everyone. You may be worrying too much on a personal level. Focus on your personal assets, the kind you would still have even if you were penniless and naked. Never forget: You almost always fare better than most. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Life is tough, but don’t let current troubles wear you down. When you catch yourself worrying, channel that into constructive thought toward a solution. Stick to basics and remember what’s important. 14 January 1,201t 3 4 5 6 : 7 8 11 !2 24 25 26 54 55 /7 20 27 33 34 37 I 43 AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): The world’s troubles are the world’s, not necessarily your own. Discussing global and personal worries with friends will help balance it all out. For answers to the world’s problems and your own, look across borders and oceans. HSCES (February !9- Narch 19): Put your deep, dark imagination to work. Even in a bleak future there are opportunities. You can be inspired to find them for yourself and to guide others. Even if the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train you could ride it out. 46 48 49 56 57 53 58 63 Across Down "i[hree-men-in-a-tub event Oral attention getter So,s0 grade 14 Point of View intr0, at Gay.c0m 15 "Oh, ~,X?hat a Beautiful Morning" sin er 16 Prayer Stm~&r !7 Hides ofhai~T guys? t9 ~orkers under Barney Frank 20 He had a crush on Beatle John 1 Lettuce variety 2 US citizen 3 The king in N~e ~ng I. ~br one 4 Time for Frida 5 Fireplace rods 6 Bounds gaily 7 Deadly septe[ 8 HIV exam, e.g. 9 One that reproduces without sex t3 ’60s radical org. 18 Type of tool 34 "l~wo to one, }~r one 35 Cat on Tin RoOf 36 LacldngToc"ks ~, 37 E~rly g~atle song that expressed how 20Across irelt : LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): Even you may have inarticulate moments, but just take them as a creative challenge. A little playfulness can boost morale and productivity. Too much, not so good. If a few jokes and your dazzling smile aren’t enough, turn it up slowly. L~BRA (September 23 - October 22): The weight of the world seems to be on your shoulders. Opportunities can be hard to find, but they’re there! A lighthearted chat with a sister (genetic or otherwise) can help you get perspective. 2 14 CAPRICORN (December 21 - January- 19): You’re at the top of your game, but what’s next? The answer to that is not as urgent as it may seem. Relax, indulge in a romantic or sensual retreat, and the hard questions will gain perspective, CANCER (June 21o Ju~y 22): A strong sense of responsibility at home can be a millstone or a motivator. Go with the latter. Once you drag your tush into action, momentum will make the rest of it a lot easier. V~RGO (August 23 - September 22): Your best investment of time, energy and money is in your own home and community. Think ahead before taking on responsibilities. Spreading humor and good will at home or close by will help build your standing. ’1 2! .M. use for Millay 24 My Cup Runneth Over s~nger Whitrnan’s dooryard bloomers Community for People iving with H V/A DS A 50I c (3) Not] Profit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net the shaft a hottie �During the Metro Star’s time in publication Oklahoma and America has experienced great changes including two major elections, inclusion of GLBT persons among those with Federal Hate Crimes protection, the OKC and Tulsa School districts adopting policies protecting gay students from harassment and bullying, the tremendous growth of Oldahoma’s gay rights advocacy organizations and at presstime finally the end of legal discrimination for GLBT Americans in the US military. However as 2010 concludes on this happy note Chaz \gard, at age 7t, has made the decision to retire after publishing the newspaper for over 7 years. "It’s time for me to relax, I want to do some traveling, and will continue to help advance total equality for GLBT people." In conclusion the Metro Star wishes to say that they were proud to be part of the GLBT community of Oklahoma and the region, thanking our advertisers and readers for 7 great years. We come to a close xvith a recap of the highlights of 2010, and in this last issue we say thank you and we appreciate the support everyone has given us. Another endeavor has been their Cooking for Ct~ange Program which has been selling freshly made homemade tamales as a means for fundraising. A dozen tamales are only $24 and are available in pork, chicken or vegetarian style. Contact P-Flag to order some! P-Flag Enid also wants .to announce that nominations are open for their 2011 Stand Awards, which are open to GLBTQA individuals, businesses, organizations, media, artists and other categories of Oklahomans ~vho have improved life for the GLBT community in the state. They are also seeking similar groups interested in partnering with P-Flag as a Communty Parmer sponsor to keep the work of the Center going and growing. Enid P-Flag is a 501c3 organization so contributions are tax deductible. To contact Enid P-Flag one can call toll free 1 800 878 5298, or logon pflag@ enidglbt.org.. Flash Back I~cmr & Chaz 200~ January 1, 2011 �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document LOCAL NEWS N NAT[ON&L NEWS N WORLD NEWS ~{ L[FEST}[Lg ~5~ [~’[~ N , N THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA FlashBack The STAR Exclusive Lily Tomlin Intervie~v Front Cover March 2007......> Oklahoma News Flash Backs -Page 3-4 Photo Flash Backs - Page 8 & 11 VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1 Twitter.corn!MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com ~EE ! JANUARY 1,2011 Ask, on’ Tel heads By Rex Wockner Obama plans to sign the bill quickly, but that will nor end the ban. Gay servicemembers will need to stay in the closet for a few more months. After Obama signs the measure, he and the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must certify that the military is ready for the change and that it will not harm military readiness or effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting or member retention. Then after that DADT repeal will take effect 60 days later. Xhe process is expected to proceed relatively smoothly. "No longer will patriots be forced to lie in order to serve the country they love and are willing to die f?r," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "~his vote gy:the United Sta{es Senate will have Presi&nt Barack Obama. ~Wockn~rphoto extremely pOsitive rippl~ effects well b~yo~d " Dont Ask; Dont Tell. Our government has ,WA~SHINGTON, DC Don’t Ask, sent a powerful message that discrimination,,, Dont %11, the military’s ba~on open gays, " on any level, should not be tolerated lS " headed for the dustbin of history. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network The Senate voted 65-31 on Dec. 18 to authorize the policy’s repeal and sent the measure to President Barack Obama for his signature. Eight Republicans joined all but one Democrat in voting to repeal the ban. They were Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, Scott Brown of Massachusetts, Richard Burr of North Carolina, John Ensign of Nevada, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Lisa Murkowski ofAlaska and George Voinovich of Ohio. Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia did not vote. Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis called on the Pentagon to cease DADT discharges during the months between now and when repeal is finalized. "I respectfully ask Defense Secretary Robert Gates to use his a[tthority to suspend all Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell investigations during this interim period," Sarvis said. "Until the president signs the bill, until there is certification and until the 60-day congressional period is over, no one should ........Continued See DADT Page-5 Enid P-Flag Presents the 2011 Winter Bal ENID, OK On Saturday Night, January 22, 2011 Enid’s Symphony Hall will coine alive with the festivities of P-Flag’s (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) gala major event, the Winter Ball. N~e event runs from 8 p.m. until midnight and will include a live DJ, light food, a catered ba,; and a professional photographer to take photos of the partiers upon request. Tickets for the Ball are $10 and can be ordered by contacting Enid P-Flag. Xhis event is sponsored by Cross~valk United Church, Enid’s only official open and affirming church. Since opening in March of this year a~ 1319 S. Van Buren Enid’s GLBT community center, which is named simply, "N~e Center", has been busy and activities are growing. Through the Center Enid’s P-Flag chapter provides free counseling find mediation, and recently added free rapid HIV testing. Enid’s P-Flag is also partnering with other organizations through their Bridge Building Program for which GLBTWA youth and young adults sign up to assist people in need of help with tasks such as raking leaves, putting up or taking down holiday decorations, delivering hot meals or other useful activities. Not only does this program help provide needed volunteers, it also connects GLBTQA youth and young adults to the mainstream community and allows them to share their stories of diversity as the beneficiaries get to know them. During this holiday season food has been donated ftom the Center to the Horn of Plenty, which is Enid’s largest food bank. ........Continued See ENID Page-15 Metro to Retire F .er & By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Chaz Ward Founder and Publisher ofthe 7hlsa based Mewo Star Newspaper retires at 71. TULSA, OK __ "It’s the right time to retire. The business is changing and needs younger blood with nexv ideas. It’s been hard work but very rewarding to inform, unite and entertain the GLBT community of Oklahoma and the surrounding region." Chaz Ward When Mr. Ward decided ro start a GLBT focused newspaper he did so with mixed hopes, appropriate apprehensions, and small beginnings. The purpose for starting this enterprise as the Ozarks Star in 2003 was to provide the unrepresented gay community of southxvest Missouri, northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas with a viable voice. It was just a digest size black and white news and information magazine with just 12 pages, four advertisers and a circulation under 700 distributed in Joplin and Springfield, Missouri, Fayetteville, At’kansas, Pittsburg, Kansas and Tulsa. Even then he lmew he ~vas getting into a challenging fidd where countless entrepreneurs had come and gone in that region alone. Then as now in this area of the United States gay newspapers deal with limited advertising revenue because so many business owners are reluctant to be seen in a gay focused publication. "The limited revenue forced us ro rely on part time staff~vorking primarily as a labor of tove, which makes ir tough going," said Mr. \Yard. He would also be dealing with fear and animosity towards the GLBT community, but he had seen toughe~~" times. Growing up in Oklahoma City as a teenager in the mid 1950s he faced what was then a different world. Oklahoma City had only one gay bat’, the Mayflower, and even that oasis of GLBT life was subjected to constant police harassment for which there was no recourse. Homosexuality was considered a mental illness, sodomy laws were tstilt on the books, and gay rights (let alone marriage) weren’t even considered worthy of discussion by mainstream society. Understandably, along with many other GLBT people, he moved to California where the environment was at least a little better, working in management with a nationa! building services firm until his retirement in 1994. He then began buying and remodeling old homes ro resell, one of which he turned into a bed & breald’ast in Joplin that he operated and where the Ozarks Star was born in 2003. Although he knew from firsthand observation what he was getting into, he began his publication xvith lots of encouragement from the areas GLBT community. After selling the bed and breakfast in 2004, he moved to Tulsa and renamed the paper simply, "The Star." At that time the largest publication was the Gayly Oklahoman, which focused primarily on local news, while the Star dealt more with entertainment and syndicated columns. When the Gayly ceased publication in 2006 after 22 years as the primary news source for the GLBT community and a restart failed that same year, The Star became Oklahoma’s largest GLBT newspaper with a new role to fulfill. Victor Gorin, formerly with the Gayly Oklahoman, began working at the Metro Star serving as Copy Editor, writer, working in ad sales, photography and distribution primarily for the Oklahoma City area, joined by writers Robin Dorner and Jeanne Flanigan. Also coming on board in Tulsa were writer Michael Sasser, distributor Bill Francisco and photographer Judy Gabbard. Later becoming the Metro Star in 2007, the paper had grown to a circulation of 4000 to 5000, changed from a magazine to a tabloid, had gained credibility as a viable source of news and information for the GLBT community of Oklahoma which included national news along with local events and entertainment features. ........Continued See METRO STAR Page- 15 22 o5 est Gay Rese S~rvice Road banain .C 2221 Follow us on Fac~book Major Credit Cards Accepted 2 January 1, 2011 [] [] Paul ~ompson passes Away Leaving a lifetime ofService ( 93 o20 0) Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association ~des Again For 25th ye~ars the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association has held this annual Memorial Day weekend event which celebrates gay cowboys & cowgirls with their friends. Held as always at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, the rodeo is like any other with regular roping and riding events, and unlike most others with campy "Drag Races" and goat dressing competitions. This rodeo now ranks among the top 4 rodeos of the International Gay Rodeo Association, which comprises over 20 rodeos in the United States and Canada. Kelly Kirby receives the Equality Oklahoma’s Lifetime Achievement Award Paul ~hompson was a well known activist for the GLBT community, starting from the early 1970s when he w~s arrested for public lewdness for publicly kissing a man on the neck. He fought his case and won, and he continued the rest of his life working to make things better not only" ~br the GLBT community but also other marginalized minorities. He had co-chaired OGLPC fiom 1992 until tis death on March 4 o~: this year. He also had co-chaired the OKC Pride Parade and Festival for many years, and was instrmnental in arranging the first one in 1987. In addition he was a tireless activist with the Oldahoma Democratic Party:, was an active board member ~vith the Oklahoma City chapter of the NAACP and also served on the Martin Luther King Parade Committee. His life made a major impact on the lives and future of GLBT Oldahomans and others seeking justice and equality. Cimarron Alliance Foundation acquires new once and gets a new Director Cimarron Alliance dates back to its original formation in 1995, beginning then as a Political Action Committee striving to promote gay or gay friendly candidates and legislation in Oklahoma. In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed in order to enable the organization to accept tax deductible contributions and work towards educational efforts for the GLBT community and Oklahomans in general about their issues. They acquired their first office this year at 729 N.W. 17th Street, and also hired their first fulltime Executive Director, Scott Hamilton. He strives to keep the Foundation going strong during these tough times stating, "You keep going because the needs do not abate just because money is tight. If you bdieve in social justice that doesn’t stop until there is justice." At their 30th annual Equality Gala Banquet, Equality Otdahoma bestowed their Lifetime Achievement Award on Kelly Kirby. A veteran and successful businessman xvith his own accounting firm, he was honored for over 20 years of activism on behalf of the GLBT community in Tulsa. Not going overboard he stated modestly afterwards, " I would have to say that at 56 years old the word lifetime is a bit daunting." Oklahoma City holds their 23rd Annual Pride Parade and Festival From humble beginnings in 1987, the Oklahoma Pride Parade and Festival once again brought people together to parry, reminisce, and stand together. N~is year it was accompanied by the banners of Cimarron Alliance displayed on the lampposts along the parade route on Classen Boulevard. N~is time it also began with an outrageously fun block party on Friday night June 25th on the 39th Street Strip, follmved by the Festival in Memorial Park Saturday and Sunday which is the beginning point of the Parade. The Parade ~cked off on grand style at 5 p.m., much glamorized by this year’s Grand Marshall, Ginger Lamar. Miss Lamar ( a,k,a, Queen Supreme, Beauty with a Bite, Queen of the F---king Universe) has been a mainstay in the OKC entertainrnent scene for over 30 years. A wild emcee never caught short for a wisecrack or snappy comeback, she has delighted audiences in a style all her own. Today she still reigns as the emcee Saturday nights at the Boom, a proud Oklahoma tradition that truly did it her way. Pride Parade and Festival Celebrated in Tulsa On June 5 Tulsa held their 14th Pride Parade, followed by their biggest festival yet in Centennial Park. N~is year their Parade Marshall was the Reverend Martin Lavanhar, Senior Pastor of Allsouls Unitarian Church ofTulsa. He was honored for his courage shown when he spoke at a conference in Uganda rallying against efforts by that nation to make homosexuali.ty a crime punishable by the death penalty. Aiding a sister Unitarian church in Uganda for this cause was a very risky undertaking but he felt he had to make a stand saying, "I’m 4! years old and I%e never been called upon to go overseas to risk my life for freedom. In some ways this was that kind of call." When he returned safely Toby Jenkins, the Director of Equality Oldahoma stated, "We had to hono~ this wonderful man, to let people know that this straight minister fi’om Oldahoma was only one of m,o ministers who was at this conference in Uganda." Enid gets their first GLBT Commtmky Center, and holds their first Pride Celebration One might not think a town like Enid, well known for its conservatism, grain elevators and their powerful football team( the Enid Plainsman) as a place for a gay scene, but yet this has emerged. Enid High School has a Gay/Straight Alliance, a local P-Flag Chapter ( Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and now a GLBT community center called simply the Center at 1319 S. V3n Buren. Everything fi’om HIV testing to dances are held there, ~long with many groups now forming tip. ~ihis year Enid celebrated their 2nd Pride Festival as Meadowlake Park came to life with vendors and entertainers followed by an evening firewor~ sho,a: This time over 400 people came to savor the solidarity and enjoy the fun. SSRA Rodeo -Back a~er 5 years in Grand Style Back after 5 years, the Sooner State Rodeo Association was again in full swing. Hosted this time by the Ramada Inn East, the event was held on October’s first weekend at the Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort in Sperry. Founded in 2002, SSRA is a member of the International Gay Rodeo Association. 0 Y A CONGREGATION OF THE ~N~T~D CHURCH OF CHRIST Join us Sundays at 6pro 3901 NW 63rd St www.cohokc.com God is still speaMng, Ban Empi~ ’uptcv ® Civil Rights ~Criminal ’ment ® Family Law ® Litigation January 1, 2011 i 3 School Board As a well known activist who has proudly marched in OKC’s Pride Parade carrying a sign that says "Gay Teacher", Joe Quigley has for years been a tireless advocate for equality and safe schools for all students, including those GLBT or perceived to be. For this he has gained the respect and admiration of not only the GLBT community but also that of countless of fair-minded Oklahomans. A teacher with the Oklahoma City School District since 1994 with 10 years of satisfactory appraisals, he was at Northwest Classen High School when in May of 2009 the Oklahoma City School Board voted to fire him. Although they claimed it was for poor performance, Mr. Quigley and his supporters saw it as a ruse to get rid of him due to his advocacy for GLBT students. With the help of the American Federation ofTeachers he took them to court where District Judge Barbara Swinton not only ruled in his favor, but apologized to him on behalf of how he was treated by the district. The District appealed, and. Judge Swinton’s ruling was upheld. The Oklahoma City School Board has now appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. At this time Mr.Quigley is now in a permanent position teaching English at Douglass High School; N O ahoma attempts Exemption from Federal Hate Crimes Law In October of 2009 Presiden{ obama signed into taw expanded Federal Hate Crimes protections to include real or perce@ed sexual orientation or gender identity as well as disabilit)’ and gender. Although this was hailed by the GLBT community and other activists as a long overdue step forward, it was also condemned by some religious groups and other conservatives nationwide who claimed that this measure promoted homosexuality and stifled fi’ee speech. Oklahoma was no exception, and in early 2010 State Senator Steve Russell introduced legislation to exempt Oldahoma from this provision, prohibiting Oklahoma law enforcement authorities from cooperating with the Federal government investigating these ty-pes of hate crimes. After overwhehning passage in the Senate, it went to the State House of Representatives where State Representative Mike Shelton, in a brilliant procedure of legislative maneuvering, got this legislation stopped. He had this to say as to why-- "There are pastors who wear the veil of Chrisrianity who support this legislation. As a Christian this offends me because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for that." Mr. Shelton later received Cimarron Alliance’s Legislator of the Year Award, an honor shared with State Senator Judy Eason McIntyre ofTulsa. Oldahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Moves from Surv "va Mode back to Recovery During late 2009 and into this year, the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus ( known as OGLPC) was in survival mode. Formed in the early 1980s, the group had a long history of advocacy and education for the GLBT community, and was most famous for their voter guides mailed out to GLBT voters and their allies. However, during 2009 and into this year attendance had fallen to the point that the group could not function. Paul Thompson, who had been the male co-chair of the group since 1992, was trying to revive the group when he passed away during March of this year. Determined to carry on the legacy of OGLPC, co-chairs Jeanne Flanigan and Steven Dubois have been working to rebuild the group, and to reform it as a PAC ( Political Action Committee) that ~vill enable OGLPC to do fulfill their goals more effectively. They look forward greater milestones ahead. N Brittany Novomy made history when she ran against State Representative Sally Kern Sally Kern had already made a name for herself long before she sha@d a spotlight with Brittany. First elected in 2004 as a self described "Kernse~-~ative", she gained international notoriety’ after a speech she gave to a Republican gathering was secretly taped and posted on youtube. This speech stated that "gays are a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam"and that "no societ~r" that has embraced homosexuality has lasted for more than a few decades."She led the charge to get the book "King and King" ( ~ story" for children about a gay prince) removed from the Children’s Section of Oklahoma County- Libraries, labeling it "obscene." She also graced the front page of the Metro Star when she presented her Proclamation for Morality at the Oklahoma State Capitol, which claimed that America’s economic woes were due to "abortion~ pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse and other forms of debauchery." In 2010 Brittany Novotny threw her hat in the ring to give District 84 voters a choice. An Oklahoma Cite~ attorney and activist with the Young Democrats, she was the first transgendered person ever to run for public once in Oklahoma. However she made it a point not to focus on that issue, but rather on things that she felt mattered more for average raional Oldahomans like jobs, education and transportation that Sally had neglected due to her focus of social issues. AJthough she lost to Ms.Kern in the Red Sweep of the November general elections, BrittaW still made history and will no doubt make more in the future. Tramps continues the Proud Tradition ofHave a Heart An annual event of love happens . appropriately each year around Valentine’s Day at Tramps with their Have a Heart Benefit Show and Auction. It began as the creation of the late Larry Crosby, then a coowner ofTramps and Sister Gall Addis who was then with Catholic Charities’ Loaves and Fishes Program, which provided meals ~’~r those living with HIV.Although Larry has passed away his sister, Canaille Rohn who is still a part owner ofTramps, along with the stat~" and many volunteers again made this event a fabulous success. This year over $8,000 was raised. Richard Ogden sworn in an Oldahoma Regent [ Openly gay attorney and longtime activist Richard Ogden was appointed by Governor Brad Henry to the Board of Regents of the Regional University" System of Oklahoma on June 10. He was sworn in by District Judge Barbara Sxvinton. As a regent Mr. Ogden will be part of that governing board which is responsible for the hiring of university presidents. Tulsa adopts Non- Discrimination Policy for City Employees On June 17 the Tulsa Cit-y Council voted 6-3 to adopt a nondiscrimination policy for municipal employees on the basis of sexual orientation, ,~though in 1975 then Mayor Robert LaFortune commissioned a report recommending adoption of this policy; the report was rejected Iia 1994 the Tulsa GLBT community participated in formal hearings in favor of this policy, only to be denied again. The Tulsa Human Rights Commission had been recommending this change for over 15 years. I~a-is Wilmes, Oklahomans for Equality’s Advocacy Director stated, "This makes such a strong statement to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and sensible island in a state that is often ridiculed for being intolerant and unjust towards marginalized populations." Tulsa now joins other Oklahoma cities who have this policy for their employees, Del City, Mtus, McAlester,Miami, Noble and Vi.nita. Tulsa School Board Votes for GLBT clusive Nondiscrimination Policy During September the Tulsa School Board voted unanimously to include GLBT persons in their nondiscrimination/anti-bullying policy for teachers, students and parents. Tami Marler, a spokesperson for the Tulsa Public Schools, stated that this change was made in accordance with recommendations by the Civil Rights Office of the U.S. Department of Education. With this measure they now join the school districts of Norman and Oklahoma City ~vho also have this policy, . although Oklahoma City’s policy goes further in also protecting gender identity. "At Century 2t Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPL~ 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 By Rex Wockner Dan Choi hospitalized Activist Dan Choi. Wocknerphoto Leading Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell activist Dan Choi said Dec. 14 that he was committed to a veterans hospital psychiatric ward on Dec. 10, the day after the U.S. Senate again refused to authorize repeal of the DADT ban on open gays in the military. On Dec. 18, the Senate reversed course and voted 65-31 to authorize the repeal. (See separate story.) In an on-the-record e-mail sent from his iPhone, Choi said he had experienced "a breakdown and anxiety, attack." "(T)he failures of government and national lobbying carry consequences far beyond the careers and reputations of corporate leaders, elected o~cials, high powered lobbyists or political elites." Choi wrote. "They ruin lives. My breakdown was a result of a cumulative array of stressors but there is no doubt that the composite betrayals felt on Thursday, by elected leaders and gay organizations as wel! as many who have exploited my name for their marketing purposes, have added to the result." Choi was released from the hospital several days later and sounded like himself in a telephone interview with CNN on Dec. 18. Activists hope to force teaching ofgay history A bill introduced in the California Legislature by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, would require that LGBT people be fairly and accurately included in school teaching material. ~ihe measure is sponsored by Equality California and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network. ~ae bill also prohibits the State Board of Education from using instructional material that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. EQCA said that if enacted, the law "would add LGBT to the existing list of underrepresented cultural and ethnic groups (that) are covered by current la~v related to inclusion in textbooks and other instructional materials in schools." "LGBT people should not be pushed into the closefwhen it comes to what students learn about history," said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. "Educating youth about the contributions ofLGBT Californians and our state’s rich diversity will help foster true acceptance of LGBT students and will ultimately create a safe school environment for all students." GSA Network Executive Director Carolyn Laub added, "LGBT youth are denied a fair education xvhen they are exposed to harmful stereotypes in classroom materials and are excluded from learning about their history." Leno said that "most textbooks don’t include any historical information about the LGBT movement." "Our collective silence on this issue perpetuates negative stereotypes ofLGBT people and leads to increased bullying of young people," he said. "We can’t simultaneously tell youth that it’s OK to be yourself and live an honest, open life when we aren’t even teaching students about historical LGBT figures or the LGBT equal rights movement." UN secretary-general, US ambassador attend LGBT event United Nations Secretary-General Ban Yd,moon and the United States’ U.N. ambassador. Susan Rice. joined a high-level U.N. panel Dec. 10 that condemned anti-gay violence and the criminalization of same-sex relations. The Human Rights Day event was hosted by several nations and organized by the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Human Rights Watch and other organizations. "Violence will end only when we confront prejudice," Ban said. "Stigma and discrimination will end only when we agree to speak out. That requires all of us ro do our part -- to speak out at home, at work, in our schools and communities." "Where there is tension between cultural attitudes and universal human rights, universal human rights must carry the day," he said. "Personal disapproval, even society’s disapproval, is no excuse to arrest, detain, imprison, harass or torture anyone -- ever. ... Human Rights Day commemorates the Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights. It is not called the Partial Declaration of Human Rights. It is not the Sometimes Declaration o~Human Rights. It is the Universal Declaration, guaranteeing all human beings their basic human rights, without exception." Rice told the gathering: "The story ofmy country is, in part, a story of the expanding boundaries of rights and dignity -- of the way that discrimination and prejudice have been countered by acceptance and equality. I feel dais deeply and I feel it very personally. Even at a time of profound challenges at home and abroad, we dare not give up on the great causes of equality and fundamental rights. And that includes the pursuit of full and equal rights for the millions of people in this country and around the world ,vho are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender." "Change," Rice said, "comes from people ... who refuse to move to the back of the bus. It comes from the leaders, the activists, and the ordinary men and women who believe that all human beings have equal worth, equa! dignity, equal consequence -- and equal rights. This conviction underpins the significant steps that the United States has taken over the past two decades to advance the human rights of all of those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender." The event was sponsored by U.N. missions from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, France, Gabon, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and the United States and by the Delegation of the European Commission. Illinois passes civil-union law The Illinois Legislature passed a civilunion bill Dec. 1 and Gov. Pat Quinn said he will sign it into law. Gay or straight couples wilt be able to enter into a civil union starting in July. The unions will carry the san~e state-level rights as marriage. ~ae vote in the Senate was 32-24. ~e vote in the House of Representatives was 61-52. "(These days), legislator after legislator talks about ’my gay daughter;’ ’my gay brother,’" Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy Rick Garcia told Windy City Times. "The most politically powerful thing gay people can do is to come out to family and friends.... Illinoisans are middle-of-the-road, very steadfast folks, so [ think {’this bill~ passage) bodes well for our community across the country." Freedom to Marry Executive Director Evan Wolfson ~velcomed the new iaw as a "step," but said "civil union is no substitute" for marriage. "States that have created civil union as a means of both giving and withholding -- providing legal protections wMle withholding the freedom to marry and all its meaning -- have found that civil union falls far short of marriage vcith al! its tangible and intangible significance in our lives," Wolfson said. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley sounded a similar note Dec. 2, saying: "Eventually marriage will take place. It has to be.... We have to move faster." Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C. In addition, New York and Maryland recognize same-sex marriages that take place elsewhere in the nation or world. Civil-union or domestic-partnership laws that grant all state-level rights of marriage are in place in California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington. Laws that grant same-sex couples some of the rights of marriage are in place in Colorado, Hawaii and Maine. California is a further case unto itself. Same-sex marriage was legal from June to November 2008, when voters amended the state constitution via Proposition 8 to put a stop to it. The couples who married then are still legally married, as are other same-sex couples who live in California and got married anywchere in the world before Prop 8 passed. Gay couples who married somewhere else after Prop 8 passed, or ~vho marry elsewhere in the future, receive every state-level right and obligation of marriage in California except for the legal right to call their marriage a "marriage" when they are in California. They are not recognized under the state’s domestic partnership law, but rather are married.cou,p,les who are denied use of the word "marriage. N January 1, 2011 5 O ahomans Eqt ality hires new Execrative ~e Board of Directors of Equal:t). Oklahoma hired Toby Jenkdns as their new Execut@e Directoi; beginning his duties October 1 .He had served on their Board of Directors since 2008 and has a 13 year history of volunteering for the organization. He has been employed at the Tulsa County Courthouse :[))r 18 years and has for the past 11 years served as the Civil Appeals Court Clerk to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice and a BA degree in Biblical Linguistics and Pastoral Studies. He also holds a masters degree in theolo~~ and has done graduate work in the Sociology of Aging. He has 2 married children and a granddaughter. He is glad to be there stating, "It~ a great honor to work for an organization that saves lives every day. I believe we must do more tO address to needs of our community and challenge them to step up to volunteer service." Norm Teenager commits Suicide af,er Ci W Co nci Meeting Abo t GLBT History On September 27 the Norman City Council voted 7-1 to approve a proclamation ~br GLBT History Month. The Norman Human Rights Commission wrote the proclamation after much deliberation, and there was a great deal of positive publicity concerning the Council’s action. Howevm; this approval met with strong opposition from some Norman residents who showed up at that meeting to air their protests, many using stereotypical and negat@e references to homosexuality. This was wimessed by Zach Harrington, a 19 year old gay Norman resident who had heard similar sentiments when he had been bullied as a student at Norman North High School. Although his parents, Van and Nancy Harrington and his sister Nikki were aware of and supportive of his lifestTle, the sentiments he heard expressed yet again apparently were too much and he took his life at his parents’ home October 10. A candlelight vigil was held for him October 13. Margaret Cox, Don & Mick Schirron honored at the Cimarron Alliance Awards Gala Margaret Cox was honored with the Cimarron .Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award for many years spent to help women achieve equality through her work with the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Organization for \7~/omen, and for ~vork helping the GLBT community through Herland Sister Resources and Cimarron Alliance. Also honored as Legislators of the Year were State Representative Mike Shelton and State Senator Judy Eason Mclntyre. Don Hawkins and Mick Schirron received the Media Avcard as former owners of the Gayly Oldahoman, which began operation in 1983 and was Oklahoma’s longest lasting and largest GLBT newspaper. Beginning as a monthly paper with a circulation of 4000, it later grew to a biweekly publication with a circulation of 10,000. Due to a changing business climate and personal commitments, Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Schirron sold the Gayly in 2006 to Andrew Hiclcs and the late Heather Harp ofTulsa. Although reincorporated, the paper resumed operation in March 15 2006 and ceased publication in December 15 of that same year. Currently the Oklahoma Historical Society is copying an entire set of the Gayly OHahomans on microfilm. @ AIDS Walk O ahoma "Each Step Brings Hope" was the theme for the AIDSXX/-alk 2010 which took place September I9 for the 12th year of this event. Previously held in October, the date ,vas moved up and the location changed to the Sonic Plaza in Bricktown, this time also accompanied by a 5K run that morning. Money raised from this event goes to help those in the OHahoma City area infected and/affected by HIM Arnold ’%rna Lee" Smith passes away at 83 As a longtime club owner, activist and entertainer Arnold Lee Smith, best known as Arna Lee, left a legacy of pride, hope and fond memories for GLBT OHahomans. He was a pioneer, spearheading efforts that won Oklahoma City’s GLBT community many freedoms they now take for granted. When he was a club owner, with a club called Lee’s Lounge in the early 1960s, he endured relentless police harassment and never backed down. Longtime partiers remember police raids where he was arrested along with his customers, and he would bail them out along with himself and re-open his bar that same night. Later he opened Oklahoma’s first premier showbar, the Roadhouse, where many big name Oklahoma entertainers got their start. Later he also owned a steamy dance club called the Outrigger from 1979 until 1981. After a sojourn in Florida, he opened another bar complex also called nostalgically the Roadhouse in 1995, which closed after a year of operation, and then went partly into retirement, still doing shows in various clubs for many good causes. \ghen his heath failed and he entered the Norman Veterans Center Nursing Home, he passed away October 3 I. He was missed by his many friends, and honored because he madea difference for the GLBT community of Oldahoma. be investigated or discharged under this discriminatory law. :.. Certification and the 60-day congressional requirement must be wrapped tip no later than the first quarter of 2011." Sarvis called the repeal of the ban "the defining civil rights initiative of this decade." Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart called the I7-year fight to overturn the ban "a heroic political battle by LGBT advocates who refused to give up." In a statement Defense Secretary Robert Gates said: "Once this legislation is signed into law by the president the Department of Defense will immediately proceed with the planning necessary to carry out this Change carefully and methodically, but purposefully: This effort will be led by Dr. Clifford Stanley, Undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. The legislation provides that repeal will take effect once the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that implementation of the new policies and regulations written by the department is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the armed forces .... I will approach this process deliberately and xvill make such certification only after careful consultation with the military service chiefs and our combatant commanders and when I am satisfied that those conditions have been met for all the Services, commands and units. It is therefore important that our men and women in uniform understand that while today’s historic vote means that this policy will change, the implementation and certification process will take an additional period of time. In the meantime, the current law and policy will remain in effect." Obama issued-a statement that said: "Today, the Senate has taken an hist~oric step toward ending a policy that undermines our national security while violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend. By ending Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell, no longer will our nation be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans forced to leave the militao; despite years of exemplary performance, because they happen to be ga}~ and no longer will many thousands more be asked to live a lie in order to serve the country they love. As commander-in-chief, I am also absolutely convinced that making this change will only underscore the professionalism of our troops as the best led and best trained fighting f6rce the world has ever known. And I join the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; as well as the overwhehning majority of service members asked by the Pentagon, in knowing that we can responsibly transition to a new policy while ensuring our military strength and readiness. It is time to close this chapter in our history. It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gendm; religion or creed. It is time to al!ow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their country openly." "First ursday" Art Opening and E ibit of Original Works by Tulsa World Editorial Cartoonist o Bruce Planteo TULSA, OK (PR) __ The January" Oldahomans for Equality (OlcEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature works by Tulsa World Editorial Cartoonist Bruce Plante. Bruce lcnew, while growing up in Texarkana, Ark., that drawing and humor were in his future: He began drawing cartoons in the second grade and began performing standup comedy in the sixth grade. As a sophomore at the University of Arkansas Bruce became the editorial cartoonist for the Arkansas Traveler, the school newspaper. He graduated the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in 1977. In 1985, Bruce became the first staffeditorial cartoonist for The Chattanooga Times and held that position for 22 years. On Oct. 22, 2007 Bruce was lured away from Chattanooga to Tulsa, taking the position of edit0i:ial cartoonist.for the Tulsa World, replacing the late Doug Marlette. In 1989, he creatdd Plante Ink syndicate which distributes his editorial cartoons to 40 subscribers throughout the United States. His cartoons have been reprinted in The New York Times, USA Today;The %~ashington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Newsweek International (Europe), Newsweek Japan, Playboy; Sports Illustrated, Discover, CBS, CNN, college and high school textbooks and even the Iowa Achievement Test. In 1985, Bruce won Showtime’s Funniest Person in Aa’aerica Contest. He performed standup for 4 years for audiences as large as 3,000 and speak~s to more than 30 civic groups and schools every year. The show begins with a reception on ~lt~ursday, JanualT 6th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month, www.okeq. org Free help By Steven Petrow &even Petrozv is tt§e author of"The Essential Boot: ofGay Manners &Etiquette. Send him your questions at qUeerieS@live.com. "Too affectionate at the mall?" is not to hook-up; you’re making a political statement. ¯ Follow the leader: Breal~ only one rule at a time. Don’t go rogue on your comrades, (i.e. no name-calling, clashing with police). ° Be clean and kissable: Bring your breath mints; you may be kissing a lot of strangers. Don’t hog the best kissers. If everyone else is moving on to a new partner, it’s time to let go. Elton John to sing against Prop 8 Elton John will perform a private concert in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 19 to raise money for the ongoing federal lawsuit against Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in California. ~tle concert, to benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rigi~ts, which hired the gay side’s superstar attorneys, Ted Olson and David Boles, will take place at the Green Acres estate of billionaire political fundraiser Ron Burlde. "We are deeply honored to have the support of Sir Elton John," said AFER Board President Chad Griffin. ’!The American Foundation for Equal Rights stands for the enduring principle that all Americans are created equal, and believes that ending statesanctioned discrimination is a critical step we must tal~e toward ending the hate crimes and suicides that continue to claim the lives of young Americans." John has not always been a supporter of same-sex marriage. On Nov. 12, 2008, eight days after voters passed Prop 8, he told USA Today: "What is wrong with Proposition 8 is that they went for marriag.e Marriage is going to put a lot of people off, the word ’marriage’. ... I dont want to be married. I m very happy with a civil partnership. If BY people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership.... Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships." Prop 8 was struck down as unconstitutional at the federal district court level. The ruling is currently on appeal at the U.S. 9th Circuit Court ofAppeals, which heard oral arguments on Dec. 6. For concert ticket information, e-mail events@afer.org. 3131 January 1, 2011 I 7 Tulsa Eagle Staffready to serve the crowd at thier 2009 New Years Eve Black &White Ball, and did they ever! Sooner &ate Softball Association Games promised an ex’citing summer 2010. Shown above is Oklahoma Chaos Team ofOklahoma Ci~ Gorin photo .............MORE Photo’s on page 11 8 January 1, 2011 AffirmingChurch in Owasso expands ministry to gay OWASS0;OK (PR)~ ~.Table UCC h~ ~0urd~ and ~fi~ort for G~TQS~yo~t~ ~i~i~)~e Youth gr~U~ is c~i~ ~nPlace. ~ey m;et0n F~i~ay ev~fiings from 6:30pm t0 8~00pm. B~ginning the 3rd Monday in Janua~ they will have k PF~G meeting from 7’8 p.m. Rev Melinda Foster leads the congregation and they meet at 202 S Cedar, Suite E, Ow~so OK 74q55. Rev. Melinda Foster can be reached at 918-693- 0458. For more information visit: http://opentableucc.com/ Nommanons Comm ity Heroes TULSA, OK (PR) Oklahomans for Equality is now taldng nominations to recognize individuals or groups who have made an impact on the work for equality for the LGBT community. These awards are presented at the annual Equality Gala on April 30, 2011, Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom. The following awards are presented: Lifetime Achievement Award- Recognizes a lifetime dedication tothe cause of equality for LGBT community in O~ahoma. Past recipients include Nancy McDonald, Dennis Neill and Kelly Kirby. This award is nor always presented, annually. Community Heroes- Recognize ~hose individuals and groups who have represented or served our community in the previous year. Many of these hdroes have "taken a bullet" for our cause. Past recipients include Council Oak Mens Chorale, Jim Roth, Carol Crawford, Tim Williams, and Kelly Carter. The Russell Bennett Award for Spiritual Inclusion - Presented to a faith leader who leads and supports affirming the faith of the LGBT community in our local congregations. Past winners include Rev. Leslie Penrose, Rabbi Sherman and Rev. Richard Ziglar. Grand Marshal for the Tulsa Gay Pride Parade June 11 th- Recognizes an individual who has supported the LGBT community in a courageous and visible manner. Past recipients have been 11 year old Noah Blatt and the Rev Marlin Lavanhar for his advocacy work for the gay community in Uganda. You can download a form at http://www.okeq.org/wp-content/ uploads/2010/12/nominationform. pdf Please return completed form to: Oklahomans for Equality PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 or email paul. allen@okeq.org Rev S eve uric spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and Blessed Day! January 1, 2011 Creep ofthe Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne ~tkowski has been gayforpay since 2003. Shes aJ~eelance zortter andpoet (believe ~t:9. When she’s not taking on the creeps ofthe world she reviews rock ~’ toll shows in Detroit with her ~oin sister "John McCain" 10 January 1, 2011 I wish I still had my dog-eared and tattered copy of Conduct Unbecoming so I could send it to John McCain. Not that he’d bother ro read it. The U.S. military’s vicious anti-gay history with its vcitch-hunts and outright persecution of gay service members probably isn’t of much interest to McCain. Especially since "don’t ask, don’t tell" solved everything. Don’t you dare try to tell him anything different. During a Nov. 28 appearance on "State of the Union" with host Candy Crowley, McCain actually had the audacity to claim that "don’t ask, don’t tell" is an effective policy that doesn’t harm anyone, gay or straight, and that the call for its repeal is just politics. "There was no uprising in the military," he said. "There were no problems in the military with ’don’t ask, don’t tell.’" "If you were gay it was a problem," Crowley interjected. "No it wasn’t," McCain snapped. "It’s called ’don’t ask, don’t tell,’ okay? Ifyou don’t ask them, you don’t ask somebody, and they don’t tell." Got that? It works. End of story. Crowley tried to ask McCain something else, but he cut her off. "I understand your point of view. I understand the poil~t of view by the majority of the media," he said. "But the fact is, this was a political promise made by an inexperienced president or candidate for presidency of the United States." In other words, it’s all Obama’s fault. He’s too young to know what a good idea it is to discriminate against homos in the military. Why, when McCain was Obama’s age he had to walk 15 miles in the snow uphill both ways in order to make a campaign promise likd that. "The military is at its highest point in recruitment and retention and professionalism and capability," McCain continued. "So to somehow allege that this policy has been damaging the military is simply false." Tell that to the thousands of gays and lesbians who have been booted out of the military since "don’t ask, don’t tell" was enacted. According to Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, that number is upwards ~s"R’s cal~ed ’don’t ~ k, don’t te~,’ okay? you don’t ask Ithern, you don’t ask IsorneSody, and they ~.on’t tell." ~ of 14,000. You may recall that in 2002, amid a severe shortage of Arabic-speaking translators, the Army fired six linguists trained in Arabic simply because they were gay. Apparently McCain sees this as some kind of success. "The fact is that this system is working," he told Crowley. McCain repeatedly stressed that he wanted to know what the effect ~vill be of letting gays serve openly - and that’s the operative word, "openly." Because gays already serve in the military, they just have the weight of a government-mandated closet on their backs threatening to tumble open and ruin their careers ar any moment. "I believe we need to assess the effect on the morale and battle effectiveness of those young Marines and’Army people I met at forward-operating bases that are putting their lives on the line every day," he said. Never mind that some of these "young Marines and Army people" are probably gay. McCain Said he has had "a number of" military folks come up ro him and say, "Look, we fight together, we sleep together, we ear together." His choice of anecdotes illustrates one of the main concerns ofhomophobes: that homosexuality is contagious, and the best way to guard against it is to make sure you never l~ow when and if it’s around you and to punish gays and lesbians who dare make such an enormous sacrifice to serve the country. A L G A T S L 0 T A T L L A C Y N Y T Miss Bamboo 2011 @ the Bamboo Lounge ~dsa November 2010. Staffphom @A~tes OKC]anuary 2010. Godn photo Hot Dancers @ 77~e End Up, ~dsa March 2010. ~affphoto F ash Back TobyJenkins, President, Oklahomansfor Equality and Oklahoma State Representative Al 3/IaAd~ey at the 30th Equality Gala, Tulsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella [m~es @the Copa, OKCfidy 2010. Gorin photo @ Finishline, OKCJanua,y 2010. Gorin ghoto @Alibis, OKCJune 2010. Godn ghoto April 2010 Open Arms Youth Project hosts P?vm Night. P,vm Queen, Brenda "G,andma" Bolen and Prom I~%tg, Kim W,§#enhunt. Judy G. Photo Best Wishes For Kel~ Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement Award, p,~sented by N,znoy McDonald @ the 30Anniversary Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo 3det,v Star Staff" Ginger Lamar, Grand 3darshall 2010 OKC Pride. Do,werphoto Untertaine. @ Ledo. O {C 20 OI Gon,, photo @ Club Majestic, TulsaJanuary 2010, fi~dy G. photo Sooner State Rodeo Association at the 2010 Tulsa Pride Parade. Judy Gphoto 2011, From The Metro Star Team @ Club 209, ~dsaJanua,7 2010, Ju4y G. photo Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association @ the Habana hzn Pool Party 3day 2010. Godn photo By Rex Wockner* Judges hint at Prop 8 case twists and turns 9t,§-Gtvuit Federal Court, APpoolphoto @Eric Risberg The effort to undo California’s Proposition 8 inched forward Dec. 6 when a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals entertained nearly three hours of oral arguments from the attorneys in the case. In an ornate courtroom on the third floor of San Francisco’s historic James R. Browning U.S. Courthouse, amid murals, stained glass and statues dating to 1905, the attorneys replayed some of their main arguments and the judges offered hints of where the case might go. The gay side’s lawyers, who include famed attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles, sought to defend U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling from August that Prop 8 violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process. They also argued that the parties who brought the appeal to the 9th Circuit -- the activists who created Prop 8 and the deputy county clerk of Southern California’s dusty Imperial County -- have no legal "standing" to have mounted this appeal ofWalker’s ruling. Those parties are trying to defend Prop 8 because all the public ot~cials who were sued in the case -- including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General (and Gov.-elect) Jerry Brown -- have refused to defend the voter-passed state constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in November 2008 after it had been legal for 4 1/2 months and after t8,000 same-sex couples had married. It is unclear if the court will grant the Prop 8 proponents or Imperial County standing to allow the appeal to move forward. ~e judges seemed unimpressed by Imperial County’s desire to be let into the case. Among other things, they seemed annoyed that the deputy county clerk rather than the actual clerk is pursuing the move. As to whether the people who put Prop 8 on the ballot should be allowed to step into the shoes of the state government and defend a piece of the state constitution that the state itself refuses to defend, the judges hinted that they might bounce that question off of the California Supreme Court to see hmv it feels about the idea. If the 9th Circuit does that, it could delay appellate rulings on both the standing issue and the merits ofWalker’s decision. On the merits, Olson told the judges that California has unconstitutionally "taken a class of citizens and put them in a separate category." California gives same-sex couples all the of marriage under a domesticpartnership law, but prohibits gay couples from marrying. Under another law. gay couples who go get married somewhere else also receive all the California rights of marriage but are prohibited from calling their marriage a marriage in California. Yet other gay couples, who got married in California or somewhere else before Prop 8 passed, are considered to be married in California and are permitted to use the word. It’s very messy. All of this is discriminatory, Olson said. It harms gay Californians. ~here is no legal rational basis for it. It cannot be "justified," he said. "California has built a fence around its gay and lesbian citizens and around the institution of marriage," Olson told the judges. "That is a violation of the equalprotection clause and it’s a violation of the due-process clause." Attorney Charles Cooper for the Prop 8 proponents told the judges that his case in defense of Prop 8 centers on "procreation." In Coopers view, it is rational for the state to limit marriage to men and women because the reason marriage exists in the first place is because sex between men and women produces children. ~e state, he suggested, has a unique interest in human unions that are procreative. At the end of the day, court-watchers were talking about three things that piqued their curiosity during the oral arguments: * Will the case be delayed so the 9th Circuit panel can sound out the California Supreme Court on the question of whether people who put initiatives on the ballot should be able to defend those initiatives when they are struck down by courts? Regardless of whether the judges seek advice from the California Supreme Court, the case ¯ cannot proceed if the 9th Circuit decides that neither the Prop 8 proponents nor Imperial County has legal standing to appeal. If they do not, Walker’s ruling striking down Prop 8 would come back into force. * In hearing the appeal of Walker’s ruling, will the 9th Circuit rely solely on Walker’s expansive trial record, which seems to demolish most of the myths, lies, arguments and opinions that historically have been used to oppress gay and lesbian people? Or will the 9th Circuit look at additional sources of information and seek out other facts . ine court hinted that it may review more than just the District Court’s findings. * And has the 9th Circuit perhaps hinted that it plans to uphold \Valker’s decision but in a way that would limit the case’s impac~ to California, the only state that ever let gays get married and then later took that right away from them? The court spent a fair amount of 12 January 1, 2011 Ed Sikov is the author ofDark l/icto*_7; 7be Life ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!lms and fihnmakers. "Kahlua, Cream and Fiasco: -he White Russian" My cold lasted another week, so forget about literary reticence. Let the gross descriptions fly: Shot spewed out of my nose like raw scrambled eggs, only darke,; more translucent, and graced by tiny bloblets of blood. My lungs hacked up a hocker so gray it could have come out of an old coal miner. When I wasn’t wiping smears of sputura off my hands, sheets and nearby skin mags, ! contemplated my recent poor behavior. Dan was right: I’d become "an old-fashioned asshole." Dan was nothing but affectionate with me, even after I spat goose-shit-green mucous onto his pillow while he slept. He deserved better from me. So did my friends. When I stopped being viral, I invited Craig and Kyle to dinner. Surprisingl); Craig didn’t hang up on me when I called. "I’m sorry..." I began. He cut me off: "Listen, dollface - I’ll forgive you anything as long as you keep your tongue off my boyfriend." "Right-O!" I sang out, amxiery turning me strangely into Terry-Thomas in some British war comedy. "How about dinner here on Saturday? It’s Chicken Cacciatore and an after-dinner drink that doesn’t suck." All was well. Dinner xvas a disaster. Dan was late, so I had to wield the vacuum cleaner and a can of Pledge and set the table while trying to make what turned out to be an absurdly complicated "hunter’s style" chicken with only half the ingredients the recipe called for. (I hadn’t bothered with a shopping list. "Calling Dr. Freud! STAT!") The result was a greasy; taste-free horror - no wild mushrooms, no fresh sage or thyme, clumpy years-old garlic salt instead of garlic.... "Hunter’s style?" What were they hunting - something outof Oliver Twist? Having tasted the cacciatore, I downed some Tormore Single Malt and became morose. But when Dan waltzed in mere minutes before Craig and Kyle were supposed to show up, my irrepressible life force returned. [ became hostile. Craig and Kyle thus entered during the second act of _Who’s Afraid ofVirginia Woolf_, with me playing both George and Martha. I behaved terribly; Dan was rightly embarrassed. I might have summoned enough dignity not to spend the whole evening staring at the gap between Kyle’s bottom shirt button and his belt. a space out of which a perfect tuft of soft hair emerged. Craig noticed, much to his giee and my continuing disgrace. But dessert was fiibulous! Ttxe White Russian is one of my favorite cream-based cocktails because of its subtlety, simplicity and relative lack of.sweetness. It’s got a little Kahlua for a cafd au lair effect, vodka for some kick and thick, chilled heavy cream for the mouth-to-belly bliss that only cold dairy fat can provide. Still, two rounds of White Russians wasn’t enough to make up for hurling lettuce fragments and bacon chunks in Craig’s face after discovering that puppy Kyle had been gobbled up by Jabba the Hut. Am I still bitter? You bet your elephantine ass I am. ~-he White Russian 1 part Absolut 1/2 part coffee liqueur 1 part chilled heaW cream Put some ice in a shaker and add all the ingredients; put the cap on and swirl it around a bi{ rather than shake it. (After all, you’re not trying to make liquor butter.) Pour through strainer into a good-looking glass and serve. time discussing a 1996 case from Colorado in which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a state constitutional amendment that deprived gay people of anti-discrimination protections that Colorado governments previously had extended ro them. A "narrow" ruling against Prop 8 by the 9th Circuit could bring same-sex marriage back to California but possibly thwart Olson, Boles and the American Foundation for Equal Rights’ desire to take before the U.S. Supreme Court the proposition that samesex couples have a constitutional right to get married in all states. Lesbian becomes Colorado Supreme Court justice Monica Marquez became the first openly gay or l~sbian member of the Colorado~ Supreme Court when she was s~vorn in Dec. 10. Her partner, Sheila Barthel, helped her put on her black robe at the ceremony. Marquez, 41, previously served as deputy attorney general. Spacey won’t discuss sexual orientation Actor Kevin Spacey told The Daily Beast on Dec. 15 that he’s not interested in discussing his sexual orientation. "I have not given up my right to privacy," Spacey said. "People have different reasons for the way they live their lives. You cannot put everyone’s reasons in the same box. It’s iust a line I’ve never crossed and never will." "You have to understand that people who choose not to discuss their personal lives are not living a lie." he continued. "That is a presumption that people jump ro.... I iust don’t buy into that the personal can be political. I just think that’s horseshit." ING AROLINI~ NOW...BECAIJSE OF THE. CHANGES IF "/OIJ WANT TO RMIN THEN GO. e~il: bittergirl@qsyndicate,com ty.net Chuck Breckenridge %q~cther buying or selling I’!1 work hard for you. !~-rk~_ra~~ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticValleyresort.corn info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Downtown Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Centel; Tulsa Gay Center. ~M]rordable Homes and Apartments. For mo,:e Info~wmtion visit: www~aybn~dyheightsmha.com By Jack Fertig Janua~ 20tl "Take a cSance on ~ove, Gemini!" Sun squaring Saturn adds the weight of age and responsibility, but Venus enters Sagittarius, leading affections and aesthetics toward new adventures. She gets in the middle of that square offering frivolous escape that can too easily complicate problems at hand, but she also offers some creative solutions. ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19): The responsibilities of work and relationships can feel oppressive. A romantic adventure is much needed. If partnered, plan a getaway. If single, a stern attitude can be sexy, but balance it with playful warmth. (Think gym coach!) TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20}: As hard as you’ve been working, you’re entitled to a much-needed release. Find an appropriate place to scream and let it all out. If you really need to beat someone there are eager victims. Just keep it safe and consensual. GEN~N~ (Nay 21o June 20): Play only for funsies. Don’t take any bets. but take a chance on love or a passionate facsimile. Incredible sex is no basis for a solid relationship. Take it one day at a time and see what else there is. CANCER (June 21o Ju~y 22): A strong sense of responsibility at home can be a millstone or a motivator. Go with the latter. Once you drag your tush into action, momentum will make the rest of it a lot easier. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): Even you may have inarticulate moments, but just take them as a creative challenge. A little playfulness can boost morale and productivity. Too much, not so good. If a few jokes and your dazzling smile aren’t enough, turn it up slowly. V~RGO (August 23 - September 22): Your best investment of time, energy and money is in your own home and community. Think ahead before taking on responsibilities. Spreading humor and good will at home or close by will help build your standing. L~BRA (September 23 - October 22): The weight of the world seems to be on your shoulders. Opportunities can be hard to find, but they’re there! A lighthearted chat with a sister (genetic or otherwise) can help you get perspective. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Life is tough, but don’t let current troubles wear you down. When you catch yourself worrying, channel that into constructive thought toward a solution. Stick to basics and remember what’s important. November 22 - December 20): The money crisis will hit everyone. You may be worrying too much on a personal level. Focus on your personal assets, the kind you would still have even if you were penniless and naked. Never forget: You almost always fare better than most. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January- 19): You’re at the top of your game, but what’s next? The answer to that is not as urgent as it may seem. Relax, indulge in a romantic or sensual retreat, and the hard questions will gain perspective, AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): The world’s troubles are the world’s, not necessarily your own. Discussing global and personal worries with friends will help balance it all out. For answers to the world’s problems and your own, look across borders and oceans. HSCES (February !9- Narch 19): Put your deep, dark imagination to work. Even in a bleak future there are opportunities. You can be inspired to find them for yourself and to guide others. Even if the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train you could ride it out. Community for People iving with H V/A DS A 50I c (3) Not] Profit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net ’1 14 /7 20 27 34 37 43 46 2 3 4 5 : 6 7 8 I 48 11 !2 24 25 26 33 53 54 55 Across 56 63 57 58 49 Down "i[hree-men-in-a-tub event Oral attention getter So,s0 grade 14 Point of View intr0, at Gay.c0m 15 "Oh, ~,X?hat a Beautiful Morning" sin er 16 Prayer Stm~&r !7 Hides ofhai~T guys? t9 ~orkers under Barney Frank 20 He had a crush on Beatle John 1 Lettuce variety 2 US citizen 3 The king in N~e ~ng I. ~br one 4 Time for Frida 5 Fireplace rods 6 Bounds gaily 7 Deadly septe[ 8 HIV exam, e.g. 9 One that reproduces without sex 34 "l~wo to one, }~r one 35 Cat on Tin RoOf 36 LacldngToc"ks ~, 37 E~rly g~atle song that expressed how 20- Across irelt : t3 ’60s radical org. 18 Type of tool 2! .M.use for Millay 24 My Cup Runneth Over s~nger Whitrnan’s dooryard bloomers the shaft a hottie 14 January 1,201t During the Metro Star’s time in publication Oklahoma and America has experienced great changes including two major elections, inclusion of GLBT persons among those with Federal Hate Crimes protection, the OKC and Tulsa School districts adopting policies protecting gay students from harassment and bullying, the tremendous growth of Oldahoma’s gay rights advocacy organizations and at presstime finally the end of legal discrimination for GLBT Americans in the US military. However as 2010 concludes on this happy note Chaz \gard, at age 7t, has made the decision to retire after publishing the newspaper for over 7 years. "It’s time for me to relax, I want to do some traveling, and will continue to help advance total equality for GLBT people." In conclusion the Metro Star wishes to say that they were proud to be part of the GLBT community of Oklahoma and the region, thanking our advertisers and readers for 7 great years. We come to a close xvith a recap of the highlights of 2010, and in this last issue we say thank you and we appreciate the support everyone has given us. Another endeavor has been their Cooking for Ct~ange Program which has been selling freshly made homemade tamales as a means for fundraising. A dozen tamales are only $24 and are available in pork, chicken or vegetarian style. Contact P-Flag to order some! P-Flag Enid also wants .to announce that nominations are open for their 2011 Stand Awards, which are open to GLBTQA individuals, businesses, organizations, media, artists and other categories of Oklahomans ~vho have improved life for the GLBT community in the state. They are also seeking similar groups interested in partnering with P-Flag as a Communty Parmer sponsor to keep the work of the Center going and growing. Enid P-Flag is a 501c3 organization so contributions are tax deductible. To contact Enid P-Flag one can call toll free 1 800 878 5298, or logon pflag@ enidglbt.org.. Flash Back I~cmr & Chaz 200~ January 1, 2011 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2011] Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2011; Volume 8, Issue 1 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 01, 2011 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Ronald Blake Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Philip Green Romeo San Vincente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Ed Sikov Steven Petrow Rex Wockneer D'Anne Witowski Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/187 The Star Magazine, June 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/452 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/190 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f84336b0e3de61787d7eed56a322aa31.jpg 6df2d20ac875d76ec030127efbfd8d1f https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/099864f51cbe8b772fddc5de916c42a5.pdf 8eda96cae8247fd07c51fb8de2ce6a79 PDF Text Text LOCAL NEWS ~ NATIONAL NEWS ~ V¢ORLD NEWS @ LIFESTYLE ~ FITNESS THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT TRA~¢~L ~ ADVICE ~ ENTERTAINMENT OKLAHOMA Page-!4 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 7 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews have a chance By Michael W. Sasser Contributing Writer difference Tulsa Ci~ Council votes to include sexual orientation to ci~y policy. Photo by Mia Bella Images Commission has recommended that Tulsa adopt an inclusive policy. Wilmes and Oldahomans for Equality worked in collaboration with Nancy McDonald of PFLAG Tulsa and Alice Blue and Tommy Chesbro of the City of Tulsa Human Rights Commission worked with City Councilor GT Bynum and City Councilor Maria Barnes to bring about the formal vote by the Tulsa City Council. "Tonight, PFLAG parents celebrate with the LGBT community," said McDonald. "No longer can a city employee be discriminated against based on sexual orientation. The majority of City Councilors are to be applauded for their vision and vote for Tulsa to be an inclusive city." By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ This election cycle is offering GLBT Oklahomans and their allies a major opportunity to vote for real change. Although Oklahoma has the dubious honor of being the reddest state in the country; we have never had so many candidates to vote for who are either GLBT or allied with us. In this issue of the Metro Star there is a candidate for District Judge (Jackie Short), 2 candidates for U.S. Representative District 5 (Tom Guild & Billy Coyle) and an Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1 ( Willa Johnson) each directly asking for your vote by advertising in the Metro Star. In addition there are 2 candidates running who are 0penlygay, Tom Kovach running for Stat~ Rep~es;~}~[ti~e Di~tricv ~4 and Andrew Willi~ for Si~di~e Representative in District 66. There are also 2 DemoCratic Candidates running for the Oklahom~ City State Ho~e DiStrict 93 seat allied with the GLBT community, former legislator Wanda Jo Peltier and Wilfredo Santos Rivera ( formerly of the Oklahoma City School Board, one of only 2 members who voted not to fire openly gay teacher Joe Quigley.) There are other candidates allied with our community we will be able to vote for in the General Election November 2. There is our only openly gay State Representative Al McAffrey- Incumbent Democrat District 88 of Oklahoma City, and our allies Democrat Dana Orwig running for State House District 87 also of Oklahoma city, JeffTracy in Tulsa .... Continued See CITY COUNCIL Page-11 BrittaW NovotW and Kern to face off November 2 for State Ho se District 84 Will Rogers Park last September, charged with attempting an act of public lewdness with another man ( the case is still pending), he withdrew from the race. The other candidate was Ray Prewitt, aged 40 and a resident of Bethany running as an Independent. Ms. Kern successfully challenged his eligibility before the Oklahoma By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The smoke has finally deared and the race is on. Although the filing ended with 4 candidates vying for the State House District 84 seat, the two others will not be on the ballot. Republican Garrick Voth was challenging Sally Kern for her party’s nomination for the General Election. Voth, a 34 year old Oklahoma City resident who described himself as a conservative Republican, also JULY 1, 2010 MetroStarNews.corn Oldahom s .sa to 17th meeting. While most rank and file GLBT Oldahomans have no protection against discrimination, Tulsa city employees will enjoy codified defense. "This makes such a strong statement to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and sensible island in a state that is often ridiculed for being intolerant and unjnst towards marginalized populations," said ~is Wilmes, OHahomans for Equality (OkEq) Director of Advocacy. The policy has been a long nine in coming - 35 years, in fact. In !975, then Mayor Robert Lafortune commissioned a report that recommended the city adopt this polic?; but the report was rdected. In 1994 the Tulsa gay community ® State Election Board, and he was stricken from the ballot as he had not been registered as an Independent at least 6 months before the filing period as the law requires to be Brittany Novotny and Lt. Governor Candidate Kenneth Corn. Press photo described Ms. Kern as ignoring the needs of her district. When publicity surfaced shortly after the filing that he had been arrested in eligible. Brittany faces a three time incumbent who has for better or worse, undoubtedly attracted national and even some international notoriety. She replaced another conservative Republican, Bill Graves who was likewise famous for anti-gay sentiments, when she was running for State House District 71, Democrat Amy Corley running for State House District 53 and Democrat Mike Shdton running for District 97. In the State Senate we can vote to keep Andrew Rice (Democrat District 46), who has always been one of the GLBT community’s strongest allies in the legislature. All of them face opposition from Republican and/or Independent candidates in the General Election. Last but certainly not least, Brittany Novomy is running against Sally Kern to represent State House District 84. Sally has made history and garnered international attention as one of the most anti-gay laxvmakers in the country. Brittany, has already made history.as ~k]ahoma~s first transgendered candida{e aud Sheis ready tO fight for GLBT equality. GLBT and fair ~inded Voters of that district have an Opportunity to give Ms. Novomy a vict(Jr} ~at W~uld likewise no doul~t get international attention and give Oklahoma a better image, besides getting better representation. For more information or to contribute to her campaign, her website is brittany4HD84.com. On a further positive note, our allies Anastasia Pittman ( Democrat District 99) and Richard Morrissette (District 92) have already been elected by acclamation ( no opponents filed.) Check out the voting instructions on page 9 if you need any information about voting in this upcoming and future elections. The GLBT community has never had as many candidates seeking our vote, and it’s up to us to make that worthwhile. first elected in 2004. She was re-elected without opposition in 2006, and defeated Ron Marlett to win a third term in 2008. She is married to Steve Kern, the Pastor of Olivet Baptist Church and has 2 adult sons. She had been a teacher at Oklahoma City’s Northwest Classen High School, teaching American Government and coaching the girl’s golf team. She led opposition to the book "King and King" being in the children’s section of Oklahoma County libraries, daiming that the American Library Association is "trying to sexualize your children." She has made public statements stating that homosexuals are a bigger threat to our nation than terrorism, resulting in countless public demonstrations and demands for an apology; even generating a phone call from Hlen Degeneres placed ........ Continued See BRITTANY Page- 17 �Straight but not narrow. No matter who are on life’s journ~ believe in equality for everybody and I’ll fight for that in Washington. 3131 ~. Pennsylvania, Oklaho I NEED YOUR VOTE JULY 27. Bi!Iv Covle is orga nized, well fUnded and his beliefs are right in line with the fair minded people of the Fifth District. -Richard Ogden leave a message please Major Sponsors: Organized by: h o m a �OGRe’s riderless horse ceremoW honors community leader New Report Shows Surprising Gains for Gay O ahomans TULSA, OK (PRy June 16, 2010 __ g/ith the Ttflsa City Council poised to add sexual orientation to its nondiscrimination policies fi3r public employees, a new report by the TEN Institute, the research arm of The Equality Network, reveals that * several Oklahoma municipalities already extend these protections to their gay employees. Preliminary data from an ongoing project documenting P/~oto: Laura Belmonte, President ~e municipal policies Equa[i~ ~work (TEN). on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens challenge longstanding assumptions that LGBT Oklahomans have virtually no legal protections at the local level. "W~nen we began this research, we expected o.nly to validate the widespread belief that few communities protect ~ their ~ LGBT citizens here. To our great Update: Late Thursday surprise mad joy, we evening the Tulsa City that maW ~bund Gounc~ "qoted 6-3 in cities have favor of adding sexual adopted already LGBTorientation to the inclusive policies fo[, t.heir public nondiscrimination policy employees. explains v. for public employees...., *Williarns, Ph.D., president of The Equality Network. Del Cit)~ Altus, McAlestm; Miami, Noble, and Vinita al! have nondiscrimination policies including sexual orientation among the categories protected in the hiring, promotion, and retention of public employees. Another group of municipalities do not offer employment protections for their LGBT public employees, but does include sexual orientation in their anti’harassment personnel policies. ~aese include Muskogee, Chickasha, and Perry. Oklahoma City" is the only municipality xvith an ordinance outlawing harassment, intimidation, or assault based on sexual orientation. ~is protection is particularly significant because the states hate crimes taw does not currently encompass sexual orientation. Currently, there are no municipalities in Oklahoma that include gender identity or expression anaong the protected categories for either public employees 6r the general citizenry. 2qae study, also shows that Ponca City, Cushing, and Sallisaw appear .to sanction housing discrimination against gay people. For example, in defining what constitutes a disability, Cushing’s housing ordinance states "’handicap’ does not apply to an individmd because of sexual orientation or the sexual preference of the individual or because that individual is a transvestite." qThe Ponca City and Sail!saw housing ordinances are worded similarly. "~9{fe were stunned to discover such bizarre and offensive assertions enshrined in public policy in 2010. These three communities are clinging to the characterizations 0f LGBT people that the medical and psychological establishments rejected ahnost fi3rty years ago. \~ghile we agree wholeheartedly that being gay is not a disability, we believe that allowing landlords to bin" LGBT people from renting an apartment f6r which they qualify as tenants is blatant discrimination." stated Williams. TEN Institute will continue to analyze municipal policies on LGBT Oklahomans and will integrate them into its Municipal Equality Database. The pre.liminary findings may be accessed at http:/l~aw~/v.scribd.com/doc/33127989/ Municipalities-Database By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer ~e E,q.uali~ Network. works, to achieve equali~y and to secure legal *vmcuonjbr /esbmn ~y bzsexua[ and trans ender Oklahomans d;~rough advocao,, coal~)on building, and in~i,idua/ empowerment in the polidcal process.. 3 GLBT Organizations honored as U.S. Census Partners at the O ahoma State Capitol Sunday June 12 By Victor Gorin Contributing writer 7he riderless horse ceremony lends respect th# year to Cookie Arbuckle w/so diedApri119th , 2010. Picmred above (r to 0 # K/int Weiden, co-director OGRA 2010 leading t]~e horse with Lina Hineman and ~Ia,y Arbuckle. Photo by Denise Whithorne of ishoo~ru.com Toby Jenkins receives the U.S. Census Bureau’s Partnership Award on beaalfof Ok~homans for Equalio,. ~ his l@ is D,: Robert Groves, National ~& Census Bm~au Direcm,; and w his right Re~onal Dimcmr Dennis Johnson. Gorin phom OKLAHOMa\ CITY, OK __ In the Blue Room of the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City maW organizations were honored for their work helping the U.S. Census Bureau obtain an accurate count with correct information for 2010. A tradition every decade since the first tally in 1790, the U.S. Census proves increasingly important as the data gathered may determine ?vhere government resources are allocated, where companies locate, as well as countless other factors affecting the life quality of Americans. Working to achieve this goal for 2010 the Bureau worked with a wide variety of diverse organizations to help them reach out to various demographics of society, especially those who might be fearfu! or and/or otherwise reluctant to be counted. In his address Dr. Robert Groves, the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau, thanked the honorees for their efforts that truly paid off, as this year’s operation is already ahead of schedule and under budget. This involved a ~vide variety of faith communities, social groups and advocacy organizations, included among them alliances from the GLBT community: This was significant also in that for the first time, GLBT couples could be counted as married. The three GLBT organizations honored that day were Oklahomans for Equality from Tulsa, Oklahoma City’s Cimarron Alliance, and the Metro Star. Feeling privileged to be included among the honorees on behalf of Cimarron Alliance, Director Scott Hamilton stated "XWe were so honored to be part of it. XWe felt it was a big step forward. The Census people were extraordinary partners, and were so encouraging of our work in the community. I think that in the long term the comraunity ,/viii benefit substantially from the work that we were able to do." OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Once again OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) served the community by hosting a better-than-ever event for their 25th annual rodeo over Memorial Day xveek-end. Nais year’s rodeo charity partners were midtown OKC based - Other Options/Friends Food Pantry, Be The Change, and Expressions Community Center. The amount donated to these charities varies each year based on participation, events and overall donations. "The event went just a smooth as it always does,’ said .... Steve Sublet, a returning visitor to the annual event. ~’OGRA has a history of being a well run rodeo and they sure proved that again this year." Sublet is former IGRA (International Gay Rodeo Association) Royalty as well as a performer who has been selected for the 2011 season of’Americgs Got Talent.’ The Riderless Horse Ceremony was dedicated to Other Options and Friends Food Pantry founder Coolde Arbuclde who died on April 19th of this year. "q]ae saddle is the one we used in our family years ago when we showed Arabians," said Mary Arbuckle, Coolde’s daughter who is now tile Executive Director of Other Options and Friends Food Pantry. "The colors symbolized - blue, for Oklahoma as mom died on ¯ April 19th, the green was for mother earth, which is where we placed her ashes and the red was for the tireless work morn did for the HIV/AIDS community." This ritual adds such poignancy to the event which manually includes this observance. The history of the gay rodeo dates back to 1975 when Phil Ragsdale of Rend, ix~, came up with this most creative idea to raise funds. He thought an amateur gay rodeo would be fun, raise money, and even erase a lot of gay stereotyping. Over 125 people took part in this event and the winners were crowned; first, "King of the Cowboys," second, "Queen of the Cowgirls," and third, "Miss Dusty Spurs" (the drag queen). It was great fun and a minor success. It wasn’t until 1985 that gay rodeo came to Oklahoma. The IGPvA has a rich history of supporting associations that support their communities. They help other groups provide quality events. Naey promote, in a positive way, the GBLTQ country western lifestyle and support amateur sportsmanship through participation, competition and recognition. They are comprised of numerous regional Gay Rodeo Associations from across the United States and Canada. N 07.01.2010 �and I’ve advocated for people and helped constituents with their problems. You also deal with larger issues that affect the whole town. You learn how to work to make things happen." Pleasantly enough, he found that his sexual orientation wasn’t much of a campaign issue, and proved to be a nonissue during his time in office. In 2010 his State Representative Bill Nations would be forced out of office due to term limits, so Mr. By Victor Gorin Kovach decided he wanted to run for that Contributing writer office where he felt he could make positive change happen on the state level. " I learned at the city council that one person can make a difference, and even if you’re in the minority speaking out can help change direction. The s{ate is facing monumental problems, especially the budget. We are falling behind in many areas that would make a state proud, such as education. We’re last in the nation in the area of women’s health and 1st in the rate of women in prison per capita. These are things we should be working on, and when there is a problem there is also an opportunity to address it," and he elaborated to say, "Instead they have been scapegoating, Randy Terrill with the Hispanics and Senator Russell trying to exdude GLBT Oklahomans from Federal hate crimes laws. You can’t just sit by and let that go." If elected he wants not only to be an advocate for working Oklahomans. He is also pro-choice, and as expected has stated he xvill advocate in favor of equality for GLBT Oklahomans. He has been endorsed by the Victory Fund (a national organization that funds campaigns of GLBT candidates), and on July 27 he will face 3 Democrats in the Primary Election. 2 are OU law students. No,vnan CiO, Coucilman TOm Kovach Emily Virgin who is 23 years old and Isaiah McCaslin who is 26. The third Democrat is NORMAN, OK Tom Kovach ~vas ~ Robert Murphy who is 52. This 4 way race glad but not totally surprised ~vhen he will result in a runoff if no candidate garners became the 2nd openly gay man elected to 50% of the vote. There are no independent the Norman City Council. He’d lived most candidates, so the winner will face the sole of his life in Norman, his family locating Republican in the race, Kent Hunt, in the there when he was only 1 1/2 years old. His November 2 General Election. father was a philosophy professor at OU, and Although Mr. Kovach feels he has a strong after graduating from Norman High School following and is fairly confident, he stresses Tom earned a undergraduate degree in letters that no election should be taken for granted, from Oklahoma University. While attending and he isfft going to. Openly- Gay Candidate running for State Represe tative in Norman’s House Dis ric 44 college he worked in a Safe,vay Store, and as a union member there with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCV¢) he won his first election to be the Secretary/Treasurer of his local. Later going on staff for the union he found he enjoyed advocating for people. He and a friend opened and operated a successful bakery called Jason D’s, for over !0 years. He then joined Astronomics, a company that sells quality optics worldwide, where he ~vorks today. Only two years ago he joined the race to be on Norman’s City Council to reprelent \Vard 2, and his victory in 2008 not only made him the 2nd openly gay person to serve on the Council, but the 4th openly gay elected official in Oklahoma history. In 2010 he ~vas re-elected to his City Council seat without opposition. Tom is 47 and has been with his partner, Will Weir, for over 11 years. He takes pride that Will is listed as such on the Normaffs city website, and credits Will for helping him through the tough times and giving him the strength for much of what he has been able to accomplish. Mr. Kovach believes his city council experience will serve him well in the Oldahoma Legislature. As he puts it, "My ward is about 1/2 the size of the district, 07.0’i.2010 N Friend of Oklahoma’s GLBT Communi ty Reelected by Acclamation By Victor Gorin Contributing writer rote Representative Anastasia Pittman J~iend Rachelle Taylor (left). Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Anastasia Pittman, a longtime friend of not only the GLBT community but also an advocate of equality and justice for many progressive groups and causes, has won re-election to the Oldahoma State House of Representatives with the closing of the filing period June 9 when she drew no opponents. She represents District 99, first elected to that position in 2006. Prior to holding office she had earned a Bache!or’s Degree in Journalism at Oklahoma University and a Master’s Degree in Education and Behavioral Science from Langston University in 2002. She garnered legislative experience worldng in the State Senate from 1999 through 2006 as a clerk, media assistant and legislative assistant. She has also worked as a Spanish instructor and has hosted a radio talk show: She has one child, Ayshia, and among her many mi!estones she was honored as Legislator of the Year in 2009 by the Cimarron Alliance. Tom Guild-Democrat for Congress By By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As candidate filing is completed and political season is upon us, community leader and Professor Tom Guild, an Edmond Democrat has filed for U.S. Congress. He hopes to be the Democratic nominee to represent Oklahoma’s Fifth District, which includes most of Oldahoma County, and also Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties. Guild is currently the Secretary of the Oklahoma County Democratic party. "The 5th Congressional District has not had a Congressman who represented all of the district in quite some time," said Guild in an interview with The Metro Star. "We are becoming a very diverse district and as time passes the district will become even more so. I’m the only candidate with progressive values ~vho will be open to the ideas and needs of all of the people in our district." Guild taught 27 years at the University of Central Oldahoma in Edmond, where he was conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Board of Regents; and three years at Oklahoma City University. He taught political science and legal studies at UCO, and in the MBA program at Oklahoma City University. He earned a BA in political science from OU and his juris doctor degree from SMU School of La~v. Guild was a Robert Dean Bass - Memorial Scholar ar OU and the Maurice E. Purnell Scholar at SMU. Guild is proud of the support he has received from various diversity groups. "It was gratifying at our first campaign event we had leaders from at least nine different groups represented," added Guild. "The diversity of that event reflects the diversity of our campaign and hmv we will serve our constituents once As a candidate who supports diversi~ Professor TOm Guild will make his ,vtn at the 7he 5th Congressional District seat in Oklahoma. 7he seat is being vacated by Mary Fallin. Robin DTownsend phow background, which includes 30 years of teaching experience at the college level, taught me how to value different people, different cultures and different ideas and to work with a wide range of individuals." In a previous run for office, Guild had strong support from a diverse coalition in the state’s largest county. Guild plans to work hard to protect and expand the middle class and make the American dream a realistic possibility for everyone in the 5th District. For more information, please visit www. guildforcongress.com. N "At Century 21 Gold Castle our BEST proper#es are our PEOPL 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 �By Samantha Fields and Lisa Keen Keen News Service An informal survey by the Washington Post published June 18 asked a tiW number of well-placed experts -six-- to say what they think will happen if federal Judge Vaughn Walker overturns California’s ban on same-sex marriage. Two of the six pointed to existing polling data to warn of the potential for a negative impact. Scott Keeter, director of survey research at the Pew Research Center, said Pew’s previous polling data predicts "bacldash." ~lose polls, and others, have historically shown LGBT victories in court lead to an increase in public opposition to same-sex marriage. It happened a~ter the U.S. Supreme Court struck down state sodomy laws (in June 2003). It happened after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled gay couples had a constitutional right to marriage equality (in November 2003). And even before ~Talker issues his decision, said Keeter, polls indicate the public opinion climate "remains chilly" for same-sex marriage. Joe Mathews, a senior fellow at the New America Foundation, a political think tank, said that, while public opinion is trending m £wor of marriage equaht~, a d,ws~ve court decision that gets too far ahead of voters could prolong the fight over same-sex marriage for a generation or more .... " "If judges strongly support overturning Prop 8 at each stage of the appeal, this emerging judicial consensus that gay-marriage bans are unconstitutional would speed acceptance of such unions across the country," wrote Mathews. "But if Prop 8 is overturned by a narrovdy and nastily divided U.S. Supreme Court, say 5 to 4, such a decision could conceivably do more harm than good." So, where is public opinion on same-sex marriage right now? ~¢o recent reports shed some light on that, and some doubt. First, the light: ~e 2010 Values and Beliefs survey, which Gallup conducts every May, indicated that 52 percent of adults surveyed consider "gay and lesbian relations" to be "morally acceptable," compared to 43 percent who said they are "morally wrong." Five percent had no response or had some other opinion. The results were based on random telephone interviews with 1,029 adults conducted between May 3 and 6, 2010. Hie margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points. ¯ne 52 percent saying "morally acceptable" was up three points over 2009, when 49 percent said "morally acceptable." And the percentage saying "mora!ly wrong" was down four points -from 47 percent in 2009 {o 43 percent this year. (Five percent no opinion or Other response in 2009.) ~is year was the first time since Gallup began asking the question that more than 50 percent of Americans said they believe "gay and lesbian relations" are morally acceptable. Age is, and always has been, a factor, something that was clear in the surveys results. Younger men (like younger women) are generally more accepting than their parents and grandparents. In addition to the increase in acceptance among men, the Gallup poll also found improved attitudes towards gays and lesbians anmng every other sub-group polled: from Catholics to Protestants, Democrats to Independents, moderates to conse,watives. Though the degree to which those views shifted differed greatly, it’s evident that there is a stead}; gradual shift raking place "W~at’s different this year is that the spread between ’morally acceptable’ and ’morally wrong’ is a whole lot bigger," says Lee Badgett, a professor of Economics at UMass Amherst, and the research director at the Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy at UCIA. It was a nine-point spread this year, compared to only . in the way Americans view gay and lesbian relationships and civil rights for gay people. a two-point spread last year. In fact, Gallup’s polling this year shows the "The question is," said Badgett, "will that public views "gay and lesbian relations" as turn out to be a tipping point or not?" more morally acceptable than doctor-assisted Gallup polling data shows the "morally suicide (46 percent) and less than having a acceptable" response has been on a steady baby outside of marriage (54 percent). trend upward since 2004. It took a sixBut what about legalizing marriages for point dive in 2004, .just six months after the same-sek couples?. Massachusetts high court issued its landmark While the Gallup poll showed 52 percent marriage equality decision. of people said they consider "gay and lesbian The percentage of Americans who relations" to be "morally acceptable" and 58 consider gay relations to be "morally wrong" percent said those relations should be "legal," --43 percent-- is the lowest it’s been in a only 44 percent said such marriages should decade. And also for the first time, a larger percent of men said "morally acceptable" than be recognized. ~hat is up four points from 2009, and up 16 points since 1996, when women ~- 53 percent of men and 51 percent Gallup first began astdng about gay marriage of women now believe "gay and lesbian specifically. The Gallup polling on gay relations" are morally acceptable. The change in men’s attitudes was striking. marriage is now approximately where it was for interracial marriage in the late 1970s and tn May 2006, 39 percent of men polled early 1980s. The balance in favor interracial said they felt "homosexual relations" were marriage crossed its tipping point with the morally acceptable. By this year, that number 1991 survey -when 48 percent approved and had jumped to 53 percent. That’s a 14-point iump, while, over the same period, acceptance 42 percent disapproved marriage between blacks and whites. among women increased just 2 percent. But do people’s attitudes necessarily Gary Gates, a demographer at UCLA translate into how they are likely to vote on who studies the LGBT population, cautions an issue? Not as reliably a~s one might expect. against putting too much stock in one Political scientist Patrick Egan, who has poll But, he Says, "a varietT ofpolls have done considerable polling on gay-related been showing, depending on the wording, political issues, examined the results of 167 increased amounts of acceptance towards pre-election polls on 32 different ballot LGB and, in some cases, T people. That measures concerning either same-sex marriage acceptance has gone up in both men and or domestic partnerships. He found that prewomen. " "’ " election polls "consistently underesnmated To a certain degree, the improvements the number of people xvho would vote for a could have something to do with the fact ban on same-sex marriage -by all average of that Gallup’s wording changed in 2008, from seven points. And, "the share of the public "homosexual relations" to "gay and lesbian saying they intend to vote for or against these relations." According to Gates and Badgett, measures typically chaiages very little over the people respond differently in polls on gay course" of the ballot measure campaigns. issues depending on the way questions are This gap between how voters say they asked. Questions about "homosexuals" tend will vote and what they actually do in the to receive more of a negative reaction than the voting booth does not appear to be a product same questions about "gays and lesbians." of wanting to give the a poll-t~er a socially ~The closer you get to people having to desirable response of supporting equality for think about sex," said Gates, "the worse gay all, said Egan. He could find no evidence people do in polls." for that. For instance, he said, in states ~vith But experts agree, saying there is probably large gay populations, one would expect many people who wanted to ban gay marriage no single reason for this change in how would tell a pollster that they were against the men are polling, but rather a number of ban. Voters in California, for instance, would contributing factors. be more likely than voters in Mississippi to "Some of it is exposure," says Mark say they ~vere going to vote against the ban Stevens, a psychologist at California State and then vote for it. But there was no such University in Northridge. "Guys are growing up where they have friends who are gaF: There correlation and no other evidence emerged in Egan’s analysis to explain tile gap. is a little bit more in the media, on the Still, it’s clear Americans are becoming And it’s kind of cool to be a little bit more inc~reasingly open and accepting and experts liberal and a little bit more accepting." and polling data suggest this trend will Gates agrees that exposure is likely a big continue -unless something happens to set part of it, though not just for men. opinion back. "We know that a higher proportio~ of gay "You never know how socie9, is changing, people are being more open and being more and sometimes it’s not very obvious because open at younger ages. And we do know that it’s very subtle," says Stevens. While the 1mowing gay people or having a relationship " " reasons such a shift is occurnng now "might with an LGBT person does actually have an not be necessarily explainable," he says, "it’s impact on people’s broader attitudes." really good to see." �State House candidate openly supports GLBT inclusion By Michael W. Sasser Contributing Writer unseat Republican Dan Sullivan in what has historically been a GOP stronghold. Tracy, though, said the campaign is going well. "We’ve looked at the numbers and the numbers took good for us," TracT saKt. It s atway tough to take on an incumbent but I believe that if you have good idea, you can do well." Inclusion issues aren’t the highest Jefl~Tracy candidate for Oklahoma House District 71 with wife Stacey and profile issues in the son Eli. Press photo campaign. On his website Tracy addresses issues of wastefu! TULSA, OK Hes stralg t, has a spending, education, healthcare and the need beautiful family, wants to be the next District to support the energy sector while developing 71 State Rep. - and JeffTracy would be green job technology. supportive of GLBT issues even if he weren’t "I am so sick of what’s going on in the already" committed to inclusion issues on State Legislature," Tracy said. "They have no principle. concern for kids well-being. ~xey’re talking "I believe in equality issues but even if for about different abortion bills and carrying some reason I didn’t, I would still represent guns at work." the GLBT community’s concerns because you Tract has built a warm relationship with don’t pick and choose who you represent," the GLBT community and recognizes that Tracy told the Metro-Star. "District 71 has this could be used against him. the highest density population of GLBT "I know I will take flack for it - that’s persons in Oklahoma. The support I have almost a given in Oklahoma," Tract said. received has been fantastic. I have the moral "But that doesn’t mean that they are right. It’s obligation to support equality issues." a moral issue. We have the moral obligation Tracy is the son of a police officer and a to respect people. If people don’t elect me Registered nurse. He is an Amarillo, Texas because of what I believe in, that’s fine. My native who graduated from the University of family will still love me. They won’t take away Tulsa law school. He said that he has long my birthday. What would be worse is if I been interested in politics but finally decided didn’t remain true to what I believe in." to run as a result of being parent of a son For more information on JeffTracy, State almost two-year old. House candidate, District 71, visit wvcw. "Being a parent cha.nges your perspective," jefftracy.org. he said. At just 27 years old, the attorney hopes to Governor Henry expressed his confidence stating, "Richard Ogden is a proven leader with the judgment, skills and commitment necessary to make a positive difference for the universities and students in the RUSO system. Richard has dedicated his life to making Oldahoma a better place, and I know he will be a great addition to the RUSO board. I greatly appreciate his willingness to serve that state in this capacity." His appointment is for 9 years, serving six regional universities, East Central University (Ada), Northeastern State University(Tahlequah), Northwestern State University(Alva), Southeastern State University" (Durant), Southwestern Oklahoma State University(\Weatherford) and the University of Central Oklahoma(Edmond). As for Richard he is glad to serve stating, "I would like to thank Governor Henry and the leadership of the House and Senate for their dedication and continued financial support for higher education, especially during these difficult economic times. I took forward to worldng alongside my fellow regents and regional university presidents, as well as the governor and legislature. " Billy Coyle-Democra t for Congress Born in Oklahoma City in 1974, his family moved to Florida when he wag a teenager and he graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School in 1993. He then enlisted in the United State Marine Corps, made it through boot camp at South Carolina’s Parris Island, followed by 7 years of se~ice until honorably discharged in 2001 at the rank of E-5 Sergeant. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, he later returned tO Oklahoma City where he graduated from the University of Oldahoma Law School in 2003¯ He has since been a practicing attorney’ with OKC’s Coyle Law Firm. He is married, and his wife Heather is an assistant district attorney for Oklalmma County: Together they have a 2 year old son, Jack. Understandably, veterans issues are important to him. As he sees it, "Right now we have veterans who are unable to get the attention they deserve from the very country" they fought for." Another area is jobs. On this he states, "We continue to have American jobs going overseas while our elected officials have become complacent. That’s wrong and unAmerican. Very litde is Made in America and I want that to change. And while it may be rdatively easy to By Victor Gorin Contributing writer ° S & SAGE (Service Advocacy [’or GLBT Attorney Richard Ogden appointed by Governor Brad Henry to the Board of Regents Elders) By Victor Gorin Contributing writer appointed tothe Board of Regents for the Regional University System of Oldahoma (RUSO) June 10, sworn in by District Judge Barbara Swinton. He is currendy vice-president and manager of the Mulinix Ogden Hall ~amdrews and Ludlam PLLC Law Firm of Oklahoma CitT. He has previously stowed as the Chair of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. AS a Regent, Mr. Ogden is part of that governing Attorney Richard Ogden sworn in by District fi~dge Barbara board responsible for the Swinton and wittnessed @partner Mike McLain. P~vss ghoto hiring of university presidents, employment and budgets along with other OK3~&HOMA CITY, OK __ Attorney aspects of administration pertaining to Richard Ogden, an openly gay and longtime Oldahomgs system of higher education. activist for the GLBT community has been be a straight family man in the Bible Belt, he is among only a few candidates willing to openly ask for the support of the GLBT community in the reddest state in the country. He has not only advertised in the Metro Star, he is scheduled to speak to the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats, and has also rented a booth to meet widi potentiad ;corers at the Pride Festival al0ng wi~ ~ent~ i~ the Pride Parade. Asked if he feared the wrath of Republicans and rightwingers he replied ¯ to this reporter, "I don’t care, they’re going to pick on me anyway." For more information about his campaign, or hove to contribute and/or volunteer Call 405 (600 9161) or access his website wwcw.bill)~coyle2010.com Billy, Heather and their son Jack. Press photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It isa first for Oklahoma when we have not one, but ~vo candidates running for Congress that are openly asking for the support of the GLBT communitT. Billy Coyle, a veteran and straight t~mily man is one of them, ready to take on "Washington for what he believes is dest,3,erately needed change. , This campaign is about the common " ,nan. I m not running because I nee a job, nor am’I a politician looking for a government career. I want to be a Congressman looking out for the people of O~dahoma, and Billy also added, I m tired of big government, big insurance, and big politics. I am convincedI can make a difference." TULSA, OK (PRy __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is launching day time programing for those who are retired or free during the day. OkEq ~vill be establishing a SAGE chapter (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) which is a national program geared toward individuals over 50. Each Tuesday the Center will open at 10 am for Coffee and Bagels followed by a computer class taught by Don Satterth~vaite at 1 t:00 am in the Cyber Center’. Lunch will be provided at noon for a donation. At 1 pm there will be a book Study on classical gay authors such Edward Albee, Oscar Wilde, James Baldwin, and Armistead Maupin. "Pne Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th Street, Tulsa. �Dear Editor A ick Tutoria{ The following corresponence on ENDA from Senator Coburn should be of interest to your readers on the Gay/Lesblan Equality Decisions o£the Supreme Court Kende! Powers Moore, OK Dear Mr. Powers, Thank you for writing me about S. 1584, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). I enjoyed reading your message and learning about your family’s history of in~olvement with tt~is issue. I hope that you wiil accept my sincere apology {or the delay in my response. A tenfold increase in mail volume has made it difficult for me to stray current in my correspondence. Even so, I am sorry to have kept you waiting. Let me be clear: I believe discrimination is wrong and I am committed to fighting prejudice. As a businessman and a family physician, I believe employees should be judged upon their individual merits and work ethic, and should not be dismissed without proper cause related to their actual performance. I know we can agree that each of us deserves to be treated with respect and without bias. Nevertheless, I have concerns about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). As currently drafted, the bill is ovedy vague and broad, and will spur needless liti~t~on. The bi!l~ text creates mcons~stencles w~m ex~st,ng te{aera~ civil rights starutes. I am atso concerned that a discrimination claim could be based on ’real or perceived" sexual orientation characteristics. ~][hese terms will require a court to decide their raeaning. Issues such as these require the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to };arther study this legislation and amend these vague terms so Congress does not abdicate its legislative duty to the courts. In addition, ~ also am concerned that ENDA would impede the religious liberties ol:’churches and of other non-proifit religious groups. The current religious exemption in the bill is not robust enough and should be expanded. tn addition, I believe states are already appropriately working to address this issue. In fact, thirty-one state~ have some form oflaw, regulation or executive order that requires protecting employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation including some states that protect transgendered individuals. When a majority of the states have shown a propensity to address an issue as they see fit, Congress should not intervene and unnecessarily preempt state law. I believe government is at its best when it is closest to the people and our states should continue to decide how best to protect employees from discrimination. Again, thank you for writing me on this issue. If you have any additional concerns, please fed free to write again. I look forwad to hearing from you in the future. Sincerely, Tom A. Coburn, M.D. United States Senator or Frank Rich can be the Best Man at my Marriage by James Nimmo O~tHOMA CITY, OK __ As the time draws near for the final arguments of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, aka the Prop 8 trial, we’ll come to the close of chapter four in the ongoing saga of America’s love-hate relationship with diversity, be it based on sldn color, gender, or sexual orientation. I’ve numbered this as chapter four because there have been three previous chapters in our gay/lesbian history that have been decided by the United States Supreme Court, the first one going against us, vdth the subsequent two keeping us in the game. Bowers v. Hardwick (1986) ruled 5-4 against us, claiming" ... a rig!~t to engage in such conduct is ’deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition" or ’implicit in the concept of ordered liberty’ is, at best, facetiotts." ( http://tinyurl.com/jus3e ) Romer v. Evans (1996) reared its ugly face in an attempt to further keep gay citizens away from full indusion in the political and , ,. ..... ....... ~ , for us, Justice Kennedy wrote ~hat {he passage of Colorado~ Amendment 2 disallowing any recognition of gay people under the laws of Colorado was unconstitutional. He wrote in the ma ority opinion that "laws of the kind now before us raise the inevitable inference that the disadvantage imposed is born of animosity toward the class of persons affected." The Court implied that the passage of.&nendment 2 was born of a "bare...desire to harm a politically unpopular group". ( http:/Itinyurl.com/49m9er ) Turning the page we get to tbe decision striking down sodomy laws with the Supreme Court’s decision in Lawrence v. Texas (2003) that helped immensely in removing the uncharged felon status every gay man and woman carried with them as these laws were selectively enforced to intimidate us in our public and private lives. ( http://tinyurl. com/br2tj ) The Prop 8 ruling, regardless of~vhich gay or homo-hating party it favors, will eventually make its way to the US Supreme Court where for many years the decisions have been 5-4 with the 5 going mostly to the regressive sides of the arguments, be they social justice or economic equality questions. I was tickled pink when Olson and Boles took up the clarion call from the Equal Rights Foundation ( equalrightsfoundation. org ) to make a full court argument on our behalf~br civil rights in marriage. Even as the purpose of the trial has been to reverse the " ~ " ’ Prop 8 unconscionable passage of Calfformas that disallows same gender marriage after a favorable California Supreme Court ruling, there’s no doubt in my mind that the extensive media coverage and social conversation of the nearly four-year hist~iry of this latest action to remove gay/lesbian discrimination has been effective in diluting the homo-hating potions and superstitious invectives thrown at us. The echoes of previous court decisions that have been heard across the country will prove too powerful for the cobwebs of prejudice and animositT to resist. Frank Rich, op/ed columnist for the New York Times and first pick for best man at my marriage, has written an optimistic essay ( http:lltinyurt.com/38gornv ) I recommend for anyone down in the dumps over our on-again/off-again progress for civil equality. Mr. Rich writes that approval of same-gender marriage is higher now than the approval for inter-racial marriage a year after i{ was supported by a Supreme Court ruling in 1967 (Loving vs Virginia), I think thanks to the vastly easier modes of communication now available with social networking and the Internet. If Limbaugh can have Elton John sing at his fi~urth marriage can my first marriage be far behind? * CiVi Rights *Criminal ’ment * Family Law * Litigation 625 : 13,th Street City’s, OK 73103 07.01.2010 ~’J’~R �Celebrations during Hard Times Benefit Our House Too By Judy Gabbard Contributing Writer Domestic Abuse in the GLBT Community A secret shame £or us "We learned that 40% of gay men wind up in abusive relationships. Clearly this is a huge problem we’re just not talking about. I was excited to see people come out for this workshop. It ,vas a chance to inform and educate, and to hear firsthand ka~owledge from those who had been in abusive relationships. I hope this opens the door for more conversations in our comrnunit):’ Scott Hamilton. Cimarron Alliance Director By Victor Gorin Contributing writer ]:~rogr~m Director Steve [Vissen and 7E~,rT~ owner Margarita Chand~e~ Judy G. photo TULSA. OK __ Xghen our :ountry and particularly O~ahoma was in the grip.s of severe hardship during the Great Depression, people in their communities came together for hard times dances, bake-offs and rummage sales with the proceeds going to help those in need. %ese events not only made things better for the beneficiaries, but also gave a spirit of community solidarity to those who contributed as welI. Carrying on this proud tradition is Our House, Too. Located in Ttdsa at 203 N. Nogales Avenue, assistance is available there for people living with HIV/AIDS providing household and toiletry needs, weekly meals, food baskets and general support. The weakened economy has affected charitable organizations in Oklahoma and natiomvide, with declining donations combined with ever increasing needs. Our House, Too is also feeling this dilemma, so in the spirit of coming together as a community they are organizing 3 events to generate awareness as wall as raise much needed funds. ~ihere will be benefit shows at TNT’s on both Friday Jtfly 2 at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday September 4 also at 9:30 p.m., ~vhere you can enjoy cold beer, fine drinks, tasty snacks and great entertainment to support this worthy cause. TNT’s is located at 2114 S. Memorial Drive in Tnlsa. In addition to these events is their Sixth fimnual Drag Queen Bingo (bingo like your mother never played). %is grand event of course features female impersonators, but also "all kinds of cmnpy fun. It all happens at Tulsa’s CaMs Ballroom located at 423 Main Street at 8 p.m. on Saturday August 21. Our House too would like to thank their Program Director Steve Nissen, TNT’s owner Margarita Chandler and all those who work hard to make these events happen and keep Our House Too operating to serve our community. Our House Too is a 501c3 organization so donations are tax deductible, and 100% of donations received benefit their clients. For more information about their services, donating or volunteering, or about these events contact Our House Too at 918 585 9552 or visit their website at www. ourhousetoo.com. N Obdahoma Tobacco NE~ 07.0’!.2010 Erin Walker OKC ~CA Director of Outreach and Vo&nteer S~ice~: Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Domestic abuse has never been easy for our society to talk about. Family loyalties ("what goes on here stays here"), guilt of the victim ("If I’d been a better ,vife, he wouldn’t hurt me") and the ego of the abuser ("She made me do it.’) When the women’s movement of the late 1960s and 1970s brought what had been and is still somewhat taboo out into the open these were some of sentiments expressed. However, at the very least some of these beliefs are now being questioned, and there are more options now for victims of abuse to change their lives with more assurance that they don’t need to feel ashamed to get help. As the GLBT community has made great strides towards equality, xvith open relationships more widely accepted and even marriage (a concept not even fathomed only 20 years ago) what inevitably followed were many problems and taboos coming out of the closet as well. In response to this, when Cimarron Alliance held their monthly educational discussion group on June 3 they focused on domestic abuse in the GLBT community. ~eir special guest was Erin Walker, the Director of Outreach and Volunteer Services of the YWCA, which has provided help for domestic violence victims since the late 1970s.As she pointed out during the discussion, domestic violence in the GLBT community occurs with relationships of all types of people and lifestyles, rich and poor, various educational levels, religions and cultures just as it does among heterosexuals. As Erin put it, "Domestic violence is an equal opportunity epidemic." Erin pointed out that as same sex relationships have become better known, so has the veil of secrecy been lifted about domestic abuse that happens there as well. Paula Sophia Schonauer. an Oldahoma City police oi~cer and activist with the GLBT community, has answered hundreds of domestic disturbance calls during her 18 year career with the department, including many involving same- sex couples. Concurring with Ms. Walker’s experience, she saw that the dynamics were the same. Likewise through the years she has seen increased awareness and better handling of these situations by law enforcement. Legislation such as the Domestic Abuse Act has made procedures easier for victims and does not differentiate between heterosexua! or same sex couples. Erin did relate that currently the ~VCA has an excellent relationship with the Oklahoma City Police Department. which is helpful as domestic violence intervention is almost always stressftd and frequently dangerous to the o~cers responding as well.. While recognizing that abuse in same sex relationships follows most of the same patterns as their straight counterparts, there are unique aspects as well. Often a controlling partner will threaten to "out" their partner to their employer or family, k has been reported that occasionally police departments will take same sex domestic violence calls less seriously than those of heterosexuals. Whether valid of not, people abused in same sex relationships may fed they aren’t resources that can help them. The YWCA maintains a 24 hour hodine for victims of domestic abuse which has expanded their services to include assistance for same sex victims as well. As with any caller, the listener at the hodine will try to obtain as much information as the caller wants to give, with priority on safety planning. In the case of a lesbian in need of a place to stay, she could be taken to a women’s shdter. At present there are no facilities for male victims, however a man in this situation would not be turned away, in some cases a hotel room could be provided as a temporary refuge. Erin most stressed this point, " No matter what type of relationship people find themselves in, we want to reach all communities, .especially those that are under served." N~eir 24 hour hotline-- 800 522 SAFE. N to �Voter Registration in © ahom Eligibility: A person who is eligible to register to vote must be at least 18 years old, a United States citizen and a resident of the State of Oklahoma. How to Register: ~bu must fill out a voter registration application form. Voter registration applications are available at your County Election Board, post offices, tag agencies, libraries and many" other public locations. You will be offered a voter registration application when you get your driver’s license and when you apply for assistance at some government agencies. You also may" down!oad an application form. ~bu must sign and date the oath printed on t2qe form. "g’nen yon sign the voter registration application form, you swear that you are eligible to register to vote. Changing Your Registration: If you need to change your name, your address or your political affiliation, you must fill out another voter registration application form. You may change your registration at any time xvith one exception. You may not change your political affiliation during the period from June 1 through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year. The last day on which you may change your political affiliation before the closed period is May 31; the first day on which you may change your political affiliation after the dosed period is September t. Submitting Your Application: You may mail your voter registration application to the State Election Board, The card is already addressed, but you must add a first-class postage stamp. If you fill out your voter registration application form at a tag agency when you get your driver’s license or vchen you apply for assistance at a government agency, the agency will mail the form to the State Election Board for you. ~,bter Identification Card: You do not become a registered voter until the county election board in the county where you reside has approved your application. \~en your application is approved, the county election board will mail a voter identification card to you. Your voter identification card lists your name, address, political a~liation and the polling plaee for your voting precinct. When you receive your voter identification card, look at it care~hlly and report any errors to the county election board immediately. Keep your voter identification card in a safe place and always take it with you when you go to vote. If your voter registration application cannot be approved, you wilt receive a letter from the county election board. ~lhe letter will tell you why your applicatior~ was not approved and explain the steps you need to take to become registered. You may be able to return the letter with some additional information, or you may need to fill out and send in another voter registration application forn!. Closed Primary System: Oklahoma has a closed primary system. O~fly voters who are registered members of a recognized political party may vote for the party’s candidates in primary and runoff primary elections. Registered Independent voters may be eligible to vote in party’s primaries and runoff: By Steven Petrmv Stewen Petrow. is the author of"7~e Essential Book of Gay Manners &Etiquette. "Send him your questions at queeries@live.com. primaries if authorized by the party. However, nonpartisan judicial offices, state questions and county questions often are included in primary elections. All registered voters, including Independents, are entitled to receive those ballots. At general elections, all voters receive the same ballot and may vote for any candidate or question on the ballot. When to Register: You may submit your voter registration application form at any time. However, voter identification cards cannot be issued during the 24 days prior to an election. If your registration application is received by the county" election board during the 24 days before an election, you will not receive your voter identification card until after the election. tf you will become 18 during the 60 days before an election, you may apply for voter registration between 25 and 60 days before the election. Additional Information: For additional information about voting in Oldahoma, contact your local county election board or the State Election Board. Oklahoma State Election Board PO Box 53156 Oklahoma City, OK 73152 (405) 521-2391 Download and print application: www. ok.gov/elections/Voter_Registration/Voter_ Registration_Application_Form/info@ elections.ok.gov Church of the Open Arms to host Homosexuality and Scripture Confederence OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Church of the Open Arms-UCC ( United Church of Christ) of Oklahoma City is hosting a Homosexuality and Scripture Study on Sunday, July 18 from 4 pm until 6 p.m. Tt~e Reverend Kathy McCallie will lead this workshop, shmving ways to defend the belief that homosexuality is neither sickness nor sin. ~ae study will focus on the history of the scriptures and the cultural settings of the texts in the spirit of faith and understanding. In particular "clobber passages" (scriptural references used to demonize or "clobber" GLBT folks) will be clarified. ~is conference is flee, hmvever to RSVP is encouraged. Childcare is available if reselwed no later than July 12. To RSVP or to obtain more information call (405) 525-9555 or check out the church website at wccw.openarms, org. ~he church is located at 3131 N. Pennsylvania Avenue in Oldahoma City. Can I break up with my boyfriend by text? �By Ronald Blake Contributing Xg~riter RonaM Blake, Certified Fimess Inst~wtor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association Sun Tzu ~vas a management conflict philosopher and author who lived in a time and land far, far away. He ’had many grand things he laid out in his writings but we shall focus on only one of his wise sayings: "All battles are won before they are fought." My task today is to make this relevant to your health and fitness mode in your life. X~bu are on lunch hour and are driving down the boulevard of broken diets and yo~ are hungry. %ree of your best work buddies are in the car with you. "W’e don’t have much time and we need to just grab something now," is the consensus from the backseat and shotgun positions. You’ve already !ost this battle and you’ll end up eating out of that fat trough with Ronald, Hamburglar, and Grimace. This could have been avoided with a little pre-lunch menu planning or the sack lunch fi’om home. You havefft run in over five years but you used to be the All-Conference runner back in your university day]. You grab those dusty Asics shoes and decide to give that five mile race the old college try at the old college pace. You’ve already lost this battle and will end up limping and muttering obscenities for the next four score and seven hours while you nurse that sore Achilles. This could have been avoided with a gradual training regimen and the purchase of some new shoes before entering that Charity 5K race. After one round of Jose Cuervo you announce your retirement from cigarettes beginning tomorrow. After three rounds of Jose Cuervo you announce with mucho gusto your intention to banish Joe Camel from your life beginning tomorrow. After five rounds of~ Jose Cuervo you boisterously and vehemently declare your partnership with nicotine to be dissolved beginning tomorrow. You’ve already lost this battle even before the seventh round of Senor Tequila. This could have been avoided by making a signed declaration to stop smoking while you weren’t half in the bag with agave juice. The sober prover of pen to paper has a great effect on action. Your class reunion is three months away and you want to shed that freshman fifty that you’ve put on since being named most likely to blah, blah, blah in the Quill and Scroll Yearbook. You’ve joined the health club and you want Donna Dixbottom to rue the day she turned you down to the prom. You’ll show her the error of her ways with that great body and that rented Sebring convertible. You’ve already lost this battle and Ms. Dixbottom will only treat you to a haughty cursory glance at the festive soiree. You need more than just a health dub membership and a desire, You need a daily workout routine and a trusty companion to guide you to your fitness goals. Think about what you want to accomplish in life. You don’t need to be Chinese, have a two syllable name, or be a philosopher to achieve successes in your time. You only need a well prepared plan and action. Chmarron Alliance hosts art show to kick-offPride month By By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Pride in Art, an art show presented by Cimarron Alliance Foundation m kick-offPride month, was held at the Istvan Gallery in Oklahoma City. Pictured above are (l to r) foyer Cima,ron Board member Terry Gatewood and Margaret Cox, Cimarron Board member and past chair of the organization. Robin D- Townsend photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ To ldck-off LGBT Pride month, the Cimarron Alliance Foundation hosted "Pride in Art," an art show, sale, and reception held earlier this month at OKC’S Istvan Gallery. The event showcased the creativity and diversity among LGBT and LGBT-supportive artists. The festive, casual evening also featured entertainment provided by Mary Reynolds, Louise Goldberg, and Jamie Bramble. "We came to enjoy the art, celebrate diversity and to support other organizations that do the same," said John Greer, President of the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma. "It is helpful to businesses, the community and those in need when the organizations work together in support." A fundraiser for tile AIDS Walk wil! be at the COPA on July 19th, from 6-10. Pride in Art artists participating in the show include: Jennifer Barron, Gary Bates, Rick and Tracey Bewley, John Carter (Orlando, FL), Sue Clancy (Norman), Sam Echo!s, Ron Ferrell, Richard Ydeffman, Christina Kovash, Kenny McCage, Monty Milburn, Bernadette Martinez, Cindy Mason, Louis Scott, Joe Slack, Sue Moss Sullivan, Frank Troutman, Rhonda Polen X~ernick (Nashville, TN), Cynthia Daniel Wolf- and others. Each artist will provide up to five pieces or original art for the show. Sales will benefit both the artists and the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. Event sponsors were Premium Beers of Oklahoma - Bud Light, Iguana’Mexican Grill, Istvan Gallery, and Art Fusion Studios. Since the incorporation of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, the organization has operated under the leadership of a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. From the very beginning, Cimarron’s Board has been comprised of people within the LGBT community and straight persons supportive of the organization’s mission. For the past 13 years tile Cimarron Alliance Foundation has served as a powerful resource for individuals and organizations vcithin the LGBT community. The mission of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation is to support educational efforts that validate personal identity, promote public enlightenment, and advance equality for LGBT Oklahomans. For more information about Cimarron Alliance visit vcww.dmarronalliance.org. "First " ursday" Art Opening and Exhibit of Original Works: Verisimilitude -New Paintings by Michael Christopher TULSA, OK (PR) _ The July Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature the Art of Michael Christopher. "lhe show begins with a reception on Thursday, July 1st from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month. Michael Christopher began figurative painting as a young teen - dropped it by the time he turned twenty - and started again thirty years later. Michael’s other creative pursuits have included professional acting, theatrical production design, composing incidental music for the theatre, writing scores for musicals and an opera. Michael helped organize the Tulsa Artists Coalition and he founded the Tulsa Center for Contemporary Art (TuCCA). What started a few years ago as a handful of illustrations for a graphic novel project became a more serious return to painting. The works in this show reflect an eye for photorealistic rendering and a vision that loves and understands the human form. ~xe works in Verisimilitude spread open the time frame, drawing on the idealized realism of the early oil paintings, touching on themes from his 1987 "Living Arts of Tulsa" shmv, Boys in the Machine, infused with a poetry earned from life as an artist working across many disciplines. The paintings in Verisimilitude raise interesting questions about artistic values. Some viewers have .expressed an initial feeling of disappointment when learning that the works, which seem so realistically to be painted with a physical brush, were really made in the computer as if the digital medium is somehow beneath fine art. The works are not from photographs, but using drawing software similar to programs used in architecture and engineering. After a computer drawing is made it is "painted" using brushes, smudge sticks and other tools, each tool a small computer script written by the artist. These digital paintings take at least as long to create as "wet paint" works. This new dimension within realism is one of the fascinations that drove the creation of these paintings. Follow the progress of new projects and experience Michael’s art and music, at wv#cc.michaelfire.com. �2010 Primary Tues. July 27° General E ection: Tueso November 2. ese Democratic candidates gear up £or an important campaign £or O ahom s f t re: GOVEI~2qOR Lt. Gov. Jari Askins Attorney General Drew Edmondson LIEUTEN~T GOVERNOR State Sen. Kenneth Corn ATTO P&q EY GENERAL Jim Priest STATE AUDITOR & INSPECTOR Steve Burrage STATE tNSUR~qCE COMMISSIONER ~m Holtand (incumbent) STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION State Sen. Susan Paddack Jerry Combrink Larry Huff STATE T~SURER Stephen Covert STATE L&BOR COMMISSIONER Lloyd Fields (incumbent) U.S. SENATOR Jim Rogers Mark )vgil~S ..... ..... U.S. CONGRESS District 2: Dan Boren (incumbent) Jim Wilson District 3: Frankie Robbins District 5: Billy Coyle Tom Guild STATE SENATE District 2: Sean Burrage (incumbent) District 4: State Rep. Nell Brannon Mark Cornell District 6: Jay Paul Gumm (incumbent) District 8: Roger Ballenger (incumbent) District 10: Dale Christenson District 14: Donna Spring, Daryl Roberts District 16: John SparEs (incumbent) District 18: Janice Aldridge District 24: Susan Brooks, John Branum District 26: ~Tom Ivester (incumbent) District 32: Randy Bass (incumbent) District 42: Mike Kelly District 44: Randy Rose District 46: Andrew Rice (incumbent) District 48: Constance Johnson (incumbent) Steven Davis, Mark E Temple, Clyde E. Maddon STATE HOUSE District I: Dennis Bailey (incumbent) District 2: Glen Bud Smithson (incumbent) District 3: Jake Leming, James Lockhart, Jarrod Ridenour, Matt Webb, David Hogan Traci Barnes District 4: Mike Brown (incumbent) District 6: Chuck Hosldn (incumbent) District 7: Larry Glenn (incnmbent) District 8: Ben Sherrer (incumbent) District 9: Eric Cullen District 10: Nick Brown District 12: Vc~ade Roussetot (incumbent) District 13: Jerry McPeak (incumbent) District 14: Brad Clinkenbeard District 15: Ed Cannaday (incumbent) Annie J. Goolsby District t6: Jerry Shoemake (incumbent) James Bo Delso District 17: Brian Renegar (incnmbent) District 18: Donald Condit, John M. Freeman, Carolyn Hilt, Roger Shirly District 19: R.C. Pruett (incumbent) District 20: Paul Roan (incumbent) District 21: Oden Grube, Chris Pierce, Nathan Williams, Jerry Tomlinson District 22: x.X/es Hilliard (incumbent) District 23: Mark Manley District 24: Steve Kouplen (incumbent) District 27: Chris Odneal District 28: Ed Smith District 29: David Narcomey District 30: Donna Marie Vogelpohl District 32: Danny Morgan (incul-nbent) District 34: Cory Williams District 35: Rodger Ensign District 36: Greg Brown District 37: Ken Luttrell (incumbent) District 43: J. E Hemminger District 44: Isaiah McCaslin, Emily Virgin, Tom Kovach, Robert Murphy District 45: Wallace Collins (incumbent) District 49: Samson Buck (incumbent) District 53: Amy Corley DiStric~ 56: Maya To~ralba District 58: Wilson John Adamson District 60: Purcy Walker (incumbent) District 64: Michael J. Corrales District 65: Joe Dorman (incumbent) District 66: Eli Potts, David Phillips, Andrew Thomas Williams, Melani Hamilton District 68: Troy Zickefoose, Seth \gatkins District 71: JeffTracy District 72: Seneca Scott (incumbent) District 73: Jabar Shumate (incumbent) Kevin Matthews District 77: Eric Proctor (incumbent) District 78: Jeannie McDaniel (incumbent) District 84: Brittany Novotny District 85: Gall Vines District 86: John Auffet (incumbent) Jeff Collyge, William Fourkiller District 87: Dana Orwig District 88: AI McAffrey (incumbent) District 89: Rebecca Hamilton (incumbent) District 9 t: Hollis Harper District 92: Richard Morrissette (incumbent) District 93: Wilfredo Santos Rivera, Wanda Jo Peltier, Jeff Pecld~am District 94: Scott Inman (incumbent) District 95: Michael A. Walker District 97: Mike Shelton (incumbent) District 98: Dennis V/. XWeese District 99: Anastasia Pittman (incumbent) District 101: Johnny Laudermilk Creep of he Month ByD’AnneWitkowski "Family Research CounciF’ yes. N~e fabled "Gay Agenda." Having invested so much in the fight against it, anti-gay groups will leap at anything that they can hold up as proof that a sinister gay agenda exists. So when the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance ofg[ashington, D.C., released "Agenda: 2010," the Family Research Council pounced, cla,vs out. GLAA calls "Agenda: 2010" an "electionyear briefing paper on local LGBT issues." FRC calls it a veritable blueprint for a hostile LGBT takeover. In a June 16 W’ashington Update post, FRC posits, "What’s left for homosexual activists to do after they’ve trampled voters on their way to the altar? tn Washington, D.C., where same-sex ’marriage’ is legal (for now), the gay and lesbian crowd is just getting warmed up." The post is accompanied by a graphic reading of the ’,Homosexual Agenda" alongside a list of things like innocence, family and public health. Through each item is a blurry red line with a few drops of red here and there. Presumably it’s supposed to be spray paint (Vc~at, is the gay agenda written on the xvall of an abandoned warehouse?) but it cotfld also be blood. AIDS blood, of course. "Apparendy, their updated political agenda spans everything from classroom infiltration to legalizing prostitution," FRC’s message continues. I have to ask- what does "classroom infiltration" even mean? Sending in undercover homos to high schools like a gay "21 Jump Street?" And I have a follow-up: "Will there be a reality show? So just what is the "everything" this new agenda covers? "Local groups will try to elect more homosexuals to places of power, push in-school gay-straight alliances, support D.C. sex-oriented businesses, defend adult entertainment, grant special perks to crossdressing prisoners, force same-sex adoption and legalize sex tra~cldng," claims FRC. \Voah: Sounds ambitious. But let’s address some of these claims. First of all, what FRC calls "cross-dressing prisoners" are often actually transgender people, some who have broken the law, others who have been victims of crimes. "Ihe "special perks" include not throwing them into jail cells based solely on what’s between their legs. GLAA also doesn’t want to see them "denied appropriate health care, sexually assaulted, abusively strip-searched, (or) placed in protective custody that amounts to punishing the victim," which are some of the current "perks" of being a trann> As for legalizing "sex tra~cMng," that’s not quite it. GLAA does advocate legalizing prostitution. While a controversial position, they’re hardly calling for a sex-for-mone> free-for-all. GLAA raises a lot of important issues, i~cluding "survival sex," where people - ~’requently gay runaways and transgender people - turn to prostitution out of desperation, when it’s the only option they have left. Throwing them in jail doesn’t address the core problems. "If (policymal~ers) want to provide safer, healthier and more sustainable alternatives to survival sex, you can support the creation of drop-in centers, transitional housing, job training, counseling, addiction recovery programs and other services for at-risk populations," GLAA’s agenda reads. Oooh, counseling and transitional housing. Really racy stuff. "Lots of people in this country mistalcenly believe that this community will be satisfied when it redefines marriage," FRC claims. "That’s not the case. Homosexuals and transgenders (sic) won’t be happy until they sever every moral underpinning in America." That’s right. Because LGBT people have no morals and fantasize every night about living in some kind of lawless neo-sexual apocalyptic hellscape. You hear that, FRC? It’s right here, in writing. It must be true. And it must be true for all LGBT people ,vithout exception. Feel free to use it in your next fundraising letter. Tell your members we said, "Boo!" Ttae occasion prompted OkEq to hold a supportive Town Hall rally at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. "It is a great day to be gay in Tulsa Oldahoma!" said OlcEq President Toby Jenkins, echoing a slogan he has often employed at Pride and on other occasions. "This time I am serious." While the city council vote has been met with optimism throughout the GLBT community, some residents still see the need for progress. "IfI get beat up tonight, will the police actually come help?" pondered one young gay Tulsa man who did not want to be identified. "We can still be fired without cause and we can still be abused and lmow there’s a good chance authorities won’t be interested in helping," said Rogers County’s Brett Peason. "This is a great step but it doesn’t really affect most people in the community." Others suggested that the city should address the issue of equal protection at companies that do business with the city - thus xvidening the scope of the new policy’s effects. Oldahomans for Equality said that it would continue to press the City of Tulsa to add gender identity to the employee non-discrimination policy and also begin the dialogue with other Tulsa County municipalMes. OkEq encourages supporters of the new policy to personally contact City Councilors GT Bynum, Maria Barnes, Roscoe Turner, Jack Henderson, Chris Trail and Bill Christiansen and express appreciation. Tulsa elected ot~cials can be contacted at ~ax~¢~.~v.cityo ftulsa.org/ourcity/elected-oNcials. aspx, �07.0’1.20’!0 �For D~r~c~ Judge Vote...QuMity &Experience in 2010 $5,000 Face Value Cost 35 45 Call 918 o695o1806 $10,000 for accede death H~V Coverage a~ T For Congress uildforcon, ressocom forby G~itd for Congress, PO Box @21, Edmond, OK 738~s 07.01.2010 �Photo’s by Judy G. Photography Downtown Tulsa, Oldahoma June 5, 2010 ................................................................................. Continued on page-!8 �By Andrew Collins t Andrew Collins covers gay travelfor the New Drk Times-owned website About.corn and is the author ofFodor’s Gay Guide to the USA. Exploring Coasta Maine Maine’s classically quaint seaside towns and breezy beaches seem tailor-made for a rela~ing vacation and sure enough, the state’s coastal sections are invaded by pleasure seekers ai! summer. Prestigious, blue-blood retreats like Kennebunkport and Camden overflow with magnificent estates, while the pristine scenery" of Acadia National Park and Camden Hills State Park draw scads of hikers and bikers. Artsy and gay-popular Ogunquit makes a wonderfully low-keyed alternative m Provincetown. while hip Portland and upand-coming Rockland offer sophisticated arts and dining. The state’s shoreline twists and turns for an astonishing 3,478 miles - counting every inlet, cove, and bay; only the states of Alaska, Florida and Louisiana can claim more miles of waterfront. You could spend all summer exploring the dozens of inviting hamlets up . and down tile coast. The southwestern edge of the state - just 70 miles from Boston and about 300 miles from both Montreal and New York City - is not only the most accessible, it has the most to offer gay and lesbian travelers. The region extends from the bustling outlet-shopping hub of Kittery north through Ogunquit and tip to Ken.nebunkport. Fringed by a lovely 3-mile beach, tiny Ogunquit first developed a discernible gay following in the 1930s, with the opening of one of the country’s first successful summer theaters, the Ogunquit Playhouse. It still presents first-rate theatrical productions today. The gay presence grew in the ’60s, when hippies and beatniks started regularly renting cottages and homes here. By the following decade the scene fully blossomed with the opening of a gay guest house, as well as a disco called Anabelle’s (still open but now called 02). U.S. 1 and Shore Road, the main drags through the village, bustle with funky shops, ar~ galleries, boutiques and several good restaurants. It’s a very short walk to the beach from iust about any point in town. Ogunquit supports a pair of lively gay nightclubs, a piano lounge, and several restaurants with inviting bars. In a state xvhere beaches can sometimes be pebbly or difficult to access, Ogunquit has one of Maine’s most celebrated ones - tile northern reaches of this fine, golden spit of sand draw a predominantly lesbian and gay crowd. Consider an excursion south to Kittery’s hundreds of mid- and high-end outlet shops. Or check out York’s Stonewall Kitchen nearly 20 years ago, a local gay couple named Jonathan KAng and Jim Stott started selling their fabulous jams, mustards, relishes and sauces at a farmers market. They soon formed this now-internationally renowned emporium and mail-order company of delicious gourmet foods. For the best scenery on this trip, follow Shore Road south from Ogunquit through York’s Cape Neddick, where you can stop [:or a picnic at the park that overlooks the diguified Nubble Lighthouse (built in 1879). There are about a dozen gay-oriented Boats in Camden Harbor Andrew Collins photo accommodations in Ogunquit, most of them male-owned but catering to a mLx of women and men, Jtist a fe~v of the excellent is just steps from the Portland Art Museum rate restaurants and galleries are just steps possibilities include Moon Over Maine and six warmly furnished rooms; and awa): The gay-owned Camden Harbour Inn (http://www.moonovermaine.com), a fully the Morrill Mansion B&B (http:/Avww. (http://www.camdenharbourinn.com), with restored 1830s Cape-style house with periodmorrillmansion.com), a 19th-century its spectacular location overlooking the town’s decor, well-chosen art, and a great location mansion on a picturesque West End Street harbor, is ideal for a luxury getaway - the 18 in the heart of the village; and the reasonably the seven tasteful room contains period-style rooms and suites are sumptuously appointed, priced Ogunquit Beach Inn (http://www. furnishings. ogunquitbeachinn.com), a handsome litde and the on-site restaurant, Natalie’s, serves To see a less-developed side of the state, 1920s compound comprising a main house exceptiofial contemporary American fare. it’s about a two-hour drive from Portland with five guest rooms, as well as two cottages Still about 75 miles farther "down east" with full kitchens (rented weekly). A bit more - much of it along a very scenic stretch of (Maine lingo for in the direction of the upscale are the lovely Gazebo Inn (http:// U.S. 1 - to the resort comnaunities along Canadian Maritimes - "down" refers to the www.gazeboguesthouse.com), a handsome western Penobscot Bay; including Rockland fact that longitude decreases as you travel 14-room property with two hot tubs and a and Camden. You’re not going to encounter east), lies Mr. Desert Island. Here you’ll gym and sauna; and the beautifully situated as many gay travelers out this way, but find the resort town of Bar Harbor and the Rockmere Lodge (http://www.rockmere. there are a handful of very gay-friendly adjacent 40,000-acre Acadia National Park. corn), which is just offthe famed Marginal accommodations. Maine’s Mid-Coast is A 27-mile Loop Road meanders through the Way walking path - most rooms have ocean a place for quiet vacations, ideal if you’re park, accessing trailheads and many scenic views. a hiker, photographer, fishing enthusiast, Charming Portland lies within striking vistas. Some.hiking trails climb up to 1,530or sailor. Camden is home to a fleet of distance of Ogunqnit, perfect if you need foot Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on a dose of urbanity. Don’t overlook this Windjammer sailing ships (http://www. the Eastern Seaboard, and still others hug the youthful, progressive city as a base, either, mainewindjammercruises.com), which can be granite-strewn shore. In Bar Harbor, the Abbe especially if you’d rather browse museums and booked not only on multiple-day excursions Museum, set in the 1893 former YMCA stroll along shop-filled streets than loi1 about throughout the region but also for afternoon overlooking the village green, contains an on the beach. Portland daims a dynamic arts jaunts along Penobscot Bay. enormous trove of artifacts and exhibits that scene and some of the best restaurants in The craggy 1,000-ft peaks of Camden trace the state’s Native American history. Maine. You can also check out a few very fun Hills State Park are a regional highlight; you Bar Harbor has dozens of motels, hotels GLBT nightspots. can tread along more than 20 miles of rugged and inns, among them the gay-friendly The city crowns a hilly peninsula, nature and hiking trails through this dramatic Anne’s White Column Inn (http://www. surrounded by rivers and harbors - you’ll 5,500-acte paradise, and overnight in a see water from many points and find the anneswhitecolumns.com) and its sister 112-site camping area. The once-workaday bulk of the city’s best restaurants, shops property, the larger and more elegant and bars in the histgric Old Port district, a town of Rockland has blossomed of late, with Clefrstone Manor (http://www.cleftstone. warren of cobbled lanes and vintage redbrick several outstanding restaurants and cafes. The com). ~ae advantage of Anne’s White warehouses fringed by a phalanx of wharves. key draw here is one of the foremost small Column Inn is its close proximity to area A short drive or moderate walk puts you art collections in the nation, the Famsworth shopping and dining. One other excellent square in Portland’s West End, where grand Art Museum, which contains works by many LGBT-friendly option in Bar Harbor is the sea captains’ mansions mingle with smaller noted Maine painters, including the George Aysgarth Station (http://~vw~v.aysgarth.com), row houses. More than two decades of intense Bellows, Louise Nevelson, and the Wyeth which is quite affordable and located very rehabilitation have given the neighborhood ¯ The on-site Wyeth Center explores that close to several good restaurants. a graceful countenance, and lesbians and gay famous family of painters. With so long a shoreline and so relatively men have restored many of these homes. Rockland’s elegant, yet reasonably In the heart ofdowntown’s arts district, small a population, Maine offers one priced LimeRock Inn, is operated by a the gay-friendly Eastland Park Hotel (http:// precious commodity that’s all too rare in the lmowledgeable and friendly couple Frank www.eastlandparldmtel.com) has tastefully northeastern U.S.: space. Although parts of appointed rooms with handsome colonialIsganitis & EJ. Walter, who prepare a the coast has been developed with mini-golf inspired furnishings - several units have delicious breakfast each morning. Rooms in centers and condo colonies, the majority of it kitchens. Amenities include a well-equipped this handsome Queen Anne Victorian are remains beautifully preserved and ideal for a fitness center, and a rooftop lounge with done in period style, but with such modern memorable getaway. great city views. More intimate gay-popular perks as flat-panel TVs with HDTV/DVD options include the historic Inn at ParkSpring and clock radios with iPod docks. First(http://www.innatparkspring.com), which 07.01.2010 �help �Demented Inc.’ Tour graces the Copa to promote their new DVD of madness ’Memoirs of Dmentia" By Victor Gorin Contributing writer this ruling thousands of gay couples got legally married in California, but this new matrimonial freedom would not last long. Anti-gay groups hired companies to obtain signatures to put Proposition 8 on the ballot of the November 4, 2008 election. Successful at obtaining enough signatures, Proposition 8 was on the ballot and simply stated, "Only a marriage beva,een a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." This proposition passed~ not only ending the right of same sex couples to marry in California but also leaving the marriages of those same sex couples ,vho had already married in lega! jeopardy ~e film depicts the astonishing approach of the Mormon Church and their leadership, primarily from Utah, using their tax free financial support to get this measure passed. "Ihere is proof by documentation and video Jenna Zdia, Dmentia Divi~yl and OKC’s Bearded Lad3,. Gotqn photo OKLAHOMA CI~L OK On Sunday the 13th ofJune Rachae! Eik~’s Sunday night show had a special treat as Dmentia Diviw1 / a.k.a, director Glenn Storm) and his sid&dck Jenna Telia performed and promoted Dmented Inc’s new film, "Memoirs of Dmentia.:" With Drnentia showing up in the style of Dawn Davenport. she and Miss Telia put on quite an act promoting this work of art. Nxis 90 minute film is not for everyone, bur &finitely a must for those who love artistic dysfunction, insanity and pure white trash truly in the style of John Waters, who is credited with inspiring this epic. Various ideas and concepts show up clearly with obvious influences from the xT~qzard of Oz, the infamous Female Trouble movie, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the classic Deliverance fli& ~ a real squealer) among maW others. With only 4 people in the cast, it tells the story of mad Scientist Dr.Frankemveenie who creates the lead hermaphrodite, she male Dmenria Divinvl. Dmentiahas ahard life running a bordello, fights off the advances of Hillbilly Cousin Earl only to be impregnated by Officer Baloney Pony. She sells her baby for cat’fare to Cousin Earl, who falls for her neighbor Petunia.. Meanwhile Officer Baloney Pony happens into a gay bar, falls into a slumber, and in his subsequent dream follows the Yellow Bri& Road to see the Queen of Zoe who tells him how he can come back to earth as a gay man. All of these happy events are entered into Miss Divinyl’s diary, who wonders about her lost child. Will there be a sequel??? For cultist movie fetishists, this movie is a Godsend. For more information or to order this DVD check out www.Dmentedlnc.com. deadCENTER film depicts reversal o£Cali£ornia gay marriage law ~orts were in vain. in the film that this information is not fabricated. This documentary follows the activities of the Mormon Church, questioning the legality of their actions supporting Proposition 8 as a tax free entity, donating millions to promote its passage. The passage of Proposition 8 was a crushing defeat for gay rights activists who had hoped that public opinion on dais issue had shifted enough to help them defeat dais measure. The film depicts addition irony in that the Mormon Church claimed to take this action in the name of Jesus Christ. This exploration of the Chur& of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ involvement in the passage of Proposition 8 reveals their secretive, decades long campaign against same sex marriage. More information about the film can be found at wv#;v.mormonproposition. com. By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Oldahoma City, OK In the film ’8: The Mormon Propositioff’ a former Mormon missionary. Director Reed Cowan depicts the events supporting the passage of Proposition 8. He chose to leave our opinions but rather chose to tell the story objectively without opinions, which he felt the public cleady wanted. ~e film was originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received the longest standing ovation in the histmw of that festival., despite that it was held in Utah where Mormons number well above 60% of the population. Emotions ran high during the fight to allow gays to retain the right to marry in California. Their" "I am honored to present this film at deadCenter", said Melissa Scaramucci, deadCenter Board Member and Director/ Producer with Crazy Diamond Productions. Scaramucci and the organizing group invited Oldahoma’s own TEN ( The Equality Network) to talk to the crowd about the fight in Oklahoma toward equality for all. For those who dofft remember, on June 17, 2008 the California Supreme Court ruled that California’s ban on same sex marriage was discriminatory, thus making same sex marriages legal in that state. Following Business is booming for Sean Hayes Things were looking tough for Sean Hayes for a minute there - his coming-out interview in The Advocate came off as cranky and too-late, and then that Newsweek piece suggested he was too gay to be convincing as the hetero leading man of the Broadway revival Promises, Promises. It looked for a second like he was damned if he did and damned if he didfft. But the one-time Will & Grace star is having the last laugh: He scored a Tony nod for the show, reviews for his gig as host of the Tony Awards were glowing, and his prodnction company scored a hit with the sitcom Hot in Cleveland, which premiered. to high ratings on TV Land. Hayes will be keeping his TV mogul hat firmty~in place, with NBC Universa! signing a two-year deal with Hazy" Mills (his company with Todd Milline0 to develop new shows for network and cable. (Yoglt recall Hayes showing off his sitcom-creating acumen On Bravo’s Situation: Comedy.) So yes, naysayers, this gu)?s officially a litde more than "Just Jack~" from her national TV talk show. During July of 2009 she issued her "OHahoma Citizen’s Proclat~aation for Morality" at the Oldahoma State Capitol in which she blamed our nation’s troubled economy on "same sex marriage, divorce, pornograph)~ sex trafficking and other forms of debauchery’. On economic issues she iS likewise far to the right, opposing a minimum wage increase in Oklahoma in 2006 ~vhen it was $5.15 an hour, even requesting that a study be done to see how people living on that wage could better budget their money. Although Brittany has already made history by being the first transgendered person to run for public office in Oklahoma, she isn’t running for that reason. She has publicly stated, " I understand that there are going to be some folks who try to make this election about the fact that my medical history includes a gender transition, but I’m running for office because I believe I’m the best candidate to fight for jobs, education and transportation." Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Ms. Novomy graduated from the University of Arts and Sciences of Oldahoma and went on to get her law degree from the University of California-Hastings and is now a practicing attorney. She is an active member of the Young Democrats, who elected her as a national committeewoman and also honored her as their 2010 Woman of the Year. Oklahoma House District 84 indudes parts of northwest Oklahoma City, Bethany and Warr Acres. She’s ready for the fight and feels "I think our chances are really great. People are ready for a change." 07.01.2010 �Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. Out & Aboa~t in Oklahoma @ Tulsa Eagle. Tulsa Tasha Carrington and Billy Jackson per[orming to the smash hit of Lady Antebelliums’. "Need You Now". tt was well received by the overflow crowd in attendance. Photo by Ernest Atchison @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Pride Parade 2010 @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Pride Festival 2010 @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Mayor Oscar Goodman oI~cially welcoming the award ~vinnmg celebrity Gay Travel Columnists, Donald Pile and Ray Williams to Las Vegas. @ Tulsa Pride Parade 2010 @ Tulsa Pride Festival 2010 07.01.2010 �A Weekend of Pageantry at Angles Newly Crowned Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A Newcomer and Miss By Ed Sikov Gay US of A at Large By Victor Gorin Contributing writer for Me, Marg itff’ Craig was giddy on the ferry: "Margaritas are my tCavorite drink!" He clapped his dimpled hands in excitement and began singsonging, "Goodie goodie gumdrops!" He was still jolly because I had withheld my controlfre~Msh plan. I had no intention of using that sticky-sweet frozen concentrate he loved, and I was too much of a food snob to even let the bottled pigswill variety into the house. Once, in a notorious act of radical foodie-ism, I poured Sa!’s bottle of Yucatan Yuri’s PrimoPapi Mix off the de&. Before I had a chance to tel! an outrageous lie about Yucatan Yuri’s whereabouts, Sal saw me, rushed outside in a fuD4 and punched me in the shoulder. We didn’t speak for a month. "Vge need frozen concentrate, of course. W-e do have orange liqueur .... " "I have to tell you something," I began, but the two nasty Pomeranians owned by the cable sex show hostess Raven Wren - who apparently didn’t have enough smarmy gay men around her in the city, so she bought a place in the Pines - suddenly defined the term "bad canine karma" by attacking a distraught muscle-boy’s twin white Shih Tzus. The ensuing screeching and yelping (by Raven) drowned out further discussion. Vge were in the grocery’s frozen foods section with one of Craig’s giant-size Cabbage-Patch-Ydds fists engulfing a can of corn syrup with artificial lime flavor when I yanked it out of his hand; declared, %XZe’re not using that"; and threw it back into the freezm: Craig looked stricken. "Let’s make our Margaritas from scratch, OK?" I demanded, none too consolingly. "I don’t _want_ scratch," Craig whined; "I want my Margaritas! V/hy are you so mean? Why can’t I have what I want?" "l-hen came big whopping tears streaming down his colossal face, which rippled with despair. whopping tears streaming down his colossal face, which rippled with despair. At first I was mortified. But I’m here to tell you that mortification is preferable to the near-suicidal guilt that followed. I Wasn’t on the ferry any more so I couldn’t jump off. I could do nothing but hate myself to the bone. "Don’t cry! Get what you ~vant! I’ll make Margaritas my way, and you make yours your way." I pulled the can of frozen concentrate out of the freezer. "See?" I said, putting the wretched junk into our cart. Then I took one of Craig’s soft hands in mine and led him toward the unsweetened lime juice. "Ihe Margarita, Two Ways Craig’s way: Dump a can of children’s frozen concentrate into a blender, add ice and enough tequila to keep everyone from realizing how crummy the drink tastes, and press "ultra-high"; if you’re lucky you’ll forget to put the top on the blender. My way- makes four cocktails: 3/4-cup inexpensive white Tequila (it’s dumb to waste fine tequila by drowning it in a Margarita, but then I’m a cheapskate) 1/3-cup unsweetened lime juice 1/4-cup orange liqueur (we had Orange Curacao on hand - you can use any tTpe) l/4-cup Really Simple Syrul5 (you can buy Simple Syrup ready-made, or you can boil sugar and water and stand around staring at a candy thermometer, or you can make Really Simple Syrup by putting equal parts sugar and water in a jar and shaking it until the sugar dissolves) Pour some flaked salt onto one small plate and a thin layer of lime juice onto another. Add all ingredients to a large cocktail shaker with some ice; shake. Dip the rim of each glass first in the juice and then in the salt, then pour the Margaritas in the center. below the neck, the Miss Gay" US of A system allows unlimited alterations except that one must have male genitalia. The At Large US of A system in addition requires that the contestants weigh at least 200 pounds. The weekend marked a special occasion as the Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA Nexvcomer contest was premiering with their first pageant. Emceed by the team of Rache! Erikks( Miss Gay Oldahoma America 1994 and Miss Gay America 2004) and Jozlyn Welch ( Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A at Large 2008), the winner was Carmen Deveraux with 1st alternate Miss Gay US ofA Oklahoma at Large 2009 Lindsay Paige, Ferrah Mikals. N~ey will both go winner Bianca LeBlanc, April Reign Miss Gay US ofa A at to on compete in the national Large and 1st alternate Cordillia 3/Ionroe. Gorin photo Miss Gay US of A Newcomer Pageant held August 11-13 in Indianapolis. OKI~HOMA CITY, OK__ Jack The following Saturday Lindsay Paige passed Calcote, Steve Davis and Nathan Thomas had on her title as Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A a busy weekend as they put on two pageants at Large to Bianca LeBlanc, with Cordillia back to back Friday June 11 and Saturday Monroe as 1st alternate. That festive night was June 12. Angles came back to life as the girls emceed by the lovely Latina Tillie Laine, who competed for their titles, retaining the usual herself was a Miss Gay Oklahoma America in glamour of yesteryear while also reflecting 1983. The winners of that contest will go on changes in the field of female impersonation to compete in the national Miss Gay US of A in Oklahoma. at Large Pageant which will also be held also The trio of Calcote, Davis & N~omas in Indianapolis October 6-8 of this year. owns both pageants as well as the Mr[ Gay 3-he Mr Gay US of A Contest will be Oklahoma US of A Contest ( men competing held this upcoming August 25 at the Copa. as hot men, not to be confused with Mr. Gay For information about that contest e-mail US ofA MI, which is for male illusion). The Mr.Calcote at calcojack36@yahoo com. nationwide Gay US of A system differs from the Miss Gay America System in that while that system does not allow surgical alterations N N 07;0"1.2010 �Chuck Breckenridge Whcthcr buying or sclling I’lI work hard fi~r you. Private Me=~s Reso~ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresprt.com info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-682:1 Abutting Downtown, ::Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center, Tulsa Gay Cente,: Affi3rdable Homes amd Aparmaeuts. For more L.~fo~ation visit: www.gaybradyheightsmlsa.com E-.~ail- KylesBrd3@aol.eom English Garden Paradise with Private Tree Top Balcony 6365 S. 84th E. Ave., Tulsa web site with full information www.Tulsa4Bedroom.com �With outer planets hanging out near the cusps, Mercury entering Leo and Venus into Virgo kick off a lot of issues. Being cute, outspoken and constructively cdticat (let’s hope!) wilt have broad ramifications. Modesty, compassion and forethought are atways good to check before speaking. ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19): Playful banter can help stimulate a better work environment, but not [oo playful lest your intentions are misunderstood. Spontaneous provocation has its place, but strategic consulting with colleagues will probably prove more effective. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20): Your new playful streak could come off as critical and bitchy. Sometimes a Bette Davis impression just can’t make it right. One should never let go of the Golden Rule - but’cha are, Blanche! Well, you easily could. Be extra mindful and considerate! GEN~N! {Nay 21- June 20): You have a lot to say and it feels very important to you. Your family and boss may disagree. Look for a new perspective and tweak your message a bit. Listen to friends with radical, challenging suggestions. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 20): Showing off newfound wisdom could quickly force you to admit to the limits of your recent learning. Instead, ask thoughtful questions of a real expert. Don’t be shy! An outr4 creative approach could spark new directions and insights for both of you. 1!23 14 2"1 CAPRICORN (December 21 January 19): Sex seems to be shifting from practice to theory. That’s OK, especially if you consider deeply what it’s all about. Old messages on the topic take sudden relevance. Tapes to erase? Valuable but forgotten lessons? You could be surprised. 24 25 26 28 ~ 27 129 34 39 48 4~ 42 43 } 3~ 47 4~ AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): Your sex life should be picking up pretty well. What does your partner say about that? A discussion on the topic is at least in order. People do change and grow. Even if everything is hunky-dory, it’s good to talk. PISCES (February 19 - March t9): Being playful is important, but for now focus more on the actual work and responsibility of your relationship, real or hypothetical. When you feel uncertain and use your partner for grounding that may be unfair to him or her. 22 511 61 63 Across Dow~ 1 Dumbledore might cast one CANCER (June 21- July 22): Even if changing jobs seems risky these days, con sider taking the chance. Staying where you are could be worse. Any current dissatisfaction with your job invites self-sabotage. Seek advice from a friend experienced in the work you want to do. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): However you identify with your words, some separation is good. Your partner can help open you up to powerful new ideas. Look past long-held notions to your most basic values; it’s better to take in those fresh notion s. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): Step out of the social whid for a bit. Focus on taking care of yourself inside and out. A new look should honor your age, not hide it. Knowing your limits can help you zero in on your strengths. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Conflicted about social opportunities? You may be better off in quiet retreat with fewer, better friends. Favor the more productive and creative ones. Save time and energy for your partner, even if you don’t have one - yet. SCORPIO (October 23- November 21): Balancing friendly conversations with the boss, and maintaining friendships with colleagues, and could get you a huge promotion. Never forget where you came from and that going up the ladder helps you to pull others up after. Community for People living with H V/A DS 50I c (3) Non ! rofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to hel p combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobat.net Solution page22 07.0t.20t0 @~ 8T~ ! 30 �SuppoR those who suppo~ us. Their ads allow us to distribute your communi~ news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPW Oklahoma Cit?; OK 405-528-222t www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wv,~v.habanainn.com For dvertis[ng TULSA EAGLE !338 E. 3RD MAGNETIC \(~LEY !?~SORT Tulsa, OK 918-592-1!88 597 Magnetic Road Open 7days week 2pm to 2am Eureka Springs, AR 800-2 I0-8401 ww~v.magneticvalleyresor t.com oa ACCO I~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HAR~v~ARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 9!8-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W2 13th Street Otdahoma CiV, OK 405-226-8585 AUZO PdiYNOLDS FORD LanT Bourne & David Stevens 600 *X’: Memorial Rd Oklahoma CitT; OK 405-639-9940 BAR HELP *IX!ANTED OKC: %e Copa is currently seeking a bar manager ~or ~e Copa and a bar manager for ~amg!es, for appointment [405) 525 0730 ALIBIS 1200 N. PENN Olda.homa City, OK 405-605-3795 Open daily 3pm ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahom~ Cit); OK w~:anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 wwwv;bambooloungetulsa.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Ci9; OK 405-525-2900 ’ w~,v;habanainn.com CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklaboma City, OK 405-761-1878 ww~v.expressionsOKC.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahomds HIV/STD Hotline CRISTtE’S TOY BOX 1039 S. Meridian Oklahoma City; OK 73108 405-948-3333 CRISTIE’S TOY BOX 3126 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-946-4438 PHOTO D JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobaL net 918-743-8636 OKLAHOlvIA STONEWALL DEMOCP,ATES Oldahoma City, OK w*a~aokstonmvall.org CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW ~RESSVTAY O~HOMANS for EQUALITY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 621E. 4th Street www.c21goldcastle.com Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 CHUCK BRECENRIDGE w~vz0keq.org Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK OUR HOUSE, TOO 918-706-188g ................ 203 N. Nogales Ave ................. Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 RED ROCK B.H.S. 4400 N. LINCOLN BLVC Oklahoma City, OK 73105 405-425-0473 Toll Free 1-877-339-3330 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Cit).; OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm E L T A T A N o L R ¢ D THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSVgAY OkJahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wv~*~:habanainn.com ��"We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What mailers, as always, is not what we can’t do, ~ it,s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Par~. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the comr~uni~y, we are working to make change and shape ~’m p~oud of the Stonewall Democrats on my 234th Birthday! NEXT MEETING iS TUESDAY JULY 6, 7:00 We meet the 7st Tuesday of every month at the k~OMA STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY kIEADQUART � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document LOCAL NEWS ~ NATIONAL NEWS ~ V¢ORLD NEWS @ LIFESTYLE ~ FITNESS TRA~¢~L ~ ADVICE ~ ENTERTAINMENT THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA Page-!4 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 7 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews ® MetroStarNews.corn JULY 1, 2010 .sa to By Michael W. Sasser Contributing Writer Tulsa Ci~ Council votes to include sexual orientation to ci~y policy. Photo by Mia Bella Images Oldahom s have a chance difference By Victor Gorin Contributing writer 17th meeting. While most rank and file GLBT Oldahomans have no protection against discrimination, Tulsa city employees will enjoy codified defense. "This makes such a strong statement to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and sensible island in a state that is often ridiculed for being intolerant and unjnst towards marginalized populations," said ~is Wilmes, OHahomans for Equality (OkEq) Director of Advocacy. The policy has been a long nine in coming - 35 years, in fact. In !975, then Mayor Robert Lafortune commissioned a report that recommended the city adopt this polic?; but the report was rdected. In 1994 the Tulsa gay community Commission has recommended that Tulsa adopt an inclusive policy. Wilmes and Oldahomans for Equality worked in collaboration with Nancy McDonald ofPFLAG Tulsa and Alice Blue and Tommy Chesbro of the City of Tulsa Human Rights Commission worked with City Councilor GT Bynum and City Councilor Maria Barnes to bring about the formal vote by the Tulsa City Council. "Tonight, PFLAG parents celebrate with the LGBT community," said McDonald. "No longer can a city employee be discriminated against based on sexual orientation. The majority of City Councilors are to be applauded for their vision and vote for Tulsa to be an inclusive city." ....Continued See CITY COUNCIL Page-11 BrittaW NovotW and Kern to face off November 2 for State Ho se District 84 By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The smoke has finally deared and the race is on. Although the filing ended with 4 candidates vying for the State House District 84 seat, the two others will not be on the ballot. Republican Garrick Voth was challenging Sally Kern for her party’s nomination for the General Election. Voth, a 34 year old Oklahoma City resident who described himself as a conservative Republican, also Brittany Novotny andLt. Governor Candidate Kenneth Corn. Pressphoto described Ms. Kern as ignoring the needs of her district. When publicity surfaced shortly after the filing that he had been arrested in OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ This election cycle is offering GLBT Oklahomans and their allies a major opportunity to vote for real change. Although Oklahoma has the dubious honor of being the reddest state in the country; we have never had so many candidates to vote for who are either GLBT or allied with us. In this issue of the Metro Star there is a candidate for District Judge (Jackie Short), 2 candidates for U.S. Representative District 5 (Tom Guild & Billy Coyle) and an Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1 ( Willa Johnson) each directly asking for your vote by advertising in the Metro Star. running for State House District 71, Democrat Amy Corley running for State House District 53 and Democrat Mike Shdton running for District 97. In the State Senate we can vote to keep Andrew Rice (Democrat District 46), who has always been one of the GLBT community’s strongest allies in the legislature. All of them face opposition from Republican and/or Independent candidates in the General Election. Last but certainly not least, Brittany Novomy is running against Sally Kern to represent State House District 84. Sally has made history and garnered international attention as one of the most anti-gay In addition there are 2 candidates running laxvmakers in the country. Brittany, has who are 0penlygay, Tom Kovach running for already made history.as ~k]ahoma~s first Stat~ Rep~es;~}~[ti~e Di~tricv ~4 and Andrew transgendered candida{e aud Sheis ready Willi~ for Si~di~e Representative in District tO fight for GLBT equality. GLBT and 66. fair ~inded Voters of that district have There are also 2 DemoCratic Candidates an Opportunity to give Ms. Novomy a running for the Oklahom~ City State Ho~e vict(Jr} ~at W~uld likewise no doul~t get DiStrict 93 seat allied with the GLBT community, former legislator Wanda Jo Peltier and Wilfredo Santos Rivera ( formerly of the Oklahoma City School Board, one of only 2 members who voted not to fire openly gay teacher Joe Quigley.) There are other candidates allied with our community we will be able to vote for in the General Election November 2. There is our only openly gay State Representative Al McAffrey- Incumbent Democrat District 88 of Oklahoma City, and our allies Democrat Dana Orwig running for State House District 87 also of Oklahoma city, JeffTracy in Tulsa international attention and give Oklahoma a better image, besides getting better representation. For more information or to contribute to her campaign, her website is brittany4HD84.com. On a further positive note, our allies Anastasia Pittman ( Democrat District 99) and Richard Morrissette (District 92) have already been elected by acclamation ( no opponents filed.) Check out the voting instructions on page 9 if you need any information about voting in this upcoming and future elections. The GLBT community has never had as many candidates seeking our vote, and it’s up to us to make that worthwhile. Will Rogers Park last September, charged with attempting an act of public lewdness with another man ( the case is still pending), he withdrew from the race. The other candidate was Ray Prewitt, aged 40 and a resident of Bethany running as an Independent. Ms. Kern successfully challenged his eligibility before the Oklahoma State Election Board, and he was stricken from the ballot as he had not been registered as an Independent at least 6 months before the filing period as the law requires to be eligible. Brittany faces a three time incumbent who has for better or worse, undoubtedly attracted national and even some international notoriety. She replaced another conservative Republican, Bill Graves who was likewise famous for anti-gay sentiments, when she was first elected in 2004. She was re-elected without opposition in 2006, and defeated Ron Marlett to win a third term in 2008. She is married to Steve Kern, the Pastor of Olivet Baptist Church and has 2 adult sons. She had been a teacher at Oklahoma City’s Northwest Classen High School, teaching American Government and coaching the girl’s golf team. She led opposition to the book "King and King" being in the children’s section of Oklahoma County libraries, daiming that the American Library Association is "trying to sexualize your children." She has made public statements stating that homosexuals are a bigger threat to our nation than terrorism, resulting in countless public demonstrations and demands for an apology; even generating a phone call from Hlen Degeneres placed ........Continued See BRITTANY Page- 17 No matter who are on life’s journ~ 3131 ~. Pennsylvania,Oklaho Straight but not narrow. believe in equality for everybody fight for that in Washington. and I’ll I NEED YOUR VOTE JULY 27. Bi!Iv Covle is orga nized, well fUnded and his beliefs are right in line with the fair minded people of the Fifth District. -Richard Ogden Organized by: leave a message please Major Sponsors: h o m a New Report Shows Surprising Gains for Gay O ahomans P/~oto: Laura Belmonte, President ~e Equa[i~ ~work (TEN). TULSA, OK (PRy June 16, 2010 __ g/ith the Ttflsa City Council poised to add sexual orientation to its nondiscrimination policies fi3r public employees, a new report by the TEN Institute, the research arm ofThe Equality Network, reveals that * several Oklahoma municipalities already extend these protections to their gay employees. Preliminary data from an ongoing project documenting municipal policies on lesbian, gay, adopted inclusive t.heir public explains *Williarns, president Network. bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens challenge longstanding assumptions that LGBT Oklahomans have virtually no legal protections at the local level. "W~nen we began this research, we expected o.nly to validate the widespread belief that few communities protect their ~ ~ LGBT citizens here. To Update: Late Thursday surprise evening the Tulsa City ~bund Gounc~ "qoted 6-3 in favor of adding sexual orientation to the nondiscrimination policy v. for public employees...., our great mad joy, we that maW cities have already LGBTpolicies fo[, employees. Ph.D., ofThe Equality Del Cit)~ Altus, McAlestm; Miami, Noble, and Vinita al! have nondiscrimination policies including sexual orientation among the categories protected in the hiring, promotion, and retention of public employees. Another group of municipalities do not offer employment protections for their LGBT public employees, but does include sexual orientation in their anti’harassment personnel policies. ~aese include Muskogee, Chickasha, and Perry. Oklahoma City" is the only municipality xvith an ordinance outlawing harassment, intimidation, or assault based on sexual orientation. ~is protection is particularly significant because the states hate crimes taw does not currently encompass sexual orientation. Currently, there are no municipalities in Oklahoma that include gender identity or expression anaong the protected categories for either public employees 6r the general citizenry. 2qae study, also shows that Ponca City, Cushing, and Sallisaw appear .to sanction housing discrimination against gay people. For example, in defining what constitutes a disability, Cushing’s housing ordinance states "’handicap’ does not apply to an individmd because of sexual orientation or the sexual preference of the individual or because that individual is a transvestite." qThe Ponca City and Sail!saw housing ordinances are worded similarly. "~9{fe were stunned to discover such bizarre and offensive assertions enshrined in public policy in 2010. These three communities are clinging to the characterizations 0f LGBT people that the medical and psychological establishments rejected ahnost fi3rty years ago. \~ghile we agree wholeheartedly that being gay is not a disability, we believe that allowing landlords to bin" LGBT people from renting an apartment f6r which they qualify as tenants is blatant discrimination." stated Williams. TEN Institute will continue to analyze municipal policies on LGBT Oklahomans and will integrate them into its Municipal Equality Database. The pre.liminary findings may be accessed at http:/l~aw~/v.scribd.com/doc/33127989/ Municipalities-Database ~e E,q.uali~ Network. works, to achieve equali~y and to secure legal *vmcuonjbr /esbmn ~y bzsexua[ and trans ender Oklahomans d;~rough advocao,, coal~)on building, and in~i,idua/ empowerment in the polidcalprocess.. 3 GLBT Organizations honored as U.S. Census Partners at the O ahoma State Capitol SundayJune 12 By Victor Gorin Contributing writer TobyJenkins receives the U.S. Census Bureau’s Partnership Award on beaalfofOk~homansfor Equalio,. ~ his l@ is D,: Robert Groves, National ~& Census Bm~au Direcm,; and w his right Re~onal Dimcmr DennisJohnson. Gorin phom OKLAHOMa\ CITY, OK __ In the Blue Room of the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City maW organizations were honored for their work helping the U.S. Census Bureau obtain an accurate count with correct information for 2010. A tradition every decade since the first tally in 1790, the U.S. Census proves increasingly important as the data gathered may determine ?vhere government resources are allocated, where companies locate, as well as countless other factors affecting the life quality ofAmericans. Working to achieve this goal for 2010 the Bureau worked with a wide variety of diverse organizations to help them reach out to various demographics of society, especially those who might be fearfu! or and/or otherwise reluctant to be counted. In his address Dr. Robert Groves, the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau, thanked the honorees for their efforts that truly paid off, as this year’s operation is already ahead of schedule and under budget. This involved a ~vide variety of faith communities, social groups and advocacy organizations, included among them alliances from the GLBT community: This was significant also in that for the first time, GLBT couples could be counted as married. The three GLBT organizations honored that day were Oklahomans for Equality from Tulsa, Oklahoma City’s Cimarron Alliance, and the Metro Star. Feeling privileged to be included among the honorees on behalf of Cimarron Alliance, Director Scott Hamilton stated "XWe were so honored to be part of it. XWe felt it was a big step forward. The Census people were extraordinary partners, and were so encouraging of our work in the community. I think that in the long term the comraunity ,/viii benefit substantially from the work that we were able to do." N OGRe’s riderless horse ceremoW honors community leader By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer 7he riderless horse ceremony lends respect th# year to Cookie Arbuckle w/so diedApri119th , 2010. Picmred above (r to 0 # K/int Weiden, co-director OGRA 2010 leading t]~e horse with Lina Hineman and ~Ia,y Arbuckle. Photo by Denise Whithorne ofishoo~ru.com OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Once again OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) served the community by hosting a better-than-ever event for their 25th annual rodeo over Memorial Day xveek-end. Nais year’s rodeo charity partners were midtown OKC based - Other Options/Friends Food Pantry, Be The Change, and Expressions Community Center. The amount donated to these charities varies each year based on participation, events and overall donations. "The event went just a smooth as it always does,’ said .... Steve Sublet, a returning visitor to the annual event. ~’OGRA has a history of being a well run rodeo and they sure proved that again this year." Sublet is former IGRA (International Gay Rodeo Association) Royalty as well as a performer who has been selected for the 2011 season of’Americgs Got Talent.’ The Riderless Horse Ceremony was dedicated to Other Options and Friends Food Pantry founder Coolde Arbuclde who died on April 19th of this year. "q]ae saddle is the one we used in our family years ago when we showed Arabians," said Mary Arbuckle, Coolde’s daughter who is now tile Executive Director of Other Options and Friends Food Pantry. "The colors symbolized - blue, for Oklahoma as mom died on ¯ April 19th, the green was for mother earth, which is where we placed her ashes and the red was for the tireless work morn did for the HIV/AIDS community." This ritual adds such poignancy to the event which manually includes this observance. The history of the gay rodeo dates back to 1975 when Phil Ragsdale of Rend, ix~, came up with this most creative idea to raise funds. He thought an amateur gay rodeo would be fun, raise money, and even erase a lot of gay stereotyping. Over 125 people took part in this event and the winners were crowned; first, "King of the Cowboys," second, "Queen of the Cowgirls," and third, "Miss Dusty Spurs" (the drag queen). It was great fun and a minor success. It wasn’t until 1985 that gay rodeo came to Oklahoma. The IGPvA has a rich history of supporting associations that support their communities. They help other groups provide quality events. Naey promote, in a positive way, the GBLTQ country western lifestyle and support amateur sportsmanship through participation, competition and recognition. They are comprised of numerous regional Gay Rodeo Associations from across the United States and Canada. 07.01.2010 Openly- Gay Candidate running for State Represe tative in Norman’s House Dis ric 44 By Victor Gorin Contributing writer No,vnan CiO, Coucilman TOm Kovach NORMAN, OK Tom Kovach ~vas ~ glad but not totally surprised ~vhen he became the 2nd openly gay man elected to the Norman City Council. He’d lived most of his life in Norman, his family locating there when he was only 1 1/2 years old. His father was a philosophy professor at OU, and after graduating from Norman High School Tom earned a undergraduate degree in letters from Oklahoma University. While attending college he worked in a Safe,vay Store, and as a union member there with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCV¢) he won his first election to be the Secretary/Treasurer of his local. Later going on staff for the union he found he enjoyed advocating for people. He and a friend opened and operated a successful bakery called Jason D’s, for over !0 years. He then joined Astronomics, a company that sells quality optics worldwide, where he ~vorks today. Only two years ago he joined the race to be on Norman’s City Council to reprelent \Vard 2, and his victory in 2008 not only made him the 2nd openly gay person to serve on the Council, but the 4th openly gay elected official in Oklahoma history. In 2010 he ~vas re-elected to his City Council seat without opposition. Tom is 47 and has been with his partner, Will Weir, for over 11 years. He takes pride that Will is listed as such on the Normaffs city website, and credits Will for helping him through the tough times and giving him the strength for much of what he has been able to accomplish. Mr. Kovach believes his city council experience will serve him well in the Oldahoma Legislature. As he puts it, "My ward is about 1/2 the size of the district, and I’ve advocated for people and helped constituents with their problems. You also deal with larger issues that affect the whole town. You learn how to work to make things happen." Pleasantly enough, he found that his sexual orientation wasn’t much of a campaign issue, and proved to be a nonissue during his time in office. In 2010 his State Representative Bill Nations would be forced out of office due to term limits, so Mr. Kovach decided he wanted to run for that office where he felt he could make positive change happen on the state level. " I learned at the city council that one person can make a difference, and even if you’re in the minority speaking out can help change direction. The s{ate is facing monumental problems, especially the budget. We are falling behind in many areas that would make a state proud, such as education. We’re last in the nation in the area of women’s health and 1st in the rate ofwomen in prison per capita. These are things we should be working on, and when there is a problem there is also an opportunity to address it," and he elaborated to say, "Instead they have been scapegoating, Randy Terrill with the Hispanics and Senator Russell trying to exdude GLBT Oklahomans from Federal hate crimes laws. You can’t just sit by and let that go." If elected he wants not only to be an advocate for working Oklahomans. He is also pro-choice, and as expected has stated he xvill advocate in favor of equality for GLBT Oklahomans. He has been endorsed by the Victory Fund (a national organization that funds campaigns of GLBT candidates), and on July 27 he will face 3 Democrats in the Primary Election. 2 are OU law students. Emily Virgin who is 23 years old and Isaiah McCaslin who is 26. The third Democrat is Robert Murphy who is 52. This 4 way race will result in a runoff if no candidate garners 50% of the vote. There are no independent candidates, so the winner will face the sole Republican in the race, Kent Hunt, in the November 2 General Election. Although Mr. Kovach feels he has a strong following and is fairly confident, he stresses that no election should be taken for granted, and he isfft going to. N Friend ofOklahoma’s GLBT Community Reelected by Acclamation By Victor Gorin Contributing writer rote Representative Anastasia Pittman J~iend Rachelle Taylor (left). Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Anastasia Pittman, a longtime friend of not only the GLBT community but also an advocate of equality and justice for many progressive groups and causes, has won re-election to the Oldahoma State House of Representatives with the closing of the filing period June 9 when she drew no opponents. She represents District 99, first elected to that position in 2006. Prior to holding office she had earned a Bache!or’s Degree in Journalism at Oklahoma University and a Master’s Degree in Education and Behavioral Science from Langston University in 2002. She garnered legislative experience worldng in the State Senate from 1999 through 2006 as a clerk, media assistant and legislative assistant. She has also worked as a Spanish instructor and has hosted a radio talk show: She has one child, Ayshia, and among her many mi!estones she was honored as Legislator of the Year in 2009 by the Cimarron Alliance. Tom Guild-Democrat for Congress By By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As candidate filing is completed and political season is upon us, community leader and Professor Tom Guild, an Edmond Democrat has filed for U.S. Congress. He hopes to be the Democratic nominee to represent Oklahoma’s Fifth District, which includes most of Oldahoma County, and also Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties. Guild is currently the Secretary of the Oklahoma County Democratic party. "The 5th Congressional District has not had a Congressman who represented all of the district in quite some time," said Guild in an interview with The Metro Star. "We are becoming a very diverse district and as time passes the district will become even more so. I’m the only candidate with progressive values ~vho will be open to the ideas and needs of all of the people in our district." Guild taught 27 years at the University of Central Oldahoma in Edmond, where he was conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Board of Regents; and three years at Oklahoma City University. He taught political science and legal studies at UCO, and in the MBA program at Oklahoma City University. He earned a BA in political science from OU and his juris doctor degree from SMU School of La~v. Guild was a Robert Dean Bass - Memorial Scholar ar OU and the Maurice E. Purnell Scholar at SMU. Guild is proud of the support he has received from various diversity groups. "It was gratifying at our first campaign event we had leaders from at least nine different groups represented," added Guild. "The diversity of that event reflects the diversity of our campaign and hmv we will serve our constituents once As a candidate who supports diversi~ Professor TOm Guild will make his ,vtn at the 7he 5th Congressional District seat in Oklahoma. 7he seat is being vacated by Mary Fallin. Robin DTownsendphow background, which includes 30 years of teaching experience at the college level, taught me how to value different people, different cultures and different ideas and to work with a wide range of individuals." In a previous run for office, Guild had strong support from a diverse coalition in the state’s largest county. Guild plans to work hard to protect and expand the middle class and make the American dream a realistic possibility for everyone in the 5th District. For more information, please visit www. guildforcongress.com. N "At Century 21 Gold Castle our BEST proper#es are ourPEOPL 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 07.0’i.2010 By Samantha Fields and Lisa Keen Keen News Service An informal survey by the Washington Post published June 18 asked a tiW number ofwell-placed experts -six-- to say what they think will happen if federal Judge Vaughn Walker overturns California’s ban on same-sex marriage. Two of the six pointed to existing polling data to warn of the potential for a negative impact. Scott Keeter, director of survey research at the Pew Research Center, said Pew’s previous polling data predicts "bacldash." ~lose polls, and others, have historically shown LGBT victories in court lead to an increase in public opposition to same-sex marriage. It happened a~ter the U.S. Supreme Court struck down state sodomy laws (in June 2003). It happened after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled gay couples had a constitutional right to marriage equality (in November 2003). And even before ~Talker issues his decision, said Keeter, polls indicate the public opinion climate "remains chilly" for same-sex marriage. Joe Mathews, a senior fellow at the New America Foundation, a political think tank, said that, while public opinion is trending m £wor of marriage equaht~, a d,ws~ve court decision that gets too far ahead of voters could prolong the fight over same-sex marriage for a generation or more...." "Ifjudges strongly support overturning Prop 8 at each stage of the appeal, this emerging judicial consensus that gay-marriage bans are unconstitutional would speed acceptance of such unions across the country," wrote Mathews. "But if Prop 8 is overturned by a narrovdy and nastily divided U.S. Supreme Court, say 5 to 4, such a decision could conceivably do more harm than good." So, where is public opinion on same-sex marriage right now? ~¢o recent reports shed some light on that, and some doubt. First, the light: ~e 2010 Values and Beliefs survey, which Gallup conducts every May, indicated that 52 percent of adults surveyed consider "gay and lesbian relations" to be "morally acceptable," compared to 43 percent who said they are "morally wrong." Five percent had no response or had some other opinion. The results were based on random telephone interviews with 1,029 adults conducted between May 3 and 6, 2010. Hie margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points. ¯ne 52 percent saying "morally acceptable" was up three points over 2009, when 49 percent said "morally acceptable." And the percentage saying "mora!ly wrong" was down four points -from 47 percent in 2009 {o 43 percent this year. (Five percent no opinion or Other response in 2009.) ~is year was the first time since Gallup began asking the question that more than 50 percent ofAmericans said they believe "gay and lesbian relations" are morally acceptable. "W~at’s different this year is that the spread between ’morally acceptable’ and ’morally wrong’ is a whole lot bigger," says Lee Badgett, a professor of Economics at UMass Amherst, and the research director at the Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy at UCIA. It was a nine-point spread this year, compared to only a two-point spread last year. "The question is," said Badgett, "will that turn out to be a tipping point or not?" Gallup polling data shows the "morally acceptable" response has been on a steady trend upward since 2004. It took a sixpoint dive in 2004, .just six months after the Massachusetts high court issued its landmark marriage equality decision. The percentage ofAmericans who consider gay relations to be "morally wrong" --43 percent-- is the lowest it’s been in a decade. And also for the first time, a larger percent of men said "morally acceptable" than women ~- 53 percent of men and 51 percent ofwomen now believe "gay and lesbian relations" are morally acceptable. The change in men’s attitudes was striking. tn May 2006, 39 percent of men polled said they felt "homosexual relations" were morally acceptable. By this year, that number had jumped to 53 percent. That’s a 14-point iump, while, over the same period, acceptance among women increased just 2 percent. Gary Gates, a demographer at UCLA who studies the LGBT population, cautions against putting too much stock in one poll But, he Says, "a varietT ofpolls have been showing, depending on the wording, increased amounts of acceptance towards LGB and, in some cases, T people. That acceptance has gone up in both men and women. To a certain degree, the improvements could have something to do with the fact that Gallup’s wording changed in 2008, from "homosexual relations" to "gay and lesbian relations." According to Gates and Badgett, people respond differently in polls on gay issues depending on the way questions are asked. Questions about "homosexuals" tend to receive more of a negative reaction than the same questions about "gays and lesbians." ~The closer you get to people having to think about sex," said Gates, "the worse gay people do in polls." But experts agree, saying there is probably no single reason for this change in how men are polling, but rather a number of contributing factors. "Some of it is exposure," says Mark Stevens, a psychologist at California State University in Northridge. "Guys are growing up where they have friends who are gaF: There is a little bit more in the media, on the And it’s kind of cool to be a little bit more liberal and a little bit more accepting." Gates agrees that exposure is likely a big part of it, though not just for men. "We know that a higher proportio~ of gay people are being more open and being more open at younger ages. And we do know that 1mowing gay people or having a relationship with an LGBT person does actually have an impact on people’s broader attitudes." Age is, and always has been, a factor, something that was clear in the surveys results. Younger men (like younger women) are generally more accepting than their parents and grandparents. In addition to the increase in acceptance among men, the Gallup poll also found improved attitudes towards gays and lesbians anmng every other sub-group polled: from Catholics to Protestants, Democrats to Independents, moderates to conse,watives. Though the degree to which those views shifted differed greatly, it’s evident that there is a stead}; gradual shift raking place . in the way Americans view gay and lesbian relationships and civil rights for gay people. In fact, Gallup’s polling this year shows the public views "gay and lesbian relations" as more morally acceptable than doctor-assisted suicide (46 percent) and less than having a baby outside of marriage (54 percent). But what about legalizing marriages for same-sek couples?. While the Gallup poll showed 52 percent of people said they consider "gay and lesbian relations" to be "morally acceptable" and 58 percent said those relations should be "legal," only 44 percent said such marriages should be recognized. ~hat is up four points from 2009, and up 16 points since 1996, when Gallup first began astdng about gay marriage specifically. The Gallup polling on gay marriage is now approximately where it was for interracial marriage in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The balance in favor interracial marriage crossed its tipping point with the 1991 survey -when 48 percent approved and 42 percent disapproved marriage between blacks and whites. But do people’s attitudes necessarily translate into how they are likely to vote on an issue? Not as reliably a~s one might expect. Political scientist Patrick Egan, who has done considerable polling on gay-related political issues, examined the results of 167 pre-election polls on 32 different ballot measures concerning either same-sex marriage or domestic partnerships. He found that preelection polls "consi"stently underesn"m’ ated" the number of people xvho would vote for a ban on same-sex marriage -by all average of seven points. And, "the share of the public saying they intend to vote for or against these measures typically chaiages very little over the course" of the ballot measure campaigns. This gap between how voters say they will vote and what they actually do in the voting booth does not appear to be a product of wanting to give the a poll-t~er a socially desirable response of supporting equality for all, said Egan. He could find no evidence for that. For instance, he said, in states ~vith large gay populations, one would expect many people who wanted to ban gay marriage would tell a pollster that they were against the ban. Voters in California, for instance, would be more likely than voters in Mississippi to say they ~vere going to vote against the ban and then vote for it. But there was no such correlation and no other evidence emerged in Egan’s analysis to explain tile gap. Still, it’s clear Americans are becoming inc~reasingly open and accepting and experts and polling data suggest this trend will continue -unless something happens to set opinion back. "You never know how socie9, is changing, and sometimes it’s not very obvious because it’s very subtle," says Stevens. While the reasons such a shift is occurn"ng now "mi"ght not be necessarily explainable," he says, "it’s really good to see." State House candidate openly supports GLBT inclusion By Michael W. Sasser Contributing Writer Jefl~Tracy candidatefor Oklahoma House District 71 with wife Stacey and son Eli. Pressphoto TULSA, OK Hes stralg t, has a beautiful family, wants to be the next District 71 State Rep. - and JeffTracy would be supportive of GLBT issues even if he weren’t already" committed to inclusion issues on principle. "I believe in equality issues but even if for some reason I didn’t, I would still represent the GLBT community’s concerns because you don’t pick and choose who you represent," Tracy told the Metro-Star. "District 71 has the highest density population ofGLBT persons in Oklahoma. The support I have received has been fantastic. I have the moral obligation to support equality issues." Tracy is the son of a police officer and a Registered nurse. He is an Amarillo, Texas native who graduated from the University of Tulsa law school. He said that he has long been interested in politics but finally decided to run as a result of being parent of a son almost two-year old. "Being a parent cha.nges your perspective," he said. At just 27 years old, the attorney hopes to unseat Republican Dan Sullivan in what has historically been a GOP stronghold. Tracy, though, said the campaign is going well. "We’ve looked at the numbers and the numbers took good for us," TracT saKt. It s atway tough to take on an incumbent but I believe that if you have good idea, you can do well." Inclusion issues aren’t the highest profile issues in the campaign. On his website Tracy addresses issues of wastefu! spending, education, healthcare and the need to support the energy sector while developing green job technology. "I am so sick ofwhat’s going on in the State Legislature," Tracy said. "They have no concern for kids well-being. ~xey’re talking about different abortion bills and carrying guns at work." Tract has built a warm relationship with the GLBT community and recognizes that this could be used against him. "I know I will take flack for it - that’s almost a given in Oklahoma," Tract said. "But that doesn’t mean that they are right. It’s a moral issue. We have the moral obligation to respect people. If people don’t elect me because of what I believe in, that’s fine. My family will still love me. They won’t take away my birthday. What would be worse is if I didn’t remain true to what I believe in." For more information on JeffTracy, State House candidate, District 71, visit wvcw. jefftracy.org. Attorney Richard Ogden appointed by Governor Brad Henry to the Board of Regents By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Attorney Richard Ogden sworn in by Districtfi~dge Barbara Swinton and wittnessed @partner Mike McLain. P~vss ghoto OK3~&HOMA CITY, OK __ Attorney Richard Ogden, an openly gay and longtime activist for the GLBT community has been appointed tothe Board of Regents for the Regional University System of Oldahoma (RUSO) June 10, sworn in by District Judge Barbara Swinton. He is currendy vice-president and manager of the Mulinix Ogden Hall ~amdrews and Ludlam PLLC Law Firm of Oklahoma CitT. He has previously stowed as the Chair of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. AS a Regent, Mr. Ogden is part of that governing board responsible for the hiring of university presidents, employment and budgets along with other aspects of administration pertaining to Oldahomgs system of higher education. Governor Henry expressed his confidence stating, "Richard Ogden is a proven leader with the judgment, skills and commitment necessary to make a positive difference for the universities and students in the RUSO system. Richard has dedicated his life to making Oldahoma a better place, and I know he will be a great addition to the RUSO board. I greatly appreciate his willingness to serve that state in this capacity." His appointment is for 9 years, serving six regional universities, East Central University (Ada), Northeastern State University(Tahlequah), Northwestern State University(Alva), Southeastern State University" (Durant), Southwestern Oklahoma State University(\Weatherford) and the University of Central Oklahoma(Edmond). As for Richard he is glad to serve stating, "I would like to thank Governor Henry and the leadership of the House and Senate for their dedication and continued financial support for higher education, especially during these difficult economic times. I took forward to worldng alongside my fellow regents and regional university presidents, as well as the governor and legislature. " Billy Coyle-Democra t for Congress By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Born in Oklahoma City in 1974, his family moved to Florida when he wag a teenager and he graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School in 1993. He then enlisted in the United State Marine Corps, made it through boot camp at South Carolina’s Parris Island, followed by 7 years of se~ice until honorably discharged in 2001 at the rank of E-5 Sergeant. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, he later returned tO Oklahoma City where he graduated from the University of Oldahoma Law School in 2003¯ He has since been a practicing attorney’ with OKC’s Coyle Law Firm. He is married, and his wife Heather is an assistant district attorney for Oklalmma County: Together they have a 2 year old son, Jack. Understandably, veterans issues are important to him. As he sees it, "Right now we have veterans who are unable to get the attention they deserve from the very country" they fought for." Another area is jobs. On this he states, "We continue to have American jobs going overseas while our elected officials have become complacent. That’s wrong and un- American. Very litde is Made in America and I want that to change. And while it may be rdatively easy to be a straight family man in the Bible Belt, he is among only a few candidates willing to openly ask for the support of the GLBT community in the reddest state in the country. He has not only advertised in the Metro Star, he is scheduled to speak to the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats, and has also rented a booth to meet widi potentiad ;corers at the Pride Festival al0ng wi~ ~ent~ i~ the Pride Parade. Asked if he feared the wrath of Republicans and rightwingers he replied ¯ to this reporter, "I don’t care, they’re going to pick on me anyway." For more information about his campaign, or hove to contribute and/or volunteer Call 405 (600 9161) or access his website wwcw.bill)~coyle2010.com Billy, Heather and their son Jack. Press photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It isa first for Oklahoma when we have not one, but ~vo candidates running for Congress that are openly asking for the support of the GLBT communitT. Billy Coyle, a veteran and straight t~mily man is one of them, ready to take on "Washington for what he believes is dest,3,erately needed change. , This campaign is about the common " ,nan. I m not running because I nee a job, nor am’I a politician looking for a government career. I want to be a Congressman looking out for the people of O~dahoma, and Billy also added, I m tired of big government, big insurance, and big politics. I am convincedI can make a difference." SAGE (Servi°ceS & Advocacy [’or GLBT Elders) TULSA, OK (PRy __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is launching day time programing for those who are retired or free during the day. OkEq ~vill be establishing a SAGE chapter (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) which is a national program geared toward individuals over 50. Each Tuesday the Center will open at 10 am for Coffee and Bagels followed by a computer class taught by Don Satterth~vaite at 1 t:00 am in the Cyber Center’. Lunch will be provided at noon for a donation. At 1 pm there will be a book Study on classical gay authors such Edward Albee, Oscar Wilde, James Baldwin, and Armistead Maupin. "Pne Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th Street, Tulsa. The following corresponence on ENDA from Senator Coburn should be of interest to your readers Dear Editor A ick Tutoria{ on the Gay/Lesblan Equality Decisions o£the Kende! Powers Supreme Court Moore, OK Dear Mr. Powers, or Frank Rich can be the Best Man at my Marriage Thank you for writing me about S. 1584, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). I enjoyed reading your message and learning about your family’s history of in~olvement with tt~is issue. I hope that you wiil accept my sincere apology {or the delay in my response. A tenfold increase in mail volume has made it difficult for me to stray current in my correspondence. Even so, I am sorry to have kept you waiting. Let me be clear: I believe discrimination is wrong and I am committed to fighting prejudice. As a businessman and a family physician, I believe employees should be judged upon their individual merits and work ethic, and should not be dismissed without proper cause related to their actual performance. I know we can agree that each of us deserves to be treated with respect and without bias. Nevertheless, I have concerns about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). As currently drafted, the bill is ovedy vague and broad, and will spur by James Nimmo O~tHOMA CITY, OK __ As the time draws near for the final arguments of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, aka the Prop 8 trial, we’ll come to the close of chapter four in the ongoing saga ofAmerica’s love-hate relationship with diversity, be it based on sldn color, gender, or sexual orientation. I’ve numbered this as chapter four because there have been three previous chapters in our gay/lesbian history that have been decided by the United States Supreme Court, the first one going against us, vdth the subsequent two keeping us in the game. Bowers v. Hardwick (1986) ruled 5-4 against us, claiming" ... a rig!~t to engage in such conduct is ’deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition" or ’implicit in the concept of ordered liberty’ is, at best, facetiotts." ( http://tinyurl.com/jus3e ) Romer v. Evans (1996) reared its ugly face in an attempt to further keep gay citizens away from full indusion in the political and needless liti~t~on. The bi!l~ text creates , ,............. mcons~stencles w~m ex~st,ng te{aera~ civil , ~ for us, Justice Kennedy wrote ~hat {he passage rights starutes. I am atso concerned that a discrimination claim could be based on ’real or perceived" sexual orientation characteristics. ~][hese terms will require a court to decide their raeaning. Issues such as these require the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to };arther study this legislation and amend these vague terms so Congress does not abdicate its legislative duty to the courts. In addition, ~ also am concerned that ENDA would impede the religious liberties ol:’churches and of other non-proifit religious groups. The current religious exemption in the bill is not robust enough and should be expanded. tn addition, I believe states are already appropriately working to address this issue. In fact, thirty-one state~ have some form oflaw, regulation or executive order that requires protecting employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation including some states that protect transgendered individuals. When a majority of the states have shown a propensity to address an issue as they see fit, Congress should not intervene and unnecessarily preempt state law. I believe government is at its best when it is closest to the people and our states should continue to decide how best to protect employees from discrimination. Again, thank you for writing me on this issue. If you have any additional concerns, please fed free to write again. I look forwad to hearing from you in the future. Sincerely, Tom A. Coburn, M.D. United States Senator of Colorado~ Amendment 2 disallowing any recognition of gay people under the laws of Colorado was unconstitutional. He wrote in the ma ority opinion that "laws of the kind now before us raise the inevitable inference that the disadvantage imposed is born of animosity toward the class of persons affected." The Court implied that the passage of.&nendment 2 was born of a "bare...desire to harm a politically unpopular group". ( http:/Itinyurl.com/49m9er ) Turning the page we get to tbe decision striking down sodomy laws with the Supreme Court’s decision in Lawrence v. Texas (2003) that helped immensely in removing the uncharged felon status every gay man and woman carried with them as these laws were selectively enforced to intimidate us in our public and private lives. ( http://tinyurl. com/br2tj ) The Prop 8 ruling, regardless of~vhich gay or homo-hating party it favors, will eventually make its way to the US Supreme Court where for many years the decisions have been 5-4 with the 5 going mostly to the regressive sides of the arguments, be they social justice or economic equality questions. I was tickled pink when Olson and Boles took up the clarion call from the Equal Rights Foundation ( equalrightsfoundation. org ) to make a full court argument on our behalf~br civil rights in marriage. Even as the purpose of the trial has been to reverse the unconscionable passage ofCalf" fo~rm"a’s Prop 8 that disallows same gender marriage after a favorable California Supreme Court ruling, there’s no doubt in my mind that the extensive media coverage and social conversation of the nearly four-year hist~iry of this latest action to remove gay/lesbian discrimination has been effective in diluting the homo-hating potions and superstitious invectives thrown at us. The echoes of previous court decisions that have been heard across the country will prove too powerful for the cobwebs of prejudice and animositT to resist. Frank Rich, op/ed columnist for the New York Times and first pick for best man at my marriage, has written an optimistic essay ( http:lltinyurt.com/38gornv ) I recommend for anyone down in the dumps over our on-again/off-again progress for civil equality. Mr. Rich writes that approval of same-gender marriage is higher now than the approval for inter-racial marriage a year after i{ was supported by a Supreme Court ruling in 1967 (Loving vs Virginia), I think thanks to the vastly easier modes of communication now available with social networking and the Internet. If Limbaugh can have Elton John sing at his fi~urth marriage can my first marriage be far behind? * CiVi Rights *Criminal ’ment * Family Law * Litigation 625 13,th Street : City’s, OK 73103 07.01.2010 ~’J’~R Celebrations during Hard Times Benefit Our House Too By Judy Gabbard Contributing Writer ]:~rogr~m Director Steve [Vissen and 7E~,rT~ owner Margarita Chand~e~ Judy G. photo TULSA. OK __ Xghen our :ountry and particularly O~ahoma was in the grip.s of severe hardship during the Great Depression, people in their communities came together for hard times dances, bake-offs and rummage sales with the proceeds going to help those in need. %ese events not only made things better for the beneficiaries, but also gave a spirit of community solidarity to those who contributed as welI. Carrying on this proud tradition is Our House, Too. Located in Ttdsa at 203 N. Nogales Avenue, assistance is available there for people living with HIV/AIDS providing household and toiletry needs, weekly meals, food baskets and general support. The weakened economy has affected charitable organizations in Oklahoma and natiomvide, with declining donations combined with ever increasing needs. Our House, Too is also feeling this dilemma, so in the spirit of coming together as a community they are organizing 3 events to generate awareness as wall as raise much needed funds. ~ihere will be benefit shows at TNT’s on both Friday Jtfly 2 at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday September 4 also at 9:30 p.m., ~vhere you can enjoy cold beer, fine drinks, tasty snacks and great entertainment to support this worthy cause. TNT’s is located at 2114 S. Memorial Drive in Tnlsa. In addition to these events is their Sixth fimnual Drag Queen Bingo (bingo like your mother never played). %is grand event of course features female impersonators, but also "all kinds of cmnpy fun. It all happens at Tulsa’s CaMs Ballroom located at 423 Main Street at 8 p.m. on Saturday August 21. Our House too would like to thank their Program Director Steve Nissen, TNT’s owner Margarita Chandler and all those who work hard to make these events happen and keep Our House Too operating to serve our community. Our House Too is a 501c3 organization so donations are tax deductible, and 100% of donations received benefit their clients. For more information about their services, donating or volunteering, or about these events contact Our House Too at 918 585 9552 or visit their website at www. ourhousetoo.com. N Obdahoma Tobacco Domestic Abuse in the GLBT Community A secret shame £or us "We learned that 40% of gay men wind up in abusive relationships. Clearly this is a huge problem we’re just not talking about. I was excited to see people come out for this workshop. It ,vas a chance to inform and educate, and to hear firsthand ka~owledge from those who had been in abusive relationships. I hope this opens the door for more conversations in our comrnunit):’ Scott Hamilton. Cimarron Alliance Director By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Erin Walker OKC ~CA Director ofOutreach and Vo&nteer S~ice~: Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Domestic abuse has never been easy for our society to talk about. Family loyalties ("what goes on here stays here"), guilt of the victim ("If I’d been a better ,vife, he wouldn’t hurt me") and the ego of the abuser ("She made me do it.’) When the women’s movement of the late 1960s and 1970s brought what had been and is still somewhat taboo out into the open these were some of sentiments expressed. However, at the very least some of these beliefs are now being questioned, and there are more options now for victims of abuse to change their lives with more assurance that they don’t need to feel ashamed to get help. As the GLBT community has made great strides towards equality, xvith open relationships more widely accepted and even marriage (a concept not even fathomed only 20 years ago) what inevitably followed were many problems and taboos coming out of the closet as well. In response to this, when Cimarron Alliance held their monthly educational discussion group on June 3 they focused on domestic abuse in the GLBT community. ~eir special guest was Erin Walker, the Director of Outreach and Volunteer Services of the YWCA, which has provided help for domestic violence victims since the late 1970s.As she pointed out during the discussion, domestic violence in the GLBT community occurs with relationships of all types of people and lifestyles, rich and poor, various educational levels, religions and cultures just as it does among heterosexuals. As Erin put it, "Domestic violence is an equal opportunity epidemic." Erin pointed out that as same sex relationships have become better known, so has the veil of secrecy been lifted about domestic abuse that happens there as well. Paula Sophia Schonauer. an Oldahoma City police oi~cer and activist with the GLBT community, has answered hundreds of domestic disturbance calls during her 18 year career with the department, including many involving same- sex couples. Concurring with Ms. Walker’s experience, she saw that the dynamics were the same. Likewise through the years she has seen increased awareness and better handling of these situations by law enforcement. Legislation such as the Domestic Abuse Act has made procedures easier for victims and does not differentiate between heterosexua! or same sex couples. Erin did relate that currently the ~VCA has an excellent relationship with the Oklahoma City Police Department. which is helpful as domestic violence intervention is almost always stressftd and frequently dangerous to the o~cers responding as well.. While recognizing that abuse in same sex relationships follows most of the same patterns as their straight counterparts, there are unique aspects as well. Often a controlling partner will threaten to "out" their partner to their employer or family, k has been reported that occasionally police departments will take same sex domestic violence calls less seriously than those of heterosexuals. Whether valid of not, people abused in same sex relationships may fed they aren’t resources that can help them. The YWCA maintains a 24 hour hodine for victims of domestic abuse which has expanded their services to include assistance for same sex victims as well. As with any caller, the listener at the hodine will try to obtain as much information as the caller wants to give, with priority on safety planning. In the case of a lesbian in need of a place to stay, she could be taken to a women’s shdter. At present there are no facilities for male victims, however a man in this situation would not be turned away, in some cases a hotel room could be provided as a temporary refuge. Erin most stressed this point, " No matter what type of relationship people find themselves in, we want to reach all communities, .especially those that are under served." N~eir 24 hour hotline-- 800 522 SAFE. N to NE~07.0’!.2010 Voter Registration in © ahom Eligibility: A person who is eligible to register to vote must be at least 18 years old, a United States citizen and a resident of the State of Oklahoma. How to Register: ~bu must fill out a voter registration application form. Voter registration applications are available at your County Election Board, post offices, tag agencies, libraries and many" other public locations. You will be offered a voter registration application when you get your driver’s license and when you apply for assistance at some government agencies. You also may" down!oad an application form. ~bu must sign and date the oath printed on t2qe form. "g’nen yon sign the voter registration application form, you swear that you are eligible to register to vote. Changing Your Registration: Ifyou need to change your name, your address or your political affiliation, you must fill out another voter registration application form. You may change your registration at any time xvith one exception. You may not change your political affiliation during the period from June 1 through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year. The last day on which you may change your political affiliation before the closed period is May 31; the first day on which you may change your political affiliation after the dosed period is September t. Submitting Your Application: You may mail your voter registration application to the State Election Board, The card is already addressed, but you must add a first-class postage stamp. If you fill out your voter registration application form at a tag agency when you get your driver’s license or vchen you apply for assistance at a government agency, the agency will mail the form to the State Election Board for you. ~,bter Identification Card: You do not become a registered voter until the county election board in the county where you reside has approved your application. \~en your application is approved, the county election board will mail a voter identification card to you. Your voter identification card lists your name, address, political a~liation and the polling plaee for your voting precinct. When you receive your voter identification card, look at it care~hlly and report any errors to the county election board immediately. Keep your voter identification card in a safe place and always take it with you when you go to vote. If your voter registration application cannot be approved, you wilt receive a letter from the county election board. ~lhe letter will tell you why your applicatior~ was not approved and explain the steps you need to take to become registered. You may be able to return the letter with some additional information, or you may need to fill out and send in another voter registration application forn!. Closed Primary System: Oklahoma has a closed primary system. O~fly voters who are registered members of a recognized political party may vote for the party’s candidates in primary and runoff primary elections. Registered Independent voters may be eligible to vote in party’s primaries and runoff: primaries if authorized by the party. However, nonpartisan judicial offices, state questions and county questions often are included in primary elections. All registered voters, including Independents, are entitled to receive those ballots. At general elections, all voters receive the same ballot and may vote for any candidate or question on the ballot. When to Register: You may submit your voter registration application form at any time. However, voter identification cards cannot be issued during the 24 days prior to an election. If your registration application is received by the county" election board during the 24 days before an election, you will not receive your voter identification card until after the election. tf you will become 18 during the 60 days before an election, you may apply for voter registration between 25 and 60 days before the election. Additional Information: For additional information about voting in Oldahoma, contact your local county election board or the State Election Board. Oklahoma State Election Board PO Box 53156 Oklahoma City, OK 73152 (405) 521-2391 Download and print application: www. ok.gov/elections/Voter_Registration/Voter_ Registration_Application_Form/info@ elections.ok.gov Church ofthe Open Arms to host Homosexuality and Scripture Confederence OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Church of the Open Arms-UCC ( United Church of Christ) of Oklahoma City is hosting a Homosexuality and Scripture Study on Sunday, July 18 from 4 pm until 6 p.m. Tt~e Reverend Kathy McCallie will lead this workshop, shmving ways to defend the belief that homosexuality is neither sickness nor sin. ~ae study will focus on the history of the scriptures and the cultural settings of the texts in the spirit of faith and understanding. In particular "clobber passages" (scriptural references used to demonize or "clobber" GLBT folks) will be clarified. ~is conference is flee, hmvever to RSVP is encouraged. Childcare is available if reselwed no later than July 12. To RSVP or to obtain more information call (405) 525-9555 or check out the church website at wccw.openarms, org. ~he church is located at 3131 N. Pennsylvania Avenue in Oldahoma City. By Steven Petrmv Stewen Petrow. is the author of"7~e Essential Book ofGay Manners &Etiquette. "Send him your questions at queeries@live.com. Can I break up with my boyfriend by text? By Ronald Blake Contributing Xg~riter RonaM Blake, Certified Fimess Inst~wtor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association Sun Tzu ~vas a management conflict philosopher and author who lived in a time and land far, far away. He’had many grand things he laid out in his writings but we shall focus on only one of his wise sayings: "All battles are won before they are fought." My task today is to make this relevant to your health and fitness mode in your life. X~bu are on lunch hour and are driving down the boulevard of broken diets and yo~ are hungry. %ree of your best work buddies are in the car with you. "W’e don’t have much time and we need to just grab something now," is the consensus from the backseat and shotgun positions. You’ve already !ost this battle and you’ll end up eating out of that fat trough with Ronald, Hamburglar, and Grimace. This could have been avoided with a little pre-lunch menu planning or the sack lunch fi’om home. You havefft run in over five years but you used to be the All-Conference runner back in your university day]. You grab those dusty Asics shoes and decide to give that five mile race the old college try at the old college pace. You’ve already lost this battle and will end up limping and muttering obscenities for the next four score and seven hours while you nurse that sore Achilles. This could have been avoided with a gradual training regimen and the purchase ofsome new shoes before entering that Charity 5K race. After one round ofJose Cuervo you announce your retirement from cigarettes beginning tomorrow. After three rounds of Jose Cuervo you announce with mucho gusto your intention to banish Joe Camel from your life beginning tomorrow. After five rounds of~ Jose Cuervo you boisterously and vehemently declare your partnership with nicotine to be dissolved beginning tomorrow. You’ve already lost this battle even before the seventh round of Senor Tequila. This could have been avoided by making a signed declaration to stop smoking while you weren’t half in the bag with agave juice. The sober prover of pen to paper has a great effect on action. Your class reunion is three months away and you want to shed that freshman fifty that you’ve put on since being named most likely to blah, blah, blah in the Quill and Scroll Yearbook. You’ve joined the health club and you want Donna Dixbottom to rue the day she turned you down to the prom. You’ll show her the error of her ways with that great body and that rented Sebring convertible. You’ve already lost this battle and Ms. Dixbottom will only treat you to a haughty cursory glance at the festive soiree. You need more than just a health dub membership and a desire, You need a daily workout routine and a trusty companion to guide you to your fitness goals. Think about what you want to accomplish in life. You don’t need to be Chinese, have a two syllable name, or be a philosopher to achieve successes in your time. You only need a well prepared plan and action. Chmarron Alliance hosts art show to kick-offPride month By By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Pride in Art, an art show presented by Cimarron Alliance Foundation m kick-offPride month, was held at the Istvan Gallery in Oklahoma City. Pictured above are (l to r) foyer Cima,ron Board member Terry Gatewood andMargaret Cox, Cimarron Board member andpast chair ofthe organization. Robin D-Townsendphoto OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__To ldck-off an art show, sale, and reception held earlier LGBT Pride month, the Cimarron Alliance this month at OKC’S Istvan Gallery. The Foundation hosted "Pride in Art," event showcased the creativity and diversity among LGBT and LGBT-supportive artists. The festive, casual evening also featured entertainment provided by Mary Reynolds, Louise Goldberg, and Jamie Bramble. "We came to enjoy the art, celebrate diversity and to support other organizations that do the same," said John Greer, President of the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma. "It is helpful to businesses, the community and those in need when the organizations work together in support." A fundraiser for tile AIDS Walk wil! be at the COPA on July 19th, from 6-10. Pride in Art artists participating in the show include: Jennifer Barron, Gary Bates, Rick and Tracey Bewley, John Carter (Orlando, FL), Sue Clancy (Norman), Sam Echo!s, Ron Ferrell, Richard Ydeffman, Christina Kovash, Kenny McCage, Monty Milburn, Bernadette Martinez, Cindy Mason, Louis Scott, Joe Slack, Sue Moss Sullivan, Frank Troutman, Rhonda Polen X~ernick (Nashville, TN), Cynthia Daniel Wolf- and others. Each artist will provide up to five pieces or original art for the show. Sales will benefit both the artists and the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. Event sponsors were Premium Beers of Oklahoma - Bud Light, Iguana’Mexican Grill, Istvan Gallery, and Art Fusion Studios. Since the incorporation of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, the organization has operated under the leadership of a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. From the very beginning, Cimarron’s Board has been comprised of people within the LGBT community and straight persons supportive of the organization’s mission. For the past 13 years tile Cimarron Alliance Foundation has served as a powerful resource for individuals and organizations vcithin the LGBT community. The mission of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation is to support educational efforts that validate personal identity, promote public enlightenment, and advance equality for LGBT Oklahomans. For more information about Cimarron Alliance visit vcww.dmarronalliance.org. "First " ursday" Art Opening and Exhibit ofOriginal Works: Verisimilitude -New Paintings by Michael Christopher TULSA, OK (PR) _The July Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature the Art of Michael Christopher. "lhe show begins with a reception on Thursday, July 1st from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month. Michael Christopher began figurative painting as a young teen - dropped it by the time he turned twenty - and started again thirty years later. Michael’s other creative pursuits have included professional acting, theatrical production design, composing incidental music for the theatre, writing scores for musicals and an opera. Michael helped organize the Tulsa Artists Coalition and he founded the Tulsa Center for Contemporary Art (TuCCA). What started a few years ago as a handful of illustrations for a graphic novel project became a more serious return to painting. The works in this show reflect an eye for photorealistic rendering and a vision that loves and understands the human form. ~xe works in Verisimilitude spread open the time frame, drawing on the idealized realism of the early oil paintings, touching on themes from his 1987 "Living Arts ofTulsa" shmv, Boys in the Machine, infused with a poetry earned from life as an artist working across many disciplines. The paintings in Verisimilitude raise interesting questions about artistic values. Some viewers have .expressed an initial feeling of disappointment when learning that the works, which seem so realistically to be painted with a physical brush, were really made in the computer as if the digital medium is somehow beneath fine art. The works are not from photographs, but using drawing software similar to programs used in architecture and engineering. After a computer drawing is made it is "painted" using brushes, smudge sticks and other tools, each tool a small computer script written by the artist. These digital paintings take at least as long to create as "wet paint" works. This new dimension within realism is one of the fascinations that drove the creation of these paintings. Follow the progress of new projects and experience Michael’s art and music, at wv#cc.michaelfire.com. 2010 Primary Tues. July 27° General E ection: Tueso November 2. ese Democratic candidates gear up £or an important campaign £or O ahom s f t re: GOVEI~2qOR Lt. Gov. Jari Askins Attorney General Drew Edmondson LIEUTEN~T GOVERNOR State Sen. Kenneth Corn ATTOP&qEY GENERAL Jim Priest STATE AUDITOR & INSPECTOR Steve Burrage STATE tNSUR~qCE COMMISSIONER ~m Holtand (incumbent) STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION State Sen. Susan Paddack Jerry Combrink Larry Huff STATE T~SURER Stephen Covert STATE L&BOR COMMISSIONER Lloyd Fields (incumbent) U.S. SENATOR Jim Rogers Mark )vgil~S ..... ..... U.S. CONGRESS District 2: Dan Boren (incumbent) Jim Wilson District 3: Frankie Robbins District 5: Billy Coyle Tom Guild STATE SENATE District 2: Sean Burrage (incumbent) District 4: State Rep. Nell Brannon Mark Cornell District 6: Jay Paul Gumm (incumbent) District 8: Roger Ballenger (incumbent) District 10: Dale Christenson District 14: Donna Spring, Daryl Roberts District 16: John SparEs (incumbent) District 18: Janice Aldridge District 24: Susan Brooks, John Branum District 26: ~Tom Ivester (incumbent) District 32: Randy Bass (incumbent) District 42: Mike Kelly District 44: Randy Rose District 46: Andrew Rice (incumbent) District 48: Constance Johnson (incumbent) Steven Davis, Mark E Temple, Clyde E. Maddon STATE HOUSE District I: Dennis Bailey (incumbent) District 2: Glen Bud Smithson (incumbent) District 3: Jake Leming, James Lockhart, Jarrod Ridenour, Matt Webb, David Hogan Traci Barnes District 4: Mike Brown (incumbent) District 6: Chuck Hosldn (incumbent) District 7: Larry Glenn (incnmbent) District 8: Ben Sherrer (incumbent) District 9: Eric Cullen District 10: Nick Brown District 12: Vc~ade Roussetot (incumbent) District 13: Jerry McPeak (incumbent) District 14: Brad Clinkenbeard District 15: Ed Cannaday (incumbent) Annie J. Goolsby District t6: Jerry Shoemake (incumbent) James Bo Delso District 17: Brian Renegar (incnmbent) District 18: Donald Condit, John M. Freeman, Carolyn Hilt, Roger Shirly District 19: R.C. Pruett (incumbent) District 20: Paul Roan (incumbent) District 21: Oden Grube, Chris Pierce, Nathan Williams, Jerry Tomlinson District 22: x.X/es Hilliard (incumbent) District 23: Mark Manley District 24: Steve Kouplen (incumbent) District 27: Chris Odneal District 28: Ed Smith District 29: David Narcomey District 30: Donna Marie Vogelpohl District 32: Danny Morgan (incul-nbent) District 34: Cory Williams District 35: Rodger Ensign District 36: Greg Brown District 37: Ken Luttrell (incumbent) District 43: J. E Hemminger District 44: Isaiah McCaslin, Emily Virgin, Tom Kovach, Robert Murphy District 45: Wallace Collins (incumbent) District 49: Samson Buck (incumbent) District 53: Amy Corley DiStric~ 56: Maya To~ralba District 58: Wilson John Adamson District 60: Purcy Walker (incumbent) District 64: Michael J. Corrales District 65: Joe Dorman (incumbent) District 66: Eli Potts, David Phillips, Andrew Thomas Williams, Melani Hamilton District 68: Troy Zickefoose, Seth \gatkins District 71: JeffTracy District 72: Seneca Scott (incumbent) District 73: Jabar Shumate (incumbent) Kevin Matthews District 77: Eric Proctor (incumbent) District 78: Jeannie McDaniel (incumbent) District 84: Brittany Novotny District 85: Gall Vines District 86: John Auffet (incumbent) Jeff Collyge, William Fourkiller District 87: Dana Orwig District 88: AI McAffrey (incumbent) District 89: Rebecca Hamilton (incumbent) District 9 t: Hollis Harper District 92: Richard Morrissette (incumbent) District 93: Wilfredo Santos Rivera, Wanda Jo Peltier, Jeff Pecld~am District 94: Scott Inman (incumbent) District 95: Michael A. Walker District 97: Mike Shelton (incumbent) District 98: Dennis V/. XWeese District 99: Anastasia Pittman (incumbent) District 101: Johnny Laudermilk Creep of he Month ByD’AnneWitkowski "Family Research CounciF’ yes. N~e fabled "Gay Agenda." Having invested so much in the fight against it, anti-gay groups will leap at anything that they can hold up as proof that a sinister gay agenda exists. So when the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance ofg[ashington, D.C., released "Agenda: 2010," the Family Research Council pounced, cla,vs out. GLAA calls "Agenda: 2010" an "electionyear briefing paper on local LGBT issues." FRC calls it a veritable blueprint for a hostile LGBT takeover. In a June 16 W’ashington Update post, FRC posits, "What’s left for homosexual activists to do after they’ve trampled voters on their way to the altar? tn Washington, D.C., where same-sex ’marriage’ is legal (for now), the gay and lesbian crowd is just getting warmed up." The post is accompanied by a graphic reading of the ’,Homosexual Agenda" alongside a list of things like innocence, family and public health. Through each item is a blurry red line with a few drops of red here and there. Presumably it’s supposed to be spray paint (Vc~at, is the gay agenda written on the xvall of an abandoned warehouse?) but it cotfld also be blood. AIDS blood, of course. "Apparendy, their updated political agenda spans everything from classroom infiltration to legalizing prostitution," FRC’s message continues. I have to ask- what does "classroom infiltration" even mean? Sending in undercover homos to high schools like a gay "21 Jump Street?" And I have a follow-up: "Will there be a reality show? So just what is the "everything" this new agenda covers? "Local groups will try to elect more homosexuals to places of power, push in-school gay-straight alliances, support D.C. sex-oriented businesses, defend adult entertainment, grant special perks to crossdressing prisoners, force same-sex adoption and legalize sex tra~cldng," claims FRC. \Voah: Sounds ambitious. But let’s address some of these claims. First of all, what FRC calls "cross-dressing prisoners" are often actually transgender people, some who have broken the law, others who have been victims of crimes. "Ihe "special perks" include not throwing them into jail cells based solely on what’s between their legs. GLAA also doesn’t want to see them "denied appropriate health care, sexually assaulted, abusively strip-searched, (or) placed in protective custody that amounts to punishing the victim," which are some of the current "perks" of being a trann> As for legalizing "sex tra~cMng," that’s not quite it. GLAA does advocate legalizing prostitution. While a controversial position, they’re hardly calling for a sex-for-mone> free-for-all. GLAA raises a lot of important issues, i~cluding "survival sex," where people - ~’requently gay runaways and transgender people - turn to prostitution out of desperation, when it’s the only option they have left. Throwing them in jail doesn’t address the core problems. "If (policymal~ers) want to provide safer, healthier and more sustainable alternatives to survival sex, you can support the creation of drop-in centers, transitional housing, job training, counseling, addiction recovery programs and other services for at-risk populations," GLAA’s agenda reads. Oooh, counseling and transitional housing. Really racy stuff. "Lots of people in this country mistalcenly believe that this community will be satisfied when it redefines marriage," FRC claims. "That’s not the case. Homosexuals and transgenders (sic) won’t be happy until they sever every moral underpinning in America." That’s right. Because LGBT people have no morals and fantasize every night about living in some kind of lawless neo-sexual apocalyptic hellscape. You hear that, FRC? It’s right here, in writing. It must be true. And it must be true for all LGBT people ,vithout exception. Feel free to use it in your next fundraising letter. Tell your members we said, "Boo!" Ttae occasion prompted OkEq to hold a supportive Town Hall rally at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. "It is a great day to be gay in Tulsa Oldahoma!" said OlcEq President Toby Jenkins, echoing a slogan he has often employed at Pride and on other occasions. "This time I am serious." While the city council vote has been met with optimism throughout the GLBT community, some residents still see the need for progress. "IfI get beat up tonight, will the police actually come help?" pondered one young gay Tulsa man who did not want to be identified. "We can still be fired without cause and we can still be abused and lmow there’s a good chance authorities won’t be interested in helping," said Rogers County’s Brett Peason. "This is a great step but it doesn’t really affect most people in the community." Others suggested that the city should address the issue of equal protection at companies that do business with the city - thus xvidening the scope of the new policy’s effects. Oldahomans for Equality said that it would continue to press the City ofTulsa to add gender identity to the employee non-discrimination policy and also begin the dialogue with other Tulsa County municipalMes. OkEq encourages supporters of the new policy to personally contact City Councilors GT Bynum, Maria Barnes, Roscoe Turner, Jack Henderson, Chris Trail and Bill Christiansen and express appreciation. Tulsa elected ot~cials can be contacted at ~ax~¢~.~v.cityoftulsa.org/ourcity/elected-oNcials. aspx, 07.0’1.20’!0 For D~r~c~ Judge Vote...QuMity &Experience in 2010 35 45 $5,000 Face Value Cost Call 918o695o1806 $10,000 for accede a~ death H~V Coverage T For uildforcon, Congress ressocom forby G~itd for Congress, PO Box @21, Edmond, OK 738~s 07.01.2010 Photo’s by Judy G. Photography Downtown Tulsa, Oldahoma June 5, 2010 .................................................................................Continued on page-!8 By Andrew Collins Andrew Collins covers gay travelfor the New Drk Times-owned website About.corn and is the author ofFodor’s Gay Guide to the USA. t Exploring Coasta Maine Maine’s classically quaint seaside towns and breezy beaches seem tailor-made for a rela~ing vacation and sure enough, the state’s coastal sections are invaded by pleasure seekers ai! summer. Prestigious, blue-blood retreats like Kennebunkport and Camden overflow with magnificent estates, while the pristine scenery" ofAcadia National Park and Camden Hills State Park draw scads of hikers and bikers. Artsy and gay-popular Ogunquit makes a wonderfully low-keyed alternative m Provincetown. while hip Portland and upand- coming Rockland offer sophisticated arts and dining. The state’s shoreline twists and turns for an astonishing 3,478 miles - counting every inlet, cove, and bay; only the states ofAlaska, Florida and Louisiana can claim more miles ofwaterfront. You could spend all summer exploring the dozens of inviting hamlets up . and down tile coast. The southwestern edge of the state - just 70 miles from Boston and about 300 miles from both Montreal and New York City - is not only the most accessible, it has the most to offer gay and lesbian travelers. The region extends from the bustling outlet-shopping hub of Kittery north through Ogunquit and tip to Ken.nebunkport. Fringed by a lovely 3-mile beach, tiny Ogunquit first developed a discernible gay following in the 1930s, with the opening of one of the country’s first successful summer theaters, the Ogunquit Playhouse. It still presents first-rate theatrical productions today. The gay presence grew in the ’60s, when hippies and beatniks started regularly renting cottages and homes here. By the following decade the scene fully blossomed with the opening of a gay guest house, as well as a disco called Anabelle’s (still open but now called 02). U.S. 1 and Shore Road, the main drags through the village, bustle with funky shops, ar~ galleries, boutiques and several good restaurants. It’s a very short walk to the beach from iust about any point in town. Ogunquit supports a pair of lively gay nightclubs, a piano lounge, and several restaurants with inviting bars. In a state xvhere beaches can sometimes be pebbly or difficult to access, Ogunquit has one of Maine’s most celebrated ones - tile northern reaches of this fine, golden spit of sand draw a predominantly lesbian and gay crowd. Consider an excursion south to Kittery’s hundreds of mid- and high-end outlet shops. Or check out York’s Stonewall Kitchen - nearly 20 years ago, a local gay couple named Jonathan KAng and Jim Stott started selling their fabulous jams, mustards, relishes and sauces at a farmers market. They soon formed this now-internationally renowned emporium and mail-order company of delicious gourmet foods. For the best scenery on this trip, follow Shore Road south from Ogunquit through York’s Cape Neddick, where you can stop [:or a picnic at the park that overlooks the diguified Nubble Lighthouse (built in 1879). There are about a dozen gay-oriented accommodations in Ogunquit, most of them male-owned but catering to a mLx of women and men, Jtist a fe~v of the excellent possibilities include Moon Over Maine (http://www.moonovermaine.com), a fully restored 1830s Cape-style house with perioddecor, well-chosen art, and a great location in the heart of the village; and the reasonably priced Ogunquit Beach Inn (http://www. ogunquitbeachinn.com), a handsome litde 1920s compound comprising a main house with five guest rooms, as well as two cottages with full kitchens (rented weekly). A bit more upscale are the lovely Gazebo Inn (http:// www.gazeboguesthouse.com), a handsome 14-room property with two hot tubs and a gym and sauna; and the beautifully situated Rockmere Lodge (http://www.rockmere. corn), which is just offthe famed Marginal Way walking path - most rooms have ocean views. Charming Portland lies within striking distance of Ogunqnit, perfect ifyou need a dose of urbanity. Don’t overlook this youthful, progressive city as a base, either, especially ifyou’d rather browse museums and stroll along shop-filled streets than loi1 about on the beach. Portland daims a dynamic arts scene and some of the best restaurants in Maine. You can also check out a few very fun GLBT nightspots. The city crowns a hilly peninsula, surrounded by rivers and harbors - you’ll see water from many points and find the bulk of the city’s best restaurants, shops and bars in the histgric Old Port district, a warren of cobbled lanes and vintage redbrick warehouses fringed by a phalanx of wharves. A short drive or moderate walk puts you square in Portland’s West End, where grand sea captains’ mansions mingle with smaller row houses. More than two decades of intense rehabilitation have given the neighborhood a graceful countenance, and lesbians and gay men have restored many of these homes. In the heart ofdowntown’s arts district, the gay-friendly Eastland Park Hotel (http:// www.eastlandparldmtel.com) has tastefully appointed rooms with handsome colonialinspired furnishings - several units have kitchens. Amenities include a well-equipped fitness center, and a rooftop lounge with great city views. More intimate gay-popular options include the historic Inn at ParkSpring (http://www.innatparkspring.com), which Boats in Camden Harbor is just steps from the Portland Art Museum and six warmly furnished rooms; and the Morrill Mansion B&B (http:/Avww. morrillmansion.com), a 19th-century mansion on a picturesque West End Street - the seven tasteful room contains period-style furnishings. To see a less-developed side of the state, it’s about a two-hour drive from Portland - much of it along a very scenic stretch of U.S. 1 - to the resort comnaunities along western Penobscot Bay; including Rockland and Camden. You’re not going to encounter as many gay travelers out this way, but there are a handful ofvery gay-friendly accommodations. Maine’s Mid-Coast is a place for quiet vacations, ideal if you’re a hiker, photographer, fishing enthusiast, or sailor. Camden is home to a fleet of Windjammer sailing ships (http://www. mainewindjammercruises.com), which can be booked not only on multiple-day excursions throughout the region but also for afternoon jaunts along Penobscot Bay. The craggy 1,000-ft peaks of Camden Hills State Park are a regional highlight; you can tread along more than 20 miles of rugged nature and hiking trails through this dramatic 5,500-acte paradise, and overnight in a 112-site camping area. The once-workaday town of Rockland has blossomed of late, with several outstanding restaurants and cafes. The key draw here is one of the foremost small art collections in the nation, the Famsworth Art Museum, which contains works by many noted Maine painters, including the George Bellows, Louise Nevelson, and the Wyeth ¯ The on-site Wyeth Center explores that famous family of painters. Rockland’s elegant, yet reasonably priced LimeRock Inn, is operated by a lmowledgeable and friendly couple Frank Isganitis & EJ. Walter, who prepare a delicious breakfast each morning. Rooms in this handsome Queen Anne Victorian are done in period style, but with such modern perks as flat-panel TVs with HDTV/DVD and clock radios with iPod docks. First- Andrew Collinsphoto rate restaurants and galleries are just steps awa): The gay-owned Camden Harbour Inn (http://www.camdenharbourinn.com), with its spectacular location overlooking the town’s harbor, is ideal for a luxury getaway - the 18 rooms and suites are sumptuously appointed, and the on-site restaurant, Natalie’s, serves exceptiofial contemporary American fare. Still about 75 miles farther "down east" (Maine lingo for in the direction of the Canadian Maritimes - "down" refers to the fact that longitude decreases as you travel east), lies Mr. Desert Island. Here you’ll find the resort town of Bar Harbor and the adjacent 40,000-acre Acadia National Park. A 27-mile Loop Road meanders through the park, accessing trailheads and many scenic vistas. Some.hiking trails climb up to 1,530- foot Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard, and still others hug the granite-strewn shore. In Bar Harbor, the Abbe Museum, set in the 1893 former YMCA overlooking the village green, contains an enormous trove of artifacts and exhibits that trace the state’s Native American history. Bar Harbor has dozens of motels, hotels and inns, among them the gay-friendly Anne’s White Column Inn (http://www. anneswhitecolumns.com) and its sister property, the larger and more elegant Clefrstone Manor (http://www.cleftstone. com). ~ae advantage ofAnne’s White Column Inn is its close proximity to area shopping and dining. One other excellent LGBT-friendly option in Bar Harbor is the Aysgarth Station (http://~vw~v.aysgarth.com), which is quite affordable and located very close to several good restaurants. With so long a shoreline and so relatively small a population, Maine offers one precious commodity that’s all too rare in the northeastern U.S.: space. Although parts of the coast has been developed with mini-golf centers and condo colonies, the majority of it remains beautifully preserved and ideal for a memorable getaway. 07.01.2010 help Demented Inc.’ Tour graces the Copa to promote their new DVD ofmadness ’Memoirs ofDmentia" By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Jenna Zdia, Dmentia Divi~yl and OKC’s Bearded Lad3,. Gotqn photo OKLAHOMA CI~L OK On Sunday the 13th ofJune Rachae! Eik~’s Sunday night show had a special treat as Dmentia Diviw1 / a.k.a, director Glenn Storm) and his sid&dck Jenna Telia performed and promoted Dmented Inc’s new film, "Memoirs of Dmentia.:" With Drnentia showing up in the style of Dawn Davenport. she and Miss Telia put on quite an act promoting this work of art. Nxis 90 minute film is not for everyone, bur &finitely a must for those who love artistic dysfunction, insanity and pure white trash truly in the style ofJohn Waters, who is credited with inspiring this epic. Various ideas and concepts show up clearly with obvious influences from the xT~qzard of Oz, the infamous Female Trouble movie, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the classic Deliverance fli& ~ a real squealer) among maW others. With only 4 people in the cast, it tells the story of mad Scientist Dr.Frankemveenie who creates the lead hermaphrodite, she male Dmenria Divinvl. Dmentiahas ahard life running a bordello, fights off the advances of Hillbilly Cousin Earl only to be impregnated by Officer Baloney Pony. She sells her baby for cat’fare to Cousin Earl, who falls for her neighbor Petunia.. Meanwhile Officer Baloney Pony happens into a gay bar, falls into a slumber, and in his subsequent dream follows the Yellow Bri& Road to see the Queen of Zoe who tells him how he can come back to earth as a gay man. All of these happy events are entered into Miss Divinyl’s diary, who wonders about her lost child. Will there be a sequel??? For cultist movie fetishists, this movie is a Godsend. For more information or to order this DVD check out www.Dmentedlnc.com. deadCENTER film depicts reversal o£Cali£ornia gay marriage law By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer Oldahoma City, OK In the film ’8: The Mormon Propositioff’ a former Mormon missionary. Director Reed Cowan depicts the events supporting the passage of Proposition 8. He chose to leave our opinions but rather chose to tell the story objectively without opinions, which he felt the public cleady wanted. ~e film was originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received the longest standing ovation in the histmw of that festival., despite that it was held in Utah where Mormons number well above 60% of the population. "I am honored to present this film at deadCenter", said Melissa Scaramucci, deadCenter Board Member and Director/ Producer with Crazy Diamond Productions. Scaramucci and the organizing group invited Oldahoma’s own TEN ( The Equality Network) to talk to the crowd about the fight in Oklahoma toward equality for all. For those who dofft remember, on June 17, 2008 the California Supreme Court ruled that California’s ban on same sex marriage was discriminatory, thus making same sex marriages legal in that state. Following this ruling thousands of gay couples got legally married in California, but this new matrimonial freedom would not last long. Anti-gay groups hired companies to obtain signatures to put Proposition 8 on the ballot of the November 4, 2008 election. Successful at obtaining enough signatures, Proposition 8 was on the ballot and simply stated, "Only a marriage beva,een a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." This proposition passed~ not only ending the right of same sex couples to marry in California but also leaving the marriages of those same sex couples ,vho had already married in lega! jeopardy ~e film depicts the astonishing approach of the Mormon Church and their leadership, primarily from Utah, using their tax free financial support to get this measure passed. "Ihere is proof by documentation and video Emotions ran high during thefight to allow gays to retain the right to marry in California. Their" ~orts were in vain. in the film that this information is not fabricated. This documentary follows the activities of the Mormon Church, questioning the legality of their actions supporting Proposition 8 as a tax free entity, donating millions to promote its passage. The passage of Proposition 8 was a crushing defeat for gay rights activists who had hoped that public opinion on dais issue had shifted enough to help them defeat dais measure. The film depicts addition irony in that the Mormon Church claimed to take this action in the name ofJesus Christ. This exploration of the Chur& ofJesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ involvement in the passage of Proposition 8 reveals their secretive, decades long campaign against same sex marriage. More information about the film can be found at wv#;v.mormonproposition. com. Business is booming for Sean Hayes Things were looking tough for Sean Hayes for a minute there - his coming-out interview in The Advocate came off as cranky and too-late, and then that Newsweek piece suggested he was too gay to be convincing as the hetero leading man of the Broadway revival Promises, Promises. It looked for a second like he was damned if he did and damned if he didfft. But the one-time Will & Grace star is having the last laugh: He scored a Tony nod for the show, reviews for his gig as host of the Tony Awards were glowing, and his prodnction company scored a hit with the sitcom Hot in Cleveland, which premiered. to high ratings on TV Land. Hayes will be keeping his TV mogul hat firmty~in place, with NBC Universa! signing a two-year deal with Hazy" Mills (his company with Todd Milline0 to develop new shows for network and cable. (Yoglt recall Hayes showing off his sitcom-creating acumen On Bravo’s Situation: Comedy.) So yes, naysayers, this gu)?s officially a litde more than "Just Jack~" from her national TV talk show. During July of2009 she issued her "OHahoma Citizen’s Proclat~aation for Morality" at the Oldahoma State Capitol in which she blamed our nation’s troubled economy on "same sex marriage, divorce, pornograph)~ sex trafficking and other forms ofdebauchery’. On economic issues she iS likewise far to the right, opposing a minimum wage increase in Oklahoma in 2006 ~vhen it was $5.15 an hour, even requesting that a study be done to see how people living on that wage could better budget their money. Although Brittany has already made history by being the first transgendered person to run for public office in Oklahoma, she isn’t running for that reason. She has publicly stated, " I understand that there are going to be some folks who try to make this election about the fact that my medical history includes a gender transition, but I’m running for office because I believe I’m the best candidate to fight for jobs, education and transportation." Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Ms. Novomy graduated from the University of Arts and Sciences of Oldahoma and went on to get her law degree from the University of California-Hastings and is now a practicing attorney. She is an active member of the Young Democrats, who elected her as a national committeewoman and also honored her as their 2010 Woman of the Year. Oklahoma House District 84 indudes parts of northwest Oklahoma City, Bethany and Warr Acres. She’s ready for the fight and feels "I think our chances are really great. People are ready for a change." 07.01.2010 Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. Out &Aboa~t in Oklahoma @ Tulsa Eagle. Tulsa Tasha Carrington and Billy Jackson per[orming to the smash hit of Lady Antebelliums’. "Need You Now". tt was well received by the overflow crowd in attendance. Photo by Ernest Atchison @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Pride Parade 2010 @ Finishline, Oklahoma City Mayor Oscar Goodman oI~cially welcoming the award ~vinnmg celebrity Gay Travel Columnists, Donald Pile and Ray Williams to Las Vegas. @ @ Tulsa Pride Parade 2010 @ Tulsa Pride Festival 2010 @ Tulsa Pride Festival 2010 07.01.2010 By Ed Sikov for Me, Marg itff’ Craig was giddy on the ferry: "Margaritas are my tCavorite drink!" He clapped his dimpled hands in excitement and began singsonging, "Goodie goodie gumdrops!" He was still jolly because I had withheld my controlfre~ Msh plan. I had no intention of using that sticky-sweet frozen concentrate he loved, and I was too much of a food snob to even let the bottled pigswill variety into the house. Once, in a notorious act of radical foodie-ism, I poured Sa!’s bottle of Yucatan Yuri’s Primo- Papi Mix off the de&. Before I had a chance to tel! an outrageous lie about Yucatan Yuri’s whereabouts, Sal saw me, rushed outside in a fuD4 and punched me in the shoulder. We didn’t speak for a month. "Vge need frozen concentrate, of course. W-e do have orange liqueur...." "I have to tell you something," I began, but the two nasty Pomeranians owned by the cable sex show hostess Raven Wren - who apparently didn’t have enough smarmy gay men around her in the city, so she bought a place in the Pines - suddenly defined the term "bad canine karma" by attacking a distraught muscle-boy’s twin white Shih Tzus. The ensuing screeching and yelping (by Raven) drowned out further discussion. Vge were in the grocery’s frozen foods section with one of Craig’s giant-size Cabbage-Patch-Ydds fists engulfing a can of corn syrup with artificial lime flavor when I yanked it out of his hand; declared, %XZe’re not using that"; and threw it back into the freezm: Craig looked stricken. "Let’s make our Margaritas from scratch, OK?" I demanded, none too consolingly. "I don’t _want_ scratch," Craig whined; "I want my Margaritas! V/hy are you so mean? Why can’t I have what I want?" "l-hen came big whopping tears streaming down his colossal face, which rippled with despair. whopping tears streaming down his colossal face, which rippled with despair. At first I was mortified. But I’m here to tell you that mortification is preferable to the near-suicidal guilt that followed. I Wasn’t on the ferry any more so I couldn’t jump off. I could do nothing but hate myself to the bone. "Don’t cry! Get what you ~vant! I’ll make Margaritas my way, and you make yours your way." I pulled the can of frozen concentrate out of the freezer. "See?" I said, putting the wretched junk into our cart. Then I took one of Craig’s soft hands in mine and led him toward the unsweetened lime juice. "Ihe Margarita, Two Ways Craig’s way: Dump a can of children’s frozen concentrate into a blender, add ice and enough tequila to keep everyone from realizing how crummy the drink tastes, and press "ultra-high"; if you’re lucky you’ll forget to put the top on the blender. My way- makes four cocktails: 3/4-cup inexpensive white Tequila (it’s dumb to waste fine tequila by drowning it in a Margarita, but then I’m a cheapskate) 1/3-cup unsweetened lime juice 1/4-cup orange liqueur (we had Orange Curacao on hand - you can use any tTpe) l/4-cup Really Simple Syrul5 (you can buy Simple Syrup ready-made, or you can boil sugar and water and stand around staring at a candy thermometer, or you can make Really Simple Syrup by putting equal parts sugar and water in a jar and shaking it until the sugar dissolves) Pour some flaked salt onto one small plate and a thin layer of lime juice onto another. Add all ingredients to a large cocktail shaker with some ice; shake. Dip the rim of each glass first in the juice and then in the salt, then pour the Margaritas in the center. N AWeekend ofPageantry at Angles Newly Crowned Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA Newcomer and Miss Gay US ofA at Large By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Miss Gay US ofA Oklahoma at Large 2009 Lindsay Paige, winner Bianca LeBlanc, April Reign Miss Gay US ofa A at Large and 1st alternate Cordillia 3/Ionroe. Gorin photo OKI~HOMA CITY, OK__ Jack Calcote, Steve Davis and Nathan Thomas had a busy weekend as they put on two pageants back to back Friday June 11 and Saturday June 12. Angles came back to life as the girls competed for their titles, retaining the usual glamour of yesteryear while also reflecting changes in the field of female impersonation in Oklahoma. The trio of Calcote, Davis & N~omas owns both pageants as well as the Mr[ Gay Oklahoma US ofA Contest ( men competing as hot men, not to be confused with Mr. Gay US ofA MI, which is for male illusion). The nationwide Gay US ofA system differs from the Miss Gay America System in that while that system does not allow surgical alterations below the neck, the Miss Gay" US ofA system allows unlimited alterations except that one must have male genitalia. The At Large US ofA system in addition requires that the contestants weigh at least 200 pounds. The weekend marked a special occasion as the Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA Nexvcomer contest was premiering with their first pageant. Emceed by the team of Rache! Erikks( Miss Gay Oldahoma America 1994 and Miss Gay America 2004) and Jozlyn Welch ( Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA at Large 2008), the winner was Carmen Deveraux with 1st alternate Ferrah Mikals. N~ey will both go to on compete in the national Miss Gay US ofA Newcomer Pageant held August 11-13 in Indianapolis. The following Saturday Lindsay Paige passed on her title as Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA at Large to Bianca LeBlanc, with Cordillia Monroe as 1st alternate. That festive night was emceed by the lovely Latina Tillie Laine, who herselfwas a Miss Gay Oklahoma America in 1983. The winners of that contest will go on to compete in the national Miss Gay US ofA at Large Pageant which will also be held also in Indianapolis October 6-8 of this year. 3-he Mr Gay US ofA Contest will be held this upcoming August 25 at the Copa. For information about that contest e-mail Mr.Calcote at calcojack36@yahoo com. N 07;0"1.2010 E-.~ail- KylesBrd3@aol.eom Chuck Breckenridge Whcthcr buying or sclling I’lI work hard fi~r you. Private Me=~s Reso~ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresprt.com info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-682:1 Abutting Downtown, ::Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center, Tulsa Gay Cente,: Affi3rdable Homes amd Aparmaeuts. For more L.~fo~ation visit: www.gaybradyheightsmlsa.com English Garden Paradise with Private Tree Top Balcony 6365 S. 84th E. Ave., Tulsa web site with full information www.Tulsa4Bedroom.com With outer planets hanging out near the cusps, Mercury entering Leo and Venus into Virgo kick off a lot of issues. Being cute, outspoken and constructively cdticat (let’s hope!) wilt have broad ramifications. Modesty, compassion and forethought are atways good to check before speaking. ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19): Playful banter can help stimulate a better work environment, but not [oo playful lest your intentions are misunderstood. Spontaneous provocation has its place, but strategic consulting with colleagues will probably prove more effective. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20): Your new playful streak could come off as critical and bitchy. Sometimes a Bette Davis impression just can’t make it right. One should never let go of the Golden Rule - but’cha are, Blanche! Well, you easily could. Be extra mindful and considerate! GEN~N! {Nay 21- June 20): You have a lot to say and it feels very important to you. Your family and boss may disagree. Look for a new perspective and tweak your message a bit. Listen to friends with radical, challenging suggestions. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Even if changing jobs seems risky these days, con sider taking the chance. Staying where you are could be worse. Any current dissatisfaction with your job invites self-sabotage. Seek advice from a friend experienced in the work you want to do. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): However you identify with your words, some separation is good. Your partner can help open you up to powerful new ideas. Look past long-held notions to your most basic values; it’s better to take in those fresh notion s. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): Step out of the social whid for a bit. Focus on taking care of yourself inside and out. A new look should honor your age, not hide it. Knowing your limits can help you zero in on your strengths. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Conflicted about social opportunities? You may be better off in quiet retreat with fewer, better friends. Favor the more productive and creative ones. Save time and energy for your partner, even if you don’t have one - yet. SCORPIO (October 23- November 21): Balancing friendly conversations with the boss, and maintaining friendships with colleagues, and could get you a huge promotion. Never forget where you came from and that going up the ladder helps you to pull others up after. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Showing off newfound wisdom could quickly force you to admit to the limits of your recent learning. Instead, ask thoughtful questions of a real expert. Don’t be shy! An outr4 creative approach could spark new directions and insights for both of you. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Sex seems to be shifting from practice to theory. That’s OK, especially if you consider deeply what it’s all about. Old messages on the topic take sudden relevance. Tapes to erase? Valuable but forgotten lessons? You could be surprised. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): Your sex life should be picking up pretty well. What does your partner say about that? A discussion on the topic is at least in order. People do change and grow. Even if everything is hunky-dory, it’s good to talk. PISCES (February 19 - March t9): Being playful is important, but for now focus more on the actual work and responsibility of your relationship, real or hypothetical. When you feel uncertain and use your partner for grounding that may be unfair to him or her. Community for People living with H V/A DS 50I c (3) Non ! rofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to hel p combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobat.net 1!23 14 24 25 26 ~27 39 48 4~ 511 2"1 22 28 129 ! 30 34 4~ 42 43 } 3~ 61 63 47 Across Dow~ 1 Dumbledore might cast one Solution page22 07.0t.20t0 @~ 8T~ SuppoR those who suppo~ us. Their ads allow us to distribute your communi~ news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPW Oklahoma Cit?; OK 405-528-222t www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC \(~LEY !?~SORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-2 I0-8401 ww~v.magneticvalleyresort.com ACCO I~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HAR~v~ARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 9!8-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W2 13th Street Otdahoma CiV, OK 405-226-8585 AUZO PdiYNOLDS FORD LanT Bourne & David Stevens 600 *X’: Memorial Rd Oklahoma CitT; OK 405-639-9940 BAR HELP *IX!ANTED OKC: %e Copa is currently seeking a bar manager ~or ~e Copa and a bar manager for ~amg!es, for appointment [405) 525 0730 ALIBIS 1200 N. PENN Olda.homa City, OK 405-605-3795 Open daily 3pm ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahom~ Cit); OK w~:anglesclub.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wv,~v.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE !338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1!88 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am oa CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklaboma City, OK 405-761-1878 ww~v.expressionsOKC.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahomds HIV/STD Hotline For dvertis[ng CRISTtE’S TOY BOX 1039 S. Meridian Oklahoma City; OK 73108 405-948-3333 CRISTIE’S TOY BOX 3126 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-946-4438 PHOTO D JUDY G. PHOTO’S - Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobaLnet 918-743-8636 OKLAHOlvIA STONEWALL DEMOCP,ATES Oldahoma City, OK w*a~aokstonmvall.org CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW ~RESSVTAY O~HOMANS for EQUALITY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 621E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 w~vz0keq.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave ................. Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 405-840-2106 www.c21goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-188g................ RED ROCK B.H.S. 4400 N. LINCOLN BLVC Oklahoma City, OK 73105 405-425-0473 Toll Free 1-877-339-3330 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Cit).; OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 wwwv;bambooloungetulsa.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Ci9; OK 405-525-2900 ’ w~,v;habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSVgAY OkJahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wv~*~:habanainn.com E L T A T A N o L R ¢ D ~’m p~oud of the Stonewall Democrats on my 234th Birthday! "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What mailers, as always, is not what we can’t do, ~ it,s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Par~. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the comr~uni~y, we are working to make change and shape NEXT MEETING iS TUESDAY JULY 6, 7:00 We meet the 7st Tuesday ofevery month at the k~OMA STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY kIEADQUART Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 7 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vincente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Ed Silkow Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDf Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource ,agzine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, June 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/192 The Metro Star Magazine, September 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/197 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/191 Adopt Anastasia Pittmam-Oklahoma House of Representatives Bitter Girl Brad Henry-Board of Regents Cimarron Alliance cocktailchatter Creep of the Month deadCENTER Domestic Abuse Don't Shop Family Research Council First Thursday Art Exhibit Fitness-Sun Tzu funnies Gay marriage General Election Jeff Tracey-District 71 Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Memoirs of Dmentia Metro scene Miss Gay Oklahoma Miss Gay US of A Movies Nightclubs and Bars non-discrimination-orientation Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association (OGRA) Our House Pride Month QPuzzle Qscopes Sean Hayes Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) Supreme Court Tom Guild-Congress Tom Kovach Too travel Tulsa Pride US Census Voter Registration https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f80e9be73cf574f0d3b023bf677be5c2.jpg b245e197e6ba4ad41902fdf29ba2a624 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/463403ddfb9dfdee3122589cd21bc856.pdf 90512d7e1a86dce7a74088da7b1c55ae PDF Text Text THE VOLUME 7 PREMIER SO,URCE ISSUE 6 FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA Twi~er,com/MetroStarNews ® MetroStarNews,com JUNE 1, 2010 : Coast to Coast, Border to Borde,; fi’om Enid, Oklahoma Cil) "Simply Proud" the eme of Oklahoma City Pride Parade t val° this year Rev Lavanhar took long path to Tulsa Pride Grand Marshal By Victor Gorin Contributing wrker By Michael W. Sasser Contributing gZriter OKLAHObvL& CITY. OK Oldahoma Ci@ Pride Festival and Parade is coming together again this year a’; always, uniting the GLBT communi~" of the OKC metroplex and their friends for a }Sbulons weekend of tim, fellowship, and fi_~r some fond reflection. Going with it all this year are the Pride Banners of Cimarron ~Nliance, which will fly fi’om Oldahoma City lampposts of Classen Boulevard fi’om June 8 to July 8 to highlight the festivities. It all begins with a Block Party Friday June 25 on the N.W. 39th Street Strip (beginning at NT~ 39th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue), this time beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m. The Festival itself will take place again this year in Memorial Park, located at N.W. 36th & Classen Boulevard, opening on Saturday June 26 at 10 a.m. and dosing at 10 p.m. It will reopen the next day on Sunday June 27 at 10 a.m., closing down at 3 p.m. as the Parade lineup begins. N~e festival will feature a varietT of live entertainment, events, vendors, and informational booths. The Pride Parade will step off that Sunday at 5 p.m. at Memorial Park, concluding with the Grand Finale over the Hill past Peunsylvania through the N.W. 39th Street Strip. For 2010 this event was renamed the Paul Thompson Memorial OKC Pride Parade to honor his memory as one of Oklalaoma’s most renowned activists for GLBT equality and human rights in general. Mr.~-hompson had also served for many years as the Male Co-Chair of OKC Pride, and had passed away March 4 of this year. The Festival and Parade commemorates Gay Pride Week, which marks the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Itwas June 28 of that year when patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, fought baek against the police after enduring endless harassment. This was an event unprecedented in American history where the police were forced to barricade themselves in the very bar they came to raid, and the rioting that followed changed America forever. Straight people were forced to deal with a gay community that would no longer accept discrimination, and the GLBT community was awakened to ........ Continued See OKC PRIDE Page-8 Reverend Marlin Lavanba~ Press photo TULSA, OK__ Although Reverend Marlin Lavanhar was surprised and honored to be named Grand Marshal of June’s Tulsa Pride Parade and Festival, he has his sights set beyond on a larger objective. "For me it will be especially worthwhile if the role allows me the platform to speak on for the inclusion of all people, regardless of orientation," said Lavanhar, senior pastor at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa. Lavanhar has been a high-profile advocate for the GLBT community in a state notably light on supporters from the clergy for many years. He has been a tireless supporter of the local community during his 10 years at All Souls and has made the inclusion of the GLBT world key to his ministry. "I realized early on that this wotdd be the major civil rights issue over tl~e era of my ministry," Lavanhar said. Stil!, l,avanhar’s most recent high profile effort was a rislo! one even for a clergyman with a long history of championing human rights. Just months ago, Lavanhar accepted an invitation to speak at a conference in Uganda that was a rallying point against efforts by that African nation to approve capital punishment as the sentence for homosexuality. "We have a sister church in Uganda and my colleague there was the conference organizer," Lavanhar said. "The purpose is to build grassroots resistance to the anti-GLBT bil!. They asked me to speak. Honestly I had to think about it." There was real danger for the conference organizers and those who attended. ........ Continued See LAVANHAR Page-8 ��A LBT Comm ity Center opens in Enid; Oklahoma! On Saturday April 24 the Center held their first Stand Awards Ceremony ~br various Oldahoma groups and individuals who have advanced the cause of GLBT equality. Among them was Pastor J,E Wickey’(pa~tor of Crosswalk United Church of Christ), the M~t~ ~{~r ( m~dia represent~ti0n ~fthe year)Victor Gorin (journalist oi~ the year) and ,p, oetess Lisa Herald for her verses entitled "Sally Sally Ket~ which was a bittersweet lament to that Oklahoma legislator (to see her read it ~on youtube, type in Lisa Herald Sally KemP. As an endorsement from beyond, the sky featured a double rainbow as the ceremonies began. rl~e Center is almost totally funded by loCal gay and gay friendly indiViduals and organizations,, arid is appropriately decorated with gay[icons tl~roughout history. Exi~ansion plans are already being discussed, including possibly a homeless shelter. Everyone and their talents are welcomed, so for more information contact 800-878 5298. Hate Crime victim leaves State By Michael x~ Sasser Contributing writer 773e Cenmr Enid, Oklahoma. Gorin photo ENID. OK The town of Enid, Oklahoma lies 70 miles north of Oklahoma City, is the county seat of Ga~eld County and thehome of Vance Air Force Base. Founded in 1893. Enid has been nicknamed Queen Wheat City because it has the third largest grain storage capacity in the world. ~I~aeir high school football team. the Enid Plainsmen, has a longstanding powerful reputation, and the city at present hasn’t a single gay bar. Yet amid this setting of Conservatism, a gay scene has TULSA, OK A young gay man who was beaten and robbed in Claremore and then claimed to have been further victimized in the subsequent weeks, has left Oklahoma for another state. "I just didn’t feel safe anymore," said Phillip Nelson; 24. "I didn’t feel safe leaving my home. Things are better noxv." Nelsons story captured local hgadlmes m M~rch when he was assaulted outside his’Clm~em0re apartment by several unknown assailants, and when his apartment was broken into and vandalized. Prior to the more violent incidents, Nelson Representative - Dis ric 88 Oklahoma Ci,y Paid for by Committee to. Re’-Elect AI McAffrey 2010, P.O. Box 60668, OKC 73148. Recognizing ~he need fbr a welcoming place for the various At 77~e Center: TJ Re),nolds, Nate Bowen, Bill), Igalke~ Brandon Bidtve~!, Brandon Ratclifl;" Brandon Lopez, Lisa Heral~ Gorin ohoao ~5cets ofEnid’s GLBT community, members of the local P-Flag chapter discovered a vacant site at ! 319 S. Van Buren. v~qth the group’s determination and a willing landlord, it xvas leased Mar& !0 and plans went full speed ahead to make it alt happen. ~,lready several support groups meet at the Center including no~ only Enid’s P-Flag but alsoa youth group, a ~ransgender support group, a group for bisexuals, and one ~or GLBT parents and &ildren. CoUnseling services are also cond ucred tixere, with plans for a legal clinic, employmen~ assistance, and health services including HIV testing. It’s aires@ a place where GLBT and friendly groups can distribute their literature, and it i)atures a lot more than just serious activity. Friday nights are dedicated to social activities such as dances, open mic nights, & karaoke. Social clubs meet there that are too numerous to mention that include a chess club, a book club, a gardening club, etc to give some perspecrive. www.metrostarnews.com "There is something not right there," Nelson said. "They’re not there to protect people from hate crimes. They are iust there to hide it under the carpet and to wait fbr it to go awa3~" Nelson said he finds it most curious that there has been no progress on the Claremore case because he was able to provide an obvious, distinct clue as to the identity of one of his attackers. N~ings did not improve for Nelson after the story broke. N~e former Rogers State University student found himself the target of verbal abuse and hostility in school and around his apartment complex. Less than a month after the attack in Ctaremore, Nelson said that he and a female friend were assaulted in a Tulsa karaoke bar. "A bunch of bikers got very- aggressive and hostile ~vith us," Nelson said. He said that he believed that the ,alleged harassers recognized him from television news reports and that they hurled antiagay epithets at he and his friend. "\Ve’d been in there before and it wasn’t a problem," Nelson said. This time, Nelson said, it was a problem. He claims that he and his friend "barely escaped" when the bar management sided with the aggressors and Nelson and his friend were instructed to leave. Nelson said Tulsa Police would not respond to his calls. He said they did initially respond to his friend’s calls, but he was not sure if anything ever came of it. His friend Could not be reached for comment. rrhe final straw for Nelson was when management asked him to vacate his apartment iust weeks ago. Nelson believes he was asked to leave because of his orientation and said that management representatives had previously made anti-gay comments to him. slide." Toby Jenkins, President of Oklahomans for Equality, said that everyone xvho comes forward after an assault is a hero and that he understands Nelson’s frustration with Claremore Police. "We admire his tenacity in staying after police to be vigilant," Jenkins said; "All crime victims have to stay after police." Nelson said he does not lmo,v if his move is permanent. Interfaith Pride Memorial Service Planned By Victor Gorin Contributing Writer OIC&&HOMA CITY, OK __ Plans are underway for a community wide service ofremembrance on tl~e evening of Wednesday, June 16 at 7 p.m., right in the middle of GLBT Pride Month. This service will be held at Epworth United Methodist Church, located ar 1901 N. Douglas Avenue in Oklahoma City. The purpose of the service is to provide comfort ro those experiencing grief, and to celebrate those who have touched our lives, promising to be an uplifting occasion for everyone who attends. If you have lost a loved one--partner, relative, or friend in the past year and want them remembered in this memorial service, please e-mail their name to scott@cimarronalliance. org. �Bigger and better as cdebrates 25 years Grand Marshalls; fonnding members of OGRA By By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OKLAHOMA CIT~; OK __ As OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) codirectors, Klint Wieden and Paul Boyd have had a busy year. Taking the responsibility on to produce this annual event means planning and implementing the entire event; taking care setting the dates, securing the venue, contracts, scheduling, securing sponsors, appointing committees and so much more. After all this work, the culmination of their efforts are enjoyed when they direct the rodeo itself during the entire weekend of the event, which is each Memorial Day weekend at the State Fairgrounds (Barn 8). "Our goals for this year, our 25th Anniversary Great Plains Rodeo is to make it a memorable event ~vhile commemorating our founding members and board," said Wieden. "We want to increase both contest participation as well as spectator attendance. We have planned more entertainment during rodeo weekend, more parties, and more things leading up to the rodeo." Mmualty OGRA is held in Oklahoma City over the Memorial Day holiday, May 2830 for 20!0. Here is the lineup of events; Thursday, May 27th, 6-8pro VIP Reception pool side at ~e Habana Inn for all of our rodeo sponsors and officials. After that, The Finishline will be hosting a stick horse rodeo with plenty of events using stick horses. A stick horse decorating contest ~vill be on display during rodeo registration and then all day Saturday at the OGRA booth at the rodeo-$1 per vote for the best decorated stick horse with the proceeds going to charity. Friday, May 28, 10am Board of Directors Meeting; from 6pm - 9pm is Rodeo Registration for contestants at the fairgrounds, Barn #9 in the vendor area. 7pm - OGP,~k Royalty Team will be hosting "A Night of Royalty Nikki & Mark" entertainment during registration, at the Fairgrounds, Barn #8.10pm - OGRA Royalty Team will be hosting "A Night of Royalty Nikki & Mark" at PhoenLx Rising. Saturday, May 29th, 8am Rodeo begins with Calf Roping on Foot, Steer Deco, Break Away Roping, Team Roping, Steer Riding, Pole Bending. At high-noon is the Grand EntD" witb~Bronc Riding, Chute Dogging, Goat Dressing, Barrel Racing, Flag Race, Wild Drag Race, Bull Riding and the Rodeo will finish up around 5pm. Texas Gay Rodeo Association will be hosting the Texas Tea Party at the Copa with entertainment and drink specials that evening. OGP,ak and Angles will be hosting a LIVE concert performance at Angles from 9pro til! who knows when! Live vocal performers are lined up featuring James Allen Clark, a new Nashville recording artist, along vdth several popular 16cal performers. Winners of the Stick Horse Decorating Contest and then auction offthe stick horses to the highest bidder to help raise more money for charity. ~ 4 Sunday, May 30th; OGRA day 2 begins 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Central Community with, Calf Roping on Foot, Steer Deco, Break Center, 1028 E. Sixth St. Non-alcoholic Away Roping, Team Roping, Steer Riding, beverages and dessert are provided to guests. Pole Bending, and high-noon again brings the ~ose not attending a dinner may participate Grand Entry with more Bronc Riding, Chute in the dessert event for a $10 donation at the door. Dogging, Goat Dressing, Barrel Racing, Flag Race, Wild Drag Race & Bull Riding. At Tulsa CARES’ Executive Director, Sharon 5pm the Rodeo wraps up and we move to Thoele hopes Feast with Friends ’\vill hdp us the Finish line for a BBQ Dinner put on by bring to light the fact that the AIDS epidemic Head Country BB% and at 7pro, the Rodeo is far from over, and ~ve need everyone’s help Awards CeremoW at the Copa where they to meet the enormous need that exists in our ~vill be awardingbucldes, saddles and cash community." prizes to all of the winners of the Rodeo. "Old friends, ne~v friends, everyone and anyone who wishes to support Tulsa CARES Monday, May 31st at noon will be a is invited to participate in this event - it’s fun Rodeo Wind-Down Party at Phoenix Rising and it’s a great excuse to gather with your where the), will be serving hamburgers and hotdogs along with drink specials, relaxing favorite people and help out a worthwhile and recounting all of the fun times of the cause all at the same time," Thoelesaid. weekend. "Tulsa CARES will use the proceeds to This year’ charity partners are Other support our programs as we assist people who Options/Friends Food Pantry, Be The are living with this disease." Change, and Expressions Community In-kind sponsors for the event are: Hla’s Service. "Several months prior to our rodeo, ’ Dell, QuikTrip, Tulsa Parks and Starbucks usually in November we request letters from Coffee Compan3a qualifi/ing 501 (c)3 non-profit charities For more information about hosting a stating vchy they want to be considered as one party or about the dessert event, contact Ally McGinnis, Tulsa CARES resource of our charity partners," adds Wieden. "Then, as a group, we discuss each organization and development coordinator by calling 834-4194 look at their merits and what they do for the or by e-mail, allym@tulsacares.org. community. We consider their financials and Founded in !991, Tulsa CARES, a United the services they offer to our community, and Way Member Agency, delivers services then vote on the ones we want to support." to low-income people living with HIV/ The amount donated to these charities varies AIDS. Services include case management each year based on participation, events and by professional social workers, access to overall donations. physicians and prescription assistance, "I just want to stress what a vital service counseling services, housing assistance, a food we provide for people in our community to pantry with access to our registered dietician, participate in a sport that they enjoy (rodeo) and many other forms of support. Tulsa while at the same time giving back to our CARES’ mission is "Delivering social services community in volunteer services as well as to people affected by HIV/AIDS." For more financially," concludes Wieden. "Our local information about Tulsa CARES, visit ww~v. charities that we support rely heavily on tulsacares.org. donations from our local community and we provide that link through a fun event such as rodeo. We also help provide a positive outlook to our city, and state as well by our conduct and actions, hdping the gay community at large to be more accepted by everyday citizens." The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association, By Staff Editors Inc. (OGRA) is a nonprofit organization and member of the International Gay Rodeo TULSA, OK__ Erin Taylor McClanahan Association, Inc. (IGRA) which is comprised and Scott Andre Harper were married of 28 state/provincial associations throughout on Friday, May 7th at the Polk County the United States and Canada. OGRA is Courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa at 10:30 proud to be the first association seated at AM. The Honorable Judge Robert Hanson the first ever IGRA Convention in 1985 performed the ceremony. Witnesses were For more information check out the OGRA Linda and Jamie Harper, brother and sisterwebsite at www.ogra.net Tulsa couple marry in Erin McClanahan and Scott Harper at their wed~ing reception May 8, 2010 at the Bamboo Lounge ~dsa. Stajfphoto in-law to Scott. The happy couple left Tulsa on May 6 and made a rest stop in Osceola at a casino called Terribles. Following the nuptials on Friday, they were offto Kansas City were they spent their wedding night at Harrah’s Hotel Casino. Then they went back to Tulsa for a rousing reception at the Bamboo Lounge. The beautifully planned reception including the wedding cake, champagne, flowers and all the trimmings was organized by Philip Simmons and Tammy Randell. It was a family affair with Scott’s mother Evelyn, his brother and sister-in-law, Erin’s sister Kristen and over 100 friends there to congratulate and wish the couple a long and happy marriage. Although Erin and Scott’s Iowa marriage is not legal in the State of Oldahoma, same sex marriages are legal in five states, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Three states recognize same sex marriage, New York, Rhode Island, and Maryland. Couples must first apply for a license to marry in Iowa. You can download an application at www.polkrecorde,:com/ marriages.htm or call 515-286-3160 in Des Moines to request the documen~ be mailed to you. Instructional handouts are available from county officials, who also serve as County Recorders in county courthouses. Feast to Gain Funds for HIV/AIDS TULSA, OK__Tulsa CARgS, a 50!(c)3 nonprofit organization is planning its first "Feast with Friends®" fundraiser for Saturday, July 24. "Feast with Friends°" is an at-home fundraiser where individuals and groups host dinner parties in their homes, workplaces and faith communities on Saturday evening, July 24. In exchange, their guests make a donation to Tulsa CARES whose mission is "Delivering social services to people affected by HIV/ MDS" in northeastern Oklahoma. After dinner, all hosts and their guests are invited to the fabulous "Dessert Extravaganza" from No matter who are on life’s jourm Reeerend Ur. Kathy 3131 N. Pennsylvania, Oklah0 405.525.9555 June 1, 2010 �Wockner News Service Obama selects Supreme Court nominee The Human Rights Campaign "hailed" President Barack Obama’s May 10 selection of U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan as his nominee to replace retiring Justice John Paul Ste,,v.ens on the U.S. Supreme Court. We are confident that Elena Kagan has a demonstrated understanding and cormnitment to protecting the liberty and equality of all kanericans, including LGBT Americans," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. Gay cases that could come before the court in the near future include the Proposition 8 federal case by famed lawyers David Boles and Ted Olson and other same-sex marriage cases, challenges to the anti-gay federal Defense of Marriage Act andto the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on gays who do not stay in the closet, and cases targeting the new federal hate-crimes law that is inclusive of sexual orientation. .As dean of Harvard Law School, ~C~gan opposed the Solomon Amendment, a 1996 federal law that allows the secretary of defense to deny federal grants -- including rmearch grants -- to universities and colleges that prohibit military recruiting on campfis. Some schools banned military recruiters because Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell amounts to employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, which violates the schools’ policies. At Harvard, Kagan partially blocked the recruiters in 2004 a~er a federal court struck dmvn the Solomon Amendment, then unblocked them after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld tt~e amendment in 2005. "~Ihis action (the arrival of military r~cruiters on campus) causes me deep distress," Kagan wrote in October 2003. "I abhor the military’s discriminatory recruitment policy. (It is) a profound wrong -- a moral injustice Of the first order." HRC’s Solmonese said, ’Sg[e applaud Elena Kagan’s vocal opposition to the Solomon Amendment andthe discriminatory Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell law." In April, CBSNews.com mistakenly called Kagan "openlygay" and, in,,an addendum to that post, also called her apparently still closeted." ~e network later deleted the column because of its "irresponsible speculation." The ~gashington Post reported April 16 that an unnamed Obama administration oi~cial said "ICxgan is not a lesbian." On May 13, Politico.corn reported that it had talked to some of Kagan’s friends and they confirmed that she is "not gay." Richard Socarides, former President Bill Clinton’s gay White House special assistant, told CNN on May 10 that Kagan is "a brilliant, pragmatic progressive xvho is intent on hearing all sides to fashion a solution that works for the most amount of people." California Assembly calls £or DADT repeal The California Assernbly passed a resolution 51-17 on May 13 urging repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on open gays in the military. The measure asps Congress to pass, and President Barack Obama to sign, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which www.metrostarnews.com would dear the way for LGB service members to come out of the closet. "\Ve are proud of our state’s leadership for championing fairness and equality in the military," said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors. EQCA said Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has led to the discharge of some t3,500 service members, including some 800 specialists serving in critical operations. More than 300 language specialists have been discharged under the policy, "resulting in a critical shortage of qualified translators in intelligence-gathering posts," the group said. The California resolution now goes to the state Senate, which had passed it last year, for a concurrence vote. Prop 8 £ederal trial likely to conclude in June Christian right leader went to Europe with ’rentboy’ ~giiami New 7~mes’ photo ofanti-gay activist George Rekers and a rentboycom escort returning together to _Miami International Ai,portfi’om a European vacation. The trial in the federal lawsuit against Proposition 8is likely to finally xvrap up in U.S. District Court in San Francisco on June 16, when Judge Vaughn \Valker has tentatively scheduled closing arguments. ~ae trial has been paused since testimony concluded on Jan. 27 because Walker said he wanted to study the record before hearing the attorneys’ final statements. ~lhe hiatus dragged on longer than expected because of sldrmishes between the anti-samesex-marriage side and the gay groups that ran the campaign against Prop 8, who are not parties to the case. The same-sex-marriage opponents demanded that Equality California and the American Civil Liberties Union produce various documents and e-mails from the campaign period. EQ~A and the ACLU fought the demand at length before relenting on April 27. Lawyers for the two groups said they turned over 4,500 documents and "thousands of e-mails" that seemed to fal! within the purvie~v of an order Walker had issued. The opponents also are attempting to strike from the trial record some of the testimony of one of their defendant-intervenors, HakShing William Tam. Walker told the antisame-sex-marriage side to submit its motion by May 6 and told the gay" side to respond to it by May 10. Appearing on the wimess stand Jan. 21, Tam said: "I believe that if the term ’rnarriage’ George Alan Rekers, who co-founded the anti-gay Fatally Research Council, was photographed at Miami International Airport On April 13 returning from a European vacation xvith a male escort who says the two met via rentboy.com, Miami New Times reported May 4. The escort, who has been called "Lucien," "Geo" and "Jo-vanni" in news reports, also told various media outlets that he gave Rekers daily massages in the nude during the trip,. which included genital tonching. Lucien showed CNN a travel contract between the two men that mandated daily hourlong massages, and told the network that Rekers "basically got excited" during the massage sessions. Rekers, 61, has used his professorgeorge. com website and other online resources to fight back against the "slanderous" reports, saying he’s not gay and that nothing "illegal or sexual" took place during his trip with Lucien, 20. Rekers told multiple media . outlets that he will acquire or has acquired a lawyer and may or will sue for "defamation." "I have been advised to retain the services of a defamation attorney in this matter, because the fact is that I am.not gay and never have been," he told the Washington Post on May 6. On his website, Rekers wrote: "A recent article in an alternative newspaper cleverly gave false impressions of inappropriate behavior because of its misleading innuendo, incorrectly implying that Professor George Rekers used the Rentboy website to hire a prostitute to accompany him on a recent trip. Contrary to Internet stories based on this slanderous article, fo!lowing medical advice Professor George Rekers requires an assistant to lift his luggage in his travels becanse of an ongoing condition following surger): ... Dr. Rekers found his recent travel assistant by interviewing different people who might be able to’help, and did not even find out about his travd assistants Internet advertisements offering prostitution activity until after the trip was in progress. ~ere was nothing inappropriate with this relationship. Professor ..... Continued see PROP 8 - page 6 ..... Continued see RENT BOY - page 6 Proposition8 is likely to final~ wr~p up in U.S. Dist~ct Court in San ]~)ancisco on June i ~ ~d Olson, left; and David Boles are lead counsel~r the gay side. Phow @ z~’x ~ckner ~IET~OSTAR 5 �Pelosi promises votes on both DADT and ENDA this year By Lisa Keen Keen News Service House ’Speaker Nancy Pelosi reassured representatives of several LGBT organizations this week that the Employment NonDiscrimination Act (ENDA) and a measure to repeal Dofft Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) will get votes this year. Pelosi made her comments in an hour-long telephone conference call with representatives of six LGBT groups on Monday. One of those representatives, Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), said Pelosi, "in no uncertain terms, without any equivocation or evasion, stated several times that ENDA was her priority and that it would move in this Congress --and there was no question." Concern that ENDA might not get a vote this Congress has been intensifying for the past several weeks, as the number of voting days in the House dwindles during the last months of the 111 th Congress. Some activists said the 2 I8 votes to pass the bill are there but that the House !eadership had not scheduled the bill for a vote. And many were alarmed that the momentum to pass a measure to repeal DADT rnay have been seriously hobbled by missives from Defiense Secretary Robert Gates and the Vc~nite House year, on how repeal could be implemented. But Kendell and others said Pelosi committed to passing ENDA and repealing DADT this year. "St~e seems absolutely committed to getting that done," said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equali*T. Keisling, who has been a key organizer of support for this term’s ENDA, which includes a prohibition of"gender identitT" discrimination, was another one of the participants in Monday’s conference call. Keisling, who said the phone call took place at about 1:30 p.m. eastern time, noted that Pelosi talked about there being a "limited amount of time" and many other things that have to happen on the House floor before the end of this session. "While Pelosi "did not commit to a specific datg’ for a vote on ENDA, said Keisling, she lea the impression it could move in committee as early as this week. And Kendell said Pelosi reassured the group leaders that, while a measure to repeal DADT may move first, "she stated in no uncertain terms that ENDA is moving and it will move under her watch and it will move in this Congress." DADT could coine up as early as next ~nursday, when the House begins consideration of an annual bill on Defense spending. Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill confirmed the call took place and said that, in addition to Kendell and Keisling, the participants included several Pelosi staff members, Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign; Geoff Kors of Equality California; Toni Broaddus, executive director of the national Equality Federation; and Masen Davis, executive director of the Transgender Law Center, a California legal group. HRC spokesman Fred Sainz said Solmonese was traveling Tuesday and could not return a reporter’s call, but Sainz, too, confirmed that Pelosi made a commitment to vote on both ENDA and DADT repeal. He noted this was the first time the Speaker had had a conference call specifically xvith representatives of LGBT organizations on this issue. Broaddus of the Equality Federation said Pelosi "didn’t give us any dates" but "assured us both bills are moving and that she’s very committed to getting them through." Several participants in the phone call said Pelosi expressed concern about the likelihood that Republicans will exercise their option, as the minority party, to ask for a vote on a "motion to recommit" "the bill to committee. Such motions, which Republicans have used recently ~to thwart Democratic legislation, can force votes on whether to send a bill back to committee with instructions to either kill or amend it. The amendments proposed on recent legislation have been designed to both delete essential language from the underlying bill and propose language that could cause embarrassment for any legislator to oppose. Such was the case last on a bill to create more jobs. The raotion to recommit sought to insert language to prohibit paying any federal employee "officially disciplined for violations regarding the viewing, downloading, or exchanging of pornography, including child pornograph> 6n ~ federai~mpute~ or whil~ ~erf0rmin~ official government duties." Democratic leaders pulled the jobs bill when they saw that a sufficient number of Democrats were voting for the motion to recommit. "I’m sure they’ll tiT that with ENDA," said Keisling, "but they’re going to try that with every bill that comes along frorn now on." So, supporters of ENDA and the DADT repeal must ensure they have 2 ! 8 votes in the House, not only to pass each measure but also to defeat any such hostile motion to recolnmit. A spokesman for Rep. Barney Frank (DvMass.), who introduced ENDA, said last week that Frank was urging LGBT activists to continue and step up the lobby effort to secure those votes. Frank was not available for comment Tuesday, and Rep. Tammy Baldwin’s office did not respond to a request for comment. But several participants in Monday’s phone call said Pe!osi assured them she has "no intention of losing either" ENDA or DADT repeal. Keisling and others said Pelosi was "very clear" that one of the bills -but not both-would see action before Memorial Day. The House is slated to take up its annual bill on Defense funding on Thursday and Friday, May 27 and 28. Frank and others have said that DADT repeal, like the hate crimes measure that passed last yea,; would come up during consideration of the DOD authorization bill. Activists held a rally outside the Speaker’s office in San Francisco and a press conference in Washin~on, D.C., on Tuesday to keep the pressure on for a vote. At the National Press Club press conference, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey said LGBT activists are "at the end of our patience." "We have done our work," saidCarey. "We have provided the numbers and the stories; and we have endured as we\’e watched thousands of LGBT workers lose their foothold in a struggling economy-- not because of downsizing, or poor performance or closed businesses but -- because of prejudice .... "So today, Congress must step up to its responsibility, to fully accept its charge to serve its constituents," said Carey. "To step up to its moral obligation to preserve the integrity of the very fabric of our nation by providing an accessible workplace to all Americans- regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity." Noting that activists have been trying for 36 years to pass some form of federal protection against discrimination against gay workers, Carey demanded Congress pass the bill "without delay." ministry to homosexuals and prostitutes in which I share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them .... If you talk with my trave! assistant that the story called ’Lucien,’ you will find I spent a great deal of time sharing scientific information on the desirability of abandoning homosexual intercourse, and I shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with him in great detail." Not everyone in the media bought that explanation. "Here’s the basic idea about cases like this," MSNBC’s IL-tchel Maddow said May 7. "N~e miserable denial and lying in your own sex lives is your mvn miserable, in-denial, lying business -- unless you make it the whole country’s business by crusading against the thing that is true about yourself that you hate so much. Being gay cannot be cured. Being a contemptible, pathetic hypocrite can be cured .... Congratulations, you?ve made the ne~,vs." can be used beyond one man and one woman, then any two person of any age or of any relationships can use the same argument Rekers was not involved in any illegal or and colne and ask for the term ’marriage.’ sexual behavior with his travel assistant." That would lead to incest. That would lead to As the story unfolded, Lucien learned of polygamy." Rekers’ history of anti-gay activism and then Tam said he had learned "in the Internet" decided to tell media outlets about the trip’s that af,er the Netherlands legalized same-sex alleged sexual component. marriage in 2001, it went on to legalize incest "It’s a situation where he’s going against and polygamy. ~ homosexuality when he is a homosexual," "Another person in the organization found Lucien told New Times. it and he showed me that," Tam said. "I look Gay activist XX~ayne Besen, whose Truth at the document and I think that was true." \Vins Out group battles the anti-gay ~e gay side is represented by famous movement, told New Times that Rekers’ lawyers Ted Olson and David Bole), who "fingerprints are on almost every anti-gay attempted to prove that Prop 8 violates the effort to demean and dehumanize LGBT U.S. Constitutiol~’s guarantees of due process people." and equal protection under the law. "His work is ubiquitously cited by lobby Mindfu! of severa! precise legal groups that work to deny equality to LGBT considerations or constructs, they tried to Americans," Besen said. "Rekers has caused show" that there’s no coherent reason for a great deal of harm to gay and lesbian the government to ban same-sex marriage, individuals." that Prop 8 passed primarily because Reports said Rekers also is a member of the board of the anti-gay National Association for California voters are prejudiced, that gays and lesbians need government help to fight the Research and Therapy of Homosexuality. He discrimination and persecution that continue also recently was paid tens of thousands of to harm them, that being gay is usually not dollars by the state of Florida to be an expert a choice and sexual orientation is usually witness against gay adoption. Florida is the immutable, that gay couples’ children fare only state that bans gay people from adopting as well as straight couples’ children, and that across the board. so-called traditional marriage has undergone After Rekers testified in that case, Miamitransformations throughout history. Dade County Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman Passed by voters in November 2008, Prop wrote: "Dr. Rekers’ beliefs are motivated 8 amended the California Constitution to by his strong ideological and theological re-ban same-sex marriage just 4 1/2 months convictions that are not consistent with after the state Suprelne Court legalized it. the science. Based on his testimony and Olson and Boies’ lawsuit is ultimately demeanor at trial, the court cannot consider aimeO at the U.S. Supreme Court, where it his testimony to be credible a0r worthy of could end up as soon as next year, af,er a stop forming the basis of public policy." at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. If Lucien told The Miami Herald he became successful, the lawsuit could bring about the an escort to pay for college, but that he might legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide. have to drop out now. He said Rekers paid If unsuccessful, it could have the effect of him $75 per day during the trip, which is less stopping the movement for same-sex marriage than the $300-$500 he would have charged -- which now is legal in five states and~ for sex. He told CNN there Was no sexual Washington, D.C. -- dead in its tracks for contact other than the massages. possibly a generation. In a message to the Joe.My.God. blog, The suit is without doubt a high-stakes Rekers said no one should be surprised he was gamble, so much so that the gay rights legal establishment initially opposed it and was, found in the company of a male escort. as a result, blocked by Olson and Boles from "Like Jesus Christ, I deliberately spend intervening once it became clear the case was time with sinners with the loving goal to try going to happen and was going to be a big to help them," Rekers wrote. "Like John the deal. Baptist and Jesus, I have a loving Christian June 1,2010 �Sooner State SoAball Association Games promise an exciting S~mer pu fhe °’ Contributing "~;qite r Sunday Services @ 11:00 AN CC United A Metropolitan CommuNb/Church 918-8~8-171~ WWWom~et~saoorg ;uptcv o ~iVil Rights °Criminal ’ment o Family Law o Litigation Oklahoma Chaos Team of Oklahoma City. Godn photo Ot~J_~!OMA CITY, OK __ Sunday May 9 proved to be a beautiful spring day for the Sooner State Softball Association ~raes as they competed at Edmond’s Bickham Field. Currently comprised of 16 teams, the alliance provide~ a great opportunity to play ball for serious or recreational softball players of the GLBT community in the Oldahoma City are~. The.Association has joined the North 625 N.W. lSth Street Citg, OK 73103 American Gay Amateur Athletic Association. Tulsais in the process of forming a league as well, although a competition planned between the two cities, the Turnpike Challenge scheduled for May 15, was rained out. For more information or game schedules check out soonerstatesoftball. com. or contact Recruitment Director Chad Previ& at soonerstatesoftbalt@hotmail,Com. Lm=bda Leag~e &~mmer TULSA, OK (PR) __ Lambda League Summer Bowling Started May t7th and goes tlwoug}~ August %h. Games are each Monday 7pro at Andy B~ Riverlm~es, 871 ! South Lewis ~Asa. No gaflae on Memorial Day. %e Summer league is open to anyone. ~t’s a great way to make ftiends and have fun. Cost is $14.00 each Monday and a one time summer league membership fee of $20.00 For more information call 918-637-0889; or emaiI: bubuinok@yahoo.com or beads4me@ cox.net. Brenda "Grandma" Bolen and Kim Whisenhunt. Judy G. Photo Openarms Youth Center Hosts Prom, Las Vegas By Judy Gabbard Contributing xg~’rite r TULSA, OK__ April 24, 20!0, Openarms ~k>uth Project hosted another successful Prom Night. ~e theme was Las V%as S@e. Tim GilIean and Ken Drape1; once again achieved a successful night of food, dance and entertainment riot area GLBT youth. Approximately 80 yom-h were in a~tendance, dressed in their own unique finer> Parents and volunteers attended as chaperones. ~ae highlight of every prom is to cast www.metrostarnews.corn votes and to crown the annual Prom King and Queen. Openarms selected Royaltywas beyond special. The 2010 Prom King is Kim Whisenhunt and Prom Queen Brenda Bolen. Brenda Bolen is the oldest volunteer at Openarms Youth Centre: Brenda is a youthful and loving individual who reaches out to evewone who comes to the center and is repectfully called "Grandma". King Kim ~/hisenhunt brings class to the King Crown, and is highly respected by her peers. Openarms Youth Center operates on private donations, and is located at 2015B S. Lakewood in ~alsa, OK. For more information or for donations contact Tim or Ken, 918-838-7104 ~ETROSTAR 7: �Month: George By D’~mne Witkowstd course his so-called assistant said, "Oh, by the Say you’ve had surgery that renders you way, want to see pictures of my penis online?" unable to carry luggage and you’re about to Rekers claims that there "was nothing go on a European vacation. What’s a person inappropriate with this relationship" and to do? Wall, if you’re Family Research Council that he "was not involved in any illegal or co4Ounder and ex-gay therapy champion sexual behavior with his travel assistant." He George R~ekers, you look no fnrther than even went as far as comparing himself to RentBoy.com for a "travel assistant." Jesus and John the Baptist saying he ,vas just And then you get caught at the airport ministering to his sinner of a travel assistant with this hot young stud while pushing your and trying to save his soul. own luggage cart. Whoops. Needless to say, it’s all ldnd of hard to ~at’s right, yet another anti-gay so-called swallow. Rekers can claim all he wants that Christian has been caught gay-handed. he isn’t gay has never been gay and just Rekers doesfft seem to think so, however. wants to save the real gays from their evil gay He’S stiddng very hard to his "travel assistant" selves, but he is definitely one confused and story. According to a statement on his hypocritical little man. website, "Following medical advice (Rekers) Rekers has made a career out of requires an assistant to lift his luggage in demonizing LGBT folks and doing his tra:zels because of an ongoing condition everything he can to mal(e this country less follovdng surgery. His family, local friends, safe for anyone who isn’t heterosexual. For and even another university professor example, Rekers was paid real taxpayer dollars colleague have offered to accompany him on to testify for the state in favor of Florida’s trips to assist him in his travel." anti-gay adoption ban. Wow. It looks like he had a lot of people It’s really not a surprise that so many folks he could have asked to accompany him on his who are rabidly anti-gay have turned out to trip, and yet he still went with the prostitute be closeted and suffering even as they fight from RentBoy. Maybe his family, friends and to keep discrimination against LGBT people that mysterious other university" professor written in this countr)?s laws. It’s as if they’re don’t give good enough hand jobs. thinking, "Gosh, this had better stay illegal "Rekers found his recent travel assistant by otherwise I’m going to do it al! day long." intep4ewing different people who might be You know what, Rekers? You don’t end able to help, and did not even find out about up at RentBoy.com by accident and you sure his travel assistant’s tntemet advertisements as hell don’t hire a guy whose credentials offering prostitution activiV until after the include a "large" and "uncut" cock as a "travel trip was in progress," his website’s message assistant." I’m not a doctol; but I don’t think continues. foreskin is usually involved in carrying a i reckon "interviewing different people" suitcase. means "I looked at lots of hot naked dudes on RentBoy befi~re deciding on the one I now D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay dnce refer to as my "travel assistant." It~ kind of 2003. She’s a ~eelance writer and poet (believe hard to believe that Rekers found out about it:9. When she’s not l:aking on the creeps of the the RentBoy profile while the two were in worm she reviwws rock and roll shows in Detroit Europe together, unless of with her twin sister. MOREcolor 2010 E ibi ion to Benefit OkIahomans for Equality a sense of pride that could never be turned back. In June of 1999 the site became a National Historical Landmark, and reopened as a bar in 2007. That consciousness eventually reached Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City held their first Pride Parade in 1987. It was a humble beginning when about a dozen brave souls put it together not knowing if anyone would show up, and around 400 marchers actually did. Now a raajor event marking 23 years of celebration and an OkJal~oma City tradition, the celebrating is pulling together. For more information contact their ,vebsite www. okcpride.com. Homosexuality is already punishable by imprisonment and the Ugandan government shows little interest in human rights. Lavanhar, tho@, said he felt like it was a call he had to accept. "I’m 4! years old and I’ve never been called upon to go overseas to risk my life for freedom," he said. "In some ways this was that kind of call." After discussing it with his family, Lavanhar made the trip to Uganda, spoke at the conference and avoided any trouble. "It was about being an ally - using my Contours H by Laine Godsq power and privilege as an American and as a minister to try to help," I.avanhar said. "It was an amazing experience." TULSA, OK (PR) __ 33he annual Lavanhar said that he has never seen MOREcolor fine art eydfibition organized by people living with such persecution and feat: Oklahomans for Equality (Ok~q) was one "it was a profound experience and the of the first art shows in the state featuring people were so wonderful, so beautiful, so contemporary, and often edgy, art work. kind," Lavanhar said. ~ Begun nearly 30 years ago, the show is still Uganda, facing international attention, one of the largest of its Idnd in Oklahoma, _ has yet to pass the proposed law: Lavanhar offering work by more than sixty artists. MO~olor 2010 begins Thursday, May said there has been some evidence that the government might instead pass a slightly 27 with a free public opening reception watered down version of the legislation. from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Centre; 621 East 4th Street The capital punishment component, for example, might be dropped to acquiesce to in downtown Tulsa, The show runs through external pressure. But the core goal of the bill June 5 during the Equality Center’s hours, - to assail a tiny portion of the population 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday through - remains in play. Saturday. Lavanhar said that the Ugandan A unique feature of the MOREcolor event government has scapegoated homosexuals is the way in which it works with artists. Zhere are two categories; an Invitational in a t~ical effort to draw attention from its own failures elsewhere. The government has categoEr; in which established artists are characterized in{ernal homosexuality as some explicitly invited to exhibit, and a Juried sort of colonialist import from the west, and category, designed as a way for new artists to ironically lined up behind Christianity which join the exhibition. An uncommon aspect is also a colonial import from the west to use of the show is that the organization gives scripture as it s battering rmn against gays. the artist 70% of the price of sold work, "It seems like they are waiting for compared with much lower percentages - or international attention to die down before nothing - in other area charitable art sales they vote," Lavanhm" said. and auctions. Audiences find works under Lavanhar was lauded by Oklahomans some of Oldahoma’s best-loved signatures, as for Equality for his effort in Uganda, and well as a number of exciting new works ftom subsequently named Grand Marshal for Pride names they don’t yet kmmv. "I-his year’s event features dance and 2010. "We wanted to honor this wonderfxil musical performances at various moments during the opening on May 27~ featuring the man, and to let people know that they had contemporary dance team Ari&:Nina:TuMM. this straight minister from Oldahoma as The exhibition is held in the Equality Center’s one of only two ministers who attended the 3,000 square toot event center. For event conference in Uganda," said Oklahomans for information, visit vaa~w.OkEq.org. Equality President Toby Jenkins. For more information on Tulsa Pride or Oklahomans for Equality, visit mvw.okeq. org. �OMahomans £or Equality celebrates 30th By Michael W. Sasser Contributing writer In October 1996 TOHR opened Tulsa’s first Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Community Center at 1338 East 38th Street in the Brookside neighboFhood of Tulsa. Vandalism was common and landlords began to be increasingly apprehensive about renting to the gay community, In June 1997 TOHR organized Tulsa’s first Gay Pride march with 60 participants. Year after year the Tulsa City Council refused to grant the Tulsa Gay community a parade permit. Finally in 1999 Tulsa’s first Diversity Parade was held on Peoria Avenue in the Brookside neighborlmod of Tulsa and featured Rep. Barney Frank, DMassachusetts, O~q as its first President Toby Grand Marshal[ Jenkins said The parade that the latter cuhninated event should with the be particularly Diversity improved over Festival at previous years. Tulsa’s Veteran’s "We’re in Park. a lot better On position this year," October 31 st Jenkins said. "We 2005 TOHR spent the entire purchased the Property at 621 year building,, rdati6n~hips. E~t 4th Street Jenkins said in downtown that the goal is to Tulsa have every- elected ,joining the officiat in the area revitalization to at least visit the Toby Jenkins, President, OhZahomans for Equali~ and of the urban EqualitT Center Ohlahoma State Rel~resenmtive AI McA~ey at the 30th core of Tulsa for the occasion. Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo by Lia Ingersoll, Mia Bella County. In Ot’~q has September expanded and 2006 the thrived despite numerous challenges in a state membership of Tulsa Oklahomans for ~;ar behind many others when it comes to Equality approved the most recent name recognition of equal human rights. change and became Oklahomans for Equality. Otdahomans for Equality was originally a With the help of Tulsgs top architects and chapter of Oklahomans for Human Riglv;s, designers 275 volunteers donated 7000 hours based in OKC. Founder Dennis Neill learned to renovate an 18,000 square foot facility of OHR through his work with the ACLU. now known as the Dennis R. Neill Equality He developed a friendship with Bill Rogers, Center. one of the [bunders of OHR. Additional early In June 2007 Oldahomans for Equality organizers were Bob Inglish, Mike Green and (OlcEq) moved the Tulsa Pride Festival and Gary Durst. OHR amended their by-laws Parade to the premiere dmvntown venue in !979 to allow for chapters and beginning Centennial Park just 2 blocks south of the in 1980 Nalsans began meeting in homes for Equality Center, solidifying the organization’s recruitment.The first newsletter was published commitment to the arts and entertainment and the first public general meeting Was in district of Tulsa. the basement of Harwelden M~sion on Jan In 2009 Oklahomans for Equality had 19, I981 which featured a lecture by a noted over 40,000 visitors utilizing the services and psychiatrist from OU. programs at the Dennis R. Neill Equality In 1985 the Tulsa chapter of Oklahomans Center. for Human Rights became independent Through batdes with institutions, public mad autonomous. They reorganized under and private, through vandalism and threats the name Tulsa Oldahomans for Human of violence, OkEq persevered to reach this Rights (TOHR). ~l-he organizatioffs monthly landmark anniversary. Several events this year membership meetings routinely attracted have already commemorated the occasion. 100s of participants as the community saw "When I realize hmv heroic and faithful TOHR as the principal source of information our founders and members have been for and support. TOHR hosted man}, nationally three decades I am humbled to be at the helm known GLBT spokespersons. The Chicago serving such a great organization," Jenkins Resource Center gave TOHR two grants said. which was the first time an Oklahoma GLBT For more info~ation on OKEq, the Equality organization received out-of-state funding Center or 30th anniversary events, visit www.okeq. Nle David Bohnett Foundation _Awards ’Refresh’ Grants Totalling $500,000 To David Bohnett CyberCenters Nationwide TULSA, OK __ Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) continues its celebration of 30 years in existence with several events throughout the summer. Future Anniversary Celebration events include a tribute concert with Eric Himan at Tulsa Pride 2010 honoring the founders of Oldahomans for Equality. On July 31st Oldahomans for Equality will host a regional summit bringing together the heartland LGBT groups for an afternoon of networking and a rdationship building party. On September 15, they will have a daylong celebration for the National LGBT Center Awareness Day and its 30th anniversary, Paul Moore, Program Manager at the DavM Bohnett Foundation. Press photo TULSA, OK (PR) __ In February 2010 Tne David Bohnett Foundation announced they had selected the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa to be among the 24 LGBT Centers across the United States to be recipients of the "Refresh Grant"~ In establishing the CyberCenters, technology entreprdneur and ~hilanthropist David Bohnett’s vision was to provide LGBT communities with a %Ared" hub through which its members could network, communicate, and explore educational, professional and recreational opportunities. To keep the CyberCenters up-to-date, in 2004, the "refi’esh" program was started, where each CyberCenter is supplied with brand new state-of-the-art equipment on a consistent basis (approximately every three to four years). David Bohnett serves as Chair of the David Bohnett Foundation, the head of the private equity firm Baroda Ventures and was the founder of GeoCities2com, an Internet based media and e-commerce company in 1994. GeoCities was acquired by Yahoo! in 1999. His goals are improving lives, empowering indMduals and building viable communities by connecting like-minded people in meaningful ways. Also central to Bohnett’s vision is his call to action to aspiring philanthropists to begin their giving by getting personally involved with causes with which they identify so that they can experience service first-hand. "The Centers provide a safe environment for members of the LGBT community 2_ from youth who may find themselves without a support system--to seniors, who may have little or no familiarity with computers," said Michael Fleming, Excecutive Director for the Bohnett Foundation. "In today’s increasingly Internet-driven world, the David Bohnett Cyber Centers have proven to be a lifeline for people of all ages. We are happy to provide regular ’refresh’ grants enabling groups to keep pace with the many advances in computer hardware and software." Paul Moore, Program Manager at the Foundation, who oversees the CyberCenter program will be in Tulsa for the Grand Opening of the newly refreshed David Bohnett CyberCenter. The reception and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday May 27th at 6:30 pro. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 East 4th Street in downtown Tul~a Oklahoma. The Dennis R Neill Equality Center’s Technology Team Eric Vogelpohl and Don Satterthwaite have installed the equipment upgrades which include Lenovo al!-inone A70z PCs customized bundle with Microsoft Office software, Windows Pro 7 - 19" XWidescreen Monitors in addition to Documate 5!0 Flatbed Scanners and IBM Infoptint color laser printers. The Equality Center serves as the headquarters for Oklahomans for Equality and received a David Bohnett CyberCenter Grant in 2003. Dennis R. Neill with Sampson donated 10 new chairs for the computer stations. Over 39,000 visits were made to the Equality Center in 2009 and more than 53% of those individuals utilized the CyberCenter. The CyberCenter is free and open to public Monday through Friday 3pm to 9pm. Tulsa 2010 Pride Events Tulsa More Color Pride Art Show May 27th - June 5th Dennis R. Neill Equality Center More info at www.morecolorart.com Equality Day at the Zoo Saturday, May 29th :10am - 2pro PFLAG Night at Circle Cinema Tuesday, June 1st : 7pm Pride Night at The LibraIT Thursday, June 3rd: 7pm Council Oak Men’s Chorale Tulsa Downtown City-County Library PFLAG Spaghetti Dim,er Friday, June 4th: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Centennial Park- Community Building Tulsa Pride OYP Youth Night Friday, June 4th: 5pm -1 lpm Centennial Park (6th &: Peoria) Tulsa Pride Festival & Parade Saturday June 5th:lOam- lOpm Centennial Park (6th & Peoria) Equality Night at Light Opera Oklahoma Friday, June 1 lth: 8pm Tulsa PAC Pride Night At the WNBA Saturday, June 19th: 7pm Tulsa Shock At the BOK Center Equality Night At the Philbrook Tuesday, June 22nd Philbrook Museum of Art and recognition. w~gv.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 9 �be Best Time To Start By Ronald Blake Co~ributing ~rker Vghat’s a person to do? N~ere are five options and none of them work. We are right back to this time next year and I would bet that your options ~hen will look just as bleak. The answer is quite simply to just start now; There is never a good dine to s~ar~ any fitness In Memoriam Chuck Nugent 1970-2010 Fb~d a way m ic~corporare fitness into your daity rourbae. Make some changes, rearra~g¢ difl)rence between ~tarboaM and port. ~lhat gw is Ron Blake and you can u~uallv find hira &iAing aimlessly about On somebody of water. Feel fi’ee to guide him back to shore by e-mailing him on his sloop at www. myblakefimess.com. When should you start an exercise program? ~xere are many choices: Saturday the 22nd, Sunday the 30th, or Tuesday the 18th. Maybe you could aim for next year in February or April. Time for a powwow to decide the best time to begin the blood, sweat, and tears program. We’ll write down the possibilities and then pick a winner. The first up for consideration is now. The good part about starting now is that you will actually start. The bad part about starting now is that the holidays are here. You have the Christmas shopping to do for five aunts, four brothers, three best friends, two parents, and that boyfriend in a pear tree. Then there’s the office party, the hanging of the holiday lights, and the ~xanksgiving vacation at ,grandma’s house in Indianapolis. The secondoption is January. The good part about starting in January is that you will actually start. The bad part about January is that you have those two classes you will be taking at the community college. You need those classes to finish the Masters Degree program so you are eligible for a promotion. Between a 40 hour work week and six credit hours of business courses there Ittst ~snt t~me. ~ne third option is April. The good part ~bout starting in April is that you will actually start. The bad part about April is that you are taking that two week cruise in the Caribbean, your morn is visiting from Michigan, and your best friend from Indiana University’s class of 1991 is making his way west to see Controversial OKC School Board Member Gail Vines will run for State House District 85 OKIAHOMA CITY, OK __ Gall Vines, who currently represents District 2 on the Oklahoma City School Board has announced that she is running to be a State Representative for District 85, which is in north~vest Oklahoma City and extends into the suburban municipality of Nichols Hills. The seat is currently held by Republican David Dank, who was first elected in 2006. Ms. Vines was first elected to her school board position in 2005, re-elected without opposition in 2009, and her actions later that year stirred controversy when the Oklahoma City School Board voted to fire openly gay teacher Joe Quigley. She is well known not only for her school board position, but also as the co-owner of Flips’s Wine Bar & Trattoria, a longtime Oklahoma City eatery and nightspot. Gall Vines abstained from voting on the Quigley firing, stating that she didn’t have enough information about the situation. After Joe Quigley was ordered reinstated August 26 by the District Court, the Oldahoma City School Board appealed that decision, then voted September 14 not to reinstate Mr.Quigley pending the appeal despite the court order, and to stop his salary and benefits. That vote was 6-2, this time with Gall Vines voting for his termination. TULSA, OK Chuck Nugent, a former Yale and Cushing resident, passed away on Monda); April 12, 2010, at his home in Broken Arrow, OK at the age of 39 years. The son of Charles L. Nugent and Leora J. Johnson Barrows. Chuck was born on May 20, 1970 in Upland, C_&. He came ro Cusliing as a small child, later moving to Yale, where he was raised and educated, graduating from Yale High School. Chuck was currently a volunteer for the Dennis R. Neill Equali.ty Center in Tulsa, where he enjoyed counseling individuals in a crisis situation. Chuck was th£ Committee Chair 0fthe Center Cinema program on Friday evening. His hobbies included cars, Survivors include his mother, Leora Barrows of CUshi~; two sisters, Deanna Couch and her husband Janaes of Yale and Kristal Kuelll and her husband ToW of Stillwater; four nephews; three nieces; a half brother Steve Nugent; a half sister Pamela Rogers, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Nugent and a half sister, Deborah Nugent. A memorial services was held Saturday May 1 st at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa Oklahoma. Memorial contributions may be made to Oklal~omans for Equality; EO.’ Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 you. ~ae fourth option is June. The good part about starting in June is that you will actually start. The bad part about June is that you are attending your nephew’s graduation in Evansville and your niece’s graduation in South Bend. There are also the life insurance . sales conventions in Schenectady, New York; Eugene, Oregon; and Joplin, Missouri during his upcoming summer. The fiiih Option moves us to September. 7he good part about starting in September s that you will actually start. The bad ~art about starting in September is that ~ou will travel to Texas for your college roommate’s wedding, to Chicago for your iister’s wedding, and to Savannah for the commitment ceremony for the first guy you ad sexual relations with and become such est friends With after the breakup. ~ 10 ~OSTAR June 1, 2010 �For .... lress,com : Larry Bourne & David Stevens Come see us a~d check out that gets 31 mpg! www.metrostarnews.com ~TROSTAR 11 �Major Sponsom: 12 P~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010 �heart-time flaytime discovery breath .sa~E "~ have~i ~ever www.metmstarnews.com ~ETROSTAR 13 �UNEocom Celebrating a month of Pride in No~hwest Arkansas facebook.com/ailoutjune twitter.com/alloutjune bON T DUCK AESPONSIBIL 7/ 14 ~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010 �a~ks of~he So~ By Andrew Collins {:umacecrcekresort.com) [br tru Steakhouse ~ w~.metrostarnews.com #~TROSTAR 15 �16 ~ET~©STAR June 1, 2010 �www.metrostamews.com #~ETROSTAR 17 �Photo~ by,Victor G. @ The Copa, Oklahoma City Kelly Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Nancy McDonald @ the 30 Anniversary Equality Gala,Tulsa. Photo Metro Star Staff @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Alibis, Oklahoma City John Southard (Equality Gala Co Chair), Ann Hampton Callawa); Dennis Neill (Equality Gala Co-Chair) I~_ri Strand @ the Equality Gala Tulsa, Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella Images @ Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa Toby Jenkins President O!~q, Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith District 2 @ the Equality Gala ~ialsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Images Toby Jenkins President OkEq, Tulsa City Councilor Maria Barnes District 4. @ the Equality Gala Tulsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Belta Images @ The End Up, Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City 18 %~÷troSTAR June 1, 2010 �By EI Sikov The "I Dodt Care ~at .~uyone Says" Classic Martini "It’s early AJzheimer’s," I whined. I’d left the duck breasts I’d planned to grill at home. I’d have to rush to the grocery and buy some more. And th~,’d have no time to marinat!! "A]zheimer’s jokes arefft funny," Dan scolded. "Chipotle-Grapefruit Duck is no .joke either." "You k_now what I mean. And it’s not funny. I know 2dzheimer’s. You don’t have Alzheimer’s. So stop it." As Director of Research at CogniTech, a pharmaceutical company that developed new ~zheimer’s treatments, Dau didn’t find fake whimpering about forgotten duck amusing. "I’ll go get more duck. You start the rest of the stuff." Just as Dan was leaving, Chipper burst in. Fie dropped his backpack on the floor and spouted off. "That train was late - again! So, I missed the 6:30 ferry and had to wait at that bar in Sayville, with their watered-down drinks, and .... Martini! Now!" ’TII make you one," I offered. "Hell no!" Chipper snapped.. "Yours are lousy." "I beg your pardon?" "Your proportions suck." He stripped off his sweaV T-shirt and sprinted to the liquor cabinet. I admired his moist, wide, delightful lats while resenting his stupid opinion as he reached t:or the Beefeater. "They da no~U I make the classic ma~tinL’: I was "If~u like a little gin With your vermouth." I watched Chipper in speechless rage as he grabbed the cocktail shakm; filled it with ice, poured in a full martini glass full of Beefieater, then added precisely five drops of d® vermouth and stirred wildly. "If you want straight gin," I said coldl> %vhy bother with that silly nod to tradition w~¢.metrostarnews.com and just go the W. C. Fields route? I’m sure some perv in the Pines gets off on guys with gin blossoms." ?Jag-off," Chipper muttered as he leR the room clutching his martini. Chipper had lived in New York for 20 years but reverted to Pittsburgh slang when he got mad. I was still stewing when Dm~ returned vdth the duck and a botde of Sancerre. He was accompanied by Paolo, who had stopped at BarHarbor, right off the dock, for - yes - a martini, the dregs of which he carried in a red plastic cup. I offered to make him a real martini in a real martini glass. "Thanks, no," Paola said. ’Tll make my OWD "W/~? Aren’t mine good enough for you?" "Good that you brought that up," he said with business school tact. "I prefer my proportions." "Here we go again," I snarled, then told him about Chipper, who had shut himself inside the room he shared with Paolo. "It’s actually quite the reverse," Paolo explained. "You should taste the vermouth clearly. Otherwise there’s no point in adding it." I watched in piqued fascination as Paolo made a distinctly wet martini. "Well," I huffed, ,if you want to drink straight vermouth..." vchereupon Dan swatted my behind, then shoved the paper bag full of duck breasts into my ribs. "ShUt up and grill." This is a Cla~ssic Martini; Paolo aa~d Chipper cm~ write their o,w damn columns: 4 parts Beet~ater gin (If you want to use Absolut, fine; just don’t call it a Classic Martini.) 1 part dry vermout!~ Fill shaker with ice. Pour liquors in. Just let it sit on the counter to chill - no need to shake. Stir just once, put the lid on, and strain your Classic Martini into the proper glass. Add an olive or a lemon twist; a cocktail onion turns it into a Gibson. ~4{E°HgOSTAR 19 �Chuck Breckenridge Whcthcr buyin~ or scllin~ I’H work hard for you. ~nsas~ Bxc1~sive ........ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresor t.com info @magneticvalleyresor t.com 800-210-8401 email: bitterglrl@qsyndicate.com 20 I~?~ETROSTAR www.joanhilty.net ’ 479-244-6821 .~14 June 1, 2010 �By Jack Fertig JUne 2010 "Be careful with your money, Pisces!" Mars in Leo is triggering crises, mostly in the form of fights and misunderstandings that show where we need to wrap things up and move on. Clear away worries and doubts. Analyze problems realistically to find novel solutions. ARIES (March 28 - Apri~ 19): Asserting yourself too forcefully can show people not what you want them to see, but things you’d rather they didn’t. Working to be more truly yourself can be very humbling. That humility will win you great respect. TAURUS (April 20 - Nay 20): Can a person have too many friends? You may find too much quantity and not enough quality in your social circles. Take some time alone to sort out in your mind who are the ones you really want in your tribe. GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Examining the provocations to arguments and staying silent (one can dream!) can prove more educational than actually arguing. Review goals that have recently been accomplished and think carefully about your next steps. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): The best way to avoid arguments is to think twice about what you’re hearing and about how others might hear what you’re saying. Or maybe you’d rather not avoid them. The interchange can open you up to new perspectives. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Sex and money are the biggest sources of domestic disputes. Work on money issues first and be willing to bend on sex. Take the initiative on flexibility. Clearing the air can be rough, but is necessary for a happy home. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): With a little help from your partner or a counselor, your money troubles should alleviate soon. (Given the times, that’s relative!). Acting spacey and lost and trying to deny it could upset your partner. Admitting to being vulnerable and a bit confused will help. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Worrying about your health only makes it worse. Take positive steps. Moderate exercise is good; overdoing it is not. Your ~nances should be going up, but like that first rise on a roller coaster. Be careful with mone CANCER (June 21- July 22): Are your priorities and ideals proving dysfunctional? Be willing to grow and adapt. The time for planning career moves is endiing. Make big, bold choices or events will force difficult changes. Even in those there may be great opportunities. Maybe. LEO (July 23 -August 22): Pressuring your partner to make a decision will backfire. Physical play - maybe, but not necessarily sexual - will help work off frustration. Be careful with the rough stuff and keep your head clear. Accidents. are looking to happen. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): You can meet somebody very hot and sexy while doing charity work. Not a mercy date, but another volunteer. That milieu will also get you out of your own head, which is a dangerous place. Worry only undermines your own health. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): What do you want tonight? What do you want in 14 years? Answer the latter question; then think hard about the first. Somewhere in there is a clue about your next big relationship, or necessary changes in your current one. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Demands at work are keeping you from home and family. If that sounds like a good thing, you need to make changes around the house. Whatever work offers that home doesn’t suggests the changes you need to make. Creating Community for P÷op ÷ iving with H V/A DS A 501 c (3) Non ~ofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. VVe provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net ww~v.metrostarnews.com ~ET~OSTAR 21 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. I-L&BANA INN 2200 NW 39TH FY..PRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 ~v.habanainn.com I~L~GNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-2!0-8401 *;~,v. magneticvalleyresort.com ~CCO KELLY KIRBY. CPA 4815 S. HARVARD. 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Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 9t8~838q715 www.mcctulsa.org TCL ALIBIS t200 N. PENN Oklahoma City, OK 405-605-3795 Open daily 3pm ANGLES 2117 NXq 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK wmv.anglesctub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa. OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH ~PRESSXg;AY Oklai~oma City, OK 405-525-2900 v~w~,v.habanain n.coln 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 mw~:expressionsOKC.com OUR HOUSE. TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Okl~oma City, OK wv~c.okstonewall.org CRISTIE’S TOY BOX 1039 S. Meridian Oklahoma Cit> OK 73108 405-948-3333 CRISTIE’S TOY BOX 3126 N. May Ave. Oklahoma Cit3~ OK 73112 405-946-4438 PHOTOG~PHY: JUDY G PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 RFAL ES CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 RagSTA GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 N~" 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 mvw.okeq.org E E THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH ~_PRESS~*7(Y Oklai~oma City, OK 405-525-0730 wvvxv.habanain n.com June 1, 2010 �www.metrostarnews.com ~4ETI~©STAR 23 �"We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have T T Tuesday of every month a~ ~he We meet the STATE 4}00 EMOCIATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS Lincoln Aven~Je, Oklc~hc~mc~ (ity (4~5) 427-3366 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document THE PREMIER SO,URCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA VOLUME 7 ISSUE 6 Twi~er,com/MetroStarNews ® MetroStarNews,com JUNE 1, 2010 Coast to Coast, Border to Borde,; fi’om Enid, Oklahoma Cil) "Simply Proud" the eme ofOklahoma City Pride Parade t val° this year By Victor Gorin Contributing wrker OKLAHObvL& CITY. OK Oldahoma Ci@ Pride Festival and Parade is coming together again this year a’; always, uniting the GLBT communi~" of the OKC metroplex and their friends for a }Sbulons weekend of tim, fellowship, and fi_~r some fond reflection. Going with it all this year are the Pride Banners of Cimarron ~Nliance, which will fly fi’om Oldahoma City lampposts of Classen Boulevard fi’om June 8 to July 8 to highlight the festivities. It all begins with a Block Party Friday June 25 on the N.W. 39th Street Strip (beginning at NT~ 39th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue), this time beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m. The Festival itself will take place again this year in Memorial Park, located at N.W. 36th & Classen Boulevard, opening on Saturday June 26 at 10 a.m. and dosing at 10 p.m. It will reopen the next day on Sunday June 27 at 10 a.m., closing down at 3 p.m. as the Parade lineup begins. N~e festival will feature a varietT of live entertainment, events, vendors, and informational booths. The Pride Parade will step off that Sunday at 5 p.m. at Memorial Park, concluding with the Grand Finale over the Hill past Peunsylvania through the N.W. 39th Street Strip. For 2010 this event was renamed the Paul Thompson Memorial OKC Pride Parade to honor his memory as one of Oklalaoma’s most renowned activists for GLBT equality and human rights in general. Mr.~-hompson had also served for many years as the Male Co-Chair ofOKC Pride, and had passed away March 4 of this year. The Festival and Parade commemorates Gay Pride Week, which marks the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Itwas June 28 of that year when patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, fought baek against the police after enduring endless harassment. This was an event unprecedented in American history where the police were forced to barricade themselves in the very bar they came to raid, and the rioting that followed changed America forever. Straight people were forced to deal with a gay community that would no longer accept discrimination, and the GLBT community was awakened to ........Continued See OKC PRIDE Page-8 Rev Lavanhar took long path to Tulsa Pride Grand Marshal By Michael W. Sasser Contributing gZriter Reverend Marlin Lavanba~ Pressphoto TULSA, OK__ Although Reverend Marlin Lavanhar was surprised and honored to be named Grand Marshal ofJune’s Tulsa Pride Parade and Festival, he has his sights set beyond on a larger objective. "For me it will be especially worthwhile if the role allows me the platform to speak on for the inclusion of all people, regardless of orientation," said Lavanhar, senior pastor at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa. Lavanhar has been a high-profile advocate for the GLBT community in a state notably light on supporters from the clergy for many years. He has been a tireless supporter of the local community during his 10 years at All Souls and has made the inclusion of the GLBT world key to his ministry. "I realized early on that this wotdd be the major civil rights issue over tl~e era of my ministry," Lavanhar said. Stil!, l,avanhar’s most recent high profile effort was a rislo! one even for a clergyman with a long history of championing human rights. Just months ago, Lavanhar accepted an invitation to speak at a conference in Uganda that was a rallying point against efforts by that African nation to approve capital punishment as the sentence for homosexuality. "We have a sister church in Uganda and my colleague there was the conference organizer," Lavanhar said. "The purpose is to build grassroots resistance to the anti-GLBT bil!. They asked me to speak. Honestly I had to think about it." There was real danger for the conference organizers and those who attended. ........Continued See LAVANHAR Page-8 : A LBT Comm ity Center opens in Enid; Oklahoma! 773e Cenmr Enid, Oklahoma. Gorin photo On Saturday April 24 the Center held their first Stand Awards Ceremony ~br various Oldahoma groups and individuals who have advanced the cause ofGLBT equality. Among them was Pastor J,E Wickey’(pa~tor of Crosswalk United Church of Christ), the M~t~ ~{~r ( m~dia represent~ti0n ~fthe year)Victor Gorin (journalist oi~ the year) and ,p,oetess Lisa Herald for her verses entitled "Sally Sally Ket~ which was a bittersweet lament to that Oklahoma legislator (to see her read it ~on youtube, type in Lisa Herald Sally KemP. As an endorsement from beyond, the sky featured a double rainbow as the ceremonies began. rl~e Center is almost totally funded by loCal gay and gay friendly indiViduals and organizations,, arid is appropriately decorated with gay[icons tl~roughout history. Exi~ansion plans are already being discussed, including possibly a homeless shelter. Everyone and their talents are welcomed, so for more information contact 800-878 5298. Hate Crime victim leaves State By Michael x~ Sasser Contributing writer TULSA, OK A young gay man who was beaten and ENID. OK The town of Enid, Oklahoma lies 70 robbed in Claremore and then claimed to have been further miles north of Oklahoma City, is the county seat of Ga~eld victimized in the subsequent weeks, has left Oklahoma for County and thehome ofVance Air Force Base. Founded in another state. 1893. Enid has been nicknamed Queen Wheat City because it has the third largest grain storage capacity in the world. ~I~aeir high school football team. the Enid Plainsmen, has a longstanding powerful reputation, and the city at present hasn’t a single gay bar. Yet amid this setting of Conservatism, a gay scene has "I just didn’t feel safe anymore," said Phillip Nelson; 24. "I didn’t feel safe leaving my home. Things are better noxv." Nelsons story captured local hgadlmes m M~rch when he was assaulted outside his’Clm~em0re apartment by several unknown assailants, and when his apartment was broken into and vandalized. Prior to the more violent incidents, Nelson Representative - Dis ric 88 Oklahoma Ci,y Paid for by Committee to. Re’-Elect AI McAffrey 2010, P.O. Box 60668, OKC 73148. Recognizing ~he need fbr a welcoming place for the various At 77~e Center: TJ Re),nolds, Nate Bowen, Bill), Igalke~ Brandon Bidtve~!, Brandon Ratclifl;" Brandon Lopez, Lisa Heral~ Gorin ohoao ~5cets ofEnid’s GLBT community, members of the local P-Flag chapter discovered a vacant site at ! 319 S. Van Buren. v~qth the group’s determination and a willing landlord, it xvas leased Mar& !0 and plans went full speed ahead to make it alt happen. ~,lready several support groups meet at the Center including no~ only Enid’s P-Flag but alsoa youth group, a ~ransgender support group, a group for bisexuals, and one ~or GLBT parents and &ildren. CoUnseling services are also cond ucred tixere, with plans for a legal clinic, employmen~ assistance, and health services including HIV testing. It’s aires@ a place where GLBT and friendly groups can distribute their literature, and it i)atures a lot more than just serious activity. Friday nights are dedicated to social activities such as dances, open mic nights, & karaoke. Social clubs meet there that are too numerous to mention that include a chess club, a book club, a gardening club, etc to give some perspecrive. "There is something not right there," Nelson said. "They’re not there to protect people from hate crimes. They are iust there to hide it under the carpet and to wait fbr it to go awa3~" Nelson said he finds it most curious that there has been no progress on the Claremore case because he was able to provide an obvious, distinct clue as to the identity of one of his attackers. N~ings did not improve for Nelson after the story broke. N~e former Rogers State University student found himself the target of verbal abuse and hostility in school and around his apartment complex. Less than a month after the attack in Ctaremore, Nelson said that he and a female friend were assaulted in a Tulsa karaoke bar. "A bunch of bikers got very- aggressive and hostile ~vith us," Nelson said. He said that he believed that the ,alleged harassers recognized him from television news reports and that they hurled antiagay epithets at he and his friend. "\Ve’d been in there before and it wasn’t a problem," Nelson said. This time, Nelson said, it was a problem. He claims that he and his friend "barely escaped" when the bar management sided with the aggressors and Nelson and his friend were instructed to leave. Nelson said Tulsa Police would not respond to his calls. He said they did initially respond to his friend’s calls, but he was not sure if anything ever came of it. His friend Could not be reached for comment. rrhe final straw for Nelson was when management asked him to vacate his apartment iust weeks ago. Nelson believes he was asked to leave because of his orientation and said that management representatives had previously made anti-gay comments to him. slide." Toby Jenkins, President of Oklahomans for Equality, said that everyone xvho comes forward after an assault is a hero and that he understands Nelson’s frustration with Claremore Police. "We admire his tenacity in staying after police to be vigilant," Jenkins said; "All crime victims have to stay after police." Nelson said he does not lmo,v if his move is permanent. Interfaith Pride Memorial Service Planned By Victor Gorin Contributing Writer OIC&&HOMA CITY, OK __ Plans are underway for a community wide service ofremembrance on tl~e evening of Wednesday, June 16 at 7 p.m., right in the middle of GLBT Pride Month. This service will be held at Epworth United Methodist Church, located ar 1901 N. Douglas Avenue in Oklahoma City. The purpose of the service is to provide comfort ro those experiencing grief, and to celebrate those who have touched our lives, promising to be an uplifting occasion for everyone who attends. If you have lost a loved one--partner, relative, or friend in the past year and want them remembered in this memorial service, please e-mail their name to scott@cimarronalliance. org. www.metrostarnews.com Bigger and better as cdebrates 25 years Grand Marshalls; fonnding members ofOGRA By By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OKLAHOMA CIT~; OK __ As OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) codirectors, Klint Wieden and Paul Boyd have had a busy year. Taking the responsibility on to produce this annual event means planning and implementing the entire event; taking care setting the dates, securing the venue, contracts, scheduling, securing sponsors, appointing committees and so much more. After all this work, the culmination of their efforts are enjoyed when they direct the rodeo itself during the entire weekend of the event, which is each Memorial Day weekend at the State Fairgrounds (Barn 8). "Our goals for this year, our 25th Anniversary Great Plains Rodeo is to make it a memorable event ~vhile commemorating our founding members and board," said Wieden. "We want to increase both contest participation as well as spectator attendance. We have planned more entertainment during rodeo weekend, more parties, and more things leading up to the rodeo." Mmualty OGRA is held in Oklahoma City over the Memorial Day holiday, May 28- 30 for 20!0. Here is the lineup of events; Thursday, May 27th, 6-8pro VIP Reception pool side at ~e Habana Inn for all of our rodeo sponsors and officials. After that, The Finishline will be hosting a stick horse rodeo with plenty of events using stick horses. A stick horse decorating contest ~vill be on display during rodeo registration and then all day Saturday at the OGRA booth at the rodeo-$1 per vote for the best decorated stick horse with the proceeds going to charity. Friday, May 28, 10am Board of Directors Meeting; from 6pm - 9pm is Rodeo Registration for contestants at the fairgrounds, Barn #9 in the vendor area. 7pm - OGP,~k Royalty Team will be hosting "A Night of Royalty Nikki & Mark" entertainment during registration, at the Fairgrounds, Barn #8.10pm - OGRA Royalty Team will be hosting "A Night of Royalty Nikki & Mark" at PhoenLx Rising. Saturday, May 29th, 8am Rodeo begins with Calf Roping on Foot, Steer Deco, Break Away Roping, Team Roping, Steer Riding, Pole Bending. At high-noon is the Grand EntD" witb~Bronc Riding, Chute Dogging, Goat Dressing, Barrel Racing, Flag Race, Wild Drag Race, Bull Riding and the Rodeo will finish up around 5pm. Texas Gay Rodeo Association will be hosting the Texas Tea Party at the Copa with entertainment and drink specials that evening. OGP,ak and Angles will be hosting a LIVE concert performance at Angles from 9pro til! who knows when! Live vocal performers are lined up featuring James Allen Clark, a new Nashville recording artist, along vdth several popular 16cal performers. Winners of the Stick Horse Decorating Contest and then auction offthe stick horses to the highest bidder to help raise more money for charity. ~ Sunday, May 30th; OGRA day 2 begins with, Calf Roping on Foot, Steer Deco, Break Away Roping, Team Roping, Steer Riding, Pole Bending, and high-noon again brings the Grand Entry with more Bronc Riding, Chute Dogging, Goat Dressing, Barrel Racing, Flag Race, Wild Drag Race & Bull Riding. At 5pm the Rodeo wraps up and we move to the Finish line for a BBQ Dinner put on by Head Country BB% and at 7pro, the Rodeo Awards CeremoW at the Copa where they ~vill be awardingbucldes, saddles and cash prizes to all of the winners of the Rodeo. Monday, May 31st at noon will be a Rodeo Wind-Down Party at Phoenix Rising where the), will be serving hamburgers and hotdogs along with drink specials, relaxing and recounting all of the fun times of the weekend. This year’ charity partners are Other Options/Friends Food Pantry, Be The Change, and Expressions Community Service. "Several months prior to our rodeo, ’ usually in November we request letters from qualifi/ing 501 (c)3 non-profit charities stating vchy they want to be considered as one of our charity partners," adds Wieden. "Then, as a group, we discuss each organization and look at their merits and what they do for the community. We consider their financials and the services they offer to our community, and then vote on the ones we want to support." The amount donated to these charities varies each year based on participation, events and overall donations. "I just want to stress what a vital service we provide for people in our community to participate in a sport that they enjoy (rodeo) while at the same time giving back to our community in volunteer services as well as financially," concludes Wieden. "Our local charities that we support rely heavily on donations from our local community and we provide that link through a fun event such as rodeo. We also help provide a positive outlook to our city, and state as well by our conduct and actions, hdping the gay community at large to be more accepted by everyday citizens." The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (OGRA) is a nonprofit organization and member of the International Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (IGRA) which is comprised of 28 state/provincial associations throughout the United States and Canada. OGRA is proud to be the first association seated at the first ever IGRA Convention in 1985 For more information check out the OGRA website at www.ogra.net Feast to Gain Funds for HIV/AIDS TULSA, OK__Tulsa CARgS, a 50!(c)3 nonprofit organization is planning its first "Feast with Friends®" fundraiser for Saturday, July 24. "Feast with Friends°" is an at-home fundraiser where individuals and groups host dinner parties in their homes, workplaces and faith communities on Saturday evening, July 24. In exchange, their guests make a donation to Tulsa CARES whose mission is "Delivering social services to people affected by HIV/ MDS" in northeastern Oklahoma. After dinner, all hosts and their guests are invited to the fabulous "Dessert Extravaganza" from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Central Community Center, 1028 E. Sixth St. Non-alcoholic beverages and dessert are provided to guests. ~ose not attending a dinner may participate in the dessert event for a $10 donation at the door. Tulsa CARES’ Executive Director, Sharon Thoele hopes Feast with Friends ’\vill hdp us bring to light the fact that the AIDS epidemic is far from over, and ~ve need everyone’s help to meet the enormous need that exists in our community." "Old friends, ne~v friends, everyone and anyone who wishes to support Tulsa CARES is invited to participate in this event - it’s fun and it’s a great excuse to gather with your favorite people and help out a worthwhile cause all at the same time," Thoelesaid. "Tulsa CARES will use the proceeds to support our programs as we assist people who are living with this disease." In-kind sponsors for the event are: Hla’s Dell, QuikTrip, Tulsa Parks and Starbucks Coffee Compan3a For more information about hosting a party or about the dessert event, contact Ally McGinnis, Tulsa CARES resource development coordinator by calling 834-4194 or by e-mail, allym@tulsacares.org. Founded in !991, Tulsa CARES, a United Way Member Agency, delivers services to low-income people living with HIV/ AIDS. Services include case management by professional social workers, access to physicians and prescription assistance, counseling services, housing assistance, a food pantry with access to our registered dietician, and many other forms of support. Tulsa CARES’ mission is "Delivering social services to people affected by HIV/AIDS." For more information about Tulsa CARES, visit ww~v. tulsacares.org. Tulsa couple marry in By Staff Editors TULSA, OK__ Erin Taylor McClanahan and Scott Andre Harper were married on Friday, May 7th at the Polk County Courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa at 10:30 AM. The Honorable Judge Robert Hanson performed the ceremony. Witnesses were Linda and Jamie Harper, brother and sister- Erin McClanahan and Scott Harper at their wed~ing reception May 8, 2010 at the Bamboo Lounge ~dsa. Stajfphoto in-law to Scott. The happy couple left Tulsa on May 6 and made a rest stop in Osceola at a casino called Terribles. Following the nuptials on Friday, they were offto Kansas City were they spent their wedding night at Harrah’s Hotel Casino. Then they went back to Tulsa for a rousing reception at the Bamboo Lounge. The beautifully planned reception including the wedding cake, champagne, flowers and all the trimmings was organized by Philip Simmons and Tammy Randell. It was a family affair with Scott’s mother Evelyn, his brother and sister-in-law, Erin’s sister Kristen and over 100 friends there to congratulate and wish the couple a long and happy marriage. Although Erin and Scott’s Iowa marriage is not legal in the State of Oldahoma, same sex marriages are legal in five states, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Three states recognize same sex marriage, New York, Rhode Island, and Maryland. Couples must first apply for a license to marry in Iowa. You can download an application at www.polkrecorde,:com/ marriages.htm or call 515-286-3160 in Des Moines to request the documen~ be mailed to you. Instructional handouts are available from county officials, who also serve as County Recorders in county courthouses. No matter who are on life’s jourm Reeerend Ur. Kathy 3131 N. Pennsylvania,Oklah0 405.525.9555 4 June 1, 2010 Obama selects Supreme Court nominee The Human Rights Campaign "hailed" President Barack Obama’s May 10 selection of U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan as his nominee to replace retiring Justice John Paul Ste,,v.ens on the U.S. Supreme Court. We are confident that Elena Kagan has a demonstrated understanding and cormnitment to protecting the liberty and equality of all kanericans, including LGBT Americans," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. Gay cases that could come before the court in the near future include the Proposition 8 federal case by famed lawyers David Boles and Ted Olson and other same-sex marriage cases, challenges to the anti-gay federal Defense of Marriage Act andto the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on gays who do not stay in the closet, and cases targeting the new federal hate-crimes law that is inclusive of sexual orientation. .As dean of Harvard Law School, ~C~gan opposed the Solomon Amendment, a 1996 federal law that allows the secretary of defense to deny federal grants -- including rmearch grants -- to universities and colleges that prohibit military recruiting on campfis. Some schools banned military recruiters because Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell amounts to employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, which violates the schools’ policies. At Harvard, Kagan partially blocked the recruiters in 2004 a~er a federal court struck dmvn the Solomon Amendment, then unblocked them after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld tt~e amendment in 2005. "~Ihis action (the arrival of military r~cruiters on campus) causes me deep distress," Kagan wrote in October 2003. "I abhor the military’s discriminatory recruitment policy. (It is) a profound wrong -- a moral injustice Of the first order." HRC’s Solmonese said, ’Sg[e applaud Elena Kagan’s vocal opposition to the Solomon Amendment andthe discriminatory Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell law." In April, CBSNews.com mistakenly called Kagan "openlygay" and, in,,an addendum to that post, also called her apparently still closeted." ~e network later deleted the column because of its "irresponsible speculation." The ~gashington Post reported April 16 that an unnamed Obama administration oi~cial said "ICxgan is not a lesbian." On May 13, Politico.corn reported that it had talked to some of Kagan’s friends and they confirmed that she is "not gay." Richard Socarides, former President Bill Clinton’s gay White House special assistant, told CNN on May 10 that Kagan is "a brilliant, pragmatic progressive xvho is intent on hearing all sides to fashion a solution that works for the most amount of people." California Assembly calls £or DADT repeal The California Assernbly passed a resolution 51-17 on May 13 urging repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on open gays in the military. The measure asps Congress to pass, and President Barack Obama to sign, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which Wockner News Service would dear the way for LGB service members to come out of the closet. "\Ve are proud of our state’s leadership for championing fairness and equality in the military," said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors. EQCA said Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has led to the discharge ofsome t3,500 service members, including some 800 specialists serving in critical operations. More than 300 language specialists have been discharged under the policy, "resulting in a critical shortage of qualified translators in intelligence-gathering posts," the group said. The California resolution now goes to the state Senate, which had passed it last year, for a concurrence vote. Christian right leader went to Europe with ’rentboy’ Prop 8 £ederal trial likely to conclude in June ~giiami New 7~mes’photo ofanti-gay activist George Rekers and a rentboycom escort returning together to _Miami International Ai,portfi’om a European vacation. Proposition8 is likely tofinal~ wr~p up in U.S. Dist~ct Court in San ]~)ancisco on June i~ ~d Olson, left; and David Boles are lead counsel~r the gay side. Phow @ z~’x ~ckner The trial in the federal lawsuit against Proposition 8is likely to finally xvrap up in U.S. District Court in San Francisco on June 16, when Judge Vaughn \Valker has tentatively scheduled closing arguments. ~ae trial has been paused since testimony concluded on Jan. 27 because Walker said he wanted to study the record before hearing the attorneys’ final statements. ~lhe hiatus dragged on longer than expected because of sldrmishes between the anti-samesex- marriage side and the gay groups that ran the campaign against Prop 8, who are not parties to the case. The same-sex-marriage opponents demanded that Equality California and the American Civil Liberties Union produce various documents and e-mails from the campaign period. EQ~A and the ACLU fought the demand at length before relenting on April 27. Lawyers for the two groups said they turned over 4,500 documents and "thousands of e-mails" that seemed to fal! within the purvie~v of an order Walker had issued. The opponents also are attempting to strike from the trial record some of the testimony of one of their defendant-intervenors, Hak- Shing William Tam. Walker told the antisame- sex-marriage side to submit its motion by May 6 and told the gay" side to respond to it by May 10. Appearing on the wimess stand Jan. 21, Tam said: "I believe that if the term ’rnarriage’ .....Continued see PROP 8 - page 6 www.metrostarnews.com ~IET~OSTAR 5 George Alan Rekers, who co-founded the anti-gay Fatally Research Council, was photographed at Miami International Airport On April 13 returning from a European vacation xvith a male escort who says the two met via rentboy.com, Miami New Times reported May 4. The escort, who has been called "Lucien," "Geo" and "Jo-vanni" in news reports, also told various media outlets that he gave Rekers daily massages in the nude during the trip,. which included genital tonching. Lucien showed CNN a travel contract between the two men that mandated daily hourlong massages, and told the network that Rekers "basically got excited" during the massage sessions. Rekers, 61, has used his professorgeorge. com website and other online resources to fight back against the "slanderous" reports, saying he’s not gay and that nothing "illegal or sexual" took place during his trip with Lucien, 20. Rekers told multiple media . outlets that he will acquire or has acquired a lawyer and may or will sue for "defamation." "I have been advised to retain the services of a defamation attorney in this matter, because the fact is that I am.not gay and never have been," he told the Washington Post on May 6. On his website, Rekers wrote: "A recent article in an alternative newspaper cleverly gave false impressions of inappropriate behavior because of its misleading innuendo, incorrectly implying that Professor George Rekers used the Rentboy website to hire a prostitute to accompany him on a recent trip. Contrary to Internet stories based on this slanderous article, fo!lowing medical advice Professor George Rekers requires an assistant to lift his luggage in his travels becanse of an ongoing condition following surger): ... Dr. Rekers found his recent travel assistant by interviewing different people who might be able to’help, and did not even find out about his travd assistants Internet advertisements offering prostitution activity until after the trip was in progress. ~ere was nothing inappropriate with this relationship. Professor .....Continued see RENT BOY - page 6 Pelosi promises votes on both DADT and ENDA this year By Lisa Keen Keen News Service House ’Speaker Nancy Pelosi reassured representatives of several LGBT organizations this week that the Employment Non- Discrimination Act (ENDA) and a measure to repeal Dofft Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) will get votes this year. Pelosi made her comments in an hour-long telephone conference call with representatives of six LGBT groups on Monday. One of those representatives, Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), said Pelosi, "in no uncertain terms, without any equivocation or evasion, stated several times that ENDA was her priority and that it would move in this Congress --and there was no question." Concern that ENDA might not get a vote this Congress has been intensifying for the past several weeks, as the number of voting days in the House dwindles during the last months of the 111 th Congress. Some activists said the 2 I8 votes to pass the bill are there but that the House !eadership had not scheduled the bill for a vote. And many were alarmed that the momentum to pass a measure to repeal DADT rnay have been seriously hobbled by missives from Defiense Secretary Robert Gates and the Vc~nite House year, on how repeal could be implemented. But Kendell and others said Pelosi committed to passing ENDA and repealing DADT this year. "St~e seems absolutely committed to getting that done," said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equali*T. Keisling, who has been a key organizer of support for this term’s ENDA, which includes a prohibition of"gender identitT" discrimination, was another one of the participants in Monday’s conference call. Keisling, who said the phone call took place at about 1:30 p.m. eastern time, noted that Pelosi talked about there being a "limited amount of time" and many other things that have to happen on the House floor before the end of this session. "While Pelosi "did not commit to a specific datg’ for a vote on ENDA, said Keisling, she lea the impression it could move in committee as early as this week. And Kendell said Pelosi reassured the group leaders that, while a measure to repeal DADT may move first, "she stated in no uncertain terms that ENDA is moving and it will move under her watch and it will move in this Congress." DADT could coine up as early as next ~nursday, when the House begins consideration of an annual bill on Defense spending. Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill confirmed the call took place and said that, in addition to Kendell and Keisling, the participants included several Pelosi staff members, Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign; Geoff Kors of Equality California; Toni Broaddus, executive director of the national Equality Federation; and Masen Davis, executive director of the Transgender Law Center, a California legal group. HRC spokesman Fred Sainz said Solmonese was traveling Tuesday and could not return a reporter’s call, but Sainz, too, confirmed that Pelosi made a commitment to vote on both ENDA and DADT repeal. He noted this was the first time the Speaker had had a conference call specifically xvith representatives of LGBT organizations on this issue. Broaddus of the Equality Federation said Pelosi "didn’t give us any dates" but "assured us both bills are moving and that she’s very committed to getting them through." Several participants in the phone call said Pelosi expressed concern about the likelihood that Republicans will exercise their option, as the minority party, to ask for a vote on a "motion to recommit" "the bill to committee. Such motions, which Republicans have used recently ~to thwart Democratic legislation, can force votes on whether to send a bill back to committee with instructions to either kill or amend it. The amendments proposed on recent legislation have been designed to both delete essential language from the underlying bill and propose language that could cause embarrassment for any legislator to oppose. Such was the case last on a bill to create more jobs. The raotion to recommit sought to insert language to prohibit paying any federal employee "officially disciplined for violations regarding the viewing, downloading, or exchanging of pornography, including child pornograph> 6n ~ federai~mpute~ or whil~ ~erf0rmin~ official government duties." Democratic leaders pulled the jobs bill when they saw that a sufficient number of Democrats were voting for the motion to recommit. "I’m sure they’ll tiT that with ENDA," said Keisling, "but they’re going to try that with every bill that comes along frorn now on." So, supporters ofENDA and the DADT repeal must ensure they have 2 ! 8 votes in the House, not only to pass each measure but also to defeat any such hostile motion to recolnmit. A spokesman for Rep. Barney Frank (DvMass.), who introduced ENDA, said last week that Frank was urging LGBT activists to continue and step up the lobby effort to secure those votes. Frank was not available for comment Tuesday, and Rep. Tammy Baldwin’s office did not respond to a request for comment. But several participants in Monday’s phone call said Pe!osi assured them she has "no intention of losing either" ENDA or DADT repeal. Keisling and others said Pelosi was "very clear" that one of the bills -but not both-- would see action before Memorial Day. The House is slated to take up its annual bill on Defense funding on Thursday and Friday, May 27 and 28. Frank and others have said that DADT repeal, like the hate crimes measure that passed last yea,; would come up during consideration of the DOD - authorization bill. Activists held a rally outside the Speaker’s office in San Francisco and a press conference in Washin~on, D.C., on Tuesday to keep the pressure on for a vote. At the National Press Club press conference, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey said LGBT activists are "at the end of our patience." "We have done our work," saidCarey. "We have provided the numbers and the stories; and we have endured as we\’e watched thousands of LGBT workers lose their foothold in a struggling economy-- not because of downsizing, or poor performance or closed businesses but -- because of prejudice .... "So today, Congress must step up to its responsibility, to fully accept its charge to serve its constituents," said Carey. "To step up to its moral obligation to preserve the integrity of the very fabric of our nation by providing an accessible workplace to all Americans- regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity." Noting that activists have been trying for 36 years to pass some form of federal protection against discrimination against gay workers, Carey demanded Congress pass the bill "without delay." Rekers was not involved in any illegal or sexual behavior with his travel assistant." As the story unfolded, Lucien learned of Rekers’ history of anti-gay activism and then decided to tell media outlets about the trip’s alleged sexual component. "It’s a situation where he’s going against homosexuality when he is a homosexual," Lucien told New Times. Gay activist XX~ayne Besen, whose Truth \Vins Out group battles the anti-gay movement, told New Times that Rekers’ "fingerprints are on almost every anti-gay effort to demean and dehumanize LGBT people." "His work is ubiquitously cited by lobby groups that work to deny equality to LGBT Americans," Besen said. "Rekers has caused a great deal of harm to gay and lesbian individuals." Reports said Rekers also is a member of the board of the anti-gay National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality. He also recently was paid tens of thousands of dollars by the state of Florida to be an expert witness against gay adoption. Florida is the only state that bans gay people from adopting across the board. After Rekers testified in that case, Miami- Dade County Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman wrote: "Dr. Rekers’ beliefs are motivated by his strong ideological and theological convictions that are not consistent with the science. Based on his testimony and demeanor at trial, the court cannot consider his testimony to be credible a0r worthy of forming the basis of public policy." Lucien told The Miami Herald he became an escort to pay for college, but that he might have to drop out now. He said Rekers paid him $75 per day during the trip, which is less than the $300-$500 he would have charged for sex. He told CNN there Was no sexual contact other than the massages. In a message to the Joe.My.God. blog, Rekers said no one should be surprised he was found in the company of a male escort. "Like Jesus Christ, I deliberately spend time with sinners with the loving goal to try to help them," Rekers wrote. "Like John the Baptist and Jesus, I have a loving Christian ministry to homosexuals and prostitutes in which I share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them.... If you talk with my trave! assistant that the story called ’Lucien,’ you will find I spent a great deal of time sharing scientific information on the desirability of abandoning homosexual intercourse, and I shared the Gospel ofJesus Christ with him in great detail." Not everyone in the media bought that explanation. "Here’s the basic idea about cases like this," MSNBC’s IL-tchel Maddow said May 7. "N~e miserable denial and lying in your own sex lives is your mvn miserable, in-denial, lying business -- unless you make it the whole country’s business by crusading against the thing that is true about yourself that you hate so much. Being gay cannot be cured. Being a contemptible, pathetic hypocrite can be cured.... Congratulations, you?ve made the ne~,vs." can be used beyond one man and one woman, then any two person of any age or of any relationships can use the same argument and colne and ask for the term ’marriage.’ That would lead to incest. That would lead to polygamy." Tam said he had learned "in the Internet" that af,er the Netherlands legalized same-sex marriage in 2001, it went on to legalize incest and polygamy. ~ "Another person in the organization found it and he showed me that," Tam said. "I look at the document and I think that was true." ~e gay side is represented by famous lawyers Ted Olson and David Bole), who attempted to prove that Prop 8 violates the U.S. Constitutiol~’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law. Mindfu! of severa! precise legal considerations or constructs, they tried to show" that there’s no coherent reason for the government to ban same-sex marriage, that Prop 8 passed primarily because California voters are prejudiced, that gays and lesbians need government help to fight the discrimination and persecution that continue to harm them, that being gay is usually not a choice and sexual orientation is usually immutable, that gay couples’ children fare as well as straight couples’ children, and that so-called traditional marriage has undergone transformations throughout history. Passed by voters in November 2008, Prop 8 amended the California Constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage just 4 1/2 months after the state Suprelne Court legalized it. Olson and Boies’ lawsuit is ultimately aimeO at the U.S. Supreme Court, where it could end up as soon as next year, af,er a stop at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court ofAppeals. If successful, the lawsuit could bring about the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide. If unsuccessful, it could have the effect of stopping the movement for same-sex marriage -- which now is legal in five states and~ Washington, D.C. -- dead in its tracks for possibly a generation. The suit is without doubt a high-stakes gamble, so much so that the gay rights legal establishment initially opposed it and was, as a result, blocked by Olson and Boles from intervening once it became clear the case was going to happen and was going to be a big deal. June 1,2010 Sooner State SoAball Association Games promise an exciting S~mer Contributing "~;qiter Oklahoma Chaos Team ofOklahoma City. Godn photo pu fhe °’ Sunday Services @ 11:00 AN CC United 918-8~8-171~ A Metropolitan CommuNb/Church WWWom~et~saoorg Ot~J_~!OMA CITY, OK __ Sunday May 9 proved to be a beautiful spring day for the Sooner State Softball Association ~raes as they competed at Edmond’s Bickham Field. Currently comprised of 16 teams, the alliance provide~ a great opportunity to play ball for serious or recreational softball players of the GLBT community in the Oldahoma City are~. The.Association has joined the North Lm=bda Leag~e &~mmer TULSA, OK (PR) __ Lambda League Summer Bowling Started May t7th and goes tlwoug}~ August %h. Games are each Monday 7pro at Andy B~ Riverlm~es, 871 ! South Lewis ~Asa. No gaflae on Memorial Day. %e Summer league is open to anyone. ~t’s a great way to make ftiends and have fun. Cost is $14.00 each Monday and a one time summer league membership fee of $20.00 For more information call 918-637-0889; or emaiI: bubuinok@yahoo.com or beads4me@ cox.net. Openarms Youth Center Hosts Prom, Las Vegas By Judy Gabbard Contributing xg~’riter TULSA, OK__ April 24, 20!0, Openarms ~k>uth Project hosted another successful Prom Night. ~e theme was Las V%as S@e. Tim GilIean and Ken Drape1; once again achieved a successful night of food, dance and entertainment riot area GLBT youth. Approximately 80 yom-h were in a~tendance, dressed in their own unique finer> Parents and volunteers attended as chaperones. ~ae highlight of every prom is to cast American Gay Amateur Athletic Association. Tulsais in the process of forming a league as well, although a competition planned between the two cities, the Turnpike Challenge scheduled for May 15, was rained out. For more information or game schedules check out soonerstatesoftball. com. or contact Recruitment Director Chad Previ& at soonerstatesoftbalt@hotmail,Com. Brenda "Grandma" Bolen and Kim Whisenhunt. Judy G. Photo votes and to crown the annual Prom King and Queen. Openarms selected Royaltywas beyond special. The 2010 Prom King is Kim Whisenhunt and Prom Queen Brenda Bolen. Brenda Bolen is the oldest volunteer at Openarms Youth Centre: Brenda is a youthful and loving individual who reaches out to evewone who comes to the center and is repectfully called "Grandma". King Kim ~/hisenhunt brings class to the King Crown, and is highly respected by her peers. Openarms Youth Center operates on private donations, and is located at 2015- B S. Lakewood in ~alsa, OK. For more information or for donations contact Tim or Ken, 918-838-7104 ;uptcv o ~iVil Rights °Criminal ’ment o Family Law o Litigation 625 N.W. lSth Street Citg, OK 73103 www.metrostarnews.corn ~ETROSTAR 7: Month: By D’~mne Witkowstd Say you’ve had surgery that renders you unable to carry luggage and you’re about to go on a European vacation. What’s a person to do? Wall, if you’re Family Research Council co4Ounder and ex-gay therapy champion George R~ekers, you look no fnrther than RentBoy.com for a "travel assistant." And then you get caught at the airport with this hot young stud while pushing your own luggage cart. Whoops. ~at’s right, yet another anti-gay so-called Christian has been caught gay-handed. Rekers doesfft seem to think so, however. He’S stiddng very hard to his "travel assistant" story. According to a statement on his website, "Following medical advice (Rekers) requires an assistant to lift his luggage in his tra:zels because of an ongoing condition follovdng surgery. His family, local friends, and even another university professor colleague have offered to accompany him on trips to assist him in his travel." Wow. It looks like he had a lot of people he could have asked to accompany him on his trip, and yet he still went with the prostitute from RentBoy. Maybe his family, friends and that mysterious other university" professor don’t give good enough hand jobs. "Rekers found his recent travel assistant by intep4ewing different people who might be able to help, and did not even find out about his travel assistant’s tntemet advertisements offering prostitution activiV until after the trip was in progress," his website’s message continues. i reckon "interviewing different people" means "I looked at lots of hot naked dudes on RentBoy befi~re deciding on the one I now refer to as my "travel assistant." It~ kind of hard to believe that Rekers found out about the RentBoy profile while the two were in Europe together, unless of George course his so-called assistant said, "Oh, by the way, want to see pictures of my penis online?" Rekers claims that there "was nothing inappropriate with this relationship" and that he "was not involved in any illegal or sexual behavior with his travel assistant." He even went as far as comparing himself to Jesus and John the Baptist saying he ,vas just ministering to his sinner of a travel assistant and trying to save his soul. Needless to say, it’s all ldnd of hard to swallow. Rekers can claim all he wants that he isn’t gay has never been gay and just wants to save the real gays from their evil gay selves, but he is definitely one confused and hypocritical little man. Rekers has made a career out of demonizing LGBT folks and doing everything he can to mal(e this country less safe for anyone who isn’t heterosexual. For example, Rekers was paid real taxpayer dollars to testify for the state in favor of Florida’s anti-gay adoption ban. It’s really not a surprise that so many folks who are rabidly anti-gay have turned out to be closeted and suffering even as they fight to keep discrimination against LGBT people written in this countr)?s laws. It’s as if they’re thinking, "Gosh, this had better stay illegal otherwise I’m going to do it al! day long." You know what, Rekers? You don’t end up at RentBoy.com by accident and you sure as hell don’t hire a guy whose credentials include a "large" and "uncut" cock as a "travel assistant." I’m not a doctol; but I don’t think foreskin is usually involved in carrying a suitcase. D’Anne Witkowski has been gayforpay dnce 2003. She’s a~eelance writer andpoet (believe it:9. When she’s not l:aking on the creeps ofthe worm she reviwws rock and roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister. MOREcolor 2010 E ibi ion to Benefit OkIahomans for Equality Contours H by Laine Godsq TULSA, OK (PR) __ 33he annual MOREcolor fine art eydfibition organized by Oklahomans for Equality (Ok~q) was one of the first art shows in the state featuring contemporary, and often edgy, art work. Begun nearly 30 years ago, the show is still one of the largest of its Idnd in Oklahoma, _ offering work by more than sixty artists. MO~olor 2010 begins Thursday, May 27 with a free public opening reception from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Centre; 621 East 4th Street in downtown Tulsa, The show runs through June 5 during the Equality Center’s hours, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday. A unique feature of the MOREcolor event is the way in which it works with artists. Zhere are two categories; an Invitational categoEr; in which established artists are explicitly invited to exhibit, and a Juried category, designed as a way for new artists to join the exhibition. An uncommon aspect of the show is that the organization gives the artist 70% of the price of sold work, compared with much lower percentages - or nothing - in other area charitable art sales and auctions. Audiences find works under some of Oldahoma’s best-loved signatures, as well as a number of exciting new works ftom names they don’t yet kmmv. "I-his year’s event features dance and musical performances at various moments during the opening on May 27~ featuring the contemporary dance team Ari&:Nina:TuMM. The exhibition is held in the Equality Center’s 3,000 square toot event center. For event information, visit vaa~w.OkEq.org. a sense of pride that could never be turned back. In June of 1999 the site became a National Historical Landmark, and reopened as a bar in 2007. That consciousness eventually reached Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City held their first Pride Parade in 1987. It was a humble beginning when about a dozen brave souls put it together not knowing if anyone would show up, and around 400 marchers actually did. Now a raajor event marking 23 years of celebration and an OkJal~oma City tradition, the celebrating is pulling together. For more information contact their ,vebsite www. okcpride.com. Homosexuality is already punishable by imprisonment and the Ugandan government shows little interest in human rights. Lavanhar, tho@, said he felt like it was a call he had to accept. "I’m 4! years old and I’ve never been called upon to go overseas to risk my life for freedom," he said. "In some ways this was that kind of call." After discussing it with his family, Lavanhar made the trip to Uganda, spoke at the conference and avoided any trouble. "It was about being an ally - using my power and privilege as an American and as a minister to try to help," I.avanhar said. "It was an amazing experience." Lavanhar said that he has never seen people living with such persecution and feat: "it was a profound experience and the people were so wonderful, so beautiful, so kind," Lavanhar said. ~ Uganda, facing international attention, has yet to pass the proposed law: Lavanhar said there has been some evidence that the government might instead pass a slightly watered down version of the legislation. The capital punishment component, for example, might be dropped to acquiesce to external pressure. But the core goal of the bill - to assail a tiny portion of the population - remains in play. Lavanhar said that the Ugandan government has scapegoated homosexuals in a t~ical effort to draw attention from its own failures elsewhere. The government has characterized in{ernal homosexuality as some sort of colonialist import from the west, and ironically lined up behind Christianity which is also a colonial import from the west to use scripture as it s battering rmn against gays. "It seems like they are waiting for international attention to die down before they vote," Lavanhm" said. Lavanhar was lauded by Oklahomans for Equality for his effort in Uganda, and subsequently named Grand Marshal for Pride 2010. "We wanted to honor this wonderfxil man, and to let people know that they had this straight minister from Oldahoma as one of only two ministers who attended the conference in Uganda," said Oklahomans for Equality President Toby Jenkins. For more information on Tulsa Pride or Oklahomans for Equality, visit mvw.okeq. org. OMahomans £or Equality celebrates 30th By Michael W. Sasser Contributing writer TULSA, OK __ Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) continues its celebration of 30 years in existence with several events throughout the summer. Future Anniversary Celebration events include a tribute concert with Eric Himan at Tulsa Pride 2010 honoring the founders of Oldahomans for Equality. On July 31st Oldahomans for Equality will host a regional summit bringing together the heartland LGBT groups for an afternoon of networking and a rdationship building party. On September 15, they will have a daylong celebration for the National LGBT Center Awareness Day and its 30th anniversary, O~q President Toby Jenkins said that the latter event should be particularly improved over previous years. "We’re in a lot better position this year," Jenkins said. "We spent the entire year building,, rdati6n~hips. Jenkins said that the goal is to have every- elected officiat in the area to at least visit the EqualitT Center for the occasion. Ot’~q has expanded and thrived despite numerous challenges in a state ~;ar behind many others when it comes to recognition of equal human rights. Otdahomans for Equality was originally a chapter of Oklahomans for Human Riglv;s, based in OKC. Founder Dennis Neill learned of OHR through his work with the ACLU. He developed a friendship with Bill Rogers, one of the [bunders ofOHR. Additional early organizers were Bob Inglish, Mike Green and Gary Durst. OHR amended their by-laws in !979 to allow for chapters and beginning in 1980 Nalsans began meeting in homes for recruitment.The first newsletter was published and the first public general meeting Was in the basement of Harwelden M~sion on Jan 19, I981 which featured a lecture by a noted psychiatrist from OU. In 1985 the Tulsa chapter of Oklahomans for Human Rights became independent mad autonomous. They reorganized under the name Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). ~l-he organizatioffs monthly membership meetings routinely attracted 100s of participants as the community saw TOHR as the principal source of information and support. TOHR hosted man}, nationally known GLBT spokespersons. The Chicago Resource Center gave TOHR two grants which was the first time an Oklahoma GLBT organization received out-of-state funding and recognition. TobyJenkins, President, OhZahomansfor Equali~ and Ohlahoma State Rel~resenmtive AIMcA~ey at the 30th Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo by Lia Ingersoll, Mia Bella In October 1996 TOHR opened Tulsa’s first Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Community Center at 1338 East 38th Street in the Brookside neighboFhood ofTulsa. Vandalism was common and landlords began to be increasingly apprehensive about renting to the gay community, In June 1997 TOHR organized Tulsa’s first Gay Pride march with 60 participants. Year after year the Tulsa City Council refused to grant the Tulsa Gay community a parade permit. Finally in 1999 Tulsa’s first Diversity Parade was held on Peoria Avenue in the Brookside neighborlmod ofTulsa and featured Rep. Barney Frank, DMassachusetts, as its first Grand Marshal[ The parade cuhninated with the Diversity Festival at Tulsa’s Veteran’s Park. On October 31 st 2005 TOHR purchased the Property at 621 E~t 4th Street in downtown Tulsa ,joining the revitalization of the urban core ofTulsa County. In September 2006 the membership ofTulsa Oklahomans for Equality approved the most recent name change and became Oklahomans for Equality. With the help ofTulsgs top architects and designers 275 volunteers donated 7000 hours to renovate an 18,000 square foot facility now known as the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. In June 2007 Oldahomans for Equality (OlcEq) moved the Tulsa Pride Festival and Parade to the premiere dmvntown venue Centennial Park just 2 blocks south of the Equality Center, solidifying the organization’s commitment to the arts and entertainment district ofTulsa. In 2009 Oklahomans for Equality had over 40,000 visitors utilizing the services and programs at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Through batdes with institutions, public and private, through vandalism and threats of violence, OkEq persevered to reach this landmark anniversary. Several events this year have already commemorated the occasion. "When I realize hmv heroic and faithful our founders and members have been for three decades I am humbled to be at the helm serving such a great organization," Jenkins said. For more info~ation on OKEq, the Equality Center or 30th anniversary events, visit www.okeq. Nle David Bohnett Foundation _Awards ’Refresh’ Grants Totalling $500,000 To David Bohnett CyberCenters Nationwide Paul Moore, Program Manager at the DavM Bohnett Foundation. Pressphoto TULSA, OK (PR) __ In February 2010 Tne David Bohnett Foundation announced they had selected the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa to be among the 24 LGBT Centers across the United States to be recipients of the "Refresh Grant"~ In establishing the CyberCenters, technology entreprdneur and ~hilanthropist David Bohnett’s vision was to provide LGBT communities with a %Ared" hub through which its members could network, communicate, and explore educational, professional and recreational opportunities. To keep the CyberCenters up-to-date, in 2004, the "refi’esh" program was started, where each CyberCenter is supplied with brand new state-of-the-art equipment on a consistent basis (approximately every three to four years). David Bohnett serves as Chair of the David Bohnett Foundation, the head of the private equity firm Baroda Ventures and was the founder of GeoCities2com, an Internet based media and e-commerce company in 1994. GeoCities was acquired by Yahoo! in 1999. His goals are improving lives, empowering indMduals and building viable communities by connecting like-minded people in meaningful ways. Also central to Bohnett’s vision is his call to action to aspiring philanthropists to begin their giving by getting personally involved with causes with which they identify so that they can experience service first-hand. "The Centers provide a safe environment for members of the LGBT community 2_ from youth who may find themselves without a support system--to seniors, who may have little or no familiarity with computers," said Michael Fleming, Excecutive Director for the Bohnett Foundation. "In today’s increasingly Internet-driven world, the David Bohnett Cyber Centers have proven to be a lifeline for people of all ages. We are happy to provide regular ’refresh’ grants enabling groups to keep pace with the many advances in computer hardware and software." Paul Moore, Program Manager at the Foundation, who oversees the CyberCenter program will be in Tulsa for the Grand Opening of the newly refreshed David Bohnett CyberCenter. The reception and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday May 27th at 6:30 pro. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 East 4th Street in downtown Tul~a Oklahoma. The Dennis R Neill Equality Center’s Technology Team Eric Vogelpohl and Don Satterthwaite have installed the equipment upgrades which include Lenovo al!-inone A70z PCs customized bundle with Microsoft Office software, Windows Pro 7 - 19" XWidescreen Monitors in addition to Documate 5!0 Flatbed Scanners and IBM Infoptint color laser printers. The Equality Center serves as the headquarters for Oklahomans for Equality and received a David Bohnett CyberCenter Grant in 2003. Dennis R. Neill with Sampson donated 10 new chairs for the computer stations. Over 39,000 visits were made to the Equality Center in 2009 and more than 53% of those individuals utilized the CyberCenter. The CyberCenter is free and open to public Monday through Friday 3pm to 9pm. Tulsa 2010 Pride Events Tulsa More Color Pride Art Show May 27th - June 5th Dennis R. Neill Equality Center More info at www.morecolorart.com Equality Day at the Zoo Saturday, May 29th :10am - 2pro PFLAG Night at Circle Cinema Tuesday, June 1st : 7pm Pride Night at The LibraIT Thursday, June 3rd: 7pm Council Oak Men’s Chorale Tulsa Downtown City-County Library PFLAG Spaghetti Dim,er Friday, June 4th: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Centennial Park- Community Building Tulsa Pride OYP Youth Night Friday, June 4th: 5pm -1 lpm Centennial Park (6th &: Peoria) Tulsa Pride Festival & Parade Saturday June 5th:lOam- lOpm Centennial Park (6th & Peoria) Equality Night at Light Opera Oklahoma Friday, June 1 lth: 8pm Tulsa PAC Pride Night At theWNBA Saturday, June 19th: 7pm Tulsa Shock At the BOK Center Equality Night At the Philbrook Tuesday, June 22nd Philbrook Museum ofArt w~gv.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 9 be Best Time To Start By Ronald Blake Co~ributing ~rker When should you start an exercise program? ~xere are many choices: Saturday the 22nd, Sunday the 30th, or Tuesday the 18th. Maybe you could aim for next year in February or April. Time for a powwow to decide the best time to begin the blood, sweat, and tears program. We’ll write down the possibilities and then pick a winner. The first up for consideration is now. The good part about starting now is that you will actually start. The bad part about starting now is that the holidays are here. You have the Christmas shopping to do for five aunts, four brothers, three best friends, two parents, and that boyfriend in a pear tree. Then there’s the office party, the hanging of the holiday lights, and the ~xanksgiving vacation at ,grandma’s house in Indianapolis. The secondoption is January. The good part about starting in January is that you will actually start. The bad part about January is that you have those two classes you will be taking at the community college. You need those classes to finish the Masters Degree program so you are eligible for a promotion. Between a 40 hour work week and six credit hours of business courses there Ittst ~snt t~me. ~ne third option is April. The good part ~bout starting in April is that you will actually start. The bad part about April is that you are taking that two week cruise in the Caribbean, your morn is visiting from Michigan, and your best friend from Indiana University’s class of 1991 is making his way west to see you. ~ae fourth option is June. The good part about starting in June is that you will actually start. The bad part about June is that you are attending your nephew’s graduation in Evansville and your niece’s graduation in South Bend. There are also the life insurance . sales conventions in Schenectady, New York; Eugene, Oregon; and Joplin, Missouri during his upcoming summer. The fiiih Option moves us to September. 7he good part about starting in September s that you will actually start. The bad ~art about starting in September is that ~ou will travel to Texas for your college roommate’s wedding, to Chicago for your iister’s wedding, and to Savannah for the commitment ceremony for the first guy you ~ad sexual relations with and become such est friends With after the breakup. Vghat’s a person to do? N~ere are five options and none of them work. We are right back to this time next year and I would bet that your options ~hen will look just as bleak. The answer is quite simply to just start now; There is never a good dine to s~ar~ any fitness Fb~d a way m ic~corporare fitness into your daity rourbae. Make some changes, rearra~g¢ difl)rence between ~tarboaM and port. ~lhat gw is Ron Blake and you can u~uallv find hira &iAing aimlessly about On somebody of water. Feel fi’ee to guide him back to shore by e-mailing him on his sloop at www. myblakefimess.com. Controversial OKC School Board Member Gail Vines will run for State House District 85 OKIAHOMA CITY, OK __ Gall Vines, who currently represents District 2 on the Oklahoma City School Board has announced that she is running to be a State Representative for District 85, which is in north~vest Oklahoma City and extends into the suburban municipality of Nichols Hills. The seat is currently held by Republican David Dank, who was first elected in 2006. Ms. Vines was first elected to her school board position in 2005, re-elected without opposition in 2009, and her actions later that year stirred controversy when the Oklahoma City School Board voted to fire openly gay teacher Joe Quigley. She is well known not only for her school board position, but also as the co-owner of Flips’s Wine Bar & Trattoria, a longtime Oklahoma City eatery and nightspot. Gall Vines abstained from voting on the Quigley firing, stating that she didn’t have enough information about the situation. After Joe Quigley was ordered reinstated August 26 by the District Court, the Oldahoma City School Board appealed that decision, then voted September 14 not to reinstate Mr.Quigley pending the appeal despite the court order, and to stop his salary and benefits. That vote was 6-2, this time with Gall Vines voting for his termination. In Memoriam Chuck Nugent 1970-2010 TULSA, OK Chuck Nugent, a former Yale and Cushing resident, passed away on Monda); April 12, 2010, at his home in Broken Arrow, OK at the age of 39 years. The son of Charles L. Nugent and Leora J. Johnson Barrows. Chuck was born on May 20, 1970 in Upland, C_&. He came ro Cusliing as a small child, later moving to Yale, where he was raised and educated, graduating from Yale High School. Chuck was currently a volunteer for the Dennis R. Neill Equali.ty Center in Tulsa, where he enjoyed counseling individuals in a crisis situation. Chuck was th£ Committee Chair 0fthe Center Cinema program on Friday evening. His hobbies included cars, Survivors include his mother, Leora Barrows of CUshi~; two sisters, Deanna Couch and her husband Janaes ofYale and Kristal Kuelll and her husband ToWof Stillwater; four nephews; three nieces; a half brother Steve Nugent; a half sister Pamela Rogers, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Nugent and a half sister, Deborah Nugent. A memorial services was held Saturday May 1 st at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa Oklahoma. Memorial contributions may be made to Oklal~omans for Equality; EO.’ Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 10 ~OSTAR June 1, 2010 For .... lress,com : Larry Bourne & David Stevens Come see us a~d check out that gets 31 mpg! www.metrostarnews.com ~TROSTAR 11 Major Sponsom: 12 P~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010 heart-time flaytime discovery breath .sa~E "~ have~i ~ever www.metmstarnews.com ~ETROSTAR 13 UNEocom Celebrating a month of Pride in No~hwest Arkansas facebook.com/ailoutjune twitter.com/alloutjune bON T DUCK AESPONSIBIL 7/ 14 ~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010 a~ks of~he So~ By Andrew Collins {:umacecrcekresort.com) [br tru Steakhouse ~ w~.metrostarnews.com #~TROSTAR 15 16 ~ET~©STAR June 1, 2010 www.metrostamews.com #~ETROSTAR 17 Photo~ by,Victor G. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City Kelly Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Nancy McDonald @ the 30 Anniversary Equality Gala,Tulsa. Photo Metro Star Staff @ Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Alibis, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa John Southard (Equality Gala Co Chair), Ann Hampton Callawa); Dennis Neill (Equality Gala Co-Chair) I~_ri Strand @ the Equality Gala Tulsa, Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella Images Toby Jenkins President O!~q, Tulsa County Toby Jenkins President OkEq, Tulsa City Commissioner Karen Keith District 2 @ the Councilor Maria Barnes District 4. @ the Equality Gala ~ialsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Equality Gala Tulsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Images Belta Images @ The End Up, Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City 18 %~÷troSTAR June 1, 2010 By EI Sikov The "I Dodt Care~at .~uyone Says" Classic Martini "It’s early AJzheimer’s," I whined. I’d left the duck breasts I’d planned to grill at home. I’d have to rush to the grocery and buy some more. And th~,’d have no time to marinat!! "A]zheimer’s jokes arefft funny," Dan scolded. "Chipotle-Grapefruit Duck is no .joke either." "You k_now what I mean. And it’s not funny. I know 2dzheimer’s. You don’t have Alzheimer’s. So stop it." As Director of Research at CogniTech, a pharmaceutical company that developed new ~zheimer’s treatments, Dau didn’t find fake whimpering about forgotten duck amusing. "I’ll go get more duck. You start the rest of the stuff." Just as Dan was leaving, Chipper burst in. Fie dropped his backpack on the floor and spouted off. "That train was late - again! So, I missed the 6:30 ferry and had to wait at that bar in Sayville, with their watered-down drinks, and.... Martini! Now!" ’TII make you one," I offered. "Hell no!" Chipper snapped.. "Yours are lousy." "I beg your pardon?" "Your proportions suck." He stripped off his sweaV T-shirt and sprinted to the liquor cabinet. I admired his moist, wide, delightful lats while resenting his stupid opinion as he reached t:or the Beefeater. "They da no~U I make the classic ma~tinL’: I was "If~u like a little gin With your vermouth." I watched Chipper in speechless rage as he grabbed the cocktail shakm; filled it with ice, poured in a full martini glass full of Beefieater, then added precisely five drops of d® vermouth and stirred wildly. "If you want straight gin," I said coldl> %vhy bother with that silly nod to tradition and just go the W. C. Fields route? I’m sure some perv in the Pines gets off on guys with gin blossoms." ?Jag-off," Chipper muttered as he leR the room clutching his martini. Chipper had lived in New York for 20 years but reverted to Pittsburgh slang when he got mad. I was still stewing when Dm~ returned vdth the duck and a botde of Sancerre. He was accompanied by Paolo, who had stopped at BarHarbor, right off the dock, for - yes - a martini, the dregs of which he carried in a red plastic cup. I offered to make him a real martini in a real martini glass. "Thanks, no," Paola said. ’Tll make my OWD "W/~? Aren’t mine good enough for you?" "Good that you brought that up," he said with business school tact. "I prefer my proportions." "Here we go again," I snarled, then told him about Chipper, who had shut himself inside the room he shared with Paolo. "It’s actually quite the reverse," Paolo explained. "You should taste the vermouth clearly. Otherwise there’s no point in adding it." I watched in piqued fascination as Paolo made a distinctly wet martini. "Well," I huffed, ,if you want to drink straight vermouth..." vchereupon Dan swatted my behind, then shoved the paper bag full of duck breasts into my ribs. "ShUt up and grill." This is a Cla~ssic Martini; Paolo aa~d Chipper cm~ write their o,w damn columns: 4 parts Beet~ater gin (If you want to use Absolut, fine; just don’t call it a Classic Martini.) 1 part dry vermout!~ Fill shaker with ice. Pour liquors in. Just let it sit on the counter to chill - no need to shake. Stir just once, put the lid on, and strain your Classic Martini into the proper glass. Add an olive or a lemon twist; a cocktail onion turns it into a Gibson. w~¢.metrostarnews.com ~4{E°HgOSTAR 19 Chuck Breckenridge Whcthcr buyin~ or scllin~ I’H work hard for you. ~nsas~ Bxc1~sive ........ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresort.com info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 email: bitterglrl@qsyndicate.com www.joanhilty.net ’ .~14 20 I~?~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010 By Jack Fertig JUne 2010 "Be careful with your money, Pisces!" Mars in Leo is triggering crises, mostly in the form of fights and misunderstandings that show where we need to wrap things up and move on. Clear away worries and doubts. Analyze problems realistically to find novel solutions. ARIES (March 28 - Apri~ 19): Asserting yourself too forcefully can show people not what you want them to see, but things you’d rather they didn’t. Working to be more truly yourself can be very humbling. That humility will win you great respect. TAURUS (April 20 - Nay 20): Can a person have too many friends? You may find too much quantity and not enough quality in your social circles. Take some time alone to sort out in your mind who are the ones you really want in your tribe. GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Examining the provocations to arguments and staying silent (one can dream!) can prove more educational than actually arguing. Review goals that have recently been accomplished and think carefully about your next steps. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Are your priorities and ideals proving dysfunctional? Be willing to grow and adapt. The time for planning career moves is endiing. Make big, bold choices or events will force difficult changes. Even in those there may be great opportunities. Maybe. LEO (July 23 -August 22): Pressuring your partner to make a decision will backfire. Physical play - maybe, but not necessarily sexual - will help work off frustration. Be careful with the rough stuff and keep your head clear. Accidents. are looking to happen. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): You can meet somebody very hot and sexy while doing charity work. Not a mercy date, but another volunteer. That milieu will also get you out of your own head, which is a dangerous place. Worry only undermines your own health. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): What do you want tonight? What do you want in 14 years? Answer the latter question; then think hard about the first. Somewhere in there is a clue about your next big relationship, or necessary changes in your current one. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Demands at work are keeping you from home and family. If that sounds like a good thing, you need to make changes around the house. Whatever work offers that home doesn’t suggests the changes you need to make. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): The best way to avoid arguments is to think twice about what you’re hearing and about how others might hear what you’re saying. Or maybe you’d rather not avoid them. The interchange can open you up to new perspectives. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Sex and money are the biggest sources of domestic disputes. Work on money issues first and be willing to bend on sex. Take the initiative on flexibility. Clearing the air can be rough, but is necessary for a happy home. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): With a little help from your partner or a counselor, your money troubles should alleviate soon. (Given the times, that’s relative!). Acting spacey and lost and trying to deny it could upset your partner. Admitting to being vulnerable and a bit confused will help. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Worrying about your health only makes it worse. Take positive steps. Moderate exercise is good; overdoing it is not. Your ~nances should be going up, but like that first rise on a roller coaster. Be careful with mone Creating Community for P÷op ÷ iving with H V/A DS A 501 c (3) Non ~ofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. VVe provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net ww~v.metrostarnews.com ~ET~OSTAR 21 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. THE LEDO "EYd~RESSIONS Fellowship 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 405-761-1878 www.habanainn.com mw~:expressionsOKC.com I-L&BANA INN 2200 NW 39TH FY..PRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 ~v.habanainn.com I~L~GNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-2!0-8401 *;~,v. magneticvalleyresort.com ~CCO KELLY KIRBY. CPA 4815 S. HARVARD. SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK :* 9 l 8-747-5466 Certified Public Accountam VA±ERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.~Z 13th Street Oklahoma CiD; OK 405-226-8585 A REYNOLDS FORD L~rry Bourne & David Stevens 600 W. Memorial Rd Oklahoma City, OK 405-639-9940 TCL ALIBIS t200 N. PENN Oklahoma City, OK 405-605-3795 Open daily 3pm ANGLES 2117 NXq 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK wmv.anglesctub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa. OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH ~PRESSXg;AY Oklai~oma City, OK 405-525-2900 v~w~,v.habanain n.coln THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH ~_PRESS~*7(Y Oklai~oma City, OK 405-525-0730 wvvxv.habanain n.com TULSA ~EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pro to 2am RED ROCK B.H.S. 4400 N. LINCOLN BLVC Oldahoma City, OK 73105 405-425~0473 Toll Free 1-877-339-3330 OR TIONS: CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC. OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DI\q~RSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK wmv.realaccepmnce.com GREAT PLAINS RODEO E O. BOX 12485 Oklahoma City, OK 73157 ~wv~:ogra.net HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa. OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pro MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 9t8~838q715 www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE. TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Okl~oma City, OK wv~c.okstonewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 mvw.okeq.org ADULT~ CRISTIE’S TOY BOX 1039 S. Meridian Oklahoma Cit> OK 73108 405-948-3333 CRISTIE’S TOY BOX 3126 N. May Ave. Oklahoma Cit3~ OK 73112 405-946-4438 PHOTOG~PHY: JUDY G PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 RFAL ES CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 RagSTA GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 N~" 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn E E June 1, 2010 www.metrostarnews.com ~4ETI~©STAR 23 4}00 "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have T T We meet the STATE Tuesday ofevery month a~ ~he EMOCIATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS Lincoln Aven~Je, Oklc~hc~mc~ (ity (4~5) 427-3366 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, June 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 6 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd; Tulsa, OK Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Garland Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Ed Sikov Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas East Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, May 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/194 The Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/191 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/192 anti gay activist Barack Bitter Girl cocktail chatter DADT Repeal David Bohnett Foundation Don't Ask Don't Tell Don't shop-Adopt employment non-discrimination act (ENDA) Enid-GLBT community center Fitness-Exercise: The Best time to start Gail Vines George Rekers Hate Crime-victim HIV/AIDs fundraisers HOPE Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Lambda League Summer Bowling legal marriage-Iowa Marlin Lavanhar Metro scene MOREcolor exhibition National news Nightclub and Bars Obama Obituaries Oklahoma City Pride Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association (OGRA) Oklahoma News Oklahomans for Equality-30th anniversary Openarms Youth Center Pride Parade and festival Prop 8 QPuzzle Qscopes religion Sooner State Softball Association Supreme Court travel Tulsa Pride Events Tulsa Pride-30 year celebration https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/26f854c3995f27a23db06ea81fb3892c.jpg 73fe64901f21242a27312157b458f4ea https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/27c69474d3e752b6abe4bcc37d74a5c2.pdf a1966cf0dd310fea9ec011cc64385b4f PDF Text Text THE VOLUME 7 PREMIER SOURCE ISSUE 3 FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA Twi~er.com/MetroStarNews e MetroStarNews.com U,S, Census being Conducted for 2010 Same Sex Marriages and There is a particular need and focus on the LGBT community and the census. This community is one of those that has been undercounted. Many don’t feel a connection to the government and how it affects their lives. An inaccurate count could negatively affect their lives and community fro7 the next ten years or longer." Emmet Morris, Partnership Coordinator U.S. Census Regional OfFice, Kansas City, Missouri By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ For the last 220 years the U.S. Census Bureau has been counting the people of the United States of America, recording numbers that reflect many great changes. When the first census was taken in 1790, it was administered by the late our 3rd president. At the time it showed the population of the United States to be 3,929,326 people, of which 697,681 Emmett Morris, U.S, Census Partnership Coordinator with Fran Dozz of Church ofthe Open Arms in OKC. Gorin photo were African American slaves ,who counted as 3/5 of a person for purposes 0f taxation and representation. New York City, then as now, was our largest municipality, but 0nly had around 33,000 people. Gay vet: military is ready for openly gay servicemen By Michael W. Sasser Contributing writer Photo: Navy Lt. Everett "Earl"Morrow While President Barack Obama’s call for the end of the military’s ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ (DADT) policy is stalled in bureaucratic neutral, one recent NaW veteran tells MetroStar that he believes servicemen are ready for out comrades. "Once the decision is made (to end DADT), I think the transition will be quick," said former NaW Lt. Everett "Earl" Morrow. "Troops don’t get enough credit. They will be supportive of it. I’m not saying that there won’t still be homophobes. There are still racists and sexists out there." However, Morrow said, his experience taught him something about servicemen. "I was surprised that more people than not said they didn’t care if someone serving with them was gay," Morrow said. Morrow, who granted his first interview as an out veteran on the subject to Metro-Star, said that he has plenty of experience on which to base his experience. He had a successful NaW career for five years, leaving active duty in April 2008 in part because of the DADT policy. The to repeal the policy recently prompted his to speak out on the subject. ........ Continued See DADT Page-9 Over two centuries later our 2000 census showed a population of 281,421,906 people, and 16% of those counted received a "long form" with over 100 questions, going into far more depth including inquiries about home ownership, finances, relationships and other data. Then as now there were no inquiries as to sexual orientation, but for the first time it did provide a way for gay and lesbian couples to be counted. Asking the sex of the residents of a household with the corresponding relationship, among the options listed for the first time was "unmarried partner." If two persons of same sex at the same address answered with that option, it would statistically record a same sex couple. At that time legal same sex marriage did not exist. ~is has changed since then as same sex marriages became legal in 7 countries, the first being the Netherlands in 200!, followed by Belgium, Sweden; South Africa, Norwa~ Canada and Spain. It became legal in the US nfive St~t~s, the first being ,M~achusetts in ~ 004,followed by Vermont~ Ne~v Hampshire, COnnectiCut, and I6wa; plus marriages that took place in California ~lufing a brief period MARCH 1, 2010 cann0wbec0 d! it was legal there during 2008. As dais is the first census since same sex marriages have gained legal status, this is the first time that same sex couples will be counted as married partners if they indicate that is their relationship. But for the GLBT community as well as all Americans, the census affects far more than that. Numbers from the census impact almost every aspect of our lives, which makes it imperative that there is an accurate count of all the people in our country and where they are. It affects over 170 Federal allocations of money to states and localities, including money for transportation, healthcare including HIV grants, education induding money for school lunch and breakfast programs, Medicaid assistance, money for housing and nutrition assistance, grants for drug education and treatment, Head Start and child care programs, crime prevention assistance and much more. Data ~rom the census also determines how you are represented politic~11); affecting government operations from the Federal level all the way to local School districts. ........ Continued See CENSUS Page-4 State Senator Russell Introduces a Bill restricting Oklahoma cooperation with Federal prosecution of Hate Crimes By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As he had promised to do earlier, State Senator Steven Russell (Republican District 45) has introduced legislation ( SB 2165) that among its provisions would greatly limit Oklahoma state, county and !ocal law enforcement from providing evidence or assistance to Federal authorities prosecuting hate crimes. It proposes that "law enforcement agencies shall deny access to law enforcement records to any Federal agency when such request is made relating to a case handled and completed by a law enforcement agency of this state, and the purpose is to attempt to investigate or prosecute the individual or individuals pursuant to 18- U.C.S. Section 245 (the Federal Hate crimes law with protections added in 2009 for sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability- Matthew Shepard-James Byrd act). Exceptions are basic information that is available for public inspection and records of those convicted pursuant to Section 850 Tide 21 of Oklahoma Statutes, which are Oklahoma’s Hate Crimes laws which do not cover sexual orientation or gender identity. What this entails is that if an Oklahoman was victimized by a hate crime, and Federal authorities deemed the case to be under their jurisdiction, loca! authorities could not provide data beyond the most basic information available to the public, witness statements, physical/forensic or other any other type of evidence or assistance. This would prohibit providing as evidence to Federal authorities a bloody baseball bat or gun used in that type of crime to assist in their prosecution of that hate crime. Since crimes committed due to a victim’s sexual orientation/gender identity are not Hate Crimes under Oldahoma state law, and this restriction ~votfld make Federal prosecution of this type of crime in Oldahoma very difficult if not impossible, this would greatly impede Hate Crimes protection for the GLBT community in Oklahoma. Senator Russell has stated, "Oklahoma has tough good laws that include hate crimes laws. Any murder or brutal assault is hateful. That is the problem with singling ,, out something more with this Federallaw. However A1 McAffrey, Oklahoma’s only openly gay legislator, (Democrat-District 88) has a different opinion, considering this legislation a publicity stunt stating, " Preventing crimes against Oklahomans because of who they are is in no way an attack on free speech. This is nothing but emp,ty rhetoric used to scare and mislead folks. �D ion School District retains gay-friendly book By Michael W. Sasser TULSA, OK__ ~adter a flurry of controversy in January, the Union Public School District of Tulsa County has retained a gay-friendly book available to students. By a 3-1 vote, the District Board of Education decided that "Buster’s Sugartime" would remain on the shelf. The book, by author Marc Brown, is a simplified version of a 2005 episode of the PBS series "Postcards from Buster." It is ostensibly about Buster the Rabbit’s exploration of how maple syrup is made in Vermont. However, the bulk of this particular episode revolves around Buster hanging out with the children of a same-sex couple. Despite only a pair of Very gentle allusions to same-sex parents, the content did prompt many stations to pull the episode. Last year, some parents argued that the book was inappropriate and took their complaint to the district’s Materials Review Committee. That committee backed the book’s presence by a 6-1 margin. At least one set of parents appealed the decision to the Board of Education, which then confirmed the decision with the January 3-1 vote. Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) President Toby Jenkins said that he wasn’t surprised by the decision. "When I first heard about it, I didn’t know what would happen,’~ Jenkins said. !~But I wasn’t surprised by the decision because this is one of the more progressive school districts. They have a non-discrimination policy and a strong Gay-Straight Alliance." Old~q board members include a couple of out Union District employees, Jenkins said. "I knew what the background of the school board was," he said. "Still you can never be too sure. Boards often cave to pressure." Jenkins praised Union for a positive experience interacting on the issue and for even setting up an emait contact for community advocates to express their opinions. "They were very good to work with," Jenkins said. According to Jenkins, stirring the controversy were some advocates who apparently went so far as to express dismay at the bigotry and homophobia expressed by some school parents. "In no way was that something that we did and no statement from us cast any dispersion on parents," Jenkins said. He suspected that some advocates got carried away in their emails to the dedicated address with the District. The more virulent commentary prompted a comlnent from a Union District official defending parents. Its theme was that complaining parents were protesting because gay marriage is "illegal" in Oklahoma - a position Jenkins said is unfortunate and not true. "Gay marriage is not legally recognized in Oldahoma, it is not illegal," Jenkins said. "If a couple marries outside Oklahoma and then comes home, no one comes to arrest them. It’s just that the state doesn’t recognize the marriage." Still, Jenkins was pleased with the outcome and with the District’s handling of the mattm: "I don’t lmow if there will be another appeal but for now it seems resolved," Jenkins said. "Now is a quiet time, but before long it will be something else. There is always something else." The Union Public School Board did not reply to an email seeking comment. Group Forming At OSU-OKC OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ A new social/activist group has formed at OSU-OKC called Diverse Partners, Family, & Friends. Organized by Kyle Moore, the group plans to focus on educational goals and equality for GLBT students at the university. As it is a student group recognized by the university, only enrolled students can vote, but meetings are open to everyone interested. They will meet every Tuesday at 6:15 PM in the Conference Room North on campus. For more information contact Kyle Moore at 405209-6340. uptcv * CiVil Ricjhts *Criminal ’ment o Family Law * Liticjation N.W. Street city, OK 7SlOS �To Haiti with love A benefit to supply HIV reeds for Haidans By Robin Dorner Contributing Writer O~OMA CITY, OK On January !2 a magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook Port au Prince, Haiti. The earthquake left hundreds of thousands dead, millions were homeless and left without food, water or resources. Many of trs thought, "What can I do to help?" XTge sent money, food, water, medical supplies and many of our own citizens went to help in rescue efforts. As the cleanup continues, there is still much needed help. "When the earthquake first hit Haiti, I asked Robin [Dr. Robin Meyers, Mayflower Church pastor] if we could do a Haitian benefit concert at Mayflower," said Rev. Loyce Newton Edwards, an associate at Mayflower who has a Masters Degree in Divinity. "Dr. Maria Lupe, another Mayflmver member and I had a shared vision for this event because of the devastation in Haiti." Edwards is committed to helping HIV + people stay alive and she lost a sister to the disease in 1999. On the UCC (United Church of Christ) national level she serves in three areas related to HIV/AIDS: UCAN. Inc., UCAN Inc. Leadership Team, Wider Church Ministries Board of Directors HIV AIDS Ministries. Haiti has the highest HtV/AIDS rate in the western world. Tl~e UCC Common Global Ministries has a longstanding ~dationship xvith a communion of 6.000 chucches in Haiti. The UCC Haitian Relief Fund had raised over $650,000 for Haiti relief of which 100% of the proceeds go ro our partners in Haiti. By design, this event falls on the first day of"The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS" for ~vhich UCC is a co-sponsor. That week starts Sunday March 7th, which is the day of the benefit. "To Haiti with love" wil! include one great hour of sharing, filled with music, poetry, and inspirational spealdng. At the end of the benefit donations ~vill be accepted for Haitian relief efforts for HIV medications. Please make plans to attend this great event on Sunday; March 7th at Mayflower UCC Church located at 3901 NW 63rd Street in Oklahoma City. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Rev. Loyce Edwards at 405-642-0124 or email her at loycee@sbcglobal.net. O ahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Holds Re-organizational Meeting OFRAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ It was a turning point for the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Politica! Caucus, an organization first incorporated in 1985 that ~vorked to register and educate voters of the GLBT community, and also to educate elected officials about issues of the community as well. During recent years OGLPC had faced difficulty due _to lack of partic_ipation, and a special ~<,.metrostarnews.com meeting was called February 15 to determine ifOGLPC had a future and if so, was the community ready to make it happen, Presided by co-chair Jeanne Flanigan, that meeting was held at Church of the Open Arms, attended by around 15 people, some of~vhom were longtime activists and some newcomers. Ms. Flanigan agreed to continue serving as co-chai~; and Secretary Victor Gorin also agreed to continue in that position. Co-chair Paul Thompson resigned his position, Enough interest was shown for another meeting which would be at the regular time, the second Monday of March which would be the 8th at 7 p.m. ~at. meeting will happen at the usual place, the Neighborhood Alliance Building located at 1236 N.W. 36th Street of Oklahoma City. Democracy for America to Host Grassroots Training in Tulsa Locals to participate in voter contact, fundraising, organizing and messaging sessions BURLINGTON, VT (PR) Hundreds of local activists, campaign staffers and candidates wil! receive hands-on training at an upcoming Campaign Academy hosted by Democracy for America. The two-day interactive worlcshop will be held March 13-14 at the Tulsa County Democratic Party headquarters 907 S. Detroit Ave, Tulsa, OK. Experienced campaign professionals will lead sessions in voter contact, fundraising, communications, online organizing and much more to empower progressive activists with ~he skills to win electiofis in November and beyond. Attendees will also have a chance ro meet with localprogressive Candidates and learn about job andvolunreer opportunities in their area. "Our Campaign Academy trainings empower citizens with the tools to change their communities," said DFA Training Director Matt Blizek. The DFA Campaign Academy aims to focus, network andtrain grassr0ots activists in the skills and strategies to take back our country, manage successful campaigns or run for office themselves. Since 2004, DFA has held more than 100 trainings throughout the country. For more information visit: www. democracyforamerica.com. Obituary OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Dennis Allen Dohm aged 48, passed away at OU Medical Center January 7 due to massive organ failure caused by a heart infection and damage to an aortic valve. He was a well known entertainer in Oklahoma City, best known in his drag persona as Danae Daniels. Performing in regular shows and benefits at Tramps, PhoenLx Rising, & the Hilt, his wild wit and outrageous humor wowed his audiences, showing he was truly special. Oklahoma Tobacco Free help Sooner State Sofi ball Association Opens their 2010 Season By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Once again Oklahoma’s Sooner State Softball Association is opening up for their biggest season ever. During 2009 3 of their teams represented Oklahoma at the NAGAAA ( North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance) g[orld Series held that year in Milwaukee, with the Oklahoma Chaos team achieving the best results with a 7th place finish. Now comprised of 12 teams, the League is working on recruiting players, coaches, sponsorships and other support. Based on their growth last year, they feel they can look forward even better times ahead. Now into their 7th season, the league was formed in order to provide those interested in the GLBT community a place for camaraderie and to play ball! Recreational players are welcomed as well as serious competitors. On Friday March 19 Angles will host a Recruitment Party for the League at 9 p.m. This event is a great chance for those interested to learn about the league, have a few drinks, get to know some of the players and learn what it’s all about. Past and current players are encouraged to wear their team shirts/jerseys, and there will be an informaional booth for learning more and signing up. For more information contact Recruitment Director Chad Previch at soonerstatesoftball@hotmail.com. Herland Celebrates International Women’s Day OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __Herland Sisters Resources will celebrate International \Women’s Day with an "All That Jazz Party" on Saturday March 6th at The Boom Club and Restaurant, 2218 NW 39 th Street. The Jazz Party is a fund-raiser for Herland bookstore, their lending library and events for women, in cooperation with Cimarron Alliance Foundation. The party will feature music by the Dynamics, a local jazz band, playing standards and original music. This is a come-and-go event, beginning at 6 PM with drinks, hors d’oeuvres by Chef Suzie Lopez, and music until 9pm. Guests will be asked for a donation at the door, encouraged to wear gay attire, and will be offered wonderful art work to buy at the silent auction. The auction includes a beautifully framed poster signed by the artist Native American Dana Tiger, art glass, and jewelry along with gift certificates from local businesses. Herland Sister Resources (HSR) is a non-profit organization, and one of the few U.S. women’s bookstores/lending libraries in operation for over 20 years. The bookstore is located at 2312 N\V 39th St., and is open from 1-5 PM each Saturday. HSR also sponsors Spring and Fall Retreats at state parks, monthly supper clubs, a poetry group, the Annual Pride Picnic and game nights. Contact HSR at: 405-5219696, herland@herlandsisters.org or herlandsist~rs.0rg. International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. ~e IXWD ~vebsite lists events worldwide celebrated on or around March 8 each year. For more information about IXYgD: ww~c.internationalw0mensday. com. Ron Harwood & Cathy Hill Seeking International Leather By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Cathy Hill and Ron Harwood. Gorin photo OKJ_At-IOMA CITY, OK It was a hot Friday night at Angles February 12 when a fundraiser was held to send two of our major tideholders of the leather community ro international competition. Ron Harwood, our current Oldahoma Mr.Leather, who also holds the title of Tulsa Mr. Leather 2009, will be competing in Chicago for the International Mr Leather title May 28-Junel. Ms. Cathy Hill, who currently holds the title of South Central Leather Woman 2009 is seeking the title of International Ms. Leather, and that competition will be held in San Francisco on April 15-18. The next upcoming leather contest in Oklahoma will determine our new Tulsa Mr.Leather, and that event will take place on Saturday, March 20 at Tulsa’s Club Maverick’s at 8 p.m. ~is will follow a meet and greet to be held the preceding Friday night, March 19, at t the Tulsa Eagle. Tulsa Metro SoRball League’s Spring 2010 Season Starting TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa Metro Softball League (TMSL) will hold their spring clinics March 14-20 at Hicks Park, 3443 S. Mingo Rd, Tulsa. They may only have one spring clinic. The spring clinics are for new players looking for a team and returning players who want to change teams. Team Coaches ,vill be present to scout the local talent and to recruit. For more information visit: vmwv.TulsaMetroSoftball.com M{~TI~OSTAR 3 �I Low Change Looks Like, but M1 I Can See Are Two Faces. Constitutional Rights Are Not a Raffle Ticket Prize by James Nimmo OKI~HOMA CITY, OK __ In this article from the Salt Lake City Tribune, http://tinyurl.com/ygpfl~6u we’re told that support for LGBTs has "shot up" over the past year following passage of a bias ban approved by the Salt Lake City Council that includes sexual orientation/gender iden’tity in housing and employment. How- many time, have I heard that legislatures and courts must not get too far ahead of the "will of the people" or there will be some ill-described chicken-little type of reaction among the voters, respect for the la~v and morn and apple pie will diminish and Gee-sus himself will come to earth and .... well, you get the drift. AaCter reading the article I’m again reminded that so many people, such as toe-the-line Mormons, can change their opinions merely because their leaders in effect tell them to, either directly through the legislative process or by leading xvith their own behavioral change. If this SLC Tribune poll is close to accurate in its description, just how accurate is the dreadful prediction that if United States Supreme Court rules in fa~vor of same-gender marriage on appeal of the currently litigated California Prop 8 trial~ ,~x~erica ~vill fall into total oblivion with Joe Six-Pack hubbies divorcing their long suffering wives to run offfor a gay fling with Ted Haggard, and Sally Soccer rooms running off to pal around with Ellen Degeneres for free samples of Cover Girl make-up? Just how far in front of public opinion does the Supreme Court need to be ifa majority of Mormons in Utah, which led the fight with Roman Catholics against Prop 8 in California in 2008, can increase by a range of 10% to 45% their approval and acceptance of gay/lesbian civil rights in their own state? By the way, the recognition of my civil rights is inherent with my birth as an American citizen and in no way needs approval from anyone, let alone those who believe in golden tablets from the sky, magic underwear, and ancestral baptism. The denial of my civil rights because I’m gay is what’s wrong, not my desire to have the same social, financial, and legal benefits which I’m paying for with my taxes. No one’s Constitutional civil rights should be held up as the prize for a rafl]e ticket in the lottery of public opinion. What I’m coming around to is this: If America had a national spokesperson who led using the force of law as well as his own example and not just by mere words of fierce advocacy, and who had led by his presence in Maine in its recent vote on same-gender marriage, or even farther back, to the California vote in November 2009 on Prop 8--both votes having a devastating setback on civil rights fiar gay/lesbian taxpayers--can’t you imagine that successful votes would have reinforced the legislative and judicial decisions that were already in place at the time, decisions that fully recognized our 4 ~ttET~:~,OSTAR rig!~ts of citizenship? What if that person was the president of the United States, one who prides himself on his commitment to changing the tone of government in Washington? I know what change-I-can-believe-in looks like, but all I can see are two faces. Oklahoma Man Sues Tax Commission Over "IM Gay" License Plate OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ Oklahoma taxpayer Keith Kimmel has filed a civil lawsuit in Oklahoma County District Court against the Oklahoma Tax Commission, continuing a battle for freedom of speech on vanity license plates. The suit seeks to have part of the Commission’s rules regarding the issuance of personalized license plates declared unconstitutional. Keith Kimmel, who filed the suit through his attorney provided the following statement: "The Oklahoma Tax Commission is continuing to subject Oklahomans to a subjective decision making process in issuing personalized vanity license plates. Under our state Constitution, all Oldahomans enjoy the right to freedom of speech and an equal opportunity to express their viewpoints. Previous testimony in the administrative proceedings held on this matter have shown that the Commission is sdectively granting and denying applications based on Commission employees’ own personal prejudices and viewpoints. The Constitution requires that state rules are ;¢iewpoint neutral, with an objective standard that puts the taxpayer on notice of what is legal and what is not. This suit is intended to put an end to the Tax Commissions unconsntunonal practice of subjecting taxpayers to the whim of individual employees." The case is Keith Kimmel v State of Oklahoma, ex rel, Oklahoma Tax Commission, Oklahoma County Case No. CJ-2010-1072. Federal law requires that the count include all U.S citizens, all legal residential noncitizens, long term visitors, and illegal aliens. There are many groups that have been undercounted in the past, including African Americans, Native A~mericans, Latinos, the poor, and the GLBT community. Discrimination and prejudice against people in these communities have made many feel bitterness and distrust of government in general, causing them to avoid cooperation with the census either out of anger and/or fear. Although we can be reasonably certain that there have always been GLBT people in America, there is little recorded history about them until the 20th century, and considering the legal status of the GLBT community until the late 20th century, this would hardly be surprising. Sodomy laws, which prohibited same sex activity, were in affect in all 50 states until 1962 (when Illinois was the first state to repeal their state sodomy statute), and some, including Oklahoma’s, were in effect until 2003 when the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated these statutes (Lawrence vs. Texas). Currently there is still no Federal protection for the GLBT community against job and housing discrimination, nor is there in 29 states even today, including Oldahoma. There was no Federal Hate Crimes law until late 2009. Understandably there are many in the GLBT community who feel, like others in similarly challenged groups, resentment and!or fear of government which could cause them to avoid participation in the census. In order to ensure an accurate count, legislati.on has made the process safe for all to participate. Information obtained by the Census Bureau is confidential by Federal law (Title 13 U.S. Code). Any employee that divulges confidential information outside the agency could face up to 5 years imprisonment and be fined up to $250,000. Census information about an individual cannot be used in a court of lave, nor is that information subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. No individual, private business or government authority can obtain personally identifiable data from the Census Bureau, including the ~]hite House, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the military, welfare agencies, CIA or the FBI. The rule even supersedes the Patriot Act. Yet despite these protections there is still fear and mistrust that impedes cooperation and causes ~ndercounting. The bureau realizes that these protections wofft serve their intended purpose of ensuring an accurate count unless people know about and understand them. Therefore, combined with these safeguards is a massive educational effort, and the GLBT community is now included among those groups they want to reach out to.~ X~orldng with this effort is Emmett Morris, a Partnership Coordinator with the Census Bureau worldng in the Kansas City Regional Office that oversees Oklahoma. He met with the Metro Star to inform the GLBT community about the 2010 census and its importance, and also to gather ideas about hmv to work with the Oklahoma GLBT community to ensure an accurate count. As he put it, "We want the GLBT community to know that the census is really about them, as it is with everyone. It’s about their future, and ,ve live with everyday tangible aspects of our lives that come about because of census numbers including roads, jobs, bridges, companies locating here and more. It’s not a bunch of numbers that live in abstract in Washington D.C. in some computer. These numbers actually come back to serve community needs, prosperity and our quality of life." In mid March 90% of U.S. households will receive a U.S. Census form to fill out. This will be preceded by a postcard letting the, residents know in advance. ~xe questionnaires will sent out by address and not to individuals by name. The form has only 10 questions, is easy to fill out and can be returned by mail with the provided postage paid envelope. If there is no response it wilt ’ be followed by a second form, and if there is still no response a census worker will attempt to get the information in person. In the interest of an accurate count at the lowest possible cost, recipients are encouraged to fill out the form and mail it back as soon as possible. The Census Bureau will be worldng with various communities in this effort, setting up centers to help people with the forms, answer concerns they may have, and gathering information. Bi or multi lingual people will especially be needed, as they are planning to provide assistance in 59 languages. They will need workers to staff these centers, along with field workers to do follow up inquiries door to door and to count people in unconventional housing, including the homeless. In this effort they will attempt to hire personnel from their respective communities, realizing that people who have familiarity with a certain community, group or ethnicity can do a better job reaching out to those who need to be counted. Currently the U.S. Census Bureau has 5 Oklahoma offices, located in Oklahoma City, Tuls~l, Tahlequah, Enid and Lm~on. They are many job openings, so if you are interested in what could be a quite interesting endeavor that could lead to other opportunitieS,~please call toll free 866- 860-2010. It’s a chance that comes once every 10 years. "First t sday" Art Opening and Exhibit of New and Original Works by Robb Conover TULSA, OK (PR) __ ~ne March Oklahomans for Equality (Old,q) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa), will feature a new and unusual "Progressive Display" of works by artist Robb Conover; the show begins with a reception on Thursday, March 4th from 6-9pro and continues throughout the month of March. The March exhibit at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Gallery will feature a catalogue of works by Robb Conover which will create a progression of art from one side of the gallery to the other. This is an exciting acrylics on canvas display; it is unlike anything that has been in the Gallery before and promises to be an unusual and visually stimulating presentation. Robb lived in Tulsa in the 1970’S and 80’s; He currently resides in Dallas and is represented io several galleries there. Please join us to visit with Robb at the Opening Night Reception on Thursday, March 4, from 6to ,9pm. Refreshments will be served. Robb s art will be on display through March 20 t 0. March 2010 �Wockner News Service Gays arrested at NYC marriage license bureau activist than a neutral referee. That’s no secret at all." The trial is expeqted to resume sometime in March or April for closing arguments. Gay lmaTers, activists and others who followed the testimony have.asserted, nearly unanimously, that the gay side won the case in a landslide. Walker’s ruling likely will see appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and then to the U,S. Supreme Court. If successful, the lawsuit could bring about tlxe legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide. If unsuccessful, it could have the effect of stopping the movement for same-sex marriage, which now is legal in five states, dead in its tracks for possibly a generation. Moves to repeal samesex marriage in Iowa and NH fail Four members ofa new ACT UP-like group known as Queer Rising were arrested in Manhattan On Feb. 12 after chaining then~elves to the entrance ofthe New York Ci{y Marriage Bureau. Photo by Jamie McGonnigal, www. TalkAboutEquality.org NEW YORK, NY__ Four members of a new ACT UPdike group known as Queer Rising were arrested in Manhattan on Feb."12 after chaining themselves to the entrance of the New York City Marriage Biireau. Alan Bounville, Jake Goodman, Justin Elzie and Gabriel Yuri Bollag sought equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. Dozens of gay marriage supporters cheered them on. Twenty same-sex couples went inside and tried to obtain marriage licenses. ~ey were rebuffed. A gay naan and a lesbian then presented themselves as a faux couple, asked for a license and were given one. "New York City is home to the Stonewall Riots and in that tradition we are here to say that equality doesn’t arrive through the ballot box," said Queer Rising spokesperson Spring Super. "~e bankrupt strategy of putting all efforts into electing so-called friendly officials has failed," Super said. "We must shift to building a grassroots, national movement that demands full equality by any means necessary. New York state recognizes same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions but does no~ allow them itse!£ Same-sex marriage is lega! in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. It also is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain and Sweden -- and in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province. It will become legal in "Washington, D.C., in March and in Portugal later this year. S.F. Chronide says iud e federal Prop 8 ca e gay- identified himself as ~d~lker’s friend, said he had spoken with Walkeh and expressed concern that "people will come to the conclusion that (\Nralker) wants to conceal his sexualiD:" "He has a private life and he doesn’t conceal it, but doesn’t think it is relevant to his decisions in any case, and he doesfft bring it to bear in any decisions," said the second judge, who agreed that Walker’s sexual orientation is "newsworthy" -- in the same way it would be newsworthy if a Jewish judge were hearing a case involving the AntiDefamation League, the Chronicle said. A lawyer for the pro-Prop-8 side, Andy Pugno, said his team won’t do anything with the revelation. "We are not going to say anything about that," he told the Chronicle. " The National Organization for Marriage, however, might feel less restrained. In a letter to supporters about the Chronicle article, Executive Director Brian Brown alleged: "We do lmow one really big important fact about Judge Walker: He~ been .an amazingly biased and one-sided force throughout this trial, far more akin to an Vaughn Walker, the judge heariflg the federal same-sex marriage case in San Francisco, "is himself gay," the San Francisco Chronicle reported Feb. 7. The case, featuring famous lav~Ters Ted Olson and David Boies on the gay side, seeks to overturn Proposition 8, California’s voterpassed constitutional ban on gay marriage, as a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law. "Many gay politicians in San Francisco and lawyers who have had dealings with Walker say the 65-year-old jurist, appointed to the bench by President George H.W. Bush in 198% has never taken pains to disguise -or advertise -- his orientation," the Chronicle said. Asked by the paper if he had "any concerns about being characterized as gay," Walker responded, "No comlnent." Right after the interview was conducted, however, another judge contacted the paper, www.rnetrostarnews.com Iowa legislators opposed, to same-sex marriage vcere unable to force resolutions out of House and Senate committeds Feb. 9 in support of a statewide vote to amend the constitution to re-ban gay nuptials. Nineteen senators signed a petition to get the Senate measure out of committee, but 26 signanires were needed. In the House of Representatives, a vote to push the measure out of committee failed 45 to 54. " A recent poll found that 62 percent of Iowans don’t think the Legislature should tackle the issue. Same-sex marriage became legal in Iowa in April 2009 courtesy of the state Supreme Court. A spokesman for the state’s main gay rights group, One Iowa, expressed relief at the developmeffts but warned against the g~, side’s letting down its guard. "Our opponents are ruthless aped will stop at nothing to take away the freedom to marry," said Communications Director Justin Uebelhor. "There were four legislative attempts to undermine the Supreme Court’s ruling last year and we expect more political attacks this year. We don’t want to take anything for granted and are communicating this message to our supporters and media on the ground. In addition to the constitutional amendment, a religious-exemption bill has already been proposed and we have to be vigilant of any attempts to chip away at the ruling." Also on Feb. 9, a committee of the Ne~v Hampshire House of Representatives overwhelmingly killed t~vo bills aimed at. rebanning same-sex marriage. One bill called for a public vote on gay marriage. The other would have repealed the la~v that legalized it. In addition to being allowed in Iowa and New Hampshire, same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. It also is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain and Sweden -- and in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province. It will become legal in Washington, D.C., in March and in Portugal later rkis year. g~ET~,# STAR 5 �Stress Test By Ronald Blake Contributing V&iter Photo: RonaM Blake, Certified Fittwss I~zstructor ~hrough ISSA International Sports Sciences Association You have vowed to lose 30 pounds before your niece’s wedding in September. Your trainer and doctor are recommending an exercise stress test before you lace up the sneakers and start sweating. What’s that and who needs one of those? These tests can also be called graded exercise stress tests or GXT’s. Affix whatever title you want to this procedure but it simply measures how your heart performs with and without exercise. Nae American Heart Association (AIq_A) has stated that an individual under 40 years old can forego this test if he or she has had a normal physical exam, doesn’t show signs of cardiovascular disease, and has no coronary risk factors. The captain’s turned off the caution sign and you’re }}ee to roam around the exercise However if you are a man or women over 40 years old, have an abnormal physical exam and/or have two or more coronalT risk factors then it’s time to schedule that exercise stress test. This just means your fitness flight has been grounded until the medical tower dears you for takeoff. The GXT can be done in a doctor’s once, a hospital, or a specialized hea~Ith cam facility. Talk with your doctor and decide where this should take place. Nae .AH~ guidelines call for there to be professionals trained in CPR to administer these tests. Furthermore, one of the techs in the testing area should be advance cardiac life support certified with a doctor iri the building. You’re not in Haiti after the big quake so it’s safe to assume this is all in place when you go for your exam. It’s just nice to know for peace of mind! The test is usually done on a treadmill wtaile you are hooked up to devices that’ll give you a feeling of Pinocchio and Geppetto attaci~ment. The test with its tracking equipment wil! check your blood pressure, heart rate, and the electrical activity and rhythm of your ticker. An analysis will be performed before any stress or exercise i~ started and an additional analysis will be gathered as exercise is introduced. Your heart could show signs of adequacy at rest but not after exercise. There are maW possibilities and the results will show this. Tr~e nurses, doctors, and techs administeting this exam will gradually increa~se the speed and incline on your treadmill to assess your cardiovascular limits. ~{Then symptoms of exhaustion and fatigue appear the testers will cease their period of sadistic glee and record the findings. 6 The findings should be discussed with your doctor. About 15% of these results will be false positive which indicates there is a problem when there really isn’t a problem. About 30% of the results will be false negative reports which show you are OK when you really aren’t. This is ~vhen you look at your doctor with your best confused face and beseech his advice. Another GXT might be requested or other testing methods might be called upon for further explanation of your situation. When in doubt always make the decision to err on the side of safety when starting a fitness program. That might mean taking the GXT. Tixese tests are just as important as buying the correct training shoes, workout clothes, and health club membership. Join my masochistic readers who called their physicians to inquire about graded exercise tests several minutes ago! This column is brought to you by that guy who once challenged George Bush to a spelling bee. That orthographist who never heard back from the \ghite House is Ron Blake and he can be reached at wv~v. myblalcefitness.com. Oklahomans for Equality Tulsa opens Health Clinic for the uninsured. TULSA, OK (PR)~ __ OlcEq has opened a Health Clinic in collaboration with Dr. Jeremiah Rutherford, M.D., PC for the uninsured. The clinic will be held at the Dennis R. Nell Equality Center, 621 E. 4th Street, Tulsa, OK each ~ursday from 6 pm to 9 pm. The dinic also offers free HIV testing Tuesday through ~ursday, 6-8 pm and Saturday, 4-7 pro. For more information: 918-743-4297 Tramps, O KC Have a Heart Benefit--Love at its finest By Victor Gorin Designer Keith Reding with emcee l~aven Del Ray at Have a Heart Benefit at ~’amps. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It is rare to see a more festive expression of love than what happens at Tramps every Valentine’s weekend when they hold their Have a Heart Benefit. It began over 20 years ago as a team effort of the late Larry Crosby, then a coowner of Tramps, and Sister Gall Addis who was then with Catholic Charities’ Loaves and Fishes program which provided meals for those living with HIV. Since then it has become a wild yet sacred Okflal~oma City tradition. Although Larry has passed away; his sister Camille Rohn still is a part owner of Tramps. Ms.Rohn and the staff of Tramps, along with many othe[s of the community who share their time, {alent and money, have made this event a proud tradition in her brother’s memory. ~xis year it was special as the celebration was held on Valentine’s Day itsel}] giving it a special bonus, although as Camille puts it, ’This is giving back to the community, and we look forward to it every year." This time over $8,000 was raised, and Tony Sinclair is already shopping for fabulous items to auction off next year! March 2010 �Week three is a charm on RuPauFs Drag Race. most recer t cor testant to a hay away talks £ood, com try Western and the beauty By Bebe Zahara Benet I was surprised to learn Mystique ~vas ecstatic over RuPaul switching out their script with the one being used by the other team. "For us, it got easier because the script was easier," she explained. "I was happy. It was actually fun." I also wanted to know what she thought of Raven, and her sometimes very cutting comments about Mystique and food. "Out of everybody on the show, Raven is the only one I have not heard from," Mystique told me. "Haters are everywhere, but haters make my life easier, because I work harder just to make you hate on me even more." Mystique stands by her decision to go with a very modern interpretation of country wear for her runway walk, and argues what the other girls presented was more a Western look. "I don’t like making fun of people," she explained, noting that if she had gone for a stereotypical look it may have offended her most dedicated fans. When I think Mystique, I think splits, more splits, which leads to additional splits. And then remember Mystique? She’s the one who nails the splits! I can barely lift my leg, and here is a big girl making it look so easy. "My signature is my eyes and my spins," she said. But when she really wants to shock, she breaks out a split. Mystique must get into the zone, because when she watched her solo on TV last week, she didn’t even remember she did a death drop! Now that’s a girl who knows how to work for a crowd. Mystique, thank you for your inspirarion, thank you for your self-integrity and thank you for being yourself. Catch RuPaul’s Drag Race at 9 p.m. (ET/ PT) every Monday night on Logo and visit LOGOonline.com to find out about viewing parties in your area. Until next week, kisses and splits! ~~ello all you beautiful people! Can you believe it is week three of RuPaul’s Drag Race already? So much is happening - let’s get right into my conversation with Mystique Summers Madison, the Texas beauty who went out with a bang! I was impressed how well Mystique did in the third episode’s opening challenge, when she just dove right in and swallowed down all those mystery foods she had to eat. "I was like, ’Oh no, it’s fried food,’" Mystique remembered. "I hadn’t had fried food in four months. Oh my God, I just went for it. I was just swallowing, I wasn’t tasting." Even though she looked like a cool cucumber, Mystique was nervous. "It was the scariest thing evel;" she revealed. "Zl~at was drag Fear NOTE: Ifyou missed weeks 1 & 2 Metro St[zr News online will cover all 12 weeks and it will be posted on out" website at: www. metrostarnews, corn Factor[" ~at win made Mystique one of the group leaders for the Disco "Extra Greasy" shortening TV commercial exercise, and I wanted to know what her strategy was for pictdng which gifts would be on Team Mystique. "Pandora did work editing TV commercials, and Jessica is a dancer," Mystique explained. "Everybody else had pretty makeup and were people I got along with." www.metrostarnews.corn ~t~oSTAR 7 �3131 ~. Pennsylvania, Oklaho 405.525.9555 put the °°gay°° in Christian, CC Un A ~etropoli~n Co~uni~ Church Chuck greckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. 8 March 2010 �"%q~en t watched the initial Senate hearing. I was offended by what the opposition said - that [gay servicemen] undermine units," Morrow said. "The policy already does that. You can’t build unit cohesion because people cafft be honest. There are a lot of traditions in the military, a lot of social situations that really help create camaraderie. People bring their wives and girlfriends to events." Morrow said that he believes most of the men with whom he served would have been able to handle his coming out if it had been possible. It was not; and a promising career was cut short to the Naw’s detriment. "There were other reasons as well, but certainly the policy was a big part of it," Morrow said. "I did not think there was any way for the two parts of my life to work together." Morrow grew up in a small town in Connecticut, graduated high school and then opted for the US Naval Academy. He was keenly aware of his orientation from an early age but said he had no struggle to come to terms with it. Still he decided to head to the Naval Academy where he effectively had little social life for the following four years. "It didn’t occur to me what a challenge it would be being gay and going to the Academy;" Morrow said. Morrow’s social isolation continued for the bulk of his active duty career, which included periods ashore as well as serving on submarines. It was during the long time underwater that he had the opportunity to learn about the sensibilities of those with vchom he served. "We had a tot of time to discuss just about eveD~hing and the subject of homosexuality came up," Morrowsaid. "It really surprised me that most people said they really didn’t care." Had he been able to serve openly, Morrow believes it would have helped serve the cause of understanding and acceptance. Once people find that they lmow someone who is gay, it is much more likely that they would be accepting. In many cases, Morrow said, prejudice is just a matter of unfamiliarity. Morrow said that he was pleased to see Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, assert recendy that servicemen were not being given the credit for acceptance that they deserved. Still, after years of being afraid of being identified and even though he was offered the exact position and assignment he most coveted with the Nav~ he left active duty and today works in the medical equipment field in New York. He said that were DADT not in effect, it was likely he would have stayed with the NaW. "Ultimately DADT is discrimination," Morrow said. "It fails to recognize that homosexuality is the same as race and sex. Tl~e military doesn’t recognize that. In general if that was recognized the policy would end tomorrow. As a consequence of that, the military is losing good people." Today, Morrow remains in the Reserve. lie’s a member of SAGALA -- Service Academy Gay & Lesbian Alumni -- and he participated in an off-camera interview for the documentary film "Out of Annapolis," which is expected to premiere this spring, likely on the independent film circuit. Morrow said that gay men aa~d women will oneday be able to openly serve in the ~.metrostarnews.com military - it’s only a matter of when. He said that the potential for the repeal of DADT is "as real" as it has ever been. "~xe Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Secretary of Defense Gates...the highest military officers all agree...I think it’s come a long way," Morrow said. "Since it was passed by Congress, it must be repealed by Congress. I think there are currently 180-something congressmen willing to effectively eliminate DADT. Hopefully it will be sooner than later." LGBT Lobby Day to be hdd at state cap to1 By Robin Townsend Contributing XX~riter OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ The Equality Network is hosting a lobby day at the State Capito! and you are invited, in fact, encouraged to attend. The event is geared to visitors telling our representatives that citizens care about LGBT equality in Oklahoma. There xvill be a brief training, networking, and visiting with representatives as well as having lunch together. "From its inception last year, TEN (The Equality Network) identified an annual LGBT Lobby Day as one of its top priorities," said Laura Belmonte, Vice President and CoFounder ofTEN. "We believe a consistent presence at the State Capitol is critical to increasing and maintaining the visibility of LGBT Oklahomans and their allies, to putting forward a proactive program for LGBT equality, and to giving individuals the knowledge and confidence they need to engage their representatives effectively." Belmonte’s personal advocacy experience spans almost twenty years and has entailed public speaking, creating and organizing e-advocacy campaigns, writing op-eds, media monitoring, and lobbying public officials directly. She is a professional historian and lifelong news and politics junkie - those traits also help shape and inform my activist endeavors. "Our most important goal is to secure passage of pro-LGBT legislation and to block passage of bills that are detrimental to LGBT Oldahomans," adds Bdmonte. "This will be a continual, long-term effort. It is going to take time and effort to move Oklahoma toward more inclusive and just public policies for LGBT people." TEN would like to have people from as many of Oklahoma’s political districts as possible participate in LBGT Lobby Day. If concerned citizens from any district register, appointments will be made with those representatives, including Rep. Sally Kern. "In the current session, Senator Steve Russell has introduced a bill highlighting the inadequacies of Oklahoma’s hate crimes law," furthers Behnonte. "Sen. Russell’s bill makes it impossible for law enforcement officials to work with federal agencies in prosecuting hate crimes targeting people because of sexual orientation or gender identity’. In essence, the senator’s bill attempts to lock in place Oklahoma’s current weak hate crimes statute and to prevent the state from enforcing the LGBT-inclusive federal hate crimes law, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act enacted in October 2009. Passage of this bill would have a terrifying impact on LGBT Oldahomans." To register for LGBT lobby day, please go to http:// theequalitynetwork.org. There is no fee for the event. For more information, contact Laura Belmonte at lbelmonte@ theequalitynetwork.org or 918.906.2134. For more information about TEN, see the art*de in next month’s Metro Star. Deep Inside Hollywood By Romeo San Vicente Susan Sa andon entering Valley PoiSed to re-enter pop-culture consciousness as a feature ilhn, The Big Valley is justthe right sort of remake candidate: one that’s had time to exit public consciousness first. It has no other cast yet, but Romeo would love to see a gay cowboy subplot somewhere in the mix. Nothing major, just something where the quiet "special friends" get to live happily ever after. Whorehouse to reopen for business So Nine tanked at the box office. Oh well. We’re now back at a point in the moviemaking landscape where one failed big-budget musical doesn’t derail the genre’s viabilit~ which is great news for fans of that heightened reality Susan Sarandon Paramount Pictures Photo where breaking into song and choreographed dance Back in the 1960s, Barbara Stanwyck moves is commonplace. Here come two (who may or may not have been bisexual - as more: The Song Is You, from Dreamgirls was rumored during her career - but who director Bill Condon, is about a man who was a favorite of lesbian and gay audiences turns to music as a refuge, connecting it to all the same) played Victoria Barkley, sturdy key moments in his life (or as Condon has matriarch of the wild west TV drama The described it, "(falling) into his *Pod Shuffle"). Big Valley. So it’s fitting, in a way, that Susan In turn, the man also falls into a romance Sarandom about whom no one creates with a singer he hasn’t even met. At the sexuality rumors because her early career same time, the remake of The Best Little, choices (The Hunger and The Rocky Horror Whorehouse in Texas is or;the horizon. No Picture Show) more or less cemented her cast yet, no release date yet, no nothing yet, position as a queer screen icon, may be ...Continued see HOLLYWOOD page ~ 12 stepping into Stanwyck’s ladylike boots~ ~{ ETROSTAR 9 �March 2010 �Room Rates From ~2.95 A~ About Our Suites �Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. Out & Aboua in OKC & Tulsa @ Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City Deep Inside Hollywood-continued from page -9 just a teasing promise. So, message to people responsible: obviously she’s not going to play the lod, but there must be a liberal infusion of Dolly Parton into this movie all the same. Anything tess wilt be blasphemy. Now go r~ake i~ work. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The End Up, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma Cit ~Club Majestic, Tulsa a biopic about the late gay artist Robert Mapplethorpe, she probably knew tl~er&l be clout-and cash-collecting detours along the way. And here they are: the horror film Zoe, slated for 20 ! 1 a~nd Co-starring James ~ Anyone who fbllows the man recently ejected from a Southwest Airlines flight for taking up too much seat space knows that Kevin Smith is a bear. A heterosexual one, but }till a bear. ~d his gay bear colleague, documentau fihmnaker }v~alcolm Ingrain (Small %wn Gay Bar, which Smith producedX has enlisted the help of Silent Bob to get his new project offthe ground. Smith has executive-produced and also makes an appearance in Bear Nation, a doc from Ingram about the bear subculture (for the still-uninitiated, they are that niche market of gay" men who refuse to Shdve, xvax, or say no to seconds at the buffet} and all the Van Der Beek and Freddie Prinze, Jr. (is it set in the ’90s too?} in which Dushku play,s a small-town waitress terrorized by... -,veil... something; you’ll see when it opens. And ways they’ve begun to make their presence then there’s the future mega-event ka~own as known in the larger gay" world. 7fhe film Ghostbusters III, a project sh& been circling, premieres any minute now at Austin’s South one that would pretty nmch catapult her to By SoUthwest Film Festival. Non-Ausdnites the A-list, with all th’e production shingle will have to wait for a local lest or cable airing, all of which are highly likely to follow. perEs that status tends to dole out. Hope so. And really, what’re a few slimed ghosts on the Prep now by growing that fiacial hair. road to making art? Ehza Dushkus road to Mapplethorp Romeo San l~cent&J~vorim thing about Actors with ambition to produce and bea~s # thdrproximity toj}ied chicken direct knoW that tO make d~ir dream projects and wa~s. He can be reached care ofthis come true there are dues to be paid. So publication or at DeepInsMeHollywood@ whenDollh0use star Eliza Dust~ku announced qsyndicate.com. her intentions to n’lake ~lhe Per~?ct Moment, Free help 12 184.8669 @Club 209, Tulsa March 2010 �by Jack Fertig March 2010 "Tweet, ScorpioV’ Mercury in Pisces sextile to Pluto in. Capricorn offers very deep insights that seem illogical, but go with your gut. Your subconscious may be catching rational connections that your conscious - mind doesn’t see. ARIES (March 20- Apri~ 19): Folks in charge have a hidden agenda. Reading between the lines isn’t necessarily paranoiac. Confide in a close friend to keep that in proportion. If you must choose between loyalty and ambition, think ahead and remember who you are, TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Hints of the future and conversations with friends challenge some of your beliefs, triggering inner conflicts. You like life more certain, but accept the challenge to be truer to yourself and more ready for what’s coming. Resistance to inevitable change only makes it harder. GEM~N~ (May 21- June 20): Sharing a confidence with your boss could open him or her up to letting you in on some secrets. The road to power r~eed not pull you away from your friends, but your goals may-challenge you to choose or reconcile. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Pluto in Capricorn until 2023 means that financial worries will be with all of us for awhile, and that you will tend to worry way too much. Your biggest challenge is to keep perspective. That takes practice. Easy does it! CAPRICORN (December 21 -January t9): If you’re not careful you may reveal some very personal secrets. If you are careful you could learn a few! Assert yourself in a mature way - being responsible and independent- to shift your status in your family. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): A shopping list or receipt could be a meditative focus. Consider what you eat, what you use, what you need, what you don’t and how this reflects your habits and goals. Compare the reality to your ideals and see what you can learn about yourself. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Even if a bit pessimistic, your foresight will be appreciated. Times are tough, and a thoughtful assessment is much more valuable than false optimism. Ruthless honesty could still upset some friendships; try to be diplomatic. musical CANCER {June 21- July 22): Ideals and religion should offer guideposts, not strict instructions. The way to effective partnership in love and work needs some improvisational detours from those marked paths. Independent thought and extrapolation breathe real value into.old faith and wisdom. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Identifying strongly with a sexuallydefined community can strengthen or limit your individuality - or do both. Discuss this with your partner or a Iongtime friend. Be very clear about how your milieu affects your own creative spirit. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Service to your community does give you deep insight; respect that it does so for others, too! Sharing your insights will help everyone; try to keep the corn petitive urges entirely friendly to build cooperation. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): "Your wonderfu, wicked wittiness will delight your friends, but could make big trouble at work. Keep a journal handy or Tweet your pals in those moments when you can hardly suppress yourself, but it is neither the time nor the place! www.metrostarnews.com Down 10r~sm, e.g. 2Top 3 Lady’s title 4 iWriter Calvino 5 Audeffs adieus 6 Cabaret’s "Mein . " 7 Name that rhymes w~th dtck . 8 Sex Pistols singer Vicious 9 Take care of 10Home of the WNBA’s Lynx 11 Gay vide~ directory name 12 Da Vinci~ Lig~ i3 GUmming on tl~estage 21,Basi~,0fB~ theme from a Sherman METROPOLITAN LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): There’s a time and place to show off your sexual prowess. At work that energy is best sublimated to focus on practical techniques to get powerful results. Go slow and steady at exercise. Trying too hard could get you hurt! Across COMMUNITY CHURCHES Hemsley sitcom) 38 Pointless 39 Milita~, policy 25 Gangster niclmamed Scarface 27 Bend over and grab them 28 Home swle 30 Chop 31 Lesbos, for one 32 Slippery swimmers 33 Cheese in red 34 Petv 0fA League of~eir Own 35 %e I in IHO# (abb~0 36 Supporters of~ome drag queens 40 Bryant, but not Bear 41 Bosie, to Alfred Dougi~ Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 47 ~ternative to HBO 49 Rods of drivers 5 ! Intercourse while surfing? the ground 52 Keep an 53 Rest atop 54 Lingo Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meat Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org 55 Woody ~dley 56 Garfeld s wNpping boy 57 Beau, barely 58 Nickelodeon ~plorer Farewell" 59 Force;that ~mes you to go down 52 Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! Soludon page 15 be mailed ~7 oSTAR 13 �AXDSWALK OKC Holding their First & by Greg Fox Fundraiser of 2010 Each Step Brings Hope By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OI<LAHOMA CITY, OK __ AIDS Walk OKC began in 1998 with a mission to raise money and consciousness about HIV, to help those infected and affected, promote prevention, and raise awareness and understanding through education. Since then this annual event has raised over $400,000 for various nonprofit groups working in these areas including RMN, Other Options, Guiding Right, and many others. ~is ?Tear the Walk has been moved up to September 19 and the route has changed, now beginning at the Sonic Plaza in Brickto~vn. Although the route has changed it still is a Sunday afternoon event with preregistration beginning at 12:30 P.M. with stepoffat 2 p.m. Likewise tables ~vill still be available for vendors and for various groups to give out information. The Walk will also be preceded that day by the 5K run, which will begin on John Carter Drive and Rent Avenue, with registration for that event beginning at 11 a,m. Participation in that race costs $20 in advance, $25 the day of the race, and the runners are offat 12:30 p.m. Now chaired by John Greer MDSWalk OKC has 5 new board members, Dwayne Jones, Scott Hines, Cindy Cabrera, Diane "Wood & Maria Srouiji, who share a vision for the future. This year’s theme for the ’,Walk is "Each Step Brings Hope", and their first fundraiser will be at Partners, March !9 at 9 p.m., featuring entertainers John Beebe, Sonja Martinez and other great local entertainers. It’s a chance to get this event off:to a strong start for 2010! For more information www.aidswalkokc.org "Gay? I though you were bisexual." \ "1 got an upgrade.,’ ... WITH My ! lVebsite - www.kylecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aol.com bitter gid March 2010 �Suppo~ those who suppo~ us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. DA ~BANA INN ~6~ 16~S o~ly 825~ Addifi0nal 2200Oldahoma~7 39THciv,oK~P~SSWAY 405-528-2221 ww~ahabanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eurelm Springs, AR 800-210-840I www.magneticvalleyresor t.com B~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tialsa, OK~--’~ ~/"* 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W. I3th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 v [w~&................ THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pro to 2am CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOVTSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK v~vw.realaccep tance, com CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com 8o70 o 887 ~XPnether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm Northwest Arkansas Center For Equality "Linldng Together as One" A~kansas~ Bxdasive For more information: 888-391-9222 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline PRIMEPdCA Dana Tulsa, Oklahoma 877.700.9503 Chuck Breckenridge JUDY ............... G. ...................................................... PHOTO S ......... Tulsa OK judyg;hotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 v#¢~¢¢, nwacenterforequality.org 179 Church Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalteyresort .com info@magneticvalleyres or t .com 800-2!0-8401 479-244-682J_ USED EVENING GOWNS MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK ................. 918:838~1715 .................... x~-ww.mcctulsa.org ........ ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oldahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 w~.v.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 ,a-a-~aclubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPP,£SSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 xw~,v.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW- 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 vavw.habanainn.com w~v.metrostarnews.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK www.okstonewall.org Tulsa, OK 74158 OK_LAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org Creating Community for People iving with H V/A DS A 501 c (3) Non Picofit 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 H1V+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these itenqs 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 ~ETROSTAR 15 �its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through "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 o~ the Oklahoma and national Democratic Pariy. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues o~ the community, we are working to make change and shape history. T | ,2 7 We mee~ ~he I s~ Tuesday of every month a~ ~he LAHOMA STATE DEMOCRATIC 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 THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA VOLUME 7 ISSUE 3 Twi~er.com/MetroStarNews e MetroStarNews.com U,S, Census being Conducted for 2010 Same Sex Marriages and There is a particular need and focus on the LGBT community and the census. This community is one of those that has been undercounted. Many don’t feel a connection to the government and how it affects their lives. An inaccurate count could negatively affect their lives and community fro7 the next ten years or longer." Emmet Morris, Partnership Coordinator U.S. Census Regional OfFice, Kansas City, Missouri By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ For the last 220 years the U.S. Census Bureau has been counting the people of the United States of America, recording numbers that reflect many great changes. When the first census was taken in 1790, it was administered by the late our 3rd president. At the time it showed the population of the United States to be 3,929,326 people, ofwhich 697,681 Emmett Morris, U.S, Census Partnership Coordinator with Fran Dozz ofChurch ofthe Open Arms in OKC. Gorin photo were African American slaves ,who counted as 3/5 of a person for purposes 0f taxation and representation. New York City, then as now, was our largest municipality, but 0nly had around 33,000 people. Over two centuries later our 2000 census showed a population of 281,421,906 people, and 16% of those counted received a "long form" with over 100 questions, going into far more depth including inquiries about home ownership, finances, relationships and other data. Then as now there were no inquiries as to sexual orientation, but for the first time it did provide a way for gay and lesbian couples to be counted. Asking the sex of the residents of a household with the corresponding relationship, among the options listed for the first time was "unmarried partner." If two persons of same sex at the same address answered with that option, it would statistically record a same sex couple. At that time legal same sex marriage did not exist. ~is has changed since then as same sex marriages became legal in 7 countries, the first being the Netherlands in 200!, followed by Belgium, Sweden; South Africa, Norwa~ Canada and Spain. It became legal in the US ~nfive St~t~s, the first being ,M~achusetts in 004,followed by Vermont~ Ne~v Hampshire, COnnectiCut, and I6wa; plus marriages that took place in California ~lufing a brief period MARCH 1, 2010 cann0wbec0 d! it was legal there during 2008. As dais is the first census since same sex marriages have gained legal status, this is the first time that same sex couples will be counted as married partners if they indicate that is their relationship. But for the GLBT community as well as all Americans, the census affects far more than that. Numbers from the census impact almost every aspect of our lives, which makes it imperative that there is an accurate count of all the people in our country and where they are. It affects over 170 Federal allocations of money to states and localities, including money for transportation, healthcare including HIV grants, education induding money for school lunch and breakfast programs, Medicaid assistance, money for housing and nutrition assistance, grants for drug education and treatment, Head Start and child care programs, crime prevention assistance and much more. Data ~rom the census also determines how you are represented politic~11); affecting government operations from the Federal level all the way to local School districts. ........Continued See CENSUS Page-4 Gay vet: military is ready for openly gay servicemen By Michael W. Sasser Contributing writer Photo: Navy Lt. Everett "Earl"Morrow While President Barack Obama’s call for the end of the military’s ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ (DADT) policy is stalled in bureaucratic neutral, one recent NaW veteran tells Metro- Star that he believes servicemen are ready for out comrades. "Once the decision is made (to end DADT), I think the transition will be quick," said former NaW Lt. Everett "Earl" Morrow. "Troops don’t get enough credit. They will be supportive of it. I’m not saying that there won’t still be homophobes. There are still racists and sexists out there." However, Morrow said, his experience taught him something about servicemen. "I was surprised that more people than not said they didn’t care ifsomeone serving with them was gay," Morrow said. Morrow, who granted his first interview as an out veteran on the subject to Metro-Star, said that he has plenty of experience on which to base his experience. He had a successful NaW career for five years, leaving active duty in April 2008 in part because of the DADT policy. The to repeal the policy recently prompted his to speak out on the subject. ........Continued See DADT Page-9 State Senator Russell Introduces a Bill restricting Oklahoma cooperation with Federal prosecution of Hate Crimes By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As he had promised to do earlier, State Senator Steven Russell (Republican District 45) has introduced legislation ( SB 2165) that among its provisions would greatly limit Oklahoma state, county and !ocal law enforcement from providing evidence or assistance to Federal authorities prosecuting hate crimes. It proposes that "law enforcement agencies shall deny access to law enforcement records to any Federal agency when such request is made relating to a case handled and completed by a law enforcement agency of this state, and the purpose is to attempt to investigate or prosecute the individual or individuals pursuant to 18- U.C.S. Section 245 (the Federal Hate crimes law with protections added in 2009 for sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability- Matthew Shepard-James Byrd act). Exceptions are basic information that is available for public inspection and records of those convicted pursuant to Section 850 Tide 21 of Oklahoma Statutes, which are Oklahoma’s Hate Crimes laws which do not cover sexual orientation or gender identity. What this entails is that if an Oklahoman was victimized by a hate crime, and Federal authorities deemed the case to be under their jurisdiction, loca! authorities could not provide data beyond the most basic information available to the public, witness statements, physical/forensic or other any other type of evidence or assistance. This would prohibit providing as evidence to Federal authorities a bloody baseball bat or gun used in that type of crime to assist in their prosecution of that hate crime. Since crimes committed due to a victim’s sexual orientation/gender identity are not Hate Crimes under Oldahoma state law, and this restriction ~votfld make Federal prosecution of this type of crime in Oldahoma very difficult if not impossible, this would greatly impede Hate Crimes protection for the GLBT community in Oklahoma. Senator Russell has stated, "Oklahoma has tough good laws that include hate crimes laws. Any murder or brutal assault is hateful. That is the problem with singling ,, out something more with this Federallaw. However A1 McAffrey, Oklahoma’s only openly gay legislator, (Democrat-District 88) has a different opinion, considering this legislation a publicity stunt stating, " Preventing crimes against Oklahomans because ofwho they are is in no way an attack on free speech. This is nothing but emp,ty rhetoric used to scare and mislead folks. D ion School District retains gay-friendly book By Michael W. Sasser TULSA, OK__ ~adter a flurry of controversy in January, the Union Public School District ofTulsa County has retained a gay-friendly book available to students. By a 3-1 vote, the District Board of Education decided that "Buster’s Sugartime" would remain on the shelf. The book, by author Marc Brown, is a simplified version of a 2005 episode of the PBS series "Postcards from Buster." It is ostensibly about Buster the Rabbit’s exploration of how maple syrup is made in Vermont. However, the bulk of this particular episode revolves around Buster hanging out with the children of a same-sex couple. Despite only a pair of Very gentle allusions to same-sex parents, the content did prompt many stations to pull the episode. Last year, some parents argued that the book was inappropriate and took their complaint to the district’s Materials Review Committee. That committee backed the book’s presence by a 6-1 margin. At least one set of parents appealed the decision to the Board of Education, which then confirmed the decision with the January 3-1 vote. Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) President Toby Jenkins said that he wasn’t surprised by the decision. "When I first heard about it, I didn’t know what would happen,’~ Jenkins said. !~But I wasn’t surprised by the decision because this is one of the more progressive school districts. They have a non-discrimination policy and a strong Gay-Straight Alliance." Old~q board members include a couple of out Union District employees, Jenkins said. "I knew what the background of the school board was," he said. "Still you can never be too sure. Boards often cave to pressure." Jenkins praised Union for a positive experience interacting on the issue and for even setting up an emait contact for community advocates to express their opinions. "They were very good to work with," Jenkins said. According to Jenkins, stirring the controversy were some advocates who apparently went so far as to express dismay at the bigotry and homophobia expressed by some school parents. "In no way was that something that we did and no statement from us cast any dispersion on parents," Jenkins said. He suspected that some advocates got carried away in their emails to the dedicated address with the District. The more virulent commentary prompted a comlnent from a Union District official defending parents. Its theme was that complaining parents were protesting because gay marriage is "illegal" in Oklahoma - a position Jenkins said is unfortunate and not true. "Gay marriage is not legally recognized in Oldahoma, it is not illegal," Jenkins said. "If a couple marries outside Oklahoma and then comes home, no one comes to arrest them. It’s just that the state doesn’t recognize the marriage." Still, Jenkins was pleased with the outcome and with the District’s handling of the mattm: "I don’t lmow if there will be another appeal but for now it seems resolved," Jenkins said. "Now is a quiet time, but before long it will be something else. There is always something else." The Union Public School Board did not reply to an email seeking comment. Group Forming At OSU-OKC OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ A new social/activist group has formed at OSU-OKC called Diverse Partners, Family, & Friends. Organized by Kyle Moore, the group plans to focus on educational goals and equality for GLBT students at the university. As it is a student group recognized by the university, only enrolled students can vote, but meetings are open to everyone interested. They will meet every Tuesday at 6:15 PM in the Conference Room North on campus. For more information contact Kyle Moore at 405- 209-6340. uptcv * CiVil Ricjhts *Criminal ’ment o Family Law * Liticjation N.W. Street city, OK 7SlOS To Haiti with love meeting was called February 15 to determine Sooner State Sofi ball nights. Contact HSR at: 405-521- ifOGLPC had a future and if so, was the 9696, herland@herlandsisters.org or community ready to make it happen, herlandsist~rs.0rg. Presided by co-chair Jeanne Flanigan, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a that meeting was held at Church of the global day celebrating the economic, political Open Arms, attended by around 15 people, and social achievements ofwomen past, some of~vhom were longtime activists and present and future. ~e IXWD ~vebsite lists some newcomers. Ms. Flanigan agreed to events worldwide celebrated on or around continue serving as co-chai~; and Secretary March 8 each year. For more information Victor Gorin also agreed to continue in that about IXYgD: ww~c.internationalw0mensday. position. Co-chair Paul Thompson resigned com. his position, Enough interest was shown for another meeting which would be at the regular time, the second Monday of March which would be the 8th at 7 p.m. ~at. meeting will happen at the usual place, the Neighborhood Alliance Building located at 1236 N.W. 36th Street of Oklahoma City. A benefit to supply HIV reeds for Haidans By Robin Dorner Contributing Writer O~OMACITY, OK On January !2 a magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook Port au Prince, Haiti. The earthquake left hundreds of thousands dead, millions were homeless and left without food, water or resources. Many of trs thought, "What can I do to help?" XTge sent money, food, water, medical supplies and many of our own citizens went to help in rescue efforts. As the cleanup continues, there is still much needed help. "When the earthquake first hit Haiti, I asked Robin [Dr. Robin Meyers, Mayflower Church pastor] ifwe could do a Haitian benefit concert at Mayflower," said Rev. Loyce Newton Edwards, an associate at Mayflower who has a Masters Degree in Divinity. "Dr. Maria Lupe, another Mayflmver member and I had a shared vision for this event because of the devastation in Haiti." Edwards is committed to helping HIV + people stay alive and she lost a sister to the disease in 1999. On the UCC (United Church of Christ) national level she serves in three areas related to HIV/AIDS: UCAN. Inc., UCAN Inc. Leadership Team, Wider Church Ministries Board of Directors HIV AIDS Ministries. Haiti has the highest HtV/AIDS rate in the western world. Tl~e UCC Common Global Ministries has a longstanding ~dationship xvith a communion of 6.000 chucches in Haiti. The UCC Haitian Relief Fund had raised over $650,000 for Haiti relief ofwhich 100% of the proceeds go ro our partners in Haiti. By design, this event falls on the first day of"The National Week of Prayer for the Healing ofAIDS" for ~vhich UCC is a co-sponsor. That week starts Sunday March 7th, which is the day of the benefit. "To Haiti with love" wil! include one great hour of sharing, filled with music, poetry, and inspirational spealdng. At the end of the benefit donations ~vill be accepted for Haitian relief efforts for HIV medications. Please make plans to attend this great event on Sunday; March 7th at Mayflower UCC Church located at 3901 NW 63rd Street in Oklahoma City. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Rev. Loyce Edwards at 405-642-0124 or email her at loycee@sbcglobal.net. O ahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Holds Re-organizational Meeting OFRAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ It was a turning point for the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Politica! Caucus, an organization first incorporated in 1985 that ~vorked to register and educate voters of the GLBT community, and also to educate elected officials about issues of the community as well. During recent years OGLPC had faced difficulty due _to lack of partic_ipation, and a special Democracy for America to Host Grassroots Training in Tulsa Locals to participate in voter contact, fundraising, organizing and messaging sessions BURLINGTON, VT (PR) Hundreds of local activists, campaign staffers and candidates wil! receive hands-on training at an upcoming Campaign Academy hosted by Democracy for America. The two-day interactive worlcshop will be held March 13-14 at the Tulsa County Democratic Party headquarters 907 S. Detroit Ave, Tulsa, OK. Experienced campaign professionals will lead sessions in voter contact, fundraising, communications, online organizing and much more to empower progressive activists with ~he skills to win electiofis in November and beyond. Attendees will also have a chance ro meet with localprogressive Candidates and learn about job andvolunreer opportunities in their area. "Our Campaign Academy trainings empower citizens with the tools to change their communities," said DFA Training Director Matt Blizek. The DFA Campaign Academy aims to focus, network andtrain grassr0ots activists in the skills and strategies to take back our country, manage successful campaigns or run for office themselves. Since 2004, DFA has held more than 100 trainings throughout the country. For more information visit: www. democracyforamerica.com. Obituary OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Dennis Allen Dohm aged 48, passed away at OU Medical Center January 7 due to massive organ failure caused by a heart infection and damage to an aortic valve. He was a well known entertainer in Oklahoma City, best known in his drag persona as Danae Daniels. Performing in regular shows and benefits at Tramps, PhoenLx Rising, & the Hilt, his wild wit and outrageous humor wowed his audiences, showing he was truly special. Oklahoma Tobacco Free help Association Opens their 2010 Season By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Once again Oklahoma’s Sooner State Softball Association is opening up for their biggest season ever. During 2009 3 of their teams represented Oklahoma at the NAGAAA ( North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance) g[orld Series held that year in Milwaukee, with the Oklahoma Chaos team achieving the best results with a 7th place finish. Now comprised of 12 teams, the League is working on recruiting players, coaches, sponsorships and other support. Based on their growth last year, they feel they can look forward even better times ahead. Now into their 7th season, the league was formed in order to provide those interested in the GLBT community a place for camaraderie and to play ball! Recreational players are welcomed as well as serious competitors. On Friday March 19 Angles will host a Recruitment Party for the League at 9 p.m. This event is a great chance for those interested to learn about the league, have a few drinks, get to know some of the players and learn what it’s all about. Past and current players are encouraged to wear their team shirts/jerseys, and there will be an informaional booth for learning more and signing up. For more information contact Recruitment Director Chad Previch at soonerstatesoftball@hotmail.com. Herland Celebrates International Women’s Day OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __Herland Sisters Resources will celebrate International \Women’s Day with an "All That Jazz Party" on Saturday March 6th at The Boom Club and Restaurant, 2218 NW 39 th Street. The Jazz Party is a fund-raiser for Herland bookstore, their lending library and events for women, in cooperation with Cimarron Alliance Foundation. The party will feature music by the Dynamics, a local jazz band, playing standards and original music. This is a come-and-go event, beginning at 6 PM with drinks, hors d’oeuvres by Chef Suzie Lopez, and music until 9pm. Guests will be asked for a donation at the door, encouraged to wear gay attire, and will be offered wonderful art work to buy at the silent auction. The auction includes a beautifully framed poster signed by the artist Native American Dana Tiger, art glass, and jewelry along with gift certificates from local businesses. Herland Sister Resources (HSR) is a non-profit organization, and one of the few U.S. women’s bookstores/lending libraries in operation for over 20 years. The bookstore is located at 2312 N\V 39th St., and is open from 1-5 PM each Saturday. HSR also sponsors Spring and Fall Retreats at state parks, monthly supper clubs, a poetry group, the Annual Pride Picnic and game Ron Harwood & Cathy Hill Seeking International Leather By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Cathy Hill and Ron Harwood. Gorin photo OKJ_At-IOMA CITY, OK It was a hot Friday night at Angles February 12 when a fundraiser was held to send two of our major tideholders of the leather community ro international competition. Ron Harwood, our current Oldahoma Mr.Leather, who also holds the title ofTulsa Mr. Leather 2009, will be competing in Chicago for the International Mr Leather title May 28-Junel. Ms. Cathy Hill, who currently holds the title of South Central Leather Woman 2009 is seeking the title of International Ms. Leather, and that competition will be held in San Francisco on April 15-18. The next upcoming leather contest in Oklahoma will determine our new Tulsa Mr.Leather, and that event will take place on Saturday, March 20 at Tulsa’s Club Maverick’s at 8 p.m. ~is will follow a meet and greet to be held the preceding Friday night, March 19, at t the Tulsa Eagle. Tulsa Metro SoRball League’s Spring 2010 Season Starting TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa Metro Softball League (TMSL) will hold their spring clinics March 14-20 at Hicks Park, 3443 S. Mingo Rd, Tulsa. They may only have one spring clinic. The spring clinics are for new players looking for a team and returning players who want to change teams. Team Coaches ,vill be present to scout the local talent and to recruit. For more information visit: vmwv.TulsaMetroSoftball.com ~<,.metrostarnews.com M{~TI~OSTAR 3 I Low Change Looks Like, but M1 I Can See Are Two Faces. Constitutional Rights Are Not a Raffle Ticket Prize by James Nimmo OKI~HOMA CITY, OK __ In this article from the Salt Lake City Tribune, http://tinyurl.com/ygpfl~6u we’re told that support for LGBTs has "shot up" over the past year following passage of a bias ban approved by the Salt Lake City Council that includes sexual orientation/gender iden’tity in housing and employment. How- many time, have I heard that legislatures and courts must not get too far ahead of the "will of the people" or there will be some ill-described chicken-little type of reaction among the voters, respect for the la~v and morn and apple pie will diminish and Gee-sus himself will come to earth and.... well, you get the drift. AaCter reading the article I’m again reminded that so many people, such as toe-the-line Mormons, can change their opinions merely because their leaders in effect tell them to, either directly through the legislative process or by leading xvith their own behavioral change. If this SLC Tribune poll is close to accurate in its description, just how accurate is the dreadful prediction that if United States Supreme Court rules in fa~vor of same-gender marriage on appeal of the currently litigated California Prop 8 trial~ ,~x~erica ~vill fall into total oblivion with Joe Six-Pack hubbies divorcing their long suffering wives to run offfor a gay fling with Ted Haggard, and Sally Soccer rooms running off to pal around with Ellen Degeneres for free samples of Cover Girl make-up? Just how far in front of public opinion does the Supreme Court need to be ifa majority of Mormons in Utah, which led the fight with Roman Catholics against Prop 8 in California in 2008, can increase by a range of 10% to 45% their approval and acceptance of gay/lesbian civil rights in their own state? By the way, the recognition ofmy civil rights is inherent with my birth as an American citizen and in no way needs approval from anyone, let alone those who believe in golden tablets from the sky, magic underwear, and ancestral baptism. The denial of my civil rights because I’m gay is what’s wrong, not my desire to have the same social, financial, and legal benefits which I’m paying for with my taxes. No one’s Constitutional civil rights should be held up as the prize for a rafl]e ticket in the lottery of public opinion. What I’m coming around to is this: If America had a national spokesperson who led using the force of law as well as his own example and not just by mere words of fierce advocacy, and who had led by his presence in Maine in its recent vote on same-gender marriage, or even farther back, to the California vote in November 2009 on Prop 8--both votes having a devastating setback on civil rights fiar gay/lesbian taxpayers--can’t you imagine that successful votes would have reinforced the legislative and judicial decisions that were already in place at the time, decisions that fully recognized our rig!~ts of citizenship? What if that person was the president of the United States, one who prides himself on his commitment to changing the tone of government in Washington? I know what change-I-can-believe-in looks like, but all I can see are two faces. Oklahoma Man Sues Tax Commission Over "IM Gay" License Plate OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ Oklahoma taxpayer Keith Kimmel has filed a civil lawsuit in Oklahoma County District Court against the Oklahoma Tax Commission, continuing a battle for freedom of speech on vanity license plates. The suit seeks to have part of the Commission’s rules regarding the issuance of personalized license plates declared unconstitutional. Keith Kimmel, who filed the suit through his attorney provided the following statement: "The Oklahoma Tax Commission is continuing to subject Oklahomans to a subjective decision making process in issuing personalized vanity license plates. Under our state Constitution, all Oldahomans enjoy the right to freedom of speech and an equal opportunity to express their viewpoints. Previous testimony in the administrative proceedings held on this matter have shown that the Commission is sdectively granting and denying applications based on Commission employees’ own personal prejudices and viewpoints. The Constitution requires that state rules are ;¢iewpoint neutral, with an objective standard that puts the taxpayer on notice ofwhat is legal and what is not. This suit is intended to put an end to the Tax Commissions unconsntunonal practice of subjecting taxpayers to the whim of individual employees." The case is Keith Kimmel v State of Oklahoma, ex rel, Oklahoma Tax Commission, Oklahoma County Case No. CJ-2010-1072. Federal law requires that the count include all U.S citizens, all legal residential noncitizens, long term visitors, and illegal aliens. There are many groups that have been undercounted in the past, including African Americans, Native A~mericans, Latinos, the poor, and the GLBT community. Discrimination and prejudice against people in these communities have made many feel bitterness and distrust of government in general, causing them to avoid cooperation with the census either out of anger and/or fear. Although we can be reasonably certain that there have always been GLBT people in America, there is little recorded history about them until the 20th century, and considering the legal status of the GLBT community until the late 20th century, this would hardly be surprising. Sodomy laws, which prohibited same sex activity, were in affect in all 50 states until 1962 (when Illinois was the first state to repeal their state sodomy statute), and some, including Oklahoma’s, were in effect until 2003 when the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated these statutes (Lawrence vs. Texas). Currently there is still no Federal protection for the GLBT community against job and housing discrimination, nor is there in 29 states even today, including Oldahoma. There was no Federal Hate Crimes law until late 2009. Understandably there are many in the GLBT community who feel, like others in similarly challenged groups, resentment and!or fear of government which could cause them to avoid participation in the census. In order to ensure an accurate count, legislati.on has made the process safe for all to participate. Information obtained by the Census Bureau is confidential by Federal law (Title 13 U.S. Code). Any employee that divulges confidential information outside the agency could face up to 5 years imprisonment and be fined up to $250,000. Census information about an individual cannot be used in a court of lave, nor is that information subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. No individual, private business or government authority can obtain personally identifiable data from the Census Bureau, including the ~]hite House, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the military, welfare agencies, CIA or the FBI. The rule even supersedes the Patriot Act. Yet despite these protections there is still fear and mistrust that impedes cooperation and causes ~ndercounting. The bureau realizes that these protections wofft serve their intended purpose of ensuring an accurate count unless people know about and understand them. Therefore, combined with these safeguards is a massive educational effort, and the GLBT community is now included among those groups they want to reach out to.~ X~orldng with this effort is Emmett Morris, a Partnership Coordinator with the Census Bureau worldng in the Kansas City Regional Office that oversees Oklahoma. He met with the Metro Star to inform the GLBT community about the 2010 census and its importance, and also to gather ideas about hmv to work with the Oklahoma GLBT community to ensure an accurate count. As he put it, "We want the GLBT community to know that the census is really about them, as it is with everyone. It’s about their future, and ,ve live with everyday tangible aspects of our lives that come about because of census numbers including roads, jobs, bridges, companies locating here and more. It’s not a bunch of numbers that live in abstract in Washington D.C. in some computer. These numbers actually come back to serve community needs, prosperity and our quality of life." In mid March 90% of U.S. households will receive a U.S. Census form to fill out. This will be preceded by a postcard letting the, residents know in advance. ~xe questionnaires will sent out by address and not to individuals by name. The form has only 10 questions, is easy to fill out and can be returned by mail with the provided postage paid envelope. If there is no response it wilt ’ be followed by a second form, and if there is still no response a census worker will attempt to get the information in person. In the interest of an accurate count at the lowest possible cost, recipients are encouraged to fill out the form and mail it back as soon as possible. The Census Bureau will be worldng with various communities in this effort, setting up centers to help people with the forms, answer concerns they may have, and gathering information. Bi or multi lingual people will especially be needed, as they are planning to provide assistance in 59 languages. They will need workers to staff these centers, along with field workers to do follow up inquiries door to door and to count people in unconventional housing, including the homeless. In this effort they will attempt to hire personnel from their respective communities, realizing that people who have familiarity with a certain community, group or ethnicity can do a better job reaching out to those who need to be counted. Currently the U.S. Census Bureau has 5 Oklahoma offices, located in Oklahoma City, Tuls~l, Tahlequah, Enid and Lm~on. They are many job openings, so ifyou are interested in what could be a quite interesting endeavor that could lead to other opportunitieS,~please call toll free 866- 860-2010. It’s a chance that comes once every 10 years. "First t sday" Art Opening and Exhibit of New and Original Works by Robb Conover TULSA, OK (PR) __ ~ne March Oklahomans for Equality (Old,q) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa), will feature a new and unusual "Progressive Display" of works by artist Robb Conover; the show begins with a reception on Thursday, March 4th from 6-9pro and continues throughout the month of March. The March exhibit at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Gallery will feature a catalogue ofworks by Robb Conover which will create a progression of art from one side of the gallery to the other. This is an exciting acrylics on canvas display; it is unlike anything that has been in the Gallery before and promises to be an unusual and visually stimulating presentation. Robb lived in Tulsa in the 1970’S and 80’s; He currently resides in Dallas and is represented io several galleries there. Please join us to visit with Robb at the Opening Night Reception on Thursday, March 4, from 6to ,9pm. Refreshments will be served. Robb s art will be on display through March 20 t 0. 4 ~ttET~:~,OSTAR March 2010 Gays arrested at NYC marriage license bureau Four members ofa newACT UP-like group known as Queer Rising were arrested in Manhattan On Feb. 12 after chaining then~elves to the entrance ofthe New York Ci{y Marriage Bureau. Photo by Jamie McGonnigal, www. TalkAboutEquality.org NEWYORK, NY__ Four members of a new ACT UPdike group known as Queer Rising were arrested in Manhattan on Feb."12 after chaining themselves to the entrance of the New York City Marriage Biireau. Alan Bounville, Jake Goodman, Justin Elzie and Gabriel Yuri Bollag sought equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. Dozens of gay marriage supporters cheered them on. Twenty same-sex couples went inside and tried to obtain marriage licenses. ~ey were rebuffed. A gay naan and a lesbian then presented themselves as a faux couple, asked for a license and were given one. "New York City is home to the Stonewall Riots and in that tradition we are here to say that equality doesn’t arrive through the ballot box," said Queer Rising spokesperson Spring Super. "~e bankrupt strategy of putting all efforts into electing so-called friendly officials has failed," Super said. "We must shift to building a grassroots, national movement that demands full equality by any means necessary. New York state recognizes same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions but does no~ allow them itse!£ Same-sex marriage is lega! in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. It also is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain and Sweden -- and in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province. It will become legal in "Washington, D.C., in March and in Portugal later this year. S.F. Chronide says iud e federal Prop 8 ca e gay- Vaughn Walker, the judge heariflg the federal same-sex marriage case in San Francisco, "is himself gay," the San Francisco Chronicle reported Feb. 7. The case, featuring famous lav~Ters Ted Olson and David Boies on the gay side, seeks to overturn Proposition 8, California’s voterpassed constitutional ban on gay marriage, as a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law. "Many gay politicians in San Francisco and lawyers who have had dealings with Walker say the 65-year-old jurist, appointed to the bench by President George H.W. Bush in 198% has never taken pains to disguise -- or advertise -- his orientation," the Chronicle said. Asked by the paper if he had "any concerns about being characterized as gay," Walker responded, "No comlnent." Right after the interview was conducted, however, another judge contacted the paper, identified himself as ~d~lker’s friend, said he had spoken with Walkeh and expressed concern that "people will come to the conclusion that (\Nralker) wants to conceal his sexualiD:" "He has a private life and he doesn’t conceal it, but doesn’t think it is relevant to his decisions in any case, and he doesfft bring it to bear in any decisions," said the second judge, who agreed that Walker’s sexual orientation is "newsworthy" -- in the same way it would be newsworthy if a Jewish judge were hearing a case involving the Anti- Defamation League, the Chronicle said. A lawyer for the pro-Prop-8 side, Andy Pugno, said his team won’t do anything with the revelation. "We are not going to say anything about that," he told the Chronicle. " The National Organization for Marriage, however, might feel less restrained. In a letter to supporters about the Chronicle article, Executive Director Brian Brown alleged: "We do lmow one really big important fact about Judge Walker: He~ been .an amazingly biased and one-sided force throughout this trial, far more akin to an Wockner News Service activist than a neutral referee. That’s no secret at all." The trial is expeqted to resume sometime in March or April for closing arguments. Gay lmaTers, activists and others who followed the testimony have.asserted, nearly unanimously, that the gay side won the case in a landslide. Walker’s ruling likely will see appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court ofAppeals and then to the U,S. Supreme Court. If successful, the lawsuit could bring about tlxe legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide. If unsuccessful, it could have the effect of stopping the movement for same-sex marriage, which now is legal in five states, dead in its tracks for possibly a generation. Moves to repeal samesex marriage in Iowa and NH fail Iowa legislators opposed, to same-sex marriage vcere unable to force resolutions out of House and Senate committeds Feb. 9 in support of a statewide vote to amend the constitution to re-ban gay nuptials. Nineteen senators signed a petition to get the Senate measure out of committee, but 26 signanires were needed. In the House of Representatives, a vote to push the measure out of committee failed 45 to 54. " A recent poll found that 62 percent of Iowans don’t think the Legislature should tackle the issue. Same-sex marriage became legal in Iowa in April 2009 courtesy of the state Supreme Court. A spokesman for the state’s main gay rights group, One Iowa, expressed relief at the developmeffts but warned against the g~, side’s letting down its guard. "Our opponents are ruthless aped will stop at nothing to take away the freedom to marry," said Communications Director Justin Uebelhor. "There were four legislative attempts to undermine the Supreme Court’s ruling last year and we expect more political attacks this year. We don’t want to take anything for granted and are communicating this message to our supporters and media on the ground. In addition to the constitutional amendment, a religious-exemption bill has already been proposed and we have to be vigilant of any attempts to chip away at the ruling." Also on Feb. 9, a committee of the Ne~v Hampshire House of Representatives overwhelmingly killed t~vo bills aimed at. rebanning same-sex marriage. One bill called for a public vote on gay marriage. The other would have repealed the la~v that legalized it. In addition to being allowed in Iowa and New Hampshire, same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. It also is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain and Sweden -- and in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province. It will become legal in Washington, D.C., in March and in Portugal later rkis year. www.rnetrostarnews.com g~ET~,# STAR 5 Stress Test By Ronald Blake Contributing V&iter Photo: RonaM Blake, Certified Fittwss I~zstructor ~hrough ISSA International Sports Sciences Association You have vowed to lose 30 pounds before your niece’s wedding in September. Your trainer and doctor are recommending an exercise stress test before you lace up the sneakers and start sweating. What’s that and who needs one of those? These tests can also be called graded exercise stress tests or GXT’s. Affix whatever title you want to this procedure but it simply measures how your heart performs with and without exercise. Nae American Heart Association (AIq_A) has stated that an individual under 40 years old can forego this test if he or she has had a normal physical exam, doesn’t show signs of cardiovascular disease, and has no coronary risk factors. The captain’s turned off the caution sign and you’re }}ee to roam around the exercise However ifyou are a man or women over 40 years old, have an abnormal physical exam and/or have two or more coronalT risk factors then it’s time to schedule that exercise stress test. This just means your fitness flight has been grounded until the medical tower dears you for takeoff. The GXT can be done in a doctor’s once, a hospital, or a specialized hea~Ith cam facility. Talk with your doctor and decide where this should take place. Nae .AH~ guidelines call for there to be professionals trained in CPR to administer these tests. Furthermore, one of the techs in the testing area should be advance cardiac life support certified with a doctor iri the building. You’re not in Haiti after the big quake so it’s safe to assume this is all in place when you go for your exam. It’s just nice to know for peace of mind! The test is usually done on a treadmill wtaile you are hooked up to devices that’ll give you a feeling of Pinocchio and Geppetto attaci~ment. The test with its tracking equipment wil! check your blood pressure, heart rate, and the electrical activity and rhythm of your ticker. An analysis will be performed before any stress or exercise i~ started and an additional analysis will be gathered as exercise is introduced. Your heart could show signs of adequacy at rest but not after exercise. There are maW possibilities and the results will show this. Tr~e nurses, doctors, and techs administeting this exam will gradually increa~se the speed and incline on your treadmill to assess your cardiovascular limits. ~{Then symptoms of exhaustion and fatigue appear the testers will cease their period of sadistic glee and record the findings. The findings should be discussed with your doctor. About 15% of these results will be false positive which indicates there is a problem when there really isn’t a problem. About 30% of the results will be false negative reports which show you are OK when you really aren’t. This is ~vhen you look at your doctor with your best confused face and beseech his advice. Another GXT might be requested or other testing methods might be called upon for further explanation of your situation. When in doubt always make the decision to err on the side of safety when starting a fitness program. That might mean taking the GXT. Tixese tests are just as important as buying the correct training shoes, workout clothes, and health club membership. Join my masochistic readers who called their physicians to inquire about graded exercise tests several minutes ago! This column is brought to you by that guy who once challenged George Bush to a spelling bee. That orthographist who never heard back from the \ghite House is Ron Blake and he can be reached at wv~v. myblalcefitness.com. Oklahomans for Equality Tulsa opens Health Clinic for the uninsured. TULSA, OK (PR)~ __ OlcEq has opened a Health Clinic in collaboration with Dr. Jeremiah Rutherford, M.D., PC for the uninsured. The clinic will be held at the Dennis R. Nell Equality Center, 621 E. 4th Street, Tulsa, OK each ~ursday from 6 pm to 9 pm. The dinic also offers free HIV testing Tuesday through ~ursday, 6-8 pm and Saturday, 4-7 pro. For more information: 918-743-4297 Tramps, OKC Have a Heart Benefit--Love at its finest By Victor Gorin Designer Keith Reding with emcee l~aven Del Ray at Have a Heart Benefit at ~’amps. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It is rare to see a more festive expression of love than what happens at Tramps every Valentine’s weekend when they hold their Have a Heart Benefit. It began over 20 years ago as a team effort of the late Larry Crosby, then a coowner ofTramps, and Sister Gall Addis who was then with Catholic Charities’ Loaves and Fishes program which provided meals for those living with HIV. Since then it has become a wild yet sacred Okflal~oma City tradition. Although Larry has passed away; his sister Camille Rohn still is a part owner ofTramps. Ms.Rohn and the staff ofTramps, along with many othe[s of the community who share their time, {alent and money, have made this event a proud tradition in her brother’s memory. ~xis year it was special as the celebration was held on Valentine’s Day itsel}] giving it a special bonus, although as Camille puts it, ’This is giving back to the community, and we look forward to it every year." This time over $8,000 was raised, and Tony Sinclair is already shopping for fabulous items to auction off next year! 6 March 2010 Week three is a charm on RuPauFs Drag Race. most recer t cor testant to a hay away talks £ood, com try Western and the beauty By Bebe Zahara Benet I was surprised to learn Mystique ~vas ecstatic over RuPaul switching out their script with the one being used by the other team. "For us, it got easier because the script was easier," she explained. "I was happy. It was actually fun." I also wanted to know what she thought of Raven, and her sometimes very cutting comments about Mystique and food. "Out of everybody on the show, Raven is the only one I have not heard from," Mystique told me. "Haters are everywhere, but haters make my life easier, because I work harder just to make you hate on me even more." Mystique stands by her decision to go with a very modern interpretation of country wear for her runway walk, and argues what the other girls presented was more a Western look. "I don’t like making fun of people," she explained, noting that if she had gone for a stereotypical look it may have offended her most dedicated fans. When I think Mystique, I think splits, more splits, which leads to additional splits. And then remember Mystique? She’s the one who nails the splits! I can barely lift my leg, and here is a big girl making it look so easy. "My signature is my eyes and my spins," she said. But when she really wants to shock, she breaks out a split. Mystique must get into the zone, because when she watched her solo on TV last week, she didn’t even remember she did a death drop! Now that’s a girl who knows how to work for a crowd. Mystique, thank you for your inspirarion, thank you for your self-integrity and thank you for being yourself. ~~ello all you beautiful people! Can you believe it is week three of RuPaul’s Drag Race already? So much is happening - let’s get right into my conversation with Mystique Summers Madison, the Texas beauty who went out with a bang! I was impressed how well Mystique did in the third episode’s opening challenge, when she just dove right in and swallowed down all those mystery foods she had to eat. "I was like, ’Oh no, it’s fried food,’" Mystique remembered. "I hadn’t had fried food in four months. Oh my God, I just went for it. I was just swallowing, I wasn’t tasting." Even though she looked like a cool cucumber, Mystique was nervous. "It was the scariest thing evel;" she revealed. "Zl~at was drag Fear Factor[" ~at win made Mystique one of the group leaders for the Disco "Extra Greasy" shortening TV commercial exercise, and I wanted to know what her strategy was for pictdng which gifts would be on Team Mystique. "Pandora did work editing TV commercials, and Jessica is a dancer," Mystique explained. "Everybody else had pretty makeup and were people I got along with." Catch RuPaul’s Drag Race at 9 p.m. (ET/ PT) every Monday night on Logo and visit LOGOonline.com to find out about viewing parties in your area. Until next week, kisses and splits! NOTE: Ifyou missed weeks 1 &2 Metro St[zr News online will cover all 12 weeks and it will beposted on out" website at: www. metrostarnews, corn www.metrostarnews.corn ~t~oSTAR 7 3131 ~. Pennsylvania,Oklaho 405.525.9555 put the °°gay°° in Christian, CC Un A ~etropoli~n Co~uni~ Church Chuck greckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. 8 March 2010 "%q~en t watched the initial Senate hearing. I was offended by what the opposition said - that [gay servicemen] undermine units," Morrow said. "The policy already does that. You can’t build unit cohesion because people cafft be honest. There are a lot of traditions in the military, a lot of social situations that really help create camaraderie. People bring their wives and girlfriends to events." Morrow said that he believes most of the men with whom he served would have been able to handle his coming out if it had been possible. It was not; and a promising career was cut short to the Naw’s detriment. "There were other reasons as well, but certainly the policy was a big part of it," Morrow said. "I did not think there was any way for the two parts of my life to work together." Morrow grew up in a small town in Connecticut, graduated high school and then opted for the US Naval Academy. He was keenly aware of his orientation from an early age but said he had no struggle to come to terms with it. Still he decided to head to the Naval Academy where he effectively had little social life for the following four years. "It didn’t occur to me what a challenge it would be being gay and going to the Academy;" Morrow said. Morrow’s social isolation continued for the bulk of his active duty career, which included periods ashore as well as serving on submarines. It was during the long time underwater that he had the opportunity to learn about the sensibilities of those with vchom he served. "We had a tot of time to discuss just about eveD~hing and the subject ofhomosexuality came up," Morrowsaid. "It really surprised me that most people said they really didn’t care." Had he been able to serve openly, Morrow believes it would have helped serve the cause of understanding and acceptance. Once people find that they lmow someone who is gay, it is much more likely that they would be accepting. In many cases, Morrow said, prejudice is just a matter of unfamiliarity. Morrow said that he was pleased to see Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, assert recendy that servicemen were not being given the credit for acceptance that they deserved. Still, after years of being afraid of being identified and even though he was offered the exact position and assignment he most coveted with the Nav~ he left active duty and today works in the medical equipment field in New York. He said that were DADT not in effect, it was likely he would have stayed with the NaW. "Ultimately DADT is discrimination," Morrow said. "It fails to recognize that homosexuality is the same as race and sex. Tl~e military doesn’t recognize that. In general if that was recognized the policy would end tomorrow. As a consequence of that, the military is losing good people." Today, Morrow remains in the Reserve. lie’s a member of SAGALA -- Service Academy Gay & Lesbian Alumni -- and he participated in an off-camera interview for the documentary film "Out ofAnnapolis," which is expected to premiere this spring, likely on the independent film circuit. Morrow said that gay men aa~d women will oneday be able to openly serve in the military - it’s only a matter of when. He said that the potential for the repeal ofDADT is "as real" as it has ever been. "~xe Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Secretary of Defense Gates...the highest military officers all agree...I think it’s come a long way," Morrow said. "Since it was passed by Congress, it must be repealed by Congress. I think there are currently 180-something congressmen willing to effectively eliminate DADT. Hopefully it will be sooner than later." LGBT Lobby Day to be hdd at state cap to1 By Robin Townsend Contributing XX~riter OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ The Equality Network is hosting a lobby day at the State Capito! and you are invited, in fact, encouraged to attend. The event is geared to visitors telling our representatives that citizens care about LGBT equality in Oklahoma. There xvill be a brief training, networking, and visiting with representatives as well as having lunch together. "From its inception last year, TEN (The Equality Network) identified an annual LGBT Lobby Day as one of its top priorities," said Laura Belmonte, Vice President and Co- Founder ofTEN. "We believe a consistent presence at the State Capitol is critical to increasing and maintaining the visibility ofLGBT Oklahomans and their allies, to putting forward a proactive program for LGBT equality, and to giving individuals the knowledge and confidence they need to engage their representatives effectively." Belmonte’s personal advocacy experience spans almost twenty years and has entailed public speaking, creating and organizing e-advocacy campaigns, writing op-eds, media monitoring, and lobbying public officials directly. She is a professional historian and lifelong news and politics junkie - those traits also help shape and inform my activist endeavors. "Our most important goal is to secure passage of pro-LGBT legislation and to block passage of bills that are detrimental to LGBT Oldahomans," adds Bdmonte. "This will be a continual, long-term effort. It is going to take time and effort to move Oklahoma toward more inclusive and just public policies for LGBT people." TEN would like to have people from as many of Oklahoma’s political districts as possible participate in LBGT Lobby Day. If concerned citizens from any district register, appointments will be made with those representatives, including Rep. Sally Kern. "In the current session, Senator Steve Russell has introduced a bill highlighting the inadequacies of Oklahoma’s hate crimes law," furthers Behnonte. "Sen. Russell’s bill makes it impossible for law enforcement officials to work with federal agencies in prosecuting hate crimes targeting people because of sexual orientation or gender identity’. In essence, the senator’s bill attempts to lock in place Oklahoma’s current weak hate crimes statute and to prevent the state from enforcing the LGBT-inclusive federal hate crimes law, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act enacted in October 2009. Passage of this bill would have a terrifying impact on LGBT Oldahomans." To register for LGBT lobby day, please go to http:// theequalitynetwork.org. There is no fee for the event. For more information, contact Laura Belmonte at lbelmonte@ theequalitynetwork.org or 918.906.2134. For more information about TEN, see the art*de in next month’s Metro Star. Deep Inside Hollywood By Romeo San Vicente Susan Sa andon entering Valley PoiSed to re-enter pop-culture consciousness as a feature ilhn, The Big Valley is justthe right sort of remake candidate: one that’s had time to exit public consciousness first. It has no other cast yet, but Romeo would love to see a gay cowboy subplot somewhere in the mix. Nothing major, just something where the quiet "special friends" get to live happily ever after. Susan Sarandon Paramount Pictures Photo Whorehouse to reopen for business Back in the 1960s, Barbara Stanwyck (who may or may not have been bisexual - as was rumored during her career - but who was a favorite of lesbian and gay audiences all the same) played Victoria Barkley, sturdy matriarch ofthe wild west TV drama The Big Valley. So it’s fitting, in a way, that Susan Sarandom about whom no one creates sexuality rumors because her early career choices (The Hunger and The Rocky Horror Picture Show) more or less cemented her position as a queer screen icon, may be stepping into Stanwyck’s ladylike boots~ So Nine tanked at the box office. Oh well. We’re now back at a point in the moviemaking landscape where one failed big-budget musical doesn’t derail the genre’s viabilit~ which is great news for fans of that heightened reality where breaking into song and choreographed dance moves is commonplace. Here come two more: The Song Is You, from Dreamgirls director Bill Condon, is about a man who turns to music as a refuge, connecting it to key moments in his life (or as Condon has described it, "(falling) into his *Pod Shuffle"). In turn, the man also falls into a romance with a singer he hasn’t even met. At the same time, the remake ofThe Best Little, Whorehouse in Texas is or;the horizon. No cast yet, no release date yet, no nothing yet, ...Continued seeHOLLYWOOD page ~ 12 ~.metrostarnews.com ~{ETROSTAR 9 March 2010 Room Rates From ~2.95 A~About Our Suites Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. Out &Aboua in OKC & Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City ~Club Majestic, Tulsa Free help 184.8669 @ The End Up, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma Cit @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ Ledo, Oklahoma City Deep Inside Hollywood-continued from page -9 just a teasing promise. So, a biopic about the late gay artist Robert message to people responsible: Mapplethorpe, she probably knew tl~er&l obviously she’s not going to be clout-and cash-collecting detours along play the lod, but there must the way. And here they are: the horror film be a liberal infusion of Dolly Zoe, slated for 20 ! 1 a~nd Co-starring James Parton into this movie all the same. Anything ~ tess wilt be blasphemy. Now go r~ake i~ work. Anyone who fbllows the man recently ejected from a Southwest Airlines flight for taking up too much seat space knows that Kevin Smith is a bear. A heterosexual one, but }till a bear. ~d his gay bear colleague, documentau fihmnaker }v~alcolm Ingrain (Small %wn Gay Bar, which Smith producedX has enlisted the help of Silent Bob to get his new project offthe ground. Smith has executive-produced and also makes an appearance in Bear Nation, a doc from Ingram about the bear subculture (for the still-uninitiated, they are that niche Van Der Beek and Freddie Prinze, Jr. (is it market of gay" men who refuse to Shdve, xvax, set in the ’90s too?} in which Dushku play,s or say no to seconds at the buffet} and all the a small-town waitress terrorized by... -,veil... ways they’ve begun to make their presence known in the larger gay" world. 7fhe film premieres any minute now at Austin’s South By SoUthwest Film Festival. Non-Ausdnites will have to wait for a local lest or cable airing, all ofwhich are highly likely to follow. Prep now by growing that fiacial hair. Ehza Dushkus road to Mapplethorp something; you’ll see when it opens. And then there’s the future mega-event ka~own as Ghostbusters III, a project sh& been circling, one that would pretty nmch catapult her to the A-list, with all th’e production shingle perEs that status tends to dole out. Hope so. And really, what’re a few slimed ghosts on the road to making art? Romeo San l~cent&J~vorim thing about Actors with ambition to produce and bea~s # thdrproximity toj}ied chicken direct knoW that tO make d~ir dream projects and wa~s. He can be reached care ofthis come true there are dues to be paid. So publication or at DeepInsMeHollywood@ whenDollh0use star Eliza Dust~ku announced qsyndicate.com. her intentions to n’lake ~lhe Per~?ct Moment, @Club 209, Tulsa 12 March 2010 by Jack Fertig March 2010 "Tweet, ScorpioV’ Mercury in Pisces sextile to Pluto in. Capricorn offers very deep insights that seem illogical, but go with your gut. Your subconscious may be catching rational connections that your conscious - mind doesn’t see. ARIES (March 20- Apri~ 19): Folks in charge have a hidden agenda. Reading between the lines isn’t necessarily paranoiac. Confide in a close friend to keep that in proportion. If you must choose between loyalty and ambition, think ahead and remember who you are, TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Hints of the future and conversations with friends challenge some of your beliefs, triggering inner conflicts. You like life more certain, but accept the challenge to be truer to yourself and more ready for what’s coming. Resistance to inevitable change only makes it harder. GEM~N~ (May 21- June 20): Sharing a confidence with your boss could open him or her up to letting you in on some secrets. The road to power r~eed not pull you away from your friends, but your goals may-challenge you to choose or reconcile. CANCER {June 21- July 22): Ideals and religion should offer guideposts, not strict instructions. The way to effective partnership in love and work needs some improvisational detours from those marked paths. Independent thought and extrapolation breathe real value into.old faith and wisdom. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): There’s a time and place to show off your sexual prowess. At work that energy is best sublimated to focus on practical techniques to get powerful results. Go slow and steady at exercise. Trying too hard could get you hurt! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Identifying strongly with a sexuallydefined community can strengthen or limit your individuality - or do both. Discuss this with your partner or a Iongtime friend. Be very clear about how your milieu affects your own creative spirit. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Service to your community does give you deep insight; respect that it does so for others, too! Sharing your insights will help everyone; try to keep the corn petitive urges entirely friendly to build cooperation. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): "Your wonderfu, wicked wittiness will delight your friends, but could make big trouble at work. Keep a journal handy or Tweet your pals in those moments when you can hardly suppress yourself, but it is neither the time nor the place! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Pluto in Capricorn until 2023 means that financial worries will be with all of us for awhile, and that you will tend to worry way too much. Your biggest challenge is to keep perspective. That takes practice. Easy does it! CAPRICORN (December 21 -January t9): If you’re not careful you may reveal some very personal secrets. If you are careful you could learn a few! Assert yourself in a mature way - being responsible and independent- to shift your status in your family. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): A shopping list or receipt could be a meditative focus. Consider what you eat, what you use, what you need, what you don’t and how this reflects your habits and goals. Compare the reality to your ideals and see what you can learn about yourself. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Even if a bit pessimistic, your foresight will be appreciated. Times are tough, and a thoughtful assessment is much more valuable than false optimism. Ruthless honesty could still upset some friendships; try to be diplomatic. 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 Meat Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! Across Hemsley sitcom) 38 Pointless 39 Milita~, policy Farewell" musical theme from a Sherman Down 10r~sm, e.g. 2Top 3 Lady’s title 4 iWriter Calvino 5 Audeffs adieus 6 Cabaret’s "Mein . " 7 Name that rhymes w~th dtck . 8 Sex Pistols singer Vicious 9 Take care of 10Home of the WNBA’s Lynx 11 Gay vide~ directory name 12 Da Vinci~ Lig~ i3 GUmming on tl~estage 21,Basi~,0fB~ 25 Gangster niclmamed Scarface 27 Bend over and grab them 28 Home swle 30 Chop 31 Lesbos, for one 32 Slippery swimmers 33 Cheese in red 34 Petv 0fA League of~eir Own 35 %e I in IHO# (abb~0 36 Supporters of~ome drag queens 40 Bryant, but not Bear 41 Bosie, to Alfred Dougi~ 47 ~ternative to HBO 49 Rods of drivers 5 ! Intercourse while surfing? 52 Keep an the ground 53 Rest atop 54 Lingo 55 Woody~dley 56 Garfeld s wNpping boy 57 Beau, barely 58 Nickelodeon ~plorer 59 Force;that ~mes you to go down 52 Soludon page 15 be mailed www.metrostarnews.com ~7 oSTAR 13 AXDSWALK OKC Holding their First Fundraiser of2010 Each Step Brings Hope By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OI<LAHOMA CITY, OK __ AIDS Walk OKC began in 1998 with a mission to raise money and consciousness about HIV, to help those infected and affected, promote prevention, and raise awareness and understanding through education. Since then this annual event has raised over $400,000 for various nonprofit groups working in these areas including RMN, Other Options, Guiding Right, and many others. ~is ?Tear the Walk has been moved up to September 19 and the route has changed, now beginning at the Sonic Plaza in Brickto~vn. Although the route has changed it still is a Sunday afternoon event with preregistration beginning at 12:30 P.M. with stepoffat 2 p.m. Likewise tables ~vill still be available for vendors and for various groups to give out information. The Walk will also be preceded that day by the 5K run, which will begin on John Carter Drive and Rent Avenue, with registration for that event beginning at 11 a,m. Participation in that race costs $20 in advance, $25 the day of the race, and the runners are offat 12:30 p.m. Now chaired by John Greer MDSWalk OKC has 5 new board members, Dwayne Jones, Scott Hines, Cindy Cabrera, Diane "Wood & Maria Srouiji, who share a vision for the future. This year’s theme for the ’,Walk is "Each Step Brings Hope", and their first fundraiser will be at Partners, March !9 at 9 p.m., featuring entertainers John Beebe, Sonja Martinez and other great local entertainers. It’s a chance to get this event off:to a strong start for 2010! For more information www.aidswalkokc.org "Gay? I though you "1 got an upgrade.,’ were bisexual." \ ! & by Greg Fox lVebsite - ... WITH My www.kylecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aol.com bitter gid March 2010 Suppo~ those who suppo~ us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. DA ~BANA INN JU...D......Y......G.........P...H.....O.....T....O.......S............................... ~6~ 16~S o~ly 825~ Addifi0nal Tulsa OK 2200Oldahoma~7 39THciv,oK~P~SSWAY [w~& judyg;hotos@sbcglobal.net 405-528-2221 v ................ 918-743-8636 ww~ahabanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eurelm Springs, AR 800-210-840I www.magneticvalleyresort.com B~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tialsa, OK~~-9-/1’~8"-7*47-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W. I3th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 PRIMEPdCA Dana Tulsa, Oklahoma 877.700.9503 THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pro to 2am CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOVTSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK v~vw.realacceptance,com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK .................918:838~1715 .................... x~-ww.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO ........ 203 N. Nogales Ave ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oldahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 w~.v.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 ,a-a-~aclubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPP,£SSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 xw~,v.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW- 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 vavw.habanainn.com USED EVENING GOWNS Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK www.okstonewall.org OK_LAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org Chuck Breckenridge 8o70 o 887 ~XPnether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. Northwest Arkansas Center For Equality "Linldng Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 v#¢~¢¢,nwacenterforequality.org 179 Church Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703 A~kansas~ Bxdasive 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalteyresort.com info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-2!0-8401 479-244-682J_ Creating Community for People iving with H V/A DS A 501 c (3) Non Picofit 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 H1V+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these itenqs 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 Tulsa, OK 74158 w~v.metrostarnews.com ~ETROSTAR 15 its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through "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 o~ the Oklahoma and national Democratic Pariy. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues o~ the community, we are working to make change and shape history. T | ,2 7 We mee~ ~he I s~ Tuesday ofevery month a~ ~he LAHOMA STATE DEMOCRATIC 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 [2010] Metro Star Magazine, March 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 3 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vincente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Steven Petrow Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/188 The Metro Star Magazine, April 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/186 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/193 advertisement Advice AIDSwalk Bitter Girl Buster's Sugartime classifieds Democracy for America Don't shop-Adopt First Thursday Art Exhibit Fitness-stress test funnies gay friendly book GLBT Student group-OSU OKC Grassroots Training Haiti-HIV hate crimes Hate Crimes-Federal Prosecution International Leather International Women's Day Kyle's Bed and Breakfast LGBT Lobby Day Metro scene Military-Don't Ask Don't Tell National news Nightclubs and Bars NYC marriage license bureau Obituary Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Oklahoma News Oklahomans for Equality Prop 8 QPuzzle Qscopes Rainbow Pages religion RuPaul's Drag Race same sex marriage same sex marriage repeal Sooner State Softball Steven Russell Tax Commission lawsuit Tulsa Metro Softball League Union School District US Census US Census-LGBT https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f73e1cc882517fbc73f44a188871dc1c.jpg 736facac34483a1d66bfce1aa2d830f2 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/c9fcdc36b199a9431a34e8478899214d.pdf 963bb2daa16770222e9954db5fb1cdd2 PDF Text Text THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA ~Idahoma boasts 2 Gay Rodeo’s this year. Sooner State Rodeo (SSRA) Tulsa wil! make a comeback this fall with the Autumn Stampede. More on page-3 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 5 Twitt÷rocom/MetroStarNews President directs HHS to crack down on hospitals barring lgbt partners House ethics committee draft s.ays Congressional staffers with same-se~ spouses must include them in annual financial ~isclosure statements; Family Research Council says that violates DOMA By Lisa Keen Keen News Service WASHINGTON, DC President Obama issued a surprise memorandum Thursday- night, April 15, calling for an end to discrimination against gays and lesbians by hospital visitation policies that limit visitom to immediate family members. The timing for release of the memo was a litde odd- at 7:29 p.m. while the president was onboard Air Force One enroute back to Washington from a day of events in Florida. After signing the memorandum onboard Air Force One, the president then called Washington State resident Janice ~gbehn tO express his sympathy for the lossi0fhet parmer of !8 y~s~Lis~Pond:;: ......... Vo.d and Langbehn~ st0~ ~ subject ~ ~ p~6f\~\as~ rues; illUsiradng one ~£~h~ Urgent ~blemST~ c ui les face becatise Can fid because some entities still refuse to respect their relationships, During a family vacation to Miami, Florida in February 2007, Pond collapsed with an aneurysm and was taken by ambulance to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s trauma center. When Langbehn and their e MetroStarNews.com May 1,2010 Gay Rodeo an Oklahoma tradition 25th Great Plains Rodeo Rides Again In OKC By Victor Gorin Contributing writer arrived at the hospital, a hospital social worker said they would not be able to visit Pond, even though Langbehn and Pond had executed a heal~ prox~ and Langbehn had a friend fax the document to the hospital. According to a press release from Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, which is representing Langbehn in a lawsuit against the hospital, the president apologized to Langbehn for what happened to her family. "It was very rewarding to hear ’I’m sorry,’ from the President because that’s what I have wanted to hear fro,m,,Jackson Memorial since the night Lisa died, Said ~gbehn m be statement;" " I hopethat taking ~ ...... .... "" these ~tepS make~ siireth~ no ~ily eve;:-h~ t6 ily4~as ~peri~nce’the pi@tm~re :thatlm gone ith~o!agh." : i: .... Pres~denrObamas memorandum directs " ........ !he,,secr~ 0f Health and:Human Se~ices to ensure’ ~at hospitals which participate in Medicare and Medicaid "respeCt the rights of patients to designate visitors" and ~llow those visitors the same privileges as immediate family members. ........ Continued See HOSPITALS Page-6 O ahoma Exempdor £rom Federal Ha e Crh es Law- stopped "There are a couple of pastors who wear the veil of Christianity who were pttshing this legislation. As a Christian this offends me because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for that." State Representative Mike Shelton. By Victor Gorin Contributing vcriter OKLAHOMA CITY, OK When Barak Obama signed the Mat~ew ShepardJames Byrd Jr. Federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law last October 22, it was celebrated by the GLBT community and their allies as a major civil rights victory that was the result of almost a decade of loiJbying efforts and activism. Although some states already had hate crimes laws protecting the GLBT community (Oklahoma not among them) for the first time Arnericans in the State Representative Mike Shelton. Press photo GLBT community nationwide were protected by hate crimes laws at the Federal level. Also added by the same action were Federal protection against hate crimes based on gender and disability. Both of Oklahoma’s Senators, Dr.Tom Coburn and James Inhofe voted against the bill, along with the entire Oklahoma ........ Continued See HATE CRIMES Page-6 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s a proud Memorial Day weekend tradition in Oklahoma City when cowboys, cowgirls and their fans celebrate the Great Plains Rodeo, which now has the distinction of lasting a quarter century. In keeping with long time tradition, it will be held at the Oldahoma State FairgroUnds. From humbler beginnings, the first rodeo came together when OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) joined up with the Kansas and Missouri Ga~ Rodeo Associations to form what was then the Great Plains Regional Rodeo in August of 1986. Joined by Arkansas in 1992 the event was moved to the Memorial Day weekend. In 1999 the 4 associations split up to form their own respective rodeos, thus the word "Regional" was dropped to make the event simply the Great Plains Rodeo it is today. This rodeo ranks among the top 4 rodeos of the entire International Gay Rodeo Association circuit, which comprises over 20 rodeos. The International Gay Rodeo Association is made up of 28 state/provincial rodeo associations in the United States and Canada, and OGRA has been part of that organization since their first convention was held in 1985. O.G.R.A. was formed to provide a welcoming environment for those interested in the Western lifestyle without regard to sex or sexual orientation, national origin, race or any other form of prejudice. In other words, a way to bring people together to enjoy country and western life! This year the fun kicks offThursday May 27 with a Poolside Reception Party at the Finishline from 6-8 p.m. for the Rodeo sponsors and officials, followed by a stick horse rodeo that’s sure to be hilarious. This year will also feature a Stick Home Contest in which organizations can enter a decorated stick home, with votes for a winner that cost $1 apiece. The winning organization will receive a cash prize, and the stick horses will be auctioned off for charity. For more ........ Continued See RODEO Page-8 ��ere’s More Fun this Fall at SS ’S 2010 Sooner State Stampede By Victor Gorin Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus elects new o cers By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As O.G.L.EC. re-organizes, at their April meeting newofficers were elected: The cochairs are Steven Dubois & Jeanne Flanigan, Secretary Victor Gorin and Treasurer Richard Vreeland. As a revitalized organization they are meeting at the Neighborhood Alliance Building, 1236 N. 36th Street { N.W. 36thand Classen Boulevard) of Oklahoma City at 7 p.m. the 2nd Monday of each month, the next meeting on May 10. For~ more infBrmation e-mail Jeanne Flanigan at Ok.glpc@Tahoo.com or call her at (405) 255 3658. ~m Dic~,,nan, SSRA President. Sta~Cphat:o TULSA. OK As the OGI~’s Great Plains Rodeo welcomes summertime fun, this year more festivities jumpstart autumn as SSRA ( Sooner State Rodeo Ass6ciation) hosts another rodeo event, their 2010 Sooner State Stampede. It will not only feature traditiona! rodeo events, but also the fnn trappi,~gs of gay rodeo such as wild drag and goav dressing. It will mark SSI~k’s first rodeo with fifll equestrian amenities. t wvw¢.bridlecreekok.com). Sanctioned by the International Gay Rodeo Association I IGRA) this event promises to attract westerners from all over Oklahoma and nationwide. SSRA was formed in 2002 to give men ~d women of rodeo and the western lifestyle of Tutsa and eastern Oklahoma an association by which to come together and celebrate country culture. Like OGRA. SSRA is a 501c3 organization, and likewise is united ~br this cause without regard to race, sexua! orientation, religion, national origin, or any other prejudice one might encounten SSP~ celebrates not only rodeos and horse relaed activities, but also dogging, western and square dancing. The}, are also active in fundraisers that benefit various Oklahoma charities. Each October they select their royalty competitions for Mr. SSRA, Ms. SSRA, plus Miss and MisTER SSRA, who represent the organization at rodeos and fundraising events. ~aeir current president is Tulsan Tim Dickman. ~e winners from this event may go on to compete at IGRA’s World Gay Rodeo Finals held this year in Laughlin, Nevada October 2!- 24. For more information about the event check out ,a~vw.soonerstaterodeo.com tThe host hotel will be the Ramada Tulsa Airport East located at 1010 North Garnett Road, telephone 918 437 7660 (ww~:ramadaairport.com). Be sure to mention the Sooner State Stampede when booking your room for a special rare. Openly Gay Teacher Joe igley to be trans£erred £rom U.S. Grant High School By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Teacher Joe Quigley. Gorin ?hoto OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Joe Quigley is a high school English teacher who made history in Oklahoma City not only in the school system but for the GLBT community. He became well known when he was teaching English at Northwest Ctassen High S&ool. fighting for years to have the ~vords "sexual orientation/gender identit3:’ included in the Student Handbook to be among categories to be protected from harassment and bullying, His tenacious efforts almost cost him his iob last August when the OKC School Board voted to fire him. He not only won reinstatement in District Court, but soon after~vards th’e Oklahoma City School Board finally voted in the inclusive language for the Student Handbook. Although he was reinstated, instead of being returned to his original position at Northwest Classen he was instead transferred to U.S. Grant High School. U.S: Grant had been on the Federal list of schools in need of improvement and ~vas thus required to restructure under the guidelines of the No Child Left Behind Act. ~is would require that 50% of the teachers be removed. Joe Quigley was among the teachers to be transferred, who will receive full pay and benefits as substitute teachers for a 2 ........ Continued See O~IGLEY Pag_e-4 www.metrostarnows.corn ��Keith Kimmel found Dead in Norman March 31 following his arrest by Tulsa Police By Victor Gorin TULSA, OK Keith Kimmel, an activist with the GLBT com.munity was found de~d Wednesday morning March 31 around 7:45 a.m. by Kerri Logsdon. He had been staying at her home temporarily, and he was found seated in front of her computer. In a posting Monday on his Internet blog he had written, "I am done trying to love a world that has no love for me. I am done trying to believe redeeming things about people who have nothing redeemable about them." In accordance with his wishes, after an autopsy is performed his body would be cremated and his ashes sent to his family in Indiana. Tile preceding Friday night he had been drinking at the End Up Club, and according to statements he made was upset about a relationship he had with a dancer there. According to the dub owner Blake Mterman Keith had been there earlier that evening, left and then returned around 11:00 p.m. At that point Mr. Kimme! was very intoxicated, became very, combative and angry when the bartenders refused to serve him at which point the Tulsa police were called. During his arrest he claimed to have been physically and verbally abused at the club, and that officers had hit his head several times on the door frame of a patro! car. He was taken to St. John’s Hospital where he was given treatment ~br his injuries and bus tokens to get him back to his car. He returned to Norma~ the following da); and mailed a complaint of police brutality to the Internal Affairs Departmefii~ of the Tulsa police. Keith ~mmel had been im,olved with activist causes with the GLBT community but ,was probably best known for filing a lawsfiit against the Oklahoma Tax Commission ~vhen they refused to issue him a specialized license plate that stated IMGAY. He had dismissed that lawsuit February 26, stating that he would re-file it in Federal court at a later time. Mthough there was speculation as to what really happened during his arrest, including the possibility that his death might have been caused by the injuries from that night, the facts of his death are unknown at press time pending the results of a future autopsy. Mr. Mterman has urged caution stating," While I do want to see justice served. I would urge that as a community we wait until the final verdicl comes in. giving the police and the coroner’s office the proper time to do their invesngation before we make any conjectures or statements. After that comes out we as a communitT can move forward and get through this togethed" Blake further related that business had dropped since the incident, and stated that he’d like to remind the community that his establishment is still a peaceful party place. On Monday afternoons beginning around 4:30 p.m. there is still a free dinner courtesy of Midtown Meats located at 7924 E. 21st Street in Tulsa, and has morphed into a potluck supper. Tuesday nights still feature draft beer specials from open til 7 p.m. 4 ~:~,T~:()STA dose (understandably a busy day). The pool tournament happens on \gednesday nights at Bingo Thursday nights continues to be a rocking event, and the weekend features partying with the hot dancers. ~nis is follmved by Sunday beer busts. Blake further stated that business was picking up, and invited the community to see for themselves that the Endup is still a happening place to come together. documentation both anecdotal and in writing that the taxpayers have been continually ripped off in order to make administrators look good at the expense of the education df their students. " Senator Rice: "GOP Leadership Must Rebuke Incendiary R etoric" Oklahomans for Equality Award Recipients 2010 TULSA, OK Each year OkEq recognizes outstanding individuals who have both helped change and shape our ever evolving community. This year we are pleased to announce the following winners. The awards were presented at the 30th Anniversary Equality Gala on April 24, 2010. Life Time Achievement A,vard 20 years of service to the lgbt community Kelly Kirby Russell Bennett Spiritual Inclusion Award Advocacy for interfaith and lgbt dialogue Rabbi Charles E Sherman Temple Israel Community Hero Advocacy work for lgbtq youth Karen L. Davis Senior Program Officer Tulsa Community Foundation and Tulsa Reaches Out Community Hero 2004 Oklahoma Marriage Discrimination Lawsuit Gay Phillips & Sue Barton Sharon Baldwin & Mary Bishop Volunteers of the Year I.T. Team Eric Vogelpohl Don Satterthwaite Andrew Hicks Grand Marshal 2010 Pride Parade and Festival Rev Marlin Lavanhar Advocacy work for the global lgbt community year period if they cannot be placed in a permanent position, after which a teacher could be dismissed without the procedures of due process afforded tenured educators. As Joe puts it, "I was deliberately placed in a sChool where the District knew the teachers would have to be reduced and I look at this as yet another attempt to skirt the wilt and judgment of the District Court." The Oklahoma City Schoo! District has appealed his reinstatement, a process that could take as long as 2 years, so far incurring over $200,000 in legal expenses as the district faces a severe budget crisis. But so far Joe Quigley can say this much. "In the future the parents and taxpayers of the Oklahoma City Public School District need to start paying more attention to the teachers and less to the highly paid administrators, because there is Oklahoma State Senator Andrew Rice. File photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) April 15, 2010 Senator Andrew Rice (D-Oldahoma City) said today that the anti-government rhetoric among some Republican state legislators" has reached disturbing levels. Rice pointed to comments by a Republican legislator running for statewide office who said on Wednesday that the federal government is "tyrannical" and said he is willing to take his challenge of the federal government "to the max." Rice said these comments are particularly disturbing given the fact the remarks came just days after the Republican state legislator and others said tile state of Oklahoma should create a citizen’s militia to protect Oklahoma’s sovereignty from an "overreaching" United State’s government. "All elected officials have a tremendous responsibility to be careful with the words xve choose to use in public," Senator Andrew Rice said. ’~t a time when more and more people are using words that carry violent connotations to express what may be legitimate frustrations with government policies, you would hope that elected officials would refrain from feeding into that frenzy." Rice said that non-partisan experts of anti-government violence and terrorism have recently expressed concerns about the rhetoric. Rice pointed to comments by David Cid, executive director of Oldahoma City-based Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, who was quoted in the Oklahoma Gazette saying: "People are angry and frustrated, and among those who are angry mad frustrated, there is a small number, but them are a number who will pick up a gun." Rice said examples of evidence of antigovernment violence occurred both in Austin, Texas and Michigan as one group threatened violence against the government, and another person acted out on his anger in an act of domestic terrorism against the IRS, killing one innocent citizen and himself. ’°I call on the Republican leaders of the Legislature to rebuke this inflammatory language of some of their members coming just days before the 15th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing," Rice said. ’~All Oklahomans should be offended to hear any elected official use language that is reminiscent to the anti-government language used by Timothy McVeigh, especially leading up to this painful time of year for our state." Rice explained while McVeigh was on death row awaiting his execution for the murder of 168 innocent Oklahomans, he sent a letter to a London newspaper titled: "Why I bombed the Murrah building." In it McVeigh explains: "I reached the decision to go on the offensive - to put a check on government abuse of power, where others had failed in stopping the federal juggernaut running amok," he said. Oklahoma Tobacco Free help No matter who yot are on life’s -Reverend 3131 N. Pennsylvania,0kloh0~ 405.525.9555 May 1, 2010 �Wockner News Service for that project is expected to begin in the summer of 2011. A California Supreme Court ruling legalized same-sex marriage in May 2008 and weddings began June ! 6, 2008. Tiae court said preventing gay couples from marrying violated the state constitution. Even more groundbreakAng, the court also ruled that sexual orientation is a "suspect classification" -- which made aW type of discrimination based on sexual orientation constitutionally subject to the strictest level of scrutiny by California Out magazine lists ’most inEuential’ gays, lesbians 7he #’ial in the.f}dem! tawsu# to overturn 8 as a violation ofthe U.S. Constitution.{ms been paused in San Francisco since Jan. 2Z Famous attorneys DavM Boles, r{~ht, and Ted Olson are among the l.mwers argui,g the case for the gay side, Photo @ Rex Wochner Ellen DeGeneres. GL_~L4D photo Ellen DeGeneres is America’s "most influential" gay man or woman, according to Out magazine’s fourth annual "Power 50" list. "Since DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul as a judge on Banerican Idol in February, millions upon millions of viewers are getting a double dose of the hugely popular talk show host and 12-time Emmy winner," Out said. "The American FLxpre~s and Covergirl pitchwoman’S rcacb~ is nearly unparalteled~ ... A passionate advocat( ~br marriage equalit)5 anavid opponent of’don’t ask, don’t tell,’ and staunch defender of animal rights, DeGeneres’s enormous platform is many an American’s gain." Others near the top of the list include MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, singer Adam Lambert, actor Nell Patrick Harris, Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese and U.S. Reps. Tammy Baldwin, Jared Polls and Barney Frank. For the full list, see out.corn/power50. Effort to repeal Prop 8 fails to collect enough signat es. Federal Prop 8 trial remains paused. A grassroots effort to force a November 2010 ballot-box vote on repealing Proposition 8 failed to collect enough voter signatures by the April 12~deadline to get the measure on the ballot. Groups pushing the 2010 repeal effort faced an uphill battle from the get-go because California’s gay-rights leadership refused to support the project, believing that 2012 will be a better year to return to the ballot. The lead 2010 organization, Love Honor Cherish, did not say" hmv many signatures it did manage to collect. Just under 700,000 valid signatures would have been needed. "Tnis is a heartbrealdng moment," said LHC Executive Director John Henning. "Despite the dogged efforts of hun&eds of volunteers across California, we did not get www.metrostamews.corn the signatures we needed within the 150-day window set by the state. Regrettably, Prop 8 will remain as a stain on our constitution until at least 2012, and perhaps latel:" Love Honor Cherish was one of 40 mosdy grassroots groups working for a 2010 vote within a coalition called Restore Equality 2010. "Our signature-collection effort may have fallen short, but we stand tall as being the only statewide campaign that fought for repealing Proposition 8 in 2010," said Sean Bohac, chair of the Restore Equality 2010 Statewide Advisory Panel. "Our campaigners carried the torch of Harvey Milk, who showed that change only happens when we get out of the bars and into the streets. Band our efforts are reflected in the new polls that show increased support for extending marriage to all Californians." Bohac told The San Diego Union-Tribune that the number of signatures collected "was not particularly close" to the 694,354 needed. "We won’t be making, it public," he said. Recent polls by d~e Public Policy Institute of California and by the Los Angeles Times/ University of Southern California have shown that, for the first time, a majority of Californians now support same-sex marriage -- suggesting that top gay rights groups Equality California and Courage Campaign may have made a misstep in refusing to support the 2010 effort. EQCA and Courage expressed fears that voters would not be ready to reverse themselves just two years after rebanning same-sex marriage. But EQCA Executive Director GeoffKors said the poll results haven’t caused the group to second-guess its decision. "Equality California still believes 20!2 is the fight time to go to the ballot;’ Kors said. "Those polls were not of likely voters for the 2010 election. When you dig deeper into those polls -- and our internal polls during the same time period -- what’s clear is young voters are the ones who move the most. And young voters make tip a much larger percentage of the electorate in a presidential race (2012) than a gubernatorial race (2010), which is why the L.A. Times said, after looking at their poll numbers in the article, it’s clear why gay rights groups wanted to wait until 2012, because 2010 doesn’t provide us the best opportunity to win due to voter turnout." Restore Equality 2010 said it now will join up with the 2012 effort. Signature collecting courts. California governmental entities now have to prove they have a specific "compelling interest" -- rather than a mere "rational basis" - when they treat GLB people differently in any way. The change made it dramatically harder for any level of government to defend itself in any arena where gays, lesbians and bisexuals are not treated the same as heterosexuals. Some 18,000 same-sex couples married in California before voters amended the state constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage in November 2008. N~e California Supreme Court later ruled that Prop 8 was a valid amendment to the constitution. A federal lawsuit led by famous attorneys David Boles and Ted Olson to overturn Prop 8 as a violation of the U.S. Constitution is ongoing in San Francisco. The trial paused on Jan. 27 after all testimony had been heard but before closing arguments because Judge Vaughn ~Walker said he wanted to review the testimoW prior to hearing the attorneys’ final statements. The conclusion of the trial apparently has been further delayed while gay’ groups that ran the ballot campaign against Prop 8, who are not parties to the federal lawsuit, fight an order to turn over some of their e-mails from the campaign period. Protestors chained to W/site House jSnce: PtSoto b_y john Aravosis @ A_MERICAblog N~e LGBT community’s new activist pit bulls, GetEQUAL, dramatically upped the pressure on President Barack Obama on April 19 and 20 over his failure to succeed in keeping major campaign promises to LGBT Americans. Although Obama has taken several small steps seen as favorable or helpful to LGBT Americans, he has yet to engineer the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, or the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. GetEQUAIJs latest broadside started April :....Continued see Get_EQUAL - page 9 ~)~ETROSTAR 5 �More specifically, the memo instructs HHS to ensure that hospitals receiving federal funds nor deW visitation based on sexual orientation or gender identity, along.with the usual categories of non-discrimination. Human Rights Fund spokesman Michael Cole said his organization had been ~vorking with the Xg~hite House on the memo language [’or some rime. He said he was unaware of any particular reason for the timing. "It was a long process for them to get the memo language set and al! of their ducks in a row," said Cole- so my impression is that this was the point at which it was done." The April 15 memorandum is the second memorandum issued by the president to specifically help LGBT people. In June 2009, President Obama signed a memorandum to the ONce of Personnel Management Director requesting that the heads of all executive departments and agencies "conduct a review" of current benefits available to federal employees within 90 days "to determine what authority they have to extend such benefits to same-sex domestic partners of Federal employees" and submit a report on rMs to OPM. Kevin Cathcart, executive director of Lambda Legal, called the president’s hospital visitation memorandum a "great leap forward in addressing discrimination affecting LGBT patients and their families." "These measures are intended to ensure that no family will have to experience what the Langbehn-Pond family did that night at Jackson Memorial Hospital," said Cathcart, in a statement isstled Thursday night. k federal district court judge dismissed Lambda’s ta~vsuit on behalf of Langbehn, saying there was no law requiring the hospital to allow Lisa Pond’s partner to see her at the hospital. On Monday, April 12, Lambda issued a press release saying it had reached an agreement with Jackson Memorial for "qmproved policies that are more responsive ro the needs of the LGBT community." But Lambda said the agreement does "not provide as much protection as may be needed in critical sitnations." Lambda noted that the president’s memorandum calls on HHS to take steps to ensure that hospitals respect legal documents that some patients have to designate who can make decisions for them if they become incapacitated. It also requires HHS to report back to the president in !80 days with additional recommendations for actions HHS can take "to address hospital visitation, medical decision-maHng, or other health care ~ssues that ~?cr LGBT patients and their Ironically, the pool reporter on board the ~ighr back to Washington reported there was No news on the way back" from Florida. Meanwhile. Roll Call a newspaper specializing in covering Capitol Hill, reported Thursday that the House Committee on Standards of ONcia! Conduct has "drafted rules that for the first time would define gay married couples as ’spouses" for the purposes of filling out their annual Congressional financial disclosure forms." The forms are used by members of Congress and their staffs to make annual discIosures of any additional sources of income and investments by them and their 6 ~KTROSTAR spouses and dependent children. The draft rules propose requiring that any members or staffwho have married same-sex spouses in Washington, D.C. or aW of the states which provide for equal marriage rights to include information about their spouse’s finances, the same as straight members and staff Inust do about their legal spouses. Roll Call quoted a spokesman for the Family Research Council as saying the draft rules violate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DO1VL&), which prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriages. The paper noted that the draft rule had been removed from the committee’s website. The Committee’s webs!re currently lists instructions for filling out the form for calendar year 2008 disclosures even though the forms due next month are for calendar year 2009. MissoOa bans antiLGBT discrimination The City Council in Missoula, Mont., voted 10-2 on April 12 to prohibit discrimination in employment and housing on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, the Missoulian reporte& The vote came at 1:45 in the morning at the end of a seven-hour meeting. "Most of us can’t remember civil rights in action," said Councilwoman Sficy Rye. "This is it for us." Congresswoman Tammy BaldWin On President Obama’s signing ofa. memorand reNardmg the visitation rights of hospital patients Congresswoman Baldwin. Woclowr photo WASHINGTON, DC (PR) "President Obama’s decision to direct the Secretaryof Healrah and Human Services to take steps to ensure that hospitals participating in Medicare or Medicaid respect the rights of patients to receive visitors and designate others to make decisions about medical care in the case of an emergency is the right one. It follows the lead of many states and makes a strong statement about who we are as a nation and what we valne. Gay man elected mayor of small Colorado town An openly gay man, Ron Holland, was elected mayor of Dillon, Colo., April 6. He received 90 votes to an opponent’s 72 in the mountain town of about 800 people. Holland, who is serving his first term on the City Council, told the Summit Daily News he was "ecstatic" over his victory. No one should face the distress of lying ill or injured in a hospital bed with the loved one you designate barred from your bedside for any other than a compelling medical reason. For too long, such access has been arbitrarily denied many individuals, most especially to gay mad lesbian Americans. President Obama’s action tonight puts us another step doser toward our goal of equal rights for all Americans and I appland his decision: Martina has breast cancer Congressional Delegation, Passage of the bill intensified conservative religious groups who had campaigned against the Act and this was particularly felt in Oklahoma, although the legislation was hailed by the GLBT community and civil rights activists as a progressive measure long overdue. What followed was an attempt to "opt Oklahoma out" of this new protection, spearheaded by State Senator Steven Russell ( RepublicanDistrict 45) with State Senate Bil! 1965. The bill actually began as an ordinary measure to start a task force to research public and private high school athletics, authored by State Senator Harry Coates (Republicam) and State Representative "Wes Hilliard (Democrat). After the bill passed out of committee, S.B. 1965 was altered by Senator Russell who removed the original language. He then added language that would have prevented Oldahoma law enforcement from cooperating ,vith Federal authorities when a hate crime ~vas committed in Oklahoma. ~e bill then passed the State Senate 39-6. The ensuing publicity, including a GLBT lobbying day at the State Capitol focused mainly on this legislation, resulted in a re-xvrite of the bill by Senator Russell in an attempt to make it less offensive and passable. The rewritten version permitted Federal authorities to petition State District Courts for evidence relating to an Oldahoma hate crime if local law enforcement objected to cooperating with the Federal authorities. Among the groups opposed to this legislation was the Oklahoma American Civil Liberties Union. One of their lobbyists, Tamya Cox, spoke to State Representative Mike Shelton (Democrat District 97) who "hated this bill, understood the implications and issues of this from the onset, stated that we had to do something." Mr. Shelton persuaded the House author of the bill, Representative Danny Hilliard to let him have the bill. Once Mr. Shdton had control of the bill he withdrew it, thus ldlling this legislation. Although an unusual strategy, it was an effective action he stated that he felt he had to take because as he put it, ’~Mnything that breaks down the opportunity ro protect Oklahomans from harm is wrong. Legislation and resolutions that hurt people only give a black eye to our state." Although he has received positive feedback for his action, predictably he has received negative responses as well, including some from the conservative religious community. It hasn’t swayed his resolve as he relates, "There are a couple of pastors that wear the veil of Christianity who were pushing this legislation. As a Christian this offends me because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for that." GLBT and civil rights activists are continuing to monitor the situation in case attempts are made to re-introduce this or similar measures with another bill. Mart!ha NavradIova. Ougames ~hoto Lesbian tennis legend Martina Navratilova told People magazine April 7 that she has breast cancer. The ductai carcinoma was discovered early and is expected to be fully curable. "I cried," Navratilova said. "It knocked me on my ass, really. I feet so in control of my life and my body, and then this comes, and it’s completely out of my hands." "I went four years between mammograms," she added. "I let it slide. Everyone gets busy, but don’t make excuses. I stay in shape and eat right, and it happened to me. Another year and I could have been in big trouble." Navratilova will undergo six weeks of radiation treatment starting in May. ’uptcv - CivJJ Rights oCriminal ’ment o Family Law o Litigation 625 N. o l th street Cit% OK 7 105 May 1, 2010 �contim es "First ursday" Art Opening and E ibit of Original Wbrks by Matt Johnson. Bebe gives her ’Best O£’ for Race! The reigning D*ag Race queen goes though her list of season two superlatives By Bebe Zahara Benet TULSA, OK (PR) The May Oklahomans for Equality (Oldgq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Nei!l Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa), will feature the Artistic Nude Photography of Matt Johnson. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, May 6th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month of May. Oklahoman Matt Johnson, owner of Johnson Studios, specializes in Artistic Nude Photography and is based in Tulsa. Matt has always had a deep appreciation for the human form. He began his art expression in the color pencil medinm sketching in the pln-up type format in his teen years. Mfitt is a neon bender by trade for a commercial sign company. He has been married to his wife Denise since 1987 and they have three wonderful children. In 2006 his artistic will drew him to the camera. Since then he has been creating nude art using the lens of a camera and his imagination through the editing process. After developing a diverse portfolio Matt’s xvork was accepted into galleries in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. He was the featured artist in two different Eureka Springs gallery shows in 2009. Matt is beginning to show his work in his home town of Tulsa and is scheduled for two separate gallery shows in the upcoming months. Matt’s friendly easy- going manner makes his photo sessions comfortable, relaxed and fun experiences for his models. They are always thrilled with their images and often come back for additional sessions. allows Matt to continue to create new and exciting images from his eyeto the computer and then the paper. The show begins with a reception at the Dennis IL Nei!l Equality Center on Thursday, May 6th fi’om 6-9pm; Matt’s art will be on displa~v through May 2010. Founded by a dedicated group of volunteers in 1980, Oklahomans far Equali~r/OkEq is Oklahoma’s oMest gay rights o~nization. From testingfor HIV/AIDS and hosting t/~e annual 7~dsa PHele and Diversi~ Celebration m operati~ the Equadity Center and documenting the ~tha LGBTcommunity’s rich histor~ OkEq works for socialjustice amtfidl inclusion for Oklahoma’s lesbian, ga)~ bisccuai, and transgender (LGBT) citizens and their allies. Wasn’t it great to see me on the special episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race this week? Well, it was wonderful to sit down with RuPaul and my season one sisters Ongina and Nina Flowers to critique season two, but there was still so much more to be said that I tlmught I’d dedicate this week’s colttrnn to some of my favorite moments that we didfft get a chance to talk about during the show. Funniest Moment: There’s plenty to choose from, but for me it has got to be Jujube during the reading challenge. I just loved everything she said about everybody - calling Raven legendary- as in "leg" and "dairy," snapping at Jessica in Chinese and even ta~ng smack about Tyra’s grill - that reading was hilarious! A second runner-up moment was Pandora Boxx playing CarolChanning in the "Snatch Game" challenge. Ms. Boxx knows how to mine a laugh. Biggest Diva Moments: We had more , than a few moments to judge this season. 111 skip ranking catfights a~d assess in terms of performance. I’d say the other Tyra coming out as sophisticatedlady on a mad shopping spree was a great diva moment, as was Jujube’s peach dress in the Old Hollywood fashion challenge. It was mentioned in the live show, but it bears mentioning again - Raven’s gold Cleopatra dress and blonde afro was really, really fierc!! ~ Best Makeup: Oh honey! Give it to Raven! I think Raven really s~vitched up her makeup to go with different looks. Even , , ~vhen she did the country girl or the rock n roll look or the whole glamour thing she was able to create a different persona through makeup. She is really mastering the craft and art of drag. Best Runway: I will go with Jujube. I really will! She walks with confidence, walks with so much fierceness, so much attitude and so much personality. I really love how she does all levels of her presentation. Best Lip-sync: It seems like I’m a fan of Jujube! I love how she lip-syncs. Sometimes she gives a little too much, but she is more often right on the money. She is able to catch the little things the artist does. She’s right on point with it. ~aat’s someone who has studied the music and knows what the whole song is about. I also liked Raven’s lip-syncing. ~aere is something about it that is a little sassy. I’d give it to both of them. Biggest \Vish: To see Jessica \~ild last longer. She had so much potential! If she had been given another chance I am convinced there ~vould have been other things about her ~erfor,mance that would have made us all go WOW. Catdh the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race at 9pro (ET/PT) this Monday night on Logo and visit LOGOonline.com to find out about vievdng parties in your area. Until next week, kisses and good luck! For more i*{~ormation, see wwt~;okeq.org www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 7 �H e tension By Ronald Blake Contributing ~X~riter Photo: RonaM Blake, Certified Fitness Ins~’uctor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association The heart beats faster! Tixe blood vessels constrict even more! Tixe h<art, lungs, and brain ache for more help but it isn’t coming fast enough! There is a shudder and then complete blackness! This Edgar Allan Poe moment of chimerical horror describes a massive stroke for someone that suffered one day too many from hypertension. Gather round the campfire and H1 explain this medical condition, its causes, and preventative measures to avoid it. Hypertension is high blood pressure and one out of five people in our country are experiencing it. Tile blood vessels constrict and the heart has to pump harder to get that blood delivered around the bod?,: The heart begins to ,yemen from overload and the constricted vessels become compromised over time. Blood pressure changes all the time. It won’t kill you to have high blood pressure once in awhile though. Swerving to avoid the reckless driver on the freeway, climbing five flights of stairs quickly, or being startled by the ghastliness of that first and last time drag queen can all contribute to a spike in blood pressure. Consistently visiting this elevated zone is very much a problem. Many people wofft feel any symptoms from this disease for 10 to 20 years and then it can strike like a thief in the night. There isn’t a specific cause of hypertension but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lack of culprits calling in and claiming responsibility for this physiological terrorism. Heredity is a card we are dealt at birth and is a frequent contributor to this ugliness~ Hypertensive parents bequeath their kids a two times greater likelihood of having this disease than for those kids of parents without hypertension. That really sucks and all you did was be born to the world! Don’t grab the bottle and give up just yet if you inherited these lousy hand-me-downs from morn and pop. There are plenty of other ways to cotlnteract the ill effects of high blood pressure. Other causes of this nasty medical condition are obesity, stress, smoking, and improper diet and they are al! something you can control. Obese individuals are about twice as likely tO be hypertensive as those men and women ,vho are aren’t in that overweight category. I’m no Pd~odes Scholar but I think that means if you exercise and stay lean then you decrease your risk. That sounds like something you can control! 8 ~Y~:OSTAR S[ress can walk you down the aisle and give you away to high blood pressure too. Stop getting angry at all the little problems in the world! A late bill, rush hour traffic, the moth~r-in-law visit, and the ripped underwear at 6AM aren’t worth your emotional intensity. Relax and take a deep breath when these moments occur. That sounds like something you can control! Smoking always constricts your blood vessels and raises your blood pressure every time. Cigarettes aren’t cheap and there are smoking cessation programs al! over the place. That sounds like something you can control! Foods with excessive sodium, saturated fat, or cholesterol are al! significant donors to th~ election campaign for hypertension. This candidate for office can’t win without your donations. That sounds like something you can control! There are also drugs that can Be prescribed to aid in your efforts against this evil force. Don’t be scared by this villain of your vessels! With adherence to these suggestions you may live a healthy life and worry about hypertension (Quoth the raven) nevermore! This purloined letter was brought to you by that guy who tore up the planks in the house of Usher. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be found descending into the maelstrom at www.myblakefitness.com. information about the contest contact the rodeo’s co-directors, Klint Weiden ( 405 408 6140) or Paul Boyd (405 630-4388). Following on Friday it gets wild with a Poolside Cookout also at the Finishline from 3-6 p.m., then it’s registration time at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds from 6-9 p.m ( Barn #9)., with a cash bar and snacks provided to make it go better, along with entertainment from 6-8 p.m. Keeping the night kicking along is the HomoRodeo Mixer happening at the Finishline beginning at 9 p.m., also a All Rodeo Royalty Show at Phoenix Rising at 9 p.m. as well. The Rodeo begins the following Saturday at 8:00 P.m., and after a funfilled day of events one can unwind or windup at the Copa’s Texas Tea Party beginning at 6 p.m. a grand tradition hosted by the Texas Gay Rodeo Association. At 9 p.m. that same night there will be a country concert at ~Amgles featuring recording artist James Allen Clark among other local muscians. That night the stick horse contest winner will be announced, and the stick horses auctioned off. Then it’s Sunday morning coming down as the rodeo begins the final day o£ competition, resuming at 8:00 a.m. at the Fairgrounds. The Finishline that day will feature a Head Country Barbeque at 6:00 p.m. with a hearty dinner for the price of $12. followed by the Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m. a,varding bucldes, saddles and cash to the winners of the rodeo. To wind up the event Monday a Wind Down Party will be held at Phoenix Rising with a hamburger/~bt d6g c86koUt froln Noon until 2 p.m., with drink specials and funfilled recollections of the wild weekend. ~ If you or an organization is interested in being a vendor, contact Larry Foley at auditor@ogra.net ~ne host hotel this year is the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 801 S. Meridian. Telephone (405 942 1400) with special rates available until May 14 if you mention the rodeo. Come join the fun! For more information check out their website at vcww.ogra.net. May 1, 2010 �CMS now- pays for treatment of HIV related facial Lipodystrophy Disorder must cause depression for individuals to receive coverage By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last month that it will pay for facial injections for beneficiaries who have facial lipodystrophy syndrome (LDS) if, in fact, the person suffers from depression secondary to the disorder. Reportedly, individuals who take these medications and experience facial LDS side effects may suffer psychological effects related to a negative selfimage. "Of course I am depressed about the way I look from the way my face looks now;’ said Allen Leon, an OHahoma City man who has the disorder. "Looks are very important to everyone, not just gay people. People stare; they can’t help it. I feel that I am judged by people and I am uncomfortable when meeting new people." The disorder is very stigmatizing. LDS is a localized loss of fat from the face, causing an excessively thin, hollowed appearance in the cheeks. In some cases, facial LDS may be a side effect of certain kinds of Director, Coverage and Analysis Group for CMS. "These effects may lead people living with HIV to discontinue their antiretroviral therapies." Grade four (of four grades) leaves a person the most emaciated-looking. The injections are "fillers" that have been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to be injected under the skin in the face to help fill out its appearance specifically for treatment of facial LDS. Data show that these injections can improve patient self-image, relieve symptoms of depression, and may lead to improved compliance with anti-HIV treatment. The average cost of the injections is $500 for a two-vial treatment. Most people require a total of three treatments. Medicare coverage for the injections has already begun. This is an important milestone in Medicare coverage for HIV-infection therapies by helping people living with HIV improve their self-image and treating side effects of Lipotrophy by grade: Lipoatrophy with fat loss covering a wide area ofthe face and the skin is living directly on thefacial muscles. medications (antiretroviral therapies) that individuals receive as part of an HIV infection treatment regimen. "Facial LDS can leave people living with HIV looking gaunt and seriously ill, which may stigmatize them as part of their HIV-infecrion status," said Dr. Louis B. Jacques, MD medications. Compliance with anti-HIV treatment can lead to better quality of life and, ultimately, improve the quality of care that beneficiaries receive. For more information, visit http ://,arww.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/ viewdecisionmemo.asp ?id=234. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender aging issues take center stage at Congressional briefing on Capitol Hill WASHINGTON, (PR) April 21 The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders (SAGE) are convening a National LGBT Aging Roundtable this week in Washingxon, D.C. In addition, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has organized a congressional briefing on issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people as they age. The briefing was held April 22, 9:30-11 a.m. in Room 121 of the CannonHouse Office Building on Capitol Hill. The injustice facing many LGBT elders was brought home just this week by the painfut stoW of Clay Greene and Harold Scull~ an elderly gay couple separated by o~ci~s in Sonoma County, Calif., who also sold their possessions despite the measures the couple took to protect their relationship. More details here. "The needs of the oldest members of our community have long been invisible to many of us and ignored by most institutions in our society," said Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, which recently released Outing Age 2010: Public Policy Issues Affecting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Elders. "LGBT elders remain a highly vulnerable and largely invisible aging population. We know that invisibility leads to greater social isolation~ which can lead to increased vulnerability in many areas. We also know that discrimination across the tifespan leaves LGBT people economically and socially vulnerable as tlaey age. There are many challenges but we also have concrete recommendations on how aging advocates, policy mak,e,rs and social service agencies can meet them. Scheduled speakers at Thursday’s congressional briefing were Laurie Young, aging analyst and interim director of Public Policy and Government Affairs of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, who discussed findings and recommendations in Outing Age 2010; Hope Barrett, director of Elder Affairs of the Howard Brown Health Clinic; Harper Jean Tobin, policy counse! of the National Center for Transgender Equality; Joyce Pierson, elder rights advocate and former staffofthe Elder Rights Project of the National Center for Lesbian Rights; and John Johnson, SAGE’S federal director of governmental affairs. "Most Americans already face challenges as the~ age, but LGBT older adults have the added burden of a lifetime of stigma; relationships that generally lack legal recognition; and unequal treatment under laws, programs and services designed to support and protect older Americans," said Johnson. We must educate our elected officials and the public about the facts: that LGBT elders are more likely to live in poverty, face social and community isolation, and lack appropriate health care and longterm care. SAGE recently released a groundbrealdng report representing one of the first major collaborations between LGBT advocacy organizations and mainstream aging organizations to comprehensively examine the issues facing LGBT older adults. Improving the Lives of LGBT Older Adults was co-authored by SAGE and the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), in partnership with the American Society on Aging, the National Senior Citizens Law ~er~ter, and the Center for American Progress, with a foreword from the AARE The report was formally rele,ased at the ~eri~n Society on ~ing’s national conference, held last mont~ in Chicago, Ill. "SAGE’S report outlines the issues and offers solutions, providing a much-needed roadmap for creating a society where all older dults are treated with &gmty and respect, said Johnson. The LGBT elder population is growing, with a large wave of openly LGBTbaby boomers poised to seek aging-related services over the next 25 years. Despite that, there is virtually no government-sponsored research on aFing that includes sexual orientation or gender identity variables. This lack of data results in policy and practices that ignore the unique realities a~d needs of older LGBT people, q-his is beginning to shift, as the corigressional briefing and ISIealth and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ announcement last fall of plans to establish the first national LGBT elder resource center indicates. 19 at a fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer in Los Angeles. Activists David John Fleck, Dan Fotou, Laura Kanter, Zoe Nicholson and Michelle Wright paid their way into the event and then repeatedly shouted at Obama about repealing DADT as he tried to address the gathering. We are going to do that. Hey. Hold on a second! Hold on a second! We are going to do that!" Obama responded. ’7~1 right. Guys. Guys. All right. I agree. I agree. I agree .... What the young man was talking about was we need to -- we need to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, which I agree with and which we have begun to do. But let me say this: When you’ve got an ally like Barbara Boxer and you’ve got an ally like me who are standing for the same thing, then you don’t know exacdy why you’ve got to holler, because we already hear you, all right? I mean, it would make more sense to holler that at the people who. oppose it." A few moments later, more shouting ensued. "I’m sorr~ do you want to come up here?" Obama said direcdy to a protester. "Can I just say once again, Barbara and I are supportive of repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, so I don’t know why you’re hollerin’." Obama then stepped away from the microphone and spoke with Boxer. He returned to the mic and stated: "I just checked with Barbara, so if anybody else is thinking about starting a chant, B,arbara r ’ even vote for Dont Ask, Dont Tell in d i dnt ’ going " the first p 1 ace, so you know shes to be in favor of repealiiag Don’t ASk, Don’t Tell." The protesters were eventually removed from the room. "President Obama has been AWOL on DADT," said Fotou. "We had to remind him of the promises he made to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community during his campaign and several times during his ~residency--t, hat DAD.T, will be repealed oecause, as he s stated, it s the right thing to do.’" Added Wright, "We made it clear our community will hold accountable our president for unkept promises." In response to Obama’s questioning why gays are shouting at him over DADT, blogger Andrew Sullivan explained: "Because, Mr. President, it is not enough to be ’supportive’ o en&ng DontAsk, DontTell. When you have the presidency and your party controls both houses of Congress, it’s a matter of having the political will to end it. Not all gay people are HRC fundraisers. Some are even risking their lives every day for this country; in uniform, only to be treated like second class human beings and citizens by their own government. Their own government? That means you, Mr. President and Senator Boxer." The following da~ April 20, GetEQUAL protesters returned to the White House for a second round of handctffl:ing themselves to the fence and getting arrested, a month after the group’s initial action there. This rime six people chained themselves to the gates -- Lt. Dan Choi, Capt. Jim Pietrangelo II, Petty Officer Larry Whitt, Petty Officer Autumn Sandeen, Cadet Mara Boyd and Cpl. Evelyn Thomas. "We are handcuffing ourselves to the White House gates once again to demand that President,Obama sho,w lea,d,ership on ,r,epealing Dont Ask, Dont Tall, said Choi. If the president were serious about keeping his promise to repeal this year, he would put the repeal la%,uage in his defense authorization budget. The president gave us an order at the Human Rights Campaign dinner (in October) to keep pressure on him and we will continue to return to the W’hite House, in larger numbers, until the president keeps his promise to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell this year." Thomas commented: "A few weeEs ago I saw Lt. Dan Choi take dramatic action at the White House and it made me realize that I needed to do something to stand up for all the black female soldiers who have been discharged under DADT. Many people don’t mow that we black women are discharged disproportionately more than others under DADT2 At press rime, acco~&n~ to GetEQUB32s Twitter feed: "All six servicemembers have been taken into custody. They have served their country again today, and they deserve better than #DADT." �May1, 2010 �~.metrostarnews.com �12 S~!T~OSTAR May 1, 2010 �JOIN L YO~ A SHOT! ONLY ¥~11) www.metrostarnews.com RIITIOSTAR 13 �We p t ..... ,Church ,~vww,mcctu~sa,org ’uptc~ o CI~il Rights °Criminal ’ment ® Family Law ~ Litigation 625 N.~’. 13.~:h Street City, OK 73"103 14 ;~ET~©STAR May 1, 2010 ��Photo~ by Victor G. By Chris ~zopardi Glee: be Music, ~e Power o£Madmma Gle~ We wet{ alrea& episode! With Sue Sylvester doing :! :I11ms out we can love you more, ~[he chee~ d0ach,adds to one of muSic’s most delicious uN- if not more the Vete~fi seven ~ career classics him @ Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa s~veet as weird ~s it sh0uld be, Out theater doll Jonathan GroN- one of the Fox show’s fresh faces - joins the res~ of the ~ast. on ?Like.a Virgin," and Mercedes injects some pf run~. $6: i~ is, in ~act~ intro and the choir} moving endlike a dream.. ...... Grade: B+ & Sweet To~,r @ The End Up, Tulsa @ Angtes, Oklahoma City supported on this 2008;09 tom; Madonngs mojo sdl! m~es fBr one h4cl~ of a show. Over several hours :a couple on DVD; one on CD @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City Grade: A- Rufus 7Wainwright, M1 Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu Troubadours like Ruft~ Wainwright get off on being grandiose, but what happens when you lose something you cant get back. You scale it down. as he has ~er the recent dead{ of his mother. On his @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa 16 NetroSTAR May 1, 2010 �by Jack Fertig May 2010 SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Domestic drama "Your brain wants a chaRenge, Virgo!" threatens to disrupt your plans at work. If you can keep an even keel, handling those unpredictable upsets could help Saturn opposing Uranus is a longyou gain confidence in your managerial running on-and-off aspect that’s skills: Remember, a team leader is still scattering minefields, challenging a team member! us to change structures and goals through the year. The Sun and Mars CAPRICORN (December 21 are triggering those with sometimes January 19): Maintain respect for violent results. Ideological, "values"people even when their questions seem based attacks are likely at personal and abysmally stupid. It is tempting to mess political levels. with their heads, or to mock them, but mellow out that playful streak and ARIES (March 20- AprR 19): engage them. That could lead to fun for Your competitive drive can become all! obsessive, even self-destructive. Looking good is not about conquest, but moving on gracefully. Let go, meditate, open your creative soul. You can’t do that while guarding your turf as queen of the mountain. TAURUS (Apri~ 20- May 20): Celebrate your birthday with your family and your most creative friends, not necessarily at the same party. Bringing. them together may get a bit dramatic, even catalytic. This could be a good thing, or not. Think it through. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): Meditation will cool your heated brain and help you to keep your mouth out of trouble. In that calm solitude, think of ways your home life can support your ambitions. They don’t have to be at war with each other. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Showing off to your friends can get expensive and become a source of fights. If your love and admiration aren’t enough, home-baked cookies should do it. If they want more, they’re not really your friends, and their arguments aren’t worth the trouble. LEO (Ju~y 23 -August 22): Whatever you do is sure to get noticed. You do realize that can be a mixed blessing! Some humility would be in order, but that doesn’t mean denying your actual gifts and accomplishments. It’s just a matter of keeping perspective. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Everybody needs to be concerned about money these days. You may be more worried than is necessary or helpful. Don’t take it out on your family or housemates. The first purpose of discussion is to get problems into perspective. 1 2; 3 4 ’11 12 13 17 !9 44 64 68 47 46 66 69 ! 6~667295 PISCES (February 19- March 19): Flaws and frustrations in your relationship, however minor, are now feeling worse than they really are. You could both make a list now to discuss later. If you must trash someone, that is what POliticians and celebrities are for. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC of view 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, M0 64804 417-52943480 V~RGO (August 23 - September 22): Your brain wants a challenge. Find it in a book; don’t go picking arguments. If you want a good debate, hold yourself back a bit and make an effort to really hear what the other person has to say! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Trying to keep up with peer pressure, you could worry yourself sick. Balance? It means they have to meet you half way, too. Your real friends will do that. Standing your ground is sexy. Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! Solution page 19 SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Immediate concerns- work and partnersh p - feel like distractions from your creative engagement with the world, building the future. In fact, those quotidian details are exactly how we do that. Try to channel that aggravation into creative energy. www.metrostarnews.com ~#~<~t~’oSTAR 17 �Chuck Breckenddge \Vhcther buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. RAN INTO YOU. WIT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, _Arkansas www.magneticvalteyresor t. corn infoOmagneticvalleyresor t .corn 800-2t0-8401 479-244-6821 www.kylecomics.com ~y, net 18 May !, 2010 �Suppo~ those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. ~ ....................................... HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\rAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-2i0-8401 wwv.magneticvalleyresort.com Y~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 PRIMERICA Dana Tulsa, Oklahoma 877.700.9503 THELEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXg/AY Oklahoma City, OK EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ~wrw.habanainn.com 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 ......... Open 7days week 2prom 2am SOONERSTATE RODEO PO Box471463 Tulsa, OK74147 www.soone~mmrodeo.com CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHI~STIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK wv~v.realacceptance.com GREAT PLAINS RODEO P. O. BOX 12485 Oklahoma City, OK 73157 w~#c.ogra.net HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pro JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Ci~ OK 73112 405-840-2106 wv#¢¢.c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 .... www.mcctulsa.org ANGLES 2117 I’FOF 39th St. Oldahoma City, OK wwv.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 ~wvw.bambooloungetulsa.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pro to 2am OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vpccw.okstonewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 w~vw.okeq.org FINISHLINE 2200 I~FW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City; OK 405-525-2900 ww~v.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH ~RESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com LI ~,~w.metrostarnews.com ~{ETROSTAR 19 �"We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reaf~." "What matters, as always, is not what w,e can’t do, it’s what we can and must do.’ Stonewall lemocrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic PaR. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the We mee~ the I s~ Tuesday of every mon~h at ~he STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS 4100 N. Li~¢ol~ Av÷~, Okl~hom~ Cill ..... /~05~ 427-3366 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA ~Idahoma boasts 2 Gay Rodeo’s this year. Sooner State Rodeo (SSRA) Tulsa wil! make a comeback this fall with the Autumn Stampede. More on page-3 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 5 Twitt÷rocom/MetroStarNews President directs HHS to crack down on hospitals barring lgbt partners House ethics committee draft s.ays Congressional staffers with same-se~ spouses must include them in annual financial ~isclosure statements; Family Research Council says that violates DOMA By Lisa Keen Keen News Service WASHINGTON, DC President Obama issued a surprise memorandum Thursday- night, April 15, calling for an end to discrimination against gays and lesbians by hospital visitation policies that limit visitom to immediate family members. The timing for release of the memo was a litde odd- at 7:29 p.m. while the president was onboard Air Force One enroute back to Washington from a day of events in Florida. arrived at the hospital, a hospital social worker said they would not be able to visit Pond, even though Langbehn and Pond had executed a heal~ prox~ and Langbehn had a friend fax the document to the hospital. According to a press release from Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, which is representing Langbehn in a lawsuit against the hospital, the president apologized to Langbehn for what happened to her family. After signing the memorandum onboard "It was very rewarding to hear ’I’m sorry,’ Air Force One, the president then called from the President because that’s what I Washington State resident Janice ~gbehn have wanted to hear fro,m,,Jackson Memorial tO express his sympathy for the lossi0fhet since the night Lisa died, Said ~gbehn parmer of !8 y~s~Lis~Pond:;: m~ ..b..e..statement;" "I hopetha.t.t.a.ki"n"g these .........Vo.d and Langbehn~ st0~~subject ~tepS make~ siireth~ no ~ily eve;:-h~ t6 ~€ ~ p~6f\~\as~ rues; ~peri~nce’the pi@tm~re :thatlm ily4~as illUsiradng one ~£~h~ Urgent ~blemST~ gone ith~o!agh." : i: .... c ui les face becatise Can fid "Pres~denrObama.s.m...e.m..orandum directs because some entities still refuse to respect !he,,secr~ 0fHealth and:Human Se~ices their relationships, to ensure’ ~at hospitals which participate in During a family vacation to Miami, Medicare and Medicaid "respeCt the rights of Florida in February 2007, Pond collapsed patients to designate visitors" and ~llow those with an aneurysm and was taken by visitors the same privileges as immediate ambulance to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s family members. trauma center. When Langbehn and their ........Continued See HOSPITALS Page-6 O ahoma Exempdor £rom Federal Ha e Crh es Law- stopped "There are a couple of pastors who wear the veil of Christianity who were pttshing this legislation. As a Christian this offends me because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for that." State Representative Mike Shelton. By Victor Gorin Contributing vcriter OKLAHOMA CITY, OK When Barak Obama signed the Mat~ew Shepard- James Byrd Jr. Federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law last October 22, it was celebrated by the GLBT community and their allies as a major civil rights victory that was the result of almost a decade of loiJbying efforts and activism. Although some states already had hate crimes laws protecting the GLBT community (Oklahoma not among them) for the first time Arnericans in the State RepresentativeMike Shelton. Pressphoto GLBT community nationwide were protected by hate crimes laws at the Federal level. Also added by the same action were Federal protection against hate crimes based on gender and disability. Both of Oklahoma’s Senators, Dr.Tom Coburn and James Inhofe voted against the bill, along with the entire Oklahoma ........Continued See HATE CRIMES Page-6 e MetroStarNews.com May 1,2010 Gay Rodeo an Oklahoma tradition 25th Great Plains Rodeo Rides Again In OKC By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s a proud Memorial Day weekend tradition in Oklahoma City when cowboys, cowgirls and their fans celebrate the Great Plains Rodeo, which now has the distinction of lasting a quarter century. In keeping with long time tradition, it will be held at the Oldahoma State FairgroUnds. From humbler beginnings, the first rodeo came together when OGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) joined up with the Kansas and Missouri Ga~ Rodeo Associations to form what was then the Great Plains Regional Rodeo in August of 1986. Joined by Arkansas in 1992 the event was moved to the Memorial Day weekend. In 1999 the 4 associations split up to form their own respective rodeos, thus the word "Regional" was dropped to make the event simply the Great Plains Rodeo it is today. This rodeo ranks among the top 4 rodeos of the entire International Gay Rodeo Association circuit, which comprises over 20 rodeos. The International Gay Rodeo Association is made up of 28 state/provincial rodeo associations in the United States and Canada, and OGRA has been part of that organization since their first convention was held in 1985. O.G.R.A. was formed to provide a welcoming environment for those interested in the Western lifestyle without regard to sex or sexual orientation, national origin, race or any other form of prejudice. In other words, a way to bring people together to enjoy country and western life! This year the fun kicks offThursday May 27 with a Poolside Reception Party at the Finishline from 6-8 p.m. for the Rodeo sponsors and officials, followed by a stick horse rodeo that’s sure to be hilarious. This year will also feature a Stick Home Contest in which organizations can enter a decorated stick home, with votes for a winner that cost $1 apiece. The winning organization will receive a cash prize, and the stick horses will be auctioned off for charity. For more ........Continued See RODEO Page-8 ere’s More Fun this Fall at SS ’S 2010 Sooner State Stampede By Victor Gorin ~m Dic~,,nan, SSRA President. Sta~Cphat:o TULSA. OK As the OGI~’s Great Plains Rodeo welcomes summertime fun, this year more festivities jumpstart autumn as SSRA ( Sooner State Rodeo Ass6ciation) hosts another rodeo event, their 2010 Sooner State Stampede. It will not only feature traditiona! rodeo events, but also the fnn trappi,~gs of gay rodeo such as wild drag and goav dressing. It will mark SSI~k’s first rodeo with fifll equestrian amenities. t wvw¢.bridlecreekok.com). Sanctioned by the International Gay Rodeo Association I IGRA) this event promises to attract westerners from all over Oklahoma and nationwide. SSRA was formed in 2002 to give men ~d women of rodeo and the western lifestyle ofTutsa and eastern Oklahoma an association by which to come together and celebrate country culture. Like OGRA. SSRA is a 501c3 organization, and likewise is united ~br this cause without regard to race, sexua! orientation, religion, national origin, or any other prejudice one might encounten SSP~ celebrates not only rodeos and horse relaed activities, but also dogging, western and square dancing. The}, are also active in fundraisers that benefit various Oklahoma charities. Each October they select their royalty competitions for Mr. SSRA, Ms. SSRA, plus Miss and MisTER SSRA, who represent the organization at rodeos and fundraising events. ~aeir current president is Tulsan Tim Dickman. ~e winners from this event may go on to compete at IGRA’s World Gay Rodeo Finals held this year in Laughlin, Nevada October 2!- 24. For more information about the event check out ,a~vw.soonerstaterodeo.com tThe host hotel will be the Ramada Tulsa Airport East located at 1010 North Garnett Road, telephone 918 437 7660 (ww~:ramadaairport.com). Be sure to mention the Sooner State Stampede when booking your room for a special rare. www.metrostarnows.corn Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus elects new o cers By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As O.G.L.EC. re-organizes, at their April meeting newofficers were elected: The cochairs are Steven Dubois & Jeanne Flanigan, Secretary Victor Gorin and Treasurer Richard Vreeland. As a revitalized organization they are meeting at the Neighborhood Alliance Building, 1236 N. 36th Street { N.W. 36thand Classen Boulevard) of Oklahoma City at 7 p.m. the 2nd Monday of each month, the next meeting on May 10. For~ more infBrmation e-mail Jeanne Flanigan at Ok.glpc@Tahoo.com or call her at (405) 255 3658. Openly Gay TeacherJoe igley to be trans£erred £rom U.S. Grant High School By Victor Gorin Contributing writer TeacherJoe Quigley. Gorin ?hoto OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Joe Quigley is a high school English teacher who made history in Oklahoma City not only in the school system but for the GLBT community. He became well known when he was teaching English at Northwest Ctassen High S&ool. fighting for years to have the ~vords "sexual orientation/gender identit3:’ included in the Student Handbook to be among categories to be protected from harassment and bullying, His tenacious efforts almost cost him his iob last August when the OKC School Board voted to fire him. He not only won reinstatement in District Court, but soon after~vards th’e Oklahoma City School Board finally voted in the inclusive language for the Student Handbook. Although he was reinstated, instead of being returned to his original position at Northwest Classen he was instead transferred to U.S. Grant High School. U.S: Grant had been on the Federal list of schools in need of improvement and ~vas thus required to restructure under the guidelines of the No Child Left Behind Act. ~is would require that 50% of the teachers be removed. Joe Quigley was among the teachers to be transferred, who will receive full pay and benefits as substitute teachers for a 2 ........Continued See O~IGLEY Pag_e-4 Keith Kimmel found Dead in Norman March 31 following his arrest by Tulsa Police By Victor Gorin TULSA, OK Keith Kimmel, an activist with the GLBT com.munity was found de~d Wednesday morning March 31 around 7:45 a.m. by Kerri Logsdon. He had been staying at her home temporarily, and he was found seated in front of her computer. In a posting Monday on his Internet blog he had written, "I am done trying to love a world that has no love for me. I am done trying to believe redeeming things about people who have nothing redeemable about them." In accordance with his wishes, after an autopsy is performed his body would be cremated and his ashes sent to his family in Indiana. Tile preceding Friday night he had been drinking at the End Up Club, and according to statements he made was upset about a relationship he had with a dancer there. According to the dub owner Blake Mterman Keith had been there earlier that evening, left and then returned around 11:00 p.m. At that point Mr. Kimme! was very intoxicated, became very, combative and angry when the bartenders refused to serve him at which point the Tulsa police were called. During his arrest he claimed to have been physically and verbally abused at the club, and that officers had hit his head several times on the door frame of a patro! car. He was taken to St. John’s Hospital where he was given treatment ~br his injuries and bus tokens to get him back to his car. He returned to Norma~ the following da); and mailed a complaint of police brutality to the Internal Affairs Departmefii~ of the Tulsa police. Keith ~mmel had been im,olved with activist causes with the GLBT community but ,was probably best known for filing a lawsfiit against the Oklahoma Tax Commission ~vhen they refused to issue him a specialized license plate that stated IMGAY. He had dismissed that lawsuit February 26, stating that he would re-file it in Federal court at a later time. Mthough there was speculation as to what really happened during his arrest, including the possibility that his death might have been caused by the injuries from that night, the facts of his death are unknown at press time pending the results of a future autopsy. Mr. Mterman has urged caution stating," While I do want to see justice served. I would urge that as a community we wait until the final verdicl comes in. giving the police and the coroner’s office the proper time to do their invesngation before we make any conjectures or statements. After that comes out we as a communitT can move forward and get through this togethed" Blake further related that business had dropped since the incident, and stated that he’d like to remind the community that his establishment is still a peaceful party place. On Monday afternoons beginning around 4:30 p.m. there is still a free dinner courtesy of Midtown Meats located at 7924 E. 21st Street in Tulsa, and has morphed into a potluck supper. Tuesday nights still feature draft beer specials from open til 7 p.m. dose (understandably a busy day). The pool tournament happens on \gednesday nights at Bingo Thursday nights continues to be a rocking event, and the weekend features partying with the hot dancers. ~nis is follmved by Sunday beer busts. Blake further stated that business was picking up, and invited the community to see for themselves that the Endup is still a happening place to come together. Oklahomans for Equality Award Recipients 2010 TULSA, OK Each year OkEq recognizes outstanding individuals who have both helped change and shape our ever evolving community. This year we are pleased to announce the following winners. The awards were presented at the 30th Anniversary Equality Gala on April 24, 2010. Life Time Achievement A,vard 20 years of service to the lgbt community Kelly Kirby Russell Bennett Spiritual Inclusion Award Advocacy for interfaith and lgbt dialogue Rabbi Charles E Sherman Temple Israel Community Hero Advocacy work for lgbtq youth Karen L. Davis Senior Program Officer Tulsa Community Foundation and Tulsa Reaches Out Community Hero 2004 Oklahoma Marriage Discrimination Lawsuit Gay Phillips & Sue Barton Sharon Baldwin & Mary Bishop Volunteers of the Year I.T. Team Eric Vogelpohl Don Satterthwaite Andrew Hicks Grand Marshal 2010 Pride Parade and Festival Rev Marlin Lavanhar Advocacy work for the global lgbt community year period if they cannot be placed in a permanent position, after which a teacher could be dismissed without the procedures of due process afforded tenured educators. As Joe puts it, "I was deliberately placed in a sChool where the District knew the teachers would have to be reduced and I look at this as yet another attempt to skirt the wilt and judgment of the District Court." The Oklahoma City Schoo! District has appealed his reinstatement, a process that could take as long as 2 years, so far incurring over $200,000 in legal expenses as the district faces a severe budget crisis. But so far Joe Quigley can say this much. "In the future the parents and taxpayers of the Oklahoma City Public School District need to start paying more attention to the teachers and less to the highly paid administrators, because there is documentation both anecdotal and in writing that the taxpayers have been continually ripped off in order to make administrators look good at the expense of the education df their students. " Senator Rice: "GOP Leadership Must Rebuke Incendiary R etoric" Oklahoma State SenatorAndrew Rice. File photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) April 15, 2010 Senator Andrew Rice (D-Oldahoma City) said today that the anti-government rhetoric among some Republican state legislators" has reached disturbing levels. Rice pointed to comments by a Republican legislator running for statewide office who said on Wednesday that the federal government is "tyrannical" and said he is willing to take his challenge of the federal government "to the max." Rice said these comments are particularly disturbing given the fact the remarks came just days after the Republican state legislator and others said tile state of Oklahoma should create a citizen’s militia to protect Oklahoma’s sovereignty from an "overreaching" United State’s government. "All elected officials have a tremendous responsibility to be careful with the words xve choose to use in public," Senator Andrew Rice said. ’~t a time when more and more people are using words that carry violent connotations to express what may be legitimate frustrations with government policies, you would hope that elected officials would refrain from feeding into that frenzy." Rice said that non-partisan experts of anti-government violence and terrorism have recently expressed concerns about the rhetoric. Rice pointed to comments by David Cid, executive director of Oldahoma City-based Memorial Institute for the Prevention ofTerrorism, who was quoted in the Oklahoma Gazette saying: "People are angry and frustrated, and among those who are angry mad frustrated, there is a small number, but them are a number who will pick up a gun." Rice said examples of evidence of antigovernment violence occurred both in Austin, Texas and Michigan as one group threatened violence against the government, and another person acted out on his anger in an act of domestic terrorism against the IRS, killing one innocent citizen and himself. ’°I call on the Republican leaders of the Legislature to rebuke this inflammatory language ofsome of their members coming just days before the 15th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing," Rice said. ’~All Oklahomans should be offended to hear any elected official use language that is reminiscent to the anti-government language used by Timothy McVeigh, especially leading up to this painful time of year for our state." Rice explained while McVeigh was on death row awaiting his execution for the murder of 168 innocent Oklahomans, he sent a letter to a London newspaper titled: "Why I bombed the Murrah building." In it McVeigh explains: "I reached the decision to go on the offensive - to put a check on government abuse of power, where others had failed in stopping the federal juggernaut running amok," he said. Oklahoma Tobacco Free help No matter who yot are on life’s -Reverend 3131 N. Pennsylvania,0kloh0~ 405.525.9555 4 ~:~,T~:()STA May 1, 2010 Out magazine lists ’most inEuential’ gays, lesbians Ellen DeGeneres. GL_~L4D photo Ellen DeGeneres is America’s "most influential" gay man or woman, according to Out magazine’s fourth annual "Power 50" list. "Since DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul as a judge on Banerican Idol in February, millions upon millions of viewers are getting a double dose of the hugely popular talk show host and 12-time Emmy winner," Out said. "The American FLxpre~s and Covergirl pitchwoman’S rcacb~ is nearly unparalteled~ ... A passionate advocat( ~br marriage equalit)5 anavid opponent of’don’t ask, don’t tell,’ and staunch defender of animal rights, DeGeneres’s enormous platform is many an American’s gain." Others near the top of the list include MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, singer Adam Lambert, actor Nell Patrick Harris, Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese and U.S. Reps. Tammy Baldwin, Jared Polls and Barney Frank. For the full list, see out.corn/power50. Effort to repeal Prop 8 fails to collect enough signat es. Federal Prop 8 trial remains paused. A grassroots effort to force a November 2010 ballot-box vote on repealing Proposition 8 failed to collect enough voter signatures by the April 12~deadline to get the measure on the ballot. Groups pushing the 2010 repeal effort faced an uphill battle from the get-go because California’s gay-rights leadership refused to support the project, believing that 2012 will be a better year to return to the ballot. The lead 2010 organization, Love Honor Cherish, did not say" hmv many signatures it did manage to collect. Just under 700,000 valid signatures would have been needed. "Tnis is a heartbrealdng moment," said LHC Executive Director John Henning. "Despite the dogged efforts of hun&eds of volunteers across California, we did not get Wockner News Service 7he #’ial in the.f}dem! tawsu# to overturn 8 as a violation ofthe U.S. Constitution.{ms been paused in San Francisco sinceJan. 2Z Famous attorneys DavM Boles, r{~ht, and Ted Olson are among the l.mwers argui,g the case for the gay side, Photo @ Rex Wochner the signatures we needed within the 150-day window set by the state. Regrettably, Prop 8 will remain as a stain on our constitution until at least 2012, and perhaps latel:" Love Honor Cherish was one of 40 mosdy grassroots groups working for a 2010 vote within a coalition called Restore Equality 2010. "Our signature-collection effort may have fallen short, but we stand tall as being the only statewide campaign that fought for repealing Proposition 8 in 2010," said Sean Bohac, chair of the Restore Equality 2010 Statewide Advisory Panel. "Our campaigners carried the torch of Harvey Milk, who showed that change only happens when we get out of the bars and into the streets. Band our efforts are reflected in the new polls that show increased support for extending marriage to all Californians." Bohac told The San Diego Union-Tribune that the number of signatures collected "was not particularly close" to the 694,354 needed. "We won’t be making, it public," he said. Recent polls by d~e Public Policy Institute of California and by the Los Angeles Times/ University of Southern California have shown that, for the first time, a majority of Californians now support same-sex marriage -- suggesting that top gay rights groups Equality California and Courage Campaign may have made a misstep in refusing to support the 2010 effort. EQCA and Courage expressed fears that voters would not be ready to reverse themselves just two years after rebanning same-sex marriage. But EQCA Executive Director GeoffKors said the poll results haven’t caused the group to second-guess its decision. "Equality California still believes 20!2 is the fight time to go to the ballot;’ Kors said. "Those polls were not oflikely voters for the 2010 election. When you dig deeper into those polls -- and our internal polls during the same time period -- what’s clear is young voters are the ones who move the most. And young voters make tip a much larger percentage of the electorate in a presidential race (2012) than a gubernatorial race (2010), which is why the L.A. Times said, after looking at their poll numbers in the article, it’s clear why gay rights groups wanted to wait until 2012, because 2010 doesn’t provide us the best opportunity to win due to voter turnout." Restore Equality 2010 said it now will join up with the 2012 effort. Signature collecting for that project is expected to begin in the summer of 2011. A California Supreme Court ruling legalized same-sex marriage in May 2008 and weddings began June ! 6, 2008. Tiae court said preventing gay couples from marrying violated the state constitution. Even more groundbreakAng, the court also ruled that sexual orientation is a "suspect classification" -- which made aW type ofdiscrimination based on sexual orientation constitutionally subject to the strictest level ofscrutiny by California courts. California governmental entities now have to prove they have a specific "compelling interest" -- rather than a mere "rational basis" - - when they treat GLB people differently in any way. The change made it dramatically harder for any level ofgovernment to defend itself in any arena where gays, lesbians and bisexuals are not treated the same as heterosexuals. Some 18,000 same-sex couples married in California before voters amended the state constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage in November 2008. N~e California Supreme Court later ruled that Prop 8 was a valid amendment to the constitution. A federal lawsuit led by famous attorneys David Boles and Ted Olson to overturn Prop 8 as a violation of the U.S. Constitution is ongoing in San Francisco. The trial paused on Jan. 27 after all testimony had been heard but before closing arguments because Judge Vaughn ~Walker said he wanted to review the testimoW prior to hearing the attorneys’ final statements. The conclusion ofthe trial apparently has been further delayed while gay’ groups that ran the ballot campaign against Prop 8, who are not parties to the federal lawsuit, fight an order to turn over some of their e-mails from the campaign period. Protestors chained to W/site HousejSnce: PtSoto b_yjohn Aravosis @A_MERICAblog N~e LGBT community’s new activist pit bulls, GetEQUAL, dramatically upped the pressure on President Barack Obama on April 19 and 20 over his failure to succeed in keeping major campaign promises to LGBT Americans. Although Obama has taken several small steps seen as favorable or helpful to LGBT Americans, he has yet to engineer the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, or the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. GetEQUAIJs latest broadside started April :....Continued see Get_EQUAL - page 9 www.metrostamews.corn ~)~ETROSTAR 5 More specifically, the memo instructs HHS to ensure that hospitals receiving federal funds nor deW visitation based on sexual orientation or gender identity, along.with the usual categories of non-discrimination. Human Rights Fund spokesman Michael Cole said his organization had been ~vorking with the Xg~hite House on the memo language [’or some rime. He said he was unaware of any particular reason for the timing. "It was a long process for them to get the memo language set and al! of their ducks in a row," said Cole- so my impression is that this was the point at which it was done." The April 15 memorandum is the second memorandum issued by the president to specifically help LGBT people. In June 2009, President Obama signed a memorandum to the ONce of Personnel Management Director requesting that the heads of all executive departments and agencies "conduct a review" of current benefits available to federal employees within 90 days "to determine what authority they have to extend such benefits to same-sex domestic partners of Federal employees" and submit a report on rMs to OPM. Kevin Cathcart, executive director of Lambda Legal, called the president’s hospital visitation memorandum a "great leap forward in addressing discrimination affecting LGBT patients and their families." "These measures are intended to ensure that no family will have to experience what the Langbehn-Pond family did that night at Jackson Memorial Hospital," said Cathcart, in a statement isstled Thursday night. k federal district court judge dismissed Lambda’s ta~vsuit on behalf of Langbehn, saying there was no law requiring the hospital to allow Lisa Pond’s partner to see her at the hospital. On Monday, April 12, Lambda issued a press release saying it had reached an agreement with Jackson Memorial for "qmproved policies that are more responsive ro the needs of the LGBT community." But Lambda said the agreement does "not provide as much protection as may be needed in critical sitnations." Lambda noted that the president’s memorandum calls on HHS to take steps to ensure that hospitals respect legal documents that some patients have to designate who can make decisions for them if they become incapacitated. It also requires HHS to report back to the president in !80 days with additional recommendations for actions HHS can take "to address hospital visitation, medical decision-maHng, or other health care ~ssues that ~?cr LGBT patients and their Ironically, the pool reporter on board the ~ighr back to Washington reported there was No news on the way back" from Florida. Meanwhile. Roll Call a newspaper specializing in covering Capitol Hill, reported Thursday that the House Committee on Standards of ONcia! Conduct has "drafted rules that for the first time would define gay married couples as ’spouses" for the purposes of filling out their annual Congressional financial disclosure forms." The forms are used by members of Congress and their staffs to make annual discIosures of any additional sources of income and investments by them and their spouses and dependent children. The draft rules propose requiring that any members or staffwho have married same-sex spouses in Washington, D.C. or aW of the states which provide for equal marriage rights to include information about their spouse’s finances, the same as straight members and staff Inust do about their legal spouses. Roll Call quoted a spokesman for the Family Research Council as saying the draft rules violate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DO1VL&), which prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriages. The paper noted that the draft rule had been removed from the committee’s website. The Committee’s webs!re currently lists instructions for filling out the form for calendar year 2008 disclosures even though the forms due next month are for calendar year 2009. MissoOa bans anti- LGBT discrimination The City Council in Missoula, Mont., voted 10-2 on April 12 to prohibit discrimination in employment and housing on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, the Missoulian reporte& The vote came at 1:45 in the morning at the end of a seven-hour meeting. "Most of us can’t remember civil rights in action," said Councilwoman Sficy Rye. "This is it for us." Gay man elected mayor ofsmall Colorado town An openly gay man, Ron Holland, was elected mayor of Dillon, Colo., April 6. He received 90 votes to an opponent’s 72 in the mountain town of about 800 people. Holland, who is serving his first term on the City Council, told the Summit Daily News he was "ecstatic" over his victory. Martina has breast cancer Mart!ha NavradIova. Ougames~hoto Lesbian tennis legend Martina Navratilova told People magazine April 7 that she has breast cancer. The ductai carcinoma was discovered early and is expected to be fully curable. "I cried," Navratilova said. "It knocked me on my ass, really. I feet so in control ofmy life and my body, and then this comes, and it’s completely out ofmy hands." "I went four years between mammograms," she added. "I let it slide. Everyone gets busy, but don’t make excuses. I stay in shape and eat right, and it happened to me. Another year and I could have been in big trouble." Navratilova will undergo six weeks of radiation treatment starting in May. Congresswoman Tammy BaldWin On President - Obama’s signing ofa. memorand reNardmg the visitation rights of hospital patients Congresswoman Baldwin. Woclowrphoto WASHINGTON, DC (PR) "President Obama’s decision to direct the Secretaryof Healrah and Human Services to take steps to ensure that hospitals participating in Medicare or Medicaid respect the rights ofpatients to receive visitors and designate others to make decisions about medical care in the case ofan emergency is the right one. It follows the lead ofmany states and makes a strong statement about who we are as a nation and what we valne. No one should face the distress oflying ill or injured in a hospital bed with the loved one you designate barred from your bedside for any other than a compelling medical reason. For too long, such access has been arbitrarily denied many individuals, most especially to gay mad lesbian Americans. President Obama’s action tonight puts us another step doser toward our goal ofequal rights for all Americans and I appland his decision: Congressional Delegation, Passage of the bill intensified conservative religious groups who had campaigned against the Act and this was particularly felt in Oklahoma, although the legislation was hailed by the GLBT community and civil rights activists as a progressive measure long overdue. What followed was an attempt to "opt Oklahoma out" of this new protection, spearheaded by State Senator Steven Russell ( Republican- District 45) with State Senate Bil! 1965. The bill actually began as an ordinary measure to start a task force to research public and private high school athletics, authored by State Senator Harry Coates (Republicam) and State Representative "Wes Hilliard (Democrat). After the bill passed out of committee, S.B. 1965 was altered by Senator Russell who removed the original language. He then added language that would have prevented Oldahoma law enforcement from cooperating ,vith Federal authorities when a hate crime ~vas committed in Oklahoma. ~e bill then passed the State Senate 39-6. The ensuing publicity, including a GLBT lobbying day at the State Capitol focused mainly on this legislation, resulted in a re-xvrite of the bill by Senator Russell in an attempt to make it less offensive and passable. The rewritten version permitted Federal authorities to petition State District Courts for evidence relating to an Oldahoma hate crime if local law enforcement objected to cooperating with the Federal authorities. Among the groups opposed to this legislation was the Oklahoma American Civil Liberties Union. One of their lobbyists, Tamya Cox, spoke to State Representative Mike Shelton (Democrat District 97) who "hated this bill, understood the implications and issues of this from the onset, stated that we had to do something." Mr. Shelton persuaded the House author of the bill, Representative Danny Hilliard to let him have the bill. Once Mr. Shdton had control of the bill he withdrew it, thus ldlling this legislation. Although an unusual strategy, it was an effective action he stated that he felt he had to take because as he put it, ’~Mnything that breaks down the opportunity ro protect Oklahomans from harm is wrong. Legislation and resolutions that hurt people only give a black eye to our state." Although he has received positive feedback for his action, predictably he has received negative responses as well, including some from the conservative religious community. It hasn’t swayed his resolve as he relates, "There are a couple of pastors that wear the veil of Christianity who were pushing this legislation. As a Christian this offends me because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for that." GLBT and civil rights activists are continuing to monitor the situation in case attempts are made to re-introduce this or similar measures with another bill. ’uptcv - CivJJ Rights oCriminal ’ment o Family Law o Litigation 625 N. o l th street Cit% OK 7 105 6 ~KTROSTAR May 1, 2010 contim es "First ursday" Art Opening and E ibit ofOriginal Wbrks by MattJohnson. Bebe gives her ’Best O£’ for Race! The reigningD*agRace queen goes though her list ofseason two superlatives TULSA, OK (PR) The May Oklahomans for Equality (Oldgq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Nei!l Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown Tulsa), will feature the Artistic Nude Photography ofMatt Johnson. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, May 6th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month of May. Oklahoman Matt Johnson, owner of Johnson Studios, specializes in Artistic Nude Photography and is based in Tulsa. Matt has always had a deep appreciation for the human form. He began his art expression in the color pencil medinm sketching in the pln-up type format in his teen years. Mfitt is a neon bender by trade for a commercial sign company. He has been married to his wife Denise since 1987 and they have three wonderful children. In 2006 his artistic will drew him to the camera. Since then he has been creating nude art using the lens of a camera and his imagination through the editing process. After developing a diverse portfolio Matt’s xvork was accepted into galleries in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. He was the featured artist in two different Eureka Springs gallery shows in 2009. Matt is beginning to show his work in his home town ofTulsa and is scheduled for two separate gallery shows in the upcoming months. Matt’s friendly easy- going manner makes his photo sessions comfortable, relaxed and fun experiences for his models. They are always thrilled with their images and often come back for additional sessions. allows Matt to continue to create new and exciting images from his eyeto the computer and then the paper. The show begins with a reception at the Dennis IL Nei!l Equality Center on Thursday, May 6th fi’om 6-9pm; Matt’s art will be on displa~v through May 2010. Founded by a dedicatedgroup ofvolunteers in 1980, Oklahomansfar Equali~r/OkEq is Oklahoma’s oMestgay rights o~nization. From testingfor HIV/AIDS and hosting t/~e annual 7~dsa PHele and Diversi~ Celebration m operati~ the Equadity Center and documenting the ~tha LGBTcommunity’s rich histor~ OkEq worksfor socialjustice amtfidl inclusionfor Oklahoma’s lesbian, ga)~ bisccuai, and transgender (LGBT) citizens and their allies. For more i*{~ormation, see wwt~;okeq.org By Bebe Zahara Benet Wasn’t it great to see me on the special episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race this week? Well, it was wonderful to sit down with RuPaul and my season one sisters Ongina and Nina Flowers to critique season two, but there was still so much more to be said that I tlmught I’d dedicate this week’s colttrnn to some ofmy favorite moments that we didfft get a chance to talk about during the show. Funniest Moment: There’s plenty to choose from, but for me it has got to be Jujube during the reading challenge. I just loved everything she said about everybody - calling Raven legendary- as in "leg" and "dairy," snapping at Jessica in Chinese and even ta~ng smack about Tyra’s grill - that reading was hilarious! A second runner-up moment was Pandora Boxx playing CarolChanning in the "Snatch Game" challenge. Ms. Boxx knows how to mine a laugh. Biggest Diva Moments: We had more , than a few moments to judge this season. 111 skip ranking catfights a~d assess in terms of performance. I’d say the other Tyra coming out as sophisticatedlady on a mad shopping spree was a great diva moment, as was Jujube’s peach dress in the Old Hollywood fashion challenge. It was mentioned in the live show, but it bears mentioning again - Raven’s gold Cleopatra dress and blonde afro was really, really fierc!! ~ Best Makeup: Oh honey! Give it to Raven! I think Raven really s~vitched up her makeup to go with different looks. Even , , ~vhen she did the country girl or the rock n roll look or the whole glamour thing she was able to create a different persona through makeup. She is really mastering the craft and art of drag. Best Runway: I will go with Jujube. I really will! She walks with confidence, walks with so much fierceness, so much attitude and so much personality. I really love how she does all levels of her presentation. Best Lip-sync: It seems like I’m a fan of Jujube! I love how she lip-syncs. Sometimes she gives a little too much, but she is more often right on the money. She is able to catch the little things the artist does. She’s right on point with it. ~aat’s someone who has studied the music and knows what the whole song is about. I also liked Raven’s lip-syncing. ~aere is something about it that is a little sassy. I’d give it to both of them. Biggest \Vish: To see Jessica \~ild last longer. She had so much potential! If she had been given another chance I am convinced there ~vould have been other things about her ~erfor,mance that would have made us all go WOW. Catdh the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race at 9pro (ET/PT) this Monday night on Logo and visit LOGOonline.com to find out about vievdng parties in your area. Until next week, kisses and good luck! www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 7 H e tension By Ronald Blake Contributing ~X~riter Photo: RonaM Blake, Certified Fitness Ins~’uctor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association The heart beats faster! Tixe blood vessels constrict even more! Tixe h<art, lungs, and brain ache for more help but it isn’t coming fast enough! There is a shudder and then complete blackness! This Edgar Allan Poe moment of chimerical horror describes a massive stroke for someone that suffered one day too many from hypertension. Gather round the campfire and H1 explain this medical condition, its causes, and preventative measures to avoid it. Hypertension is high blood pressure and one out of five people in our country are experiencing it. Tile blood vessels constrict and the heart has to pump harder to get that blood delivered around the bod?,: The heart begins to ,yemen from overload and the constricted vessels become compromised over time. Blood pressure changes all the time. It won’t kill you to have high blood pressure once in awhile though. Swerving to avoid the reckless driver on the freeway, climbing five flights of stairs quickly, or being startled by the ghastliness of that first and last time drag queen can all contribute to a spike in blood pressure. Consistently visiting this elevated zone is very much a problem. Many people wofft feel any symptoms from this disease for 10 to 20 years and then it can strike like a thief in the night. There isn’t a specific cause of hypertension but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lack of culprits calling in and claiming responsibility for this physiological terrorism. Heredity is a card we are dealt at birth and is a frequent contributor to this ugliness~ Hypertensive parents bequeath their kids a two times greater likelihood of having this disease than for those kids of parents without hypertension. That really sucks and all you did was be born to the world! Don’t grab the bottle and give up just yet if you inherited these lousy hand-me-downs from morn and pop. There are plenty of other ways to cotlnteract the ill effects of high blood pressure. Other causes of this nasty medical condition are obesity, stress, smoking, and improper diet and they are al! something you can control. Obese individuals are about twice as likely tO be hypertensive as those men and women ,vho are aren’t in that overweight category. I’m no Pd~odes Scholar but I think that means if you exercise and stay lean then you decrease your risk. That sounds like something you can control! S[ress can walk you down the aisle and give you away to high blood pressure too. Stop getting angry at all the little problems in the world! A late bill, rush hour traffic, the moth~r-in-law visit, and the ripped underwear at 6AM aren’t worth your emotional intensity. Relax and take a deep breath when these moments occur. That sounds like something you can control! Smoking always constricts your blood vessels and raises your blood pressure every time. Cigarettes aren’t cheap and there are smoking cessation programs al! over the place. That sounds like something you can control! Foods with excessive sodium, saturated fat, or cholesterol are al! significant donors to th~ election campaign for hypertension. This candidate for office can’t win without your donations. That sounds like something you can control! There are also drugs that can Be prescribed to aid in your efforts against this evil force. Don’t be scared by this villain of your vessels! With adherence to these suggestions you may live a healthy life and worry about hypertension (Quoth the raven) nevermore! This purloined letter was brought to you by that guy who tore up the planks in the house of Usher. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be found descending into the maelstrom at www.myblakefitness.com. information about the contest contact the rodeo’s co-directors, Klint Weiden ( 405 408 6140) or Paul Boyd (405 630-4388). Following on Friday it gets wild with a Poolside Cookout also at the Finishline from 3-6 p.m., then it’s registration time at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds from 6-9 p.m ( Barn #9)., with a cash bar and snacks provided to make it go better, along with entertainment from 6-8 p.m. Keeping the night kicking along is the HomoRodeo Mixer happening at the Finishline beginning at 9 p.m., also a All Rodeo Royalty Show at Phoenix Rising at 9 p.m. as well. The Rodeo begins the following Saturday at 8:00 P.m., and after a funfilled day of events one can unwind or windup at the Copa’s Texas Tea Party beginning at 6 p.m. a grand tradition hosted by the Texas Gay Rodeo Association. At 9 p.m. that same night there will be a country concert at ~Amgles featuring recording artist James Allen Clark among other local muscians. That night the stick horse contest winner will be announced, and the stick horses auctioned off. Then it’s Sunday morning coming down as the rodeo begins the final day o£ competition, resuming at 8:00 a.m. at the Fairgrounds. The Finishline that day will feature a Head Country Barbeque at 6:00 p.m. with a hearty dinner for the price of $12. followed by the Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m. a,varding bucldes, saddles and cash to the winners of the rodeo. To wind up the event Monday a Wind Down Party will be held at Phoenix Rising with a hamburger/~bt d6g c86koUt froln Noon until 2 p.m., with drink specials and funfilled recollections of the wild weekend. ~ Ifyou or an organization is interested in being a vendor, contact Larry Foley at auditor@ogra.net ~ne host hotel this year is the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 801 S. Meridian. Telephone (405 942 1400) with special rates available until May 14 ifyou mention the rodeo. Come join the fun! For more information check out their website at vcww.ogra.net. 8 ~Y~:OSTAR May 1, 2010 CMS now- pays for treatment ofHIV related facial Lipodystrophy Disorder must cause depression for individuals to receive coverage By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last month that it will pay for facial injections for beneficiaries who have facial lipodystrophy syndrome (LDS) if, in fact, the person suffers from depression secondary to the disorder. Reportedly, individuals who take these medications and experience facial LDS side effects may suffer psychological effects related to a negative selfimage. "Ofcourse I am depressed about the way I look from the way my face looks now;’ said Allen Leon, an OHahoma City man who has the disorder. "Looks are very important to everyone, not just gay people. People stare; they can’t help it. I feel that I am judged by people and I am uncomfortable when meeting new people." The disorder is very stigmatizing. LDS is a localized loss offat from the face, causing an excessively thin, hollowed appearance in the cheeks. In some cases, facial LDS may be a side effect ofcertain kinds of Director, Coverage and Analysis Group for CMS. "These effects may lead people living with HIV to discontinue their antiretroviral therapies." Grade four (offour grades) leaves a person the most emaciated-looking. The injections are "fillers" that have been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to be injected under the skin in the face to help fill out its appearance specifically for treatment offacial LDS. Data show that these injections can improve patient self-image, relieve symptoms ofdepression, and may lead to improved compliance with anti-HIV treatment. The average cost of the injections is $500 for a two-vial treatment. Most people require a total of three treatments. Medicare coverage for the injections has already begun. This is an important milestone in Medicare coverage for HIV-infection therapies by helping people living with HIV improve their self-image and treating side effects of Lipotrophy by grade: Lipoatrophy withfat loss covering a wide area oftheface and the skin is living directly on thefacial muscles. medications (antiretroviral therapies) that individuals receive as part ofan HIV infection treatment regimen. "Facial LDS can leave people living with HIVlooking gaunt and seriously ill, which may stigmatize them as part oftheir HIV-infecrion status," said Dr. Louis B. Jacques, MD medications. Compliance with anti-HIV treatment can lead to better quality oflife and, ultimately, improve the quality ofcare that beneficiaries receive. For more information, visit http ://,arww.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/ viewdecisionmemo.asp ?id=234. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender aging issues take center stage at Congressional briefing on Capitol Hill WASHINGTON, (PR) April 21 The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders (SAGE) are convening a National LGBT Aging Roundtable this week in Washingxon, D.C. In addition, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has organized a congressional briefing on issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people as they age. The briefing was held April 22, 9:30-11 a.m. in Room 121 of the CannonHouse Office Building on Capitol Hill. The injustice facing many LGBT elders was brought home just this week by the painfut stoW of Clay Greene and Harold Scull~ an elderly gay couple separated by o~ci~s in Sonoma County, Calif., who also sold their possessions despite the measures the couple took to protect their relationship. More details here. "The needs of the oldest members of our community have long been invisible to many of us and ignored by most institutions in our society," said Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, which recently released Outing Age 2010: Public Policy Issues Affecting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Elders. "LGBT elders remain a highly vulnerable and largely invisible aging population. We know that invisibility leads to greater social isolation~ which can lead to increased vulnerability in many areas. We also know that discrimination across the tifespan leaves LGBT people economically and socially vulnerable as tlaey age. There are many challenges but we also have concrete recommendations on how aging advocates, policy mak,e,rs and social service agencies can meet them. Scheduled speakers at Thursday’s congressional briefing were Laurie Young, aging analyst and interim director of Public Policy and Government Affairs of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, who discussed findings and recommendations in Outing Age 2010; Hope Barrett, director of Elder Affairs of the Howard Brown Health Clinic; Harper Jean Tobin, policy counse! of the National Center for Transgender Equality; Joyce Pierson, elder rights advocate and former staffofthe Elder Rights Project of the National Center for Lesbian Rights; and John Johnson, SAGE’S federal director of governmental affairs. "Most Americans already face challenges as the~ age, but LGBT older adults have the added burden of a lifetime of stigma; relationships that generally lack legal recognition; and unequal treatment under laws, programs and services designed to support and protect older Americans," said Johnson. We must educate our elected officials and the public about the facts: that LGBT elders are more likely to live in poverty, face social and community isolation, and lack appropriate health care and longterm care. SAGE recently released a groundbrealdng report representing one of the first major collaborations between LGBT advocacy organizations and mainstream aging organizations to comprehensively examine the issues facing LGBT older adults. Improving the Lives ofLGBT Older Adults was co-authored by SAGE and the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), in partnership with the American Society on Aging, the National Senior Citizens Law ~er~ter, and the Center for American Progress, with a foreword from the AARE The report was formally rele,ased at the ~eri~n Society on ~ing’s national conference, held last mont~ in Chicago, Ill. "SAGE’S report outlines the issues and offers solutions, providing a much-needed roadmap for creating a society where all older dults are treated with &gmty and respect, said Johnson. The LGBT elder population is growing, with a large wave of openly LGBTbaby boomers poised to seek aging-related services over the next 25 years. Despite that, there is virtually no government-sponsored research on aFing that includes sexual orientation or gender identity variables. This lack of data results in policy and practices that ignore the unique realities a~d needs of older LGBT people, q-his is beginning to shift, as the corigressional briefing and ISIealth and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ announcement last fall of plans to establish the first national LGBT elder resource center indicates. 19 at a fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer in Los Angeles. Activists David John Fleck, Dan Fotou, Laura Kanter, Zoe Nicholson and Michelle Wright paid their way into the event and then repeatedly shouted at Obama about repealing DADT as he tried to address the gathering. We are going to do that. Hey. Hold on a second! Hold on a second! We are going to do that!" Obama responded. ’7~1 right. Guys. Guys. All right. I agree. I agree. I agree.... What the young man was talking about was we need to -- we need to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, which I agree with and which we have begun to do. But let me say this: When you’ve got an ally like Barbara Boxer and you’ve got an ally like me who are standing for the same thing, then you don’t know exacdy why you’ve got to holler, because we already hear you, all right? I mean, it would make more sense to holler that at the people who. oppose it." A few moments later, more shouting ensued. "I’m sorr~ do you want to come up here?" Obama said direcdy to a protester. "Can I just say once again, Barbara and I are supportive of repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, so I don’t know why you’re hollerin’." Obama then stepped away from the microphone and spoke with Boxer. He returned to the mic and stated: "I just checked with Barbara, so if anybody else is thinking about starting a chant, B,arbara i ’ r d dnt even vote for Dont Ask, Dont Tell in the first p1ace, so you know she’s goi"ng to be in favor of repealiiag Don’t ASk, Don’t Tell." The protesters were eventually removed from the room. "President Obama has been AWOL on DADT," said Fotou. "We had to remind him of the promises he made to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community during his campaign and several times during his ~residency--t,hat DAD.T, will be repealed oecause, as he s stated, it s the right thing to do.’" Added Wright, "We made it clear our community will hold accountable our president for unkept promises." In response to Obama’s questioning why gays are shouting at him over DADT, blogger Andrew Sullivan explained: "Because, Mr. President, it is not enough to be ’supportive’ o en&ng DontAsk, DontTell. When you have the presidency and your party controls both houses of Congress, it’s a matter of having the political will to end it. Not all gay people are HRC fundraisers. Some are even risking their lives every day for this country; in uniform, only to be treated like second class human beings and citizens by their own government. Their own government? That means you, Mr. President and Senator Boxer." The following da~ April 20, GetEQUAL protesters returned to the White House for a second round of handctffl:ing themselves to the fence and getting arrested, a month after the group’s initial action there. This rime six people chained themselves to the gates -- Lt. Dan Choi, Capt. Jim Pietrangelo II, Petty Officer Larry Whitt, Petty Officer Autumn Sandeen, Cadet Mara Boyd and Cpl. Evelyn Thomas. "We are handcuffing ourselves to the White House gates once again to demand that President,Obama sho,w lea,d,ership on ,r,epealing Dont Ask, Dont Tall, said Choi. Ifthe president were serious about keeping his promise to repeal this year, he would put the repeal la%,uage in his defense authorization budget. The president gave us an order at the Human Rights Campaign dinner (in October) to keep pressure on him and we will continue to return to the W’hite House, in larger numbers, until the president keeps his promise to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell this year." Thomas commented: "A few weeEs ago I saw Lt. Dan Choi take dramatic action at the White House and it made me realize that I needed to do something to stand up for all the black female soldiers who have been discharged under DADT. Many people don’t mow that we black women are discharged disproportionately more than others under DADT2 At press rime, acco~&n~ to GetEQUB32s Twitter feed: "All six servicemembers have been taken into custody. They have served their country again today, and they deserve better than #DADT." May1, 2010 ~.metrostarnews.com 12 S~!T~OSTAR May 1, 2010 JOIN L YO~ A SHOT! ONLY ¥~11) www.metrostarnews.com RIITIOSTAR 13 We p t ..... ,Church ,~vww,mcctu~sa,org ’uptc~ o CI~il Rights °Criminal ’ment ® Family Law ~ Litigation 625 N.~’. 13.~:h Street City, OK 73"103 14 ;~ET~©STAR May 1, 2010 Photo~ by Victor G. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Angtes, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Ledo, Oklahoma City By Chris ~zopardi Glee: be Music, ~e Power o£Madmma Gle~ We wet{ alrea& episode! With Sue Sylvester doing :! :I11ms out we can love you more, ~[he chee~ d0ach,adds to one of muSic’s most delicious uN- if not more seven the Vete~fi ~ career classics him s~veet as weird ~s it sh0uld be, Out theater doll Jonathan GroN- one of the Fox show’s fresh faces - joins the res~ of the ~ast. on ?Like.a Virgin," and Mercedes injects some pf intro and the choir} moving endrun~. $6: i~ is, in ~act~ like a dream.. ...... Grade: B+ & Sweet To~,r @ The End Up, Tulsa supported on this 2008;09 tom; Madonngs mojo sdl! m~es fBr one h4cl~ of a show. Over several hours :a couple on DVD; one on CD @ Finishline, Oklahoma City Grade: ARufus 7Wainwright, M1 Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu Troubadours like Ruft~ Wainwright get off on being grandiose, but what happens when you lose something you cant get back. You scale it down. as he has ~er the recent dead{ of his mother. On his @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa 16 NetroSTAR May 1, 2010 by Jack Fertig May 2010 "Your brain wants a chaRenge, Virgo!" Saturn opposing Uranus is a longrunning on-and-off aspect that’s scattering minefields, challenging us to change structures and goals through the year. The Sun and Mars are triggering those with sometimes violent results. Ideological, "values"- based attacks are likely at personal and political levels. ARIES (March 20- AprR 19): Your competitive drive can become obsessive, even self-destructive. Looking good is not about conquest, but moving on gracefully. Let go, meditate, open your creative soul. You can’t do that while guarding your turf as queen of the mountain. TAURUS (Apri~ 20- May 20): Celebrate your birthday with your family and your most creative friends, not necessarily at the same party. Bringing. them together may get a bit dramatic, even catalytic. This could be a good thing, or not. Think it through. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): Meditation will cool your heated brain and help you to keep your mouth out of trouble. In that calm solitude, think of ways your home life can support your ambitions. They don’t have to be at war with each other. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Showing off to your friends can get expensive and become a source of fights. If your love and admiration aren’t enough, home-baked cookies should do it. If they want more, they’re not really your friends, and their arguments aren’t worth the trouble. LEO (Ju~y 23 -August 22): Whatever you do is sure to get noticed. You do realize that can be a mixed blessing! Some humility would be in order, but that doesn’t mean denying your actual gifts and accomplishments. It’s just a matter of keeping perspective. V~RGO (August 23 - September 22): Your brain wants a challenge. Find it in a book; don’t go picking arguments. If you want a good debate, hold yourself back a bit and make an effort to really hear what the other person has to say! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Trying to keep up with peer pressure, you could worry yourself sick. Balance? It means they have to meet you half way, too. Your real friends will do that. Standing your ground is sexy. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Immediate concerns- work and partnersh p - feel like distractions from your creative engagement with the world, building the future. In fact, those quotidian details are exactly how we do that. Try to channel that aggravation into creative energy. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Domestic drama threatens to disrupt your plans at work. If you can keep an even keel, handling those unpredictable upsets could help you gain confidence in your managerial skills: Remember, a team leader is still a team member! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Maintain respect for people even when their questions seem abysmally stupid. It is tempting to mess with their heads, or to mock them, but mellow out that playful streak and engage them. That could lead to fun for all! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Everybody needs to be concerned about money these days. You may be more worried than is necessary or helpful. Don’t take it out on your family or housemates. The first purpose of discussion is to get problems into perspective. PISCES (February 19- March 19): Flaws and frustrations in your relationship, however minor, are now feeling worse than they really are. You could both make a list now to discuss later. If you must trash someone, that is what POliticians and celebrities are for. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, M0 64804 417-52943480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 1 2; 3 4 ’11 12 13 17 !9 44 46 47 64 6~667295 66 68 69 ! ofview Solution page 19 www.metrostarnews.com ~#~<~t~’oSTAR 17 WIT www.kylecomics.com RAN INTO YOU. Chuck Breckenddge \Vhcther buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, _Arkansas www.magneticvalteyresort. corn infoOmagneticvalleyresort.corn 800-2t0-8401 479-244-6821 ~y,net 18 May !, 2010 Suppo~ those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. ~ THELEDO EXPRESSIONS Fellowship ....................................... 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXg/AY 4010 N Youngs HABANA INN Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City, OK 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\rAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-2i0-8401 wwv.magneticvalleyresort.com Y~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 PRIMERICA Dana Tulsa, Oklahoma 877.700.9503 405-525-0730 ~wrw.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 ......... Open 7days week 2prom 2am 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com SOONERSTATE RODEO PO Box471463 Tulsa, OK74147 www.soone~mmrodeo.com CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM DIVERSITY CHI~STIAN FELLOWSHIP 637 S. 131st East Ave Tulsa, OK wv~v.realacceptance.com GREAT PLAINS RODEO P. O. BOX 12485 Oklahoma City, OK 73157 w~#c.ogra.net HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pro JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NWEXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Ci~ OK 73112 405-840-2106 wv#¢¢.c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ANGLES 2117 I’FOF 39th St. Oldahoma City, OK wwv.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 ~wvw.bambooloungetulsa.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 2pro to 2am FINISHLINE 2200 I~FW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City; OK 405-525-2900 ww~v.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH ~RESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 .... www.mcctulsa.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK vpccw.okstonewall.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 w~vw.okeq.org LI ~,~w.metrostarnews.com ~{ETROSTAR 19 "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reaf~." "What matters, as always, is not what w,e can’t do, it’s what we can and must do.’ Stonewall lemocrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic PaR. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the We mee~ the I s~ Tuesday ofevery mon~h at ~he STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS 4100 N. Li~¢ol~ Av÷~, Okl~hom~ Cill ..... /~05~ 427-3366 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, May 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 5 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vicente, Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Steven Petrow Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Magazine, April 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/186 The Metro Star Magazine, June 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/192 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/194 Advice Andrew Rice-anti government anti-LGBT discrimination Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services-facial lipodystrophy discrimination-hospitals Don't shop-Adopt entertainment federal hate crimes law First Thursday Art Exhibit fitness-Hypertension gay rodeo GetEQUAL HHS Joe Quigley Keith Kimmel Martina Navratilova Metro scene music Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Caucus Oklahomans for Equality Award Recipients Out magazine-most influential Prop 8 QPuzzle Qscopes Rainbow Pages Ron Holland-Mayor election RuPaul's Drag Race-Bebe SAGE-aging issues Sooner State Stampede Tammy Baldwin-visitation rights travel https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/cb4c2ecd326b5c220d5c850c5fa41f3d.jpg 51e51e5b492cb60d0c8ec2948bb61fba https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/96a70e599aab3808c96164ad04e7ad7f.pdf bf516723dfbb5da9a60a7af3a23a9ac3 PDF Text Text LOCAL NEWS N NATIONAL NEWS N WORLD NEWS N L]FESTYLE ~ FITNESS ~ TRAVEL THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT ADVICE N ENTERTAI~{EI~ OKLAHOMA More on page-6 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 11 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com FREE 1 NOVEMBER 1,2010 reaches out to GLBT Oldahomans Anti-Gay Speech Prompts Teen Suicide By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team By Jeanne Flanigan Metro Star Team Byrd Act of 2009 which expanded the categories of Federal hate crimes to include gender, disability, and sexual orientation and gender identity. On October 5 a panel discussion was held at Church of the Open Arms which attracted spectators from the GLBT community as well as other social justice groups. Mr. Hamilton introduced the panel, which included Special Agents Jim Windsor and Doug Strait, the Oklahoma City U.S. Attorney’s Office Deputy Criminal Chief Kerri Kelly, and Synthia Demons, a Senior Conciliation Specialist with the U.S. Department of Justice. Kerri Kdly began, pointing out exactly what the expanded Federal Hate Crimes law does and doesn’t do. It does not cover all FBI Special Agentfim V~ndsor Community Forum Speaker at Church of the Open Arms. Gorin photo OKI,~AHOMA CITY, OK __ "Hello, I’m Jim Win&m; I’m with the FBI and I’d like to talk to you." \Vhen Scott Hamilton of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation first heard this telephone introduction, he reacted like most of us would, somewhat apprehensive. What came together was a positive event, showing an increased interest by the Oklahoma office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation about hate crimes against people of the GLBT community. Federal authorities were further empowered by the Matthew Shepard James race, religion, color, national origin) 2. The act is intentional (nor accidental or due to negligence) 3. The act must have caused bodily harm, or a weapon or incendiary device must have be used with the intentional of causing bodily harm 4. The crime must somehow be connected to interstate commerce. The Act does not cover threats or hate speech, which includes vandalism such as anti-gay graffiti. The last provision was somewhat complex and not widely understood by the general ........ Continued See FBI Page-7 Margaret Cox, Don Hawkins and Mick Schirron among those honored at Cimarron A liance Awards Gala By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team OKLAHOMA CITY, OK A lifetime of activist work came together when one of Oldahoma’s City’s most renowned activists won yet another honor for a long legacy of service. The activism of Margaret Cox began with the Washington Urban League in 1964, but since then she has been a fixture not only for GLBT activism but in virtually every avenue of social justice. She has served as the coordinator for the Oklahoma National Organization for Women (NOW) and Metro OKC NOW. She is well known for her work with the Oldahoma Coalition to Abolish the Margaret Cox receives Lifetime Achievement Award. Gorin photo parents’ home in Norman on October 10. Zach had attended the City Council meeting, and had endured more than 3 hours of testimony from Norman citizens regarding the proclamation. While 24 of the 46 speakers were in support of it and given equal time, the people who spoke against it paraded negative, misguided, stereotypes of the LGBT community before the Council. This negativity bothered Zach for days afterward according to his sister, Nikld. Zach had endured bullying and harassment in Norman North High School, recalled his father, Van Harrington. Zach saw the same disrespectful, sometimes hateful, behavior and language used by adults at the Council meeting that night. Mr. Harrington, his wife Nancy; and 7 to 1 ro approve a proclamation declaring October "LGBT History Month." The Norman Human Rights Commission wrote the proclamation after "much deliberation" stated Norman Mayor, Cindy Rosenthal. Co-Founders Kathy Williams and Laura Belmonte of The Equality Network (TEN) made a visit from Tulsa to Norman ro consult with Council members and the Mayor. Emails and newspaper articles declared this a historic moment in Oklahoma. This action gave hope to many that things are changing in the state. And then tragedy struck. Nineteen year old Zach Harrington took his life at his Death Penalty, being arrested countless times for that cause in acts of civil disobedience. She has served as a Board Member and Secretary of the Oklahoma chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, and her GLBT activism began in 1982 when she joined the board of OKC’s Herland Sister Resources. She was a major factor behind that organization growing from small beginnings to the institution it is today serving not only on their board, but also as their-newsletter editor and various officer positions. She had been a part of the activist group Simply Equal. Later she was elected to the Board of Cimarron Alliance and later chaired it, serving in many capacities including acting as the Coordinator of Docents when the Oklahoma Holocaust Remembrance Exhibition-The Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals came to Oldahoma City in 2005. Retired from state employment as Zach was a musician and had been awarded a $ !000 grant by PFLAG in 2009 to study music. He had been living in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Although he was 6’4", he was more interested in music than athletics, Van Harrington remembers. Some of his classmates didn’t understand this and harassed him. His Facebook page tells of a private person with a sense of humor, a music and movie lover who wants ro be told that he is missed. And he is missed. At a Candlelight Vigil at 8 pm on October 13, at the Memorial Garden on the South Oval at University ......... Continued See SUICIDE Page-6 Director of the Oklahoma Public Relations Board, she has recovered well from a recent heart attack and is getting a much deserved rest, but she came out to receive this honor. Mick Schirron (center) and Don Hawkins (right) receive Media Award with well wisher (left)John Greet. ........ Continued See AWARDS Page-6 �2 November 1, 2010 �Sooner State Stampede SSRA Rode back after 5 years Fashion Designer Johnathan Kayne; a proud role By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team By Robi!~ D-Townsend Metro Star Team OKLAHO~vIA CIT~I OK Vibrant colors, shimmering fabrics, and sparkling rhinestones flooded the catwalk at Johnathan Kayne’s ’Fashion for Food’ show held last month benefiting the Regional Food Bank of Oldahomds (R~BO) Food for Kids program. More than 200 guests attended this exclusive fashion show which featured the latest creations from this nationally recognized fashion designer. Kayne is a passionate advocate for preventing childhood hunger. ’q~ais is probably the proudest moment in my life," said Kayne. "This cause has been near and dear to my heart because I was one of those hunglT children growing up." Kayne shared a time in his young life when he was overweight and did not always have good food choices. He now serves on the RFBO Celebrity Council and is a known nation wide for his great fhshion design. r tal~es $200 to ~xed a ized natlona[~y ~r’/~ls e:¢ce~lent’~ chr0nidally hungB~ dementa¢ Johnathan Kayne raised thousands ofdoll~tb" to suppO~ the school child through the RFBOS Regionat Food Banh of Oklahoma Foodfor fi~Tds program. Food for Kids program. The Photo by Robin D-Townsend event grossed more than $25,000 305 elementary schools in 42 counties across for the cause. central and western Oldahoma, providing This is the second year of I~yne’s annual backpacks to nearly 8,000 &ronically hungry fashion show which was featured last year on children each week during the school year. his TLC reality show Gown Crazy. The event There are 25 schools on the xvaiting list to featured two runway shmvs - one featuring join the program. Kayne’s latest designs and a finale show with "It is our desire that no child goes to custom items modeled by local celebrities school Monday morning with hunger pains," including OKC news anchor and former Miss said RFBO Executive Director Rodney America, Lauren Nelson. Bivens. "Vge currently serve nearly 8,000 The Food for Kids program provides hungry kids per week. We believe that when chronically hungry elementary school hunger ends, learning begins." The RFBO children with backpacks filled xvith nonoperating costs are 4% of all the funding they perishable, kid-friendly food to eat over receive. The National Center on Nonprofits weekends and holidays. Food for Kids serves ....... Continued See KAYNE Page 7 ,uptcv * Ci"v"II Rights *Criminal ’ment * Family Law. Litigation street a city, OK 73 03 Lackey Family at thdr first Gay Rodeo. GoHn photo Tim Dickman, SSRA President stated, "The 2010 Rodeo was such a success and the contestants enjoyed the accommodations at Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort so much we are planning to hold our next Rodeo in 2011 at this same facility." The Sooner State Rodeo Association welcomes all who are interested in the country & western lifestyle. For more information check out their website at www. soonerstaterodeo.com 7~m Dickman, President ofSooner State Rodeo Association. Staffphoto TULSA, OK __ Cowboys and cowgirls from across America came together the first weekend of October as SSRA held their Sooner State Stampede. Hosted at the Airport East Ramada Inn, the party started there with a show celebration, and continued with the competition at the Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort north of Tulsa in the hamlet of Sperry. The event was significant in that not only did it bring GLBT western lifestyle folk together from since 2005. N~e Sooner State Rodeo AssOciation was first formed in 2002 to give the GLBT and allied community of Tulsa and eastern Oklahoma a new avenue for western lifestyle expression. They hold fundraisers throughout the year not only for themselves but also various Oklahoma charities, and is one of 28 members of the International Gay Rodeo Association. Held for the first time at the Bridle Creek Horse Ranch, the event featured standard rodeo events but also those unique to gay rodeo, naturally goat dressing and a wild drag race. gc’ith over 60 contestants from across America it proved to be quite an event. "Clogger Bill" Francisco was this year’s Grand Marshal, and he got involved with gay rodeo over 20 years ago because as he puts it, "The atmosphere, all the cowboys, al! the events in the arena, I love it all." Also on hand was the current reigning Mr. MGRA Kelly Moore ( Missouri Gay Rodeo Association) who had also been Miss MGRA in 2007, the only person to ever capture both titles in that state. Although the event had a wide diversity of spectators, among the most interesting were a heterosexual family who was there viewing a rodeo of any kind for the first time, Gayla and Todd Lackey, owners of Crazy Cat Tie Dyes ~vith the children Jason and Althea. Having previous experience with the GLBT community through vending at several Pride events, it was this event that gave them their first taste of rodeo fun, Gayla stated, "I’m in it mainly for the goat dressing. Vge thought it’d be fun, so when we heard of the gay rodeo we thought ’OmiGod’ let’s go!" Candlelight Vigil Held in Edmond’s Haler Park By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Stephanie Bolton and Bobby ~Iillican. Gorin photo EDMOND, OK__ At 7 p.m October 12. at Hafer Park in Edmond, GATE held their t lth Candlelight Vigil in honor of fellow those who had difficulty coming out, following, National Co,~ing Out Day October 11. Coming Out , coming to terms and being open about being GLBT can be a special prob!em in Oklahoma, ofren considered the buckle of the Bible Belt. Too ofren people who become known to or even perceived to be GLBT have faced ostracism from friends and famil),, loss of jobs and/or homes, and sometimes have found their very lives in jeopardy. G.A.T.E. ( Gay Alliance for Tolerance and Equality) is an official student group at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. The group would also be marching in the annual Homecoming Parade the coming Saturday for the second time. Speaking at the vigil were GATE President Brandon White as well as the Cimarron Alliance President Scott Hamilton. Also speaking were individuals among the crowd, this time numbering around 100, almost triple the number of participants attending last year. Just about summing up the experience for everybody were two proud participants, Bobby Millican and Stephanie Bolton, a dear friend and straight ally. As she puts it, " I am so proud of my friends who are here proud of themselves." �Tulsa’s Jerry Straley captures the title of Oklahoma Mr Leather 2011 Forced Off the Edge of Life’s Road By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The gay/straight alliance at the University of Central Oklahoma, a medium size state school in Edmond, OK, a bedroom town nearly contiguous with Oklahoma City, had a combination vigil/coming out day event this past Tuesday, October 12, recognizing the recent suicide ofZack Harrington and National Coming Out Day. It was held in a large public park in Edmond. I couldn’t stay for all of it but what I did see was a pretty good demonstration of being comfortable with being gay or lesbian. One of the leaders said the number was double over last year. I’d say about 70 people were there, mostly students in their early 20s, with some teenagers and older adults in the mix. I’ve known I was gay, though I didn’t know the word, since 4th or 5th grade of elementary school. The dictionary I used talked about "self-pollution". \Vv~at a scream! I was afraid it would somehow show tip when I had to go to the doctor for a required physical. "We put way too much emphasis on gender presentation and role playing when kids are too immature to understand their bodies and psychological needs. I think we should look at human development the same ~vay we look at other living organisms that morph fi’om one stage to another with radically different bodies. The outward shape of our human bodies doesn’t change so much, but the inner shape of our minds sure does-or they SHOULD change--doffing the myths and twisted beliefs we’re fed as children as we develop from our own experiences. Several of the public speakers at the Norman City Council meeting mentioned religious belief in their objection to the GLBT History Month Proclamation, malting another example of the ignorance many people have about the separation of religious views and civil policies under the First Amendment. This was the meeting attended by Zack Harrington and apparently forced him off the edge of life’s road. Civil rights are the guaranteed benefits of being a citizen of this country. They are not subject to examination by a review panel to test if citizens are "worthy". Civil rights are universal, inherent in the social contract between citizen and government. Though I am a believer in the right of self-deliverance in the face 0£ inescapable terminal illness, I’m nearly speechless and ~vordless in the face of the suicides caused by the vehement, venomous vocabulary of religious, flat-earth thinking spewed in public meetings and the media. I’m reduced to involuntary hea&shaking when trying to understand how the insidious poison of religion infiltrates young minds and dissolves the normal urge to live. Religion has al~vays been the mental fog in the road of human progress, from Galileo and Copernicus to stem-cell research to the legal recognition of citizens without regard for their sexual orientation. It would appear that until more of us recognize the futility of religion with the false authority and violence it visits on innocent people, we’ll see more GLBT suicides as roadkill on the human highway. The link below provides a video of the ill-fated Norman, Oklahoma city council meeting. Oklahoma’s Zach Harrington, 19, Kills Himself After Hateful Town Meeting: ww~v.tinyurl.com/2chqvkt "First rsday" Art Opening and Exhibit of Original Works by artist Di epac TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Noveraber Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature works from Tulsa artist Di Klepac Originally from Austin and living in Tulsa I:or almost two decades, Di paints what she reatly sees in her subject, bringing her unique meaning to the art she creates. Her early development was colored by watching her sister paint in the family studio of her youth 4 November ~, 20~0 in a subnrb of Austin. Di’s use of color and forceful strokes in textured tempera reach into the soul of her subject matter and pull out her views that live on the canvas. Her showings in the Brady Arts District have brought her acclaim in the Tulsa art community. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, November 4th fi’om 6-9pm and continues throughout the month. ~okeq.org Founded @ a dedicamd ~’ou~ of vo&nmers in 198& Oklahomam~r Equali~kEq is Oklahoma~ oldest gay rights o,ganizmion. From tesd,g~r HIVIAIDS and hosd,g the annual ~dsa Pride and Dive*xi{y Celebration m &e,~,a,g the Equalig @nt~r and documena*g the ~hg LGBT communig} rich histo~)~ OkEq worL,s.~r socia] justice andfid/ inch~sion ~r Ok/ahoma) lesbian, g’9~ bisexual and t,unwnder (LGBD citizens and their allies. For more i,:~rma~ion, By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team 1st runnerup Geqff~’ey ~omas, winnerJory Sou@ and 2nd runnerup Nathan Benne,: Go,in photo TULSA, OK It was a festive weekend for the leatherfolk who came together for the Oklahoma Mr. Leather \Veekend when the current reigning Oldahoma Mr. Leather Ron Harwood would pass on his title. ~xe event was hosted by the Super 8 which featured meet and greets for the various officials and spectators from throughout Oklalmma and beyond, educational classes, and of course a bar crawl. The contest came together Saturday October 9 at Club Maverick with contestants Jerry Straley- the current Tulsa Mr. Leather, Geoffrey Thomas and Nathan Benner. An event of the Tulsa Uniforra and Leather Seekers Association (TULSA), this occasion marked the 22nd year of this competition. It was emceed by Keith Hunt, Oldahoma Mr. Leather of 2004 and signing interpretation was provided by Oklahoma City~ \grill Farm with many distinguished community members on hand for the occasion. There was also a silent auction benefitting three charities, one of which is the Sharon St.Cyr Fund which works to create programs to provide hearing aids and interpre6ng services for the deaf and hearing impaired community. Funds also went to the Leather Archives & Museum located in Chicago, and also to the local Alternative Lifestyles Food Bank which provides food baskets for those of our community in need. Receiving the Ford Pruitt Award was Cathy Hill, named for 2 former outstanding TULSA members, Danny Ford and Lee Pruitt. This honor is awarded to an indMdual who has gone above and beyond worldng for the benefit of T.U.L.S.A. and the leather community overall. The contest climaxed with Nethan Benner as 1st runnerup, Geoffrey Thomas as 2nd runnerup with Jerry Straley capturing the title of Oldahoma Mr. Leather 2011. He wil! go on to represent Oklahoma at the International Mr. Leather Contest which will take place in Chicago during the Memorial Day weekend of 2011. For rnore information check out their website TULSA at www.tulsaleather.com They welcome all who have an interest in leather and its lifestyle. Tuesday November 2--Your vote is crucial STATE of OKLatHOMA__ On Tuesday November 2 you have an opportunity to be part of determining the future of Old~mma and our nation. Many. of these races are almost certain ro be extremely close. Candidates supporting our issues need our votes. It isn’t easy to take a stand ~br the GLBT community in Oldahoma. When we make the effort to vo~e we show we are worth their support. Remember that the polls are open fiom 7 a.m. til 7 p.m. on Election Day November 2, but also there is the op;ion of early voting a~ your CountT Election Board Friday October 29 lCrom 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday October 30 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., and the following Monday November 1 again from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. �[] By Rex Wockner ~ Don’t Ask, Don’t TelGayroller coaster ban back in force again The Obama administration resuscitated the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell gay ban Oct. 20 by convincing the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to temporarily stay an injunction by a federal district judge in Riverside, Calif. U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips had found the ban unconstitutional and barred any further use of it worldwide effective Oct. 12. In response, the military stopped kicking out openly gay and lesbian servicemembers and began letting open gays and lesbians sign up to enlist. Activist Dan Choi, Wockner photo But the Obama administration ~d DADT ...... -- immediately beg~ figfitifi~ ~6 brifig ;h4 ban back to life, ultimately succeeding eight days later. The Justice Department argued that an abrupt end to the ban would be harmful to the military in myriad ways. Judge Phillips was wholly unconvinced and refused to stay her injunction. ~e 9th Circuit, on the other hand, issued a brief stay -- until at least Oct. 25 -- while it considers issuing a longer stay. ~e administration also said it wants Congress, not the courts, to end the ban. ~e House of Representatives voted to end the ban earlier this year but the Senate refused after a filibuster by Sen. John McCain, RAriz. ~ere is no indication that the Senate will change its mind when it returns to XV~hington for the lame-duck session following the No~ 2 elections, even though the DADT repeal measure is a part of the bill that funds the entire U.S. military for next year. McCain’s filibuster also left the over~l military funding measure unp~sed. "Reall)~ what~ in my heart right now is it’s going to be really hard for me to vote for Barack Obama," prominent gays-inthe-military activist Dan Choi said in an interview. Choi re-enlisted in the Army at the Times Square recruiting station in New York on Oct. 19. "Call me a one-issue person, but this is re~ly pissing me off," Choi added. "~en Congress has a law that~ unconstitution~, it~ the job of the courts to cfll it unconstitution~. ~at~ Civi~ day one. Obamgs giving Dofft &k, Dofft Tell mouthto-mouth resuscitation. For him to do that at this point is upsetting, it~ dis~sting." GetEQ~UAL Director Robin ~lcGehee. ~Vockner photo GetEQUAL director Robin McGehee called the government’s successful push for a stay "a travesty." "This ... brings the military’s discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law back from the dead," she said. "It is a travesty that after numerous attempts, President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder will go down in history as the administration that breathed life back into Don’t Ask, Don’t Te!l, The lives and careers of openly gay and lesbian servicemembers are now back in the crosshairs of our government and a renewed commitment to discrimination falls squarely in the hands of this White House." ..... Servicemembers United Executive Director Alexander Nichol~ma said he’s hopeful the stay will last just a few days. "An objective look at the evidence before the court clearly indicates that ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell would not harm military readiness, but would rather enhance it," he said. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Sohnonese called DADT’S resurrection "a sad day for all Americans." "Today’s decision only furthers our resolve to send this law to the dustbin of history and also draws a spotlight on the administration to make good on their pledge to end these discharges that damage our national security," he said. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrcy Sarvis said the stay dumped the ball back in the U.S. Senate’s lap. . "Gay and lesbian servicemembers deserve better treatment than they are getting with this ruling," he said. "~XTe now must look to the Senate next month in the lame-duck session to bring about the swift certainty needed here and to repeal this unjust law that serves no usefuI purpose." NY GOP governor candidate rash abou gays Carl Paladino, the Republican candidate for governor of New York, sounds like an oldschool homophobe. First, on Oct. 10, he said: "I didn’t march in the.., gay pride parade this year. My opponent did. And that’s not the example that we should be showing our children, and certainly not in our schools. And don’t misquote me as wanting to hurt homosexual people in any way. That would be a dastardly lie. My approach is live and let live. I just think my children and your children would be much better off and much more success~ful getting married and raising a family, and I don’t want them to be brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid or successful option. It isn’t." The following day Paladino went on the Today show and dug in his heels, telling Matt Lauer: "They wear these Speedos and they grind against each other and it’s just a terrible thing .... Would you take your children to a gay pride parade? I don’t think it’s proper for them to go there and ~vatch a couple of grown men grind against each other. I don’t think that’s proper. I think it’s disgusting." Video 1: tinyud.com/nogrindl. Video 2: tinyurl.com/nogrind2. In an Oct. 12 editorial, The New York Times called Paladino’s comments "bigoted" and "shockingly irresponsible," given recent anti-gay hate crimes and the spate of gay teen suicides. "A week before Mr. Paladino’s comments, police say three men in the Bronx were tortured by a group of attackers who believed they were gay," the newspaper wrote. "On Oct. 1, Rutgers University held a memorial service for a student who killed himself after police said his sexual encounter with a man was broadcast over the Internet by two classmates. For Mr. Paladino to choose this moment to make his utterly gratuitous remarks suggests at the very least an extraordinary level of insensitivity." Later Oct. 12, Paladino issued a statement that said, in part, "I sincerely apologize for any comment that may have offended the Gay and Lesbian Community or their family members." Indiana motor vehicles head arrested resigns The head of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Andrew J. Miller, was arrested Oct. 6 on a charge of public indecency for allegedly masturbating in front of an undercover cop in a cruisy public toilet in Indianapolis. He resigned following the incident. Equality NC sends Froot Loops to rep Between Oct. 6 and ! 1, each donor to Equality North Carolina had a personal message and a box of Ketlogg’s Froot Loops delivered to Republican state Rcp. Larry Brown. The stunt was a response to Brown’s having hit "reply to all" on an e-mail from House Minority" Leader Paul Stare and writing: "I hope all the queers are thrilled to see him (House Speaker Joe Hackney receiving an award from Equality NC). I am sure there will be a couple legislative fruitloops there in the audience." "If it’s fruitloops Rep. Brown wants,, then that’s what we’ll give him!" Equality" NC said. ..... More NATIONAL NEWS - page 6 November 1, 2010 �Equality Ca i£ornia marriage amendment £or rejection of Baja of Oklahoma’ Zach’s parents and sister joined Gays announce marches in Mexicali and Tecate 400 others to remember his life. While most who stood in the circular garden did not lmow Zach, many identified with his feelings of frustration ~vith society. Also honored were Jeff Riles, a young activist who captured this year’s Horizon Award, and Dr. David Macey who received their Torch Award. Kay Holladay, founder of PFLAG Norman, spoke about the importance of GLBT people and their straight friends and ~hmily encouraging and supporting each other. She said that standing up to bullies, or the bullies of friends, can make a difference. It can even save a life. She is the mother of a gay son. Mayor Rosenthral then read the proclamation, which was followed by cheers from the crowd. She told of the emails that she and other council members had received from around the world. Some were affirming, but most are condemning the council for LGBTpeopIe in Mexico’s Baja California state, where 77juana # located, are working to block a state constitutional amendment passed by the legislature that zoould seemingly ban recognition of same-sex ma.’iages. To be valid, the amendment requires ratification by a majority of the state’s municipal councils. Same-sex matriage is legal in Mexico City, and the nation’s Supreme Court has said that all31 Mexican states must recognize gay marriagesJ~om the capital ci~ Photo of this year’s ~juana pride parade by Rex Wockner Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors has joined calls for municipal councils in Mexico’s Baja California state to reject a state constitutional amendment that seemingly bans recognition of same-sex marriages. Meanwhile, local LGBT activists are organizing marches on Oct. 16 in the U.S. border city of Mexicali, the Baja state capital, and on Oct. 24 in the border city of Tecate. "It is extremely disappointing that there is an effort to amend the state constitution to not allow or recognize same-sex marriages in Baja California," Kors said. "Mexico’s Supreme Court has upheld marriage for same-sex couples and further required that legal same-sex marriages from Mexico City be recognized throughout the nation. We call on the municipal councils in Ensenada, Mexicali, Rosarito Beach, Tecate and Tijuana to reject this discriminatory effort by voting against ratification of the constitutional amendment -and to go on the record in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples." The unicameral state legislature, the Chamber of Deputies, voted 18-1 on Sept. 29 to amend the state constitution to seemingly prohibit recognition of same-sex marriages, despite the fact that the federal Supreme Court ruled this year that all 31 Mexican states must recognize gay marriages fi’om Mexico City, where they are allowed. The vote came on the final day that the right-leaning National Action Party (PAN) had control of the legislature. On Oct. 1, the leftIeaning Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) took control of a majority of the chamber’s seats, following elections thai: had been held in The PAN move appeared to some observers ~:o be an attempt by the conservative party to tauat the federal Supreme Court, although some amendment backers claimed they only hoped to prevent gay marriages from talcing place in Baja. The oddly worded amendment, however, does not include any stated exception for Mexico City marriages. It reads: "The State recognizes and protects the institution of marriage as a right of society oriented to guarantee and safeguard the perpetuation of the species and mutual support between spouses, satisfying this only, through the union of one man ~vith one woman." ("H Estado reconoce y protege la instituci6n del matrimonio como un derecho de la sociedad orientado a garantizar y salvaguardar la perpetuaci6n de la especie y ayuda mutua entre los c6nyuges, satisfacidndose este solamente, mediante la uni6n de un hombre con una mujer.") The amendment is not yet a done deal. It requires ratification by the municipal councils of at least three of Baja California’s five political subdivisions -- Ensenada, Mexicali, Rosarito Beach, Tecate and Tijuana. Those councils will remain under PAN control until Dec. 1, when new councilors from the PRI party will take office and hold a majority of council seats in the state’s political subdivisions. Ira municipal council fails to report the result of its vote by approximately the end of Octobel; the council will be counted as having approved the amendment. Local activists do not feel optimistic that a majority of the currently PAN-controlled councils will reject the amendment. "We are looking at legal paths to pursue this through the state human-rights ombudsman, to demand that he appeal the unconstitutionality of this amendment to the Supreme Court of Justice of the nation," said Armando Rodr~guez, coordinator of the Mexicali Pride Committee. Activist Gerardo M~puta from the Tijuana GLBT Cultural Community (COCUT) added: "g/e are getting the word out given that the media here are keeping this very under the radar and not giving it necessary publicity. Xge are working hard to spread the information, utilizing social networks and bars and cafes. Vge are ..... Continued see BAJA - page 11 not insisting on respectful language and behavior from those testifying. She said "We voted yes for the proclamation. We let everyone speak." Other speakers, from the OU GLBTQ student association, and President of the Norman North High School GLBT group confirmed this claim saying "They didn’t have to stand up for us. They did the right thing!" Severa! OU faculty and staff members addressed the young people in the circle, giving their names, department locations, and an invitation to come and talk anytime. Leaders of other organizations were present including GATE, OGLPC, and the OU Women & Gender Studies Department, who co-sponsored the event. Norman City Council members met again October 12 for their regular meeting and a few people come to talk about the proclamation and how it was handled. All of them ~vere congratulatory about the proclamation. David Ray, an OU professor and former City Council member, said that they had "obviously researched the issues and tallied to gay friends in drafting the proclamation." Norman resident Will Weir stated that he found the protesters of the proclamation "quite offensive in their use of stereotypes for people." Larry Dillingham recalled reading about the writing of the Constitution in 1778, and how the concept of equal representation of every citizen caused heated debate. They called the British rule a "tyranny of the majority," and created a democracy where at leeast in theory everyone is equal. Dillingham said the cotincil was exhibiting the "best use of the Constitution" in drafting and passing the proclamation for LGBT History Month. City Council member Tom Kovach pointed out that "when we allow ourselves to speak hatefully, we lower the level of discourse. Free speech does not allow hate speech." Kovach then gave statistics on GLBT harassment, bullying, and suicide from the Trevor Project, a 24 hour hot line, and online chat group, 1-866-4U-TREVOR State Representative ~like Shelton, Democrat District 9Z Gorin photo Tiae Legislator of the Year Award this time was shared by two lawmakers, State Representative Mike Shelton of OHahoma City who almost singlehandedly stopped legislation that would have opted Oldahoma out of enforcement of Federal hate crimes laws recently amended to include sexual orientation as well as other newly added categories. Nxe other was State Senator Judy Eason-Mclntyre who also had tal~en many positive stands for the GLBT community, who could not be present but whose award was accepted by Oklahoma City State Representative Al McAffrey. Don Hawkins and Mick Schirron received the Media Award for their work owning and operating the Gayly Oklahoman. Begun by Don Hawkins and his partner of that time, Ron Schaeffer, in 1983, the Gayly was the premier news source for the GLBT community. Their first issue’s main story was the victory of Don Hill and Scott Wilson (then the owners of Angles) when they won their lawsuit suing Oldahoma City for police harassment of their club, Growing from a small monthly publication with a circulation of 4000, the Gayly grew to later boast of circulation of 10,000 and became a bi-weekly publication in 1990. Ron Schaeffer passed away in 1991. After becoming Don’s partner in 1994, Mr. Schirron joined the staffas their business manager while Don acted as editor in chief. As presenter J.B. Schulein explained, the Gayly was a news lifeline for the GLBT community before the days of Twitter, Facebook or even the Internet itself. Due to the changes in the business and personal commitments Mick and Don retired from the business, their last issue January 15, 2006. Although the Gayly was sold and reincorporated that same year by Tulsans Andrew Hicks and the late Heather Harp, it ceased publication again, that last issue December ! 5, 2006 and passed into histor): But with that in mind, the Gayly had captured the attention of GLBT archMsts with what is certainly the most comprehensive resource of Oldahoma’s GLBT history during a period of vast change. So far a complete set of the Gaylys has been donated to Tulsa’s Dennis R. NeiI1 Equality Center, the Cimarron Alliance, and to the Oklalmma Historical Society which is in the process of preserving that archive electronically. The guest speaker for the event was Romaine Patterson, a longtime activist who had tmown and befriended the late Matthew Shepard in her native \Vyoming. ~e festivities concluded with an after party at Angles featuring not only Ms.Patterson, but entertainers Jozlyn V.&lch and Sonja Martinez. �By Steven Petrow &even Petrow is the author of"The Essential Book of Gay Manners & Etiquette. "Send him your questions at queeries@live.com. "Teaching Kids of Gay Parents" public. To give it clarity, she gave some examples. If a gun was used in this type of crime that would qualify because guns are not manufactured in Oklahoma. If someone followed someone onto an interstate highway in the commission of a hate crime, that would likewise qualify. Ifa hate crime took place inside a business, that would qualify as well. To further illustrate as an example, the hate crime that victimized James Byrd would have qualified as a Federal hate crime as he was dragged to death on an interstate highway. Ms. Kelly made the point that while the act does signify progress, it does not cover every situation of hate crimes against GLBT persons or those of the other protected categories. Special Agent Jim Windsor was the next speaker, and while he reiterated that the expanded Federal hate crimes protection may not cover every situation, it is progress and he stated, "My goal clearly is prevention." kYC~ile encouraging emergency calls concerning hate crimes still to be directed to local authorities via 911, he urged calling the FBI as well. Even ifa hate crime has not yet happened, if there is only suspicious behavior or threats have been made the FBI wants to know about them. He stated that frequently a visit from FBI agents to those involved in threatening behavior can often forestall trouble and/or prevent hate crimes from happening. Synthia Demons was the last speaker, who talked about efforts by the Federal authorities to promote mediation. Scott Hamilton summed ir up stating, " I have been incredibly impressed with the FBI’s commitment to working with our community, helping us understand what hate crimes are, how to report them, and prevent them from happening." To report suspicious behavior to the Oklahoma City FBI or for more information contact their Oldahoma City Office at (405) 290-7770. and Philanthropy indicates that 20-25% is the national average. Each week, the RFBO provides enough food to feed more than 77,000 hungry Oklahomans. The majority of those served by this food bank are children, seniors living on fixed incomes, and working families who cannot make ends meet. To make a tax-deductible donation, or to learn about volunteer opportunities visit www.regionalfoodbank.org or call 405.972.1111. Connect online with the Regional Food Bank at twitter.com/rfbo or facebook.com/regionalfoodbank. Kole is 9 years old and was surrendered by their owners when their daughter d~veloped allergies to him and his SiSter Sadie. Kole is a loving, easy going dog that would rather just lay around and be your household friend. He’s good with kids and cats Come see Kole and and bring home a friend. If you’d like to see Kole or any of the other adoptable dogs visit the Lab Rescue Tulsa Oklahoma website at: xvww.labrescue.net. Siloam Springs Claremore Sand Springs Jenks Owasso Sapulpa Norman Collinsville 479 524 6535 918 341 1260 918 246 2543 9t8 299 6311 918-272-4965 918 227 2722 405 321 6725 918 371 1000 November 1, 2010 i 7 �NEED YOUR VOTE �Rev Steve 3". 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 ’ 21 Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPL ~L’ Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Have a God filled and BleSsed Day! November 1, 2010 9 �Openarms Youth Project Inc. Elects New O cers TULSA, OK (PR) __ In a special meeting, the Board of Directors for Openarms Youth Project Inc. elected new officers for 2011-12. The new officers are: Drew Diamond - President Pam Anderson - Vice-President Cheyenne Charles -Treasurer Jared Vazquez - Secretary Openarms is very proud to have Mr. Diamond serving as the President at a time when the youth of Tulsa and surrounding areas face many challenges in school, at home and life in general. His experience in law enforcement and Conflict Resolution will be a valuable asset to the board and the youth served by Openarms. As Openarms continues to grow serving a greater number of GLBTQ youth each week with expanded programming and activities this new leadership will focus Openarms on continuing to provide a safe environment for all the youth they serve. Openarms continues to operate as the longest continuously operating GLBTQyouth group for youth ages 14-21 in the state. Openarms is located at: 2015 B South Lakewood, Tulsa, OK 74112 Phone: 918-838-7104 Carpenter Square picks a winner with Sordid Lives By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team O ahoma City holds State’s first Black Gay Pride Festival By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team The Festival attracted around 300 spectators, and featured a party at the Club Pulse Event Center with entertainer Tyra Sanchez, a winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Also at the hotel were many vendors and groups doing outreach. Why is there a need for a special group for African Americans to celebrate gay pride? Oklahoma Black Pride President ~adark Knight with Lar,y. Gorin photo As the president of the organization Mark Knight puts it, "Although the gay community OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ On is diverse, often the community doesn’t the weekend of October 14-17 the first address this diversity. That’s why we decided official Black Gay Pride Festival has held in to have a gay pride celebration that celebrates Oldahoma. Hosted by OKC’s Crowne Plaza being both black and gay, to celebrate our Hotel, the event coincided with the 2010 culture and sexuality with our spin on it." Fall Conference of Black and White Men Black Gay Pride is an incorporated Together. The organization came together organization in the process of obtaining in 2009 as part of a national movement 501c3 tax status, and they plan for this reminiscent of the Civil Rights Movement, festival to be an annual event. For more the Harlem Renaissance, but also inclusive of information check out their website at www. the culture of the African Americans in the GLBT community. November 1, 2010 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Carpenter Square Theater has always been a point of light for central Oklalaoma’s lovers of unconventional drama, therefore it was not surprising and an excellent choice when they included the steamy tale "Sordid Lives" for their 2010-2011 season. With their start in 1984, Carpenter Square began with their mission of alternative theater in the Carpenter Paper Warehouse, now the parking lot of the Oklal~oma County Jail. From the beginning the theater had a bar and patrons could enjoy their adult beverages during the show, most unusual during that time period. They later moved to a former department store at N.W. 5th and Hudson, where dedicated volunteers turned that space into a 220 seat theater. They moved again when the Arts Council of Oldahoma City invited them ro Stage Center in 1997, which was their home until flood damage last summer made it unusable. Finding a temporary home at the Bricktown Hotel, their theme for their 2010-2011 season is Dramatically Different, and Sordid Lives certainly fits that category when they brought that cornfed classic to campy life. "Sordid Lives", written by Del Shores, premiered as a play in Los Angeles in 1996 and won 14 Drama League Awards. Later made into a film in 2000, the movie got mixed reviews but was nonetheless a cult classic, particularly with the gay community and especially in the South. Carpenter Square opened this saga with the premier show benefitting Other Options ( a charitable organization helping those living with HIV), raising over $400 for that organization. And the crowd was loud and ready to party! The plot was narrated by Bitsy Mae Harling (Shelly Phelps- no relation to the infamous Phelps family of Topeka Kansas), who brought the audience together in song. The story centered around the death of Peggy Ingram, the family matriarch who died a steamy death in a seedy motel room with G.W. Netherscott (Paul James), a legless man who left his wooden legs on the floor for Peggy to trip on and mortally hit her head on the bathroom sink.. Coping with her unfortunate death were her three children, Latrelle Williamson (Elin Bhaird) who was the mother of a closeted gay son Ty( Brandt Sterling), the free spirited Lavonda Dupree (Pat Tweed), and of course the institutionalized cross dressing homosexual "Brother Boy" Earl (Chris Castleberry). Also dealing with the loss was Peggy’s sister Aunt Sissy Hickey( Brenda Williams), who only wanted to stop smoking and fell off the wagon. In addition G.W. had to deal with guilt because his wooden legs had caused Peggy’s death, and the anger of his wife Noleta ( Sue Ellen Reiman). Not taking the situation well, Lavonda and Noleta rob and terrorize the local saloon, where G.W. was drowning his sorrows and his friend Wardell Bubba Owens (Todd Clark), who was Once the object of Brow:t-mr Boy’s infatuation, was tending bar. They go on to rob the local liquor store as well and wind up in the county jail. Then Wardell ( with a drastic change of heart) breaks Brother Boy out of the institution where Dr. Eve "Evil" Bollinger(Lilli Bassett) was trying to cure him of his homosexuality with little success. Although dysfunctional, the grand finale was the funeral which did bring the family together for a happy ending, and the performance was truly a crowd pleaser. The show will continue through November 6, so don’t miss out on this campy classic of down home fun. For tickets call (405) 232 6500 or check out their website at www.carpenrersquare.com This Cowboy just rode into town to his first VIETRO BOX AD! �Oklahoma City School Board again votes to appeal Court Decision to re-instate him By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team In May of 2009 the Oklahoma City School Board voted 4-2 ( 1 absent and 1 abstained) to fire Joe Quigley, an English teacher at North~vest Classen High School, claiming that he had neglected his duties and was insubordinate to district policies. He is openly gay and a well lmown activist who has carried a sign proclaiming him as a gay teacher in many OKC Pride Parades. He has been active for years on behalf of students who are or perceived to be GLBT, educating them on their rights and vcas instrumental in getting the categories "real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity,"! included in the Oklahoma City Student Handbook as groups that are part of the policy of prohibiting harassment and bullying. It was widely perceived by the GLBT and allied community that his firing was actually due to this advocacy. The 2 votes against his termination xvere Chairperson kalgela Monson and board member Wilfredo Santos Rivera. With the help of his union, the American Federation of Teachers, Joe Quigley successfully fought his termination. In September of 2009 Oklahoma County District Judge Barbara Swinton ruled in his favor, ordering his reinstatement in a scathing ruling that strongly criticized the Oklahoma City School Board, even apologizing to him for their treatment of him. The Board appealed her decision, and with a 6-2 vote decided not to reinstate or pay him during the appeals process. (The 2 votes against appeal were again Chairperson Angeta Monson and then Board member Wilfredo Santos-Rivera). This followed with a hearing in which the Oldahoma Civ School Board would have to reinstate Mr.Quigley immediately or be charged with contempt of court. ~ae Board agreed to reinstate him, and he began teaching at U.S. Grant High School. When that school was forced to remove half the teachers due to a mandated restructuring plan under the No Child Left Behind Federal law, Joe was reassigned to Douglas High School, where he is teaching English at this time. On October 6, Judge Carol M. Hansen from the Court of Civil Appeals upheld Judge Swintoffs lower court dec!sion, also ruling that the District would be required to pay the plaintiffs legal expenses. It is estimated that already the legal expenses of the plaintiff and of the district could already be well over $250,000, money many have stated could have been better spent for teachers and school facilities. On Monday, the Oklahoma City School Board then voted to appeal that ruling to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Mr. Quigley has expressed that he feels that many district employe.es have continued to treat him unfairly while his case proceeds. Myson Books stops publishing books Venerable gay publishing company Alyson Books, owned by Advocate parent company Here Media, has stopped publishing books and will rework itself into aaa e-book publisher, said Publishers WeeNy. Authors under contract can have their rights back or move to the online venture. In August, Village Voice columnist Michael Musto had complained that the company was "holding my new book hostage." Creep of he Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne Witkowski has been gayforpay since 200~ She’s a j~eelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world she reviews rock ~’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister "Ann Coulter" Perhaps it was Ann Coutter’s very public referral to former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards as a "faggot" that nabbed her an invitation to address a conservative gay group, or maybe it was her recent essay extolling the virtues of Ronald Reagan and his battle against "government endorsement of homosexuality." Whatever the reason, Coulter, everybody’s favorite anti-gay fag hag, appeared Sept. 21 at her long-awaited Homocon gig: a fundraiser for GOProud, a group of gay conservatives. Anti-gay right-wingers were aghast that Coulter would speak to such a depraved group and some lamented that she’d gone over to the dark side. But they needn’t have worried. Even when talking to a group of homos she has no problem not being very nice to homos. "Marriage is not a civil right. You’re not black," Coulter told the group. "Blacks must be looking at the gays saying, ’Why can’t we be oppressed like that?’" Ha, ha, ha. Get it? Because gays are all rich and can afford to hire high-profile guest speakers for their b@ fat, gay parties in New York City. Sill), gays, always pretending to have problems bigger than where their next martini is coming from. Oh, and also there are no black gays. LOL. WTE It was "one of a series of racially insensitive remarks that pervaded her speech," reported Talking Points Memo. This should come as no surprise since Coulter is widely perceived to be a racist bitch (and yes, I realize that "racist bitch" is not a strong enough term, but I’m trying to be politically correct here). So, ~vait - is Ann Coulter saying that cMl rights only apply to black people? Apparently so. According to TPM, she told "the crowd that the 14th Amendment only applies to lobbying ... the councils and (state) legislators and (municipal) Councilors to express our point of view and make them understand that this law is homophobic, and als0 (are) having the support of the (state) ombudsman of human rights." ~xe marches in Mexicali and Tecate will be combo pride and protest marches. Mexicali’s march is Saturday, Oct. 16, at 3 p.m., starting at Avenida Col6n and Calzada Justo Sierra. Mexicali sits on the California border 120 miles east of San Diego. Tecate’s march is Sunday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. at Parque Central. Tecate sits on the California border 40 miles southeast of San Diego. The only vote cast against the amendment in the Chamber of Deputies carne from PRD (Partido de la Revoluci6n Democr~tica) Deputy Ana Maria Fuentes. A£rican-Americans and that it does not, in fact, apply to women, LGBT people or other minorities." Kind of makes me wonder if she’s actually read the 14th Amendment. Keep in mind that Coulter was made part of the event to lighten things up with her, UlTI, humor. "The gay left has done their best to take all the fun out of politics, with their endless list of boycotts and protests. Homocon is going to be our annual effort to counter the ’no fun police’ on the left," said GOProud Chairman of the Board Christopher Barron. "I can’t think of any conservative more fun to headline our inaugural part,/then the self-professed ’right-wing Judy Garland,’ Ann Coulter." Really? You can’t think of a conservative that’s "more fun" than Ann Coulter? Maybe that means there really aren’t any "fun" conservatives. But what do I know? I’m a humorless member of the gay left doing my best to take all the fun out of politics, because of how the gay left doesn’t appreciate how hilarious it is that gays can’t get married. And don’t forget the side-splitting debate around "Don’t Ask Don’t Tell." And the laffs about hate crimes legislation, or the fact that in many states it’s OK to fire someone for being gay, or deny them hospital visitation rights or a place to live. Stop, my sides. No, seriously. Stop. But hey, at least we’re not black, right? Am I right? (Cricket chirping) Guys? What’s the matter? Was it something I said? Sigh. I guess I just don’t have Ann Coulter’s silver-tongued wit. "It is our conviction that the basis of human happiness is freedom and the recognition of rights, that any restriction imposed by one or various churches or some particular morality that signifies restriction of rights or persecution of people in the fi’ee exercise of their sexual preferences is profoundly wrong and has more to do with the past and nothing to do with the future," she said. "gge oppose that the more conservative groups ... want to convert our state into some sort of medieval island with the double morality that comes with that." The legislative chamber was filled with equal numbers of LGBT people and their opponents the day of the vote. Videos of the vote and the chaotic aftermath can be seen at tinyurt.com/bcgaymat2 and tinyurl.com/ bcgaymat. November 1, 2010 �Photo’s by Victor G. By Ed Sikov Ed Sikov is the author ofDark Victory; ~e Life ofBette Davis and other books aboutfilms and f!lmmakers. Out &About in Oklahoma "q ey Hate Me. q-hey Really Hate Me!" ~’as trying not to take it personally. @ SSRA Sooner State Stampede, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa Really. OK, I was taking it personally. else had they all called to say they’d be at the house in time for dinner on Friday but no earlier? Therefore no cocktail hour(s). I admit it: I’m an out-of-control control freal~. I was making a perfect meal: Bobby Flay’s barbecued salmon; Israeli couscous, which I was spirting up with saffron and grill-roasted red peppers; and a salad (from a bag - I can be lazy about salads). We would start with Pernod from the freezer, and dessert would be a delightfully thick and creamy drink made to order. Then it hit me: they were avoiding what I claimed was that week’s "cocktail du weekend"! I’d stupidly sent out an e-mail claiming that I’d found an obscure drink recipe and would be making it on Friday. It was called the Booger. It was, of course, repulsive: half part banana liqueur, half part coconut rum and half part Midori. As if this combo wasn’t wretched enough, Boogers get topped off with Baileys Irish Cream. Shake with ice. Strain. Drink. Vomit. Bogus Boogers drove them away! The puppies, Robbie and Kyle, both said they were meeting friends for drinks at low tea (wasn’t I their friend?). Craig preferred Top o’ the Pines; he was meeting Paolo there for martinis. Even Dan said he was stopping at BarHarbor for a Campari and soda before coming home. Did none of them have a sense of humor? At least Kyle apologized before bailing on me. Dan arrived around 8:30. "\Where are the snot shots?" he asked pleasantly. A growl was my reply. He turned away from me toward " the stairs, and I lost it. "Do you really think I’d make that shit?" I barked. His face took on that stricken look he gets when I bawl him out for something he doesn’t understand. ~en I felt guilty. "It was just a joke, sweetie. A bad joke. You know me. Would I ever make a Booger?" "You just might," he said, "as some sort of revenge." ~e other guys staggered in around 9:30, all totally plastered. The barbecued salmon was gummy, q-he couscous clumped. Only the salad was any good, and that was because it was still in the bag. I was seething. We ate in silence. The puppies were too drunk to talk; Craig was too caught up in his food; Paolo ,vas visibly frightened of me and my temper; and Dan knew he was already on thin ice. We both hated dinners like this; we called them "Night of the Living Drunks." So I refused to make the "cocktail du weekend." The Brandy Alexanders would have to wait. qhe Brandy Alexander It’s strictly a dessert drink. Never order one before dinner, or everyone will think you’re too young to know any better or, if you’re over 30, yotl simply have god-awful taste. 2 parts brandy 1/2 part dark creme de cacao 1/2 part or more heavy cream Nutmeg (optional) Mix brandy, creme de cacao and cream m a shaker filled with ice. Put on top and cap and shake shake shake - create some froth. Strain into a martini glass and sprinlde a little nutmeg on top. I’m the type who keeps whole nutmeg in a glass jar and uses a little nutmeg grater; McCormick’s is almost as good, though not nearly as pretentious. @ The Copa, Oklahoma City Join Metro Star Enews £or Breaking News Updates as hey happen. Keep n£ormed throughtout the month. Jo n us MetroStarNews.com TULSA, OK __ The Metro Star On-line edition at www.metrostarnews.com is updated daily with Top Local and National News stories that concern the GLBT community. The World News feed module will keep you informed about community news from around the globe. Join us, it’s FREE! @ Finishline, Oklahoma City 12 November 1, 2010 ~’~{}$TAR �& Chuck Breckenridge ~vVhcthcr buying or selling 1’tl work hard Yet you. CHECK OUT UNIQUE ~ka~sas’ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresor t .corn info@magneticva!leyresor t.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Downto~vn, \~;hlk Bars, Clubs, Baseball, B OK Ceneer, Tulsa Gay Center. Affordable Homes and Apartments. For more I~,~na~o# visit: wwu~gaybmdybeightstuha.com ~ ~f$~ November 1, 2010 13 �By JackFertig November 2010 "Get sick and twisted, Leo!" Mercury is trine to Jupiter, opening the mind to wonderful new ideas and observations. But both are in water signs, so those new "ideas" will be more artistic, intuitive and emotional than togicat - and then Mercury trines Uranus, sending those novel notions into wild new directions..Avoid drugs and booze. They’re just crutches for people with no insight or originality. ARIES (March 20- April 19): Speak your mind! Granted, that often leads to trouble, but now it should work out well. You could start misunderstandings with your friends, but trust your instincts to clear up any trouble. TAURUS (April 28 - May 20): Your partner wants the best for you, but taking his or her prods to your ambition too seriously can create more trouble than it will solve. Talk together about long-range goals beyond your work. A friend’s advice can be very helpful. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 2(}): Impulsive actions on your own will likely cause arguments or accidents. Be very clear about your goals, and enlist help from your boss or the experts. They’ll be glad to help you get ahead. 25 SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Asserting your own integrity and truly speaking your mind is sure to shake up your family or tribe. As Mark Twain said, you have to make people laugh when you tell them the truth. 14 November 1, 2010 3 2(~ 27 4 6 17 18 9 PISCES (February 19- March 19): What comes out of your mouth may surprise you more than your friends, but pick your company carefully. Guarding secrets may be like "trying not to think about the elephant." Just keep your mind and the conversation elsewhere. le 33 2~ ~ 34 11 12 :~3 30 ;31 32 56 57 58 38 AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Losing yourself in your work is a good way to screw up the job. Review your priorities and aims with your boss or a trusted expert. Getting clear on this issue is key to your advancement. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): Old "tapes" from your upbringing can get in the way of a healthy partnership. OK, let go of "healthy" and get sick and twisted! A good erotic catharsis can be the best way to clear out the psychic junk. L~BRA (September 23 - October 22): Money problems can be dealt with, but not at the lottery or casino - and "retail therapy" is just a euphemism for "shopaholic." Analyze the situation and work it out. A serious approach will find inspired solutions. 2 14 CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): As the world moves on, revising your ideas is sometimes necessary. Do old ideas still serve your core ideals? Philosophical and political arguments with your friends can prove very educational if you can approach them with an open mind. CANCER (June 2to Ju~y 22): Small adventures, especially in sexual experimentation, are likely to get you into a terrible mess. Grander, more daring experiments are a lot safer. The real trick is to think ahead, be clear on safety issues, and trust your instincts. VlRGO (August 23 - September 22): Advice from your partner will likely shock you, but all the more reason to at least consider it very carefully. Following that line of conversation with your sweetie will also help you avoid troublesome misstatements. 1 SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 - December 20): To unlock family secrets, ignore your siblings. They’re probably confused or lying. Parents are more likely to reveal the truth, especially when they would prefer not to. The truth could be shocking; the fall-out even more so. Is it worth it to know? Across t Femme’s Guide to the Universe author Rednour 5 Type of room at a bathhouse 10 ~est Side Story gang t4 C~ of pride t 5 ~e Scales, astrologically 16 Blade name 17 Cross-dressing comedian 19 "Legs" rock trio 20 Added to the scrapbook 21 DavidSedaris’ works 23 Family diagram 24 Morales of Resurrection Blvd. 25 Some sex-toy batteries 28 Cause of Apr. angst 29 7he Naked Civil Servant author Crisp 33 ’Tm all ears" 35 "Don we now gay apparel .:;" 36 Literature Nobelist Andrd 37 Collette of United States of ~Tara 38 Working Girls director Borden 40 Vogue ~ompetit0r 41 Wdcome response after a mmbte 42 Access ending 43 Cut loose 1 Type of father Robert Reed played 2 "If I Only Brai~ 3 Says fi~rther 4 Singer Bonnie 5 Pitch that isn’t straight 6 Hissy fits 7 My People author Abba 8 JFK in}b 9 Left no doubt 10 Ethel kg~aters, for one 11 Katharine~ Butch Cassidy role 12 Perry of Metropolitan CommunityChurch 13 Suckers 18 Queer, ro srraights 22 Writer3s enc. 24 Prefix with later,~ 25 Top floor 26 It arouses two body openings 27 Where priests come together 30 Did some floor work 31 One who screws around Creating Community for People iving with H V/A DS .A 501 c (3) Non P~’ofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net 65 Angdina’s tomb-raiding role 66 Chooses not to come Well 67 All s Well That Solution page 15 ~s are those �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. MA SSA GE: HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPW Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 v~vw.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-2 I0-840 t x~vw.magneticvalleyresor t.com A CCO UNTING: KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. 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PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pro Classified Text Advertising (n6 graphicS)2~ wor& o{ 1-esS $~51001 AddidonN ~S}~ $0 ~0 Cents each! J THE COPA 2200 Nag/39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSX~AY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE !338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am N~:~S~R/November 1, 2010 15 �D N ber 7 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document LOCAL NEWS N NATIONAL NEWS N WORLD NEWS N L]FESTYLE ~ FITNESS ~ TRAVEL THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA ADVICE N ENTERTAI~{EI~ More on page-6 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 11 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com FREE 1 NOVEMBER 1,2010 reaches out to GLBT Oldahomans By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Byrd Act of 2009 which expanded the categories of Federal hate crimes to include gender, disability, and sexual orientation and gender identity. On October 5 a panel discussion was held at Church of the Open Arms which attracted spectators from the GLBT community as well as other social justice groups. Mr. Hamilton introduced the panel, which included Special Agents Jim Windsor and Doug Strait, the Oklahoma City U.S. Attorney’s Office Deputy Criminal Chief Kerri Kelly, and Synthia Demons, a Senior Conciliation Specialist with the U.S. Department of Justice. Kerri Kdly began, pointing out exactly what the expanded Federal Hate Crimes law does and doesn’t do. It does not cover all Anti-Gay Speech Prompts Teen Suicide ByJeanne Flanigan Metro Star Team parents’ home in Norman on October 10. Zach had attended the City Council meeting, and had endured more than 3 hours of testimony from Norman citizens regarding the proclamation. While 24 of the 46 speakers were in support of it and given equal time, the people who spoke against it paraded negative, misguided, stereotypes of the LGBT community before the Council. This negativity bothered Zach for days afterward according to his sister, Nikld. Zach had endured bullying and harassment in Norman North High School, recalled his father, Van Harrington. Zach saw the same disrespectful, sometimes hateful, behavior and language used by adults at the Council meeting that night. Mr. Harrington, his wife Nancy; and FBI SpecialAgentfim V~ndsor Community Forum Speaker at Church ofthe Open Arms. Gorin photo OKI,~AHOMA CITY, OK __ "Hello, I’m Jim Win&m; I’m with the FBI and I’d like to talk to you." \Vhen Scott Hamilton of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation first heard this telephone introduction, he reacted like most of us would, somewhat apprehensive. What came together was a positive event, showing an increased interest by the Oklahoma office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation about hate crimes against people of the GLBT community. Federal authorities were further empowered by the Matthew Shepard James race, religion, color, national origin) 2. The act is intentional (nor accidental or due to negligence) 3. The act must have caused bodily harm, or a weapon or incendiary device must have be used with the intentional of causing bodily harm 4. The crime must somehow be connected to interstate commerce. The Act does not cover threats or hate speech, which includes vandalism such as anti-gay graffiti. The last provision was somewhat complex and not widely understood by the general ........Continued See FBI Page-7 Margaret Cox, Don Hawkins and Mick Schirron among those honored at Cimarron A liance Awards Gala By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team OKLAHOMA CITY, OK A lifetime of activist work came together when one of Oldahoma’s City’s most renowned activists won yet another honor for a long legacy of service. The activism of Margaret Cox began with the Washington Urban League in 1964, but since then she has been a fixture not only for GLBT activism but in virtually every avenue of social justice. She has served as the coordinator for the Oklahoma National Organization for Women (NOW) and Metro OKC NOW. She is well known for her work with the Oldahoma Coalition to Abolish the Margaret Cox receives Lifetime Achievement Award. Gorin photo 7 to 1 ro approve a proclamation declaring October "LGBT History Month." The Norman Human Rights Commission wrote the proclamation after "much deliberation" stated Norman Mayor, Cindy Rosenthal. Co-Founders Kathy Williams and Laura Belmonte ofThe Equality Network (TEN) made a visit from Tulsa to Norman ro consult with Council members and the Mayor. Emails and newspaper articles declared this a historic moment in Oklahoma. This action gave hope to many that things are changing in the state. And then tragedy struck. Nineteen year old Zach Harrington took his life at his Zach was a musician and had been awarded a $ !000 grant by PFLAG in 2009 to study music. He had been living in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Although he was 6’4", he was more interested in music than athletics, Van Harrington remembers. Some of his classmates didn’t understand this and harassed him. His Facebook page tells of a private person with a sense of humor, a music and movie lover who wants ro be told that he is missed. And he is missed. At a Candlelight Vigil at 8 pm on October 13, at the Memorial Garden on the South Oval at University .........Continued See SUICIDE Page-6 Death Penalty, being arrested countless times for that cause in acts of civil disobedience. She has served as a Board Member and Secretary of the Oklahoma chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, and her GLBT activism began in 1982 when she joined the board of OKC’s Herland Sister Resources. She was a major factor behind that organization growing from small beginnings to the institution it is today serving not only on their board, but also as their-newsletter editor and various officer positions. She had been a part of the activist group Simply Equal. Later she was elected to the Board of Cimarron Alliance and later chaired it, serving in many capacities including acting as the Coordinator of Docents when the Oklahoma Holocaust Remembrance Exhibition-The Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals came to Oldahoma City in 2005. Retired from state employment as Director of the Oklahoma Public Relations Board, she has recovered well from a recent heart attack and is getting a much deserved rest, but she came out to receive this honor. Mick Schirron (center) and Don Hawkins (right) receive Media Award with well wisher (left)John Greet. ........Continued See AWARDS Page-6 2 November 1, 2010 Fashion Designer Johnathan Kayne; a proud role By Robi!~ D-Townsend Metro Star Team OKLAHO~vIA CIT~I OK Vibrant colors, shimmering fabrics, and sparkling rhinestones flooded the catwalk at Johnathan Kayne’s ’Fashion for Food’ show held last month benefiting the Regional Food Bank of Oldahomds (R~BO) Food for Kids program. More than 200 guests attended this exclusive fashion show which featured the latest creations from this nationally recognized fashion designer. Kayne is a passionate advocate for preventing childhood hunger. ’q~ais is probably the proudest moment in my life," said Kayne. "This cause has been near and dear to my heart because I was one of those hunglT children growing up." Kayne shared a time in his young life when he was overweight and did not always have good food choices. He now serves on the RFBO Celebrity Council and is a known nation wide for his great fhshion design. r tal~es $200 to ~xed a ized natlona[~y ~r’/~ls e:¢ce~lent’~ chr0nidally hungB~ dementa¢ Johnathan Kayne raised thousands ofdoll~tb" to suppO~ the school child through the RFBOS Regionat FoodBanh ofOklahoma Foodfor fi~Tdsprogram. Food for Kids program. The Photo by Robin D-Townsend event grossed more than $25,000 305 elementary schools in 42 counties across for the cause. This is the second year of I~yne’s annual fashion show which was featured last year on his TLC reality show Gown Crazy. The event featured two runway shmvs - one featuring Kayne’s latest designs and a finale show with custom items modeled by local celebrities including OKC news anchor and former Miss America, Lauren Nelson. The Food for Kids program provides chronically hungry elementary school children with backpacks filled xvith nonperishable, kid-friendly food to eat over weekends and holidays. Food for Kids serves central and western Oldahoma, providing backpacks to nearly 8,000 &ronically hungry children each week during the school year. There are 25 schools on the xvaiting list to join the program. "It is our desire that no child goes to school Monday morning with hunger pains," said RFBO Executive Director Rodney Bivens. "Vge currently serve nearly 8,000 hungry kids per week. We believe that when hunger ends, learning begins." The RFBO operating costs are 4% of all the funding they receive. The National Center on Nonprofits ....... Continued See KAYNE Page 7 ,uptcv * Ci"v"II Rights *Criminal ’ment * Family Law. Litigation street a city, OK 73 03 Sooner State Stampede SSRA Rode back after 5 years By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team 7~m Dickman, President ofSooner State Rodeo Association. Staffphoto TULSA, OK __ Cowboys and cowgirls from across America came together the first weekend of October as SSRA held their Sooner State Stampede. Hosted at the Airport East Ramada Inn, the party started there with a show celebration, and continued with the competition at the Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort north ofTulsa in the hamlet of Sperry. The event was significant in that not only did it bring GLBT western lifestyle folk together from since 2005. N~e Sooner State Rodeo AssOciation was first formed in 2002 to give the GLBT and allied community ofTulsa and eastern Oklahoma a new avenue for western lifestyle expression. They hold fundraisers throughout the year not only for themselves but also various Oklahoma charities, and is one of 28 members of the International Gay Rodeo Association. Held for the first time at the Bridle Creek Horse Ranch, the event featured standard rodeo events but also those unique to gay rodeo, naturally goat dressing and a wild drag race. gc’ith over 60 contestants from across America it proved to be quite an event. "Clogger Bill" Francisco was this year’s Grand Marshal, and he got involved with gay rodeo over 20 years ago because as he puts it, "The atmosphere, all the cowboys, al! the events in the arena, I love it all." Also on hand was the current reigning Mr. MGRA Kelly Moore ( Missouri Gay Rodeo Association) who had also been Miss MGRA in 2007, the only person to ever capture both titles in that state. Although the event had a wide diversity of spectators, among the most interesting were a heterosexual family who was there viewing a rodeo of any kind for the first time, Gayla and Todd Lackey, owners of Crazy Cat Tie Dyes ~vith the children Jason and Althea. Having previous experience with the GLBT community through vending at several Pride events, it was this event that gave them their first taste of rodeo fun, Gayla stated, "I’m in it mainly for the goat dressing. Vge thought it’d be fun, so when we heard of the gay rodeo we thought ’OmiGod’ let’s go!" Lackey Family at thdrfirst Gay Rodeo. GoHn photo Tim Dickman, SSRA President stated, "The 2010 Rodeo was such a success and the contestants enjoyed the accommodations at Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort so much we are planning to hold our next Rodeo in 2011 at this same facility." The Sooner State Rodeo Association welcomes all who are interested in the country & western lifestyle. For more information check out their website at www. soonerstaterodeo.com Candlelight Vigil Held in Edmond’s Haler Park By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Stephanie Bolton and Bobby ~Iillican. Gorin photo EDMOND, OK__ At 7 p.m October 12. at Hafer Park in Edmond, GATE held their t lth Candlelight Vigil in honor of fellow those who had difficulty coming out, following, National Co,~ing Out Day October 11. Coming Out , coming to terms and being open about being GLBT can be a special prob!em in Oklahoma, ofren considered the buckle of the Bible Belt. Too ofren people who become known to or even perceived to be GLBT have faced ostracism from friends and famil),, loss ofjobs and/or homes, and sometimes have found their very lives in jeopardy. G.A.T.E. ( Gay Alliance for Tolerance and Equality) is an official student group at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. The group would also be marching in the annual Homecoming Parade the coming Saturday for the second time. Speaking at the vigil were GATE President Brandon White as well as the Cimarron Alliance President Scott Hamilton. Also speaking were individuals among the crowd, this time numbering around 100, almost triple the number of participants attending last year. Just about summing up the experience for everybody were two proud participants, Bobby Millican and Stephanie Bolton, a dear friend and straight ally. As she puts it, " I am so proud ofmy friends who are here proud of themselves." Forced Offthe Edge of Life’s Road By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The gay/straight alliance at the University of Central Oklahoma, a medium size state school in Edmond, OK, a bedroom town nearly contiguous with Oklahoma City, had a combination vigil/coming out day event this past Tuesday, October 12, recognizing the recent suicide ofZack Harrington and National Coming Out Day. It was held in a large public park in Edmond. I couldn’t stay for all of it but what I did see was a pretty good demonstration of being comfortable with being gay or lesbian. One of the leaders said the number was double over last year. I’d say about 70 people were there, mostly students in their early 20s, with some teenagers and older adults in the mix. I’ve known I was gay, though I didn’t know the word, since 4th or 5th grade of elementary school. The dictionary I used talked about "self-pollution". \Vv~at a scream! I was afraid it would somehow show tip when I had to go to the doctor for a required physical. "We put way too much emphasis on gender presentation and role playing when kids are too immature to understand their bodies and psychological needs. I think we should look at human development the same ~vay we look at other living organisms that morph fi’om one stage to another with radically different bodies. The outward shape of our human bodies doesn’t change so much, but the inner shape of our minds sure does-- or they SHOULD change--doffing the myths and twisted beliefs we’re fed as children as we develop from our own experiences. Several of the public speakers at the Norman City Council meeting mentioned religious belief in their objection to the GLBT History Month Proclamation, malting another example of the ignorance many people have about the separation of religious views and civil policies under the First Amendment. This was the meeting attended by Zack Harrington and apparently forced him off the edge of life’s road. Civil rights are the guaranteed benefits of being a citizen of this country. They are not subject to examination by a review panel to test if citizens are "worthy". Civil rights are universal, inherent in the social contract between citizen and government. Though I am a believer in the right of self-deliverance in the face 0£ inescapable terminal illness, I’m nearly speechless and ~vordless in the face of the suicides caused by the vehement, venomous vocabulary of religious, flat-earth thinking spewed in public meetings and the media. I’m reduced to involuntary hea&shaking when trying to understand how the insidious poison of religion infiltrates young minds and dissolves the normal urge to live. Religion has al~vays been the mental fog in the road of human progress, from Galileo and Copernicus to stem-cell research to the legal recognition of citizens without regard for their sexual orientation. It would appear that until more of us recognize the futility of religion with the false authority and violence it visits on innocent people, we’ll see more GLBT suicides as roadkill on the human highway. The link below provides a video of the ill-fated Norman, Oklahoma city council meeting. Oklahoma’s Zach Harrington, 19, Kills Himself After Hateful Town Meeting: ww~v.tinyurl.com/2chqvkt "First rsday" Art Opening and Exhibit ofOriginal Works by artist Di epac TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Noveraber Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature works from Tulsa artist Di Klepac Originally from Austin and living in Tulsa I:or almost two decades, Di paints what she reatly sees in her subject, bringing her unique meaning to the art she creates. Her early development was colored by watching her sister paint in the family studio of her youth in a subnrb of Austin. Di’s use of color and forceful strokes in textured tempera reach into the soul of her subject matter and pull out her views that live on the canvas. Her showings in the Brady Arts District have brought her acclaim in the Tulsa art community. The show begins with a reception on Thursday, November 4th fi’om 6-9pm and continues throughout the month. ~okeq.org Founded @ a dedicamd~’ou~ ofvo&nmers in 198& Oklahomam~r Equali~kEq is Oklahoma~ oldestgay rights o,ganizmion. From tesd,g~r HIVIAIDS and hosd,g the annual ~dsa Pride and Dive*xi{y Celebration m &e,~,a,g the Equalig @nt~r and documena*g the ~hg LGBT communig} rich histo~)~ OkEq worL,s.~r socia] justice andfid/ inch~sion~r Ok/ahoma) lesbian, g’9~ bisexual and t,unwnder (LGBD citizens and their allies. For more i,:~rma~ion, 4 November ~, 20~0 Tulsa’s Jerry Straley captures the title ofOklahoma Mr Leather 2011 By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team 1st runnerup Geqff~’ey ~omas, winnerJory Sou@ and 2nd runnerup Nathan Benne,: Go,in photo TULSA, OK It was a festive weekend for the leatherfolk who came together for the Oklahoma Mr. Leather \Veekend when the current reigning Oldahoma Mr. Leather Ron Harwood would pass on his title. ~xe event was hosted by the Super 8 which featured meet and greets for the various officials and spectators from throughout Oklalmma and beyond, educational classes, and of course a bar crawl. The contest came together Saturday October 9 at Club Maverick with contestants Jerry Straley- the current Tulsa Mr. Leather, Geoffrey Thomas and Nathan Benner. An event of the Tulsa Uniforra and Leather Seekers Association (TULSA), this occasion marked the 22nd year of this competition. It was emceed by Keith Hunt, Oldahoma Mr. Leather of 2004 and signing interpretation was provided by Oklahoma City~ \grill Farm with many distinguished community members on hand for the occasion. There was also a silent auction benefitting three charities, one of which is the Sharon St.Cyr Fund which works to create programs to provide hearing aids and interpre6ng services for the deaf and hearing impaired community. Funds also went to the Leather Archives & Museum located in Chicago, and also to the local Alternative Lifestyles Food Bank which provides food baskets for those of our community in need. Receiving the Ford Pruitt Award was Cathy Hill, named for 2 former outstanding TULSA members, Danny Ford and Lee Pruitt. This honor is awarded to an indMdual who has gone above and beyond worldng for the benefit ofT.U.L.S.A. and the leather community overall. The contest climaxed with Nethan Benner as 1st runnerup, Geoffrey Thomas as 2nd runnerup with Jerry Straley capturing the title of Oldahoma Mr. Leather 2011. He wil! go on to represent Oklahoma at the International Mr. Leather Contest which will take place in Chicago during the Memorial Day weekend of 2011. For rnore information check out their website TULSA at www.tulsaleather.com They welcome all who have an interest in leather and its lifestyle. Tuesday November 2--Your vote is crucial STATE of OKLatHOMA__ On Tuesday November 2 you have an opportunity to be part of determining the future of Old~mma and our nation. Many. of these races are almost certain ro be extremely close. Candidates supporting our issues need our votes. It isn’t easy to take a stand ~br the GLBT community in Oldahoma. When we make the effort to vo~e we show we are worth their support. Remember that the polls are open fiom 7 a.m. til 7 p.m. on Election Day November 2, but also there is the op;ion of early voting a~ your CountT Election Board Friday October 29 lCrom 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday October 30 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., and the following Monday November 1 again from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. [] ~ By Rex Wockner Don’t Ask, Don’t Tel roller coaster Gay ban back in force again The Obama administration resuscitated the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell gay ban Oct. 20 by convincing the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to temporarily stay an injunction by a federal district judge in Riverside, Calif. U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips had found the ban unconstitutional and barred any further use of it worldwide effective Oct. 12. In response, the military stopped kicking out openly gay and lesbian servicemembers and began letting open gays and lesbians sign up to enlist. Activist Dan Choi, Wocknerphoto But the Obama administration - ~dDADT ...... -- immediately beg~ figfitifi~ ~6 brifig ;h4 ban back to life, ultimately succeeding eight days later. The Justice Department argued that an abrupt end to the ban would be harmful to the military in myriad ways. Judge Phillips was wholly unconvinced and refused to stay her injunction. ~e 9th Circuit, on the other hand, issued a brief stay -- until at least Oct. 25 -- while it considers issuing a longer stay. ~e administration also said it wants Congress, not the courts, to end the ban. ~e House of Representatives voted to end the ban earlier this year but the Senate refused after a filibuster by Sen. John McCain, RAriz. ~ere is no indication that the Senate will change its mind when it returns to XV~hington for the lame-duck session following the No~ 2 elections, even though the DADT repeal measure is a part of the bill that funds the entire U.S. military for next year. McCain’s filibuster also left the over~l military funding measure unp~sed. "Reall)~ what~ in my heart right now is it’s going to be really hard for me to vote for Barack Obama," prominent gays-inthe- military activist Dan Choi said in an interview. Choi re-enlisted in the Army at the Times Square recruiting station in New York on Oct. 19. "Call me a one-issue person, but this is re~ly pissing me off," Choi added. "~en Congress has a law that~ unconstitution~, it~ the job of the courts to cfll it unconstitution~. ~at~ Civi~ day one. Obamgs giving Dofft &k, Dofft Tell mouthto- mouth resuscitation. For him to do that at this point is upsetting, it~ dis~sting." GetEQ~UAL Director Robin ~lcGehee. ~Vockner photo GetEQUAL director Robin McGehee called the government’s successful push for a stay "a travesty." "This ... brings the military’s discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law back from the dead," she said. "It is a travesty that after numerous attempts, President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder will go down in history as the administration that breathed life back into Don’t Ask, Don’t Te!l, The lives and careers of openly gay and lesbian servicemembers are now back in the crosshairs of our government and a renewed commitment to discrimination falls squarely in the hands of this White House." .....Servicemembers United Executive Director Alexander Nichol~ma said he’s hopeful the stay will last just a few days. "An objective look at the evidence before the court clearly indicates that ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell would not harm military readiness, but would rather enhance it," he said. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Sohnonese called DADT’S resurrection "a sad day for all Americans." "Today’s decision only furthers our resolve to send this law to the dustbin of history and also draws a spotlight on the administration to make good on their pledge to end these discharges that damage our national security," he said. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrcy Sarvis said the stay dumped the ball back in the U.S. Senate’s lap. . "Gay and lesbian servicemembers deserve better treatment than they are getting with this ruling," he said. "~XTe now must look to the Senate next month in the lame-duck session to bring about the swift certainty needed here and to repeal this unjust law that serves no usefuI purpose." NY GOP governor candidate rash abou gays Carl Paladino, the Republican candidate for governor ofNew York, sounds like an oldschool homophobe. First, on Oct. 10, he said: "I didn’t march in the.., gay pride parade this year. My opponent did. And that’s not the example that we should be showing our children, and certainly not in our schools. And don’t misquote me as wanting to hurt homosexual people in any way. That would be a dastardly lie. My approach is live and let live. I just think my children and your children would be much better off and much more success~ful getting married and raising a family, and I don’t want them to be brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid or successful option. It isn’t." The following day Paladino went on the Today show and dug in his heels, telling Matt Lauer: "They wear these Speedos and they grind against each other and it’s just a terrible thing.... Would you take your children to a gay pride parade? I don’t think it’s proper for them to go there and ~vatch a couple of grown men grind against each other. I don’t think that’s proper. I think it’s disgusting." Video 1: tinyud.com/nogrindl. Video 2: tinyurl.com/nogrind2. In an Oct. 12 editorial, The New York Times called Paladino’s comments "bigoted" and "shockingly irresponsible," given recent anti-gay hate crimes and the spate of gay teen suicides. "A week before Mr. Paladino’s comments, police say three men in the Bronx were tortured by a group of attackers who believed they were gay," the newspaper wrote. "On Oct. 1, Rutgers University held a memorial service for a student who killed himself after police said his sexual encounter with a man was broadcast over the Internet by two classmates. For Mr. Paladino to choose this moment to make his utterly gratuitous remarks suggests at the very least an extraordinary level of insensitivity." Later Oct. 12, Paladino issued a statement that said, in part, "I sincerely apologize for any comment that may have offended the Gay and Lesbian Community or their family members." Indiana motor vehicles head arrested resigns The head of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Andrew J. Miller, was arrested Oct. 6 on a charge of public indecency for allegedly masturbating in front of an undercover cop in a cruisy public toilet in Indianapolis. He resigned following the incident. Equality NC sends Froot Loops to rep Between Oct. 6 and ! 1, each donor to Equality North Carolina had a personal message and a box of Ketlogg’s Froot Loops delivered to Republican state Rcp. Larry Brown. The stunt was a response to Brown’s having hit "reply to all" on an e-mail from House Minority" Leader Paul Stare and writing: "I hope all the queers are thrilled to see him (House Speaker Joe Hackney receiving an award from Equality NC). I am sure there will be a couple legislative fruitloops there in the audience." "If it’s fruitloops Rep. Brown wants,, then that’s what we’ll give him!" Equality" NC said. .....More NATIONAL NEWS - page 6 November 1, 2010 Equality Ca i£ornia £or rejection ofBaja marriage amendment Gays announce marches in Mexicali and Tecate LGBTpeopIe in Mexico’s Baja California state, where 77juana # located, are working to block a state constitutional amendmentpassed by the legislature that zoould seemingly ban recognition of same-sex ma.’iages. To be valid, the amendment requires ratification by a majority ofthe state’s municipal councils. Same-sex matriage is legal in Mexico City, and the nation’s Supreme Court has said that all31 Mexican states must recognize gay marriagesJ~om the capital ci~ Photo ofthis year’s ~juana prideparade by Rex Wockner Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors has joined calls for municipal councils in Mexico’s Baja California state to reject a state constitutional amendment that seemingly bans recognition of same-sex marriages. Meanwhile, local LGBT activists are organizing marches on Oct. 16 in the U.S. border city of Mexicali, the Baja state capital, and on Oct. 24 in the border city ofTecate. "It is extremely disappointing that there is an effort to amend the state constitution to not allow or recognize same-sex marriages in Baja California," Kors said. "Mexico’s Supreme Court has upheld marriage for same-sex couples and further required that legal same-sex marriages from Mexico City be recognized throughout the nation. We call on the municipal councils in Ensenada, Mexicali, Rosarito Beach, Tecate and Tijuana to reject this discriminatory effort by voting against ratification of the constitutional amendment -- and to go on the record in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples." The unicameral state legislature, the Chamber of Deputies, voted 18-1 on Sept. 29 to amend the state constitution to seemingly prohibit recognition of same-sex marriages, despite the fact that the federal Supreme Court ruled this year that all 31 Mexican states must recognize gay marriages fi’om Mexico City, where they are allowed. The vote came on the final day that the right-leaning National Action Party (PAN) had control of the legislature. On Oct. 1, the left- Ieaning Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) took control of a majority of the chamber’s seats, following elections thai: had been held in The PAN move appeared to some observers ~:o be an attempt by the conservative party to tauat the federal Supreme Court, although some amendment backers claimed they only hoped to prevent gay marriages from talcing place in Baja. The oddly worded amendment, however, does not include any stated exception for Mexico City marriages. It reads: "The State recognizes and protects the institution of marriage as a right of society oriented to guarantee and safeguard the perpetuation of the species and mutual support between spouses, satisfying this only, through the union of one man ~vith one woman." ("H Estado reconoce y protege la instituci6n del matrimonio como un derecho de la sociedad orientado a garantizar y salvaguardar la perpetuaci6n de la especie y ayuda mutua entre los c6nyuges, satisfacidndose este solamente, mediante la uni6n de un hombre con una mujer.") The amendment is not yet a done deal. It requires ratification by the municipal councils of at least three of Baja California’s five political subdivisions -- Ensenada, Mexicali, Rosarito Beach, Tecate and Tijuana. Those councils will remain under PAN control until Dec. 1, when new councilors from the PRI party will take office and hold a majority of council seats in the state’s political subdivisions. Ira municipal council fails to report the result of its vote by approximately the end of Octobel; the council will be counted as having approved the amendment. Local activists do not feel optimistic that a majority of the currently PAN-controlled councils will reject the amendment. "We are looking at legal paths to pursue this through the state human-rights ombudsman, to demand that he appeal the unconstitutionality of this amendment to the Supreme Court ofJustice of the nation," said Armando Rodr~guez, coordinator of the Mexicali Pride Committee. Activist Gerardo M~puta from the Tijuana GLBT Cultural Community (COCUT) added: "g/e are getting the word out given that the media here are keeping this very under the radar and not giving it necessary publicity. Xge are working hard to spread the information, utilizing social networks and bars and cafes. Vge are .....Continued see BAJA - page 11 of Oklahoma’ Zach’s parents and sister joined 400 others to remember his life. While most who stood in the circular garden did not lmow Zach, many identified with his feelings of frustration ~vith society. Kay Holladay, founder of PFLAG Norman, spoke about the importance of GLBT people and their straight friends and ~hmily encouraging and supporting each other. She said that standing up to bullies, or the bullies of friends, can make a difference. It can even save a life. She is the mother of a gay son. Mayor Rosenthral then read the proclamation, which was followed by cheers from the crowd. She told of the emails that she and other council members had received from around the world. Some were affirming, but most are condemning the council for not insisting on respectful language and behavior from those testifying. She said "We voted yes for the proclamation. We let everyone speak." Other speakers, from the OU GLBTQ student association, and President of the Norman North High School GLBT group confirmed this claim saying "They didn’t have to stand up for us. They did the right thing!" Severa! OU faculty and staff members addressed the young people in the circle, giving their names, department locations, and an invitation to come and talk anytime. Leaders of other organizations were present including GATE, OGLPC, and the OU Women & Gender Studies Department, who co-sponsored the event. Norman City Council members met again October 12 for their regular meeting and a few people come to talk about the proclamation and how it was handled. All of them ~vere congratulatory about the proclamation. David Ray, an OU professor and former City Council member, said that they had "obviously researched the issues and tallied to gay friends in drafting the proclamation." Norman resident Will Weir stated that he found the protesters of the proclamation "quite offensive in their use of stereotypes for people." Larry Dillingham recalled reading about the writing of the Constitution in 1778, and how the concept of equal representation of every citizen caused heated debate. They called the British rule a "tyranny of the majority," and created a democracy where at leeast in theory everyone is equal. Dillingham said the cotincil was exhibiting the "best use of the Constitution" in drafting and passing the proclamation for LGBT History Month. City Council member Tom Kovach pointed out that "when we allow ourselves to speak hatefully, we lower the level of discourse. Free speech does not allow hate speech." Kovach then gave statistics on GLBT harassment, bullying, and suicide from the Trevor Project, a 24 hour hot line, and online chat group, 1-866-4U-TREVOR Also honored were Jeff Riles, a young activist who captured this year’s Horizon Award, and Dr. David Macey who received their Torch Award. State Representative ~like Shelton, Democrat District 9Z Gorin photo Tiae Legislator of the Year Award this time was shared by two lawmakers, State Representative Mike Shelton of OHahoma City who almost singlehandedly stopped legislation that would have opted Oldahoma out of enforcement of Federal hate crimes laws recently amended to include sexual orientation as well as other newly added categories. Nxe other was State Senator Judy Eason-Mclntyre who also had tal~en many positive stands for the GLBT community, who could not be present but whose award was accepted by Oklahoma City State Representative Al McAffrey. Don Hawkins and Mick Schirron received the Media Award for their work owning and operating the Gayly Oklahoman. Begun by Don Hawkins and his partner of that time, Ron Schaeffer, in 1983, the Gayly was the premier news source for the GLBT community. Their first issue’s main story was the victory ofDon Hill and Scott Wilson (then the owners ofAngles) when they won their lawsuit suing Oldahoma City for police harassment of their club, Growing from a small monthly publication with a circulation of 4000, the Gayly grew to later boast of circulation of 10,000 and became a bi-weekly publication in 1990. Ron Schaeffer passed away in 1991. After becoming Don’s partner in 1994, Mr. Schirron joined the staffas their business manager while Don acted as editor in chief. As presenter J.B. Schulein explained, the Gayly was a news lifeline for the GLBT community before the days ofTwitter, Facebook or even the Internet itself. Due to the changes in the business and personal commitments Mick and Don retired from the business, their last issue January 15, 2006. Although the Gayly was sold and reincorporated that same year by Tulsans Andrew Hicks and the late Heather Harp, it ceased publication again, that last issue December ! 5, 2006 and passed into histor): But with that in mind, the Gayly had captured the attention of GLBT archMsts with what is certainly the most comprehensive resource of Oldahoma’s GLBT history during a period of vast change. So far a complete set of the Gaylys has been donated to Tulsa’s Dennis R. NeiI1 Equality Center, the Cimarron Alliance, and to the Oklalmma Historical Society which is in the process of preserving that archive electronically. The guest speaker for the event was Romaine Patterson, a longtime activist who had tmown and befriended the late Matthew Shepard in her native \Vyoming. ~e festivities concluded with an after party at Angles featuring not only Ms.Patterson, but entertainers Jozlyn V.&lch and Sonja Martinez. By Steven Petrow &even Petrow is the author of"The Essential Book ofGay Manners &Etiquette. "Send him your questions at queeries@live.com. "Teaching Kids of Gay Parents" public. To give it clarity, she gave some examples. If a gun was used in this type of crime that would qualify because guns are not manufactured in Oklahoma. If someone followed someone onto an interstate highway in the commission of a hate crime, that would likewise qualify. Ifa hate crime took place inside a business, that would qualify as well. To further illustrate as an example, the hate crime that victimized James Byrd would have qualified as a Federal hate crime as he was dragged to death on an interstate highway. Ms. Kelly made the point that while the act does signify progress, it does not cover every situation of hate crimes against GLBT persons or those of the other protected categories. Special Agent Jim Windsor was the next speaker, and while he reiterated that the expanded Federal hate crimes protection may not cover every situation, it is progress and he stated, "My goal clearly is prevention." kYC~ile encouraging emergency calls concerning hate crimes still to be directed to local authorities via 911, he urged calling the FBI as well. Even ifa hate crime has not yet happened, if there is only suspicious behavior or threats have been made the FBI wants to know about them. He stated that frequently a visit from FBI agents to those involved in threatening behavior can often forestall trouble and/or prevent hate crimes from happening. Synthia Demons was the last speaker, who talked about efforts by the Federal authorities to promote mediation. Scott Hamilton summed ir up stating, " I have been incredibly impressed with the FBI’s commitment to working with our community, helping us understand what hate crimes are, how to report them, and prevent them from happening." To report suspicious behavior to the Oklahoma City FBI or for more information contact their Oldahoma City Office at (405) 290-7770. Kole is 9 years old and was surrendered by their owners when their daughter d~veloped allergies to him and his SiSter Sadie. Kole is a loving, easy going dog that would rather just lay around and be your household friend. He’s good with kids and cats Come see Kole and and bring home a friend. Ifyou’d like to see Kole or any of the other adoptable dogs visit the Lab Rescue Tulsa Oklahoma website at: xvww.labrescue.net. and Philanthropy indicates that 20-25% is the national average. Each week, the RFBO provides enough food to feed more than 77,000 hungry Oklahomans. The majority of those served by this food bank are children, seniors living on fixed incomes, and working families who cannot make ends meet. To make a tax-deductible donation, or to learn about volunteer opportunities visit www.regionalfoodbank.org or call 405.972.1111. Connect online with the Regional Food Bank at twitter.com/rfbo or facebook.com/regionalfoodbank. Siloam Springs 479 524 6535 Claremore 918 341 1260 Sand Springs 918 246 2543 Jenks 9t8 299 6311 Owasso 918-272-4965 Sapulpa 918 227 2722 Norman 405 321 6725 Collinsville 918 371 1000 November 1, 2010 i 7 NEED YOUR VOTE ’ 21 Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPL~L’ Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Rev Steve 3". 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 Day! November 1, 2010 9 O ahoma City holds State’s first Black Gay Pride Festival By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Oklahoma Black Pride President ~adark Knight with Lar,y. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ On the weekend of October 14-17 the first official Black Gay Pride Festival has held in Oldahoma. Hosted by OKC’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, the event coincided with the 2010 Fall Conference of Black and White Men Together. The organization came together in 2009 as part of a national movement reminiscent of the Civil Rights Movement, the Harlem Renaissance, but also inclusive of the culture of the African Americans in the GLBT community. The Festival attracted around 300 spectators, and featured a party at the Club Pulse Event Center with entertainer Tyra Sanchez, a winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Also at the hotel were many vendors and groups doing outreach. Why is there a need for a special group for African Americans to celebrate gay pride? As the president of the organization Mark Knight puts it, "Although the gay community is diverse, often the community doesn’t address this diversity. That’s why we decided to have a gay pride celebration that celebrates being both black and gay, to celebrate our culture and sexuality with our spin on it." Black Gay Pride is an incorporated organization in the process of obtaining 501c3 tax status, and they plan for this festival to be an annual event. For more information check out their website at www. November 1, 2010 Openarms Youth Project Inc. Elects New O cers TULSA, OK (PR) __ In a special meeting, the Board of Directors for Openarms Youth Project Inc. elected new officers for 2011-12. The new officers are: Drew Diamond - President Pam Anderson - Vice-President Cheyenne Charles -Treasurer Jared Vazquez - Secretary Openarms is very proud to have Mr. Diamond serving as the President at a time when the youth ofTulsa and surrounding areas face many challenges in school, at home and life in general. His experience in law enforcement and Conflict Resolution will be a valuable asset to the board and the youth served by Openarms. As Openarms continues to grow serving a greater number ofGLBTQyouth each week with expanded programming and activities this new leadership will focus Openarms on continuing to provide a safe environment for all the youth they serve. Openarms continues to operate as the longest continuously operating GLBTQyouth group for youth ages 14-21 in the state. Openarms is located at: 2015 B South Lakewood, Tulsa, OK 74112 Phone: 918-838-7104 Carpenter Square picks a winner with Sordid Lives By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Carpenter Square Theater has always been a point of light for central Oklalaoma’s lovers of unconventional drama, therefore it was not surprising and an excellent choice when they included the steamy tale "Sordid Lives" for their 2010-2011 season. With their start in 1984, Carpenter Square began with their mission of alternative theater in the Carpenter Paper Warehouse, now the parking lot of the Oklal~oma County Jail. From the beginning the theater had a bar and patrons could enjoy their adult beverages during the show, most unusual during that time period. They later moved to a former department store at N.W. 5th and Hudson, where dedicated volunteers turned that space into a 220 seat theater. They moved again when the Arts Council of Oldahoma City invited them ro Stage Center in 1997, which was their home until flood damage last summer made it unusable. Finding a temporary home at the Bricktown Hotel, their theme for their 2010-2011 season is Dramatically Different, and Sordid Lives certainly fits that category when they brought that cornfed classic to campy life. "Sordid Lives", written by Del Shores, premiered This Cowboy just rode into town to his first VIETRO BOX AD! as a play in Los Angeles in 1996 and won 14 Drama League Awards. Later made into a film in 2000, the movie got mixed reviews but was nonetheless a cult classic, particularly with the gay community and especially in the South. Carpenter Square opened this saga with the premier show benefitting Other Options ( a charitable organization helping those living with HIV), raising over $400 for that organization. And the crowd was loud and ready to party! The plot was narrated by Bitsy Mae Harling (Shelly Phelps- no relation to the infamous Phelps family ofTopeka Kansas), who brought the audience together in song. The story centered around the death of Peggy Ingram, the family matriarch who died a steamy death in a seedy motel room with G.W. Netherscott (Paul James), a legless man who left his wooden legs on the floor for Peggy to trip on and mortally hit her head on the bathroom sink.. Coping with her unfortunate death were her three children, Latrelle Williamson (Elin Bhaird) who was the mother of a closeted gay son Ty( Brandt Sterling), the free spirited Lavonda Dupree (Pat Tweed), and of course the institutionalized cross dressing homosexual "Brother Boy" Earl (Chris Castleberry). Also dealing with the loss was Peggy’s sister Aunt Sissy Hickey( Brenda Williams), who only wanted to stop smoking and fell off the wagon. In addition G.W. had to deal with guilt because his wooden legs had caused Peggy’s death, and the anger of his wife Noleta ( Sue Ellen Reiman). Not taking the situation well, Lavonda and Noleta rob and terrorize the local saloon, where G.W. was drowning his sorrows and his friend Wardell Bubba Owens (Todd Clark), who was Once the object of Brow:t-mr Boy’s infatuation, was tending bar. They go on to rob the local liquor store as well and wind up in the county jail. Then Wardell ( with a drastic change of heart) breaks Brother Boy out of the institution where Dr. Eve "Evil" Bollinger(Lilli Bassett) was trying to cure him of his homosexuality with little success. Although dysfunctional, the grand finale was the funeral which did bring the family together for a happy ending, and the performance was truly a crowd pleaser. The show will continue through November 6, so don’t miss out on this campy classic of down home fun. For tickets call (405) 232 6500 or check out their website at www.carpenrersquare.com Oklahoma City School Board again votes to appeal Court Decision to re-instate him By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team In May of 2009 the Oklahoma City School Board voted 4-2 ( 1 absent and 1 abstained) to fire Joe Quigley, an English teacher at North~vest Classen High School, claiming that he had neglected his duties and was insubordinate to district policies. He is openly gay and a well lmown activist who has carried a sign proclaiming him as a gay teacher in many OKC Pride Parades. He has been active for years on behalf of students who are or perceived to be GLBT, educating them on their rights and vcas instrumental in getting the categories "real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity,"! included in the Oklahoma City Student Handbook as groups that are part of the policy of prohibiting harassment and bullying. It was widely perceived by the GLBT and allied community that his firing was actually due to this advocacy. The 2 votes against his termination xvere Chairperson kalgela Monson and board member Wilfredo Santos Rivera. With the help of his union, the American Federation ofTeachers, Joe Quigley successfully fought his termination. In September of 2009 Oklahoma County District Judge Barbara Swinton ruled in his favor, ordering his reinstatement in a scathing ruling that strongly criticized the Oklahoma City School Board, even apologizing to him for their treatment of him. The Board appealed her decision, and with a 6-2 vote decided not to reinstate or pay him during the appeals process. (The 2 votes against appeal were again Chairperson Angeta Monson and then Board member Wilfredo Santos-Rivera). This followed with a hearing in which the Oldahoma Civ School Board would have to reinstate Mr.Quigley immediately or be charged with contempt of court. ~ae Board agreed to reinstate him, and he began teaching at U.S. Grant High School. When that school was forced to remove half the teachers due to a mandated restructuring plan under the No Child Left Behind Federal law, Joe was reassigned to Douglas High School, where he is teaching English at this time. On October 6, Judge Carol M. Hansen from the Court of Civil Appeals upheld Judge Swintoffs lower court dec!sion, also ruling that the District would be required to pay the plaintiffs legal expenses. It is estimated that already the legal expenses of the plaintiff and of the district could already be well over $250,000, money many have stated could have been better spent for teachers and school facilities. On Monday, the Oklahoma City School Board then voted to appeal that ruling to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Mr. Quigley has expressed that he feels that many district employe.es have continued to treat him unfairly while his case proceeds. Myson Books stops publishing books Venerable gay publishing company Alyson Books, owned by Advocate parent company Here Media, has stopped publishing books and will rework itself into aaa e-book publisher, said Publishers WeeNy. Authors under contract can have their rights back or move to the online venture. In August, Village Voice columnist Michael Musto had complained that the company was "holding my new book hostage." Creep of he Month By D’Anne Witkowski D’Anne Witkowski has been gayforpay since 200~ She’s aj~eelance writer andpoet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps ofthe world she reviews rock ~’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister "Ann Coulter" Perhaps it was Ann Coutter’s very public referral to former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards as a "faggot" that nabbed her an invitation to address a conservative gay group, or maybe it was her recent essay extolling the virtues of Ronald Reagan and his battle against "government endorsement of homosexuality." Whatever the reason, Coulter, everybody’s favorite anti-gay fag hag, appeared Sept. 21 at her long-awaited Homocon gig: a fundraiser for GOProud, a group of gay conservatives. Anti-gay right-wingers were aghast that Coulter would speak to such a depraved group and some lamented that she’d gone over to the dark side. But they needn’t have worried. Even when talking to a group of homos she has no problem not being very nice to homos. "Marriage is not a civil right. You’re not black," Coulter told the group. "Blacks must be looking at the gays saying, ’Why can’t we be oppressed like that?’" Ha, ha, ha. Get it? Because gays are all rich and can afford to hire high-profile guest speakers for their b@ fat, gay parties in New York City. Sill), gays, always pretending to have problems bigger than where their next martini is coming from. Oh, and also there are no black gays. LOL. WTE It was "one of a series of racially insensitive remarks that pervaded her speech," reported Talking Points Memo. This should come as no surprise since Coulter is widely perceived to be a racist bitch (and yes, I realize that "racist bitch" is not a strong enough term, but I’m trying to be politically correct here). So, ~vait - is Ann Coulter saying that cMl rights only apply to black people? Apparently so. According to TPM, she told "the crowd that the 14th Amendment only applies to lobbying ... the councils and (state) legislators and (municipal) Councilors to express our A£rican-Americans and that it does not, in fact, apply to women, LGBT people or other minorities." Kind of makes me wonder if she’s actually read the 14th Amendment. Keep in mind that Coulter was made part of the event to lighten things up with her, UlTI, humor. "The gay left has done their best to take all the fun out of politics, with their endless list of boycotts and protests. Homocon is going to be our annual effort to counter the ’no fun police’ on the left," said GOProud Chairman of the Board Christopher Barron. "I can’t think of any conservative more fun to headline our inaugural part,/then the self-professed ’right-wing Judy Garland,’ Ann Coulter." Really? You can’t think of a conservative that’s "more fun" than Ann Coulter? Maybe that means there really aren’t any "fun" conservatives. But what do I know? I’m a humorless member of the gay left doing my best to take all the fun out of politics, because of how the gay left doesn’t appreciate how hilarious it is that gays can’t get married. And don’t forget the side-splitting debate around "Don’t Ask Don’t Tell." And the laffs about hate crimes legislation, or the fact that in many states it’s OK to fire someone for being gay, or deny them hospital visitation rights or a place to live. Stop, my sides. No, seriously. Stop. But hey, at least we’re not black, right? Am I right? (Cricket chirping) Guys? What’s the matter? Was it something I said? Sigh. I guess I just don’t have Ann Coulter’s silver-tongued wit. point of view and make them understand that this law is homophobic, and als0 (are) having the support of the (state) ombudsman of human rights." ~xe marches in Mexicali and Tecate will be combo pride and protest marches. Mexicali’s march is Saturday, Oct. 16, at 3 p.m., starting at Avenida Col6n and Calzada Justo Sierra. Mexicali sits on the California border 120 miles east of San Diego. Tecate’s march is Sunday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. at Parque Central. Tecate sits on the California border 40 miles southeast of San Diego. The only vote cast against the amendment in the Chamber of Deputies carne from PRD (Partido de la Revoluci6n Democr~tica) Deputy Ana Maria Fuentes. "It is our conviction that the basis of human happiness is freedom and the recognition of rights, that any restriction imposed by one or various churches or some particular morality that signifies restriction of rights or persecution of people in the fi’ee exercise of their sexual preferences is profoundly wrong and has more to do with the past and nothing to do with the future," she said. "gge oppose that the more conservative groups ... want to convert our state into some sort of medieval island with the double morality that comes with that." The legislative chamber was filled with equal numbers of LGBT people and their opponents the day of the vote. Videos of the vote and the chaotic aftermath can be seen at tinyurt.com/bcgaymat2 and tinyurl.com/ bcgaymat. November 1, 2010 Photo’s by Victor G. Out &About in Oklahoma @ SSRA Sooner State Stampede, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City November 1, 2010 ~’~{}$TAR @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa By Ed Sikov Ed Sikov is the author ofDark Victory; ~e Life ofBette Davis and other books aboutfilms and f!lmmakers. "q ey Hate Me. q-hey Really Hate Me!" ~’as trying not to take it personally. Really. OK, I was taking it personally. else had they all called to say they’d be at the house in time for dinner on Friday but no earlier? Therefore no cocktail hour(s). I admit it: I’m an out-of-control control freal~. I was making a perfect meal: Bobby Flay’s barbecued salmon; Israeli couscous, which I was spirting up with saffron and grill-roasted red peppers; and a salad (from a bag - I can be lazy about salads). We would start with Pernod from the freezer, and dessert would be a delightfully thick and creamy drink made to order. Then it hit me: they were avoiding what I claimed was that week’s "cocktail du weekend"! I’d stupidly sent out an e-mail claiming that I’d found an obscure drink recipe and would be making it on Friday. It was called the Booger. It was, of course, repulsive: half part banana liqueur, half part coconut rum and half part Midori. As if this combo wasn’t wretched enough, Boogers get topped off with Baileys Irish Cream. Shake with ice. Strain. Drink. Vomit. Bogus Boogers drove them away! The puppies, Robbie and Kyle, both said they were meeting friends for drinks at low tea (wasn’t I their friend?). Craig preferred Top o’ the Pines; he was meeting Paolo there for martinis. Even Dan said he was stopping at BarHarbor for a Campari and soda before coming home. Did none of them have a sense of humor? At least Kyle apologized before bailing on me. Dan arrived around 8:30. "\Where are the snot shots?" he asked pleasantly. A growl was my reply. He turned away from me toward " the stairs, and I lost it. "Do you really think I’d make that shit?" I barked. His face took on that stricken look he gets when I bawl him out for something he doesn’t understand. ~en I felt guilty. "It was just a joke, sweetie. A bad joke. You know me. Would I ever make a Booger?" "You just might," he said, "as some sort of revenge." ~e other guys staggered in around 9:30, all totally plastered. The barbecued salmon was gummy, q-he couscous clumped. Only the salad was any good, and that was because it was still in the bag. I was seething. We ate in silence. The puppies were too drunk to talk; Craig was too caught up in his food; Paolo ,vas visibly frightened of me and my temper; and Dan knew he was already on thin ice. We both hated dinners like this; we called them "Night of the Living Drunks." So I refused to make the "cocktail du weekend." The Brandy Alexanders would have to wait. qhe Brandy Alexander It’s strictly a dessert drink. Never order one before dinner, or everyone will think you’re too young to know any better or, if you’re over 30, yotl simply have god-awful taste. 2 parts brandy 1/2 part dark creme de cacao 1/2 part or more heavy cream Nutmeg (optional) Mix brandy, creme de cacao and cream m a shaker filled with ice. Put on top and cap and shake shake shake - create some froth. Strain into a martini glass and sprinlde a little nutmeg on top. I’m the type who keeps whole nutmeg in a glass jar and uses a little nutmeg grater; McCormick’s is almost as good, though not nearly as pretentious. Join Metro Star Enews £or Breaking News Updates as hey happen. Keep n£ormed throughtout the month. Jo n us MetroStarNews.com TULSA, OK __ The Metro Star On-line edition at www.metrostarnews.com is updated daily with Top Local and National News stories that concern the GLBT community. The World News feed module will keep you informed about community news from around the globe. Join us, it’s FREE! 12 & Chuck Breckenridge ~vVhcthcr buying or selling 1’tl work hard Yet you. CHECK OUT UNIQUE ~ka~sas’ 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas www.magneticvalleyresort.corn info@magneticva!leyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Downto~vn, \~;hlk Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Ceneer, Tulsa Gay Center. Affordable Homes and Apartments. For more I~,~na~o# visit: wwu~gaybmdybeightstuha.com ~ ~f$~ November 1, 2010 13 By JackFertig 2 9 le 11 12 :~3 November 2010 "Get sick and twisted, Leo!" Mercury is trine to Jupiter, opening the mind to wonderful new ideas and observations. But both are in water signs, so those new "ideas" will be more artistic, intuitive and emotional than togicat - and then Mercury trines Uranus, sending those novel notions into wild new directions..Avoid drugs and booze. They’re just crutches for people with no insight or originality. ARIES (March 20- April 19): Speak your mind! Granted, that often leads to trouble, but now it should work out well. You could start misunderstandings with your friends, but trust your instincts to clear up any trouble. TAURUS (April 28 - May 20): Your partner wants the best for you, but taking his or her prods to your ambition too seriously can create more trouble than it will solve. Talk together about long-range goals beyond your work. A friend’s advice can be very helpful. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 2(}): Impulsive actions on your own will likely cause arguments or accidents. Be very clear about your goals, and enlist help from your boss or the experts. They’ll be glad to help you get ahead. CANCER (June 2to Ju~y 22): Small adventures, especially in sexual experimentation, are likely to get you into a terrible mess. Grander, more daring experiments are a lot safer. The real trick is to think ahead, be clear on safety issues, and trust your instincts. LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): Old "tapes" from your upbringing can get in the way of a healthy partnership. OK, let go of "healthy" and get sick and twisted! A good erotic catharsis can be the best way to clear out the psychic junk. VlRGO (August 23 - September 22): Advice from your partner will likely shock you, but all the more reason to at least consider it very carefully. Following that line of conversation with your sweetie will also help you avoid troublesome misstatements. L~BRA (September 23 - October 22): Money problems can be dealt with, but not at the lottery or casino - and "retail therapy" is just a euphemism for "shopaholic." Analyze the situation and work it out. A serious approach will find inspired solutions. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Asserting your own integrity and truly speaking your mind is sure to shake up your family or tribe. As Mark Twain said, you have to make people laugh when you tell them the truth. SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 - December 20): To unlock family secrets, ignore your siblings. They’re probably confused or lying. Parents are more likely to reveal the truth, especially when they would prefer not to. The truth could be shocking; the fall-out even more so. Is it worth it to know? CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): As the world moves on, revising your ideas is sometimes necessary. Do old ideas still serve your core ideals? Philosophical and political arguments with your friends can prove very educational if you can approach them with an open mind. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Losing yourself in your work is a good way to screw up the job. Review your priorities and aims with your boss or a trusted expert. Getting clear on this issue is key to your advancement. PISCES (February 19- March 19): What comes out of your mouth may surprise you more than your friends, but pick your company carefully. Guarding secrets may be like "trying not to think about the elephant." Just keep your mind and the conversation elsewhere. Creating Community for People iving with H V/A DS .A 501 c (3) Non P~’ofit Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net 1 3 4 6 17 18 14 25 2(~ 27 ~ 2~ 33 34 30 ;31 32 38 Across 56 57 58 t Femme’s Guide to the Universe author Rednour 5 Type ofroom at a bathhouse 10 ~est Side Story gang t4 C~ of pride t 5 ~e Scales, astrologically 16 Blade name 17 Cross-dressing comedian 19 "Legs" rock trio 20 Added to the scrapbook 21 DavidSedaris’ works 23 Family diagram 24 Morales of Resurrection Blvd. 25 Some sex-toy batteries 28 Cause ofApr. angst 29 7he Naked Civil Servant author Crisp 33 ’Tm all ears" 35 "Don we now gay apparel .:;" 36 Literature Nobelist Andrd 37 Collette of United States of~Tara 38 Working Girls director Borden 40 Vogue ~ompetit0r 41 Wdcome response after a mmbte 42 Access ending 43 Cut loose 1 Type of father Robert Reed played 2 "If I Only Brai~ 3 Says fi~rther 4 Singer Bonnie 5 Pitch that isn’t straight 6 Hissy fits 7 My People author Abba 8 JFK in}b 9 Left no doubt 10 Ethel kg~aters, for one 11 Katharine~ Butch Cassidy role 12 Perry of Metropolitan Community- Church 13 Suckers 18 Queer, ro srraights 22 Writer3s enc. 24 Prefix with later,~ 25 Top floor 26 It arouses two body openings 27 Where priests come together 30 Did some floor work 31 One who screws around 65 Angdina’s tomb-raiding role 66 Chooses not to come 67 All s Well That Well Solution page 15 ~s are those 14 November 1, 2010 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPW Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 v~vw.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-2 I0-840 t x~vw.magneticvalleyresort.com ACCOUNTING: KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ATTORNEYATLAW: VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.SV. 13th Street Oldahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 AUTO DEALERS: BAR HELP "g’ANTED ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK xwa~v.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetutsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 Nag/39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSX~AY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com TULSA EAGLE !338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am MASSAGE: ENTERTAINNIENZ. ~TAtL STORES : CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3t31 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 ,a~vw.expressionsOKC.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oklahoma City, OK www.okstonewall.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 RED ROCK B.H.S. 4400 N. LINCOLN BLVC Oldahoma City, OK 73105 405-425-0473 Toll Free 1-877-339-3330 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pro Classified Text Advertising (n6 graphicS)2~ wor& o{ 1-esS $~51001 AddidonN ~S}~ $0 ~0 Cents each! J z-Zaz ZO VS &S.,,AS: : JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 w~a~.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller xXqtliams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY REAL ESTATE Nations Top Gay/Lesbian Realtors www.GayRealEstate.com 1-988-420-6683 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn N~:~S~R/November 1, 2010 15 D ber 7 N Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, November 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 11 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd; Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Ronald Blake Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Philip Green Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Ed Sikov Steven Petrow Rex Wockneer D'Anne Witkowski Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Victor Gorin Judy G. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, October 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/196 The Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/187 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/195 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/dfd954eb066d5e2f8bd253d6db9e4010.jpg 7073888b2a5ff9eb05479d0b32402230 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/ebbabebad31578ccddc8f0867661ab7d.pdf 7286011aeebe25e44341e5a7c7b00d7a PDF Text Text LOCAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS N WORLD NEWS ~ LIFESTYLE ~ FITNESS ~ TRAVEL ~ THE VOLUME 7 PREMIER SOURCE ISSUE 10 FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA Twitter.com/MetmStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.corn Tulsa School Board votes to include Sexual Orientation in Nondiscrimination Policy By Michael VZ Sasser Metro Star Team TULSA, OK __ At least for some of the most vulnerable persons of the GLBT community, our young people, some places are hopefully going to be a little bit safer.. On Monday September 20 the Tulsa School Board voted unanimously to add sexual orientation to its nondiscrimination and anti-bullying/harassment policy for staff members, students and parents. Tami Marlin; a spokesperson for the Tulsa Public Schools stated that the Board revised the nondiscrimination clause of the district’s anti-harassment and non-bullying policy in accordance with recommendations from the Civil Rights Office of the U.S. Department of Education. \gith this measure the Tulsa Public School District joins the school districts of Norman and Oklahoma City that already have sexual AiDVICE N ENTERTAINMENT nondiscrimination policies. The Oklahoma City School District also includes gender identity. Oklahoma GLBT and human rights organizations hailed the decision. As Kathy L. Williams Phd, President of the Equality Network, an Oklahoma advocacy organization for GLBT political and legal rights puts it, "By adding sexual orientation to the nondiscrimination policies, the board better ensures that all teachers and students will feel safe and secure in their working and teaching environment. "Ka-is Wiles, the Director of Advocacy for Oklahomans for Equality had this to add, "This has been a long time coming. We commend the Tulsa Public Schools for doing what’s right in leading the xvay to protect all students, parents and teachers from discrimination and bullying in our schools. Now they can focus on what they are there to do---teach and learn." .............. FREE I OCTOBER 1,2010 U.S. Senate fails to move forward with Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Measure likely dead for this year By Rex Wockner O ahoma US of A By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Lady Gaga in Washington DC to support ofDAD T repeal. Rex Wockner photo It was kept lively, emceed by pageant owners Jack Calcote, Steve Davis and former Miss Gay Oldahoma Brigitte Lee. The winner was Dillon Griffin with the first runnerup Andrew BeShears. Both gentlemen will compete in the National Mr. Gay US of A Contest in San Antonio this coming November 10-12 at the Saint, a well known nightclub there. For Mr. Calcote and Mr. Davis, it has been a busy year. Their promotional firm, Topfrog Productions, 2010 M*: Gay US ofA Oklahoma Dillon Gri~n with Mya Mokka puts on not only Mr. Gay Iman-Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA 2009 US of A Oklahoma, but also Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A at Large and Miss Gay Oldahoma OICJ_AI-IOMA CITY, OK __ It was a US of A Newcomer, which debuted this year. fun filled evening at the Copa as handsome As Jack puts it, "It was a good year, contestants vied to be the new Mr. Gay exhausting but gratifying. I’ve met a lot of Oklahoma US of A. Passing on the title was new performers, many who now are like sons Warren G ( Joshua Warren Gately), who and daughters." Next year Topfrog will feature has garnered renown as a choreographer the same pageants, with a new addition to be in various pageant systems. On hand announced. performingfor the occasion was the national titleholder, Simba R. Hall of Georgia. WASHINGTON, DC __ The U.S. Senate failed by four votes Sept. 21 to end a filibuster by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and move on to consideration of this year’s military funding bill that contains congressional authorization to repeal the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell gay ban. The vote was 56 to 43. Sixty votes were needed to halt the filibuster. The measure already had passed the House of Representatives. Although Congress may opt to fund the military after the November elections, the provision repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell seems unlikely to survive now, advocates predicted. "Today’s Senate vote was a frustrating blow," said Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis. "We lost because of the political maneuvering dictated by the midterm elections. Let’s be clear: Opponents to repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell did not have the votes to strike those provisions from the bill. Instead, they had the votes for delay. Time is the enemy here. We now have no choice but to look to the lame-duck session where we’ll have a slim shot." National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey accused "politicians (of) playing politics with people’s lives." "Seventy-eight percent of Americans support ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," she said. "The senators who led and supported the filibuster effort should be ashamed." Servicemembers United Executive Director Alexander Nicholson blamed Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., for the !oss. "The votes to break the filibuster had previously been lined up, but last week ... Harry Reid decided to use an uncommon procedural privilege on the bill that eroded support for breaking the filibuster and guaranteed the vote’s failure," Nicholson said. "Intense lobbying and public pressure over the past week proved not to be enough to force either side to back down." Courage Campaign Chairman Rick Jacobs responded to the loss by saying the Justice Department and President Barack Obama should opt not to appeal the recent federal court decision in Riverside, Calif., that struck down DADT as unconstitutional. "We applaud the Log Cabin Republicans for initiating this case and we hope the Justice Department recognizes that it’s time to consign this discriminatory law to the dustbin of history," Jacobs said. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said the filibuster "was electionyear politics at its worst." HRC sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder joining Courage in demanding the government not appeal the district court decision. ........ Continued See DADT Page-5 �November 2" os.e UoS. Marine Corps Veteran1 that can get the job done and I am to ask for y~r Vote ~n November 2! Friends of Wi|la METRO P OLITAN CO iVfMUNITY CHURCHES Rev ,Steve T. Urlle Spirit ot: Christ iVICC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community IVleal Wednesdays at 6:00 www.socmcc. "At Centu~ 2I Gold Castle oa BEST prope4ia are our PEOK~’ Have a God filled and Blessed Day! 2 B~ocks West of the Habana 2 ~ October 1, 2010 �OGLPC will be hosting Ca didates’ Reception sending Voter GuideOctober OI~AHOMA CITY, OK (PR) For many years t~he Oklahoma Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus (OGLPC) has been sending surveys on LGBT issues to candidates, and reporting the results to their members in a voter guide. ~his year the Voter Guide will include results from 132 candidates for state office, reporting their "Yes" or "No" responses to 11 questions. Most of the questions are not asked by the local media or other organizations, and many of the questions are not comfortable for candidates -to answer since they assume the majority of the population is not interested or will not vote for a candidate who believes in equal rights for all. Since only a few votes can decide an election, OGLPC believes that educating our community and registering people to vote is veW iinportant towards achieving the goal of equality. OGLPC is the only LGBT organization in Oklahoma to take on this task. With a mailing list of almost 4000, the Voter Guide is usefid information for the LGBT voting public, PFLAG members, and others, straight or gay. As a noprofit, non-partisan group, OGLPC does not endorse candidates elected officials. On Tuesday, October 19, OGLPC will host a Candidates’ Reception at the Belle Isle LibraW in OKC f,om 6-8 pm. Candidates will beOffered a time ~o speak briefly, answer questions, distribute brochures, and socialize over light refreshments. ~he library is located at 5501 N. Villa. just north of ~ ~pressway,.berween Pennsylvania and May Avenues. Those attending will be able to register to vote, take a copy of the Candidates’ Smwey 2010, and become a member of OGLPC. The reception is free and open to the public. To become a member of OGLPC, contact the Board of Directors at ok_glpc@ yahoo.corn, or attend a regular meeting on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are at 7 pro, and are held at the Neighborhood Mliance building, a NrW 36th St and Classen Boulevard. Additional information is available at www.oglpc.org and on Facebook. Expressions Community Fellowship O treach "Together, we can make a difference" By Robin D-Town~end Metro Star Team OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ gThen Pastor Neill Spurgin and his partner/husband Dean Coffman started Expressions Community Fellowship four years ago, their vision for it was simple; a Bible study with the goal of reaching people that came fi’om a contemporary charismatic church background. The idea has grown vastly into what is now Expressions Community Center, located on ’the strip’ in Oklahoma City. Chuck Longacre ,_fRed Rock Behavioral Health Services in OKC, explains the testing process. 77srough Red Rock, Longacre helps staff Evpressions Community Outreach Center with trained personnel at their location on the strip. Expressions has been through many a metamorphosis since the Bible study days. Their firs~ services were held at the OKC Farmers Market. ~lhe fellowship movedto Lansbrook Event Center and now the church and c0inmunit~ ~entei: hav~ found a fi~in~ on the strip. They are conveniently located iusr south of NW 39th on Youngs Blvd. "As the Bible study started to grovv we saw a need to start a church," said Spurgin. When he met the current landlord Spurgin said, "We started talldng and I shared my vision on how I felt God wanted to bring His Love, Grace and Healing to the hearts of the LGBT community. I wanted the LGBT children of God to knmv that He loves them and that it was okay r. be gay and Christian." Within months of being on the strip, this church of 14 people had an 1800 square foot sanctuary built and ~vas ready for their first service, holding the inaugural service in June 2009. "We had our first service the Sunday after Pride 2009," said Spurgin. "By January 2010, we had outgrown our space. We then started construction on a 3,000 square foot addition to the property located in the same warehouse." By April 2010 they opened a new sanctuary by the 2010 summer they were out of room again and added 50 chairs to the sanctuary just this September. "We are now in planning phases for our next expansion that will double our sanctuary, prayerfully, by Valentine’s Day 2011," adds Pastor NeiI1. "Our vision for the Center is to expand into the entire property at the corner of NW 39th Street and Youngs Blvd, so our community will have a true living and thriving Community Center." Spurgin also hoped he could bring HIV testing back to the 39th Street strip and through his persistence and the hard work of ....... Continued see CHURCH page - 6 New Report Shows Serious Weaknesses in Oklahoma’s Higher Education Indusivity Policies 82% of Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities do notprotect LGBTfaculty, staff, or students TULSA, OK (PR) __ A new report by the TEN Institute, the research arm of The Equality Network (TEN), reveals that many of Oklahoma’s institutions of higher education have yet to embrace full inclusivity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and employees. While there are a few positive standouts, 82% of Oklahoma’s colleges and universities have no policies in place to support and prorecr LGBT faculty, staff, and students. TEN Institute’s preliminary research shows that out of the 66 statewide colleges and universities: ° Only 11 have Compliance/EOE/ Affirmative Action Statements ~vhich include sexual orientation. o Zero include gender identity or expression in Compliance/EOE/Affirmative Action Statements. * One provides domestic partner benefits for employees. * Onl~ 12 have an LGBT student group or Gay/Straight Alliance on campus. "When we first began this research, we hoped that Oldahoma’s inclusivity protections in the higher education community would rival those of other states. While this is not currently the case, we are vety pleased to highlight those institutions who have taken steps to embrace equality on thei~ campuses." explains Kathy L. Williams, Ph.D., president ofTEN Institute. Those institutions with protections in place include: *Northeastern Oldahoma A&M (Miami), Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, University, Oldahoma State University for Health Sciences (Tulsa), Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (Olm~ulgee), Oklahoma State University (Stillwater), Oklahoma State University (Oldahoma City), Oklahoma State University (Tulsa), Rose State College (Midwest City), University of Phoenix (Oklahoma City and Tulsa): all have nondiscrimination policies including sexual orientation. °The University of Tulsa provides domestic partner benefits. *Cameron University (Lawton), East Central University (Ada), Murray State College (Tishomingo), Northeastern State University (Tahlequah), Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma State University (Stillwater), Oldahoma State University (Oklahoma City), Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Weatherford), Tile University of Tulsa, University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond), University of Oklahoma (Norman), University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (Chickas~ha): all have LGBT student groups and/or Gay/Straight Alliances. Dennis Rudasill, President of Oklahoma State University’s Sexual Orientation Diversity Association (SODA), noted a disjuncture between students’ increasing acceptance of their LGBT classmates and inequalities still embedded in university policies. "As a student, it’s easy to feel the attitudes of my peers progressing in the direction of open-mindedness and inclusion, but this index shows that our institutions of higher education are struggling to keep their policies aligned with this generational progress. Although I’ve never felt actively discriminated against by any member of my university’s administration, I ~vorry about passive forms of discrimination like rny university’s lack of domestic partner benefits." said Rudasill. In early August Campus Pride, a national organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students, released its annual Campus Pride Climate Index. The study awarded nineteen U.S. colleges and universities its highest ranngs for LGBT inclusivity - the largest number of institutions to achieve this status since the inceprion of the index in 2007. "TEN Institute is pleased that more and more colleges and universities across the nation are willing to stand up for their LGBT faculty, staff, and students, and provide a safe and inclusive environment." said Williams. "It is imperative that the Oklahoma higher education community work to recruit and retain the best and brightest amongst its employees and students, while respecting the diversity which comes with that effort. We hope that with the release of our Higher Education Fairness Index we can work with Oldahoma’s colleges and universities r. enhance those protections already in place, as well as encourage institutions lacking inclusivity language and programs to adopt appropriate policies to protect their LGBT employees and students." said Williams. TEN Institute will continue to solicit information on inclusivity practices and will integrate additional findings into irs Higher Education Fairness Index. Colleges and universities wishing tO partner in efforts to improve LGBT inclusivity- or to provide more data may reach TEN Institute at (918) 9062134 or info@theequalitynetwork.org. The entire TEN Institute Higher Education Fairness Index may be accessed at wwcc.scribd.com/doc/35962887/HigherEducation-Fairness-Index-August-2010 FBI Agents in Oklahoma to Hold Forums on Hate Crimes By Jeanne Flanigan and Victor Gorin Metro Star Team OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Agents from tile FBI ( Federal Bureau of Investigation) specializing in civil rights have been assigned to Oklahoma with tile purpose of educating the public about hate crimes committed against persons of the GLBT community. The Matthew Shepard Act was passed on October 22, 2009 to include crimes committed against persons due to their sexual orientation or gender identitT as hate crimes under Federal law, as ~vell as adding the categories of gender and disability’. However, soon after this took effect legislation was introduced in the Oklahoma State Senate in early 2010 by Republican Senator Steve Russell (SB 2165) that would have prevented the state of Oldahoma from assisting Federal authorities when a hate crime was committed not covered by the Oklahoma state hate crimes law, which does not cover sexual orientation or gender identity. Although this measure was stopped in the House by State Representative Mike Shelton, it demonstrated ........ Continued See FBI Page-19 October 1, 2010 ~ 3 �Race is on for State House 84, Brittany Novotny v Sally Kern By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Brittany with AttorneyJackie Short. Gorin OKI~HOMA CITY, OK __ The smoke has finally cleared and the race is on. Although the filing ended with 4 candidates wing for the State House District 84 seat, the two others will not be on the ballot. Republican Garrick Voth was challenging Sally Kern for her party’s nomination for the General Election. Voth, a 34 year old Oldahoma City resident who described himself as a conservative Republican, also described Ms. Kern as ignoring the needs of her district. \Vhen publicity surfaced shortly after the filing that he had been arrested in Will Rogers Park last September, charged with attempting an act of public lewdness with another man ( the case is still pending), he withdrew from the race. The other candidate was Ray Pre~vitt, aged 40 and a resident of Bethany running as an Independent. Ms. Kern successfully challenged his eligibility before the Oklahoma State Election Board, and he was stricken from the ballot as he had not been registered as an Independent at least 6 months before the filing period as the law requires to be eligible. Brittany faces a three time incumbent who has for better or worse, undoubtedly attracted national and even some international notoriety. She replaced another conservative Republican, Bill Graves who was likewise famous for anti-gay sentiments when she was first elected in 2004. She was re-elected without opposition in 2006, and defeated Ron Marlett to win a third term in 2008. She is married to Steve Kern, the Pastor of Olivet Baptist Church and has2 adult sons. She had been a teacher at Oklahoma City’s Northwest Classen High School, teaching American Government and coaching the girl’s golf team. She led opposition to the book "King and King" being in the Childreffs Section of Oklahoma County libraries, claiming that the American Library Association is "trying to sexualize your children." She has made public statements stating that homosexuals are a bigger threat to our nation than terrorism, resulting in countless public demonstrations and demands for an apology; even generating a phone call from Ellen Degeneres placed from her national TV talk show. During July of 2009 she issued her "Oldahonaa Citizeffs Proclamation for Morality" at the Oldahonaa State Capitol in which she blamed our nation’s troubled economy on "same sex marriage, divorce, pornography, sex trafficking and other forms of debauchery". On economic issues she is likewise far to the right, opposing a minimum wage increase in Oklahoma in 2006 ~vhen it was $5.15 an hour, even requesting that a study be done to see how people living on that wage Could better budget their money. Although Brittany has already made history by being the first transgendered person to run for public office in Oklahoma, she isn’t running for that reason. She has publicly stated, " I understand that there are going to be some folks who will try to make this election about the fact that my medical history includes a gender transition, but I’m running for office because I believe I’m the best candidate to fight for jobs, education and transportation." Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Ms.Novomy graduated from Oklahoma University and went on to get her law degree from the University of California-Hastings and is now a practicing attorney. She is an active member of the Young Deraocrats, who elected her as a national committeewoman and also honored her as their 2010 Woman of the Year. Oklahoma House District 84 includes parts of northwest Oklahoma City, Bethany and Wart Acres. She’s ready for the fight and feels "I think our chances are really great. People are ready for a change." Oklahomans for Equality hires new Executive Director ® Persuaded Tulsa City Council to add sexual orientation to their employee non discrimination policy @ Grew the membership to an all time high in the organizatioffs 30 year history @ Strengthened the relationship with Oklahoma City based Cimarron Alliance Foundation @ Expanded the volunteer staff from 43 in 2008 to over 150 in 2010 serving the LGBT community @ Implemented a Rapid Response Team for the victims of hate crimes and domestic violence ® Achieved record fundraising goals during an economic downturn Toby has a 13 year volunteer history with Ok~q. He has an extensive background in the legal community and has been employed at the Tulsa County Courthouse for 18 years and for the past 11 years has served as the Civil Appeals Clerk to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice and a BA degree in Biblical Linguistics and Pastoral studies. He has Masters in Theology and graduate work in the Sociology" of Aging. He has 2 grown and married children and 1 granddaughter. "It is a great honor to gvork for an organization that saves lives everyday. I believe we must do more to address the needs of our community and challenge them to step up to volunteer service" said Jenkins. "I have 2 things that I say everyday: Gays are good for Oklahoma and Everybody must serve. When our neighbors come to appreciate the helping hand we extend to them, they will demand that we be treated equally:" Largest LGBTQ and Mly Event to hit the four state corners Toby Jenkins former Board President of OkEq is new Executive Director TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Board of Directors of Oklahomans for Equality is pleased to announce that they have hired Toby Jenkins as the Executive Director of the organization. He will begin his duties on October 1st, 2010. Toby Jenkins has served as the President of the. Board of Directors of Oldahonaans for Equality since October 2008. During his term as President the organization has: ~ Developed over 50 new ~veekly programs at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center JOPLIN, MO (PR) __ An event sponsored by Spirit of Christ MCC; KansasMissouri Network of MCC Churches and the Joplin Out & About 4 States Equality City a Network Weekend concluding with an MCC Homecoming Concert that will be the biggest this year to hit the four state corners. The worlcshops include "Communion Our Way; Isn’t It About Time?" "Matching Music to Worship," and "Liturgical Dance." The concert features Deloris Berry, Marsha Stevens-Pint, Susie Brenner & Linda Be&stead, Sam Sampson and Shawn Thomas with a special guest appearance of the MCC Topeka Drumming Circle. From gospel to contemporary Christian music there will be something for everyone. ~ae concert is free but a love offering will be collected to offset the cost of travelling of the performers with 100% of the offering going to the artist many of whom have traveled for years presenting their music to the community of the greater Joplin area. The concert starts at 6PM on October 9, 2010. All alliance groups, equality centers and accepting churches are invited to attend and have a display center during the day, free of charge. See www.socmcc.org for more details or call 417-529-8480. 2010 Sooner State Stampede TULSA, OK (PR) __ Sooner State Stampede Presented by the Sooner State Rodeo Association, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Oct 2nd - 3rd, Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort, 5811 Roper Rd, Sperry OK (10 minutes north of downtown Tulsa). The 2010 Stampede will be a full rodeo featuring 13 events including Bull Riding, Bareback Bronc, Steer Wrestling, and some not so traditional events like Wild Drag and Goat Dressing. There will be additional entertainment as well as great food and cold beer. Tickets $15.00 single day and $25.00 two day, kids under 15 free. For more information visit: http:/£a~w. soonerstaterodeo.com/ Cimarron A liance to hold their Annual Gala Awards Banquet By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Cimarron Alliance Foundation Executive Director Scott Hamilton at his 50th birthday celebration with well wisher Esther Baltie~’a OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ At the Oklahoma History Center on Saturday October 16 the Cimarron Mliance Foundation will hold their Annual Gala Awards Banquet. This year’s honorees include Dr. David Macey who will receive their Torch W-orld, Don Hawkins & Mick Schirron who were awarded the Media Award, the Legislator Award which will go to 2 legislators, State Senator Judy EasonMclntyre and State Representative Mike Shelton, plus the Lifetime Achievement Award which will go to Margaret Cox. Featured as the guest speaker is Romaine Patterson, a ~vell lmown lesbian activist, author, OUT Q radio host, and a close friend of the late Matthew ShepaM. She will also host an after party- at Angles. For more information check out the Cimarron Alliance Foundation website at www.cimarronalliance. �Worried about such a determination. conservative forces have been trying to find some other route to assure that the 9tl~ Circuit hears the appeal -- including pressuring defendants Brown and Schwarzenegger and pushing to add Imperial Count); located in the southeast California desert, as an official defendant. ~e 9th Circuit xvill inake the call on the county’s long-shot effort, probably in December. when it also will take up the question of whether the pro-Prop 8 activists have standing. If they do, the 9th Circuit xvill then move on to hear the appeal of Walker’s actual ruling. If the activists do not have standing and Imperial County can’t become a defendant. the case is over and same-sex marriage is legal again in California. unless the activists arrempt to appeal the standing question to the U.S. Supreme Court. ~at. too, would be a long shot, many legal experts believe. They say the Supreme Court would be unlikely to conclude that displeased citizens can step into a state government’s shoes to defend a state law that the state government itself refuses to defend and, indeed, believes violates the U.S. Constitution. tn rejecting the activists’ latest move, the California Supreme Court denied reviexv xvithout comment. Federa ge s r kes , down Don Ask, Don Gay Saud d ploma seeks U.S. asylum U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips in Riverside, Calif.. struck down the military’s Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell ban on open gays in the military Sept. 9. Phillips found that the ban violates the U.S. Constitution’sguarantees of free speech and due process under the First and Fi~th Amendments. "The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Act infiinges the fundamental rights of United States servicemembers in many ways," Phillips wrote in her 86-page opinion. "The Act denies homosexuals stowing in the Armed Forces the right to enjoy ’intimate conduct’ in their personal relationships. The Act denies them the right to speak about their loved ones while sep¢ing their country in uniform: it punishes them with discharge for writing a personal letter, in a foreign language, to a person of the same sex with whom they shared an intimate relationship before entering military service; it discharges them for including information in a personal communication from which an unauthorized reader might discern their homosexuality. In order to justify the encroachment on these riFhts, Defendants faced the burden at trial oi showing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Act was necessary to significantly further the Government’s important interests in military readiness and unit cohesion. De~ndants failed to meet that burden." Phill.ips said the government~ contention that letting gays be open in the military, h~m~ its run’tidYing i~ fully undgi~min~ bY the fi~ct that the milita~T delays d~scharge of ~ys and lesbians who viOlate:DAD~ Until they~ return deployment . from combat ~. . . ~, ~ The former first secretary of Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Los Angeles has requested asylum in the United States because he says he’ll be executed for being gay if he returns home. "If I go back to Saudi Arabia. they will kill me openly in broad daylight," Ali Abroad Asseri e-mailed media outlets in midSeptember. Asseri said Saudi ot~cials oi’dered him home after finding out he’s gay and is friends with a Jew. He apparently has been in hiding since. The U.S. does grant asyluna to foreign gays if the U.S. is convinced they face genuine harm in their native lands. ~e laws treat gay asylum-seekers as members of"a particular social group." Saudi Arabigs entry in the United States’ 2009 State Department Human Rights Reports says: "Under Shari’a as interpreted in the country, sexual activity between t~vo persons of the same gender is punishable by death or flogging. It is illegal for men ’to behave like women’ or to wear women’s clothes and vice versa. There were few reports of societal discrimination, physical violence, or harassment based on sexual orientation. There were no organizations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons. There was no official discrimination based on sexual orientation in employ~en~ h~ugi!}.g, .... ,i ....... We expect the Justice Department statelessness, or access to education or health to recognize th~ ovet~¢helming evidence ~’ S~x~al 6timideSt-ion CoUld d0nsti~Ute the that pr0ves DADT is unconstitutional,’ bas~s fbr harassment; blackmail, 0~ other ’ Soln~0nese said . actions. No such cases ...... were reported." : .... : ~ g ’~" ~ ~ .... ¯ .... ~a~ * ~2etE¢~UA~ res~0nded b’".r cNlin- on ~ g % lne ent~" continues: v~n junelo;l~yaon group Log ~aDm ~epuDucans; w~ near~ pd~ce ar~ste~67 men ftom the Phmpph, es. , Tell case~ Drou g~t D ~ tlle~,g"y . ~ear .7 oi~ .... Ine six ¯........... ~,, ~ ~*~ ;, ,~ ~,, ),,1, ,~, a~,,> Phillips said she will issue a permanent injunction pr@ibiting th~ military from enforcing Dont Ask, Dont %11. She gave LCR until Sept. 16 to submit proposed language for the injunction and gave the U.S. government until Sept. 23 to respond to LCR’s submission. "She could at that point stay the injunction pending an appeal or, as Judge (Vaughn) Walker did (in the federal Prop 8 case), she could deny such a stay but grant a temporary stay to allow the government to seek a stay pending an appe~i from the 9th Circuit," said Jon Davidson, legal director of Lambda Legal. If no stay is issued, it is unclear whether Phillips’ ruling would take effect nationwide or just in California’s Central District of the federal courts. "This is an historic moment and an historic ruling for the gay military community," said Servicemembers United Executive Director Alexander Nicholson, who was ldcked out of the M’my under DADT. "_As the only named injured party in this Case, I am exceedingly proud to have been a~ble to represent all who have been impacted and had their lives ruined by this blatantly unconstitutional polio/. ~,We are finally on our way to vindication." Gay activists responded to the ruling by calling on President Barack Obama to cease enforcement of D~T immediately and demanding that the U.S. Justice Department decline to appeal Phillips’ decision. for dnnk~ng and dressing m womens clotl~ng at a private~ar~¯ Accord-ing to ~eir embassy[ police released the men to their employers while charges were being processed. In 2007 the newspaper Okaz reported the public flogging of two men in the city of Al-Bahah after being found guilty of sodomy. N~e sentence was 7,000 lashes." California Supremes rebuffProp 8 proponents The forces that want to keep Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in California, cafft catch a break. The state Supreme Court on Sept. 7 slapped down an effort by conservative activists to force Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown to defend Prop 8 in the federal case that was appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after U.S. District Judge Vaughn W;alker found in August that Prop 8 violates the U.S. Constitution. None of the governmental entities that were stied in the federal case is interested in defending Prop 8, so the appeal to the 9th Circuit w~ filed by the activists who put Prop 8 on the ballot. It is unlikely; however, that the activists have "standirlg" to mount an appeal, since it’s not their job to defend California’s constitution. O~am, to ~ssu~ an e~ecuti~ orde~ suspen#ing ¯ . &scha~ges under DADT be~veen now and the time that repeal is achieved ,.... ; , ., eour.~onms.ago, we as~d the presment to stop military &scharges while the U.S. Congress haggled over our rights," the group said. "He didn’t respond, and we’re now seeing the result of this complete lack of presidential leadership and courage. So we’re taking the fight back to the White House." "We need volunteers to help us hold the president accountable and meet him headon during this election season, asldng him at each campaign stop and at each fundraising part); ’\ghen will the discharges end?’" the direct-action group said. "Now its time for our ’fierce advocate’ to .step up to the plate for us." Nearly 80 percent of Americans support repealing DADT, according to a recent CNN poll If the Senate had passed DADT repeal and President Barack Obama signed it, nothing would have happened right away. That’s because oflanguage in the bill that delays.repeal until three things take place: the Pentagon completes a study by Dec. 1 on how to implement DADT repeal; Obama, Defense SecretalT Rdbert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Michael Mullen certify that the military wilt not be harmed by implementing DADT repeal in accord ;with the Pentagon’s plans; and 60 additional days pass after the certification. @ October 1, 2010 @ 5 �Handicapping the Prop 8 Appeal: A Photo Finish Horse Race By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ "Ihere has been much constructive talk, as well as arm-chair quarter-back style blogging and blathering in conjunction with California’s Prop 8 trial (Perry v. Sch,varzenegger, http://tinyurl.com/2utbpsd ) as to whether this is a good time for Ted Olson and David Boles, worldng for the American Foundation for Equal Rights (http://vcww. equalrightsfoundation.org/), to bring to the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) a case that could, if lost; set a precedent that ~vould allow the Religious Right’s discriminatory dogma to remain on the statute books as settled law. These proscriptions would be enforced despite the First Amendment’s first clause that denies a legal haven for any particular religious belief. Some of the squeamishness in presenting a same-gender marriage case to SCOTUS rotates around the center of the US Supreme Court’s current composition, namely Justice Anthony Kennedy, well known as the "swing vote" in many of the single vote majority decisions of the highest court in America. SCOTUS is currently balanced with four justices, each generally voting liberal or conservative with Justice Kennedy being the pivot. ( http://en.xvikipedia.org/wild/ Anthony_Kennedy ) Here is a golden nugget of gay equality history from Justice Kennedy’s prior time on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the position he held prior to his appointment to SCOTUS. "LeBlanc requested a restraining order in Federal Court, and no less than now-Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy was one of the woo Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals judges who, while not ruling the ban itself was wrong [gays serving openly in the US military], surprisingly ordered the Marines either give him an honorable discharge or retain him until his case could go to trial. They chose the former." (http://tinyurl. com/23ugk69 ) Justice Kennedy wrote the majority opinion in the case Romer v. Evans, 6-3, that turned back the Colorado voter-passed Constitutional Amendment 2 that was the mother of anti-gay discrimination bills. Colorado’s Amendment 2 was even more broad than the subsequent marriage amendments in that it prevented any governing body in the state to offer legal protection to gay/lesbian citizens. Again in a major victory for gay/lesbian equality, Justice Kennedy delivered the majority opinion, 6-3, in the Lawrence v. Texas case striking down sodomy laws that criminalized private, non-commercial, sexual activity between consenting adults. Contrary to what flat-earth groups such as Focus on the Family or National Organization for Marriage want their followers to believe, having a voter-passed amendment added to any state’s constitution or civil code can and has been overturned by a state or federal supreme court. ~Pais principle of justice in the American legal system is vital to continued progress for rights as outlined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights can not be used as prizes in a majority voter raffle aimed at installing any particular religious or social view. Citizenship with its attendant responsibilities, obligations, and benefits should not be subject to partisan popularity. As Judge Walker wrote in his unprecedented ruling overturning California’s Prop 8 gay discrimination amendment, "In the absence of a rational basis, what remains of proponents’ case is an inference, amply supported by evidence in the record, that Proposition 8 was premised on the belief that same-sex couples simply are not as good as opposite-sex couples. W’hether that belief is based on moral disapproval of homosexuality, animus towards gays and lesbians or simply a belief that a relationship between a man and a woman is inherently better than a relationship between two men or two women, this belief is not a proper basis on which to legislate." (p. 132, http://tinyurl.com/2utbpsd ) Just as racists are at perfect liberty to retain their moral disapproval of interracial marriage, just as die-hard religious fundamentalists can retain their belief that a particular denomination should write laws of the country, moral disapproval of gays and lesbians, as ~vell as the content of our private lives, can continue to occupy their every waking moment as it has in the past. The only thing that will change with the full recognition of gay/lesbian citizenship will be the diminution of diversity-deprived, sexually immature adults to impose their private thoughts and neuroses on the rest of the country. Whether Justice Kennedy will be the deciding vote remains to be seen. His judicial philosophy indicates he adheres to precedent. His two opinions recognizing our gay/lesbian equality are good indicators of how he might vote in the inevitable appeal of Prop 8. However, the health of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is not strong. Considering the outcome ofthe November, 2010 elections, the majority party of the Senate will be vital to the appointment of a successor to Ginsburg. In the two and-a-half years of the Obama Administration, the President has shown himself not able to muster the "fire in the belly" needed to press for his court appointees. ( http:l/tinyurl.com129xbhr4 ) The two ne~vest justices appointed by Obama, Sotomayor and Kagan, have not been on the Court long enough to have a reasonable record of voting to draw conclusions. Court appointees don’t always adhere to the expectations of the appointing president, Justice David Souter being a recent example. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wild/ David_Souter ) I strongly think the Prop 8 appeal will be decided not so much on the strong argument presented by Olson and Boles as much as on the accidents of health and political expediency. In other words, a real race to the finish. Further reading-You can read more about Colorado’s Amendment 2 (Romer v. Evans) here: general information http!//en.wikipedia. org/wild/Romer v. Evans and the SCOTUS decision http://tinyurl.com/24xa2oc You can read about the overturning sodomy laws (Lawrence v. Texas) here: general information http://en.wildpedia.org/ wild/Lawrence v. Texas and the SCOTUS decision http://tinyurl.comhmvu4ry Tulsa AIDS Walk Saturday ,October. 2nd: 9am TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa’s annual AIDS Walk. The Walk is only 2 miles and raises money for a great cause. The walk route is .from 21st to 31st along Riverside Drive Xgalldng Trail back to Veterans Park. Suggested Donation: $20, but anyone can walk without making a donation. You must sign a registration form if you plan to walk. The AIDS Walk helps mamy of the clients served by The AIDS Coalition of Tulsa. Visit the website and donate by using Pay Pal. http://www.tulsaaidswalk.org/You and your family and friends can form a walking team, collect contributions and bring your donations to AIDS Walk or send a check to the Tulsa AIDS Walk at Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership, 16 East 16th, Suite 202, Tulsa, OK 74119, Attention: Janice Nicklas. If you have any further questions contact Janice Nicklas at jnicklas@csctulsa.org or 918-949-0447. Proceeds from the Tulsa AIDS Walk benefit Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership (TCAP), a program of the Community Service Council. TCAP provides funding for the National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps Team Tulsa and local AIDS service organizations. T.U.L.S.A. to host weekend of education & competition TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Tulsa Uniform and Leather Seekers Association (T.U.L.S.A.) invites you to Tulsa, Oklahoma October 8-10 for a weekend of education competition, and the Oklahomg Mr. Leather Contest. Friday night October 8 starts out with a Bar Crawl, leaving from Club Maverick at 8:00 pm traveling to local dubs and ending back at Club Maverick for the introduction of contestants and judges around midnight . Saturday afternoon three educational classes beginning at noon. The Oklahoma Mr. Leather contest is at Club Maverick, beginning at 9 pm. Leather Masters from Dallas, Texas ,;viii serve as the vendor. . Weekend registration is only $65 which will include entry to all weekend events, the hospitality suite located at the Days Inn, 1244 & Sheridan, the host hotel, and an OML 2011 tshirt and commemorative run pin. If you’d like to compete, advertise, or register to attend, head to http://v~,rw.tulsaleather.com/ and click on "OML"! the congregation and supporters, that goal has been accomplished. There are npw are testing rooms, classrooms and a reception area for the Center. Through collaboration with other agencies, the center provides HIV testing and referrals 5 days a week, The Center is operated utilizing volunteers from the church and community, side by side with the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Red Rock Behavioral Health Services, Latino Community Development Agency and Guiding Right, Inc. "Expressions, as a church and a community center has most recently partnered with Other Options; Friends Food Pantry and Be the Change which will allow us to reach even deeper into the needs of the HIV/AIDS community and the homeless youth of Oklahoma City," adds Spurgin proudly. "We plan to add more space for HIV outreach and testing, as well as syphilis testing. We are also hoping to bring in an HIV/AIDS Case Manager here at the Center." They are currently in the fundraising stage to expand our services to the community. This will include building additional offices and acquiring additional square footage. Tnere are also a variety of support groups and classes held at the Center. "Our vision for the Center is to expand into the entire property at the corner of NW 39th Street and Youngs Bird, so our community will have a true living and thriving Community Center," Spurgin concludes. "I believe as long as we keep our heart focused on God’s love through relevant messages and opening our arms up to the community, through love and grace, we will continue to see more collaboration through the church and center so hearts can be healed." Located at 4010 N. Youngs Blvd, the Center is open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 9pm and on Friday afternoons from lpm to 5pm. Expressions Church services are Sunday mornings at 1 lam and Thursday evenings at 7pm. For more information please visit their website at www. ExpressionsOKC.com or call their office at (405) 528-2210. N No matter who are on life’s -Ilte~erend ~r. K~hy 3131 ~. Pennsylvania, 405.5~5.9555 �October 1, 2010 @ 7 �Lyric eatre announces most ambitious season to date OI~AHOlvL~, OK (PR) __ Lyric ~l]~eatre, Oklahoma’s leading professional theatre company; announces its 2011 Season, incIuding Always... Patsy Cline (January 26February 5); Boeing Boeing (March 30- April 9); Oliver! (June 21-25); Hairspray 0uly 5-9); Ragtime (July 19-23); A Chorus Line (August 2-6); Altar Boyz (October 12-22) and A Christmas Carol (December 9-31). Lyric Theatre’s new Artistic Directm; Michael Baron, wants to make Lyric ~eatre’s 2011 Season full of fun and excitement with eight great shows including Lyric Theatre’s new" holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol. During the 2011 Season, ~,ric Theatre will perform on two separate stages. Four shows will be performed at Lyric’s Plaza Theatre on N\V 16th Street and the remaining four shows will be performed during the summer at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oldahoma City. Starting Lyric’s 2011 Season is Always... Patsy Cline. See countW music legend Patsy Cline come to life this winter at Lyric Theatre’s Plaza stage. This show introduces 27 musical renditions of her unforgettable hits such as "Crazy", "I Fall to Pieces,, "Sweet Dreams" and "Walldng After Midnight". Share the power of friendship betvceen Patsy and her number one fan, Louise Seger, before Cline’s tragic death in 1963. ~xis endearing true stoW combines humor, ,vith sincerity and gives fans a chance to remember the most acclaimed female countW vocalist of the 20th century. ~-ric presents its only pla~, Boeing Boeing, at the Plaza. ~xe Tony Awardwinning comedy is a hilarious 1960’s romp, immortalized by JerW Lewis and Ton~ Curtis on film, has a handsome bachelor juggling three international flight attendant fiancds. Lyric will continue its 2011 Season with Oliver! at the Civic Center Music Hall. Based on the Dickens novel, Oliver ~B~cist, this new production combines heartbreak and triumph, while delighting audiences with outstanding musical theatre gems like ~Food, Glorious Food", "I’d Do Bmything", "Where is Love?" and "As Long As He Needs Me". Dickens characters come alive once again through music and dancing for a new generation of theatre-goers to experience for the first time. The second show on the Civic Center stage is the Tony Award-winning fun-loving musical, Hairspray. ~atch Baltimore’s new teen celebrit3~ TraW Turnblad, a girl with big hair and an even bigger voice, as she dances her way into everyone’s hearts. En.joy hit tunes like ’~Mama, I’m a Big Gift Now" and "Welcome to the ’60s" that take Tracy from the crazy local TV dance show to d~e hippest downtown rhythm and blues record shop. In July, come to Civic Center and enjoy the Tony Award-winning musical, Ragtime. A show about a powerful portrait of life in turn-of-the-century America and a moving, relevant story for today: Based on E.L Doctorow’s distinguished novel, the musical intertwines the stories of three extraordinary families, as they confront history’s timeless The October Oklahomans for Equality (Old,q) shmvcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature the Art from "The Glass Statioff’ contractions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America. The ultimate "Singular Sensation", A Chorus Line, will dance its way this summer onto the Civic Center Music Hall stage. ~lt~is timelessly stunning musical will astonish those who have ever had a dream for the Broadway stage. For 25 dancers, it’s the one opportunity to do what they’ve always wanted -- to have the chance to dance. With its brilliantly complex fusion of dance, song and compellingly authentic drama, you will love this brand-new production as Lyric Theatre re-invents a classic. Back on the Plaza stage, Lyric Theatre will perform its Oldahoma premier of Attar Boyz. Altar Boyz is a foot-stomping, rafter-raising, musical comedy about a fictitious boy-band on the last night of their national "Raise the Praise" tour. The Boyz are five all-singing all-dancing heartthrobs from Ohio: Matthew,; Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham. Lyric will close its 2011 Season with a spectacular new Oklahoma holiday tradition at the Plaza Theatre, Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. Capture the magic and joy of Christmas as the ghosts of Past, Present and Future lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a powerful journey of transformation and redemption. With over 20 Christmas carols, beautiful costumes, and lots of snow! This timeless story ~vill get your family into the holiday spirit with a production that’s musically high-spirited and infectiously jolly. Current season subscribers may renew their season tickets now through October 29th. To become a season subscriber, ........... tickets go on sale November 1st, 2010. For the convenience of our loya! season subscribers, Lyric Theatre is providing three season subscription packages for the 2011 Season. Season tickets range from $94-$322 depending on what musical package you chose. Performances are on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. For information abofit the 2011 Season subscription packages or to purchase tickets go to www.lyrictheatreokc.com, call (405) 524-9312, come by Lyri.c Theatre’s ticket office located on 1727 NW 16 St., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Single tickets are now available for the remaining 2010 season shows of The Rocky Horror Show, showing from October 14-31 and December Divas, showing December 16-18. Call the Lyric Box office at (405) 5249312 or go to wv~alyrictheatreokc.com. Art Opening and E.xhibit o£Origina1 Works. stained, £t sed and cast glass £rom G ass Star-ion" TULSA, OK (PR) __ ~e October Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit oftocaI artists at the Dennis R; Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown ~alsa), will feature the art from "The Glass Station". The show begins with a reception on Thursda> October 7th from 69pro and continues throughout the month. are with creations by Carole Odearno, Judy Hopica, Angela Bland, Chris White, Valerie Greenhaw, and Sue Underwood The Glass Station is a place to come and create a vision in stained, fused or cast glass. People from all professions create their ideas for stained glass or fused glass to be given as gifts, added to their art collection or to enhance their home decor. The owner Danna Ozbun has been c~eating and teaching sta!ned glass for 16 years and fused glass fo~ 10 9d~ Valerie Greenhaw has been working with and teaching stained glass techniques for 10 years and fused glass techniques for 9 years. Sid Clanton has been creating and teaching stained glass techniques for 20 years. The show begins with a reception on ~ursday, October 7th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month, w~vw. theglassstationok.com 918.258.3651. �By Steven Petrow &ez~e~ ..Pet~’o,# is tl~e g~thor of"7/3e E,sential BooL, of Gay Manners & Etiq,ette. "Send him your questioi~s at queeries@live.com. Online relationships are just like offline ones. Peeling back ~e layers of someone’s life and person~aliv shouldhappen in a gradual way, as you build up trust. October 1,2010 ~ 9 �Creep of the Month By D’Anne xYgitkowski By Ronald Blake Contributing Writer D’Anne Witkowski has beet, gayforpay since 2003. She’s a fi’eelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on thk creeps ofthe world,he reviews rock ),’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sistrr Ronald Blake, Certified Fitness Inswuctor d~rou,gh [SSA b~t~rnational Sports &iences A~ociation How to begin! So how do you begin a new fitness t~’aining program? It starts with levity and fun. The key to life is to enioy that very thing...life. How to do that? Fun...fun with moderate doses of responsibility. As a fitness trainer, my iob is r. encourage you to take responsibility for your life. Maybe not quite to the degree of your friendly neighborhood preacher who pounds the pulpit and proclaims all homosexuals doomed to kiss the conflagration of hell because of their evil and irresponsible ways. I’m a kinder, gender more compassionate kind of fitness trainer, at least that’s what they taught me when I was still a straight boy in college. Then I saw the light when I ran into this self-absorbed fitness enthusiast who converted me into a rainbow flag-waving, Prada dressing extrovert and taught me that I too could earn a free toaster if I transmogrified three breeder boys to the dark side. No more tangent thoughts or digressions! This is a fitness column and I’ve gotta save you heathens from your licentious and hedonistic lifestyles! So as I was saying.., any fitness program you embrace should involve fun. Yeah, working out does involve hard ,york and dedication. We all know that. It should also be something you look forward to and get excited about. Otherwise, why do it? But yes, there is hard work involved and I would be remiss ifI didn’t mention that. Afteg all I come from a corn-fed Midwestern background that is engrained with a great work ethic! Wily else do you think fellbw Hoosiers like David Letterman, Orville Redenbacher, Kurt Vonnegut, and Michael Jackson would be so successful? During my numerous years of training dients and coaching high school athletes, I have stressed one thing and that is for them to simply enjoy the ride as each day passes. I involve trivia contests, singing, motivational handouts, music, vocabulary lessons, and "ToW Perkins" endless anecdotes about my life into my training programs. In many ways I feel like an entertainer who tries to regale my clients with the lighter side of it all. Fitness trainin~ should be a method of escaping the harsh realities of the daily grind. It makes a perfect opportunity to channel any frustrations or aggressmns in an appropriate manner. I have informed my clients that they might not have control over what goes on in life but that they certainly have the power to control what goes on in their lives. ~lis control exists in workouts, training runs, bike rides, yoga classes, and other exercise routines. This control should be used when deciding the "who" and "where" of your workout. First who will you ~vorkout with? Choose someone who will motivate you, make you laugh, and validate the quality person that you are. Choose someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and goal-oriented. Choose someone who will help you change your life for the better. Then where will you work out? Choose someplace that has pretty curtains, Tiffany lamps, and leather recumbent sofas. What? It’s not really my cup o’ tea but hey, if it works for you then do it! You need to choose a place that fits your style and personality and a l~lace that wil! allow you to have fun during your workout sessions. Find that place where you can adjust the radio to any station and any volume. Find that place where you can tak~ offyour shirt and walk around flexing in front of the mirrors like you would at your favorite gay haunt on a Saturday night. Find someplace that is relaxed and understanding. We all want results when we begin a fitness routine. It just doesn’t need to be approached as a dreaded task. You have the power! You have the control! You can have fun! Two of my favorite motivational sayings are from Victor Borge and Mary Pettibone Poole respectively: "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people" and "He who laughs, lasts." S_~: Brz~n Fleming claims that gay soldie~" can’t be trusted because you wouMn’t know if they had ’Tnapprop~v~te" motives fbr wanting to be your fiqenc£ 2Vever mind that DAD T is a recipe fbr mistrust since it’s a poli~ based on dishonesl): vmTbody loves a parade, don’t they? Especially gays. Mad gay-loving militaries the world over. I mean, with homos in the ranks. they aren’t much for fighting, but the)) can build a fabulous flotilla of floats. Or so ToW Perkins of the Family Research Council thinks. On Sept. 17, Perkins hosted a "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" panel at the Values Voters Summit, which is basically a circuit party for social conservatives - except there’s no dancing, since gyrations of any kind are the devil’s movements. Perkins claims "our military is under immense attack from within our country" because Obama has made it a priority r. "force the military to embrace homosexuality" regardless of "what the military thought." And to explain what the military thinks, Perkins was flanked by retired Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis, a senior fellow for defense policy at FRC, and Sgt. Brian Fleming, a young man injured twice in Afghanistan. Fleming claims that gay soldiers can’t be trusted because you wouldn’t know if they had "inappropriate" motives for wanting to be your friend. Never mind that DADT is a recipe for mistrust since it’s a policy based on dishonesty. Maginnis calls the U.S. military a "moralbased organization" (because it’s moral for a dude to kill another dude, so long as he doesn’t kiss another dude). And since no moral person would want to be around a bunch of queers, Perkins claims that if we let gays into the military ’’we will see Bible-believing chaplains being forced out of the military and not joining the military, leaving a huge vacuum." Letting gays serve openly would be to "just stab (service members) in the heart" and would be "suicide for an all-volunteer force," according to Maginnis. "That’s ~vhy countries ... that have the 10 largest militaries in the world say, ’No, this isn’t the thing to do,’" Maginnis says. Perkins chimes in: "~Well, those that do (let gays serve), they’re the ones that participate in parades, they don’t fight wars to keep the nation (and) the world free." The crowd bursts into applause and Maginnis responds, "Right." Except, you know, not right. In fact, not only are the countries that allow gays and lesbians to serve openly more than glorified color guards, several of them are actually U.S. allies. Take Israel, for example, where gay and lesbian troops have been serving openly since 1993. And then there are countries that have sent troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Now, I’m not a military expert, but I have a feeling these allied troops are doing more than dressing up as clowns and riding unicycles while throwing candy to smilirig Iraqi and Afghan children lining the streets (although I do admit I think soldiers dressed as mimes would be an excellent psychological warfare tactic. This responsibility would obviously fall to the French). Oh, by the wa3~ those countries "that have the 10 largest militaries in the world" and who also reject homos include China, Russia, North Korea and Egypt. As Matt Gertz of Media Matters says, "That’s generally not a list you want your country to be on where human rights issues are concerned." But that would be a real bummer. So Perkins makes a hilarious joke about tranny soldiers trying r, figure out which uniform to wear. And everybody laughs. This Ban ’uptc¥ * Civil Rights *Criminal ’ment * Family Law * Litigation 13th S ree : CitV, OK 73103 �the Nation’s Top ..............~ ~ October 1, 2010 ~ 11 �i~ Hous~ How ~s Q 2 October 1, 2010 r ~ncumb®nt David Dank �~S YOUR ~NDEPENDT T CAND~ - A STRONG ENViRONMENTALiST - PRO-CHOICE ¯,. A SUPPORTER OF EQUAU~ FOR ALL O~LAHOMANS �Lisa LarnpaneIli: One Mean Q,Eeen Comedian on gay marriage, celebrity roasts and how we screwed up~h~r life By Chris Azzopardi There’s nothing like hearing a familiar voice on the other end of the line, and Lisa Lampanelli’s is just as I remember it: loud and mean, like she’s burping up Sue Sylvester. "What’s up you big fag face?" she razzes in her bawdy blurt. And I’d be shocked, like I admittedly was during our first interview just over three years ago, had this not been our fourth chat together. So how she’s doing now? "Sick of straighties!" she says. Which is unusual for the selfdubbed "Lovable Queen of Mean," who’s typically trashing the minorities. But the insult comic’s bad-mouthing, like the greeting she swooned me with, is just her way of sc0oping you up into a big bear hug and gently placing a soft kiss on your forehead, like you’d imagine ftom someone who looks as bingo grandma as she does. Ridicule doesn’t exactly express a tender fondness, but Lampanelli dishes it out fairly, so at least nobody feels left out. Now that’s love. October 1, 2010 She’s experiencing the real thing lately, falling for a guy she wouldn’t typically, if you know Lampanelli, go for: a white one. "I know - I’ve disappointed everyone," she pouts. "But he’s Italian, so when I tour the South he’s still looked at like a colored, so it all works out." The wedding is set for October at the historical Friars’ Club in New York, and unlike most stars, the Connecticut-born comedian’s hungry for any Idnd of publicity. Her people even suggested it as a talking point. "I’m whoring out everything, are you kidding?" Lampanelli admits. "Who wants to talk about their wedding? Me! ’Cause I’m, like, fucking romantic, okaaay?" Will she hire a gay wedding planner? "Nooo! Screw those dirty faggots. I’m not going to support you and your gay lifestyle. You guys should’ve listened to Howard (Stern) and heard my price because I’m not telling you, because you fucking faggots are all jealous of me and my $300,000 wedding ... oh, did I let that slip out?!" Then we logically jump into gay marriage, and in her own lovingly backward way she wonders why it’s such a big deal to us because "you have the best out in the world." She continues: "We should say yes to gay marriage but outlaw gay divorce and see how you like it." ........ Continued See LISA Page-19 �By Andrew Collins Andrew Collins cove,s gay m~velfor the New Drk ~’mes-owned website Abou~;com and is the a~thor ofFodor’s Gay Guide to the USA. Travel in America’s Las I recently returned from my second rrip to Americgs largest and least populated (by densiw) state, Alaska. ~ese facts aren’t a big surprise to most people, but sometimes it’s difficult to grasp the state’s sheer dimensions - for example, Alaska is about 15 times bigger than Pennsylvania, but Pennsylvania has 17 times the number of residents. Beyond coming up with startling (and geographically geeky) trivia facts like these, it’s difficult to describe Alaska’s terrain and scenery without resorting to trite superlatives. It’s truly a land you need to visit to even begin to comprehend. The leading highlights for most visitors are up-close views of massive glaciers (dozens of them in some areas), a fascinating array of wildlife, and North America’s highest peak (20,320-foot Mt. McKinley, in Denali National Park). Alaska also offers some of the world’s most exciting kayaking, fishing, rafting, hiking and campir~g (not to menti0n’dog-sledding). This is { state ric~:in his,tory- from indigenous culture to tales of Russian trappers and U.S. gold-fortune seekers. And the abundance of delicious fresh seafood makes this a terrific dining destination. Alaskh is ideally suited to outdoorsy travelers, but - thanks to cruise ships and scenic railroads - it’s also relatively easy .to enjoy the natural beauty from a comfy and controlled environment. Is "Ihere a Gay Scene in Alaska? Let’s put it this way: I wouldn’t recommend traveling to Alaska expressly to partake of gay nightlife, or meeting other "family." Anchorage is a large, modern city with a couple of gay bars, induding the extremely fun and friendly dance club Mad Myrna’s (http:llwww.alaska.net!-madmyrna) - you’ll also find some excellent museums and many stellar restaurants in Anchorage. The state’s second largest city, Fairbanks, has a small but active GLBT scene, some of it tied in Alaska’s oldest college, the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Juneau, with a population of about 30,000, is the state capital and is generally considered the most progressive city in the state - a fair number of gay folks live here, and bars and restaurants are generally quite friendly. Also noteworthy is tiny but funky Talkeetna, midway between Bmchorage and Denali National Park. This cool little village is a great base for exploring Denali and a haven of free-spirits (it was the inspiration for TV’s Northern Exposure). Throughout Alaska. and especially around Anchorage, you’l! find many gay-owned and gay-friendly inns and B&Bs. There’s a good list of these at PurpleRoofs.com (http://www:purpleroofs. co m!usa/alaska/alaskaregion.hmal). An excellent general GLBT resource for the state is BentAlaska.com, a website with events, news, and organizations of interest to the communitT, plus a list of gay-friendly businesses. Taking a Cruise in Maska Even if you’re not especially enamored of cruise vacations, traveling by boat is without question the best way to see southeastern Alaska’s scenery, including areas like Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord. Many major cruise lines offer Alaska cruises, with Holland America Line (http://www. hollandamerica.com) and Princess Cruises (http://www.princess.com) offering the greatest variety of itineraries, along with the exceptional line of smaller, upscale ships, Cruise West (http://www.cruisewest.com). These are all extremely gay-friendly and gay-popular Cruise lines. Several GLBToriented tour operators, notably RSVP Vacations (http://www.rsvpvacations.com), Olivia (http://www.olivia.com), Atlantis (http://www.adantisevents.com) book all-gay charter trips on some of the major lines that ply Alaska waters, including Holland America and Princess, as well as Carnival (http:// www.carnival.com), Celebrity (http://www. celebritycruises.com), Norwegian (http:// wvw2.ncl.com), and Royal Caribbean (http://www.royalcaribbean.com). Also note that such ultra-luxurious lines as Silversea (http://www.silverseaships.com) and Regent Seven Seas (http://www.rssc.com) regularly visit Alaska. Even on cruises booked to the general public, you’ll nearly always find gay and lesbian passengers (and certainly some crew). And on these cruises, there’s usually at least one and sometimes several GLBT mixers or meet-ups onboard during the week. If you’d like to find other gay travelers booked on the same cruise, or read other GLBT feedback related to cruise travel, check out the gay/ lesbian cruising forum at Cruisemates.com (http://www.cruisemates. tom/forum/gaylesbian-cruising). I can speak very positively about Alaska cruises based on my recent sailing aboard Holland America’s exceptionally well-outfitted Statendarri. I traveled ~vith my family; seven of us altogether, and we chose a particularly glacier-intensive itinerary, through the Inside Passage, with calls at Ketchikan, Juneau (my favorite), and Skagway, plus a day each sailing through Glacier Bay- and College Fjord. I’m not, for the record, a general fan of cruise vacations - iust a personal preference, as I’m more partial to the freedom of road-tripping, and traveling without a set itinerary. But this Harvard Glacier is one of the highlights ofa cruise through Alaska’s breathtaking College Fjord. Holland kanerica cruise was a wonderful adventure from start (out of Vancouver) to finish (in Seward). And if you are planning a trip with a few friends or relatives, a cruise can be ideal in terms of logistics, value and the pure fun of sharing countless memorable experiences together. Alaska cruises range greatly in price, starting for as little as $600 per person, based on double-occupancy, with an inside cabin on one of the less-fancy ships that visit the region, such as the Carnival Spirit or Norwegian Star - this is also assuming you book during the shoulder months (May and September). For a stateroom with balcony on an upscale line like Holland America, expect to pay $1,500 or more, depending on the size of the cabin, the particular ship, and the time ofskiling (June through August are high season). And if there were ever a great time to splurge for a balcony cabin, it’s an Alaska cruise, as a huge part of the experience is observing the magnificent scenery from aboard the ship. If yon’re averse to organized-group travel, would like to combine driving your own car with traveling by ship, or simply enjoy the excitement and relative affordability of ferryboat transportation, consider a do-it-yourself version of an Alaska cruise: traveling the Alaska Maritime Highway System (http:// www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/index.shtml). You can get around via this extensive network of state-operated ferries, just as many Alaskans get from town to town, either without a car or - at considerably greater expense - with one. This is an adventurous way to sail through the Inside Passage, starting either dmvn in Bellingham, Washington, or much closer to Alaska in the Canadian port city of Prince Rupert. The ferry stops at all the major towns in southeast Alaska. You can also sail via the ferry system through Prince \Villiam Sound and to Kodiak Island (with stops in Valdez, Cordova, Whittier, Homer, and others), or through southwestern Alaska’s remote Aleutian Chain, from Chignik all the way to Unalaska/Dutch Harbor. Again. traveling with a car and sleeping onboard in cabins can make this a fairly costly trip - figure on about $800 to $900 for two passengers, a car. and a cabin for a one-way trip from Port Rupert to Skagway. But you can choose an itinerary that allo~vs you to get on and offat a number of ports, and it’s still cheaper and allows for greater flexibility than a cruise. Touring Maska on Land Whether you reach Alaska by cruise ship, plane or car (the 2,300-mile drive from Great Falls, Montana to Fairbanks on the AlaskaCanada Highway is quite a memorable undertaking), it’s worth taking some time to explore some parts of the state’s rugged and largely unspoiled interior. Many cruise lines offer one-way itineraries (as opposed to "loop" itineraries, that return you back to Vancouver, Seattle, or wherever the cruise started). These begin or end in Alaska, typically in a port that’s relatively close to Anchorage, such as Whittier or Seward. This latter community, home to the superb Alaska SeaLife Center aquarium and Kenai Fjords National Park, is where my recent Holland America cruise ended. From here my family and I rented a couple of cars and explored the area, continued on to Anchorage, and then spent two nights up in Talkeema. Other notable areas within relatively easy driving distance of Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula include the charming little vacation town of Girdwood, which is home to upscale Alyeska Resort; Homer, a popular fishing town; and Whittier, which has kayaking and boating on Prince William Sound plus access to several stunning glaciers. Farther afield and also wellworth investigating are Denali National Par.k (4 to 5 hours north of Anchorage), Fairbanks (2 hours farther north of Denali), and Valdez (6 to 7 hours east of Anchorage). One way to explore the interior without a car, as far north as spectacular Denali National Park and on up to Fairbanks, is via the scenic Alaska Railroad (http://ww~v. alaskarailroad.com). Many Alaska cruises offer post- or pre-trip options that includes several days on the railroad, or you can book a your own railroad package, which includes riding the railroad’s gleaming railcars past incredible scenery, tours at different stops, and overnight hotel accommodations. These packages range ................. Continued SeeALASKA Page-19 October 1, 2010 15 ���OKC AIDS Walk and Run Double attendance from 2009 Photo’s by Victor G. By Jeanne Flanigan Metro Star Team Out &About in Oklahoma @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @The Ledo, Oklahoma City O~HOMLA CITX~ OK The 2010 OKC AIDS xTchlk and Run was held on a beautiful Sunday September 19 in the heart of Bricktown, this time at Sonic Headquarters with double-the attendance from last year. AIDS \Valk Board President John Greet estimated that over 88 runners and over 1000 walkers participated this yeal; including Teleflora and AAA. Volunteers fi’om Dell Computers, \V-gaigreens, BancFirst, United \Ygay, Sonic, the Red Cross and others signed in participants, sold T-shirts, set up the course, and also provided water and relief to organizations that had booths surrounding the Sonic building. . The route for the \Valk was changed this year due to renovations going on at the Myriad Gardens where the festival had been held in the past, so Sonic generously donated their space for this event. Canopies for the booths were provided by OKC Pride. ~e booths ran along the north side of the Sonic building, facing the Bricktown Canal with a DJ on the canal dock. AIDS Walk OKC raises money for grants to nonprofit organizations that provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS. During 2010 AIDS Walk OKC has held fundraising awareness of the need for the vital services these organiz,~tions provide. An award was given to Johnny Norris and the Friends of the Hilo who have consistendy raised thousands of dollars for AIDS Walk OKC for the past 18 years with their Turnabout Show, which this year,raised over $4000. Other fundraisers were organized by Sonja Martinez and Dee Britt at Partners, Nick Post at the Copa, KJttT Bob Aimes ar the Boom, and at the Pride Festival as well as individual house parties. Greer said these fundraisers would happen again next year and into the future. In 2009 eight organizations were awarded grants to continue their work to help those living with HIV. Earnings from the 2010 AIDS Walk will be announced on the AIDS Walk OKC ,vebsite by October 1. Grants to organizations will be given out after the yearly World AIDS Day Remembrance Service at Mayflower Congregational Church December 1. Organizations helping those living with HIV with 501C3 IRS status can apply for a grant online from October 1 through 31. To apply for a grant or for more information go to www.aids~valkokc.org. @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City 18 ~ October 1, 2010 @ OKC AIDS WALK 2010 @ OKC AIDS WALK 2010 �By Ed Sikov Ed Sikov is the author ofDark Victory; 7he Life ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!_/ms andfilmmakers. "Look, darling! A cocl ail just for us!" The puppies were in residence that weekend, which meant the rest of us gorged on calorie-free eye candy, since the boys were untouchable. The best we could do was smell them. Robbie had a distinct personal funk that shifted a little from day to day: top notes of salt water with middle notes of two rank men - Robbie and the previous night’s trick. Kyle, on the other hand, always smelled faintly of Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap, which blended with his naturally sweet disposition to create aromatically the ideal playmate, soulmate, best friend, husband and ultimately survivor, weeping over the grave even as he inherits the fortune. I had a major crush on him. CNN’s prepster-geek reporter Jack Fogg showed up, too, along with his glorious boyfriend, Sammy. Dan came straight from the airport (conference in Cleveland) in a stressed, must-be-medicated state. And with the angel of cocktail creation smiling upon us, it was Craig’s weekend as well. If you found yourself in a Tarantinodesigned slaughterhouse with a large enough beam balance, you could hang Craig on one hook and the rest of us on the opposite end, and Craig would still remain on the ground. Not really, but in the Pines, Craig felt like (and frankly looked like) a mastodon. But he adored the beach and loved Our house, so he braved the stares and not-even-stifled laughs of skinny, giggling twinkles who didn’t have a quarter of Craig’s wit. He dismissed them Bugs Bunny-style as "maroons." We were all in the living room late on Saturday afternoon when Craig, as though by instinct, launched into one of his routines: a frightfully accurate imitation of a certain glamorous 1950s song belter. He ran through bits from _It’s Always Fair Weather_ and _Kismet_, and even the song she sings (uncredited) in Bette Davis’s -~Mr. Skeffington. I was, as usual, enthralled and applauded at the end; Dan grinned with joy. Craig’s Dolores Gray was phenomenal. He even claims to have coached Lypsinka. clearly that not al! Oklahomans shared the vision of the Federal legislation. At a recent meeting of leaders of LGBT organizations held at the headquarters of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, the FBI agents announced they will be presenting three forums on hate crimes. The public meetings will be held on October 5 in Oklahoma City, October 6 in Tulsa and October 7 in Muskogee, with the FBI represented by Jim \Vindsor,/hny Koons and Doug Straight. The purpose of these forums is to assure the LGBT communitT of the privacy- to be Jack and Sammy were polite but dueless. Kyle said, with wide-eyed wonder, "Wow! You’re really good! Who was that? She’s amazing!" At which point Robbie Stood up, stretched dramatically to show off his chilired treasure trail, and announced, "Why do bitter queens love clownish women from old movies nobody else cares about? I’m too young for this. I won’t be back for dinner." And out the door he strolled. ’~sshole," said Kyle. Dan seethed. Jack and Sammy kept their mouths shut; they probably agreed with Robbie but were too polite to say it. I was offended across the board - for Craig, for old movies, for the late Dolores Gray- and was paralyzed with outrage. "Robbie’s hot," Sammy observed. Jack threw a pillow at him. "Eureka!" Craig declared. "I have just invented a cocktail to celebrate the revelation that Robbie is an agent of Satan. I always thought there was something suspicious about that flaming red hair. Gents? xX/-ho would like a Bitter Queen?" "What goes into a bitter queen?" Kyle asked innocently. "Nothing! That’s the problem!" Craig batted back. Here’s Craig’s incredibly simple and quite delicious recipe. We collectively added the descriptive details during a slightly sodden dinner: T~ne Bitter Queen Take last night’s martini glass with the dregs still in it, and toss the dregs in the sink. Don’t rinse out the glass. Add a bit too much Jameson Irish Whiskey and three or four dashes of Angostura Bitters. Plunk a single, pathetic ice cube into the glass. Fo~ the full effect, drink it alone. Variation: "The Bitter Old Queen": use Jameson 12-year Special Reserve. N expected when reporting crimes, the interest the FBI has in bringing perpetrators of hate crimes to justice, and to introduce members of various legal and criminal investigation agencies who want to eliminate hate crimes. For more information on the forums or to report a hate crime, contact Cimarron Alliance Foundation at intb@cimarronallince. org, www.crimarronalliance.org, or the FBI at James.straight@ic.fbi.gov. Does that mean divorce is imminent for ~he soon-to-be newlyweds? "I got my prenup all set," she says. "Signed, sealed and delivered!" Lampanelli’s always on top of it, always getting the last laugh; she clobbers the hell out of mankind (gay kind, bla& kind, old kind, handicap kind) with a mouth that never lets up - onstage, during TV interviews, during this interview. She toned her dirtiness down for a recent _Chelsea Lately_ appearance, but that wasfft all that seemed unusual: Viewers, myself included, sensed awkwardness between the comedian and the show’s host, Chelsea Handler. Lampanelli settles that: "No, you read it wrong, because when we came offwe were like, ’Oh my god, wasn’t that so much fun?!’ like two giddy schoolgirls. You know what it is? You faggots love to stir up trouble! Like, ’Hey, let’s make Kathy Griffin hate Lisa; hey, let’s make Lisa hate Margaret Cho.’ Well, guess what? You don’t have to make me hate Margaret Cho ... because I already do!" Lampanelli backpedals, slipping out a light laugh that’s more sweet than sour, and says she doesn’t really abhor Cho, a constant among her targets. She doesn’t even know the fellow queer-loved comedian, but "I always have to make fun of her because she’s a dirty Asian." So there’s no rivalry among female comedians? "Not from where I sit, because I’m, like, better than them all," she explains, mentioning that Handler is actually producing her upcoming reality show that’s still in negotiations and can’t be discussed. "There’s none between me and Kathy because she’s tough, man. She doesn’t care whom she fucks with; that’s beautiful! A lot of people allude to celebrities, but she just says it, and I’m like, that’s balls! I love that." B ut Lampanelh"’s own saucy remarks sweep up lots of attention, too, just as they did after she opened the _Roast of David Hasselhoff_ in August on Comedy Central, where she’s also roasted Joan Rivers, Pamela Anderson and William Shatner (next up, she hopes: "The fat lesbian roast. I’d love to do Rosie O’Donnell ... and Oprah Winfrey.’) For Hasselho~s time in the hot seat, Lampanelli said his black and bloated liver could’re starred in _Precious_ and that his career "has crumbled worse than downtown Haiti." Even Perez Hilton thought it was too appreciate the comedy more than what they’re saying. These were really clever and I said, ’OK, this is not affecting me.’" Lampanelli breaks off for a bit, mulling over her thoughts a little more until she swings back in: "I mean, it hasn’t yet. Oh my god, maybe now that you mention it I’ll go and binge this afternoon. You faggot, leave it to you to fuck up my life!" Payback’s a bitch, Lisa. from 5 to 12 nights and start around $1,800 per person. Shorter day trips are also available on the Alaska Railroad - among the most rewarding itineraries are the ride from Anchorage to Denali (starting around $150), and the Glacier Discovery Trains to Grandview (starting around $85). Another great option is to book a trip with a local outfitter. Based in Fairbanks, Out in Alaska (http://www.outinalaska.com) is a highly reputable, gay-owned tour operator that offers exciting trips, both camping (starting around $1,800 for six days) and hotel-based (from $2,500 for seven days), to some of the state’s mosvscenic areas. Out in Alaska trips typically last a week to 10 days, have 5 to 10 participants, and include meals, transportation within the regions visited, activities, and - in the case of camping - gear. Some Out in Alaska trips are oriented primarily toward sightseeing and might cover major national parks (Denali, Kanai Fjords, Wrangell-St. Elias) and the regions around Fairbanks and Anchorage. The more activitydriven trips - which can be themed around glacier trekking, hiking, rafting, or kayaking - venture into the state’s remote wilderness, from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the Yukon or Copper rivers. The company also organizes small LGBT group adventures on some Of the mainstream cruises offered through the Inside Passage. However you explore this majestic land, it’s absolutely worth the time and effort to get yourself up here - and to plan on spending a minimum of seven days. When even seasoned travelers talk about "trips of a lifetime" and "most memorable travel experiences," they’re often referring to adventures they’ve undertaken in Alaska. much. "Oh, she just had her period! She was just a little annoyed, and I get it," Lampanelli says. "But where’s the line? And who’s gonna draw it, some arbitrary FCC or whatever? If you can make it funny - which I obviously did, because I’m, like, the best comedian who ever lived! - then obviously it has not gone too far." When Lampanelli was on the receiving end, the roasters went for the obvious - her love for black men and her voluptuous size. After opening up about her self-esteem battle in her book _Chocolate, Please: My Adventures in Food, Fat, and Freaks_, recently out in paperback, you might wonder if she was more affected than she looked. Not this time, she says. "If they’re funny, I don’t mind them. And they were funny," Lampanelli says, naming Gilbert Gottfried as her favorite that night. "In the past there’s been .jokes that aren’t that great and you’re just like, that kind of hurts. But when the joke is really good, you almost Others also welcome this measure as another sign of progress for Tulsa. Tulsa Human Rights Commission Chairman Tommy Chesbro stated, "It is exciting to see Tulsa moving forward and being more inclusive of all our citizens." Others are not so optimistic. As Tulsan m McGregor put ~t, On the student end I th~nk theyre be,ng set up for failure because school might be a relatively safe zone, but when they get out into the real world in Oklal~oma they will find that they can be freely and openly discriminated against and not only is it legal, but there will be plenty of political leaders around to say that it is perfectly acceptable too." Oldal~omans for Equality is encouraging members of the community to contact t~e Tulsa Board of Education (www.tulsaschools. org/district/admin.shm) to thank the board members for this progressive and courageous step to~vards providing Safety and a better learning environment ~br all students and teachers, especially those of the GLBT community. @ �Chuck 8reckenddge by Greg Fox 88T "gq~cthcr buying or selling I’ll work hard tbr you. CHECK OUT UNIQUE 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas wxwv.magneticvalleyresort.com in~o@magneticvalleyresor t.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center, Tulsa Gay Center. Affordable Homes and Apamnents. For more InJb~ation visit: wwt,:ga.y&udyheigh tstulsa.com ~ebsite- www.kylecomics.com emaih bitt ergirl@qsyndicat e,com 20 ~ October 1, 2010 E-MM1- KylesBnB@aol.eom �By Jack Fertig October 2010 "Click those slippers, Cancer" Venus retrograding across Mars in Scorpio offers a chance to repeat or correct romantic and erotic errors. Stress from Jupiter and Uranus push it toward errors of comic proportions. Keep your sense of humor. A solar aspect from Libra promises that with small effort, grace and aplomb will get you through anything. ARIES (March 20-April 19): When it comes to sexual activity and sexual fulfillment, quality isn’t as easy to get as quantity. Focus on the relationship you have (or the one you want), and be honest about where your sexual needs aren’t being met. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your plans with your friends may be farfetched, even utterly impractical. Don’t push too hard; be open to trimming your sails to a steadier process and a more reliable goal. Share your opinions, but let others take the lead. GE~’~NI (May 21- June 20): You will be noticed; don’t worry about that! Trying to get noticed will only make you look like a grandstanding egoman~ac. Play it cool; focus on your work. Innovative approaches modestly advanced will get you the attention you want. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Reaching for the future may be more comfortable than resolving erupting issues from the past, but the latter is your foundation so make sure you deal with that. Friends offer perspective and distraction. Be careful to distinguish between the two. CAPRICORN (December 21 January 19): Two paths ahead of you: One is bright and brilliant and offers lots of amazing thrills at considerable risk. The other is much duller and leads through hard work toward success. You know which road to take. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Your ability to collaborate and bring together diverse ideas is what will get you favorably noticed. Resist the tern ptation to show off your sense of economy and resourcefulness. That will just blow up in your face. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Being your own brilliantly spiritual self will probably confuse people and maybe even scare some. Whether you actually win arguments, you may terrify your opposition. Channel that energy into quiet study. Cultivating an air of serene mystery will convey powerful sexiness. Across Story of Greeks that busted some Troians Ml-night bash 0 She played ~vith Sherman on The Jefl~)rsons !5 Brando~ last one was in Paris CANCER (June 21- July 22): Hey, Dorothy, click those slippers and take care of business at home! Wanderlust and the search for novelties are mostly counterproductive distractions, but they might inspire playful ways to pep up your domestic life. YOU Chuck and Larrv 12 Surre~ist Magritre !3 Reclined . 14 Hom~ st~ 6fHarper ~e 22 C0 ger eatcher LEO (July 23 - August 22): Are you out to your family? Raise issues that need to be discussed with them. Still, be careful not to spill too much info. Meaningful relationships deserve openness; tawdry adventures and intimate details are nobody else’s business. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): Don’t shy away from the tough issues with your partner, but be careful not to be too provocative, smug or selfrighteous. It’s not about you. Keep the focus on what’s really important. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Retail therapy is just an enabling term for "shopaholic." Step away from the counter and get a realistic handle on your accounts. Yes, you are entitled to a birthday treat, but shouldn’t your friends and family be covering that? SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): It’s not all about you. On the other hand acting as if it were could unlock creative potential. Still, there is a time and a place for indulging in rampant egomania. Keep it where it belongs, and dig for those deep inner truths. 1 Simpson trial judge Lance 2 Avoid premature eiaculation 3 Nothing to brag about 4 Tutti-fi’utti ingredient 5 The Sound of MUsic song 6 Takes five 41 Jane Bowles novel of 1943 44 Mttscle Mary’s pride 45 Seafood? 46 Last inning, usually Community for People iving H V/A DS 501 c (3) Non P~o£t Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to hel p combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mai! ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net page 22 23 Cart part~ 25 Respondents to 911 26" lay me..2 27 Choice piece of meat 28 State with conviction 30 C!eans (up) 51 Samson et Dalila Composer ~2 Response to a joke, with "it" 53 Enjoy some ladyfingers, e.g. ~6 Winged goddess 57 the line (conformed) ~8 Queens do this 59 \V,?here to see sweaty athletes 12 ~ey have big mouths 13 She got her gun 50 Like a metrosexual 5 ! Type o~ queen 52 Nurses assistants 53 ’Went down on a body part 54 What a guy does nocturnally 55 Use y0ur’butt to demonstrate 58 Mien introduction 59 Nicky, in "Funny Girl" 60 See red 61 Shaft outpu~ 64 SOldier cops 66 Ewe said it! October 1, 2010 21 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. A CC~’ffODA 770NS: ITIABANA INN 2200 N\’gr 39TH EXPW Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 w~va~:habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 ~v~v.magn eticvalleyreso r r.co m A CGO ~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD. SUITE 424 ~fi~lsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant AYTDRNEYAT ~ \~(~LERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 40%226-8585 AUTO D ANTIQUES: EMPLOYMENT MzA SSA GE: ENTER TA INMEN INSURANCE: ORGANIZATIONS: THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSgZAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wx~v:habanainn.com CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 N\V EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 ww~v:c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller \Villiams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 OKLAHONIA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oldahoma City, OK xvw~: okstone~vall.org for appoin~ent ~405) 525 0730 FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPP~SSWAY O~oma Cit)~ OK 405-525-2900 v~a~v.habanainn.com t?_~ ESTATE: HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa. OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline RED ROCK B.H.S. 4400 N. LINCOLN BLVC Oklahoma Cir)~ OK 73105 405-425-0473 Toll Free 1-877-339-3330 BAMBOO LOUNGE "204 E. PINE Tulsa. OK 918-836-8700 vwcw.bambooloungetulsa.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa. OK iudygphotos@sbcgtobal.net 918-743-8636 EXPRESSIONS Fellmvship 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com OUR HOUSE TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK w~v.anglesclub.com PHOTOGRAPHE" CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN. OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM BAR HELP WANTED OKC: 3-he Copa is currently seeldng a bar N~<GHTCL HAIR SALONS & SPA& P~TAIL STORES: GAY REAL ESTATE Nations Top Gay/Lesbian Realtors xvw~v. GayRealEstate.com 1-988-420-6683 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For InIo: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com RES T~t GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET. Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pm FOR RENT Classified Text Advertising Classified Text Advertising {no graphics) 25 (no graphics) 2~ words or less $25.00. Additional words $0.40 cents each. words or fess $25.00. Additional words $0.40 cents each, ~is issue’s Solution: Can I Have Your Numbe~ N IOISlC H THE LEDO 2200 1’¢W 39TH EXPRESS\VAY [ ~ [ N [ T Oklahoma City. OK 405-525-0730 INIOIB ~vw.habanainn.com ITIWIO TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa. OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am N N E T INIOIS IAIPIT A ITIEIE E ITIRIA K 22 October 1, 2010 A R N S �October 1, 2010 ~ 23 �DEMOCRATS "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do, it’s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group d the Oklahoma and national Democratic Par~. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues d the GLUT community, we are working to make change and shape history. 20 We meet the I st Tuesday of every month at the OKLAHOMA STA DE~MOCRATIC PARTY H~ADQUART~RS (405) 427-3366 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document LOCAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS N WORLD NEWS ~ LIFESTYLE ~ FITNESS ~ TRAVEL ~ AiDVICE N ENTERTAINMENT THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA VOLUME 7 ISSUE 10 Twitter.com/MetmStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.corn FREE I OCTOBER 1,2010 Tulsa School Board votes to include Sexual Orientation in Nondiscrimination Policy By Michael VZ Sasser Metro Star Team TULSA, OK __ At least for some of the most vulnerable persons of the GLBT community, our young people, some places are hopefully going to be a little bit safer.. On Monday September 20 the Tulsa School Board voted unanimously to add sexual orientation to its nondiscrimination and anti-bullying/harassment policy for staff members, students and parents. Tami Marlin; a spokesperson for the Tulsa Public Schools stated that the Board revised the nondiscrimination clause of the district’s anti-harassment and non-bullying policy in accordance with recommendations from the Civil Rights Office of the U.S. Department of Education. \gith this measure the Tulsa Public School District joins the school districts of Norman nondiscrimination policies. The Oklahoma City School District also includes gender identity. Oklahoma GLBT and human rights organizations hailed the decision. As Kathy L. Williams Phd, President of the Equality Network, an Oklahoma advocacy organization for GLBT political and legal rights puts it, "By adding sexual orientation to the nondiscrimination policies, the board better ensures that all teachers and students will feel safe and secure in their working and teaching environment. "Ka-is Wiles, the Director ofAdvocacy for Oklahomans for Equality had this to add, "This has been a long time coming. We commend the Tulsa Public Schools for doing what’s right in leading the xvay to protect all students, parents and teachers from discrimination and bullying in our schools. Now they can focus on what they are there to do---teach and and Oklahoma City that already have sexual learn." .............. O ahoma US ofA By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team 2010 M*: Gay US ofA Oklahoma Dillon Gri~n with Mya Mokka Iman-Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA 2009 U.S. Senate fails to move forward with Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Measure likely dead for this year By Rex Wockner Lady Gaga in Washington DC to support ofDADTrepeal. Rex Wockner photo OICJ_AI-IOMA CITY, OK __ It was a fun filled evening at the Copa as handsome contestants vied to be the new Mr. Gay Oklahoma US ofA. Passing on the title was Warren G ( Joshua Warren Gately), who has garnered renown as a choreographer in various pageant systems. On hand performingfor the occasion was the national titleholder, Simba R. Hall of Georgia. It was kept lively, emceed by pageant owners Jack Calcote, Steve Davis and former Miss Gay Oldahoma Brigitte Lee. The winner was Dillon Griffin with the first runnerup Andrew BeShears. Both gentlemen will compete in the National Mr. Gay US ofA Contest in San Antonio this coming November 10-12 at the Saint, a well known nightclub there. For Mr. Calcote and Mr. Davis, it has been a busy year. Their promotional firm, Topfrog Productions, puts on not only Mr. Gay US ofA Oklahoma, but also Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA at Large and Miss Gay Oldahoma US ofA Newcomer, which debuted this year. As Jack puts it, "It was a good year, exhausting but gratifying. I’ve met a lot of new performers, many who now are like sons and daughters." Next year Topfrog will feature the same pageants, with a new addition to be announced. WASHINGTON, DC __ The U.S. Senate failed by four votes Sept. 21 to end a filibuster by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and move on to consideration of this year’s military funding bill that contains congressional authorization to repeal the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell gay ban. The vote was 56 to 43. Sixty votes were needed to halt the filibuster. The measure already had passed the House of Representatives. Although Congress may opt to fund the military after the November elections, the provision repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell seems unlikely to survive now, advocates predicted. "Today’s Senate vote was a frustrating blow," said Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis. "We lost because of the political maneuvering dictated by the midterm elections. Let’s be clear: Opponents to repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell did not have the votes to strike those provisions from the bill. Instead, they had the votes for delay. Time is the enemy here. We now have no choice but to look to the lame-duck session where we’ll have a slim shot." National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey accused "politicians (of) playing politics with people’s lives." "Seventy-eight percent ofAmericans support ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," she said. "The senators who led and supported the filibuster effort should be ashamed." Servicemembers United Executive Director Alexander Nicholson blamed Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., for the !oss. "The votes to break the filibuster had previously been lined up, but last week ... Harry Reid decided to use an uncommon procedural privilege on the bill that eroded support for breaking the filibuster and guaranteed the vote’s failure," Nicholson said. "Intense lobbying and public pressure over the past week proved not to be enough to force either side to back down." Courage Campaign Chairman Rick Jacobs responded to the loss by saying the Justice Department and President Barack Obama should opt not to appeal the recent federal court decision in Riverside, Calif., that struck down DADT as unconstitutional. "We applaud the Log Cabin Republicans for initiating this case and we hope the Justice Department recognizes that it’s time to consign this discriminatory law to the dustbin of history," Jacobs said. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said the filibuster "was electionyear politics at its worst." HRC sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder joining Courage in demanding the government not appeal the district court decision. ........Continued See DADT Page-5 os.e UoS. Marine Corps Veteran1 that can get the job done and I am to ask for y~r Vote ~n November 2! November 2" Friends of Wi|la "At Centu~ 2I Gold Castle oa BEST prope4ia are ourPEOK~’ METROPOLITAN COiVfMUNITY CHURCHES Rev ,Steve T. Urlle Spirit ot: Christ iVICC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community IVleal Wednesdays at 6:00 www.socmcc. Have a God filled and Blessed Day! 2 B~ocks West of the Habana 2 ~ October 1, 2010 OGLPC will be hosting Ca didates’ Reception sending Voter Guide- October Fellowship four years ago, their vision for it was simple; a Bible study with the goal of reaching people that came fi’om a contemporary charismatic church background. The idea has grown vastly into what is now Expressions Community Center, located on ’the strip’ in Oklahoma City. OI~AHOMA CITY, OK (PR) For many years t~he Oklahoma Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus (OGLPC) has been sending surveys on LGBT issues to candidates, and reporting the results to their members in a voter guide. ~his year the Voter Guide will include results from 132 candidates for state office, reporting their "Yes" or "No" responses to 11 questions. Most of the questions are not asked by the local media or other organizations, and many of the questions are not comfortable for candidates -to answer since they assume the majority of the population is not interested or will not vote for a candidate who believes in equal rights for all. Since only a few votes can decide an election, OGLPC believes that educating our community and registering people to vote is veW iinportant towards achieving the goal of equality. OGLPC is the only LGBT organization in Oklahoma to take on this task. With a mailing list of almost 4000, the Voter Guide is usefid information for the LGBT voting public, PFLAG members, and others, straight or gay. As a noprofit, non-partisan group, OGLPC does not endorse candidates elected officials. On Tuesday, October 19, OGLPC will host a Candidates’ Reception at the Belle Isle LibraW in OKC f,om 6-8 pm. Candidates will beOffered a time ~o speak briefly, answer questions, distribute brochures, and socialize over light refreshments. ~he library is located at 5501 N. Villa. just north of~~pressway,.berween Pennsylvania and May Avenues. Those attending will be able to register to vote, take a copy of the Candidates’ Smwey 2010, and become a member of OGLPC. The reception is free and open to the public. To become a member of OGLPC, contact the Board of Directors at ok_glpc@ yahoo.corn, or attend a regular meeting on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are at 7 pro, and are held at the Neighborhood Mliance building, a NrW 36th St and Classen Boulevard. Additional information is available at www.oglpc.org and on Facebook. Expressions Community Fellowship O treach "Together, we can make a difference" By Robin D-Town~end Metro Star Team OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ gThen Pastor Neill Spurgin and his partner/husband Dean Coffman started Expressions Community Chuck Longacre ,_fRed Rock Behavioral Health Services in OKC, explains the testing process. 77srough Red Rock, Longacre helps staff Evpressions Community Outreach Center with trainedpersonnel at their location on the strip. Expressions has been through many a metamorphosis since the Bible study days. Their firs~ services were held at the OKC Farmers Market. ~lhe fellowship movedto Lansbrook Event Center and now the church and c0inmunit~ ~entei: hav~ found a fi~in~ on the strip. They are conveniently located iusr south ofNW 39th on Youngs Blvd. "As the Bible study started to grovv we saw a need to start a church," said Spurgin. When he met the current landlord Spurgin said, "We started talldng and I shared my vision on how I felt God wanted to bring His Love, Grace and Healing to the hearts of the LGBT community. I wanted the LGBT children of God to knmv that He loves them and that it was okay r. be gay and Christian." Within months of being on the strip, this church of 14 people had an 1800 square foot sanctuary built and ~vas ready for their first service, holding the inaugural service in June 2009. "We had our first service the Sunday after Pride 2009," said Spurgin. "By January 2010, we had outgrown our space. We then started construction on a 3,000 square foot addition to the property located in the same warehouse." By April 2010 they opened a new sanctuary by the 2010 summer they were out of room again and added 50 chairs to the sanctuary just this September. "We are now in planning phases for our next expansion that will double our sanctuary, prayerfully, by Valentine’s Day 2011," adds Pastor NeiI1. "Our vision for the Center is to expand into the entire property at the corner ofNW 39th Street and Youngs Blvd, so our community will have a true living and thriving Community Center." Spurgin also hoped he could bring HIV testing back to the 39th Street strip and through his persistence and the hard work of .......Continued see CHURCH page - 6 New Report Shows Serious Weaknesses in Oklahoma’s Higher Education Indusivity Policies 82% ofOklahoma’s Colleges and Universities do notprotect LGBTfaculty, staff, or students TULSA, OK (PR) __ A new report by the TEN Institute, the research arm of The Equality Network (TEN), reveals that many of Oklahoma’s institutions of higher education have yet to embrace full inclusivity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and employees. While there are a few positive standouts, 82% of Oklahoma’s colleges and universities have no policies in place to support and prorecr LGBT faculty, staff, and students. TEN Institute’s preliminary research shows that out of the 66 statewide colleges and universities: ° Only 11 have Compliance/EOE/ Affirmative Action Statements ~vhich include sexual orientation. o Zero include gender identity or expression in Compliance/EOE/Affirmative Action Statements. * One provides domestic partner benefits for employees. * Onl~ 12 have an LGBT student group or Gay/Straight Alliance on campus. "When we first began this research, we hoped that Oldahoma’s inclusivity protections in the higher education community would rival those of other states. While this is not currently the case, we are vety pleased to highlight those institutions who have taken steps to embrace equality on thei~ campuses." explains Kathy L. Williams, Ph.D., president ofTEN Institute. Those institutions with protections in place include: *Northeastern Oldahoma A&M (Miami), Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City, University, Oldahoma State University for Health Sciences (Tulsa), Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (Olm~ulgee), Oklahoma State University (Stillwater), Oklahoma State University (Oldahoma City), Oklahoma State University (Tulsa), Rose State College (Midwest City), University of Phoenix (Oklahoma City and Tulsa): all have nondiscrimination policies including sexual orientation. °The University ofTulsa provides domestic partner benefits. *Cameron University (Lawton), East Central University (Ada), Murray State College (Tishomingo), Northeastern State University (Tahlequah), Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma State University (Stillwater), Oldahoma State University (Oklahoma City), Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Weatherford), Tile University ofTulsa, University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond), University of Oklahoma (Norman), University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (Chickas~ha): all have LGBT student groups and/or Gay/Straight Alliances. Dennis Rudasill, President of Oklahoma State University’s Sexual Orientation Diversity Association (SODA), noted a disjuncture between students’ increasing acceptance of their LGBT classmates and inequalities still embedded in university policies. "As a student, it’s easy to feel the attitudes of my peers progressing in the direction of open-mindedness and inclusion, but this index shows that our institutions of higher education are struggling to keep their policies aligned with this generational progress. Although I’ve never felt actively discriminated against by any member of my university’s administration, I ~vorry about passive forms of discrimination like rny university’s lack of domestic partner benefits." said Rudasill. In early August Campus Pride, a national organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students, released its annual Campus Pride Climate Index. The study awarded nineteen U.S. colleges and universities its highest ranngs for LGBT inclusivity - the largest number of institutions to achieve this status since the inceprion of the index in 2007. "TEN Institute is pleased that more and more colleges and universities across the nation are willing to stand up for their LGBT faculty, staff, and students, and provide a safe and inclusive environment." said Williams. "It is imperative that the Oklahoma higher education community work to recruit and retain the best and brightest amongst its employees and students, while respecting the diversity which comes with that effort. We hope that with the release of our Higher Education Fairness Index we can work with Oldahoma’s colleges and universities r. enhance those protections already in place, as well as encourage institutions lacking inclusivity language and programs to adopt appropriate policies to protect their LGBT employees and students." said Williams. TEN Institute will continue to solicit information on inclusivity practices and will integrate additional findings into irs Higher Education Fairness Index. Colleges and universities wishing tO partner in efforts to improve LGBT inclusivity- or to provide more data may reach TEN Institute at (918) 906- 2134 or info@theequalitynetwork.org. The entire TEN Institute Higher Education Fairness Index may be accessed at wwcc.scribd.com/doc/35962887/Higher- Education-Fairness-Index-August-2010 FBI Agents in Oklahoma to Hold Forums on Hate Crimes By Jeanne Flanigan and Victor Gorin Metro Star Team OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Agents from tile FBI ( Federal Bureau of Investigation) specializing in civil rights have been assigned to Oklahoma with tile purpose of educating the public about hate crimes committed against persons of the GLBT community. The Matthew Shepard Act was passed on October 22, 2009 to include crimes committed against persons due to their sexual orientation or gender identitT as hate crimes under Federal law, as ~vell as adding the categories of gender and disability’. However, soon after this took effect legislation was introduced in the Oklahoma State Senate in early 2010 by Republican Senator Steve Russell (SB 2165) that would have prevented the state of Oldahoma from assisting Federal authorities when a hate crime was committed not covered by the Oklahoma state hate crimes law, which does not cover sexual orientation or gender identity. Although this measure was stopped in the House by State Representative Mike Shelton, it demonstrated ........Continued See FBI Page-19 October 1, 2010 ~ 3 Race is on for State House 84, Brittany Novotny v Sally Kern By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Brittany with AttorneyJackie Short. Gorin OKI~HOMA CITY, OK __ The smoke has finally cleared and the race is on. Although the filing ended with 4 candidates wing for the State House District 84 seat, the two others will not be on the ballot. Republican Garrick Voth was challenging Sally Kern for her party’s nomination for the General Election. Voth, a 34 year old Oldahoma City resident who described himself as a conservative Republican, also described Ms. Kern as ignoring the needs of her district. \Vhen publicity surfaced shortly after the filing that he had been arrested in Will Rogers Park last September, charged with attempting an act of public lewdness with another man ( the case is still pending), he withdrew from the race. The other candidate was Ray Pre~vitt, aged 40 and a resident of Bethany running as an Independent. Ms. Kern successfully challenged his eligibility before the Oklahoma State Election Board, and he was stricken from the ballot as he had not been registered as an Independent at least 6 months before the filing period as the law requires to be eligible. Brittany faces a three time incumbent who has for better or worse, undoubtedly attracted national and even some international notoriety. She replaced another conservative Republican, Bill Graves who was likewise famous for anti-gay sentiments when she was first elected in 2004. She was re-elected without opposition in 2006, and defeated Ron Marlett to win a third term in 2008. She is married to Steve Kern, the Pastor of Olivet Baptist Church and has2 adult sons. She had been a teacher at Oklahoma City’s Northwest Classen High School, teaching American Government and coaching the girl’s golf team. She led opposition to the book "King and King" being in the Childreffs Section of Oklahoma County libraries, claiming that the American Library Association is "trying to sexualize your children." She has made public statements stating that homosexuals are a bigger threat to our nation than terrorism, resulting in countless public demonstrations and demands for an apology; even generating a phone call from Ellen Degeneres placed from her national TV talk show. During July of 2009 she issued her "Oldahonaa Citizeffs Proclamation for Morality" at the Oldahonaa State Capitol in which she blamed our nation’s troubled economy on "same sex marriage, divorce, pornography, sex trafficking and other forms of debauchery". On economic issues she is likewise far to the right, opposing a minimum wage increase in Oklahoma in 2006 ~vhen it was $5.15 an hour, even requesting that a study be done to see how people living on that wage Could better budget their money. Although Brittany has already made history by being the first transgendered person to run for public office in Oklahoma, she isn’t running for that reason. She has publicly stated, " I understand that there are going to be some folks who will try to make this election about the fact that my medical history includes a gender transition, but I’m running for office because I believe I’m the best candidate to fight for jobs, education and transportation." Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Ms.Novomy graduated from Oklahoma University and went on to get her law degree from the University of California-Hastings and is now a practicing attorney. She is an active member of the Young Deraocrats, who elected her as a national committeewoman and also honored her as their 2010 Woman of the Year. Oklahoma House District 84 includes parts of northwest Oklahoma City, Bethany and Wart Acres. She’s ready for the fight and feels "I think our chances are really great. People are ready for a change." Oklahomans for Equality hires new Executive Director TobyJenkinsformer Board President ofOkEq is new Executive Director TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Board of Directors of Oklahomans for Equality is pleased to announce that they have hired Toby Jenkins as the Executive Director of the organization. He will begin his duties on October 1st, 2010. Toby Jenkins has served as the President of the. Board of Directors of Oldahonaans for Equality since October 2008. During his term as President the organization has: ~ Developed over 50 new ~veekly programs at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center ® Persuaded Tulsa City Council to add sexual orientation to their employee non discrimination policy @ Grew the membership to an all time high in the organizatioffs 30 year history @ Strengthened the relationship with Oklahoma City based Cimarron Alliance Foundation @ Expanded the volunteer staff from 43 in 2008 to over 150 in 2010 serving the LGBT community @ Implemented a Rapid Response Team for the victims of hate crimes and domestic violence ® Achieved record fundraising goals during an economic downturn Toby has a 13 year volunteer history with Ok~q. He has an extensive background in the legal community and has been employed at the Tulsa County Courthouse for 18 years and for the past 11 years has served as the Civil Appeals Clerk to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He holds a BS degree in Criminal Justice and a BA degree in Biblical Linguistics and Pastoral studies. He has Masters in Theology and graduate work in the Sociology" of Aging. He has 2 grown and married children and 1 granddaughter. "It is a great honor to gvork for an organization that saves lives everyday. I believe we must do more to address the needs of our community and challenge them to step up to volunteer service" said Jenkins. "I have 2 things that I say everyday: Gays are good for Oklahoma and Everybody must serve. When our neighbors come to appreciate the helping hand we extend to them, they will demand that we be treated equally:" Largest LGBTQand Mly Event to hit the four state corners JOPLIN, MO (PR) __ An event sponsored by Spirit of Christ MCC; Kansas- Missouri Network ofMCC Churches and the Joplin Out & About 4 States Equality City a Network Weekend concluding with an MCC Homecoming Concert that will be the biggest this year to hit the four state corners. The worlcshops include "Communion Our Way; Isn’t It About Time?" "Matching Music to Worship," and "Liturgical Dance." The concert features Deloris Berry, Marsha Stevens-Pint, Susie Brenner & Linda Be&stead, Sam Sampson and Shawn Thomas with a special guest appearance of the MCC Topeka Drumming Circle. From gospel to contemporary Christian music there will be something for everyone. ~ae concert is free but a love offering will be collected to offset the cost of travelling of the performers with 100% of the offering going to the artist many ofwhom have traveled for years presenting their music to the community of the greater Joplin area. The concert starts at 6PM on October 9, 2010. All alliance groups, equality centers and accepting churches are invited to attend and have a display center during the day, free of charge. See www.socmcc.org for more details or call 417-529-8480. 2010 Sooner State Stampede TULSA, OK (PR) __ Sooner State Stampede Presented by the Sooner State Rodeo Association, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Oct 2nd - 3rd, Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort, 5811 Roper Rd, Sperry OK (10 minutes north of downtown Tulsa). The 2010 Stampede will be a full rodeo featuring 13 events including Bull Riding, Bareback Bronc, Steer Wrestling, and some not so traditional events like Wild Drag and Goat Dressing. There will be additional entertainment as well as great food and cold beer. Tickets $15.00 single day and $25.00 two day, kids under 15 free. For more information visit: http:/£a~w. soonerstaterodeo.com/ Cimarron A liance to hold their Annual Gala Awards Banquet By Victor Gorin Metro Star Team Cimarron Alliance Foundation Executive Director Scott Hamilton at his 50th birthday celebration with well wisher Esther Baltie~’a OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ At the Oklahoma History Center on Saturday October 16 the Cimarron Mliance Foundation will hold their Annual Gala Awards Banquet. This year’s honorees include Dr. David Macey who will receive their Torch W-orld, Don Hawkins & Mick Schirron who were awarded the Media Award, the Legislator Award which will go to 2 legislators, State Senator Judy Eason- Mclntyre and State Representative Mike Shelton, plus the Lifetime Achievement Award which will go to Margaret Cox. Featured as the guest speaker is Romaine Patterson, a ~vell lmown lesbian activist, author, OUT Qradio host, and a close friend of the late Matthew ShepaM. She will also host an after party- at Angles. For more information check out the Cimarron Alliance Foundation website at www.cimarronalliance. Federa ge s r kes , down Don Ask, Don Tell U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips in Riverside, Calif.. struck down the military’s Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell ban on open gays in the military Sept. 9. Phillips found that the ban violates the U.S. Constitution’sguarantees of free speech and due process under the First and Fi~th Amendments. "The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Act infiinges the fundamental rights of United States servicemembers in many ways," Phillips wrote in her 86-page opinion. "The Act denies homosexuals stowing in the Armed Forces the right to enjoy ’intimate conduct’ in their personal relationships. The Act denies them the right to speak about their loved ones while sep¢ing their country in uniform: it punishes them with discharge for writing a personal letter, in a foreign language, to a person of the same sex with whom they shared an intimate relationship before entering military service; it discharges them for including information in a personal communication from which an unauthorized reader might discern their homosexuality. In order to justify the encroachment on these riFhts, Defendants faced the burden at trial oi showing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Act was necessary to significantly further the Government’s important interests in military readiness and unit cohesion. De~ndants failed to meet that burden." Gay Saud d ploma seeks U.S. asylum The former first secretary of Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Los Angeles has requested asylum in the United States because he says he’ll be executed for being gay if he returns home. "If I go back to Saudi Arabia. they will kill me openly in broad daylight," Ali Abroad Asseri e-mailed media outlets in mid- September. Asseri said Saudi ot~cials oi’dered him home after finding out he’s gay and is friends with a Jew. He apparently has been in hiding since. The U.S. does grant asyluna to foreign gays if the U.S. is convinced they face genuine harm in their native lands. ~e laws treat gay asylum-seekers as members of"a particular social group." Saudi Arabigs entry in the United States’ 2009 State Department Human Rights Reports says: "Under Shari’a as interpreted in the country, sexual activity between t~vo persons of the same gender is punishable by death or flogging. It is illegal for men ’to behave like women’ or to wear women’s clothes and vice versa. There were few reports of societal discrimination, physical violence, or harassment based on sexual orientation. There were no organizations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons. There was no official discrimination based on Worried about such a determination. conservative forces have been trying to find some other route to assure that the 9tl~ Circuit hears the appeal -- including pressuring defendants Brown and Schwarzenegger and pushing to add Imperial Count); located in the southeast California desert, as an official defendant. ~e 9th Circuit xvill inake the call on the county’s long-shot effort, probably in December. when it also will take up the question of whether the pro-Prop 8 activists have standing. If they do, the 9th Circuit xvill then move on to hear the appeal ofWalker’s actual ruling. If the activists do not have standing and Imperial County can’t become a defendant. the case is over and same-sex marriage is legal again in California. unless the activists arrempt to appeal the standing question to the U.S. Supreme Court. ~at. too, would be a long shot, many legal experts believe. They say the Supreme Court would be unlikely to conclude that displeased citizens can step into a state government’s shoes to defend a state law that the state government itself refuses to defend and, indeed, believes violates the U.S. Constitution. tn rejecting the activists’ latest move, the California Supreme Court denied reviexv xvithout comment. Phill.ips said the government~ contention sexual orientation in employ~en~ h~ugi!}.g, .... ,i ....... that letting gays be open in the military, statelessness, or access to education or health We expect the Justice Department h~m~ its run’tidYing i~ fully undgi~min~ bY ~’S~x~al 6timideSt-ion CoUld d0nsti~Ute the to recognize th~ ovet~¢helming evidence the fi~ct that the milita~T delays d~scharge of bas~s fbr harassment; blackmail, 0~ other that pr0ves DADT is unconstitutional,’ ~ys and lesbians who viOlate:DAD~ Until acti’ons. No such cases.we.re.re.p.or.ted." Soln~:0nese said. .... : they~retu.rn from c~o.mbat ~deploy.m.ent~, ~lne..e..nt~" conti¯nues..:.. ~av~~n j*unel~og;l’~~"yao~n ~~2etE%¢~UA~ resg~0nded b’."r cNlin- on Ine.six~ea.r7oi.~.ca.se~.Droug~t D~ tlle~,g"y pd~ce ar~ste~67 men ftom the Phmpph,es O~am, to ~ssu~ an e~ecuti~ orde~ suspen#ing group Log ~aDm ~epuDucans; w~ near~ , . ¯ . ¯ ~,, ~ ;, ,~ ~,, ),,1, for dnnk~ng and dressing m womens clotl~ng &scha~ges under DADT be~veen now and ........... ~*~ ,~, a~,,> at a private~ar~ Accord-ing to ~eir embassy[ the time that repeal is achieved Phillips said she will issue a permanent ¯ ,....; , ., injunction pr@ibiting th~ military from police released the men to their employers eour.~onms.ago, we as~d the presment enforcing Dont Ask, Dont %11. She gave while charges were being processed. In 2007 to stop military &scharges while the U.S. LCR until Sept. 16 to submit proposed the newspaper Okaz reported the public Congress haggled over our rights," the group language for the injunction and gave the U.S. government until Sept. 23 to respond to LCR’s submission. "She could at that point stay the injunction pending an appeal or, as Judge (Vaughn) Walker did (in the federal Prop 8 case), she could deny such a stay but grant a temporary stay to allow the government to seek a stay pending an appe~i from the 9th Circuit," said Jon Davidson, legal director of Lambda Legal. If no stay is issued, it is unclear whether Phillips’ ruling would take effect nationwide or just in California’s Central District of the federal courts. "This is an historic moment and an historic ruling for the gay military community," said Servicemembers United Executive Director Alexander Nicholson, who was ldcked out of the M’my under DADT. "_As the only named injured party in this Case, I am exceedingly proud to have been a~ble to represent all who have been impacted and had their lives ruined by this blatantly unconstitutional polio/. ~,We are finally on our way to vindication." Gay activists responded to the ruling by calling on President Barack Obama to cease enforcement ofD~T immediately and demanding that the U.S. Justice Department decline to appeal Phillips’ decision. flogging of two men in the city of Al-Bahah after being found guilty of sodomy. N~e sentence was 7,000 lashes." California Supremes rebuffProp 8 proponents The forces that want to keep Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage in California, cafft catch a break. The state Supreme Court on Sept. 7 slapped down an effort by conservative activists to force Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown to defend Prop 8 in the federal case that was appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after U.S. District Judge Vaughn W;alker found in August that Prop 8 violates the U.S. Constitution. None of the governmental entities that were stied in the federal case is interested in defending Prop 8, so the appeal to the 9th Circuit w~ filed by the activists who put Prop 8 on the ballot. It is unlikely; however, that the activists have "standirlg" to mount an appeal, since it’s not their job to defend California’s constitution. said. "He didn’t respond, and we’re now seeing the result ofthis complete lack of presidential leadership and courage. So we’re taking the fight back to the White House." "We need volunteers to help us hold the president accountable and meet him headon during this election season, asldng him at each campaign stop and at each fundraising part); ’\ghen will the discharges end?’" the direct-action group said. "Now its time for our ’fierce advocate’ to .step up to the plate for us." Nearly 80 percent ofAmericans support repealing DADT, according to a recent CNN poll If the Senate had passed DADT repeal and President Barack Obama signed it, nothing would have happened right away. That’s because oflanguage in the bill that delays.repeal until three things take place: the Pentagon completes a study by Dec. 1 on how to implement DADT repeal; Obama, Defense SecretalT Rdbert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Michael Mullen certify that the military wilt not be harmed by implementing DADT repeal in accord ;with the Pentagon’s plans; and 60 additional days pass after the certification. @ October 1, 2010 @ 5 Handicapping the Prop 8 Appeal: A Photo Finish Horse Race By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ "Ihere has been much constructive talk, as well as arm-chair quarter-back style blogging and blathering in conjunction with California’s Prop 8 trial (Perry v. Sch,varzenegger, http://tinyurl.com/2utbpsd ) as to whether this is a good time for Ted Olson and David Boles, worldng for the American Foundation for Equal Rights (http://vcww. equalrightsfoundation.org/), to bring to the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) a case that could, if lost; set a precedent that ~vould allow the Religious Right’s discriminatory dogma to remain on the statute books as settled law. These proscriptions would be enforced despite the First Amendment’s first clause that denies a legal haven for any particular religious belief. Some of the squeamishness in presenting a same-gender marriage case to SCOTUS rotates around the center of the US Supreme Court’s current composition, namely Justice Anthony Kennedy, well known as the "swing vote" in many of the single vote majority decisions of the highest court in America. SCOTUS is currently balanced with four justices, each generally voting liberal or conservative with Justice Kennedy being the pivot. ( http://en.xvikipedia.org/wild/ Anthony_Kennedy ) Here is a golden nugget of gay equality history from Justice Kennedy’s prior time on the Ninth Circuit Court ofAppeals, the position he held prior to his appointment to SCOTUS. "LeBlanc requested a restraining order in Federal Court, and no less than now-Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy was one of the woo Ninth Circuit Court ofAppeals judges who, while not ruling the ban itself was wrong [gays serving openly in the US military], surprisingly ordered the Marines either give him an honorable discharge or retain him until his case could go to trial. They chose the former." (http://tinyurl. com/23ugk69 ) Justice Kennedy wrote the majority opinion in the case Romer v. Evans, 6-3, that turned back the Colorado voter-passed Constitutional Amendment 2 that was the mother of anti-gay discrimination bills. Colorado’s Amendment 2 was even more broad than the subsequent marriage amendments in that it prevented any governing body in the state to offer legal protection to gay/lesbian citizens. Again in a major victory for gay/lesbian equality, Justice Kennedy delivered the majority opinion, 6-3, in the Lawrence v. Texas case striking down sodomy laws that criminalized private, non-commercial, sexual activity between consenting adults. Contrary to what flat-earth groups such as Focus on the Family or National Organization for Marriage want their followers to believe, having a voter-passed amendment added to any state’s constitution or civil code can and has been overturned by a state or federal supreme court. ~Pais principle of justice in the American legal system is vital to continued progress for rights as outlined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights can not be used as prizes in a majority voter raffle aimed at installing any particular religious or social view. Citizenship with its attendant responsibilities, obligations, and benefits should not be subject to partisan popularity. As Judge Walker wrote in his unprecedented ruling overturning California’s Prop 8 gay discrimination amendment, "In the absence of a rational basis, what remains of proponents’ case is an inference, amply supported by evidence in the record, that Proposition 8 was premised on the belief that same-sex couples simply are not as good as opposite-sex couples. W’hether that belief is based on moral disapproval of homosexuality, animus towards gays and lesbians or simply a belief that a relationship between a man and a woman is inherently better than a relationship between two men or two women, this belief is not a proper basis on which to legislate." (p. 132, http://tinyurl.com/2utbpsd ) Just as racists are at perfect liberty to retain their moral disapproval of interracial marriage, just as die-hard religious fundamentalists can retain their belief that a particular denomination should write laws of the country, moral disapproval of gays and lesbians, as ~vell as the content of our private lives, can continue to occupy their every waking moment as it has in the past. The only thing that will change with the full recognition of gay/lesbian citizenship will be the diminution of diversity-deprived, sexually immature adults to impose their private thoughts and neuroses on the rest of the country. Whether Justice Kennedy will be the deciding vote remains to be seen. His judicial philosophy indicates he adheres to precedent. His two opinions recognizing our gay/lesbian equality are good indicators of how he might vote in the inevitable appeal of Prop 8. However, the health ofJustice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is not strong. Considering the outcome ofthe November, 2010 elections, the majority party of the Senate will be vital to the appointment of a successor to Ginsburg. In the two and-a-half years of the Obama Administration, the President has shown himself not able to muster the "fire in the belly" needed to press for his court appointees. ( http:l/tinyurl.com129xbhr4 ) The two ne~vest justices appointed by Obama, Sotomayor and Kagan, have not been on the Court long enough to have a reasonable record of voting to draw conclusions. Court appointees don’t always adhere to the expectations of the appointing president, Justice David Souter being a recent example. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wild/ David_Souter ) I strongly think the Prop 8 appeal will be decided not so much on the strong argument presented by Olson and Boles as much as on the accidents of health and political expediency. In other words, a real race to the finish. Further reading-- You can read more about Colorado’s Amendment 2 (Romer v. Evans) here: general information http!//en.wikipedia. org/wild/Romer v. Evans and the SCOTUS decision http://tinyurl.com/24xa2oc You can read about the overturning sodomy laws (Lawrence v. Texas) here: general information http://en.wildpedia.org/ wild/Lawrence v. Texas and the SCOTUS decision http://tinyurl.comhmvu4ry Tulsa AIDS Walk Saturday ,October. 2nd: 9am TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa’s annual AIDS Walk. The Walk is only 2 miles and raises money for a great cause. The walk route is .from 21st to 31st along Riverside Drive Xgalldng Trail back to Veterans Park. Suggested Donation: $20, but anyone can walk without making a donation. You must sign a registration form ifyou plan to walk. The AIDS Walk helps mamy of the clients served by The AIDS Coalition ofTulsa. Visit the website and donate by using Pay Pal. http://www.tulsaaidswalk.org/You and your family and friends can form a walking team, collect contributions and bring your donations to AIDS Walk or send a check to the Tulsa AIDS Walk at Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership, 16 East 16th, Suite 202, Tulsa, OK 74119, Attention: Janice Nicklas. If you have any further questions contact Janice Nicklas at jnicklas@csctulsa.org or 918-949-0447. Proceeds from the Tulsa AIDS Walk benefit Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership (TCAP), a program of the Community Service Council. TCAP provides funding for the National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps Team Tulsa and local AIDS service organizations. T.U.L.S.A. to host weekend ofeducation & competition TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Tulsa Uniform and Leather Seekers Association (T.U.L.S.A.) invites you to Tulsa, Oklahoma October 8-10 for a weekend of education competition, and the Oklahomg Mr. Leather Contest. Friday night October 8 starts out with a Bar Crawl, leaving from Club Maverick at 8:00 pm traveling to local dubs and ending back at Club Maverick for the introduction of contestants and judges around midnight. Saturday afternoon three educational classes beginning at noon. The Oklahoma Mr. Leather contest is at Club Maverick, beginning at 9 pm. Leather Masters from Dallas, Texas ,;viii serve as the vendor. . Weekend registration is only $65 which will include entry to all weekend events, the hospitality suite located at the Days Inn, 1- 244 & Sheridan, the host hotel, and an OML 2011 tshirt and commemorative run pin. If you’d like to compete, advertise, or register to attend, head to http://v~,rw.tulsaleather.com/ and click on "OML"! N the congregation and supporters, that goal has been accomplished. There are npw are testing rooms, classrooms and a reception area for the Center. Through collaboration with other agencies, the center provides HIV testing and referrals 5 days a week, The Center is operated utilizing volunteers from the church and community, side by side with the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Red Rock Behavioral Health Services, Latino Community Development Agency and Guiding Right, Inc. "Expressions, as a church and a community center has most recently partnered with Other Options; Friends Food Pantry and Be the Change which will allow us to reach even deeper into the needs of the HIV/AIDS community and the homeless youth of Oklahoma City," adds Spurgin proudly. "We plan to add more space for HIV outreach and testing, as well as syphilis testing. We are also hoping to bring in an HIV/AIDS Case Manager here at the Center." They are currently in the fundraising stage to expand our services to the community. This will include building additional offices and acquiring additional square footage. Tnere are also a variety of support groups and classes held at the Center. "Our vision for the Center is to expand into the entire property at the corner of NW 39th Street and Youngs Bird, so our community will have a true living and thriving Community Center," Spurgin concludes. "I believe as long as we keep our heart focused on God’s love through relevant messages and opening our arms up to the community, through love and grace, we will continue to see more collaboration through the church and center so hearts can be healed." Located at 4010 N. Youngs Blvd, the Center is open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 9pm and on Friday afternoons from lpm to 5pm. Expressions Church services are Sunday mornings at 1 lam and Thursday evenings at 7pm. For more information please visit their website at www. ExpressionsOKC.com or call their office at (405) 528-2210. No matter who are on life’s -Ilte~erend ~r. K~hy 3131 ~. Pennsylvania, 405.5~5.9555 October 1, 2010 @ 7 Lyric eatre announces most ambitious season to date OI~AHOlvL~, OK (PR) __ Lyric ~l]~eatre, Oklahoma’s leading professional theatre company; announces its 2011 Season, incIuding Always... Patsy Cline (January 26- February 5); Boeing Boeing (March 30- April 9); Oliver! (June 21-25); Hairspray 0uly 5-9); Ragtime (July 19-23); A Chorus Line (August 2-6); Altar Boyz (October 12-22) and A Christmas Carol (December 9-31). Lyric Theatre’s new Artistic Directm; Michael Baron, wants to make Lyric ~eatre’s 2011 Season full of fun and excitement with eight great shows including Lyric Theatre’s new" holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol. During the 2011 Season, ~,ric Theatre will perform on two separate stages. Four shows will be performed at Lyric’s Plaza Theatre on N\V 16th Street and the remaining four shows will be performed during the summer at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oldahoma City. Starting Lyric’s 2011 Season is Always... Patsy Cline. See countW music legend Patsy Cline come to life this winter at Lyric Theatre’s Plaza stage. This show introduces 27 musical renditions of her unforgettable hits such as "Crazy", "I Fall to Pieces,, "Sweet Dreams" and "Walldng After Midnight". Share the power of friendship betvceen Patsy and her number one fan, Louise Seger, before Cline’s tragic death in 1963. ~xis endearing true stoW combines humor, ,vith sincerity and gives fans a chance to remember the most acclaimed female countW vocalist of the 20th century. ~-ric presents its only pla~, Boeing Boeing, at the Plaza. ~xe Tony Awardwinning comedy is a hilarious 1960’s romp, immortalized by JerW Lewis and Ton~ Curtis on film, has a handsome bachelor juggling three international flight attendant fiancds. Lyric will continue its 2011 Season with Oliver! at the Civic Center Music Hall. Based on the Dickens novel, Oliver ~B~cist, this new production combines heartbreak and triumph, while delighting audiences with outstanding musical theatre gems like ~Food, Glorious Food", "I’d Do Bmything", "Where is Love?" and "As Long As He Needs Me". Dickens characters come alive once again through music and dancing for a new generation of theatre-goers to experience for the first time. The second show on the Civic Center stage is the Tony Award-winning fun-loving musical, Hairspray. ~atch Baltimore’s new teen celebrit3~ TraW Turnblad, a girl with big hair and an even bigger voice, as she dances her way into everyone’s hearts. En.joy hit tunes like ’~Mama, I’m a Big Gift Now" and "Welcome to the ’60s" that take Tracy from the crazy local TV dance show to d~e hippest downtown rhythm and blues record shop. In July, come to Civic Center and enjoy the Tony Award-winning musical, Ragtime. A show about a powerful portrait of life in turn-of-the-century America and a moving, relevant story for today: Based on E.L Doctorow’s distinguished novel, the musical intertwines the stories of three extraordinary families, as they confront history’s timeless contractions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America. The ultimate "Singular Sensation", A Chorus Line, will dance its way this summer onto the Civic Center Music Hall stage. ~lt~is timelessly stunning musical will astonish those who have ever had a dream for the Broadway stage. For 25 dancers, it’s the one opportunity to do what they’ve always wanted -- to have the chance to dance. With its brilliantly complex fusion of dance, song and compellingly authentic drama, you will love this brand-new production as Lyric Theatre re-invents a classic. Back on the Plaza stage, Lyric Theatre will perform its Oldahoma premier ofAttar Boyz. Altar Boyz is a foot-stomping, rafter-raising, musical comedy about a fictitious boy-band on the last night of their national "Raise the Praise" tour. The Boyz are five all-singing all-dancing heartthrobs from Ohio: Matthew,; Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham. Lyric will close its 2011 Season with a spectacular new Oklahoma holiday tradition at the Plaza Theatre, Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. Capture the magic and joy of Christmas as the ghosts of Past, Present and Future lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a powerful journey of transformation and redemption. With over 20 Christmas carols, beautiful costumes, and lots of snow! This timeless story ~vill get your family into the holiday spirit with a production that’s musically high-spirited and infectiously jolly. Current season subscribers may renew their season tickets now through October 29th. To become a season subscriber, ........... tickets go on sale November 1st, 2010. For the convenience of our loya! season subscribers, Lyric Theatre is providing three season subscription packages for the 2011 Season. Season tickets range from $94-$322 depending on what musical package you chose. Performances are on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. For information abofit the 2011 Season subscription packages or to purchase tickets go to www.lyrictheatreokc.com, call (405) 524-9312, come by Lyri.c Theatre’s ticket office located on 1727 NW 16 St., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Single tickets are now available for the remaining 2010 season shows ofThe Rocky Horror Show, showing from October 14-31 and December Divas, showing December 16-18. Call the Lyric Box office at (405) 524- 9312 or go to wv~alyrictheatreokc.com. Art Opening and E.xhibit o£Origina1 Works. stained, £t sed and cast glass £rom G ass Star-ion" TULSA, OK (PR) __ ~e October Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit oftocaI artists at the Dennis R; Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in Downtown ~alsa), will feature the art from "The Glass Station". The show begins with a reception on Thursda> October 7th from 6- 9pro and continues throughout the month. The October Oklahomans for Equality (Old,q) shmvcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature the Art from "The Glass Statioff’ with creations by Carole Odearno, Judy Hopica, Angela Bland, Chris White, Valerie Greenhaw, and Sue Underwood The Glass Station is a place to come and create a vision in stained, fused or cast glass. People from all professions create their ideas for stained glass or fused glass to be given as gifts, added to their art collection or to enhance their home decor. The owner Danna Ozbun has been c~eating and teaching sta!ned glass for 16 years and fused glass fo~ 10 9d~ Valerie Greenhaw has been working with and teaching stained glass techniques for 10 years and fused glass techniques for 9 years. Sid Clanton has been creating and teaching stained glass techniques for 20 years. The show begins with a reception on ~ursday, October 7th from 6-9pm and continues throughout the month, w~vw. theglassstationok.com 918.258.3651. are By Steven Petrow &ez~e~ ..Pet~’o,# is tl~e g~thor of"7/3e E,sential BooL, ofGay Manners &Etiq,ette. "Send him your questioi~s at queeries@live.com. Online relationships are just like offline ones. Peeling back ~e layers of someone’s life and person~aliv shouldhappen in a gradual way, as you build up trust. October 1,2010 ~ 9 By Ronald Blake Contributing Writer Ronald Blake, Certified Fitness Inswuctor d~rou,gh [SSA b~t~rnational Sports &iences A~ociation How to begin! So how do you begin a new fitness t~’aining program? It starts with levity and fun. The key to life is to enioy that very thing...life. How to do that? Fun...fun with moderate doses of responsibility. As a fitness trainer, my iob is r. encourage you to take responsibility for your life. Maybe not quite to the degree of your friendly neighborhood preacher who pounds the pulpit and proclaims all homosexuals doomed to kiss the conflagration of hell because of their evil and irresponsible ways. I’m a kinder, gender more compassionate kind of fitness trainer, at least that’s what they taught me when I was still a straight boy in college. Then I saw the light when I ran into this self-absorbed fitness enthusiast who converted me into a rainbow flag-waving, Prada dressing extrovert and taught me that I too could earn a free toaster if I transmogrified three breeder boys to the dark side. No more tangent thoughts or digressions! This is a fitness column and I’ve gotta save you heathens from your licentious and hedonistic lifestyles! So as I was saying.., any fitness program you embrace should involve fun. Yeah, working out does involve hard ,york and dedication. We all know that. It should also be something you look forward to and get excited about. Otherwise, why do it? But yes, there is hard work involved and I would be remiss ifI didn’t mention that. Afteg all I come from a corn-fed Midwestern background that is engrained with a great work ethic! Wily else do you think fellbw Hoosiers like David Letterman, Orville Redenbacher, Kurt Vonnegut, and Michael Jackson would be so successful? During my numerous years of training dients and coaching high school athletes, I have stressed one thing and that is for them to simply enjoy the ride as each day passes. I involve trivia contests, singing, motivational handouts, music, vocabulary lessons, and endless anecdotes about my life into my training programs. In many ways I feel like an entertainer who tries to regale my clients with the lighter side of it all. Fitness trainin~ should be a method of escaping the harsh realities of the daily grind. It makes a perfect opportunity to channel any frustrations or aggressmns in an appropriate manner. I have informed my clients that they might not have control over what goes on in life but that they certainly have the power to control what goes on in their lives. ~lis control exists in workouts, training runs, bike rides, yoga classes, and other exercise routines. This control should be used when deciding the "who" and "where" of your workout. First who will you ~vorkout with? Choose someone who will motivate you, make you laugh, and validate the quality person that you are. Choose someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and goal-oriented. Choose someone who will help you change your life for the better. Then where will you work out? Choose someplace that has pretty curtains, Tiffany lamps, and leather recumbent sofas. What? It’s not really my cup o’ tea but hey, if it works for you then do it! You need to choose a place that fits your style and personality and a l~lace that wil! allow you to have fun during your workout sessions. Find that place where you can adjust the radio to any station and any volume. Find that place where you can tak~ offyour shirt and walk around flexing in front of the mirrors like you would at your favorite gay haunt on a Saturday night. Find someplace that is relaxed and understanding. We all want results when we begin a fitness routine. It just doesn’t need to be approached as a dreaded task. You have the power! You have the control! You can have fun! Two ofmy favorite motivational sayings are from Victor Borge and Mary Pettibone Poole respectively: "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people" and "He who laughs, lasts." This Creep ofthe Month By D’Anne xYgitkowski D’Anne Witkowski has beet, gayforpay since 2003. She’s afi’eelance writer andpoet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on thk creeps ofthe world,he reviews rock ),’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sistrr "ToW Perkins" S_~: Brz~n Fleming claims thatgay soldie~" can’t be trusted becauseyou wouMn’t know ifthey had ’Tnapprop~v~te" motivesfbr wanting to beyourfiqenc£ 2Vever mind that DADTis a recipefbr mistrust since it’s a poli~ based on dishonesl): vmTbody loves a parade, don’t they? Especially gays. Mad gay-loving militaries the world over. I mean, with homos in the ranks. they aren’t much for fighting, but the)) can build a fabulous flotilla of floats. Or so ToW Perkins of the Family Research Council thinks. On Sept. 17, Perkins hosted a "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" panel at the Values Voters Summit, which is basically a circuit party for social conservatives - except there’s no dancing, since gyrations of any kind are the devil’s movements. Perkins claims "our military is under immense attack from within our country" because Obama has made it a priority r. "force the military to embrace homosexuality" regardless of "what the military thought." And to explain what the military thinks, Perkins was flanked by retired Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis, a senior fellow for defense policy at FRC, and Sgt. Brian Fleming, a young man injured twice in Afghanistan. Fleming claims that gay soldiers can’t be trusted because you wouldn’t know if they had "inappropriate" motives for wanting to be your friend. Never mind that DADT is a recipe for mistrust since it’s a policy based on dishonesty. Maginnis calls the U.S. military a "moralbased organization" (because it’s moral for a dude to kill another dude, so long as he doesn’t kiss another dude). And since no moral person would want to be around a bunch of queers, Perkins claims that ifwe let gays into the military ’’we will see Bible-believing chaplains being forced out of the military and not joining the military, leaving a huge vacuum." Letting gays serve openly would be to "just stab (service members) in the heart" and would be "suicide for an all-volunteer force," according to Maginnis. "That’s ~vhy countries ... that have the 10 largest militaries in the world say, ’No, this isn’t the thing to do,’" Maginnis says. Perkins chimes in: "~Well, those that do (let gays serve), they’re the ones that participate in parades, they don’t fight wars to keep the nation (and) the world free." The crowd bursts into applause and Maginnis responds, "Right." Except, you know, not right. In fact, not only are the countries that allow gays and lesbians to serve openly more than glorified color guards, several of them are actually U.S. allies. Take Israel, for example, where gay and lesbian troops have been serving openly since 1993. And then there are countries that have sent troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Now, I’m not a military expert, but I have a feeling these allied troops are doing more than dressing up as clowns and riding unicycles while throwing candy to smilirig Iraqi and Afghan children lining the streets (although I do admit I think soldiers dressed as mimes would be an excellent psychological warfare tactic. This responsibility would obviously fall to the French). Oh, by the wa3~ those countries "that have the 10 largest militaries in the world" and who also reject homos include China, Russia, North Korea and Egypt. As Matt Gertz of Media Matters says, "That’s generally not a list you want your country to be on where human rights issues are concerned." But that would be a real bummer. So Perkins makes a hilarious joke about tranny soldiers trying r, figure out which uniform to wear. And everybody laughs. Ban ’uptc¥ * Civil Rights *Criminal ’ment * Family Law * Litigation 13th S ree : CitV, OK 73103 the Nation’s Top ..............~~ October 1, 2010 ~ 11 i~ Hous~ How ~s Q r ~ncumb®nt David Dank 2 October 1, 2010 T CAND~ ~S YOUR ~NDEPENDT - A STRONG ENViRONMENTALiST - PRO-CHOICE ¯,. A SUPPORTER OF EQUAU~ FOR ALL O~LAHOMANS Lisa LarnpaneIli: One Mean Q,Eeen Comedian on gay marriage, celebrity roasts and how we screwed up~h~r life - By Chris Azzopardi There’s nothing like hearing a familiar voice on the other end of the line, and Lisa Lampanelli’s is just as I remember it: loud and mean, like she’s burping up Sue Sylvester. "What’s up you big fag face?" she razzes in her bawdy blurt. And I’d be shocked, like I admittedly was during our first interview just over three years ago, had this not been our fourth chat together. So how she’s doing now? "Sick of straighties!" she says. Which is unusual for the selfdubbed "Lovable Queen of Mean," who’s typically trashing the minorities. But the insult comic’s bad-mouthing, like the greeting she swooned me with, is just her way of sc0oping you up into a big bear hug and gently placing a soft kiss on your forehead, like you’d imagine ftom someone who looks as bingo grandma as she does. Ridicule doesn’t exactly express a tender fondness, but Lampanelli dishes it out fairly, so at least nobody feels left out. Now that’s love. She’s experiencing the real thing lately, falling for a guy she wouldn’t typically, if you know Lampanelli, go for: a white one. "I know - I’ve disappointed everyone," she pouts. "But he’s Italian, so when I tour the South he’s still looked at like a colored, so it all works out." The wedding is set for October at the historical Friars’ Club in New York, and unlike most stars, the Connecticut-born comedian’s hungry for any Idnd of publicity. Her people even suggested it as a talking point. "I’m whoring out everything, are you kidding?" Lampanelli admits. "Who wants to talk about their wedding? Me! ’Cause I’m, like, fucking romantic, okaaay?" Will she hire a gay wedding planner? "Nooo! Screw those dirty faggots. I’m not going to support you and your gay lifestyle. You guys should’ve listened to Howard (Stern) and heard my price because I’m not telling you, because you fucking faggots are all jealous of me and my $300,000 wedding ... oh, did I let that slip out?!" Then we logically jump into gay marriage, and in her own lovingly backward way she wonders why it’s such a big deal to us because "you have the best out in the world." She continues: "We should say yes to gay marriage but outlaw gay divorce and see how you like it." ........Continued See LISA Page-19 October 1, 2010 By Andrew Collins Andrew Collins cove,s gay m~velfor the New Drk ~’mes-owned website Abou~;com and is the a~thor ofFodor’s Gay Guide to the USA. Travel in America’s Las I recently returned from my second rrip to Americgs largest and least populated (by densiw) state, Alaska. ~ese facts aren’t a big surprise to most people, but sometimes it’s difficult to grasp the state’s sheer dimensions - for example, Alaska is about 15 times bigger than Pennsylvania, but Pennsylvania has 17 times the number of residents. Beyond coming up with startling (and geographically geeky) trivia facts like these, it’s difficult to describe Alaska’s terrain and scenery without resorting to trite superlatives. It’s truly a land you need to visit to even begin to comprehend. The leading highlights for most visitors are up-close views of massive glaciers (dozens of them in some areas), a fascinating array ofwildlife, and North America’s highest peak (20,320-foot Mt. McKinley, in Denali National Park). Alaska also offers some of the world’s most exciting kayaking, fishing, rafting, hiking and campir~g (not to menti0n’dog-sledding). This An excellent general GLBT resource for the state is BentAlaska.com, a website with events, news, and organizations of interest to the communitT, plus a list of gay-friendly businesses. Taking a Cruise in Maska Even if you’re not especially enamored of cruise vacations, traveling by boat is without question the best way to see southeastern Alaska’s scenery, including areas like Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord. Many major cruise lines offer Alaska cruises, with Holland America Line (http://www. hollandamerica.com) and Princess Cruises (http://www.princess.com) offering the greatest variety of itineraries, along with the exceptional line of smaller, upscale ships, Cruise West (http://www.cruisewest.com). These are all extremely gay-friendly and gay-popular Cruise lines. Several GLBTis { state ric~:in his,tory- from indigenous oriented tour operators, notably RSVP culture to tales of Russian trappers and U.S. Vacations (http://www.rsvpvacations.com), gold-fortune seekers. And the abundance of Olivia (http://www.olivia.com), Atlantis delicious fresh seafood makes this a terrific dining destination. Alaskh is ideally suited to outdoorsy travelers, but - thanks to cruise ships and scenic railroads - it’s also relatively easy .to enjoy the natural beauty from a comfy and controlled environment. Is "Ihere a Gay Scene in Alaska? Let’s put it this way: I wouldn’t recommend traveling to Alaska expressly to partake of gay nightlife, or meeting other "family." Anchorage is a large, modern city with a couple of gay bars, induding the extremely fun and friendly dance club Mad Myrna’s (http:llwww.alaska.net!-madmyrna) - you’ll also find some excellent museums and many stellar restaurants in Anchorage. The state’s second largest city, Fairbanks, has a small but active GLBT scene, some of it tied in Alaska’s oldest college, the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Juneau, with a population of about 30,000, is the state capital and is generally considered the most progressive city in the state - a fair number of gay folks live here, and bars and restaurants are generally quite friendly. Also noteworthy is tiny but funky Talkeetna, midway between Bmchorage and Denali National Park. This cool little village is a great base for exploring Denali and a haven of free-spirits (it was the inspiration for TV’s Northern Exposure). Throughout Alaska. and especially around Anchorage, you’l! find many gay-owned and gay-friendly inns and B&Bs. There’s a good list of these at PurpleRoofs.com (http://www:purpleroofs. co m!usa/alaska/alaskaregion.hmal). (http://www.adantisevents.com) book all-gay charter trips on some of the major lines that ply Alaska waters, including Holland America and Princess, as well as Carnival (http:// www.carnival.com), Celebrity (http://www. celebritycruises.com), Norwegian (http:// wvw2.ncl.com), and Royal Caribbean (http://www.royalcaribbean.com). Also note that such ultra-luxurious lines as Silversea (http://www.silverseaships.com) and Regent Seven Seas (http://www.rssc.com) regularly visit Alaska. Even on cruises booked to the general public, you’ll nearly always find gay and lesbian passengers (and certainly some crew). And on these cruises, there’s usually at least one and sometimes several GLBT mixers or meet-ups onboard during the week. If you’d like to find other gay travelers booked on the same cruise, or read other GLBT feedback related to cruise travel, check out the gay/ lesbian cruising forum at Cruisemates.com (http://www.cruisemates. tom/forum/gaylesbian- cruising). I can speak very positively about Alaska cruises based on my recent sailing aboard Holland America’s exceptionally well-outfitted Statendarri. I traveled ~vith my family; seven of us altogether, and we chose a particularly glacier-intensive itinerary, through the Inside Passage, with calls at Ketchikan, Juneau (my favorite), and Skagway, plus a day each sailing through Glacier Bay- and College Fjord. I’m not, for the record, a general fan of cruise vacations - iust a personal preference, as I’m more partial to the freedom of road-tripping, and traveling without a set itinerary. But this Harvard Glacier is one ofthe highlights ofa cruise through Alaska’s breathtaking College Fjord. Holland kanerica cruise was a wonderful adventure from start (out of Vancouver) to finish (in Seward). And if you are planning a trip with a few friends or relatives, a cruise can be ideal in terms of logistics, value and the pure fun of sharing countless memorable experiences together. Alaska cruises range greatly in price, starting for as little as $600 per person, based on double-occupancy, with an inside cabin on one of the less-fancy ships that visit the region, such as the Carnival Spirit or Norwegian Star - this is also assuming you book during the shoulder months (May and September). For a stateroom with balcony on an upscale line like Holland America, expect to pay $1,500 or more, depending on the size of the cabin, the particular ship, and the time ofskiling (June through August are high season). And if there were ever a great time to splurge for a balcony cabin, it’s an Alaska cruise, as a huge part of the experience is observing the magnificent scenery from aboard the ship. If yon’re averse to organized-group travel, would like to combine driving your own car with traveling by ship, or simply enjoy the excitement and relative affordability of ferryboat transportation, consider a do-it-yourself version of an Alaska cruise: traveling the Alaska Maritime Highway System (http:// www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/index.shtml). You can get around via this extensive network of state-operated ferries, just as many Alaskans get from town to town, either without a car or - at considerably greater expense - with one. This is an adventurous way to sail through the Inside Passage, starting either dmvn in Bellingham, Washington, or much closer to Alaska in the Canadian port city of Prince Rupert. The ferry stops at all the major towns in southeast Alaska. You can also sail via the ferry system through Prince \Villiam Sound and to Kodiak Island (with stops in Valdez, Cordova, Whittier, Homer, and others), or through southwestern Alaska’s remote Aleutian Chain, from Chignik all the way to Unalaska/Dutch Harbor. Again. traveling with a car and sleeping onboard in cabins can make this a fairly costly trip - figure on about $800 to $900 for two passengers, a car. and a cabin for a one-way trip from Port Rupert to Skagway. But you can choose an itinerary that allo~vs you to get on and offat a number of ports, and it’s still cheaper and allows for greater flexibility than a cruise. Touring Maska on Land Whether you reach Alaska by cruise ship, plane or car (the 2,300-mile drive from Great Falls, Montana to Fairbanks on the Alaska- Canada Highway is quite a memorable undertaking), it’s worth taking some time to explore some parts of the state’s rugged and largely unspoiled interior. Many cruise lines offer one-way itineraries (as opposed to "loop" itineraries, that return you back to Vancouver, Seattle, or wherever the cruise started). These begin or end in Alaska, typically in a port that’s relatively close to Anchorage, such as Whittier or Seward. This latter community, home to the superb Alaska SeaLife Center aquarium and Kenai Fjords National Park, is where my recent Holland America cruise ended. From here my family and I rented a couple of cars and explored the area, continued on to Anchorage, and then spent two nights up in Talkeema. Other notable areas within relatively easy driving distance ofAnchorage and the Kenai Peninsula include the charming little vacation town of Girdwood, which is home to upscale Alyeska Resort; Homer, a popular fishing town; and Whittier, which has kayaking and boating on Prince William Sound plus access to several stunning glaciers. Farther afield and also wellworth investigating are Denali National Par.k (4 to 5 hours north ofAnchorage), Fairbanks (2 hours farther north of Denali), and Valdez (6 to 7 hours east ofAnchorage). One way to explore the interior without a car, as far north as spectacular Denali National Park and on up to Fairbanks, is via the scenic Alaska Railroad (http://ww~v. alaskarailroad.com). Many Alaska cruises offer post- or pre-trip options that includes several days on the railroad, or you can book a your own railroad package, which includes riding the railroad’s gleaming railcars past incredible scenery, tours at different stops, and overnight hotel accommodations. These packages range .................Continued SeeALASKA Page-19 October 1, 2010 15 Photo’s by Victor G. Out &About in Oklahoma @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa OKC AIDS Walk and Run Double attendance from 2009 By Jeanne Flanigan Metro Star Team O~HOMLA CITX~ OK The 2010 OKC AIDS xTchlk and Run was held on a beautiful Sunday September 19 in the heart of Bricktown, this time at Sonic Headquarters with double-the attendance from last year. AIDS \Valk Board President John Greet estimated that over 88 runners and over 1000 walkers participated this yeal; including Teleflora and AAA. Volunteers fi’om Dell Computers, \V-gaigreens, BancFirst, United \Ygay, Sonic, the Red Cross and others signed in participants, sold T-shirts, set up the course, and also provided water and relief to organizations that had booths surrounding the Sonic building. . The route for the \Valk was changed this year due to renovations going on at the Myriad Gardens where the festival had been held in the past, so Sonic generously donated their space for this event. Canopies for the booths were provided by OKC Pride. ~e booths ran along the north side of the Sonic building, facing the Bricktown Canal with a DJ on the canal dock. AIDS Walk OKC raises money for grants to nonprofit organizations that provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS. During 2010 AIDS Walk OKC has held fundraising awareness of the need for the vital services these organiz,~tions provide. An award was given to Johnny Norris and the Friends of the Hilo who have consistendy raised thousands of dollars for AIDS Walk OKC for the past 18 years with their Turnabout Show, which this year,raised over $4000. Other fundraisers were organized by Sonja Martinez and Dee Britt at Partners, Nick Post at the Copa, KJttT Bob Aimes ar the Boom, and at the Pride Festival as well as individual house parties. Greer said these fundraisers would happen again next year and into the future. In 2009 eight organizations were awarded grants to continue their work to help those living with HIV. Earnings from the 2010 AIDS Walk will be announced on the AIDS Walk OKC ,vebsite by October 1. Grants to organizations will be given out after the yearly World AIDS Day Remembrance Service at Mayflower Congregational Church December 1. Organizations helping those living with HIV with 501C3 IRS status can apply for a grant online from October 1 through 31. To apply for a grant or for more information go to www.aids~valkokc.org. @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ OKC AIDS WALK 2010 18 ~ October 1, 2010 @ OKC AIDS WALK 2010 By Ed Sikov Ed Sikov is the author ofDark Victory; 7he Life ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!_/ms andfilmmakers. "Look, darling! A cocl ail just for us!" The puppies were in residence that weekend, which meant the rest of us gorged on calorie-free eye candy, since the boys were untouchable. The best we could do was smell them. Robbie had a distinct personal funk that shifted a little from day to day: top notes of salt water with middle notes of two rank men - Robbie and the previous night’s trick. Kyle, on the other hand, always smelled faintly of Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap, which blended with his naturally sweet disposition to create aromatically the ideal playmate, soulmate, best friend, husband and ultimately survivor, weeping over the grave even as he inherits the fortune. I had a major crush on him. CNN’s prepster-geek reporter Jack Fogg showed up, too, along with his glorious boyfriend, Sammy. Dan came straight from the airport (conference in Cleveland) in a stressed, must-be-medicated state. And with the angel of cocktail creation smiling upon us, it was Craig’s weekend as well. If you found yourself in a Tarantinodesigned slaughterhouse with a large enough beam balance, you could hang Craig on one hook and the rest of us on the opposite end, and Craig would still remain on the ground. Not really, but in the Pines, Craig felt like (and frankly looked like) a mastodon. But he adored the beach and loved Our house, so he braved the stares and not-even-stifled laughs of skinny, giggling twinkles who didn’t have a quarter of Craig’s wit. He dismissed them Bugs Bunny-style as "maroons." We were all in the living room late on Saturday afternoon when Craig, as though by instinct, launched into one of his routines: a frightfully accurate imitation of a certain glamorous 1950s song belter. He ran through bits from _It’s Always Fair Weather_ and _Kismet_, and even the song she sings (uncredited) in Bette Davis’s -~Mr. Skeffington. I was, as usual, enthralled and applauded at the end; Dan grinned with joy. Craig’s Dolores Gray was phenomenal. He even claims to have coached Lypsinka. Jack and Sammy were polite but dueless. Kyle said, with wide-eyed wonder, "Wow! You’re really good! Who was that? She’s amazing!" At which point Robbie Stood up, stretched dramatically to show off his chilired treasure trail, and announced, "Why do bitter queens love clownish women from old movies nobody else cares about? I’m too young for this. I won’t be back for dinner." And out the door he strolled. ’~sshole," said Kyle. Dan seethed. Jack and Sammy kept their mouths shut; they probably agreed with Robbie but were too polite to say it. I was offended across the board - for Craig, for old movies, for the late Dolores Gray- and was paralyzed with outrage. "Robbie’s hot," Sammy observed. Jack threw a pillow at him. "Eureka!" Craig declared. "I have just invented a cocktail to celebrate the revelation that Robbie is an agent of Satan. I always thought there was something suspicious about that flaming red hair. Gents? xX/-ho would like a Bitter Queen?" "What goes into a bitter queen?" Kyle asked innocently. "Nothing! That’s the problem!" Craig batted back. Here’s Craig’s incredibly simple and quite delicious recipe. We collectively added the descriptive details during a slightly sodden dinner: T~ne Bitter Queen Take last night’s martini glass with the dregs still in it, and toss the dregs in the sink. Don’t rinse out the glass. Add a bit too much Jameson Irish Whiskey and three or four dashes ofAngostura Bitters. Plunk a single, pathetic ice cube into the glass. Fo~ the full effect, drink it alone. Variation: "The Bitter Old Queen": use Jameson 12-year Special Reserve. N clearly that not al! Oklahomans shared the vision of the Federal legislation. At a recent meeting of leaders ofLGBT organizations held at the headquarters of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, the FBI agents announced they will be presenting three forums on hate crimes. The public meetings will be held on October 5 in Oklahoma City, October 6 in Tulsa and October 7 in Muskogee, with the FBI represented by Jim \Vindsor,/hny Koons and Doug Straight. The purpose of these forums is to assure the LGBT communitT of the privacy- to be expected when reporting crimes, the interest the FBI has in bringing perpetrators of hate crimes to justice, and to introduce members of various legal and criminal investigation agencies who want to eliminate hate crimes. For more information on the forums or to report a hate crime, contact Cimarron Alliance Foundation at intb@cimarronallince. org, www.crimarronalliance.org, or the FBI at James.straight@ic.fbi.gov. Does that mean divorce is imminent for ~he soon-to-be newlyweds? "I got my prenup all set," she says. "Signed, sealed and delivered!" Lampanelli’s always on top of it, always getting the last laugh; she clobbers the hell out of mankind (gay kind, bla& kind, old kind, handicap kind) with a mouth that never lets up - onstage, duringTV interviews, during this interview. She toned her dirtiness down for a recent _Chelsea Lately_ appearance, but that wasfft all that seemed unusual: Viewers, myself included, sensed awkwardness between the comedian and the show’s host, Chelsea Handler. Lampanelli settles that: "No, you read it wrong, because when we came offwe were like, ’Oh my god, wasn’t that so much fun?!’ like two giddy schoolgirls. You know what it is? You faggots love to stir up trouble! Like, ’Hey, let’s make Kathy Griffin hate Lisa; hey, let’s make Lisa hate Margaret Cho.’ Well, guess what? You don’t have to make me hate Margaret Cho ... because I already do!" Lampanelli backpedals, slipping out a light laugh that’s more sweet than sour, and says she doesn’t really abhor Cho, a constant among her targets. She doesn’t even know the fellow queer-loved comedian, but "I always have to make fun of her because she’s a dirty Asian." So there’s no rivalry among female comedians? "Not from where I sit, because I’m, like, better than them all," she explains, mentioning that Handler is actually producing her upcoming reality show that’s still in negotiations and can’t be discussed. "There’s none between me and Kathy because she’s tough, man. She doesn’t care whom she fucks with; that’s beautiful! A lot of people allude to celebrities, but she just says it, and I’m like, that’s balls! I love that." But Lampanelh"’s own saucy remarks sweep up lots of attention, too, just as they did after she opened the _Roast of David Hasselhoff_ in August on Comedy Central, where she’s also roasted Joan Rivers, Pamela Anderson and William Shatner (next up, she hopes: "The fat lesbian roast. I’d love to do Rosie O’Donnell ... and Oprah Winfrey.’) For Hasselho~s time in the hot seat, Lampanelli said his black and bloated liver could’re starred in _Precious_ and that his career "has crumbled worse than downtown Haiti." Even Perez Hilton thought it was too much. "Oh, she just had her period! She was just a little annoyed, and I get it," Lampanelli says. "But where’s the line? And who’s gonna draw it, some arbitrary FCC or whatever? If you can make it funny - which I obviously did, because I’m, like, the best comedian who ever lived! - then obviously it has not gone too far." When Lampanelli was on the receiving end, the roasters went for the obvious - her love for black men and her voluptuous size. After opening up about her self-esteem battle in her book _Chocolate, Please: My Adventures in Food, Fat, and Freaks_, recently out in paperback, you might wonder if she was more affected than she looked. Not this time, she says. "If they’re funny, I don’t mind them. And they were funny," Lampanelli says, naming Gilbert Gottfried as her favorite that night. "In the past there’s been .jokes that aren’t that great and you’re just like, that kind of hurts. But when the joke is really good, you almost appreciate the comedy more than what they’re saying. These were really clever and I said, ’OK, this is not affecting me.’" Lampanelli breaks off for a bit, mulling over her thoughts a little more until she swings back in: "I mean, it hasn’t yet. Oh my god, maybe now that you mention it I’ll go and binge this afternoon. You faggot, leave it to you to fuck up my life!" Payback’s a bitch, Lisa. from 5 to 12 nights and start around $1,800 per person. Shorter day trips are also available on the Alaska Railroad - among the most rewarding itineraries are the ride from Anchorage to Denali (starting around $150), and the Glacier Discovery Trains to Grandview (starting around $85). Another great option is to book a trip with a local outfitter. Based in Fairbanks, Out in Alaska (http://www.outinalaska.com) is a highly reputable, gay-owned tour operator that offers exciting trips, both camping (starting around $1,800 for six days) and hotel-based (from $2,500 for seven days), to some of the state’s mosvscenic areas. Out in Alaska trips typically last a week to 10 days, have 5 to 10 participants, and include meals, transportation within the regions visited, activities, and - in the case of camping - gear. Some Out in Alaska trips are oriented primarily toward sightseeing and might cover major national parks (Denali, Kanai Fjords, Wrangell-St. Elias) and the regions around Fairbanks and Anchorage. The more activitydriven trips - which can be themed around glacier trekking, hiking, rafting, or kayaking - venture into the state’s remote wilderness, from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the Yukon or Copper rivers. The company also organizes small LGBT group adventures on some Of the mainstream cruises offered through the Inside Passage. However you explore this majestic land, it’s absolutely worth the time and effort to get yourself up here - and to plan on spending a minimum of seven days. When even seasoned travelers talk about "trips of a lifetime" and "most memorable travel experiences," they’re often referring to adventures they’ve undertaken in Alaska. Others also welcome this measure as another sign of progress for Tulsa. Tulsa Human Rights Commission Chairman Tommy Chesbro stated, "It is exciting to see Tulsa moving forward and being more inclusive of all our citizens." Others are not so optimistic. As Tulsan m McGregor put ~t, On the student end I th~nk theyre be,ng set up for failure because school might be a relatively safe zone, but when they get out into the real world in Oklal~oma they will find that they can be freely and openly discriminated against and not only is it legal, but there will be plenty of political leaders around to say that it is perfectly acceptable too." Oldal~omans for Equality is encouraging members of the community to contact t~e Tulsa Board of Education (www.tulsaschools. org/district/admin.shm) to thank the board members for this progressive and courageous step to~vards providing Safety and a better learning environment ~br all students and teachers, especially those of the GLBT community. @ by Greg Fox ~ebsite- www.kylecomics.com E-MM1- KylesBnB@aol.eom emaih bittergirl@qsyndicate,com 20 ~ October 1, 2010 Chuck 8reckenddge 88T "gq~cthcr buying or selling I’ll work hard tbr you. CHECK OUT UNIQUE 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, Arkansas wxwv.magneticvalleyresort.com in~o@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 Abutting Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center, Tulsa Gay Center. Affordable Homes and Apamnents. For more InJb~ation visit: wwt,:ga.y&udyheightstulsa.com By Jack Fertig October 2010 "Click those slippers, Cancer" Venus retrograding across Mars in Scorpio offers a chance to repeat or correct romantic and erotic errors. Stress from Jupiter and Uranus push it toward errors of comic proportions. Keep your sense of humor. A solar aspect from Libra promises that with small effort, grace and aplomb will get you through anything. ARIES (March 20-April 19): When it comes to sexual activity and sexual fulfillment, quality isn’t as easy to get as quantity. Focus on the relationship you have (or the one you want), and be honest about where your sexual needs aren’t being met. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your plans with your friends may be farfetched, even utterly impractical. Don’t push too hard; be open to trimming your sails to a steadier process and a more reliable goal. Share your opinions, but let others take the lead. GE~’~NI (May 21- June 20): You will be noticed; don’t worry about that! Trying to get noticed will only make you look like a grandstanding egoman~ac. Play it cool; focus on your work. Innovative approaches modestly advanced will get you the attention you want. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Hey, Dorothy, click those slippers and take care of business at home! Wanderlust and the search for novelties are mostly counterproductive distractions, but they might inspire playful ways to pep up your domestic life. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Are you out to your family? Raise issues that need to be discussed with them. Still, be careful not to spill too much info. Meaningful relationships deserve openness; tawdry adventures and intimate details are nobody else’s business. WRGO (August 23 - September 22): Don’t shy away from the tough issues with your partner, but be careful not to be too provocative, smug or selfrighteous. It’s not about you. Keep the focus on what’s really important. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Retail therapy is just an enabling term for "shopaholic." Step away from the counter and get a realistic handle on SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Reaching for the future may be more comfortable than resolving erupting issues from the past, but the latter is your foundation so make sure you deal with that. Friends offer perspective and distraction. Be careful to distinguish between the two. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Two paths ahead of you: One is bright and brilliant and offers lots of amazing thrills at considerable risk. The other is much duller and leads through hard work toward success. You know which road to take. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Your ability to collaborate and bring together diverse ideas is what will get you favorably noticed. Resist the tern ptation to show off your sense of economy and resourcefulness. That will just blow up in your face. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Being your own brilliantly spiritual self will probably confuse people and maybe even scare some. Whether you actually win arguments, you may terrify your opposition. Channel that energy into quiet study. Cultivating an air of serene mystery will convey powerful sexiness. Across Story of Greeks that busted some Troians Ml-night bash 0 She played ~vith Sherman on The Jefl~)rsons !5 Brando~ last one was in Paris 1 Simpson trial judge Lance 2 Avoid premature eiaculation 3 Nothing to brag about 4 Tutti-fi’utti ingredient 5 The Sound of MUsic song 6 Takes five your accounts. Yes, you are entitled to a birthday treat, but shouldn’t your friends and family be covering that? SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): It’s not all about you. On the other hand acting as if it were could unlock creative potential. Still, there is a time and a place for indulging in rampant egomania. Keep it where it belongs, and dig for those deep inner truths. Community for People iving H V/A DS 501 c (3) Non P~o£t Organization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to hel p combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mai! ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net 41 Jane Bowles novel of 1943 44 Mttscle Mary’s pride 45 Seafood? 46 Last inning, usually page 22 YOU Chuck and Larrv 12 Surre~ist Magritre !3 Reclined . 14 Hom~ st~ 6fHarper ~e 22 C0 ger eatcher 23 Cart part~ 25 Respondents to 911 26" lay me..2 27 Choice piece of meat 28 State with conviction 30 C!eans (up) 51 Samson et Dalila Composer ~2 Response to a joke, with "it" 53 Enjoy some ladyfingers, e.g. ~6 Winged goddess 57 the line (conformed) ~8 Queens do this 59 \V,?here to see sweaty athletes 12 ~ey have big mouths 13 She got her gun 50 Like a metrosexual 5 ! Type o~ queen 52 Nurses assistants 53 ’Went down on a body part 54 What a guy does nocturnally 55 Use y0ur’butt to demonstrate 58 Mien introduction 59 Nicky, in "Funny Girl" 60 See red 61 Shaft outpu~ 64 SOldier cops 66 Ewe said it! 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OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am A R N T A E N S INIOIB ITIWIO N E INIOIS IAIPIT ITIEIE ITIRIA K 22 October 1, 2010 October 1, 2010 ~ 23 DEMOCRATS "We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality." "What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do, it’s what we can and must do." Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group d the Oklahoma and national Democratic Par~. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues d the GLUT community, we are working to make change and shape history. 20 We meet the I st Tuesday ofevery month at the OKLAHOMA STA DE~MOCRATIC PARTY H~ADQUART~RS (405) 427-3366 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, October 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 10 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Ronald Blake Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Ed Sikov Steven Petrow Rex Wockneer D'Anne Witkowski Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi, Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, September 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/197 The Metro Star Magazine, November 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/195 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/196 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/c141f742e757cbb74c5703b59f50d96e.jpg 9e9cda562c87443ea73568f8ca157dee https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/d356e35cbb901eb137a4d4f61191f365.pdf ebbaa475a5a7c68c3e71dff45ea268b6 PDF Text Text LOCAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS ~ WORLD NEWS ~ THE PREMIER SOURCE LIFESTYLE FOR GLBT FITNESS ~ TRAVEL N ADVICE ENTERTAINMENT OKLAHOMA ClI’4ARI::!ON ALLtANC£ FOUNDATION Oklahoma’s Oldest LGBT Organizations Seal Partnership on page-3 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 9 TwiRer.com/MetroStarNews ..... MetroStarNews.com FREE I SEPTEMBER 1,2010 Roth, Askins, Edmondson speak at Oklahoma Democratic Party event California same-sex marriages Mocked for several more months By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer By Rex Wockner At the Democratic H, ofFame Dinner in ~bematorial candidate Lt. GovernorJari Askins (¢ andfo~Tner Cotporation Commissioner event emcee, Jim Roth. ~ousands march in. California Aug. 4 in celebration ofJudge Vaughn Walker) mding that PropOsition 8 was unconstitutional. Photo @ David Poller (r) Robin D-Townsend OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ At the Oklahoma Democratic Party 2010 Homecoming Rally and Activists Hall of Fame Dinner, Attorney General Drew Edrnondson made it "crystal clear" that he supports Lt. Governor Jari Askins in the race for Governor of Oldahoma. Opponents in the primary dection, both candidates maintained mutual respect noted statewide by citizens as well as many media oudets. Asldns won the nomination garnering 50.28% of the "We have got to elect Jari Askins Governor of this state, no question about it. I support Jari Asldns without reservation, and I will do everything I can to get her elected governor of Oklahoma," Edmondson said as he delivered a heartfelt speech supporting Astdns. Asldns fol!owed the intro by saying, "I am truly proud to stand in front of you as your candidate for Governor. It takes every one of us, but together, we can make this happen. vote. ........ Continued See ODP Page-7 Cowboys and Cowgirls to invade Tulsa By Michael W. Sasser Contributing Writer TULSA, OK __ Oklahoma’s gay countrytinged community is welcoming back the Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) Rodeo this year with the 2010 Sooner State Stampede, October 1 - 3 at the fully equipped and handsome Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort in Sperry. N~e Sooner State Stampede represents the return of SSRA rodeo after several year hiatus. ~e International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) sanctions the rodeo and it is one of the most anticipated events for the regional gay community. It is expected to attract a host of competitors and fans for a fun celebration of al! things western including both good spirited competition and of course some great fun. SAN FRANCISCO, CA The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Aug. 16 blocked any same-sex marriages from taking place in California while proponents of the state’s marriage ban appeal the Aug. 4 district-court ruling that found Proposition 8 in violation of the U.S. Constitution. The appeals court said it will hear the case the week of Dec. 6, and it set up an expedited briefing schedule for the case’s attorneys. The court also ordered the proponents of the ban to prove that they have "standing" ro appeal the decision made by District Judge Va~ughn Walker. The actual defendants in the case, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown, have refused to defend Prop 8, and the Court of Appeals’ order seemed sympathetic to the idea that proponents of the ban, as "defendantintervenors," are not properly situated to appeal Walker’s ruling. If they are not that could end the case and same-sex marriage would again be legal in California under Walker’s original ruling, although a decision on standing could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The defendant-intervenors are the same people who put Prop 8 on the ballot in 2008 to overturn the state’s legalization of same-sex marriage. "The 9th Circuit put the appeal on a fast track and specifically directed the Prop 8 proponents to address ’why the appeal should not be dismissed for lack of Article III standing’ in their opening brief," said the National Center for Lesbian Rights. "That means the court will consider whether the proponents of Prop 8 have the right to file an appeal at the same time that it is considering whether Judge Walker’s decision that Prop 8 violates the federal Constitution is legally correct." ......... Continued See MARRIAGES Page-5 Headquartered in Tulsa, the Sooner State Rodeo Association is a Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender non-profit organization dedicated to performing charitable duties for the surrounding area through fund-raisers, horse shows, and rodeo performances. SSRA was organized for individuals interested in western related events such as rodeos and horse shows, horseback riding, western/ square dancing, and clogging. SSRA bars all prejudices related to sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, race or any other prejudice the organization may encounter. Sooner State Rodeo Association was founded in 2002 to give men and women in the northeastern Oklahoma interested in promoting and participating in rodeo a new avenue of expression. They host fundraisers for Tulsa area charities as well as their own organization. SSRA holds royalty competitions each October for Mr. SSRA, Ms. SSRA, Miss and MisTer SSRA. Royalty is an important part of their organization as they represent SSRA at rodeos and fundraising events. SSRA is one of 28 member associations of the IGRA. IGRA serves to foster the sport of rodeo amongst other country and western activities. IGRA along with its fellow ........ Continued See RODEO Page-4 �Now is the time to work for real and lasting ctange No maffer who yot are on life’s journ~ "I am convinced that while our party is not perfect full equality for GLBT Americans will come much faster with Democrats in charge. More than ever now is the rime to be strong and continue to work for real and lasting chan g. e" Michael Mitchell, Executive Director National Stonewall Democrats By Victor Gorin Contributing writer Bani"uptcv o Civil Rights oCriminN LJ Jga Jon iment: 625 . Sth street National Stonewall Democrats Executive Director Michael ~a/iitchell zoith Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats Secretary ~ctor Gorin MIDLAND REGION CHAPTERS of the Presen The Oct 15 o 17 Crown Plaza Hotel Oklahoma City, OK Register Now! ~,.~[..e[_g....e...i~ ..h ,.eT,~ ~: ~obwmtmid~and.org ~.NABWNT.ORG For more information contact Doug Reynolds at 816-444-3692 djdoug268@aol.com 2 September t, 2010 "5~(~ l~,;;n~ hCich2gPot e rs: PACT Cleveland MACT Dallas MACT Kentucky BWMT Milwaukee BWMT Detroit Form÷~" Chapters: PACT St Louis MACT Kansas City MACT Youngstown MACT Indianapolis WASHINGTON, DC __ kanid the excitement of marriage equality making new history for the GEBT community and all Americans, the Stonewall Democrats held their National Convention in V/ashington D.C. July 30-August 1 at the Capitol Hilton Hotel. Drawing delegates from all over the country, from New Jersey to Nevada, as expected there was much discussion of marriage equality on a natiomvide and state by state basis, the military "Don’t ask don’t Tell" policy still in place, and affirming Stonewall’s alliance with organized labor which includes giving their business to unionized hotels, airlines and other goods and services whenever possible. Founded in 1997, the Stonewall Democrats is America’s only grassroots GLBT organization of the Democratic Party. They are focused on malting change primarily in three ways: Educating the GLBT community about the differences between the political parties, mobilizing the GLBT community to get out the vote for fair-minded Democrats, and to oppose the efforts of Republicans when they attempt to roll back or obstruct progress for the GLBT community while working with the Democratic Party in the struggle for equality. Viith over 90 chapters across the country including one in Oldahoma City formed in 2001, their members do the work of calling voters, doing mailings and other assistance for good candidates while working with local and state Democratic Party officials. Along with a tour of our capital city and the White House, the delegates heard from several noteworthy speakers including the Executive Director of the Democratic National Committee Jen O’Malley, along with U.S. House Representative Jared Polis ( Colorado’ Democrat District 2) who is the Ist openly gay man elected to Congress as a fi’eshman. %ey al]~ heard from two of our proudest straight allies, U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy (DemocratPennsylvania District 8), who was the first Iraqi war veteran to serve in Congress who is an ardent opponent of the U.S. military’s "Don’t ask Don’t Tell" policy along with U.S. Representative Dina Titus ( Nevada Democrat-District 3). The meeting concluded Sunday August 1 with Executive Director Michael Mitchell wishing the delegates well and encouraging them in the work facing them in the fall elections. Speaking of Oklahoma values By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ CNN spent an afternoon at the campaign office of Brittany Novotny, taping for an upcoming segment of American Morning. Novomy is the candidate who seeks to unseat Sally Kern, the current representative of State House District 84. Kern is known worldwide for a speech when she told a group of supporters that homosexuality is "The biggest threat that our nation has, even more than terrorism or Islam." Novotny said of Kern, "She has angered a lot of people with the kind of divisive rhetoric she has used. She has been out of touch with the issues. We are at the bottom in teacher ....... Continued See NOVOTNY Page 7 �AIDS Walk OKC A Tradition of Hope Now at a new Time and Location By Victor Gorin Contributing writer State’s Oldest LGBT Organizations Seal Partnership PONCA CITY, OK (PR) __ On July 31, 2010 leaders from Oklahoma City based Cimarron Alliance Foundation and Tulsa based Oklahomans for Equality met in Ponca City for the purpose of signing a Memorandum of Understanding that creates a statewide partnership. These two organizations are the state’s oldest advocacy and education groups for Oldahoma’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Combined, they have nearly a half-century of advocating for this population. According to Toby Jenkins, President of the Oldahomans for Equality Board of Directors, the organizations have had a cordial relationship for years. "\re have always had the highest regard for Cimarron Alliance and they have been very supportive of Oklahomans for Equality as welt. This past year our organizations have had a very intentional approach in working together. The time is right to formalize our partnership." Scott J. Hamilton, Executive Director of Cimarron Alliance, concurs with Jenkins. "For the past six months our organizations have deve!oped an amazing working relationship. Our missions are very complementary and we hold OIcEq’s leadership in very high esteem. We believe that we can accomplish far more together than either of us can on our own. OKLAHOMA CITY% O.KLAHOMA CITY, OK When the AIDS virtu first surfaced in the United States during the early 1980s it not only cost many lives, it created a climate and fear and resurrected homophobia that overshadowed a period of increased acceptance of the GLBT community. The epidemic was used by conservative religious and political leaders to foster homophobia, even referred to as a "gay plague:" by the late Reverend Jerry Falxvell. In answer to a lack of serious action at first by government officials and mainstream society, gay activists took the lead in the fight against AIDS, increasing Funding for research and public education about HI.V. When NBA Star Magic ~ohnson revealed that he had AIDS, more straight allies joined this cause when it became obvious that the virus did not discriminate. Organizations formed in Oklahoma City to help those at~cted by HIV, many of which are with us today including RAIN (Regional Aids Interfaith Network), Other Options, and the Winds House. Vvrhat these agencies had in common was a desperate need for funds, thus beginning AIDS Walk OKC. ~e first AIDS Walk OKC came together in 1998, and it has grown to be one of Oklahoma City’s most prominent annual events. Money raised from the ,valks is distributed to various Oklahoma agencies helping those infected or affected by HIV including not only the before mentioned agencies, but also others involved including Planned Parenthood and the Latino Community Development Agency. In previous years it has been held in October beginning at the Crystal Gardens, but this year there has been a change of time and location with increased activity. It all happens on Sunday September 19, beginning with a 5K run sponsored by Dell. Registration for the run will begin at 11:00 a.m., beginning in Bricktown at the corner of Joe Carter Drive and Rent Avenue, and the runners take off at 12:30 that afternoon Registration to participate is $20 if purchased in advance, or $25 the day of the run. One car~ register online at www.aidswalkokc.org. The AIDS Walk itself will take place that afternoon beginning at Bricktowffs Sonic Plaza ( !ocated on the south side of Rent Avenue across from the AT&T Brickmwn Ballpark), and the theme this year is "Each Step brings Hope." There is free reserved parking for participants, with registration beginning at 12:30 p.m. with step 9fiat 2 p.m. Before the walk one can check out vendors and service organizations that xvill have booths for this event which is free and open to the public. For more information on how to participate contact info@ aidswalkokc.org. AIDS Walk OKC is a 501 c3"organization, so all contributions are tmx deductible Jenkins and Hamilton believe that this initiative will have far-reaching benefits for Oklahoma’s gay community. It forms the framework for more cohesive program development, legislative work and, ultimately they believe, serving as a powerful voice for LGBT Oklahomans throughout the state. "We are not merging our organizations," said Hamilton. "Instead, we are capitalizing on each other’s strengths and experience to serve more people than ever before." The choice of Ponca City as the location for the MOU signing was, according to Jenkins, very intentional. "We chose Ponca City because it is a neutral site, rich with Oklahoma nationally recognized landmarks and history. On September 16, 1893, the greatest land run in the history of the state began right here in Ponca City. More than 100,000 eager land-seekers raced for claims. Their stories are of endurance, hope, pride and determination, and are all of the things our organizations represent," said Jenkins. Hamilton echoed Jenkins’ sentiments and noted that Ponca City is representative of many Oklahoma towns and cities. "We love the history and symbolism here in Ponca City. We could, though, have chosen any place from here to Ardmore, from the Otdahoma Panhandle to the hills of southeastern Oldahoma. Our goal today is to demonstrate that Oklahomans for Equality and Cimarron Alliance Foundation are dedicated to addressing the needs of every LGBT adolescent, adult, and senior as well as their families, friends and loved ones in Oklahoma" he said. As important as this MOU is to both organizations, Hamilton and Jenkins indicated this is only the first step of a broader plan to include other organizations. "This creates a statewide partnership that will broaden our reach immediately," said Jenkins. "But as we move forward, we envision inviting many other organizations to join with us," he continued. "In time we will welcome LGBT groups and other allied organizations to partner with us," said Hamilton. "~ais way we gain strength and provide even greater empowerment and support for individuals and groups. \Vgorking together there is no limit to the advances we can make toward equali~ for all Oldahomans," he concluded. Oklahomans for Equality, originally called Oklahomans for Human Rights, began in 1980. The organization seelcs equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals and fan~ities through advocacy, education, programs, alliances and the operation of the Dennis R Neill Equality Center. The mission of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, founded in 1995, is to support educational efforts that validate personal identity, promote public enlightenment, and advance equality for LGBT Oldahomans. The full Memorandum of Understanding can be viewed at the organizations’ respective websites: okeq.org and cimarronalliance.org. TEN Co’Founder Elected to National Post ¯ Laura Belmonte, President The Equality Nelwork (TEN) TULSA, OK (PR) The Equality Network would like to congratulate our co-founder and vice-president, Laura Belmonte, on her election to the Board of Directors of the Equality Federation, the national alliance of state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organizations. The Equality Federation announced the move during their annual summer meeting in Baltimore, MD. "I am honored to be elected by my colleagues from across the country to serve on the Equality Federation Board of Directors," Belmonte said. "As we continue taking important steps toward equality here in Oklahoma, I am excited to play an active role in building the LGBT equality movement on the national level. Pro-LGBT victories in places like Utah, Alabama, and South Carolina prove that the model of statewide advocacy pioneered by Equality Federation members works in challenging political climates. That is an inspiration - and a charge for action - for those of us working in the Sooner state." The Equality Federation ~vorks to achieve equality for LGBT people in every state and territory by building strong and sustainable statewide organizations in state-based movements. The Equality Network (TEN) is represents Oklahoma in the national alliance. The Equality Network works to achieve equality and secure legal protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Oldahomans through advocacy, coalition building, and individual empowerment in the political process. Ride Arc TULSA, OK (PR) A special reception to honor and meet Danielle Girdano will be held Saturday September 4th, 2010 6:00 pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, Tulsa. Sponsored by PFLAG Tulsa and the Dennis R. Nell Equality Center, Ride the Arc is a first-of-its kind multi-state bicycle ride for equality and justice. Spearheaded by athlete Danielle Girdano, Ride the Arc intends to publicize the need for equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people to raise awareness about the high GLBT suicide rate, and to promote places of welcome and refuge and affirming groups. Commencing in Minneapolis on August 9th, it will end in Dallas on September 18, the eve ofDallas’s GLBT Pride Weekend. The 1,300 mile distance requires Danielle’s faith to guide and sustain her as she trains for Ride the Arc. Danielle will carry the message of love and inclusion every mile of her ride. Join Danielle for the ride of her life, and help change the world for GLBT people everywhere. For info: (www. ridethearc.org) Make donations payable to Ride the Arc. September i, 20i0 3 �It’s About a Lot More than Marriage Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern is foaming at the mouth again. She declared it "horrific" that this week’s ruling that California’s ban on same-gender marriage is unconstitutional. After I gave an interview on KTOK Radio this morning, she told the station that "homosexuality- is a behavior and the question must be asked whether all behaviors are equal. Tlais is a behavior and it’s a behavior that has been proven scientifically and statistically to be a deadly behavior." Of course this is nonsense. One’s sexual orientation is not a behavior. That’s aldn to saying Sally’s brown hair is a behavior. Sexual orientation and gender identity are like height, eye color, right handedness; they are all part of our makeup. But we shouldn’t expect truth from Sally. The website examiner.corn reported earlier that Sally said gay marriage is a form of"debauchery like abortion, porn6graphy, sex trafficldng, divorce, illegitimate births and child abuse." She even went so far as to blame gay marriage on the nation’s economic woes. And we all remember when Sally said that LGBT folks pose a greater risk to the United States than terrorism. Friends, you can’t make this stuff UP" This is the reality of where we are toda}: t heard a syndicated radio host last night talldng about a revolution because "activist judges" are not abiding by the will of the people. Odd, isn’t it, how only those judges that make rulings not in line with ultra conservatives are labeled as activists. tf decisions of equality were left up to the will of the people, ~’rican-Americans would still be riding at the back of the bus and women would stil! not have the right to vote. If it truly is the ~vill of the people in this country to deny rights to others and to provide one level of justice for some people and another level for others, then we’ve no choice but to continue our procession to the courts. The claims that allowing same-gender couples to marry violates the institution of marriage mystifies me. How in the ~vorld can my being married to another man impact negatively the marriage of a straight couple? Allowing two men or two women to marry, offering them the same rights as any other couple, strengthens the fabric of this country. Ultimately, though, this is not about marriage. It is about unequal treatment. It is about withholding rights. It is about denying liberty and justice and the pursuit of happiness to millions of Airier,cans. And this takes gay marriage from a gay issue to a human rights issue. Every good person, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has a moral obligation to stand firm for equality for all people. We need every LGBT person and every family member of a lesbian, gay ,nan, bisexual or transgender person. We need honest legislators with integrity and pastors with compassion. We need educators and journalists and attorneys who will not back away from what is right. \re must work together, speak togethe,; march together, vote together, and love together. This is not about the future for LGBT persons. It is about the future of our nation. Scott J. Hamilton, Executive Director Cimarron Alliance Foundation 4 September 1, 2010 Religion and Sex Best Conducted by Consenting Adults in Private From the smallest crossroads one stop light town to the largest state in the American Union, religion has stood in the municipallegislative door to stop the recognition of gay/lesbian cM1 rights. Ten countries now recognize and support same-gender marriage. They are Argentina, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and South Africa, according to the International Lesbian and Gay Law Association, (www.ILGLaw.org) . Many of these countries govern their people without the profound religious obeisance that interferes with the passage of any pro-gay/lesbian law, ordinance, or policy in the United States, regardless of the level of governance. Our national myth of being founded on equality is a shell game. N~e real root of America’s founding was the need for a fundamentalist sect to escape to a region of the world where they could call their own repressive religious shots without the need to compromise with other faith POVs. Eventually other denominations and sects infected even the Puritan tradition. Some colonies required membership and tithing towards particular churches even if the citizen choose not to attend services: Rhode Island was the first colony to recognize religious freedom of conscience. Maryland had a back-and-forth struggle regarding recognition of the Catholic and Protestant faiths. Each side suppressed the other when they had the POLITICAL power to do so. Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom from 1779 reads: "[N]o man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever; nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on ¯ account of his religiouS opinions or belief, but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities." Tlae language of the Jefferson statute clearly alludes to the suppression of fi’eedom of conscience and the coercion of property experienced in many of the Colonies. Jefferson was so proud of this accomplishment that the title is engraved, at his direction, on his grave market; but NOT the fact he was a president of the United States. ( http://en.wildpedia.org/wikil Freedom of religion ) Women are not mentioned in the Constitution and were only recognized nationally as legal voters in 1920 with passage of the Nineteenth Ainendment. African-Airier,can slaves and the indigenous Americans were spedfically enumerated as 3/5ths of a person. Several American states had educational tests or poll taxes to maintain power over minorities who the majority wanted disenfranchised from voting or removed fi’om any other participation in the governing process. It’s no wonder gays and lesbians are treated as non-entities in much of federal law. Every minority in American history has had to fight tooth-and-nail for legal recognition under the law and our gay/lesbian equality fight is no different. I think the so called sacred "institution" of marriage is as much a miasma as the myth of America’s founding being based in equality. There’s nothing sacred about it. gC~y do the 50 states allow completely~secular marriages with absolutely no mention of religious faith? Those non-religious marriages using only a state marriage license are just as valid as the recent marriage of Chelsea Clinton and the spending of an estimated three million dollars. The emotionalohopes and expectations associated with marriage have long been diminished by the actions of the heteros themselves. My relationship with my partner has lasted 33 years with total commitment toward each other in spite of the failure of our state and federal governments to give us aW of the support that hetero couples receive in spite of our paying more per centum of taxes than hetero couples 0fthe same income level. My partner and I want the same tax and other economic benefits that the heteros are getting. Judge Vaughn \Valker’s Prop 8 opinion is the very first major statement that plainly addresses the religiously-bigoted and sociallyignorant prejudices held against gays and lesbians. ( http:/hinyurl.com/28jm16s ) Whether it’s called marriage or domesticpartner benefits makes no difference to us. I’ve long said our gay/lesbian equality movement was using the xvrong word for America’s profound sky-god-believing majority" to accept. There’s no way too much political, legal, and emotional water under the bridge to recover the separation of church and state argument regarding marriage equality. We don’t need a religious blessing, societal approval or the neighborhood welcoine wagon to make a stop at our door in order to be American citizens. \Vge need ONLY the judicial and legislative equality of law, that’s all, JUST THE LAW!!! We’ll take care of our own private emotional feelings towards one another, thank you very rauch! Keep religion confined along with sexual activity in private among consenting adults. James Nimmo Oldalaoma City, OK Obamacare Pre-existing Condition Insurance Now Enrolling By Healthy Living Ne~vs Some call it health reform, some Obamacare, yet many with a pre-existing heath condition and no health insurance may call it a life saver. For them the xvait for affordable health insurance may be over. The Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP), part of the new Affordable Care Act, is now enrolling, enabling at last chronically ill and uninsured individuals access to affordable health insurance. "For too long, Americans xvith preexisting conditions have been locked out" said Secretary Kathleen Sebdius. "The PreExisting Condition Insurance Plan gives them a new option - the same insurance coverage as a healthy individual." The PCIP provides an opportunity for LGBT community members, many of whom have been denied, or could not afford, health insurance because of HIV, diabetes, cancer, or other once exclusionary conditions. Federally funded at $5 billion, PCIP is slated to provide a broad range of health coverage including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. Once enrolled coverage begins immediately and will provide limitless health insurance coverage, low deductible with low co-payments, at least in theory. Early enrollment is being encouraged, howevm; as PCIP’s popularity may be substantial and there is concern that there may not be enough funding to meet the potential demand. By enrolling early you can ensure that you won’t be put on a waiting list. Ttae federal government and or states will administer PCIP so enrollment costs and eligibility, requirements may vary fi’om state to state. PCIP will run until 2014 when it will be replaced by more affordable insurance exchanges from which even members of congress will have to purchase their insurance. In the meantime, the AIDS Drug Assistance and Ryan White programs will remain in place, that is for as long as they are funded. If you are in need of health insurance coverage due to a pre-existing condition visit healthcare.gov. As enrolhnent may require proof of a pre-existing condition contact your member organizations such as SSRA donate thousands of dollars each year to charities. Winners from this year’s rodeo ,nay go on to compete at IGRA’s World Gay Rodeo Finals in Laughlin, Nevada. Its location, a terrific host hotel and a fun calendar of events have buoyed anticipation of the Sooner State Stampede. The Ramada Tulsa Airport East~.l 010 North Garnett is the host hotel, with Bridle Creek (www. bridlecreekok.com) .just a few minutes away. \vgith mention of SSRA, the hotel rate is just $55. The Sooner State Stampede fun starts on Thursday, Sept. 30 with a 7pro - 9pro VIP Party at Club 209. Friday October 1, 6pm-9pm: Registration at hotel and arena. 6pm-8pm: Entertainment (All IGRA & Association Royalty are invited to perform) 8pm-9pm: Live performance by Gary Robert Strickland from Growing Mylow. 9pm-til Homorodeo.com Meet & Greet at Tulsa Eagle. Saturday, October 2, 7:30pm: Buses load at the hotel for the Bar Crawl. $5.00 admission 8:00pro: Bar Cravd Sm~day, October 3, 7:00pro: Awards Banquet at Club Majestic. In addition to rodeo events the weekend features entertainment and bus transportation. For more information about the Sooner State Roundup, admission and schedule of events, visit ww~v.soonerstaterodeo.com. �By Rex Wockner Media decides Prop 8 judge is gay found himselfin an identical situation of ruling on an issue that is related to his or her sexual orientation. Michelangelo Signorile, who has been credited with inventing outing when he ~vas a columnist at New York’s defunct OutWeek magazine in 1989, said the Walker outing was "a testament to how easily the media is manipulated by the right into doing things about which editors and reporters claim to be staunchly opposed." He said the Walker repor~ amounted to "outrageous hypocri~ ... on the part of the corporate medid’ because "even with proof and evidence, news or~nizations reuse to report on the secretly gay sexu~ orientation of conservative, ~ti-~y politicians and public figures when the ~rgument for their exposure is made from the left." Lady Gaga denounces Arizona immigrants law U.S. District CourtJudge Vaughn Walker In a break with past practice on outing, the U.S. mainstream media decided in early August that U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, who struck down Proposition 8 as unconstitutional, is gay, openly gay or reportedly gay. W’alker has never publiCly said ifhe~ gay o~ s~raight. In the p~t~ U:S~ mainsffeam media have avoided Outing people who’ve chosen nor to out .themselves. ....... Most of the reports either attributed Walker’s alleged gayness to other mainstream reports or said it is common knowledge in certain San Francisco circles. Some reports flat-out called him "openly gay," without attributing the assertion to any event or individual. ~le Associated Press took the plunge on Aug. 6, writing: "Rumors have circulated for months that Walker is gay, fueled by the blogosphere and a San Francisco Chronicle column that stated his sexual orientation was an ’open secret’ in legal and gay activism circles. Walker himself hasn’t addressed the speculation, and he did not respond to a request for comment by ~e Associated Press on Xhursday." "l-he New York Times wrote, "Several published reports have stated that the judge is himself gay." New York’s Daily News said, "The federal judge who upended California’s samesex marriage ban this week is now being scrutinized by some for being gay himself." Fox News called Walker "one of three openly gay federal judges in the country," and a CNN opinion piece called him "an~ openly gay federal judge." The Washington Post let a political analyst call Walker "openly gay." Anti-gay activists have suggested that Walker’s purported gayness means he shouldn’t have accepted the Prop 8 case, since it deals with whether marriage is only for straight people or also for gay people. ~i1~e anti-gay activists did not address ~e fact that a heterosexual judge would have The poll also found that, because of the law, 43 percent of LGBT respondents are less likely to vacation in Arizona and 36 percent are less likely to attend a convention there. Lady Gaga. Photo by Rex Wockner Lady Gaga forcefully denounced Arizona’s anti-immigrant law during a July 31 concert in Phoenix. Gaga said she had been asked tO boycott Arizona "and I said, ’You really think that us dumb fucldng pop stars are gonna collapse the economy of Arizona?’" "(We need to) actively protest prejudice and injustice and the bullshit that is put on our society," she said. "I will not cancel my show. I will yell and I will scream louder and I wil! hold you and we will hold each other and we will peacably protest this state." "Do not be afraid because if it wasn’t for all of you immigrants, this country wouldn’t have shit," the pop diva told concertgoers. The law, lm0wn as S.B. !070, requires pol!ce to check an individual’s immigration status if an officer suspects the i;xdividual may be in the U.S. illegally. LGBT direct-action group GetEQUAL had asked Gaga to take a stand against the law, saying it makes it "a crime to be brown." Gay people are much more likely than straight people to oppose the la~,v, a Harris Interactive poll found. Sixty-three percent of LGBT Americans oppose the law and 45 percent of LGBT Americans strongly oppose it. However, 60 percent of straight people support the law and 41 percent s.upport it strongly. The proponents’ opening brief is due Sepf. 17, the plaintiffs’ opposing brief is due Oct. 18 and the proponents’ reply brief is due Nov. 1. A decision that the proponents lack standing could come in December. If the 9th Circuit Court decides the proponents have standing and goes on to consider the constitutionality of Prop 8, it would not be expected to isstie a decision until sometime in early 2011. Either decision could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the plaintiffs challenging Prop 8 could appeal the 9th Circuit’s current stay to the U.S. Supreme Court right now but have given no indication they will do so. Robin Tyler, whose marriage to Diane Olson was the first same-sex marriage in southern California two years ago, said the stay is deeply disappointing. "We are tired of our emotions being batted around like pingpong balls," Tyler said. "Gays and lesbians are human beings, and there is not one legal reason to delay same-sex marriages in California. Martin Luther King said, ’Justice delayed is justice denied.’ He also said, ’Wait means never.’ Once again, our hopes have been dashed." NCLR Executig;e Director Kate Kende!l ’ ~ ...... day that couples .....must said: " Every add~nonal wait to marry again in California iS painful, but despite the terrible disappointment for the many couples whose right to marry has been delayed yet again, today’s ruling includes another significant victory for our side. The court did the right thing by putting the case on a fast track and specifically ordering that Prop 8 proponents show why they have a legal right to appeal. This ruling brings us one step closer to ending the nightmare of Prop 8 and restoring full equality for all Californians." Lambda Legal called the stay "painful." "We are saddened by the 9th Circuit’s decision to maintain the stay of Judge Walker’s ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional," said Jennifer Pizm; director of the group’s Marriage Project. ’%7e very much hoped to see same-sex couples again free to celebrate their love and mutual devotion through marriage starting later this week. ~/e 1,mow this delay is painful for couples in love, who have been denied their basic rights for too long already." She also said the 9th Circuit failed to apply "the standard test for when a stay should be ordered." The test requires, among other things, that an appellant prove a strong likelihood of winning on appeal and that the appellant would suffer an irreparable injury without a stay. Judge Walker said the Prop 8 proponents failed to pass any part of the test. The 9th Circuit’s order did not explain its determination. September 1, 20i0 i 5 �O ahoma City Museum of Art features Sketch to Screen E ibition with Grand Finale By Victor Gorin Contributing Writer "Ttxe work I have created for this show hopes to evoke an experience of serenity, energy and excitement for life - and silliness out of the viewer. To summarize: this show is an artistic collage of Seasons, Seasonings and Sensations. I invite you to indulge and enjoy my work." ° The show begins with a reception on Thursda?; September 2nd fi’om 6-9pro and continues throughout the month. New Faces At Tulsa Ballet N Wang Yi, 7he Vertiginous Thrill ofExactitude (William Forsythe) Featured at the Skyline Terrace party Oklahoma City Icon Ginger Lamar pictured with longtime partner f~): Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Film history aficionados got a real treat when the Okdah0ma City Museum of Art featured their Sketch to Screen-The Art of Hollyw~*0od Costume Design E>~ibit May 6 thru August 15. Cocreated by Film Curator Brian Hearn and Associate Curator Jenni}~r ~os, the exhibit featm’ed costumes from films ranging from Gone with the Wind to Legally B!onde. The project was 3 years in the making, obtaining articles for exhibition from other museums and private collections throughout the country, but also including two local contributors, the O~:dahoma Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Oklahoma History Museum, whose items were featured in the western section of ti~e exhibit: Accompanying thi~ event was a film series of movies with costumes shown in the exhibit including not only Gone with the Wind, but also classics like Dick Tracy, Atonement, and a sing a long party with Mama Mia. Mama Mia was part of the climax of the exhibition, which was the Last Call Party" held Thursday August 12. That party featured a costume contest emceed by Johnathan Kayne, a famous gay fashion designer, and a party with a live DJ on the Skyline Terrace featuring 2 Oklahoma City icons of female impersonation, Ginger Lamar and Lexus Carrin~on. The Oklahoma City" Museum of Art is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10 A.M. until 5:00 p.m. until October, with Thursdays open until 9 p.m, with Sunday hours from noon until 5 P.M. The museum features an excellent restaurant, with dinner & a movie package deals available. Museum members aAso get discounts at Tulsds Circle Cinema. For more information check out their website is wv,¢aokcmoa.com, telephone (405) 236 3100. Art Opening and E ibit of Original Works:, Photographs by Shelley McGoNn TULSA, OK (PR) __ The September Oldahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neitl EqualitT Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature the Art of Shelley McGoffin. Shelley McGoNn is a Tulsa native. Her art was originally inspired by her love of and passion for food---eating it, cooldng it, looking at pictures of it, collecting and displaying plastic versions of it and talking about it. Her first experiments with painting on canvas were centered on exaggerated still life, food generally the subject. Eventually she chose tO explore the abstract art world of inner emotional statements in this area Surrealism was always an artistic inspiration to her Salvador Dali being her main at~nity. Although her paintings are not in the Surrealistic style, her abstract works have a touch of their own surrealism. Shelley’s art impacts her life thru its ability to allow her to become a vessel into which energy vibrations which did not originate from her find a resonance. "The act of painting a piece of art on canvas is, for me a translation, a transmission of my own inner passions onto a vessel thru which I hope the viewer will experience an intimate vibration of the energy originated by and within me." The current shmv for which she has painted is all new material. It is differe~at fi’om her previous works in that is draws on her willingness and growing ability to broaden her inspirational field and try new stTles of abstract interpretation using vibrant colors and images - channeling her spirit.uai experiences with nature and equality. TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa Metro Softball League, Tulsa’s only LGBT softball league, is ge’aring up for its second fall season° beginning September 19, 2010. Games vdll play on Sundays in the early evening and last through November 7, 2010. This year TMSL has set up Fall Bal! to be a relaxed social season enabling members to mix & mingle and get to lmow one another. It is also great for new members as it vcill allow them to meet people, make friends, and find or form a team for the competit@e spring season! Fall Ball registration will open on August 22, 2010. At 6PM on Sunday September 5th TMSL will hold a "Draft" party at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Downtown Tulsa where Volunteer Team Captains will select players for one of eight teams from a "hat" containing the tickets of all players registered for Fall Ball. TMSL will provide team .jerseys that players get to keep! TMSL has three registration options for players: 1. Players may register on an individual single player ticket. 2. Couples may register with and be placed on the same ticket as their girlfriend/ boyfriend/partner which guarantees they will be on the same team. 3. Single players may find a friend, register as a "couple", and be placed on the same ticket guaranteeing they will be on the same team. Dues for TMSL Fall Ball 2010 are set at $20.00 per player fi’om August 22, 2010 till September 5, 2010. After the "Draft" late registrations will be accepted with dues set at $30.00 per player. Late registration will be allowed until Opening Night, September 19, 2010 no registrations will be accepted after Opening Night. For more information on Fall Ball & TMSL people can visit w~v. TulsaMetroSoftball.com or emaiI at TulsaMSL@gmail.com TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa Ballet artistic director Marcello Angelini announced today the addition of 12 new dancers to the company’s roster for the 2010-2011 season. "Tulsa Ballet brings the wood to our city, not only in the global premieres we offer each year, created by internationally recognized choreographers, but in the ten nationalities represented by our dancers," said Arlgelini. The new dancers include: Claudio Cocino joins the compaW as demi-solist. From Turin, Italy, Cocino trained at Teatro dell’ Opera di Roma and the Royal Ballet School in London. In 2007, he joined the Teatro Dell’Opera ballet company. He won the L. Massine Positano prize for the Art 0f Dance in Positano, Italy in 2009, one of the most prestigious awards given to rising stars or established dance personalities in Italy. Joining the corps de ballet are Forent Bouyat - France, Jo@ Antonia Checa - Spain, Alexandra Christian - U.S., Alex Harrison - Great Britain, Rodrigo Hermesmeyer - Brazil, Elise Miller - U.S., Gwdna~lle Poline - France, Erin Pritchard - U.S., Jonathan Ramirez - Colombia, Susanna Sal@ - Italy, and Laura Suttle - Great Britain. In addition, Kate Oderkirk - U.S. has been promoted from demi-soloist to soloist, and Sarah Jane Crespo - U.S. has been promoted fi’om apprentice to the corps de ballet. Ms. Crespo is the first dancer to join the company from TBII, Tulsa Balle{’s preprofessional ensemble. The company’s roster now stands at 29 artists, while TBII boasts 12 pre-professional dancers recruited ft’om some of the best American schools. Tulsa Ballet is a professional ballet company whose purpose is to serve as an essential asset of its extended community through internationally-acclaimed artistic excellence and exemplary @ucation and outreach. Regarded as one of the top ballet companies in North America and internationally recognized as a leader in the field, Tulsa Ballet consistently brings the finest works of the classical and contemporary repertory to the Oklahoma stage, presenting the same works and sharing the same worldrenowned choreographers with the top dance organizations in the World. For more information, visit ~vw~a:tulsaballet.org. �Courtesy o£~vwcw.labrescue,net By Ronald Blake Contributing W-riter Ronald Blake, Certified Fi*ness Instructor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association 10,000 Seeps! The car won’t start. The bicycle has a flat tire. Your neighbor left for work 20 minutes ago. ~Pne bus line is 14 blocks away. The number for the cab company has been busy forever. Your pulse quickens, sweat beads on your forehead, you furrow your brow, and you realize you may have to .... WALK! Loosen your tie and put on those sneakers and "Walk Like a Man". It’s going to be different today! There is an exercise program called the "10,000 Steps a Day" and today is YOUR day to start. The goal of this program is to get people to become more aware of their health and fitness through the ancient art of walking. That many steps each day are equivalent to four or five miles traveled. Don’t "WalkAway Renee" just yet! It can be done! You will need a pedometer to measure your steps. These $20 and under devices won’t break your bank and they conveniently attach to your waistband. Stay away from buying one online since there is not any walking involved in the process. Purchase one at any of your loc,~ sporting goods stores. Then you will simply need to start "\v-vralking on $~i~!~in~!" .... .... ..... Forget what the modern world has taught you about convenience and the on-demand attitude. You will need to work to earn your 10,000 steps. It begins early in fl~e day and in earnest as you yawn, stretch, and rub your eyes after wrestling with your alarm clock. Climb out of your bed and "\Valk Like an Egyptian" to the bathroom on the other side of the house to get your day moving right. After you’ve showered, dressed, and eaten you will be ready to change the way you approach the world. You can walk to work, walk to the bus, or drive to work and park four blocks dmvn the street. You vdll need to get creative and don’t be afraid to try something different. There is always somebody out there trying this walking thing too and "You’ll Never Walk Mone." Get to work and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Get to your office and walk around your desk as you yap on the phone and earn your commissions for the week¯ Get to your lunch break and walk with your coworkers during the last half of the lunch hour. Get to the last part of your work day and meet your team members in person and not through e-mail¯ Smile or whistle on your way. It’s OK to "Walk This Way!" You have to earn those steps someway and you might as well be happy doing it! When you arrive home, you can continue to "Take a Walk on the Wild Side!" The possibilities include walking the dog, walking and talking on the phone, or just plain old wa1~ng ~ith {he ~eighbm-~ f~ ~6~ ~Cise and gossip[mongering. The 10;000 steps program is something that can be fun! It gives you that ehance to strive for a daily goal and it can change you profoundly! Get your pedometm; get motivated, and you’ll want to go "Walkin’ After Midnight." e-mail: CNN tapes for an upcoming American Morning. Photo by Robin Dorner pay; there were 40 teachers in the Putnam City School District alone that were laid off and I never saw her [Kern] put forth any legislation to stop this." Novomy said the top three issues in her campaign are helping small business, insuring that all children have the best education in Oldahoma and investing in our transportation infrastructure. "In a time where the economy is so bad, we need to be doing things to help promote bringing in businesses," said Novomy. Reflecting on the goodness of this state and the benefits of our lower cost of living she added, "We’ve got great things to attract people to Oklahoma." The youngest of five siblings, Novotny was born in Chickasha. She grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Westmoore High School in 1998. In 2002, Brittany graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Science and Arts of Oldahoma, earning her Jurist Doctorate from the Hastings College of Law University of California in 2005. "It’s important that we work together," said Novotny. "This is really a campaign,about all of us and our future as Oldahomans. In July 2009 the Journal Record ran an editorial stating that Kern is bad for business. CNN’s American Morning offers political, domestic and international stories. Most are scripted segments including a heavy dose of political news each morning. The program mainly focuses on news to attract viewers, who prefer a more straightforward morning show. Its main competitor is the Fox News Channel. American Morning is aired live every weekday morning from 7 to 10 am (CST). As of this writing, CNN’s air date of Novomy’s interview is not known. Please visit the Novotny website at www.brittany4hd84.com for air time and date. The results of this primary election should be used as an example in every civics class that every vote counts!" Askins thanked voters and Edmondson for their support, reflecting on her past political experiencequalifying her as the best candidate for this office. "We are privileged to have two candid,,ates leading this state who are truly a class act, said Jim Roth, former state Corporation Commissioner who served as emcee for the event. "We are so proud of the campaigns you both ran." Those inducted into the Activist Hall of Fame were Jack Boyte, Miller Newman, Charlie & Juanita King, Troy Green, Tommie Lou Levi and Rev. Dr. John A. Reed Jr. The general election will be Tuesday, November 2nd. For more information about voter registration, statewide candidates and candidates in your area, please visit www. ok.gov/elections/. this but it sounds FUN!! In tO live in a says I would do best in kids who will wrestle with me. I hope you will put in your application and cm~e ~ut to mee{ me I’ll give );ou a bi g Hi g .. If you’d like to see Grammar or any of th~ other adoptable dogs visit the Lab Rescue Tulsa Oldahoma website at: labre~Cue,net, All available dogs are listed there. We also show our dogs t~e first three Saturdays of the month, so watch the website f6r the locations. September 1, 2010 " 7 ��~ ~ ! ~nstant Ace the Nation’s Top Gay �10 September 1, 2010 ��Photo’s by Victor G. and Robin D. By Ed Sikov Ed Sikov is the author ofDark Victory; 7he Life ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!lms and fihnmakers. Out &About in Oklahoma "Snobs invent Fire Island Iced Tea" @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ 7he Democratic Homecoming andActivist Hall ofFame Dinner, Oklahonm City Six of us ~vere lined up in beach chairs judging the gym rats on parade at the water’s edge. "Why does that guy have ’Bondi’ printed on his ass?" I inquired. "I love Make Way for Tomorrow, too, but it’s a strange film to be referenced on a musclehead’s butt." "It’s not Beulah Bondi, darling. It’s Bondi Beach in Australia~" This came from my 3artner, Dan, who then turned on me: "Did rou hear what Dr. Film Studies just said?" he trumpeted to the others, who made snorting noises at my expense. Jack Fogg yawned, stretched, and said, "Let’s make Long Island Iced Tea." "You would drink that," his boyfriend Sammy replied. Jack became defensive: "What’s wrong ~vith Long Island Iced Tea?" "People wilt think we’re from Massapequa," Chipper explained. "Or Hicksville," Paolo added. "Can you imagine saying you’re from Hicksville? You might as well be from East Jesus." I agreed. "We’re maldfig ’Fire Island Iced Tea’ because we’re on Fire Island, not Long Island." "What’s in it?" Sammy asked. "We’re inventing it," I declared. "What should be in our drink?" "Lots of fruits," said Dan. "And logs of alcohol," Pao!o added. "It needs a fire component," Chipper said. "What tastes hot?" I had an inspiration: "Absolut Peppar!" Chipper got into the spirit(s): "And Citron for the fruit. And Orange Curacao. And your inevitable lime juice." "Why do you always have Orange Curacao?" asked Jack, the reporter; he was prone to interviewing people, which irritated me, so I answered: "Because Blue Curacao turns an orange Screwdriver the color of vomit." "Aha," said Jack, buying my, made-up reason. I’m dementedly jealous of Jack, so I put a notch on the Ed vs. Jack scoreboard I keep in my head. Michelangelo’s David strolled by. "What can we add t° represent him?" Dan asked. "Coke Zero!" Sammy shouted to our communal delight. ~-he pore; perfect hunk thought we were laughing at him and glared. We tried a fe~v recipes before we found one that worked, which meant we were hammered by dinnertime. I grilled the Lemon-Dill Lamb-burgers to death. Dan burned the buns. But Paolo, always under control, pulled off a lovely Caprese Salad, and since we bought a peach pie from the grocery store, dessert was fine. "Where do these great pies come from?" I once asked the Long Island teenager behind the counter. "Poh’t JefE.," she answ~ered, meaning Port Jefferson. The accent alone proved why ~ve had to have an "Iced Tea" of our own. Fire Island Iced Tea 2-parts Absolut Peppar 2-parts Absolut Citron I-part Beefeater 1-part cup tequila l/2-part Orange Curacao 1-part or 1/3-cup unsweetened lime juice 3-parts Coke Zero or the soda of your choice . Fill a tall glass with ice and add liquors and lime juice. Pour soda in gently to keep the fizz. Note: The conventional drink is called "Iced Tea" because the cola turns the white liquors tea-colored. But I prefer Limonata, the Italian le,hon soda, which makes the drink taste like spicy lemofiade. Use what you like, and dofft worry about what color the result is. If it looks gross, put it in an opaque plastic cup, stick a straw in it, and nobody will know the difference. @ Finishline, Oklahoma City Join Metro Star Enews for BreakAng News Updates as they haj~pen. Keep informed throughtout the monthr Join us at www.Metroatari’~ews.com TULSA, OK __ The Metro Star Online edition at www.metrostarnews.com is updated daily with Top Local and National Ne~vs stories that concern the GLBT community. The \Vorld News feed module will keep you informed about community news from around the globe. @ Ledo, Oklahoma City 12 September SSRA Member Don George, Tulsa The Metro Star Online was one of the first nationally to send out a News Bulletin on the California Prop 8 ruling from Federal Judge Vaughn Walker on August 4. Metro Star Online was the chosen media to release the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Oldahomans for Equality and Cimarron Alliance Foundation on July 31. Join today and we will keep you informed and it’s FREE. �Chuck Breckenridge ~hether buying or selling I’l! work hard for you. 597 M~ Road Arkansas ww~v.magneticvalleyresor t .corn info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 ’lecomics.com 479-244-6821 E-Mail- KylesBnB@aol.com September 1, 2010 13 �By Jack Fertig September 20t0 "Just be yourself, VirgoV’ Venus and Mars dancing through Libra while opposing Eris boost competition and conflict. Mercury retrograding past the Sun in Virgo brings egotisticai miscalculations into the picture. Go slow, easy and careful. Be the tortoise, not the hare! ARIES (March 20- April 19): Strive for your best without comparing yourself to colleagues. Can you be the best at teamwork? Even efforts to cooperate will highlight your ego, but as long as you’re your own sharpest critic, that can be good for you. TAURUS (April 20- May20): Too often you feel your best isn’t good enough. Your efforts are appreciated. Why do you shortchange yourself? Playfully exaggerating those feelings - and whatever comes up with them - can help you get clarity. GEMINI (May 21- June 20): "The family that plays together slays each other?" That’s not how it goes, but maybe you should find your fun outside for now. Either way, remember that standing in your community is based more on cooperation than being "the best" at anything. SAGITTARIUS/(November 22 - December 20): Your long-range plans are not looking good. Normally you would roll with that and adapt. Now it looks more serious, That’s just worry, but yes, some revisions need to be made. Analyze problems now; solve them next month. SCORPIO {October 23 - November 21): Friends are too eager to help, but listen politely, if briefly. There might be some good suggestions in all that meshugas. Competing with colleagues can drive you crazy. Focus on doing your best. "You’ll accomplish more. 14 September 1, 2010 4 5 i6 7 8 9 10 11 12 i13 !14 ~ 17 27 ~26 28 I 29 30 ~ 33 32 ,31 ~ ~ ! 38 I 54 AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You may be able to convince everyone you’re right, but something at the heart of your argument is wrong. Invite criticism. Open discussion and testing your premises can help you figure out where the flaw is. ’ W 60 61162 PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Money and sex are the two biggest issues for couples to deal with, but first get ego and miscommunications out of the way. Humility and admitting mistakes is necessary on both sides, but you can only do for yourself. ancestral home 12 Hoar 13 Alpine feedback 14 ~iily Elliot epithet 22’ Bdieve :n0t!", 35 End of the quip 39 Victor/Victoria actor [¥ter 40 Verdi’opera 41 Gay Hamilton 42 L-~am of Kinsey 44 Straw hat 46 Beginning ~o whiz 47 kA. lang’s~I Gal" 52 Barrie~ precipitation 53 Source ofth( quip 55 No no~e for a l;u~c~ LEO (Ju~y 23 -August 22): Be very careful of your facts and figures. You’re likely to exaggerate the humiliation of being caught in a mistake, but the financial costs of errors can be much more real than the cost to your ego. LIBRA {September 23 - October 22): Worries about your relationship are at least exaggerated and likely unfounded. Go over them carefully, preferably with your partner, strip away the needless fears, and get a clearer vision of real problems you can work on. 3 12 CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Work is looking good if you can only keep your mouth out of the way. Absorb information and others’ perspectives now. Take time to figure that out before responding. Even if by negative examples, your family offers excellent lessons for building your future. - CANCER {June 21- July 22): Slips of the tongue reveal what you really think about your roots and your current job and trajectory. Pick your company carefully, being sure to have a confidante you can trust. Also, use these accidental insights to revise your plans. VIRG0 {August 23 - September 22): Let others plan your birthday party. You’re having too much trouble managing details and they’ll fall all over each other trying to make your bash everything you deserve. Trying to look sexy is sure to backfire. Just be yourself and they’ll come running. 1 58 V0d S uad° Character 59 Edmund to Colette? Community for People iving H V/A ©S A 501. c (3) Non Profit Or~.~nizadon Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation ~at many of our people live through each and eve.day. We provide a Toilet~ and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves_ ~te invite anyone who would like to volun[eer or provide financial assistance to please contacl us by phone 9t 8-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net Solution p~e 15 23 Mil; Student b0# 26 Number 0fsidm to a gay, symbol 27 Transsexual Richards 28 Que n 0free hill 29 Dicks rtmning mate 30 Like Abner, before Viagra? 31 NB~ Sketch source 33 Stuff~ ~trides 34 % eat; to UlrichS 35 Tart taste 36 Kind of colUmn 37 Ola comedian g orge }8 Poet Teasd~e !3 Like an~igay hnguage ~5 ~ii~d testacle? 18 P !fistname, in Goldfinge~ 19 Greased th~ palm of U 56 With title tO il Fine point 53 George Burns film ~4 Gay p0rn director Fnmcis 55 Dangle like a package �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. A HABANA INN 2200 N\’g 39TH EXPW Oklahoma City, OK /1-05-528-2221 w~v.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 ~wvw.magneticvalleyresor t.com ACCOUNTING: KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa. OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ATTORNEYATLA~ VALEI~E WILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13oh Street Oldahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 AUTO DEALERS: ANTIQUES: EMPL OYNIENT ENTERTAINMENZ" RETAIL STORES: INSURANCE: ORGANIZATIONS: PHOTOGRAPHK: CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN. OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oldahoma City, OK www.okstonewall.org OKC: "Pne Copa is currendy seeking a bar OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 /:or appointment (405) 525 0730 RED ROCK B.H.S. 4400 N LINCOLN BLVC Oklahoma Ci~ OK 73105 405-425-0473 Toll Free 1-877-339-3330 ~AR HELP WANTED NIGHTCLUBS/BARS: ANGLES 2117 N~Z 39th St. Otdahoma City, OK www.anglesctub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com HA [R SALONS & SPAS." JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 REAL ESTATE: CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY REAL ESTATE Nations Top Gay/Lesbian Realtors www.GayRealEstate.com 1-988-420-6683 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com RESTAUP~tNTS: GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPP, ESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn SPIRIT OF CHPdST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET. Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pro Classified Text Classified FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 ~vve%habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ,a~vw.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wv~v.habanainn.com TULSA F~GLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am A ILAC ~ ~ELI E ACIN R THEC R AlES G E NK~N A N TELL E E GBON R T S ARW~ G LING A OBIE L~ RENT B Ai EDG~ A A September 1, 2010 15 �"What matters, as always, is not what we can ’d t o, Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Par~. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the GBT Tuesclay~ September 7, meet the ~ st Tuesday of every month at the ’E D RAT~C " � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document LOCAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS ~ WORLD NEWS ~ LIFESTYLE FITNESS ~ TRAVEL N ADVICE THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA ENTERTAINMENT ClI’4ARI::!ON ALLtANC£ FOUNDATION Oklahoma’s Oldest LGBT Organizations Seal Partnership on page-3 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 9 TwiRer.com/MetroStarNews ..... MetroStarNews.com FREE I SEPTEMBER 1,2010 Roth, Askins, Edmondson speak at Oklahoma Democratic Party event By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer California same-sex marriages Mocked for several more months By Rex Wockner At the Democratic H, ofFame Dinner in ~bematorial candidate Lt. GovernorJari Askins (¢ (r) andfo~Tner Cotporation Commissioner event emcee, Jim Roth. Robin D-Townsend OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ At the Oklahoma Democratic Party 2010 Homecoming Rally and Activists Hall of Fame Dinner, Attorney General Drew Edrnondson made it "crystal clear" that he supports Lt. Governor Jari Askins in the race for Governor of Oldahoma. Opponents in the primary dection, both candidates maintained mutual respect noted statewide by citizens as well as many media oudets. Asldns won the nomination garnering 50.28% of the vote. "We have got to elect Jari Askins Governor of this state, no question about it. I support Jari Asldns without reservation, and I will do everything I can to get her elected governor of Oklahoma," Edmondson said as he delivered a heartfelt speech supporting Astdns. Asldns fol!owed the intro by saying, "I am truly proud to stand in front of you as your candidate for Governor. It takes every one of us, but together, we can make this happen. ........Continued See ODP Page-7 Cowboys and Cowgirls to invade Tulsa By Michael W. Sasser Contributing Writer TULSA, OK __ Oklahoma’s gay countrytinged community is welcoming back the Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) Rodeo this year with the 2010 Sooner State Stampede, October 1 - 3 at the fully equipped and handsome Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort in Sperry. N~e Sooner State Stampede represents the return of SSRA rodeo after several year hiatus. ~e International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) sanctions the rodeo and it is one of the most anticipated events for the regional gay community. It is expected to attract a host of competitors and fans for a fun celebration of al! things western including both good spirited competition and of course some great fun. ~ousands march in. California Aug. 4 in celebration ofJudge Vaughn Walker) mding that PropOsition 8 was unconstitutional. Photo @ DavidPoller SAN FRANCISCO, CA The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Aug. 16 blocked any same-sex marriages from taking place in California while proponents of the state’s marriage ban appeal the Aug. 4 district-court ruling that found Proposition 8 in violation of the U.S. Constitution. The appeals court said it will hear the case the week of Dec. 6, and it set up an expedited briefing schedule for the case’s attorneys. The court also ordered the proponents of the ban to prove that they have "standing" ro appeal the decision made by District Judge Va~ughn Walker. The actual defendants in the case, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown, have refused to defend Prop 8, and the Court ofAppeals’ order seemed sympathetic to the idea that proponents of the ban, as "defendantintervenors," are not properly situated to appeal Walker’s ruling. If they are not that could end the case and same-sex marriage would again be legal in California under Walker’s original ruling, although a decision on standing could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The defendant-intervenors are the same people who put Prop 8 on the ballot in 2008 to overturn the state’s legalization of same-sex marriage. "The 9th Circuit put the appeal on a fast track and specifically directed the Prop 8 proponents to address ’why the appeal should not be dismissed for lack ofArticle III standing’ in their opening brief," said the National Center for Lesbian Rights. "That means the court will consider whether the proponents of Prop 8 have the right to file an appeal at the same time that it is considering whether Judge Walker’s decision that Prop 8 violates the federal Constitution is legally correct." .........Continued See MARRIAGES Page-5 Headquartered in Tulsa, the Sooner State Rodeo Association is a Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender non-profit organization dedicated to performing charitable duties for the surrounding area through fund-raisers, horse shows, and rodeo performances. SSRA was organized for individuals interested in western related events such as rodeos and horse shows, horseback riding, western/ square dancing, and clogging. SSRA bars all prejudices related to sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, race or any other prejudice the organization may encounter. Sooner State Rodeo Association was founded in 2002 to give men and women in the northeastern Oklahoma interested in promoting and participating in rodeo a new avenue of expression. They host fundraisers for Tulsa area charities as well as their own organization. SSRA holds royalty competitions each October for Mr. SSRA, Ms. SSRA, Miss and MisTer SSRA. Royalty is an important part of their organization as they represent SSRA at rodeos and fundraising events. SSRA is one of 28 member associations of the IGRA. IGRA serves to foster the sport of rodeo amongst other country and western activities. IGRA along with its fellow ........Continued See RODEO Page-4 No maffer who yot are on life’s journ~ Bani"uptcv o Civil Rights oCriminN iment: LJ Jga Jon 625 . Sth street MIDLAND REGION CHAPTERS of the Presen The Oct 15 o 17 Register Now! ~obwmtmid~and.org ~.NABWNT.ORG For more information contact Doug Reynolds at 816-444-3692 djdoug268@aol.com Crown Plaza Hotel Oklahoma City, OK ~,.~[..e[_g....e...i~..h ,.eT,~ ~: "5~(~ l~,;;n~hCich2gPoters: PACT Cleveland MACT Dallas MACT Kentucky BWMT Milwaukee BWMT Detroit Form÷~" Chapters: PACT St Louis MACT Kansas City MACT Youngstown MACT Indianapolis 2 September t, 2010 Now is the time to work for real and lasting ctange "I am convinced that while our party is not perfect full equality for GLBT Americans will come much faster with Democrats in charge. More than ever now is the rime to be strong and continue to work for real and lasting change." Michael Mitchell, Executive Director National Stonewall Democrats By Victor Gorin Contributing writer National Stonewall Democrats Executive Director Michael ~a/iitchell zoith Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats Secretary ~ctor Gorin WASHINGTON, DC __ kanid the excitement of marriage equality making new history for the GEBT community and all Americans, the Stonewall Democrats held their National Convention in V/ashington D.C. July 30-August 1 at the Capitol Hilton Hotel. Drawing delegates from all over the country, from New Jersey to Nevada, as expected there was much discussion of marriage equality on a natiomvide and state by state basis, the military "Don’t ask don’t Tell" policy still in place, and affirming Stonewall’s alliance with organized labor which includes giving their business to unionized hotels, airlines and other goods and services whenever possible. Founded in 1997, the Stonewall Democrats is America’s only grassroots GLBT organization of the Democratic Party. They are focused on malting change primarily in three ways: Educating the GLBT community about the differences between the political parties, mobilizing the GLBT community to get out the vote for fair-minded Democrats, and to oppose the efforts of Republicans when they attempt to roll back or obstruct progress for the GLBT community while working with the Democratic Party in the struggle for equality. Viith over 90 chapters across the country including one in Oldahoma City formed in 2001, their members do the work of calling voters, doing mailings and other assistance for good candidates while working with local and state Democratic Party officials. Along with a tour of our capital city and the White House, the delegates heard from several noteworthy speakers including the Executive Director of the Democratic National Committee Jen O’Malley, along with U.S. House Representative Jared Polis ( Colorado’ Democrat District 2) who is the Ist openly gay man elected to Congress as a fi’eshman. %ey al]~ heard from two of our proudest straight allies, U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy (Democrat- Pennsylvania District 8), who was the first Iraqi war veteran to serve in Congress who is an ardent opponent of the U.S. military’s "Don’t ask Don’t Tell" policy along with U.S. Representative Dina Titus ( Nevada Democrat-District 3). The meeting concluded Sunday August 1 with Executive Director Michael Mitchell wishing the delegates well and encouraging them in the work facing them in the fall elections. Speaking ofOklahoma values By Robin D-Townsend Contributing Writer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ CNN spent an afternoon at the campaign office of Brittany Novotny, taping for an upcoming segment ofAmerican Morning. Novomy is the candidate who seeks to unseat Sally Kern, the current representative of State House District 84. Kern is known worldwide for a speech when she told a group of supporters that homosexuality is "The biggest threat that our nation has, even more than terrorism or Islam." Novotny said of Kern, "She has angered a lot of people with the kind of divisive rhetoric she has used. She has been out of touch with the issues. We are at the bottom in teacher ....... Continued See NOVOTNY Page 7 AIDS Walk OKC A Tradition ofHope Now at a new Time and Location By Victor Gorin Contributing writer OKLAHOMA CITY% O.KLAHOMA CITY, OK When the AIDS virtu first surfaced in the United States during the early 1980s it not only cost many lives, it created a climate and fear and resurrected homophobia that overshadowed a period of increased acceptance of the GLBT community. The epidemic was used by conservative religious and political leaders to foster homophobia, even referred to as a "gay plague:" by the late Reverend Jerry Falxvell. In answer to a lack of serious action at first by government officials and mainstream society, gay activists took the lead in the fight against AIDS, increasing Funding for research and public education about HI.V. When NBA Star Magic ~ohnson revealed that he had AIDS, more straight allies joined this cause when it became obvious that the virus did not discriminate. Organizations formed in Oklahoma City to help those at~cted by HIV, many ofwhich are with us today including RAIN (Regional Aids Interfaith Network), Other Options, and the Winds House. Vvrhat these agencies had in common was a desperate need for funds, thus beginning AIDS Walk OKC. ~e first AIDS Walk OKC came together in 1998, and it has grown to be one of Oklahoma City’s most prominent annual events. Money raised from the ,valks is distributed to various Oklahoma agencies helping those infected or affected by HIV including not only the before mentioned agencies, but also others involved including Planned Parenthood and the Latino Community Development Agency. In previous years it has been held in October beginning at the Crystal Gardens, but this year there has been a change of time and location with increased activity. It all happens on Sunday September 19, beginning with a 5K run sponsored by Dell. Registration for the run will begin at 11:00 a.m., beginning in Bricktown at the corner ofJoe Carter Drive and Rent Avenue, and the runners take off at 12:30 that afternoon Registration to participate is $20 if purchased in advance, or $25 the day of the run. One car~ register online at www.aidswalkokc.org. The AIDS Walk itself will take place that afternoon beginning at Bricktowffs Sonic Plaza ( !ocated on the south side of Rent Avenue across from the AT&T Brickmwn Ballpark), and the theme this year is "Each Step brings Hope." There is free reserved parking for participants, with registration beginning at 12:30 p.m. with step 9fiat 2 p.m. Before the walk one can check out vendors and service organizations that xvill have booths for this event which is free and open to the public. For more information on how to participate contact info@ aidswalkokc.org. AIDS Walk OKC is a 501 c3"organization, so all contributions are tmx deductible State’s Oldest LGBT Organizations Seal Partnership PONCA CITY, OK (PR) __ On July 31, 2010 leaders from Oklahoma City based Cimarron Alliance Foundation and Tulsa based Oklahomans for Equality met in Ponca City for the purpose of signing a Memorandum of Understanding that creates a statewide partnership. These two organizations are the state’s oldest advocacy and education groups for Oldahoma’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Combined, they have nearly a half-century of advocating for this population. According to Toby Jenkins, President of the Oldahomans for Equality Board of Directors, the organizations have had a cordial relationship for years. "\re have always had the highest regard for Cimarron Alliance and they have been very supportive of Oklahomans for Equality as welt. This past year our organizations have had a very intentional approach in working together. The time is right to formalize our partnership." Scott J. Hamilton, Executive Director of Cimarron Alliance, concurs with Jenkins. "For the past six months our organizations have deve!oped an amazing working relationship. Our missions are very complementary and we hold OIcEq’s leadership in very high esteem. We believe that we can accomplish far more together than either of us can on our own. Jenkins and Hamilton believe that this initiative will have far-reaching benefits for Oklahoma’s gay community. It forms the framework for more cohesive program development, legislative work and, ultimately they believe, serving as a powerful voice for LGBT Oklahomans throughout the state. "We are not merging our organizations," said Hamilton. "Instead, we are capitalizing on each other’s strengths and experience to serve more people than ever before." The choice of Ponca City as the location for the MOU signing was, according to Jenkins, very intentional. "We chose Ponca City because it is a neutral site, rich with Oklahoma nationally recognized landmarks and history. On September 16, 1893, the greatest land run in the history of the state began right here in Ponca City. More than 100,000 eager land-seekers raced for claims. Their stories are of endurance, hope, pride and determination, and are all of the things our organizations represent," said Jenkins. Hamilton echoed Jenkins’ sentiments and noted that Ponca City is representative of many Oklahoma towns and cities. "We love the history and symbolism here in Ponca City. We could, though, have chosen any place from here to Ardmore, from the Otdahoma Panhandle to the hills of southeastern Oldahoma. Our goal today is to demonstrate that Oklahomans for Equality and Cimarron Alliance Foundation are dedicated to addressing the needs of every LGBT adolescent, adult, and senior as well as their families, friends and loved ones in Oklahoma" he said. As important as this MOU is to both organizations, Hamilton and Jenkins indicated this is only the first step of a broader plan to include other organizations. "This creates a statewide partnership that will broaden our reach immediately," said Jenkins. "But as we move forward, we envision inviting many other organizations to join with us," he continued. "In time we will welcome LGBT groups and other allied organizations to partner with us," said Hamilton. "~ais way we gain strength and provide even greater empowerment and support for individuals and groups. \Vgorking together there is no limit to the advances we can make toward equali~ for all Oldahomans," he concluded. Oklahomans for Equality, originally called Oklahomans for Human Rights, began in 1980. The organization seelcs equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals and fan~ities through advocacy, education, programs, alliances and the operation of the Dennis R Neill Equality Center. The mission of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, founded in 1995, is to support educational efforts that validate personal identity, promote public enlightenment, and advance equality for LGBT Oldahomans. The full Memorandum of Understanding can be viewed at the organizations’ respective websites: okeq.org and cimarronalliance.org. TEN Co’Founder Elected to National Post ¯ Laura Belmonte, President The Equality Nelwork (TEN) TULSA, OK (PR) The Equality Network would like to congratulate our co-founder and vice-president, Laura Belmonte, on her election to the Board of Directors of the Equality Federation, the national alliance of state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organizations. The Equality Federation announced the move during their annual summer meeting in Baltimore, MD. "I am honored to be elected by my colleagues from across the country to serve on the Equality Federation Board of Directors," Belmonte said. "As we continue taking important steps toward equality here in Oklahoma, I am excited to play an active role in building the LGBT equality movement on the national level. Pro-LGBT victories in places like Utah, Alabama, and South Carolina prove that the model of statewide advocacy pioneered by Equality Federation members works in challenging political climates. That is an inspiration - and a charge for action - for those of us working in the Sooner state." The Equality Federation ~vorks to achieve equality for LGBT people in every state and territory by building strong and sustainable statewide organizations in state-based movements. The Equality Network (TEN) is represents Oklahoma in the national alliance. The Equality Network works to achieve equality and secure legal protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Oldahomans through advocacy, coalition building, and individual empowerment in the political process. Ride Arc TULSA, OK (PR) A special reception to honor and meet Danielle Girdano will be held Saturday September 4th, 2010 6:00 pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, Tulsa. Sponsored by PFLAG Tulsa and the Dennis R. Nell Equality Center, Ride the Arc is a first-of-its kind multi-state bicycle ride for equality and justice. Spearheaded by athlete Danielle Girdano, Ride the Arc intends to publicize the need for equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people to raise awareness about the high GLBT suicide rate, and to promote places ofwelcome and refuge and affirming groups. Commencing in Minneapolis on August 9th, it will end in Dallas on September 18, the eve ofDallas’s GLBT Pride Weekend. The 1,300 mile distance requires Danielle’s faith to guide and sustain her as she trains for Ride the Arc. Danielle will carry the message of love and inclusion every mile of her ride. Join Danielle for the ride of her life, and help change the world for GLBT people everywhere. For info: (www. ridethearc.org) Make donations payable to Ride the Arc. September i, 20i0 3 It’s About a Lot More than Marriage Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern is foaming at the mouth again. She declared it "horrific" that this week’s ruling that California’s ban on same-gender marriage is unconstitutional. After I gave an interview on KTOK Radio this morning, she told the station that "homosexuality- is a behavior and the question must be asked whether all behaviors are equal. Tlais is a behavior and it’s a behavior that has been proven scientifically and statistically to be a deadly behavior." Ofcourse this is nonsense. One’s sexual orientation is not a behavior. That’s aldn to saying Sally’s brown hair is a behavior. Sexual orientation and gender identity are like height, eye color, right handedness; they are all part of our makeup. But we shouldn’t expect truth from Sally. The website examiner.corn reported earlier that Sally said gay marriage is a form of"debauchery like abortion, porn6graphy, sex trafficldng, divorce, illegitimate births and child abuse." She even went so far as to blame gay marriage on the nation’s economic woes. And we all remember when Sally said that LGBT folks pose a greater risk to the United States than terrorism. Friends, you can’t make this stuff UP" This is the reality of where we are toda}: t heard a syndicated radio host last night talldng about a revolution because "activist judges" are not abiding by the will of the people. Odd, isn’t it, how only those judges that make rulings not in line with ultra conservatives are labeled as activists. tf decisions of equality were left up to the will of the people, ~’rican-Americans would still be riding at the back of the bus and women would stil! not have the right to vote. If it truly is the ~vill of the people in this country to deny rights to others and to provide one level ofjustice for some people and another level for others, then we’ve no choice but to continue our procession to the courts. The claims that allowing same-gender couples to marry violates the institution of marriage mystifies me. How in the ~vorld can my being married to another man impact negatively the marriage of a straight couple? Allowing two men or two women to marry, offering them the same rights as any other couple, strengthens the fabric of this country. Ultimately, though, this is not about marriage. It is about unequal treatment. It is about withholding rights. It is about denying liberty and justice and the pursuit of happiness to millions ofAirier,cans. And this takes gay marriage from a gay issue to a human rights issue. Every good person, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has a moral obligation to stand firm for equality for all people. We need every LGBT person and every family member of a lesbian, gay ,nan, bisexual or transgender person. We need honest legislators with integrity and pastors with compassion. We need educators and journalists and attorneys who will not back away from what is right. \re must work together, speak togethe,; march together, vote together, and love together. This is not about the future for LGBT persons. It is about the future of our nation. Scott J. Hamilton, Executive Director Cimarron Alliance Foundation Religion and Sex Best Conducted by Consenting Adults in Private From the smallest crossroads one stop light town to the largest state in the American Union, religion has stood in the municipallegislative door to stop the recognition of gay/lesbian cM1 rights. Ten countries now recognize and support same-gender marriage. They are Argentina, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and South Africa, according to the International Lesbian and Gay Law Association, (www.ILGLaw.org) . Many of these countries govern their people without the profound religious obeisance that interferes with the passage of any pro-gay/lesbian law, ordinance, or policy in the United States, regardless of the level of governance. Our national myth of being founded on equality is a shell game. N~e real root of America’s founding was the need for a fundamentalist sect to escape to a region of the world where they could call their own repressive religious shots without the need to compromise with other faith POVs. Eventually other denominations and sects infected even the Puritan tradition. Some colonies required membership and tithing towards particular churches even if the citizen choose not to attend services: Rhode Island was the first colony to recognize religious freedom of conscience. Maryland had a back-and-forth struggle regarding recognition of the Catholic and Protestant faiths. Each side suppressed the other when they had the POLITICAL power to do so. Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom from 1779 reads: "[N]o man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever; nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on ¯ account of his religiouS opinions or belief, but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities." Tlae language of the Jefferson statute clearly alludes to the suppression of fi’eedom of conscience and the coercion of property experienced in many of the Colonies. Jefferson was so proud of this accomplishment that the title is engraved, at his direction, on his grave market; but NOT the fact he was a president of the United States. ( http://en.wildpedia.org/wikil Freedom of religion ) Women are not mentioned in the Constitution and were only recognized nationally as legal voters in 1920 with passage of the Nineteenth Ainendment. African-Airier,can slaves and the indigenous Americans were spedfically enumerated as 3/5ths of a person. Several American states had educational tests or poll taxes to maintain power over minorities who the majority wanted disenfranchised from voting or removed fi’om any other participation in the governing process. It’s no wonder gays and lesbians are treated as non-entities in much of federal law. 4 September 1, 2010 Every minority in American history has had to fight tooth-and-nail for legal recognition under the law and our gay/lesbian equality fight is no different. I think the so called sacred "institution" of marriage is as much a miasma as the myth ofAmerica’s founding being based in equality. There’s nothing sacred about it. gC~y do the 50 states allow completely~secular marriages with absolutely no mention of religious faith? Those non-religious marriages using only a state marriage license are just as valid as the recent marriage of Chelsea Clinton and the spending of an estimated three million dollars. The emotionalohopes and expectations associated with marriage have long been diminished by the actions of the heteros themselves. My relationship with my partner has lasted 33 years with total commitment toward each other in spite of the failure of our state and federal governments to give us aW of the support that hetero couples receive in spite of our paying more per centum of taxes than hetero couples 0fthe same income level. My partner and I want the same tax and other economic benefits that the heteros are getting. Judge Vaughn \Valker’s Prop 8 opinion is the very first major statement that plainly addresses the religiously-bigoted and sociallyignorant prejudices held against gays and lesbians. ( http:/hinyurl.com/28jm16s ) Whether it’s called marriage or domesticpartner benefits makes no difference to us. I’ve long said our gay/lesbian equality movement was using the xvrong word for America’s profound sky-god-believing majority" to accept. There’s no way too much political, legal, and emotional water under the bridge to recover the separation of church and state argument regarding marriage equality. We don’t need a religious blessing, societal approval or the neighborhood welcoine wagon to make a stop at our door in order to be American citizens. \Vge need ONLY the judicial and legislative equality of law, that’s all, JUST THE LAW!!! We’ll take care of our own private emotional feelings towards one another, thank you very rauch! Keep religion confined along with sexual activity in private among consenting adults. James Nimmo Oldalaoma City, OK Obamacare Pre-existing Condition Insurance Now Enrolling By Healthy Living Ne~vs Some call it health reform, some Obamacare, yet many with a pre-existing heath condition and no health insurance may call it a life saver. For them the xvait for affordable health insurance may be over. The Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP), part of the new Affordable Care Act, is now enrolling, enabling at last chronically ill and uninsured individuals access to affordable health insurance. "For too long, Americans xvith preexisting conditions have been locked out" said Secretary Kathleen Sebdius. "The Pre- Existing Condition Insurance Plan gives them a new option - the same insurance coverage as a healthy individual." The PCIP provides an opportunity for LGBT community members, many ofwhom have been denied, or could not afford, health insurance because of HIV, diabetes, cancer, or other once exclusionary conditions. Federally funded at $5 billion, PCIP is slated to provide a broad range of health coverage including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. Once enrolled coverage begins immediately and will provide limitless health insurance coverage, low deductible with low co-payments, at least in theory. Early enrollment is being encouraged, howevm; as PCIP’s popularity may be substantial and there is concern that there may not be enough funding to meet the potential demand. By enrolling early you can ensure that you won’t be put on a waiting list. Ttae federal government and or states will administer PCIP so enrollment costs and eligibility, requirements may vary fi’om state to state. PCIP will run until 2014 when it will be replaced by more affordable insurance exchanges from which even members of congress will have to purchase their insurance. In the meantime, the AIDS Drug Assistance and Ryan White programs will remain in place, that is for as long as they are funded. If you are in need of health insurance coverage due to a pre-existing condition visit healthcare.gov. As enrolhnent may require proof of a pre-existing condition contact your member organizations such as SSRA donate thousands of dollars each year to charities. Winners from this year’s rodeo ,nay go on to compete at IGRA’s World Gay Rodeo Finals in Laughlin, Nevada. Its location, a terrific host hotel and a fun calendar of events have buoyed anticipation of the Sooner State Stampede. The Ramada Tulsa Airport East~.l 010 North Garnett is the host hotel, with Bridle Creek (www. bridlecreekok.com) .just a few minutes away. \vgith mention of SSRA, the hotel rate is just $55. The Sooner State Stampede fun starts on Thursday, Sept. 30 with a 7pro - 9pro VIP Party at Club 209. Friday October 1, 6pm-9pm: Registration at hotel and arena. 6pm-8pm: Entertainment (All IGRA & Association Royalty are invited to perform) 8pm-9pm: Live performance by Gary Robert Strickland from Growing Mylow. 9pm-til Homorodeo.com Meet & Greet at Tulsa Eagle. Saturday, October 2, 7:30pm: Buses load at the hotel for the Bar Crawl. $5.00 admission 8:00pro: Bar Cravd Sm~day, October 3, 7:00pro: Awards Banquet at Club Majestic. In addition to rodeo events the weekend features entertainment and bus transportation. For more information about the Sooner State Roundup, admission and schedule of events, visit ww~v.soonerstaterodeo.com. By Rex Wockner Media decides Prop 8 found himselfin an identical situation of ruling on an issue that is related to his or her judge is gay sexual orientation. Michelangelo Signorile, who has been credited with inventing outing when he ~vas a columnist at New York’s defunct OutWeek magazine in 1989, said the Walker outing was "a testament to how easily the media is manipulated by the right into doing things about which editors and reporters claim to be staunchly opposed." He said the Walker repor~ amounted to "outrageous hypocri~ ... on the part of the corporate medid’ because "even with proof and evidence, news or~nizations reuse to report on the secretly gay sexu~ orientation of conservative, ~ti-~y politicians and public figures when the ~rgument for their exposure is made from the left." U.S. District CourtJudge Vaughn Walker Lady Gaga denounces Arizona immigrants law In a break with past practice on outing, the U.S. mainstream media decided in early August that U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, who struck down Proposition 8 as unconstitutional, is gay, openly gay or reportedly gay. W’alker has never publiCly said ifhe~ gay o~ s~raight. In the p~t~ U:S~ mainsffeam media have avoided Outing people who’ve chosen nor to out .themselves. ....... Most of the reports either attributed Walker’s alleged gayness to other mainstream reports or said it is common knowledge in certain San Francisco circles. Some reports flat-out called him "openly gay," without attributing the assertion to any event or individual. ~le Associated Press took the plunge on Aug. 6, writing: "Rumors have circulated for months that Walker is gay, fueled by the blogosphere and a San Francisco Chronicle column that stated his sexual orientation was an ’open secret’ in legal and gay activism circles. Walker himself hasn’t addressed the speculation, and he did not respond to a request for comment by ~e Associated Press on Xhursday." "l-he New York Times wrote, "Several published reports have stated that the judge is himself gay." New York’s Daily News said, "The federal judge who upended California’s samesex marriage ban this week is now being scrutinized by some for being gay himself." Fox News called Walker "one of three openly gay federal judges in the country," and a CNN opinion piece called him "an~ openly gay federal judge." The Washington Post let a political analyst call Walker "openly gay." Anti-gay activists have suggested that Walker’s purported gayness means he shouldn’t have accepted the Prop 8 case, since it deals with whether marriage is only for straight people or also for gay people. ~i1~e anti-gay activists did not address ~e fact that a heterosexual judge would have Lady Gaga. Photo by Rex Wockner Lady Gaga forcefully denounced Arizona’s anti-immigrant law during a July 31 concert in Phoenix. Gaga said she had been asked tO boycott Arizona "and I said, ’You really think that us dumb fucldng pop stars are gonna collapse the economy ofArizona?’" "(We need to) actively protest prejudice and injustice and the bullshit that is put on our society," she said. "I will not cancel my show. I will yell and I will scream louder and I wil! hold you and we will hold each other and we will peacably protest this state." "Do not be afraid because if it wasn’t for all of you immigrants, this country wouldn’t have shit," the pop diva told concertgoers. The law, lm0wn as S.B. !070, requires pol!ce to check an individual’s immigration status if an officer suspects the i;xdividual may be in the U.S. illegally. LGBT direct-action group GetEQUAL had asked Gaga to take a stand against the law, saying it makes it "a crime to be brown." Gay people are much more likely than straight people to oppose the la~,v, a Harris Interactive poll found. Sixty-three percent ofLGBT Americans oppose the law and 45 percent of LGBT Americans strongly oppose it. However, 60 percent of straight people support the law and 41 percent s.upport it strongly. The poll also found that, because of the law, 43 percent ofLGBT respondents are less likely to vacation in Arizona and 36 percent are less likely to attend a convention there. The proponents’ opening brief is due Sepf. 17, the plaintiffs’ opposing brief is due Oct. 18 and the proponents’ reply brief is due Nov. 1. A decision that the proponents lack standing could come in December. If the 9th Circuit Court decides the proponents have standing and goes on to consider the constitutionality of Prop 8, it would not be expected to isstie a decision until sometime in early 2011. Either decision could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. - Meanwhile, the plaintiffs challenging Prop 8 could appeal the 9th Circuit’s current stay to the U.S. Supreme Court right now but have given no indication they will do so. Robin Tyler, whose marriage to Diane Olson was the first same-sex marriage in southern California two years ago, said the stay is deeply disappointing. "We are tired of our emotions being batted around like pingpong balls," Tyler said. "Gays and lesbians are human beings, and there is not one legal reason to delay same-sex marriages in California. Martin Luther King said, ’Justice delayed is justice denied.’ He also said, ’Wait means never.’ Once again, our hopes have been dashed." NCLR Executig;e Director Kate Kende!l said: "Every add~’ n~ o..n.a..l.day that cou.p.l.e.s.must wait to marry again in California iS painful, but despite the terrible disappointment for the many couples whose right to marry has been delayed yet again, today’s ruling includes another significant victory for our side. The court did the right thing by putting the case on a fast track and specifically ordering that Prop 8 proponents show why they have a legal right to appeal. This ruling brings us one step closer to ending the nightmare of Prop 8 and restoring full equality for all Californians." Lambda Legal called the stay "painful." "We are saddened by the 9th Circuit’s decision to maintain the stay ofJudge Walker’s ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional," said Jennifer Pizm; director of the group’s Marriage Project. ’%7e very much hoped to see same-sex couples again free to celebrate their love and mutual devotion through marriage starting later this week. ~/e 1,mow this delay is painful for couples in love, who have been denied their basic rights for too long already." She also said the 9th Circuit failed to apply "the standard test for when a stay should be ordered." The test requires, among other things, that an appellant prove a strong likelihood of winning on appeal and that the appellant would suffer an irreparable injury without a stay. Judge Walker said the Prop 8 proponents failed to pass any part of the test. The 9th Circuit’s order did not explain its determination. September 1, 20i0 i 5 O ahoma City Museum ofArt features Sketch to Screen E ibition with Grand Finale By Victor Gorin Contributing Writer "Ttxe work I have created for this show hopes to evoke an experience of serenity, energy and excitement for life - and silliness out of the viewer. To summarize: this show is an artistic collage of Seasons, Seasonings and Sensations. I invite you to indulge and enjoy my work." ° The show begins with a reception on Thursda?; September 2nd fi’om 6-9pro and continues throughout the month. N New Faces At Tulsa Ballet Featured at the Skyline Terraceparty Oklahoma City Icon Ginger Lamarpictured with longtime partnerf~): Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Film history aficionados got a real treat when the Okdah0ma City Museum of Art featured their Sketch to Screen-The Art of Hollyw~*0od Costume Design E>~ibit May 6 thru August 15. Cocreated by Film Curator Brian Hearn and Associate Curator Jenni}~r ~os, the exhibit featm’ed costumes from films ranging from Gone with the Wind to Legally B!onde. The project was 3 years in the making, obtaining articles for exhibition from other museums and private collections throughout the country, but also including two local contributors, the O~:dahoma Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Oklahoma History Museum, whose items were featured in the western section of ti~e exhibit: Accompanying thi~ event was a film series of movies with costumes shown in the exhibit including not only Gone with the Wind, but also classics like Dick Tracy, Atonement, and a sing a long party with Mama Mia. Mama Mia was part of the climax of the exhibition, which was the Last Call Party" held Thursday August 12. That party featured a costume contest emceed by Johnathan Kayne, a famous gay fashion designer, and a party with a live DJ on the Skyline Terrace featuring 2 Oklahoma City icons of female impersonation, Ginger Lamar and Lexus Carrin~on. The Oklahoma City" Museum of Art is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10 A.M. until 5:00 p.m. until October, with Thursdays open until 9 p.m, with Sunday hours from noon until 5 P.M. The museum features an excellent restaurant, with dinner & a movie package deals available. Museum members aAso get discounts at Tulsds Circle Cinema. For more information check out their website is wv,¢aokcmoa.com, telephone (405) 236 3100. Art Opening and E ibit of Original Works:, Photographs by Shelley McGoNn TULSA, OK (PR) __ The September Oldahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neitl EqualitT Center (621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa), will feature the Art of Shelley McGoffin. Shelley McGoNn is a Tulsa native. Her art was originally inspired by her love of and passion for food---eating it, cooldng it, looking at pictures of it, collecting and displaying plastic versions of it and talking about it. Her first experiments with painting on canvas were centered on exaggerated still life, food generally the subject. Eventually she chose tO explore the abstract art world of inner emotional statements in this area Surrealism was always an artistic inspiration to her Salvador Dali being her main at~nity. Although her paintings are not in the Surrealistic style, her abstract works have a touch of their own surrealism. Shelley’s art impacts her life thru its ability to allow her to become a vessel into which energy vibrations which did not originate from her find a resonance. "The act of painting a piece of art on canvas is, for me a translation, a transmission of my own inner passions onto a vessel thru which I hope the viewer will experience an intimate vibration of the energy originated by and within me." The current shmv for which she has painted is all new material. It is differe~at fi’om her previous works in that is draws on her willingness and growing ability to broaden her inspirational field and try new stTles of abstract interpretation using vibrant colors and images - channeling her spirit.uai experiences with nature and equality. TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa Metro Softball League, Tulsa’s only LGBT softball league, is ge’aring up for its second fall season° beginning September 19, 2010. Games vdll play on Sundays in the early evening and last through November 7, 2010. This year TMSL has set up Fall Bal! to be a relaxed social season enabling members to mix & mingle and get to lmow one another. It is also great for new members as it vcill allow them to meet people, make friends, and find or form a team for the competit@e spring season! Fall Ball registration will open on August 22, 2010. At 6PM on Sunday September 5th TMSL will hold a "Draft" party at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Downtown Tulsa where Volunteer Team Captains will select players for one of eight teams from a "hat" containing the tickets of all players registered for Fall Ball. TMSL will provide team .jerseys that players get to keep! TMSL has three registration options for players: 1. Players may register on an individual single player ticket. 2. Couples may register with and be placed on the same ticket as their girlfriend/ boyfriend/partner which guarantees they will be on the same team. 3. Single players may find a friend, register as a "couple", and be placed on the same ticket guaranteeing they will be on the same team. Dues for TMSL Fall Ball 2010 are set at $20.00 per player fi’om August 22, 2010 till September 5, 2010. After the "Draft" late registrations will be accepted with dues set at $30.00 per player. Late registration will be allowed until Opening Night, September 19, 2010 no registrations will be accepted after Opening Night. For more information on Fall Ball & TMSL people can visit w~v. TulsaMetroSoftball.com or emaiI at TulsaMSL@gmail.com Wang Yi, 7he Vertiginous Thrill ofExactitude (William Forsythe) TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa Ballet artistic director Marcello Angelini announced today the addition of 12 new dancers to the company’s roster for the 2010-2011 season. "Tulsa Ballet brings the wood to our city, not only in the global premieres we offer each year, created by internationally recognized choreographers, but in the ten nationalities represented by our dancers," said Arlgelini. The new dancers include: Claudio Cocino joins the compaW as demi-solist. From Turin, Italy, Cocino trained at Teatro dell’ Opera di Roma and the Royal Ballet School in London. In 2007, he joined the Teatro Dell’Opera ballet company. He won the L. Massine Positano prize for the Art 0f Dance in Positano, Italy in 2009, one of the most prestigious awards given to rising stars or established dance personalities in Italy. Joining the corps de ballet are Forent Bouyat - France, Jo@ Antonia Checa - Spain, Alexandra Christian - U.S., Alex Harrison - Great Britain, Rodrigo Hermesmeyer - Brazil, Elise Miller - U.S., Gwdna~lle Poline - France, Erin Pritchard - U.S., Jonathan Ramirez - Colombia, Susanna Sal@ - Italy, and Laura Suttle - Great Britain. In addition, Kate Oderkirk - U.S. has been promoted from demi-soloist to soloist, and Sarah Jane Crespo - U.S. has been promoted fi’om apprentice to the corps de ballet. Ms. Crespo is the first dancer to join the company from TBII, Tulsa Balle{’s preprofessional ensemble. The company’s roster now stands at 29 artists, while TBII boasts 12 pre-professional dancers recruited ft’om some of the best American schools. Tulsa Ballet is a professional ballet company whose purpose is to serve as an essential asset of its extended community through internationally-acclaimed artistic excellence and exemplary @ucation and outreach. Regarded as one of the top ballet companies in North America and internationally recognized as a leader in the field, Tulsa Ballet consistently brings the finest works of the classical and contemporary repertory to the Oklahoma stage, presenting the same works and sharing the same worldrenowned choreographers with the top dance organizations in the World. For more information, visit ~vw~a:tulsaballet.org. By Ronald Blake Contributing W-riter Ronald Blake, Certified Fi*ness Instructor through ISSA International Sports Sciences Association 10,000 Seeps! The car won’t start. The bicycle has a flat tire. Your neighbor left for work 20 minutes ago. ~Pne bus line is 14 blocks away. The number for the cab company has been busy forever. Your pulse quickens, sweat beads on your forehead, you furrow your brow, and you realize you may have to ....WALK! Loosen your tie and put on those sneakers and "Walk Like a Man". It’s going to be different today! There is an exercise program called the "10,000 Steps a Day" and today is YOUR day to start. The goal of this program is to get people to become more aware of their health and fitness through the ancient art of walking. That many steps each day are equivalent to four or five miles traveled. Don’t "WalkAway Renee" just yet! It can be done! You will need a pedometer to measure your steps. These $20 and under devices won’t break your bank and they conveniently attach to your waistband. Stay away from buying one online since there is not any walking involved in the process. Purchase one at any of your loc,~ sporting goods stores. Then you will simply need to start "\v-vralking on $~i~!~in~!" .... .... ..... Forget what the modern world has taught you about convenience and the on-demand attitude. You will need to work to earn your 10,000 steps. It begins early in fl~e day and in earnest as you yawn, stretch, and rub your eyes after wrestling with your alarm clock. Climb out of your bed and "\Valk Like an Egyptian" to the bathroom on the other side of the house to get your day moving right. After you’ve showered, dressed, and eaten you will be ready to change the way you approach the world. You can walk to work, walk to the bus, or drive to work and park four blocks dmvn the street. You vdll need to get creative and don’t be afraid to try something different. There is always somebody out there trying this walking thing too and "You’ll Never Walk Mone." Get to work and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Get to your office and walk around your desk as you yap on the phone and earn your commissions for the week¯ Get to your lunch break and walk with your coworkers during the last half of the lunch hour. Get to the last part of your work day and meet your team members in person and not through e-mail¯ Smile or whistle on your way. It’s OK to "Walk This Way!" You have to earn those steps someway and you might as well be happy doing it! When you arrive home, you can continue to "Take a Walk on the Wild Side!" The possibilities include walking the dog, walking and talking on the phone, or just plain old wa1~ng ~ith {he ~eighbm-~ f~ ~6~ ~Cise and gossip[mongering. The 10;000 steps program is something that can be fun! It gives you that ehance to strive for a daily goal and it can change you profoundly! Get your pedometm; get motivated, and you’ll want to go "Walkin’ After Midnight." e-mail: CNNtapesfor an upcomingAmerican Morning. Photo by Robin Dorner pay; there were 40 teachers in the Putnam City School District alone that were laid off and I never saw her [Kern] put forth any legislation to stop this." Novomy said the top three issues in her campaign are helping small business, insuring that all children have the best education in Oldahoma and investing in our transportation infrastructure. "In a time where the economy is so bad, we need to be doing things to help promote bringing in businesses," said Novomy. Reflecting on the goodness of this state and the benefits of our lower cost of living she added, "We’ve got great things to attract people to Oklahoma." The youngest of five siblings, Novotny was born in Chickasha. She grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Westmoore High School in 1998. In 2002, Brittany graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Science and Arts of Oldahoma, earning her Jurist Doctorate from the Hastings College of Law University of California in 2005. "It’s important that we work together," said Novotny. "This is really a campaign,about all of us and our future as Oldahomans. In July 2009 the Journal Record ran an editorial stating that Kern is bad for business. CNN’s American Morning offers political, domestic and international stories. Most are scripted segments including a heavy dose of political news each morning. The program mainly focuses on news to attract viewers, who prefer a more straightforward morning show. Its main competitor is the Fox News Channel. American Morning is aired live every weekday morning from 7 to 10 am (CST). As of this writing, CNN’s air date of Novomy’s interview is not known. Please visit the Novotny website at www.brittany4hd84.com for air time and date. The results of this primary election should be used as an example in every civics class that every vote counts!" Askins thanked voters and Edmondson for their support, reflecting on her past political experiencequalifying her as the best candidate for this office. "We are privileged to have two candid,,ates leading this state who are truly a class act, said Jim Roth, former state Corporation Commissioner who served as emcee for the event. "We are so proud of the campaigns you both ran." Those inducted into the Activist Hall of Fame were Jack Boyte, Miller Newman, Charlie & Juanita King, Troy Green, Tommie Lou Levi and Rev. Dr. John A. Reed Jr. The general election will be Tuesday, November 2nd. For more information about voter registration, statewide candidates and candidates in your area, please visit www. ok.gov/elections/. Courtesy o£~vwcw.labrescue,net this but it sounds FUN!! In tO live in a says I would do best in kids who will wrestle with me. I hope you will put in your application and cm~e ~ut to mee{ me I’ll give );ou a big Hig .. Ifyou’d like to see Grammar or any of th~ other adoptable dogs visit the Lab Rescue Tulsa Oldahoma website at: labre~Cue,net, All available dogs are listed there. We also show our dogs t~e first three Saturdays ofthe month, so watch the website f6r the locations. September 1, 2010 " 7 ~~! ~nstant Ace the Nation’s Top Gay 10 September 1, 2010 Photo’s by Victor G. and Robin D. Out &About in Oklahoma @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ 7he Democratic Homecoming andActivist Hall ofFame Dinner, Oklahonm City By Ed Sikov Ed Sikov is the author ofDark Victory; 7he Life ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!lms and fihnmakers. "Snobs invent Fire Island Iced Tea" Six of us ~vere lined up in beach chairs judging the gym rats on parade at the water’s edge. "Why does that guy have ’Bondi’ printed on his ass?" I inquired. "I love Make Way for Tomorrow, too, but it’s a strange film to be referenced on a musclehead’s butt." "It’s not Beulah Bondi, darling. It’s Bondi Beach in Australia~" This came from my 3artner, Dan, who then turned on me: "Did rou hear what Dr. Film Studies just said?" he trumpeted to the others, who made snorting noises at my expense. Jack Fogg yawned, stretched, and said, "Let’s make Long Island Iced Tea." "You would drink that," his boyfriend Sammy replied. Jack became defensive: "What’s wrong ~vith Long Island Iced Tea?" "People wilt think we’re from Massapequa," Chipper explained. "Or Hicksville," Paolo added. "Can you imagine saying you’re from Hicksville? You might as well be from East Jesus." I agreed. "We’re maldfig ’Fire Island Iced Tea’ because we’re on Fire Island, not Long Island." "What’s in it?" Sammy asked. "We’re inventing it," I declared. "What should be in our drink?" "Lots of fruits," said Dan. "And logs of alcohol," Pao!o added. "It needs a fire component," Chipper said. "What tastes hot?" I had an inspiration: "Absolut Peppar!" Chipper got into the spirit(s): "And Citron for the fruit. And Orange Curacao. And your inevitable lime juice." "Why do you always have Orange Curacao?" asked Jack, the reporter; he was prone to interviewing people, which irritated me, so I answered: "Because Blue Curacao turns an orange Screwdriver the color of vomit." "Aha," said Jack, buying my, made-up reason. I’m dementedly jealous ofJack, so I put a notch on the Ed vs. Jack scoreboard I keep in my head. Michelangelo’s David strolled by. "What can we add t° represent him?" Dan asked. "Coke Zero!" Sammy shouted to our communal delight. ~-he pore; perfect hunk thought we were laughing at him and glared. We tried a fe~v recipes before we found one that worked, which meant we were hammered by dinnertime. I grilled the Lemon-Dill Lamb-burgers to death. Dan burned the buns. But Paolo, always under control, pulled off a lovely Caprese Salad, and since we bought a peach pie from the grocery store, dessert was fine. "Where do these great pies come from?" I once asked the Long Island teenager behind the counter. "Poh’t JefE.," she answ~ered, meaning Port Jefferson. The accent alone proved why ~ve had to have an "Iced Tea" of our own. Fire Island Iced Tea 2-parts Absolut Peppar 2-parts Absolut Citron I-part Beefeater 1-part cup tequila l/2-part Orange Curacao 1-part or 1/3-cup unsweetened lime juice 3-parts Coke Zero or the soda of your choice . Fill a tall glass with ice and add liquors and lime juice. Pour soda in gently to keep the fizz. Note: The conventional drink is called "Iced Tea" because the cola turns the white liquors tea-colored. But I prefer Limonata, the Italian le,hon soda, which makes the drink taste like spicy lemofiade. Use what you like, and dofft worry about what color the result is. If it looks gross, put it in an opaque plastic cup, stick a straw in it, and nobody will know the difference. @ Finishline, Oklahoma City 12 @ Ledo, Oklahoma City September Join Metro Star Enews for BreakAng News Updates as they haj~pen. Keep informed throughtout the monthr Join us at www.Metroatari’~ews.com SSRA Member Don George, Tulsa TULSA, OK __ The Metro Star Online edition at www.metrostarnews.com is updated daily with Top Local and National Ne~vs stories that concern the GLBT community. The \Vorld News feed module will keep you informed about community news from around the globe. The Metro Star Online was one of the first nationally to send out a News Bulletin on the California Prop 8 ruling from Federal Judge Vaughn Walker on August 4. Metro Star Online was the chosen media to release the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Oldahomans for Equality and Cimarron Alliance Foundation on July 31. Join today and we will keep you informed and it’s FREE. Chuck Breckenridge ~hether buying or selling I’l! work hard for you. ’lecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aol.com 597 M~ Road Arkansas ww~v.magneticvalleyresort.corn info@magneticvalleyresort.com 800-210-8401 479-244-6821 September 1, 2010 13 By Jack Fertig September 20t0 "Just be yourself, VirgoV’ Venus and Mars dancing through Libra while opposing Eris boost competition and conflict. Mercury retrograding past the Sun in Virgo brings egotisticai miscalculations into the picture. Go slow, easy and careful. Be the tortoise, not the hare! ARIES (March 20- April 19): Strive for your best without comparing yourself to colleagues. Can you be the best at teamwork? Even efforts to cooperate will highlight your ego, but as long as you’re your own sharpest critic, that can be good for you. TAURUS (April 20- May20): Too often you feel your best isn’t good enough. Your efforts are appreciated. Why do you shortchange yourself? Playfully exaggerating those feelings - and whatever comes up with them - can help you get clarity. GEMINI (May 21- June 20): "The family that plays together slays each other?" That’s not how it goes, but maybe you should find your fun outside for now. Either way, remember that standing in your community is based more on cooperation than being "the best" at anything. CANCER {June 21- July 22): Slips of the tongue reveal what you really think about your roots and your current job and trajectory. Pick your company carefully, being sure to have a confidante you can trust. Also, use these accidental insights to revise your plans. LEO (Ju~y 23 -August 22): Be very careful of your facts and figures. You’re likely to exaggerate the humiliation of being caught in a mistake, but the financial costs of errors can be much more real than the cost to your ego. VIRG0 {August 23 - September 22): Let others plan your birthday party. You’re having too much trouble managing details and they’ll fall all over each other trying to make your bash everything you deserve. Trying to look sexy is sure to backfire. Just be yourself and they’ll come running. LIBRA {September 23 - October 22): Worries about your relationship are at least exaggerated and likely unfounded. Go over them carefully, preferably with your partner, strip away the needless fears, and get a clearer vision of real problems you can work on. SCORPIO {October 23 - November 21): Friends are too eager to help, but listen politely, if briefly. There might be some good suggestions in all that meshugas. Competing with colleagues can drive you crazy. Focus on doing your best. "You’ll accomplish more. SAGITTARIUS/(November 22 - December 20): Your long-range plans are not looking good. Normally you would roll with that and adapt. Now it looks more serious, That’s just worry, but yes, some revisions need to be made. Analyze problems now; solve them next month. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Work is looking good if you can only keep your mouth out of the way. Absorb information and others’ perspectives now. Take time to figure that out before responding. Even if by negative examples, your family offers excellent lessons for building your future. - AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You may be able to convince everyone you’re right, but something at the heart of your argument is wrong. Invite criticism. Open discussion and testing your premises can help you figure out where the flaw is. ’ PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Money and sex are the two biggest issues for couples to deal with, but first get ego and miscommunications out of the way. Humility and admitting mistakes is necessary on both sides, but you can only do for yourself. 1 12 3 4 5 i6 7 8 9 10 ~ 11 12 i13 !14 17 ~ ~ ~26 27 I 28 29 30 ,31 ~ 32 33 ! 38 I 54 W 60 61162 Community for People iving H V/A ©S A 501. c (3) Non Profit Or~.~nizadon Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation ~at many of our people live through each and eve.- day. We provide a Toilet~ and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves_ ~te invite anyone who would like to volun[eer or provide financial assistance to please contacl us by phone 9t 8-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net 35 End of the quip 39 Victor/Victoria actor [¥ter 40 Verdi’opera 41 Gay Hamilton 42 L-~am of Kinsey 44 Straw hat 46 Beginning ~o whiz 47 kA. lang’s~I Gal" 52 Barrie~ precipitation 53 Source ofth( quip 55 No no~e for a l;u~c~ 58 V0d S uad° Character 59 Edmund to Colette? ancestral home 12 Hoar 13 Alpine feedback 14 ~iily Elliot epithet 22’ Bdieve :n0t!", 23 Mil; Student b0# 26 Number 0fsidm to a gay, symbol 27 Transsexual Richards 28 Que n 0free hill 29 Dicks rtmning mate 30 Like Abner, before Viagra? 31 NB~ Sketch source 33 Stuff~ ~trides 34% eat; to UlrichS 35 Tart taste 36 Kindof colUmn 37 Ola comedian g orge }8 Poet Teasd~e !3 Like an~igayhnguage ~5 ~ii~d testacle? 18 P !fistname, in Goldfinge~ 19 Greased th~ palm ofU 56 With title tO il Fine point 53 George Burns film ~4 Gay p0rn director Fnmcis 55 Dangle like a package Solution p~e 15 14 September 1, 2010 Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. A HABANA INN 2200 N\’g 39TH EXPW Oklahoma City, OK /1-05-528-2221 w~v.habanainn.com MAGNETIC VALLEY RESORT 597 Magnetic Road Eureka Springs, AR 800-210-8401 ~wvw.magneticvalleyresort.com ACCOUNTING: KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa. OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ATTORNEYATLA~ VALEI~E WILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13oh Street Oldahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 AUTO DEALERS: ANTIQUES: EMPLOYNIENT ~AR HELP WANTED OKC: "Pne Copa is currendy seeking a bar /:or appointment (405) 525 0730 NIGHTCLUBS/BARS: ANGLES 2117 N~Z 39th St. Otdahoma City, OK www.anglesctub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 ~vve%habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ,a~vw.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 wv~v.habanainn.com TULSA F~GLE 1338 E. 3RD Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am ENTERTAINMENZ" RETAIL STORES: HA[R SALONS &SPAS." INSURANCE: ORGANIZATIONS: PHOTOGRAPHK: CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN. JUDY G. PHOTO’S OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Tulsa, OK Service Sunday 10:45 AM judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 EXPRESSIONS Fellowship 4010 N Youngs Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 www.expressionsOKC.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline OKLAHOMA STONEWALL DEMOCRATES Oldahoma City, OK www.okstonewall.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 RED ROCK B.H.S. 4400 N LINCOLN BLVC Oklahoma Ci~ OK 73105 405-425-0473 Toll Free 1-877-339-3330 SPIRIT OF CHPdST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET. Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Sunday 6pro REAL ESTATE: CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY REAL ESTATE Nations Top Gay/Lesbian Realtors www.GayRealEstate.com 1-988-420-6683 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com RESTAUP~tNTS: GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPP,ESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn Classified Text Classified A ILAC R ~ ~ELI E ACIN R THEC R AlES G E NK~N A N TELL E T E GBON S ARW~ G LING A A OBIE L~ RENT B Ai EDG~ A September 1, 2010 15 "What matters, as always, is not what we can’tdo, Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the Oklahoma and national Democratic Par~. Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the GBT Tuesclay~ September 7, meet the ~ st Tuesday ofevery month at the " ’E D RAT~C Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Metro Star Magazine, September 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 9 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 01, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd; Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Nimmo Victor Gorin Ronald Blake Michael W. Sasser Robin Dorner-Townsend Judy Gabbard Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Jack Fertig Lisa Keen Ed Sikov Steven Petrow Rex Wockner D'Anne Witkovski Keith Orr Chris Azzopardi Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/191 The Metro Star Magazine, October 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/196 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/197 000 steps AIDs walk OKC Bitter Girl Cimarron Alliance Foundation Danielle Girdano Don't shop-Adopt Fitness-10 funnies Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Lady Gaga-Arizona immigrants law Metro scene National Post Nightclubs and Bars Oklahoma City Museum of Art Oklahoma Democratic Party Oklahoma News pre-existing condition insurance Prop 8 QPuzzle Qscopes same sex marriage Sex-Consent Shelley McGoffin Sooner State Rodeo Association Stonewall Democrats The Equality Network Tulsa ballet Tulsa Metro Softball League https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/828ad2503fa0191d057842de3d0472b7.jpg 6ec263ac80a251de5387dbfdee9c17cf https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/7735f4a6598447aadbfdd8bd1e226be0.pdf 565528a0d1c62bbfd17bbac5afe9a438 PDF Text Text WWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" AUGUST 1, 2008 NEHART "I’m not sure what homophobic means:’ Q ote from CNN Interview! From the Editor TULSA, OK __ You can still call us "The Star" although we have a new name, the Metro Star. Tiae Ozarks Star is no longer. With our primary focus on Oklahoma, we decided the Ozarks name was no longer appropriate for our publication. The State of Oklahoma and our t~vo major metropolitan areas, OHahoma City and Tulsa, will continue to be our main focus. The emerging Oklahoma cities of Lawton, McAlester, Ardmore, Muskogee and Enid also have diverse communities that are becoming more active. McPride in McAlester has made a big difference in that area. We will continue to serve them as well. By Metro Star staff Tulsa Pride ~ sets new p~ent for major events new ~home for Pride Some believe nevcs print publications have no future, that electronic media has made the newspaper obsolete. I believe there is need for both. To accommodate those thousands who visit our website, we upload our entire paper each month, an exact duplicate of the printed version. Many, including myself to ¯ think Maybe you noticed we also have a new look. We’ve changed from a magazine m a newspaper format, which will allow us more print space and to increase circulation at a lower increase in cost than the more costly magazine style. Those staples were very expensive! x~lith the added space we now can report more on national and international news that normally you don’t find in the mainstream media. We will continue to sp~ out on eqt~ rights issues and, promote those leaders and organizations who openly support equality Star Media, Ltd., publisher, was formed in Joplin, Missouri in 2003. Vie distributed our first edition New Year’s Eve that year. It was a black & white Readers Digest size of only eight pages and printed from my home printer. We printed less than a 1000 copies because the printer ran out of ink. There were only 4 paid advertisers. XXre called it "Ozarks Pride". We continued to print on my old Dell printer for several months with my dear friend Sissy Blanchard folding and stapling from the dining room table. Because people confused us with a "Pride Organization" we changed the name to the Ozarks Star. Tnat soon was referred to simply as "The Star". We moved to Tulsa in December 2004. The qnal issue of tbe Ozarks Star Magazine, July 2008 Our distribution area in the beginning was Joplin, Springfield, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Pittsburg and Tulsa. To increase our readership we expanded to Oklahoma City, Kansas City, and Wichita and recendy discovered a former Tulsan who owns Napoleon’s Itch Night Club in New Orleans that wanted to distribute "~e Star so he and fellow Oklahomans in New Orleans could keep up on our local news. Now that we’ve made the transition and I’ve filled you in on our past we hope you enjoy the Metro Star. With a new name, a new design and an optimistic outlook we will go forward. Thanks to those of you who have supported us in the past and we welcome those who will support us in the future. Sincerely, Oklahoma County Commissioner Bi ’eni Rinehart ~om District 2, a practicingpublic homo ~hobe OKI2kHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart appeared on CNN’s American Morning July 21, to defend his anti-gay comic book that he is sending out to registered Republicans in his district. Wher asked if his comic book took mudslinging to a brand new low, Rinehart replied, "Well, one person’s mudslinging, I guess, is another man’s issues. Here in the state of Oklahoma especially here in Oklahoma County, I believe that the homosexual agenda is an issue in this campaign. I thought that the cartoon book was a novel approach to telling a story for the last three, 3 1/2 years." Rinehart has been charged by Attorney General Drew Edmondson, who is depicted in the book, with illegal campaign financing for his 2004 campaign. He faces trial in September. CNN ROBERTS: In fact, let me just highlight in a little bit more detail your attack on Attorney General Drew Edmondson here as depicted in this comic book. You’ve got him holding a sign that says, "Gay rights now." And you write in the balloon over a character here, "You remember that Drev¢ Edmondson is on record to force the Boy Scouts to accept homosexuals as scout leaders, a pedifiles [sic] dream come true." Tile Attorney General has said of this comic, ’~ drowning man tends to thrash about." And the question is being raised= is this some desperate and weird attempt at payback against the attorney general because he has filed these charges Editor in Chief Wodd Pdde-Pages 9 &13 ............................. Continued on Page-6 �2 www.metrostarnews.com �New Arena Prepares 5h ne New L ght ByJoey D. When walldng the halls of the nearly completed BOK Center in dmvntown Tulsa, it is nearly impossible to be awed by just how massive the new 18,000 seat events center is. The building, ~vhich is o~en described by passers by as either a space ship or a meringue pie, has become a true addition tO the Tt~lsa skyline, with the recently added lit "BOK Center" signs. "This building is truly unique to Tulsa," says Travis Horton of Tulsa Vision Builders, a joint effort of Flintco and Manhattan Construction Companies. "In keeping with Tulsa’s precedent, a large portion of the project’s budget and efforts went to ensuring that the building’s architecture and appearance were truly unique." Located at the corner of 3rd and Denver, the BOK Center is literally a shining example of downtmvn revitalization. "When Pelli (the building’s architect) designed this building, he wanted to incorporate light into it. There are windows everDvhere in here. Even if it’s only a sliver, no matter where you are in here you can see a window? Another feature incorporating light into th~ building that most people may never think about is the terrazzo flooring that runs through out the concourse. According to Horton, the 70% mother-of-pearl mixture was purposely chosen by the architect to make the building shine. of steel and reinforced glass. "I can’t think of anything out there like it that is on this scale? While innovative and impressive, Horton also reassures that the wall is safe. "They have impact tested it with two by?burs and even subjected the model to jet-engine force winds to make sure it will hold? Just inside the glass shield is the building’s main promenade and grand staircase, and grand they are. The open aired promenade allmvs guests to appreciate the magnitude of the building and to bask in the art deco splendor of the historic downtmvn buildings that surround it. The Grand Staircase, raising from the ground level to the main bowl searing, offers event patrons a grand path to their seats, almost on a royal scale. The arena, which is being constructed with funds from the Vision 2025 bond issue, is on target for its grand opening August 30. The ribbon cutting and open house will be followed the next day by a community choir, starring Sand Springs native and Broadway performer Sam Harris. The first major act, The Eagles, will take the arena stage September 6, followed in the coming months by such acts as Celine Dion, American Idols Live, Kenny Chesney and Carrie Under~vood (just to nan~e a few). For event updates visit www.bokcenter.com. "Everything that has been done in here has had his approval. Everythingyou see from the ceiling panels to the stripes of paint on the walls have been approved by him. He has a vision to integrate light into this building,.but also to m~e it feel very open;’ said HOrton. ~ae most noticeable and unique element of the building is its sweeping glass "icon wall? "If Pelli has a signature masterpiece, this would have to be it," Horton says of the massive grid www.metrostarnews.com ~÷t~’oSTAR 3 �Ok!ahomans for Equality opens new exhibit, Treegpeak, at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK__ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host it’s month~¢ First Thursdays Meet’the-artist Reception from 69pro, Thursday, August 7, for the opening of its August exkibit TreeSpeak, featuring the,vorks of photographer Shelly Ledford, and painter Dawn DeMott. ~ne TreeSpeak Exhibit is being held specifically in August to acknowledge the Katrina events in New Orleans and to celebrate the rebirth of the city. The works in the exhibit will be New Orleans focttsed. Expressions Community Tulsa Couple to Marry Fellowship Relocates In San Diego. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ Expressions Community Fellowship ha~s relocated their facilities to the Landsbrook Event Center, formerly The Church of the Servant, 5909 NW Expressway, Otdahoma City, OK 73132. It is west of MacArthur on Northwest Expressway. "~e new facility has recently been remodeled and provides many new ~vonderful amenities as well as plenty of room to grow and launch our Children’s Ministr,,~’ said Pastor Neill Spurgin. The Church meets ever), Sunday at 2:30pm. Photo: Charles Johnston and Kelly Kirby Shelly Ledford is a native Tulsan and graduated from Northeastern State University with a degree in Literature. She has held a variety of photographic positions including staffphotographer for Newspaper Printing Corporation, MetLife and John Blanca Modeling agency and currently owns Renaissance Photography. In constant search for places xvhich vibrate a high level of universal energy, her ~vork reflects areas such as New Orleans concentrating on the above ground cemeteries, swamps and bayous in and around New Orleans, Sedona, Italy, Greece, Austria, England and Indonesia. Quotable Quotes In a passionate address to the Democratic National Committee’s Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council, Mrs. Obama delivered a rottsing call-to-equality and put her husbas~d on record as a fighter for the full equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. "Barack believes," she said, "that we must fight for the world as it should be, a world where xve ,vork together to reverse discriminatory laws." Invoking "those who marched and bled and died, from Selma to Stonewall," Michelle implored Democrats to continue those early crusaders’ march "in the pursuit of a more perfect union." For more information contact them at (405) 761-1878 or email expressionsokc@yahoo. com. DBAT Will Host DiversityJob Fair TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Diversity Business Association of Tulsa (DBAT), a program of Oklahomans for Equality, is hosting a Diversity Job Fair on Tuesday, September 16th from 1:00 to 5:00pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa. The event will bring together lgbt job seekers and lgb{-friendly employers in a safe and comfortable environment, allowing for open dialogue and alleviating fears of discrimination. The Diversity Job Fair offers a unique opportunity for diversity-conscious employers to access the wealth of skilled and talented members of the lgbt community. Additionally, job seekers are given an unprecedented connection to companies that are lgbt-friendly. Employers are asked to have their area set up by 12:30pm the day of the event. DBAT will provide a table and t-wo chairs. Refreshments will also be provided. The Equality Center has wi-fi internet access. For more information or if your company is interested in participating in the job fair, contact Susan Hartman at dbat@okeq.org or call 918-698-2977. Congrattflations m~’~ MCC United A Metropolitan CommuniW Church 4 Sunday Services @ 11:00 AM ].623 N. Maplewood Tulsa, OK to the new Miss Gay Okdahoma America 2008, Adrienne Fischer and 1st Alternate Shantel Mandalay. TULSA, OK__ Kelly W’ayne Kirby and Charles Stanfill Johnston of Tulsa announced they will be legally married on Saturday, August 9, 2008. The wedding will take place at Point Loma Lighthouse Bluff, Cabrillo National Monument, in San Diego, California. Officiating will be Rev. Doctor David Downing, retired clergyman of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). David was one of Kelly’s youth pastors in Kansas when Kelly was a teenager. "Vge are taking five of our six kids (ages 21-26) and their significant others, my morn, and Kelly’s two sisters. Several friends are joining us in San Diego for the wedding’; Charles said. The couple will be staying at the Park Manor Suites Hotel, across the street from Balboa Park, and will host a reception there after the ceremony. " he Hot Young Hollywood Party" to benefit R.A.I.N. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) _ The party ~vill be held at Angles OKC, August 8th and will include fashion shmvs by Riot Rocket and GLAMNERD. The highlight of the evening will be a continuous raffle of luxury gifts *including a MARC JACOBS bag* donated by some of the hippest restaurants and shops in the metro. Keeping xvith the "Hollywood" theme we will have a red carpet and sponsor board for everyone to have their picture taken with. Our sponsors include; Tony Foss, Iguana, Velvet Monkey Two, 1492, Nova, Tom & Jerrys, Blue7, Duo.. "This event was nay idea of a great give back to this wonderful organization and its tireless stalk"; said Kendel R. Powers, producer of the fund-raiser. All proceeds from the event to benifit R.A.I.N. (Regional Aids Interfaith Network) www.mcctulga.org August 2008 �Room Ra~es From A~ About Our Su#es = High N~ wv,-~v.metrosta mews.corn P~et~oSTAR 5 �CYNDI SHOWS COLOURS against you for campaign irregularities for 2004?" The comic book shows a couple discussing Rinehart’s trials and tribulations as an Oklahoma County Commissioner, how Rinehart strives to accomplish better roads and bridges, lower taxes, and promote family values but is thwarted by public officials supported by Satan. "Be sure and vote--your voice counts, and it’s more important who our ,p, resident is than who is our next American Idol. Cyndi Lauper. By Victor Gorin BRENT RINEHART: "OK. Again, it’s getting a message out. It’s telling a story" of hmv I got to where I’m at the last 3 to 3 1/2 years. No~a; no one has ever - now people can talk about the homosexual aspects of this in regards to how they’re depicted but no one has ever said anything about the truthfulness of my cartoon book. How it exposes Drew Edmondson for his true agenda, and how it exposes others here in county government for their true agenda. No one and you know, you can attack the spelling of pedophile. I have to be honest with you, I don’t necessarily care if I misspelled it or not", T!~e following are quotes from a few of our other elected officials. "It’s extremely pathetic and very bigoted." Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel ’Tve really encouraged him on more than one occasion to get professional help. He really, needs it". Oklahoma County Assessor Leonard Sullivan "It’s typical Rinehart subterfuge to detract from his poor job performance and likely criminal misdeeds". Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth Once again Oklahomans has been embarrassed by someone we elected to office. Will this newest outrage provoke us to seriously look at who we vote for? q-his election year will soon tell. We must take the time to evaluate a candidate’s ability to represent us and to support equality for all citizens of this state. Many are just not capable. TULSA, OK (PR), July 16th _ Oklahomans for Equality deplores the vandalism directed at Robert Stoder, an openly gay resident of east Tulsa. Such intimidation highlights the urgent need for federal and state hate crimes legislation protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LBGT) people. Over the last week, anonymous vandals have twice attacked Stoder’s propert): The assailants set Stotler’s truck on fire and spray painted "Gay Must Go" on the charred vehicle. The comic books, which is sure to be a classic in the annals of political history for the GLBT community and Oklahoma, can be downloaded from http://do~vnloads.newsok. com/documents/rinehartcartoon.pdf Zhe purpose for publishing the 16-page book was to highlight his commitment to destroying the queers. ~q~en asked whether it’s relevant to his election, Rinehart insists that it is, because we are in a cultural war. When asked whether he’s homophobic, Rinehart played (real) dumb: I’m not even sure as to what homophobic means. But let’s just keep in mind that we are in a cultural war, not just here in the state of Oklahoma but nationwide." CNN journalist, John Roberts does not seem amused. You can tell when he does a little grammar check: "We should also point out that the word pedophile is spelled wrong in the two times that’s it’s used in this comic book". OkEq Decries Anti-Gay Vandalism in East Tulsa glndy Bell ofErasure and Cyndi Lauper at Oklahoma City True Colours Taut: OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ On June 23 the Pride Weekend in Oklahoma City was especially honored when the True Colours Tour came to the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheater. Despite the high heat of the afternoon, the show rocked with opening act Girl in a Coma. The show then mellowed into disco heaven with the 80’S sounds of Andy Bell of Erasure, bringing back nostalgic memories of nights past vcith some of his greatest tunes, "Blue Savannah," "A little Respect; and bringing many to their feet with his dance classic "Chains of Love." Mr. Bell did a duet with Cyndi Lauper before music took an intermission ,vith comedienne Margaret Cho whose ba~vdy humor extolled what’s good about gay men and bad about the Bush administration. Then Joan Jett showed she still had her stuff, performing classics older than many of the young people dancing in the audience. V,rhen she lead community singing with her signature tune "I love Rock and Roll," ( a 1982 classic) there was no shortage of rockers who enthusiastically knew the words. This follmved with the B-52’s, the wildly fun icons of the 80’s ,vho got their name from a hairdo named after a bomber. The energy ran vdld as the audience raved to their timeless numbers including "Rock Lobster," "Private Idaho" "Roam" and course "Love Shack" which predictably brought the house dmvn. All of this vcas held together by the perfect emcee, Carson Kressley ( famous from television’s QEeer Eye for the Straight Guy) whose wisecracks (induding flirtations with the hunky security guards) witticisms and audience interaction kept the show rolling and lively between "No Oklahoman should be victimized because of his or her sexual orientation;’ asserts Freddy Owens, Executive Director of Oklahomans for EqualiD: "All of Oklahoma’s lesbian, gay; bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens should be free to live openly and safely. It is far past time that our state legislature amended our hate crimes la~vs to include the LGBT community:’ In 2006, the FBI reported 7,722 hate crimes across the US, a 7.8% increase over 2005. About half were due to racial hatred; 1,195 of the crimes - representing 15.5% - were due to bias against LGBT people. 79 of the hate crimes were reported in Oklahoma, but the state hate crimes law does not cover sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. Earlier this year, state lawmakers introduced four different bills attempting to strengthen and broaden the Oklahoma statute. None of the bills received a committee hearing. Oklahoma remains one of only 17 states whose hate crimes laws do not protect LGBT citizens. Las Vegas Nights and Lights! (aka- Drag Q een Bingo) Bingo like your mother never played.,. This annual event and fur~draiser for Our House Too will be held August 8th at the Cain’s Ballroom. Female impersonators will bring Las Vegas excitement for this, the fifth year, beginning at 8:00p.m. and ending at midnight. There will be glamorous costumes and prizes. A live auction ~vill be held and, of course, bingo! Female inapersonators will perform glittering numbers from Las Vegas shows to entertain the crowd. acts. Last but certainly not least was the dassy campy icon who epitomized an era, Cyndi Lauper, who not only has made her mark in music history but also as a gay rights activist. Opening with an electrified Statue of Liberty torch and the song "Change of Heart," she went through her many hits, climaxing of course with the timeless anthem’Girls just want to have Fun." Our House Too is a nonprofit organization serving to eliminate the social 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 and a toiletry and household pantry. Tickets for Las Vegas Nights and Lights are $10 in advance or $15 at the door per person. For advanced ticket sales call 585-9552 or 698-9997. Directory of Local Animal Shelters Tulsa Shelter Broken Arrow OKC Muskogee Stillwater Coweta Siloam Springs Claremore Sand Springs Jenks Owasso Sapulpa Norman Collinsville 918-669-6299 918-259-8311 405 297 3104 918 686 7297 405 372 0334 918-486 2137 479 524 6535 918 341 1260 918 246 2543 918 299 6311 918-272-4965 918 227 2722 405 321 6725 918 371 1000 Courtesy ofwwv.labrescue.net 6 ~®t~’oSTAR August 2008 �Wockner News Service LI.& Senate votes to repeal HI¥ travel/immigration ban Schwarzenegger denounces effort to reban same-sex marriage Key The U.S. Senate voted 80q6 on July 16 to repeal the nation’s ban on HIV-positive foreign visitors and immigrants. Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Gordon Smith, R-Ore., secured a provision to repeal the ban in the Senate’s legislation to reauthorize PEPFIMR, the President’s EmergenW Plan for AIDS Relief. ABC, FX get high marks from GLAAD ABC and the FX cable network do the best job of representing gay Americans, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said July 14. The San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau is holding a contest to give away a six-day "dream vacation" to the city for a same-sex couple to get married. GLAAD’s Network Responsibility Index tracks the quantity, quality and diversity of images of GLBT people on television. ~ae sweepstakes, which ends Aug. 1, is open to U.S. residents who are at least 25 years old. "’g~e’re celebrating the new laws allowing same-sex weddings in California," ConVis said on its ~’eb site. The measure now moves to a House-Senate conference committee, then goes to President George "\g~. Bush, who is eager to see PEPFAR re-~\tnded. "We applaud the Senate l:or rejecting this unjust and sweeping policy that deems HIV-positive individuals inadmissible to the United States," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "We call on the leaders of the House and Senate to retain the Kerry-Smith provision in conference and ensure it is included in the fin!l legislation sent to the president’s desk." "The HIV ban is ineffective, unnecessary, and Simply bad public health policy," said Rachel Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality. "It is especially harmful to gay and lesbian families, who do not benefit from the waiver available to opposite’sex couples. The Senate’s change is welcome, and long overdue." PEPFAR will send $48 billion to Africa over the next five years to fight _AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., called the bill "the single most significant thing the president has done." Two policemen marry in Northern California Two male cops have gotten married in Northern California. Santa Rosa police officer Chris Mahurin, 25, and San ILafael police officer Alex Holm, 25, tied the knot June 20 at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa. "It’s just a dream come true," Holm’s mother, Claire Ann Boyce, told the local Press Democrat newspaper. "It makes me feel like this generation is on its way to have what everyone should have." ~ae ceremony was conducted by gay state Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, chief sponsor of the same-sex marriage bill that t~vice passed the state Legislature only to be vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The California Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage May 15 and the ruling took effect June 16. www.rnetrostarnews.com San Diego offers gaywedding sweepstakes "Ever dreamed of being married in Paradise? In a short story, tell us why you should win the wedding vacation of your dreams in San Diego. The best story will win a trip that includes your marriage license, transportation, accommodations, dining and entertainment." California Gov. ArnoM Schwarzene~e,: Photo by Rex Wockner California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has strongly denounced the attempt to amend the California Constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage. The state Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage May 15 and the weddings began on June 16. Appearing on TV’s Meet The Press on June 29, Schwarzenegger was asked: "You have a lot of propositions on the ballot again this fall. One of them wotfld mean a constitutional ban on gay marriages. Do you support that?" "No, not at all," Schwarzenegger replied. "As a matter of fact, I think the Supreme Court made a decision there. It was apparently unconstitutional to stop anyone from getting married. It’s like 1948, the interracial marriage, when the Supreme Court of California has, you know, decided it was unconstitutional and then later on the Supreme Court of the United States followed, I think 10 or ! 2 years later. So I tahink it is, it’s good that California lead -- is leading in this way." "I personally believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman," the governor added. "But at the same time I think that my, you know, belief, I don’t want to force on anyone else, so I think we should stay with the decision of the Supreme Court and move forward. There are so many other more important issues that we have to address in California. So I think to spend any time on this initiative I think is a waste of time." It was not the first time Schwarzenegger had denounced the proposed amendment, but it was the first time he has done so on national television. Desperate Housewives: Lane. ABC photo At the beach in San Diegoi Photo by Rex tgockner ABC, wiffl shows like Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty, received the highest marks of the five broadcast networks. NBC and Fox scored lowest. Among 10 of the highest-rated cable channels, FX aired the largest number of GLBTinclusive hours of original programming, while TNT offered the fewest. The prize includes airline tickets; five nights at a plush hotel; dinners at five fancy restaurants; wine, cheese and chocolate tasting at an upscale venue; tickets to the renowned Old Globe Theatre; tickets to the GLBT Diversionary Theatre; "passports" to Balboa Park’s numerous museums; a massage at a swank spa; a wedding license; and tickets to Fashion Week. GLAAD examined all primetime programming -- 4,911 hours -- on the five major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and The CW) from June 1, 2007, to May 31, 2008. The group also reviewed all original primetime programming -- 1,240 hours -- on the 10 cable networks. "Time and again we see that what people watch on TV shapes how they view and treat the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people around them," said GLAAD President Nell Giuliano. "ABC and FX are ... showing other networks that including images of our community can go hand in hand with critical and commercial success." Each of the 6,151 hours of TV was reviewed for any on-screen GLBT representations, and networks were assigned a grade of excellent, good, adequate or failing. San Diego’s Balboa Park. Photo by Rex ~Vockner See www.sandiego.org/pridetobe ABC and The CW rated good, with 24 percent and 21 percent of their primetime programming hours inclusive of GLBT representations. CBS rated adequate, with 9 percent. NBC and Fox ..... continued Page-17 ............ More U. S. Nexvs page 17 ~÷troSTAR 7 �0 Photo by: Bill Gaddis Mandra Rossa Fiano/Sicilia 2006 More summer sipping. The Fiano grape comes frora the island of Sicily, and, taken a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge 2007, this botde was named as ’Great Value White Wine of the Year; Here is a medium bodied wine ~vith a fresh, floral nose. "Ihe finish has a taste of succulent pear and ripe melons. Bongiovanni Arneis 2006 ~~ere in midsummer, I find that I am enjoying lighter meals with more white wines over reds. Lately, my favorites include a diverse variety from many parts of the world. It’s been so hot that all I wanna do is relax by the pool/s~vim & sip some wine. Here are some wines other than Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc that embody the laid backness of summer. I~O~ ’ ItS hard to find sonaething that Piedmont produces in a xvhite wine that’s just as exceptional as those big Barolos and Barbarescos you read about all the time. However, one of the notable exceptions can be found in the white grape, Arneis. This wine comes from the Langhegrowing zone in Piedmont. Bright pear flavors are the hallmark of this wine. at cold temperatures. This is a wine of finesse, and elegance. At the palate it’s Sharp ~ great finish of light spices will become even years of ageing. C- Sineann Pinot Gris 2007 Torbreck VCoodcutter’s Semillon Dr. Loosen Riesling ~ 0 Michd 2007 Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc 2007 This lighdy sweet, low-alc6h 8 5 percent) " _ Dr. Loosen Bros. German RJ , ngf~om Mo, Saar-Ruwer is ideal for casual mmmertime quaffing. This wine has a creamy texture with : flavors of honey, apples, peaches;aa~,d miner,s. Pair with spicy grilled chicken or ~’i food[ [ ~d Vouvray !-lno I say ~ o to vour ~avorlte - ~ as always, " ~: " wlne " shop, ask ~ti0n~ ~’nd p(,rchase a bottle or ~ ........ two:~laare[some tooa ~ wine wire rrlenos ano cnecac tins out for yourself. St. Amant Verdelho2005 This exotic Portuguese white varietal is a new wine for this California vineyard. It’s a full bodied wine that shmvs tropical fruit flavors that ;" really come alive on your palate. D’ This writer also bar tends and hosts wine & food events knownofinTulsa. town as the Wine Enthusiasts Zeveri Muller Thurgau 2006 Garci Grande Verdejo 2006 This is a 100% Muller Thurgau from Trentino’s Valle di Cerebra district in Northern Italy. The fruit is sourced from five single vineyards. The grapes are gently crushed and then macerated ..... Ftom me l~ueoa region m ~pam, tins wine , shows a crisp green apples flavor/a must for " serious smnmer sipping. References include: the ~IBC’s ofwine by James Laube/www. www.FoodandV~ne.com "Www.Wikipedia.org With Donald This months recipe courtew Phoenix, Arizona quart pot, boil the water for the pasta, (112 lg. for 2 persons max.) When the water boils, add 3 tal~lespoons of salt (preferably kosher.) Add the pa~’ta. If fresh, 2 *:ninutes will do. If *One ofthe many desserts at the restaurant" Ingredients: The Pesto: 1/2 bunch of basil (leaves only) 1/3 cup ex. Virgin olive oil Handfifl of fresh pinoli nuts 1/4 cnp grated Parmigiana (Reggiana or Granaonly) 1 dove garlic smashed pinch of salt Pasta: (~ recommend fresh pasta only) ~OW gO: In a processor, place the basil, parmigiana and clove of garlic. Turn on the processor and slowly drizzle in the oil. Add the pinoli nuts and dash of salt. qqae paste should be creamy but never add too much oil ! In a 4 8 ~e~ ~oSTAR you cannot find fresh pasta, dry pasta should take approximately 8 minutes. ~ou do NOT want to eat overcooked pasta. ~A1 dente," is the only way to enjoy it. Reserve about an 1/8 of the pasta xvater to add while tossing your pastawith the pesto sauce. Hint: Never add more oil - it doesn’t work. MACEDONIA CON LIMONE E ZUCCHERO (Fresh fruit salad With lemon juice, sugar and fresh mint) Ingredients: Berries are a good choice. Strawberries, blueberries, black and raspberries will always ~narry~vell. Melons, pears and app!es vary texture and release flavors that don t blend well with berries in this dish. Freshly squeeze 2 lemons and add 2 Tablespoons of sugar and wisk together. Blend and toss with the berries, place in a dessert cup and garnish with fresh mint. August 2008 �Wockner News Service Police stop first Cuban gay pride march Boy George banned from the U.S. Police in Havana stopped Cuba’s first gay pride parade before it could start June 25. But the details of what exactly took place are far fi’om clear. The United States has refused to give British gay singer Boy George a visa to enter the country because he faces trial in Britain for allegedly chaining a male escort to a wall in his apartment. Reports from activists in Miami said the organizers were beaten and arrested around 10 a.m. as they arrived at Don Quixote Park at 23rd and J streets in the Vedado neighborhood. Fort Lauderdale’s Sun-Sentinel newspaper, however, said the march was canceled just before its start time by activist Mario Josd Delgado Gonz~itez, who appeared at the park to report that two other organizers had been arrested a day earlier. The Miami Herald, on the other hand, reported that nine organizers were detained the morning of the march, effectively aborting the event. The Spanish H-/eb site cubaencuentro.com quoted Delgado as saying: "Cuban homosexuals are victims of repression, we don’t enjoy rights. HA~at we are doing has as its objective the reclaiming of our rights. \re want equality of opportunity, equality of assembly, and that they dont expel its from parks, university centers, schools and work centers." With a theme of"You are not alone," the group had planned to walk to the Ministry of Justice and deliver demands to the government. They sought an end tO ~nti-gay violence and repression, an apology for the government’s having incarcerated gays in work camps decades ago, acknowledgment that gays have been fired because of their sexuality, and a review of cases where homosexuals have been jailed for an offense apparently known as "dangerous levels." At the march’s end, the group planned to proceed to a diplomatic residence to hold a press conference and stage a concert. Prior to the aborted mar&, Havana gay activist Aliomar Janjaque had told the Sun-Sentinel: "H/e want to raise awareness but we don’t want to provoke a wave of repression against the gay community. If there is a hostile reaction from the government, we will stage a much larger demonstration. "We will take to the streets." \[he Herald report said Janjaque was one of the individuals detained before the parade’s start. Gays march in 3 Indian cities George had planned a summer U.S. tour and also hoped to perform a free concert for New York City’s Department of Sanitation, where he worked cleaning streets in 2006 as punishment for a drug offense. George has pleaded not guilty in the ongoing British case. Lambda Istanbul eradicated by court Istanbul’s Beyoglu Court of First Instance has formally eradicated the gay group Lambda Istanbul, saying its existence contravened societal norms of morality and decency. Issuing its opinion this month in a case it decided in May, the court declared: "While members of the association are, as men and women, subject to Article 10 of the Constitution, which states that all persons are equal before the law; since there are no constitutional regulations regarding any other gender identity besides man and woman, forraing an association based solely on sexual orientation and gender identity is against the essence and the spirit of this Article, and the concept of equality aimed by it." The court continued: "It is observed that encouragement and propaganda, in all levels of the society, of the sexual orientation of the members of the association through organizing instructive programs are predominant in the association’s aims, and that these activities are likely to bring about a tyranny of a minority over the majority, which is against legal and constitutional regulations, and that this would jeopardize the rights and freedom of the family and children, as mentioned in Article 41 of the Constitution, and the rights and the freedom of the youth, as mentioned in Article 58 of the Constitution." The court proceeded to "dissolve" Lambda Istanbul, saying the European Convention on Human Rights allows obstruction of the right to association "to protect public morality and others’ freedom." The court also found that Lambda’s bylaws contravened a Turkish law that states, "No association may be founded for unlawful or immoral purposes." Lambda Istanbul has been in existence since 1993 and had been officially registered for two years. The group has continued to operate since the ruling and is appealing the decision to the Court of Cassation. Some ZOO0 GLBTpeople staged pride marches in the Indian cities of Calcutta, Bangalore and Delhi fi~ne 29 -- the first such parades in the latter two cities. Delhi photo by Sonali ~Gulati via Woc]ener ~Vews Some 2,000 GLBT people staged pride marches in the Indian cities of Calcutta, Bangalore and Delhi June 29 -- the first such parades in the latter two cities. About 500 people marched in Calcutta, 700 in the high-tech city of Bangalore and about 800 in Delhi. "When the pride started (in Delhi), there were about 100 people and it looked like we were outnumbered by the media and the police," said correspondent Vikram Doctor. "By the time we started (marching), though ... more and more people were coming along and getting attached to the end. I was walking back and forth, trying to help with media requests, and I got a sense of how large it was growing ~vhen I realized in addition to the main group carrying the flag upfront, there was a second large group behind with placards and doing dances -- and then a really large group of stragglers behind." Calcuttgs seventh parade focused heavily on Section 377, the Indian law that bans gay sex under penalty of up to 10 years in prison. A court case, now at a crucial phase, could see the law "read down" so it no longer applies to consensual adult gay sex. "India continues to stigmatize its transgender, kothi, hijra, gay, lesbian, bisexual and other communities of marginalized sexualities and genders," organizers said. "Section 377 ... encroaches upon a person’s democratic rights, goes against the spirit of the Indian Constitution and impedes life-saving sexual health work among sexual minorities." The parade was part of Rainbow Pride W’eek, which also featured movies, a photo exhibit, a panel discussion and a candlelight memorial for people lost to anti-gay abuse or HIV. "Clearly, Indian sexual minorities are not going to settle for status quo and are garnering www.metrostarnews.com support from different stakeholders, media included, in their struggle to be free from discrimination, receive respect from all sections of society, and function as equal participants in a progressive and democratic India," organizers said at the parade’s conclusion. The Queer Media Collective issued a statement saying that GLBT people in India today find themselves at about the same point U~S. gays were when the first pride parades began in 1970. "LGBT people face a lot of harassment from the police," the group said. "Lesbians are subject to violence and even forced to commit suicide by their families. Gay men are blacks-nailed by organized rackets that involve members of the police. Bisexuals are denied the chance to express same-sex love and forced into opposite-sex marriages. Transgenders are routinely arrested and raped by the police. Same-sex couples who have lived together for years cannot buy a house together, have a joint bank account or will their property to each other without being challenged by their families .... Today in 2008, Queer Pride goes national as a sign that the time for national change has come." Czech pride attacked, 20 injured The Czech Republic’s first gay pride parade, held in the city of Brno, came under attack from extremist and neo-Nazi protesters June 28 and at least 20 of the 500 marchers xvere injured. The 150 counterdemonstrators threw tear gas, fireworks and eggs at the marchers. Police and neo-Nazis clashed for about 45 minutes at the parade’s endpoint. About 15 of the troublemakers were arrested. g~®troSTAR 9 �Oklahoma City GLBT community and their friends celebrated their annual Pride Parade and Festival, truly. By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Once again the GLBT community and their friends celebrated their annual Pride Parade and Festival truly, as the theme stated, "Coming of Age." Paul q’hompson recalled how it began 21 years ago, planned by around a dozen people, not knowing if any more people would actually show up. q-he Ku Klux Klan had threatened to show up however, ready to meet the Parade by the N.W. 39th Street Safeway (now Homeland) with hostile confrontation. As the original marchers still nostalgically recall, when the Klansmen saw around 400 marchers coming over the hill they promptly abandoned their mission and the rest is ongoing history. As soon as the festivities are over, planning for the next Parade and Festival begins. OKC Pride meetings take place the third Monday of every month year round at 7 p.m. at the Neighborhood Alliance Center (1236 N.W. 36th Street). Membership dues to join OKC Pride are only $15 per year, which not only supports the event but also gives you a vote in the organization. At the August 18 meeting OKC Pride members will elect the Board of Directors, which in turn will elect officers. Although the OKC Pride Parade & Festival is a wonderful celebration for our community, inevitably there are aspects of it that some won’t like, or improvements that could be made. As Patti Thompson puts it. "The best way to implement the changes you want to see is through participation. If you have ideas, things you’d like to change, things you liked that you want to stay the same, this is the time to come forward and let us know. We are open to all suggestions: OKC Pride is for the community, and it’s what we make it. (Photo’s Page- 12) Back to School Stylings ByJoey De TULSA, OK__ On August 4, one Tulsa salon will open its doors and help area youth begin their new school year in style. Monkey Bizness, located at 5942 S. Lewis, is offering complimentary hair cuts to the students of nearby Wright Elementary, as well as to all area BLGT students. The back to school day of beauty was the idea of Monkey Bizness stylist David Mitchell and friend Debbie Mayabb. "We wanted to do something to help BLGT youth, but the more we thought about it, the more we realized that we could so much more; says Mayabb. "Every kid deserves a good start to the school year. It doesn’t matter who they are or what they are." Photo by Victor Gorin : Michael Cich ofOKC Pride with Joe Salmonese, Director of the national Human Rights Campaign with his partner Brad Luna (Photo But over the last 21 years as the world, America and Oklahoma have changed, so has the Pride Festival and Parade. Whereas during the first few years politicians were scared to even acknowledge the event in a positive way, later public office holders and wannabes proudly participate, glad to seek our votes. This year’s Parade & Festival featured Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth, State Representative A1 McAffrey, State Senator Audrew Rice (seeking a U.S. Senate seat), Ron Marlett who is seeking to unseat the infamous Sally Kern in State House District 84. : co~munity volunteer and David ofMonkey "The for the haircuts just came to us one day; ex- Whereas in the beginning only bars, a few small gay owned businesses and extremely progressive nonprofits wanted to be associated with us, today mainstream businesses ranging from Budlight to Best Buy were proud to seek our business. As it has grown consistendy year after year, it has become an event not only for our community but also takes its place among Oklahoma City’s mainstream events. Whereas in the beginning it was only positively covered in the Gayly Oklahoman, this year’s celebration was positively covered by the Sentinel, the Oklahoma Gazette, and even the Daily Oklahoman. For the first time the Parade was held on a Friday evening with the biggest crowd ever, follo~ved by the Festival in Memorial Park the following Saturday and Sunday. As the Pride Festival and Parade has gro~vn to be an event the community celebrates and counts on, so have the responsibilities of making it happen. The event is organized by OKC Pride, an organization with members who elect a Board of Directors, who then elect a President (currently Paul Thompson) VicePresident (office vacant)a Secretary (currently Victor Gorin) and a Treasurer (Currently Patricia Miller). What truly makes it come to life are the volunteers who toil long hours to make it happen, something most spectators have no concept of and take for granted. For the first time OKC Pride had a Volunteer Coordinator, Miles Tompkins. While last year OKC Pride had around 20 volunteers, this year we had over 60, with a high percentage of those new volunteers young people (under 30), 10 ~t~oSTAR "We approached Trish, the manager of the salon, and she loved the idea. When we asked all of the stylists, the support could not have been more overwhelming:’ Mitchell says that every Monkey Business stylist will be volunteering their day off to help, free of charge. "There are so many distractions for so many young people; says Mayabb, "everyone here wants to help give these kids that extra boost to succeed. It’s special for them to be able to come in to a salon of this caliber and be taken care of by the best.’ Mayabb explains, listing off awards and recognitions that the salon’s team have won, including an Emmy won by Mitchell. The t~vo say that they worked with one of Mitchell’s clients, a TPS principal, to identify nearby Wright Elementary as the beneficiary due to economic status of its students and proximity to the salon. The salon will also be reaching out to BLGT students through Youth Services of Tulsa and DYLN. Haircuts will be offered from 10am until 4pm. All students will have to bring an item proving they are enrolled in school. The salon has also invited their clients, and the rest of the public, to become involved with the effort through their "outfit-tree." They are currendy seeking donations of basic school supplies and backpacks to equip students for the first day of school. If you would like to help, contact Monkey Biziness at (918)749-5130 or visit them on ,~wv.360.tulsa.com under the beauty section. August 2008 �celebrate our 25th anniversary pride celebration. For more information & travel deals, visit wxcw.metrostarnews.com [~etroSTAR 11 �~en banded together to,r.aisemoney for Under the direction of OYP S Mama Carol this Con~ert was held atthe Tulsa, OK. Oklahoma Fdends of 12 August2008 �@ Showtime 2qse Royal Navy marching m London s gay pmde paradeJuly 5. ScotsGay phOm via ~ockner News Halfa million at London Pride Around halfa million people turned out for London’s gay pride parade July 5, led by Mayor Boris Johnson, who wore a pink cowboy hat. MP Harriet Harman, minister of equality and deputy leader of the Labour Party, reportedly was booed as she spoke from die main stage at Trafalgar Square. Members of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force marched in uniform. The Ministry of Defence offered free travel for servicemembers who wanted to attend the parade. Tatchell said the crowd was unhappy over the UK’s treatment of gay asylum-seekers from homophobic nations. Well-known activist Peter Tatchell carried a poster with a doctored, gayed-up photo of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. ~madme~ad leads a regime that arrests, jails; flogs, tortures and sometimes executes gay people," Tatchell said. Italian gay man wins 100,000 euros for discrimination A gay man on the island of Sicily won 100,000 euros (US$159,000) from the Italian government July 12 after the military and the Transport Ministry discriminated against him. Danilo Giuffrida came out as gay during his military medical exam. Doctors later relayed his coming-out to driver’s-license officials, who then accused him of having a sexual identity disturbance, told him to retake his driving test and, when he passed it, gave him a one-year disabled-person’s license instead of the normal 10-year license. Prior to the parade, Prime Minister Gordon Brown met with activists, including actor Sir Ian McKellen0 at his residence. They discussed homophobic bullying in schools, and Browds spokesman said he was "delighted" to have met with the group. "Discrimination against those in the army who are lesbian, gay and bisexual does not give them a chance to contribute or to play a full part in the teams that are vital for our success on operations;’ said Gem Richard Dannatt, chief of the General Staff. "It is ... our absolute duty to treat our fellow soldiers as vce would wish to be treated ourselves." Britain banned gays from the military until 2000. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are already members of the Stonewall program. A court determined the events amounted to "sexual discrimination" and were unconstitutional. It is likely the first ruling of its sort in Italian history. British Army joins gayequality program Some 120,O00people turned outfar Henna’s~ 13th gay pride paradeJuly, 12. The British Army has joined the gay group Stonewall’s Diversity Champions program to work toward increased equality for gay and bisexual soldiers. www.metrostarnews.com ~4®troSTAR 13 �out their website. The publisher Michael McFall has done a absolutely great job. It is the finest gay guide in any state that we have ever seen. by Donald Pile and Ray Williams PHOENIX, ARIZONA There are a lot of wonderful museums, galleries and shopping in the Phoenix area. Antique Marketplace is located at 4025 North 16th Street and sells a wide range of antiques. Next door is the Root Seller Gallery 8: Apothecary that sells a large variety of artwork, books, cards, herbs, music and more. The arts are alive and well in Phoenix and there are a lot of live theatre, and musical productions. Phoenix is surrounded by maW suburban cities and our favorite is TEMPE. tt is the home of Arizona State University and is one of the most progressive cities in the nation. Check out their website at: vibranttempe.com and click on GLBT TEMPE. Michael Martin and Nancy Black at the Convention and Visitors Bureau are two of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. Their revitalized downtown is so vibrant. ’~b~zona Sunburst Inn After leaving ~Zest Hollywood we drove to Phoenix where the weather was HOT. In the daytime it was 115 but at night it cooled down to around 110! We checked in to the ARIZONA SUNBURST INN which,aas sold about a year and a half ago and Tim and James have remodeled and really changed the decor and ambiance. Tney have done a vconderful job. Both Tim and James are great hosts and they make you at home. The room furniture is very masculine. Since they have taken over they have had many guests that have returned several times. All rooms face the swimming po61 and they also have a Jacuzzi. A morning breakfast is ready whenever you want it. They have VflFI for guests and a public computer for those who forgot t° bring their lap top. They are located at 6245 North 12th Place, ideally located to all of the major gay bars and businesses. Check out their ~vebsite at: www.azsunburst.com. Their toll free nmnber is 1-800 -974-1474. They offer clothing optional stmbathing, swimruing and spa. This is the ONLY place to stay when visiting PhoenLx. There are dozens and dozens of restaurants to dine in Phoenix but our favorites are Marcellint Pdstorante which has tO be one of the finest Italian Restaurants that ~ve have had the pleasure of dining. They are located at !301 Northern Avenue. Their website is: ~wv.marcellinoristorante.com..If you want true Italian coo~ng in an exciting atmosphere with servers who are the best then dine there. Tne mvners, Sirna and Marcellino Verzino are as good as it gets. Marcellino is the chef and his "beyond Fabulous" wife Sima is the "hostess who really is the mostess’! The combination of these two people are magic! Call for reservations: 602.216-0004. For a real dining experience we just can’t recommend dais restaurant enough. 14 NetroSTAR You can’t dine at the same restaurant every day so try TICOZ at 5114 North 7th Street. To say that it is wonderfifl is an understatement. Chef Holly creates the finest entrees and desserts ever. It has a great ambiance, wonderful service and their food presentation is as good as it gets. They have a huge following and we can certainly understand why! They have a great Saturday and Sunday Brunch special and the restaurant is always packed. They make some of the finest drinks in the city. Check out their website at www.ticozofarizona.com. For reservations call 602-200-0160. Be SURE and save room for dessert. Trust us on this one. They are totally beyond Fabulous! They also mvn another restaurant not too far away, SWITCH, 2603 North Central and their website is www. switchofarizona.com and they serve wonderful food there as well. There are a lot of gay bars in Phoenix for vchatever you are into. Favorite bars includes Charlies (the cowboy bar), Amsterdam, downtown, Cell Block, the leather bar, Oz, Wild Card, and we particularly enjoyed the KoBalt at Park Central ~vhich has a piano bar sometimes. Phoenix is the largest city (area wise) in the country so you certainly need a car to get around town. There are a lot of neighborhood bars around the city besides the large bars. They also have a couple of bath houses, the FLEX and the CHUTE. Most of the bars are located between 7th Avenue and 16th Street near Central Avenue. ~Ihe best place to find any bar or business in Phoenix is in the ARIZONA PRIDE GUIDE, vc~vw.arizonaprideguide.com. This informative guide is free and tells about the entire state of Arizona. It is distributed free all over the State or you can have them send you one.Just check Phoenix is a very friendly city and you are sure to make lots of new friends. Other websites to check out be~bre visiting Phoenix are: ¯aw~a~.gayarizona.com, w,a-,v.arizonaguide.com and w~avisitphoenix.com. The major gay publication is Echo, xwvw:echomag.com Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! CALIFORNIA MARRIAGE LICENSE INFORMATION By Donald Pile and Ray Williams Donald and Ray were legally married in Palm Springs, California, June 17th which was the first day that same-sex marriage became legal in California. "Ihey have been a gay couple for 37 years) As of June 17, 2008 the marriage laws in California were changed to allow same-sex couples to marry as well as heterosexual couples. There is no difference in the forms with the exception that in the same-sex marriage forms, they list "Party A" and "Party B" rather than bride and gr0bm. You can apply for a marriage license at nearly dl the county court houses in the state. A couple of counties have refused to marry same-sex couples and they are not allowed to marry heterosexual couples as well. A special note: For same-sex couples to be married in the State of Massachusetts, they have to be legal residents of that state. In California, there is NO residency requirement. Anybody from any state in the country can now be married legally in California. If your ID does not contain your full legal name you must provide a certified copy of your birth certificate or a Social Security card. Otherwise, a driver’s license is sufficient for proof. If you have been divorced within the last two years you must bring in a certified copy of your divorce decree. Both parties must appear to apply for and pick up their marriage license. Different counties xvithin the State of California charge different prices and they vary from $55.00 to $70.00. They accept cash and debit cards only. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. The license is typed tip and given to you in about 30 minutes. Should you desire to get married right there, they offer a civil marriage ceremony right at the court house. Naere is a fee of $35.00~ You are taken into a private room and the clerk as well as a wimess that they will provide in case you. don’t take some with you goes thru the marriage ceremony. The ending remarks are "In as much as Donald and Raymond have thus consented together in marriage, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of California as a Deputy Comrnissioner of Civil Marriages for the County of l~verside, I now pronounce you to be united in marriage. "AND TRUST US, IT JUST DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT MOMENT! After 37 years together, dais was one of the finest sentences that we have ever heard! You do not need a blood test or health certificate. There is no waiting period to get married. The entire process from start to finish takes less than one hour. Some couples prefer to get the license and then plan a wedding afterwards in a few days. Eight states allow same-sex marriage alternatives: In Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Vermont, same-sex couples can enter civil unions and receive the same statelevel benefits and responsibilities conveyed in traditional marriages. Similarly, Oregon residents can register as domestic partners and receive all state marital rights. Couples in Hawaii, Maine and Washington state can register as domestic partners and receive many of the most important marital rights. Suggestion: Don’t fly out for the weekend expecting to get married. The Court Houses are open Monday thru Friday only. What you need... Both parties must provide valid photo ID August 2008 �EUREKA SPRINGS SUMMER ,E, UREKA SPRINGS, AR;__ Eureka Springs is gearing up for its Summer Diversty Festivel to be held August 1,2,3, 2008 ~vith many events, shows and pool parties planned, including the now famous PDA in die park, where all persons are invited to show "Public Display of Affection" for their spouse or partner. Eureka Springs welcomed its 200th gay couple (Visiting from Chicago) to register under the domestic partnership registration law. History was made on May 14, 2007 when the Eureka Springs City Council unanimously approved the "Domestic Partner Registration (DPR). Although the document does not entitle couples legal benefits as in a marriage, it does act as a wonderful validation and acknowledgement of their relationship and commitment to each other. This was a first for Arkansas and hopefully, will inspire other registries throughout the state and beyond. Persons from anT0¢here may register in Eureka Springs.’ Visit www.diversitypride.com or ww~v.eurekapride.com for more information. AUg 1, 2008: Welcome Mixer at Marquee’s 7 - 9 PM (open for dinner 4 - 10pm) Aug 1, 08: Miranda Ray Performs at Jaek’s Place 10:00 PM Aug 1, 08: Miranda Meridian Performs at Lumberyard 8:00 PM Aug 1, 08: Diversity Bikers Brunch & Fun Run. Iron Horse Stables at 10 AM then ride to the PDA Aug 2, 08: PDA in Basin Park 12 Noon Aug 2, 08: Bear Pool Party. 1 PM - ? at Tradewinds Aug 2, 08: Diversity Bikers Raid the Pool Party & Fun Run starting at Planner Hill Parking Lot 3:30 - 5 PM Aug 2, 08: Miranda Ray Performs at Jack’s Place 10:00 PM Aug 2, 08: Miranda Meridian Performs at Lmnberyard 8:00 PM ALSO: Aug 1-2, 08: Yards & Yards of Yard Sales Aug 3, 08: Lucky 13 Cinema: Double feature "Across the Universe" & "Wizard ofOz", music of"Dark Side of the Moon" www.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 15 �by Jack Fertig AUGUST 2008 "Keep your balance, Aries!" The most troublesome planets are stirring up discord - Mars opposing Uranus, Mercury opposing Neptune. Looking to Eris for the best aspects is like borrowing sugar from Lucrezia Borgia! With everyone shooting their mouths off and facts getting jumbled, focus on careful listening and discernment. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Struggles at work might make you feel you’re on the wrong team. What’s easier to change - your job or your attitude? Time out, playful relaxation, and self-care (massage? acupuncture?) are needed to keep your balance. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): A~guments at home need to be settled to avoid tension that can screw you up at work. Friends who want to play may keep you from what you really find entertaining and relaxing. Take time at home to contemplate your goals in work and in life. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You probably can’t avoid arguments this week, but you canopick and choose them. Remember the simple, obvious rules: logic has nothing tO do with religion or sex; authorities should be criticized with extreme diplomacy and care; and friends who will forgive anything are the best to hang with! CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Arguments about sex can come up easily, especially if you’re unclear about what you really want. You need some guidance, a new philosophical or spiritual perspective. Explore those intangibles, and the touchy-feely will be easier to work out. The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Angles, Oklahoma City LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your partner (or Jack of one) seems especially aggravating now, and your sexual needs are not being propedy met - probably because you are at some level reassessing them. A good political argument may somehow kick your priorities and Needs into better focus. ......... VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Make a list of your worries. Cross off the ones you can’t do anything about, then list the steps you can take to deal with the others. A partner’s input may be helpful. An amorous retreat will be even more so. .... LIBRA (September 23 - October 22):.Nob0d~ else will fix what’s bothering you, so what ape _you_ doing about it? Big as some problems are, you can make a difference! You could even bring friends into a volunteer effort as if it were a social event. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa The Copa, Oklahoma City SCORPIO ((~ctober 23 - November 21): "(our playful jabs at social critique can get you a reputation. Will hosts send you invitations due to real affection or out of self-defense? Focus that acuity on working more effectively, and you could accomplish a lot! SAGITTARIUS (Nov.ember 22 - December 20): Arguments aren’t as likely to show that you’re right as much as that you insist on "being right." A little humility and listening can go a long way. Better yet, playful word games are preferable to serious debate. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Arguments about sex, sexuality, and gender issues can easily get out of hand. If you must react as if your mother’s honor were at stake, think of how she’d want you to be civil in your debate. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Sexual values and tastes change with age and experience. Although that’s normal, staying in sync with your partner may be the big challenge! Communication is always the key. Be open to exploring differences as well as common ground. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Your ideas for improvements at work are, um, intriguing. Discuss them with a colleague or two, allowing that they may be a bit off the wall. Still, they could be the seeds of much better ideas. Focus on efficiency and economy. @Club Majestic, Tulsa 16 MetroSTAR , @ Finishline, Oklahoma City August 2008 �Massachusetts may OK marriage for out-ofstarers Massachusetts’ legislature is considering repeal oi:a 1913 law that prohibits people from other states from getting married there if the marriage wouldn’t be allowed where they live. ’The law -- which stopped interracial couples who couldn’t marry in their own states t~¥om n~arrying in Massachusetts -- was resurrected aider Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage in 2004. ~e speaker of the House, the president ofth~ Senate and Gov. Deva! Patrick all support the law’s repeal. U2S. Census Bureau won’t count married gays ~ae U.S. government will not count married gay couples in the 2010 censtts, the San Jose Mercury News reported July 12. Instead, same-sex couples who accurately report that they are married will have their response tabulated by the Census Bureau as if they had checked "unmarried partners." Same-sex marriage is legal in California and Massachuset:tS[ in addition, New Yorkers who m~r~ in those states or abroad are recognized as married in New York state. Brot,~ers & Sismrs actors Matthew Rhys (who plays gay character Kevin Walker) and Sally Field. GLAAD photo repre.sentations. Lifetime and MTV ranked adequate. A&E, Spike, TBS, TNT m~d USA received failing grades. The ful! report is at glaad.org/media/nri/ NRI_2008.pdf. "Barack believes that ,ve must fight for a world as it should be. A ,vorld where together we work to reverse discriminatory laws like D.O.M.A. (Defense of Marriage Act) and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell," Mrs. Obama said, addressing an audience of 250 people at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee. ~ae Mercury News said the Census Bureau’s decision was based on the federal Defense of i~{arriage Act (DOMA) "and other mandates." DOMA, signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996, states, in part: "In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ’marriage’ means only a leg~d union between one man and one woman ,as husband and wife, and the word ’spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex ~vho is a husband or a wife." Gary Gates of the Williams Institute, a think tank at the University of California Los Angeles Law School, told the newspaper that the bureau’s decision "goes against everything the census stands fo,:" "It’s a systematic hiding not only of married gay couples, but gay couples as families, which I would argue is a fundamentally political decision," Gates said. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES ~ Transsexnal Richards Rev Steve T. Uric Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 2® Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at t0:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC 0fthe Living Spring received failing grades for their 6 percent and 4 percent of programming hours with GLBT images. Of the 10 cable networks evaluated, FX, HBO and Showtime each received a grade of good, with FX leading with 45 percent of programming hours featuring GLBT www.metrostarnews.com t7 Elk Street Eureka Spdngs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! ~et~oSTAR 17 �\ KiNG OF MASSAGE GFeBt Touch Man to Man F.tl Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available out calls (405) Now Hiring Male & Female Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge ~rhether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. Freelance Reporters Needed For Oklahoma City, Tulsa and all area’s Qualifications to stamews@sbcglobal.net or mail to: The Star, PO Box 581718 Tulsa, OK 74158 Creating Community for People ~iving H~V/A~DS 50’I c (3) No~: P~ofit ()rgaaizafion Metro Star Chssfieds Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HtV+ and or living with AiDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who ¯~/ould like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. [] 2" square ON SALE! for as litde as $33 per issue. Email: starnews@sbcglobal.net offer good until 8/16/08 918.835.7887 SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY [] grWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM 18 www.rnetr0starnews.c0m �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT DOWNTOWN PLAZA of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www:downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 ~v.~vw.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 21!7 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK vavw.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 wv~#abambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 wvw.dubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NxY-/- 39TH EXPRESSWAY Otdahoma City, OK 405-525-{3730 xwvw.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS"gAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oldahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 N\V EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle, com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller vvrilliams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: w ~,av. gaybradyheights tulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.glbtdallas.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.corn HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV!STD Hotline SPIPdT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING !7 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pro MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 9t8-838-1715 www.mcctutsa.org L N÷troSTAR 19 www.metrostarnews.com �Advertisement paid for by friends OfRon Marlett. OKLAHO ESE "I’m Ron Marlett and I’m running for State House District 84 because I want a chance to bring about change that really matters for my fellow Oklahomans: good jobs, affordable healthcare, a quality educational system and real freedom and equality." I NEED YOUR HELP TO WIN THIS ELECTION, WE CAN NIAKE ~T HAPPEN! need money and volunteers! Ron Marlett P.O. Box 854 Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 640-2069 www.ronmarlettforhousedistrict84.com � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document WWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" From the Editor TULSA, OK __ You can still call us "The Star" although we have a new name, the Metro Star. Tiae Ozarks Star is no longer. With our primary focus on Oklahoma, we decided the Ozarks name was no longer appropriate for our publication. The State of Oklahoma and our t~vo major metropolitan areas, OHahoma City and Tulsa, will continue to be our main focus. The emerging Oklahoma cities of Lawton, McAlester, Ardmore, Muskogee and Enid also have diverse communities that are becoming more active. McPride in McAlester has made a big difference in that area. We will continue to serve them as well. Some believe nevcs print publications have no future, that electronic media has made the newspaper obsolete. I believe there is need for both. To accommodate those thousands who visit our website, we upload our entire paper each month, an exact duplicate of the printed version. Many, including myself to ¯ think Maybe you noticed we also have a new look. We’ve changed from a magazine m a newspaper format, which will allow us more print space and to increase circulation at a lower increase in cost than the more costly magazine style. Those staples were very expensive! x~lith the added space we now can report more on national and international news that normally you don’t find in the mainstream media. We will continue to sp~ out on eqt~ rights issues and, promote those leaders and organizations who openly support equality Star Media, Ltd., publisher, was formed in Joplin, Missouri in 2003. Vie distributed our first edition New Year’s Eve that year. It was a black & white Readers Digest size of only eight pages and printed from my home printer. We printed less than a 1000 copies because the printer ran out of ink. There were only 4 paid advertisers. XXre called it "Ozarks Pride". We continued to print on my old Dell printer for several months with my dear friend Sissy Blanchard folding and stapling from the dining room table. Because people confused us with a "Pride Organization" we changed the name to the Ozarks Star. Tnat soon was referred to simply as "The Star". We moved to Tulsa in December 2004. Tulsa Pride~sets new p~entfor major events new ~home for Pride The qnal issue oftbe Ozarks Star Magazine, July 2008 Our distribution area in the beginning was Joplin, Springfield, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Pittsburg and Tulsa. To increase our readership we expanded to Oklahoma City, Kansas City, and Wichita and recendy discovered a former Tulsan who owns Napoleon’s Itch Night Club in New Orleans that wanted to distribute "~e Star so he and fellow Oklahomans in New Orleans could keep up on our local news. Now that we’ve made the transition and I’ve filled you in on our past we hope you enjoy the Metro Star. With a new name, a new design and an optimistic outlook we will go forward. Thanks to those ofyou who have supported us in the past and we welcome those who will support us in the future. Sincerely, Editor in Chief Wodd Pdde-Pages 9 &13 AUGUST 1, 2008 NEHART "I’m not sure what homophobic means:’ Q ote from CNN Interview! By Metro Star staff Oklahoma County Commissioner Bi ’eni Rinehart ~om District 2, apracticingpublic homo ~hobe OKI2kHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart appeared on CNN’s American Morning July 21, to defend his anti-gay comic book that he is sending out to registered Republicans in his district. Wher asked if his comic book took mudslinging to a brand new low, Rinehart replied, "Well, one person’s mudslinging, I guess, is another man’s issues. Here in the state of Oklahoma especially here in Oklahoma County, I believe that the homosexual agenda is an issue in this campaign. I thought that the cartoon book was a novel approach to telling a story for the last three, 3 1/2 years." Rinehart has been charged by Attorney General Drew Edmondson, who is depicted in the book, with illegal campaign financing for his 2004 campaign. He faces trial in September. CNN ROBERTS: In fact, let me just highlight in a little bit more detail your attack on Attorney General Drew Edmondson here as depicted in this comic book. You’ve got him holding a sign that says, "Gay rights now." And you write in the balloon over a character here, "You remember that Drev¢ Edmondson is on record to force the Boy Scouts to accept homosexuals as scout leaders, a pedifiles [sic] dream come true." Tile Attorney General has said of this comic, ’~ drowning man tends to thrash about." And the question is being raised= is this some desperate and weird attempt at payback against the attorney general because he has filed these charges .............................Continued on Page-6 2 www.metrostarnews.com New Arena Prepares 5h ne New L ght ByJoey D. When walldng the halls of the nearly completed BOK Center in dmvntown Tulsa, it is nearly impossible to be awed by just how massive the new 18,000 seat events center is. The building, ~vhich is o~en described by passers by as either a space ship or a meringue pie, has become a true addition tO the Tt~lsa skyline, with the recently added lit "BOK Center" signs. "This building is truly unique to Tulsa," says Travis Horton ofTulsa Vision Builders, a joint effort of Flintco and Manhattan Construction Companies. "In keeping with Tulsa’s precedent, a large portion of the project’s budget and efforts went to ensuring that the building’s architecture and appearance were truly unique." Located at the corner of 3rd and Denver, the BOK Center is literally a shining example of downtmvn revitalization. "When Pelli (the building’s architect) designed this building, he wanted to incorporate light into it. There are windows everDvhere in here. Even if it’s only a sliver, no matter where you are in here you can see a window? Another feature incorporating light into th~ building that most people may never think about is the terrazzo flooring that runs through out the concourse. According to Horton, the 70% mother-of-pearl mixture was purposely chosen by the architect to make the building shine. "Everything that has been done in here has had his approval. Everythingyou see from the ceiling panels to the stripes ofpaint on the walls have been approved by him. He has a vision to integrate light into this building,.but also to m~e it feel very open;’ said HOrton. ~ae most noticeable and unique element of the building is its sweeping glass "icon wall? "If Pelli has a signature masterpiece, this would have to be it," Horton says of the massive grid of steel and reinforced glass. "I can’t think of anything out there like it that is on this scale? While innovative and impressive, Horton also reassures that the wall is safe. "They have impact tested it with two by?burs and even subjected the model to jet-engine force winds to make sure it will hold? Just inside the glass shield is the building’s main promenade and grand staircase, and grand they are. The open aired promenade allmvs guests to appreciate the magnitude of the building and to bask in the art deco splendor of the historic downtmvn buildings that surround it. The Grand Staircase, raising from the ground level to the main bowl searing, offers event patrons a grand path to their seats, almost on a royal scale. The arena, which is being constructed with funds from the Vision 2025 bond issue, is on target for its grand opening August 30. The ribbon cutting and open house will be followed the next day by a community choir, starring Sand Springs native and Broadway performer Sam Harris. The first major act, The Eagles, will take the arena stage September 6, followed in the coming months by such acts as Celine Dion, American Idols Live, Kenny Chesney and Carrie Under~vood (just to nan~e a few). For event updates visit www.bokcenter.com. www.metrostarnews.com ~÷t~’oSTAR 3 Ok!ahomans for Equality opens new exhibit, Treegpeak, at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK__ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host it’s month~¢ First Thursdays Meet’the-artist Reception from 6- 9pro, Thursday, August 7, for the opening of its August exkibit TreeSpeak, featuring the,vorks ofphotographer Shelly Ledford, and painter Dawn DeMott. ~ne TreeSpeak Exhibit is being held specifically in August to acknowledge the Katrina events in New Orleans and to celebrate the rebirth of the city. The works in the exhibit will be New Orleans focttsed. Shelly Ledford is a native Tulsan and graduated from Northeastern State University with a degree in Literature. She has held a variety of photographic positions including staffphotographer for Newspaper Printing Corporation, MetLife and John Blanca Modeling agency and currently owns Renaissance Photography. In constant search for places xvhich vibrate a high level ofuniversal energy, her ~vork reflects areas such as New Orleans concentrating on the above ground cemeteries, swamps and bayous in and around New Orleans, Sedona, Italy, Greece, Austria, England and Indonesia. Quotable Quotes In a passionate address to the Democratic National Committee’s Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council, Mrs. Obama delivered a rottsing call-to-equality and put her husbas~d on record as a fighter for the full equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. "Barack believes," she said, "that we must fight for the world as it should be, a world where xve ,vork together to reverse discriminatory laws." Invoking "those who marched and bled and died, from Selma to Stonewall," Michelle implored Democrats to continue those early crusaders’ march "in the pursuit of a more perfect union." Sunday Services @ 11:00 AM m~’~ ].623 N. Maplewood Tulsa, OK MCC United A Metropolitan CommuniW Church www.mcctulga.org Expressions Community Fellowship Relocates OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ Expressions Community Fellowship ha~s relocated their facilities to the Landsbrook Event Center, formerly The Church of the Servant, 5909 NW Expressway, Otdahoma City, OK 73132. It is west of MacArthur on Northwest Expressway. "~e new facility has recently been remodeled and provides many new ~vonderful amenities as well as plenty of room to grow and launch our Children’s Ministr,,~’ said Pastor Neill Spurgin. The Church meets ever), Sunday at 2:30pm. For more information contact them at (405) 761-1878 or email expressionsokc@yahoo. com. DBAT Will Host DiversityJob Fair TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Diversity Business Association ofTulsa (DBAT), a program of Oklahomans for Equality, is hosting a Diversity Job Fair on Tuesday, September 16th from 1:00 to 5:00pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa. The event will bring together lgbt job seekers and lgb{-friendly employers in a safe and comfortable environment, allowing for open dialogue and alleviating fears of discrimination. The Diversity Job Fair offers a unique opportunity for diversity-conscious employers to access the wealth of skilled and talented members of the lgbt community. Additionally, job seekers are given an unprecedented connection to companies that are lgbt-friendly. Employers are asked to have their area set up by 12:30pm the day of the event. DBAT will provide a table and t-wo chairs. Refreshments will also be provided. The Equality Center has wi-fi internet access. For more information or if your company is interested in participating in the job fair, contact Susan Hartman at dbat@okeq.org or call 918-698-2977. Congrattflations to the new Miss Gay Okdahoma America 2008, Adrienne Fischer and 1st Alternate Shantel Mandalay. Tulsa Couple to Marry In San Diego. Photo: Charles Johnston and Kelly Kirby TULSA, OK__ Kelly W’ayne Kirby and Charles Stanfill Johnston ofTulsa announced they will be legally married on Saturday, August 9, 2008. The wedding will take place at Point Loma Lighthouse Bluff, Cabrillo National Monument, in San Diego, California. Officiating will be Rev. Doctor David Downing, retired clergyman of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). David was one of Kelly’s youth pastors in Kansas when Kelly was a teenager. "Vge are taking five of our six kids (ages 21-26) and their significant others, my morn, and Kelly’s two sisters. Several friends are joining us in San Diego for the wedding’; Charles said. The couple will be staying at the Park Manor Suites Hotel, across the street from Balboa Park, and will host a reception there after the ceremony. " he Hot Young Hollywood Party" to benefit R.A.I.N. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) _The party ~vill be held at Angles OKC, August 8th and will include fashion shmvs by Riot Rocket and GLAMNERD. The highlight of the evening will be a continuous raffle ofluxury gifts *including a MARCJACOBS bag* donated by some of the hippest restaurants and shops in the metro. Keeping xvith the "Hollywood" theme we will have a red carpet and sponsor board for everyone to have their picture taken with. Our sponsors include; Tony Foss, Iguana, Velvet Monkey Two, 1492, Nova, Tom &Jerrys, Blue7, Duo.. "This event was nay idea of a great give back to this wonderful organization and its tireless stalk"; said Kendel R. Powers, producer of the fund-raiser. All proceeds from the event to benifit R.A.I.N. (Regional Aids Interfaith Network) 4 August 2008 Room Ra~es From A~About Our Su#es = High N~ wv,-~v.metrostamews.corn P~et~oSTAR 5 against you for campaign irregularities for 2004?" The comic book shows a couple discussing Rinehart’s trials and tribulations as an Oklahoma County Commissioner, how Rinehart strives to accomplish better roads and bridges, lower taxes, and promote family values but is thwarted by public officials supported by Satan. The comic books, which is sure to be a classic in the annals of political history for the GLBT community and Oklahoma, can be downloaded from http://do~vnloads.newsok. com/documents/rinehartcartoon.pdf Zhe purpose for publishing the 16-page book was to highlight his commitment to destroying the queers. ~q~en asked whether it’s relevant to his election, Rinehart insists that it is, because we are in a cultural war. When asked whether he’s homophobic, Rinehart played (real) dumb: I’m not even sure as to what homophobic means. But let’s just keep in mind that we are in a cultural war, not just here in the state of Oklahoma but nationwide." CNN journalist, John Roberts does not seem amused. You can tell when he does a little grammar check: "We should also point out that the word pedophile is spelled wrong in the two times that’s it’s used in this comic book". BRENT RINEHART: "OK. Again, it’s getting a message out. It’s telling a story" of hmv I got to where I’m at the last 3 to 3 1/2 years. No~a; no one has ever - now people can talk about the homosexual aspects of this in regards to how they’re depicted but no one has ever said anything about the truthfulness ofmy cartoon book. How it exposes Drew Edmondson for his true agenda, and how it exposes others here in county government for their true agenda. No one and you know, you can attack the spelling of pedophile. I have to be honest with you, I don’t necessarily care if I misspelled it or not", T!~e following are quotes from a few of our other elected officials. "It’s extremely pathetic and very bigoted." Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel ’Tve really encouraged him on more than one occasion to get professional help. He really, needs it". Oklahoma County Assessor Leonard Sullivan "It’s typical Rinehart subterfuge to detract from his poor job performance and likely criminal misdeeds". Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth Once again Oklahomans has been embarrassed by someone we elected to office. Will this newest outrage provoke us to seriously look at who we vote for? q-his election year will soon tell. We must take the time to evaluate a candidate’s ability to represent us and to support equality for all citizens of this state. Many are just not capable. CYNDI SHOWS COLOURS "Be sure and vote--your voice counts, and it’s more important who our ,p,resident is than who is our next American Idol. Cyndi Lauper. By Victor Gorin glndy Bell ofErasure and Cyndi Lauper at Oklahoma City True Colours Taut: OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ OnJune 23 the Pride Weekend in Oklahoma City was especially honored when the True Colours Tour came to the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheater. Despite the high heat of the afternoon, the show rocked with opening act Girl in a Coma. The show then mellowed into disco heaven with the 80’S sounds ofAndy Bell ofErasure, bringing back nostalgic memories of nights past vcith some ofhis greatest tunes, "Blue Savannah," "A little Respect; and bringing many to their feet with his dance classic "Chains ofLove." Mr. Bell did a duet with Cyndi Lauper before music took an intermission ,vith comedienne Margaret Cho whose ba~vdy humor extolled what’s good about gay men and bad about the Bush administration. Then Joan Jett showed she still had her stuff, performing classics older than many ofthe young people dancing in the audience. V,rhen she lead community singing with her signature tune "I love Rock and Roll," ( a 1982 classic) there was no shortage of rockers who enthusiastically knew the words. This follmved with the B-52’s, the wildly fun icons ofthe 80’s ,vho got their name from a hairdo named after a bomber. The energy ran vdld as the audience raved to their timeless numbers including "Rock Lobster," "Private Idaho" "Roam" and course "Love Shack" which predictably brought the house dmvn. All ofthis vcas held together by the perfect emcee, Carson Kressley ( famous from television’s QEeer Eye for the Straight Guy) whose wisecracks (induding flirtations with the hunky security guards) witticisms and audience interaction kept the show rolling and lively between acts. Last but certainly not least was the dassy campy icon who epitomized an era, Cyndi Lauper, who not only has made her mark in music history but also as a gay rights activist. Opening with an electrified Statue ofLiberty torch and the song "Change of Heart," she went through her many hits, climaxing ofcourse with the timeless anthem’Girls just want to have Fun." OkEq Decries Anti-Gay Vandalism in East Tulsa TULSA, OK (PR), July 16th_Oklahomans for Equality deplores the vandalism directed at Robert Stoder, an openly gay resident of east Tulsa. Such intimidation highlights the urgent need for federal and state hate crimes legislation protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LBGT) people. Over the last week, anonymous vandals have twice attacked Stoder’s propert): The assailants set Stotler’s truck on fire and spray painted "Gay Must Go" on the charred vehicle. "No Oklahoman should be victimized because of his or her sexual orientation;’ asserts Freddy Owens, Executive Director ofOklahomans for EqualiD: "All of Oklahoma’s lesbian, gay; bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens should be free to live openly and safely. It is far past time that our state legislature amended our hate crimes la~vs to include the LGBT community:’ In 2006, the FBI reported 7,722 hate crimes across the US, a 7.8% increase over 2005. About halfwere due to racial hatred; 1,195 of the crimes - representing 15.5% - were due to bias against LGBT people. 79 of the hate crimes were reported in Oklahoma, but the state hate crimes law does not cover sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. Earlier this year, state lawmakers introduced four different bills attempting to strengthen and broaden the Oklahoma statute. None of the bills received a committee hearing. Oklahoma remains one of only 17 states whose hate crimes laws do not protect LGBT citizens. Las Vegas Nights and Lights! (aka- Drag Q een Bingo) Bingo like your mother never played.,. This annual event and fur~draiser for Our House Too will be held August 8th at the Cain’s Ballroom. Female impersonators will bring Las Vegas excitement for this, the fifth year, beginning at 8:00p.m. and ending at midnight. There will be glamorous costumes and prizes. A live auction ~vill be held and, of course, bingo! Female inapersonators will perform glittering numbers from Las Vegas shows to entertain the crowd. Our House Too is a nonprofit organization serving to eliminate the social 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 and a toiletry and household pantry. Tickets for Las Vegas Nights and Lights are $10 in advance or $15 at the door per person. For advanced ticket sales call 585-9552 or 698-9997. Directory ofLocal Animal Shelters Tulsa Shelter 918-669-6299 Broken Arrow 918-259-8311 OKC 405 297 3104 Muskogee 918 686 7297 Stillwater 405 372 0334 Coweta 918-486 2137 Siloam Springs 479 524 6535 Claremore 918 341 1260 Sand Springs 918 246 2543 Jenks 918 299 6311 Owasso 918-272-4965 Sapulpa 918 227 2722 Norman 405 321 6725 Collinsville 918 371 1000 Courtesy ofwwv.labrescue.net 6 ~®t~’oSTAR August 2008 Wockner News Service LI.& Senate votes to repeal HI¥ travel/immigration ban Key The U.S. Senate voted 80q6 on July 16 to repeal the nation’s ban on HIV-positive foreign visitors and immigrants. Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Gordon Smith, R-Ore., secured a provision to repeal the ban in the Senate’s legislation to reauthorize PEPFIMR, the President’s EmergenW Plan for AIDS Relief. The measure now moves to a House-Senate conference committee, then goes to President George "\g~. Bush, who is eager to see PEPFAR re-~\tnded. "We applaud the Senate l:or rejecting this unjust and sweeping policy that deems HIV-positive individuals inadmissible to the United States," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "We call on the leaders of the House and Senate to retain the Kerry-Smith provision in conference and ensure it is included in the fin!l legislation sent to the president’s desk." Schwarzenegger denounces effort to reban same-sex marriage California Gov. ArnoM Schwarzene~e,: Photo by Rex Wockner ABC, FX get high marks from GLAAD ABC and the FX cable network do the best job of representing gay Americans, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said July 14. GLAAD’s Network Responsibility Index tracks the quantity, quality and diversity of images of GLBT people on television. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has strongly denounced the attempt to amend the California Constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage. San Diego offers gaywedding sweepstakes The San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau is holding a contest to give away a six-day "dream vacation" to the city for a same-sex couple to get married. ~ae sweepstakes, which ends Aug. 1, is open to U.S. residents who are at least 25 years old. "’g~e’re celebrating the new laws allowing same-sex weddings in California," ConVis said on its ~’eb site. "Ever dreamed of being married in Paradise? In a short story, tell us why you should win the wedding vacation of your dreams in San Diego. The best story will win a trip that includes your marriage license, transportation, accommodations, dining and entertainment." "The HIV ban is ineffective, unnecessary, and Simply bad public health policy," said Rachel Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality. "It is especially harmful to gay and lesbian families, who do not benefit from the waiver available to opposite’sex couples. The Senate’s change is welcome, and long overdue." PEPFAR will send $48 billion to Africa over the next five years to fight _AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., called the bill "the single most significant thing the president has done." Two policemen marry in Northern California Two male cops have gotten married in Northern California. Santa Rosa police officer Chris Mahurin, 25, and San ILafael police officer Alex Holm, 25, tied the knot June 20 at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa. "It’s just a dream come true," Holm’s mother, Claire Ann Boyce, told the local Press Democrat newspaper. "It makes me feel like this generation is on its way to have what everyone should have." The state Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage May 15 and the weddings began on June 16. Appearing on TV’s Meet The Press on June 29, Schwarzenegger was asked: "You have a lot of propositions on the ballot again this fall. One of them wotfld mean a constitutional ban on gay marriages. Do you support that?" "No, not at all," Schwarzenegger replied. "As a matter of fact, I think the Supreme Court made a decision there. It was apparently unconstitutional to stop anyone from getting married. It’s like 1948, the interracial marriage, when the Supreme Court of California has, you know, decided it was unconstitutional and then later on the Supreme Court of the United States followed, I think 10 or ! 2 years later. So I tahink it is, it’s good that California lead -- is leading in this way." "I personally believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman," the governor added. "But at the same time I think that my, you know, belief, I don’t want to force on anyone else, so I think we should stay with the decision of the Supreme Court and move forward. There are so many other more important issues that we have to address in California. So I think to spend any time on this initiative I think is a waste of time." Desperate Housewives: Lane. ABCphoto ABC, wiffl shows like Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty, received the highest marks of the five broadcast networks. NBC and Fox scored lowest. Among 10 of the highest-rated cable channels, FX aired the largest number of GLBTinclusive hours of original programming, while TNT offered the fewest. GLAAD examined all primetime programming -- 4,911 hours -- on the five major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and The CW) from June 1, 2007, to May 31, 2008. The group also reviewed all original primetime programming -- 1,240 hours -- on the 10 cable networks. "Time and again we see that what people watch on TV shapes how they view and treat the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people around them," said GLAAD President Nell Giuliano. "ABC and FX are ... showing other networks that including images of our community can go hand in hand with critical and commercial success." At the beach in San Diegoi Photo by Rex tgockner The prize includes airline tickets; five nights at a plush hotel; dinners at five fancy restaurants; wine, cheese and chocolate tasting at an upscale venue; tickets to the renowned Old Globe Theatre; tickets to the GLBT Diversionary Theatre; "passports" to Balboa Park’s numerous museums; a massage at a swank spa; a wedding license; and tickets to Fashion Week. ~ae ceremony was conducted by gay state Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, chief sponsor of the same-sex marriage bill that t~vice passed the state Legislature only to be vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The California Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage May 15 and the ruling took effect June 16. It was not the first time Schwarzenegger had denounced the proposed amendment, but it was the first time he has done so on national television. Each of the 6,151 hours ofTV was reviewed for any on-screen GLBT representations, and networks were assigned a grade of excellent, good, adequate or failing. ABC and The CW rated good, with 24 percent and 21 percent of their primetime programming hours inclusive of GLBT representations. CBS rated adequate, with 9 percent. NBC and Fox .....continued Page-17 San Diego’s Balboa Park. Photo by Rex ~Vockner See www.sandiego.org/pridetobe ............More U. S. Nexvs page 17 www.rnetrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 7 Photo by: Bill Gaddis 0 More summer sipping. ~~ere in midsummer, I find that I am enjoying lighter meals with more white wines over reds. Lately, my favorites include a diverse variety from many parts of the world. It’s been so hot that all I wanna do is relax by the pool/s~vim & sip some wine. Here are some wines other than Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc that embody the laid backness ofsummer. Mandra Rossa Fiano/Sicilia 2006 The Fiano grape comes frora the island of Sicily, and, taken a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge 2007, this botde was named as ’Great Value White Wine of the Year; Here is a medium bodied wine ~vith a fresh, floral nose. "Ihe finish has a taste ofsucculent pear and ripe melons. Bongiovanni Arneis 2006 ItS hard to find sonaething that Piedmont produces in a xvhite wine that’s just as exceptional as those big Barolos and Barbarescos you read about all the time. However, one of the notable exceptions can be found in the white grape, Arneis. This wine comes from the Langhegrowing zone in Piedmont. Bright pear flavors are the hallmark ofthis wine. Zeveri Muller Thurgau 2006 This is a 100% Muller Thurgau from Trentino’s Valle di Cerebra district in Northern Italy. The fruit is sourced from five single vineyards. The grapes are gently crushed and then macerated at cold temperatures. This is a wine of finesse, Sineann Pinot Gris 2007 and elegance. At the palate it’s Sharp ~ Torbreck VCoodcutter’s Semillon great finish oflight spices 2007 will become even years ofageing. C- Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc 2007 Dr. Loosen Riesling ~ 0 Michd ~d Vouvray This lighdy sweet, low-alc6h 8 5 percent) " _ !--ln~o as al"ways, ~I :say ~o to vour ~avorl" te wl"ne Dr. Loosen Bros. German RJ , ngf~om Mo, shop, ask~ti0n~~’nd p(,rchase a bottle or Saar-Ruwer is ideal for casual mmmertime two:~laare[some t~oo.a ~.wi.ne w.ir.e rr.leno.s a.no quaffing. This wine has a creamy texture with : cnecac tins out for yourself. flavors ofhoney, apples, peaches;aa~,d miner,s. Pair with spicy grilled chicken or ~’i food[ [ St. Amant Verdelho2005 This exotic Portuguese white varietal is a new D’ wine for this California vineyard. It’s a full bodied wine that shmvs tropical fruit flavors that This writer also bar tends and hosts wine & really come alive on your palate. ;" WfooindeeEvennthtsuksinaoswtsnoifnTtuolswan. as the Garci Grande Verdejo 2006 F ..... References include: the ~IBC’s ofwine byJames Laube/www. tom me l~ueoa region m ~pam, tins wine , shows a crisp green apples flavor/a must for www.FoodandV~ne.com serious smnmer sipping. " "Www.Wikipedia.org I~O~ ’ With Donald This months recipe courtew Phoenix, Arizona *One ofthe many desserts at the restaurant" Ingredients: The Pesto: 1/2 bunch ofbasil (leaves only) 1/3 cup ex. Virgin olive oil Handfifl offresh pinoli nuts 1/4 cnp grated Parmigiana (Reggiana or Granaonly) 1 dove garlic smashed pinch ofsalt Pasta: (~ recommend fresh pasta only) ~OW gO: In a processor, place the basil, parmigiana and clove ofgarlic. Turn on the processor and slowly drizzle in the oil. Add the pinoli nuts and dash ofsalt. qqae paste should be creamy but never add too much oil ! In a 4 quart pot, boil the water for the pasta, (112 lg. for 2 persons max.) When the water boils, add 3 tal~lespoons ofsalt (preferably kosher.) Add the pa~’ta. If fresh, 2 *:ninutes will do. If you cannot find fresh pasta, dry pasta should take approximately 8 minutes. ~ou do NOT want to eat overcooked pasta. ~A1 dente," is the only way to enjoy it. Reserve about an 1/8 ofthe pasta xvater to add while tossing your pastawith the pesto sauce. Hint: Never add more oil - it doesn’t work. MACEDONIA CON LIMONE E ZUCCHERO (Fresh fruit salad With lemon juice, sugar and fresh mint) Ingredients: Berries are a good choice. Strawberries, blueberries, black and raspberries will always ~narry~vell. Melons, pears and app!es vary texture and release flavors that don t blend well with berries in this dish. Freshly squeeze 2 lemons and add 2 Tablespoons ofsugar and wisk together. Blend and toss with the berries, place in a dessert cup and garnish with fresh mint. 8 ~e~ ~oSTAR August 2008 Police stop first Cuban gay pride march Police in Havana stopped Cuba’s first gay pride parade before it could start June 25. But the details of what exactly took place are far fi’om clear. Reports from activists in Miami said the organizers were beaten and arrested around 10 a.m. as they arrived at Don Quixote Park at 23rd and J streets in the Vedado neighborhood. Fort Lauderdale’s Sun-Sentinel newspaper, however, said the march was canceled just before its start time by activist Mario Josd Delgado Gonz~itez, who appeared at the park to report that two other organizers had been arrested a day earlier. The Miami Herald, on the other hand, reported that nine organizers were detained the morning of the march, effectively aborting the event. The Spanish H-/eb site cubaencuentro.com quoted Delgado as saying: "Cuban homosexuals are victims of repression, we don’t enjoy rights. HA~at we are doing has as its objective the reclaiming of our rights. \re want equality of opportunity, equality of assembly, and that they dont expel its from parks, university centers, schools and work centers." With a theme of"You are not alone," the group had planned to walk to the Ministry of Justice and deliver demands to the government. They sought an end tO ~nti-gay violence and repression, an apology for the government’s having incarcerated gays in work camps decades ago, acknowledgment that gays have been fired because of their sexuality, and a review of cases where homosexuals have been jailed for an offense apparently known as "dangerous levels." At the march’s end, the group planned to proceed to a diplomatic residence to hold a press conference and stage a concert. Prior to the aborted mar&, Havana gay activist Aliomar Janjaque had told the Sun-Sentinel: "H/e want to raise awareness but we don’t want to provoke a wave of repression against the gay community. If there is a hostile reaction from the government, we will stage a much larger demonstration. "We will take to the streets." \[he Herald report said Janjaque was one of the individuals detained before the parade’s start. Wockner News Service Boy George banned from the U.S. The United States has refused to give British gay singer Boy George a visa to enter the country because he faces trial in Britain for allegedly chaining a male escort to a wall in his apartment. George had planned a summer U.S. tour and also hoped to perform a free concert for New York City’s Department of Sanitation, where he worked cleaning streets in 2006 as punishment for a drug offense. George has pleaded not guilty in the ongoing British case. Gays march in 3 Indian cities Lambda Istanbul eradicated by court Istanbul’s Beyoglu Court of First Instance has formally eradicated the gay group Lambda Istanbul, saying its existence contravened societal norms of morality and decency. Issuing its opinion this month in a case it decided in May, the court declared: "While members of the association are, as men and women, subject to Article 10 of the Constitution, which states that all persons are equal before the law; since there are no constitutional regulations regarding any other gender identity besides man and woman, forraing an association based solely on sexual orientation and gender identity is against the essence and the spirit of this Article, and the concept of equality aimed by it." The court continued: "It is observed that encouragement and propaganda, in all levels of the society, of the sexual orientation of the members of the association through organizing instructive programs are predominant in the association’s aims, and that these activities are likely to bring about a tyranny of a minority over the majority, which is against legal and constitutional regulations, and that this would jeopardize the rights and freedom of the family and children, as mentioned in Article 41 of the Constitution, and the rights and the freedom of the youth, as mentioned in Article 58 of the Constitution." The court proceeded to "dissolve" Lambda Istanbul, saying the European Convention on Human Rights allows obstruction of the right to association "to protect public morality and others’ freedom." The court also found that Lambda’s bylaws contravened a Turkish law that states, "No association may be founded for unlawful or immoral purposes." Lambda Istanbul has been in existence since 1993 and had been officially registered for two years. The group has continued to operate since the ruling and is appealing the decision to the Court of Cassation. Some ZOO0 GLBTpeople stagedpride marches in the Indian cities ofCalcutta, Bangalore and Delhifi~ne 29 -- thefirst such parades in the latter two cities. Delhiphoto by Sonali ~Gulati via Woc]ener ~Vews Some 2,000 GLBT people staged pride marches in the Indian cities of Calcutta, Bangalore and Delhi June 29 -- the first such parades in the latter two cities. About 500 people marched in Calcutta, 700 in the high-tech city of Bangalore and about 800 in Delhi. "When the pride started (in Delhi), there were about 100 people and it looked like we were outnumbered by the media and the police," said correspondent Vikram Doctor. "By the time we started (marching), though ... more and more people were coming along and getting attached to the end. I was walking back and forth, trying to help with media requests, and I got a sense of how large it was growing ~vhen I realized in addition to the main group carrying the flag upfront, there was a second large group behind with placards and doing dances -- and then a really large group of stragglers behind." Calcuttgs seventh parade focused heavily on Section 377, the Indian law that bans gay sex under penalty of up to 10 years in prison. A court case, now at a crucial phase, could see the law "read down" so it no longer applies to consensual adult gay sex. support from different stakeholders, media included, in their struggle to be free from discrimination, receive respect from all sections of society, and function as equal participants in a progressive and democratic India," organizers said at the parade’s conclusion. The Queer Media Collective issued a statement saying that GLBT people in India today find themselves at about the same point U~S. gays were when the first pride parades began in 1970. "LGBT people face a lot of harassment from the police," the group said. "Lesbians are subject to violence and even forced to commit suicide by their families. Gay men are blacks-nailed by organized rackets that involve members of the police. Bisexuals are denied the chance to express same-sex love and forced into opposite-sex marriages. Transgenders are routinely arrested and raped by the police. Same-sex couples who have lived together for years cannot buy a house together, have a joint bank account or will their property to each other without being challenged by their families .... Today in 2008, Queer Pride goes national as a sign that the time for national change has come." "India continues to stigmatize its transgender, kothi, hijra, gay, lesbian, bisexual and other communities of marginalized sexualities and genders," organizers said. "Section 377 ... encroaches upon a person’s democratic rights, goes against the spirit of the Indian Constitution and impedes life-saving sexual health work among sexual minorities." The parade was part of Rainbow Pride W’eek, which also featured movies, a photo exhibit, a panel discussion and a candlelight memorial for people lost to anti-gay abuse or HIV. "Clearly, Indian sexual minorities are not going to settle for status quo and are garnering Czech pride attacked, 20 injured The Czech Republic’s first gay pride parade, held in the city of Brno, came under attack from extremist and neo-Nazi protesters June 28 and at least 20 of the 500 marchers xvere injured. The 150 counterdemonstrators threw tear gas, fireworks and eggs at the marchers. Police and neo-Nazis clashed for about 45 minutes at the parade’s endpoint. About 15 of the troublemakers were arrested. www.metrostarnews.com g~®troSTAR 9 Oklahoma City GLBT community and their friends celebrated their annual Pride Parade and Festival, truly. By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Once again the GLBT community and their friends celebrated their annual Pride Parade and Festival truly, as the theme stated, "Coming ofAge." Paul q’hompson recalled how it began 21 years ago, planned by around a dozen people, not knowing ifany more people would actually show up. q-he Ku Klux Klan had threatened to show up however, ready to meet the Parade by the N.W. 39th Street Safeway (now Homeland) with hostile confrontation. As the original marchers still nostalgically recall, when the Klansmen saw around 400 marchers coming over the hill they promptly abandoned their mission and the rest is ongoing history. Photo by Victor Gorin: Michael Cich ofOKCPride withJoe Salmonese, Director of the nationalHuman Rights Campaign with hispartner BradLuna As soon as the festivities are over, planning for the next Parade and Festival begins. OKC Pride meetings take place the third Monday ofevery month year round at 7 p.m. at the Neighborhood Alliance Center (1236 N.W. 36th Street). Membership dues to join OKC Pride are only $15 per year, which not only supports the event but also gives you a vote in the organization. At the August 18 meetingOKC Pride members will elect the Board ofDirectors, which in turn will elect officers. Although the OKC Pride Parade & Festival is a wonderful celebration for our community, inevitably there are aspects ofit that some won’t like, or improvements that could be made. As Patti Thompson puts it. "The best way to implement the changes you want to see is through participation. Ifyou have ideas, things you’d like to change, things you liked that you want to stay the same, this is the time to come forward and let us know. We are open to all suggestions: OKC Pride is for the community, and it’s what we make it. (Photo’s Page- 12) Back to School Stylings ByJoey De TULSA, OK__ On August 4, one Tulsa salon will open its doors and help area youth begin their new school year in style. Monkey Bizness, located at 5942 S. Lewis, is offering complimentary hair cuts to the students ofnearby Wright Elementary, as well as to all area BLGT students. The back to school day ofbeauty was the idea ofMonkey Bizness stylist David Mitchell and friend Debbie Mayabb. "We wanted to do something to help BLGT youth, but the more we thought about it, the more we realized that we could so much more; says Mayabb. "Every kid deserves a good start to the school year. It doesn’t matter who they are or what they are." But over the last 21 years as the world, America and Oklahoma have changed, so has the Pride Festival and Parade. Whereas during the first few years politicians were scared to even acknowledge the event in a positive way, later public office holders and wannabes proudly participate, glad to seek our votes. This year’s Parade & Festival featured Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth, State Representative A1 McAffrey, State Senator Audrew Rice (seeking a U.S. Senate seat), Ron Marlett who is seeking to unseat the infamous Sally Kern in State House District 84. Whereas in the beginning only bars, a few small gay owned businesses and extremely progressive nonprofits wanted to be associated with us, today mainstream businesses ranging from Budlight to Best Buy were proud to seek our business. As it has grown consistendy year after year, it has become an event not only for our community but also takes its place among Oklahoma City’s mainstream events. Whereas in the beginning it was only positively covered in the Gayly Oklahoman, this year’s celebration was positively covered by the Sentinel, the Oklahoma Gazette, and even the Daily Oklahoman. For the first time the Parade was held on a Friday evening with the biggest crowd ever, follo~ved by the Festival in Memorial Park the following Saturday and Sunday. As the Pride Festival and Parade has gro~vn to be an event the community celebrates and counts on, so have the responsibilities ofmaking it happen. The event is organized by OKC Pride, an organization with members who elect a Board ofDirectors, who then elect a President (currently Paul Thompson) Vice- President (office vacant)a Secretary (currently Victor Gorin) and a Treasurer (Currently Patricia Miller). What truly makes it come to life are the volunteers who toil long hours to make it happen, something most spectators have no concept ofand take for granted. For the first time OKC Pride had a Volunteer Coordinator, Miles Tompkins. While last year OKC Pride had around 20 volunteers, this year we had over 60, with a high percentage of those new volunteers young people (under 30), (Photo : co~munity volunteer and David ofMonkey "The for the haircuts just came to us one day; ex- "We approached Trish, the manager ofthe salon, and she loved the idea. When we asked all ofthe stylists, the support could not have been more overwhelming:’ Mitchell says that every Monkey Business stylist will be volunteering their day off to help, free ofcharge. "There are so many distractions for so many young people; says Mayabb, "everyone here wants to help give these kids that extra boost to succeed. It’s special for them to be able to come in to a salon ofthis caliber and be taken care ofby the best.’ Mayabb explains, listing offawards and recognitions that the salon’s team have won, including an Emmy won by Mitchell. The t~vo say that they worked with one ofMitchell’s clients, a TPS principal, to identify nearby Wright Elementary as the beneficiary due to economic status ofits students and proximity to the salon. The salon will also be reaching out to BLGT students through Youth Services ofTulsa and DYLN. Haircuts will be offered from 10am until 4pm. All students will have to bring an item proving they are enrolled in school. The salon has also invited their clients, and the rest ofthe public, to become involved with the effort through their "outfit-tree." They are currendy seeking donations ofbasic school supplies and backpacks to equip students for the first day ofschool. Ifyou would like to help, contact Monkey Biziness at (918)749-5130 or visit them on ,~wv.360.tulsa.com under the beauty section. 10 ~t~oSTAR August 2008 celebrate our 25th anniversary pride celebration. For more information & travel deals, visit wxcw.metrostarnews.com [~etroSTAR 11 12 ~en banded together to,r.aisemoney for Under the direction of OYP S Mama Carol this Con~ert was held atthe Tulsa, OK. Oklahoma Fdends of August2008 @ Showtime 2qse RoyalNavy marchingm LondonsgaypmdeparadeJuly 5. ScotsGayphOm via ~ockner News Halfa million at London Pride Around halfa million people turned out for London’s gay pride parade July 5, led by Mayor Boris Johnson, who wore a pink cowboy hat. Members of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force marched in uniform. The Ministry of Defence offered free travel for servicemembers who wanted to attend the parade. Well-known activist Peter Tatchell carried a poster with a doctored, gayed-up photo of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. ~madme~ad leads a regime that arrests, jails; flogs, tortures and sometimes executes gay people," Tatchell said. MP Harriet Harman, minister of equality and deputy leader of the Labour Party, reportedly was booed as she spoke from die main stage at Trafalgar Square. Tatchell said the crowd was unhappy over the UK’s treatment of gay asylum-seekers from homophobic nations. Prior to the parade, Prime Minister Gordon Brown met with activists, including actor Sir Ian McKellen0 at his residence. They discussed homophobic bullying in schools, and Browds spokesman said he was "delighted" to have met with the group. Italian gay man wins 100,000 euros for discrimination A gay man on the island of Sicily won 100,000 euros (US$159,000) from the Italian governmentJuly 12 after the military and the Transport Ministry discriminated against him. Danilo Giuffrida came out as gay during his military medical exam. Doctors later relayed his coming-out to driver’s-license officials, who then accused him ofhaving a sexual identity disturbance, told him to retake his driving test and, when he passed it, gave him a one-year disabled-person’s license instead ofthe normal 10-year license. A court determined the events amounted to "sexual discrimination" and were unconstitutional. It is likely the first ruling ofits sort in Italian history. "Discrimination against those in the army who are lesbian, gay and bisexual does not give them a chance to contribute or to play a full part in the teams that are vital for our success on operations;’ said Gem Richard Dannatt, chief ofthe General Staff. "It is ... our absolute duty to treat our fellow soldiers as vce would wish to be treated ourselves." Britain banned gays from the military until 2000. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are already members ofthe Stonewall program. British Armyjoins gayequality program The British Army has joined the gay group Stonewall’s Diversity Champions program to work toward increased equality for gay and bisexual soldiers. Some 120,O00people turned outfar Henna’s~ 13th gayprideparadeJuly, 12. www.metrostarnews.com ~4®troSTAR 13 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams PHOENIX, ARIZONA ’~b~zona Sunburst Inn After leaving ~Zest Hollywood we drove to Phoenix where the weather was HOT. In the daytime it was 115 but at night it cooled down to around 110! We checked in to the ARIZONA SUNBURST INN which,aas sold about a year and a halfago and Tim andJames have remodeled and really changed the decor and ambiance. Tney have done a vconderful job. Both Tim and James are great hosts and they make you at home. The room furniture is very masculine. Since they have taken over they have had many guests that have returned several times. All rooms face the swimming po61 and they also have a Jacuzzi. A morning breakfast is ready whenever you want it. They have VflFI for guests and a public computer for those who forgot t° bring their lap top. They are located at 6245 North 12th Place, ideally located to all of the major gay bars and businesses. Check out their ~vebsite at: www.azsunburst.com. Their toll free nmnber is 1-800 -974-1474. They offer clothing optional stmbathing, swimruing and spa. This is the ONLY place to stay when visiting PhoenLx. There are dozens and dozens of restaurants to dine in Phoenix but our favorites are Marcellint Pdstorante which has tO be one ofthe finest Italian Restaurants that ~ve have had the pleasure of dining. They are located at !301 Northern Avenue. Their website is: ~wv.marcellinoristorante. com..Ifyou want true Italian coo~ng in an exciting atmosphere with servers who are the best then dine there. Tne mvners, Sirna and Marcellino Verzino are as good as it gets. Marcellino is the chef and his "beyond Fabulous" wife Sima is the "hostess who really is the mostess’! The combination of these two people are magic! Call for reservations: 602.- 216-0004. For a real dining experience we just can’t recommend dais restaurant enough. You can’t dine at the same restaurant every day so try TICOZ at 5114 North 7th Street. To say that it is wonderfifl is an understatement. ChefHolly creates the finest entrees and desserts ever. It has a great ambiance, wonderful service and their food presentation is as good as it gets. They have a huge following and we can certainly understand why! They have a great Saturday and Sunday Brunch special and the restaurant is always packed. They make some ofthe finest drinks in the city. Check out their website at www.ticozofarizona.com. For reservations call 602-200-0160. Be SURE and save room for dessert. Trust us on this one. They are totally beyond Fabulous! They also mvn another restaurant not too far away, SWITCH, 2603 North Central and their website is www. switchofarizona.com and they serve wonderful food there as well. There are a lot ofgay bars in Phoenix for vchatever you are into. Favorite bars includes Charlies (the cowboy bar), Amsterdam, downtown, Cell Block, the leather bar, Oz, Wild Card, and we particularly enjoyed the KoBalt at Park Central ~vhich has a piano bar sometimes. Phoenix is the largest city (area wise) in the country so you certainly need a car to get around town. There are a lot ofneighborhood bars around the city besides the large bars. They also have a couple of bath houses, the FLEX and the CHUTE. Most ofthe bars are located between 7th Avenue and 16th Street near Central Avenue. ~Ihe best place to find any bar or business in Phoenix is in the ARIZONA PRIDE GUIDE, vc~vw.arizonaprideguide.com. This informative guide is free and tells about the entire state of Arizona. It is distributed free all over the State or you can have them send you one.Just check out their website. The publisher Michael McFall has done a absolutely great job. It is the finest gay guide in any state that we have ever seen. There are a lot ofwonderful museums, galleries and shopping in the Phoenix area. Antique Marketplace is located at 4025 North 16th Street and sells a wide range ofantiques. Next door is the Root Seller Gallery 8: Apothecary that sells a large variety of artwork, books, cards, herbs, music and more. The arts are alive and well in Phoenix and there are a lot oflive theatre, and musical productions. Phoenix is surrounded by maW suburban cities and our favorite is TEMPE. tt is the home of Arizona State University and is one of the most progressive cities in the nation. Check out their website at: vibranttempe.com and click on GLBT TEMPE. Michael Martin and Nancy Black at the Convention and Visitors Bureau are two of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. Their revitalized downtown is so vibrant. Phoenix is a very friendly city and you are sure to make lots ofnew friends. Other websites to check out be~bre visiting Phoenix are: ¯aw~a~.gayarizona.com, w,a-,v.arizonaguide.com and w~avisitphoenix.com. The major gay publication is Echo, xwvw:echomag.com Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! CALIFORNIA MARRIAGE LICENSE INFORMATION By Donald Pile and Ray Williams Donald and Ray were legally married in Palm Springs, California, June 17th which was the first day that same-sex marriage became legal in California. "Ihey have been a gay couple for 37 years) As ofJune 17, 2008 the marriage laws in California were changed to allow same-sex couples to marry as well as heterosexual couples. There is no difference in the forms with the exception that in the same-sex marriage forms, they list "Party A" and "Party B" rather than bride and gr0bm. You can apply for a marriage license at nearly dl the county court houses in the state. A couple of counties have refused to marry same-sex couples and they are not allowed to marry heterosexual couples as well. A special note: For same-sex couples to be married in the State of Massachusetts, they have to be legal residents of that state. In California, there is NO residency requirement. Anybody from any state in the country can now be married legally in California. What you need... Both parties must provide valid photo ID If your ID does not contain your full legal name you must provide a certified copy of your birth certificate or a Social Security card. Otherwise, a driver’s license is sufficient for proof. If you have been divorced within the last two years you must bring in a certified copy of your divorce decree. Both parties must appear to apply for and pick up their marriage license. Different counties xvithin the State of California charge different prices and they vary from $55.00 to $70.00. They accept cash and debit cards only. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. The license is typed tip and given to you in about 30 minutes. Should you desire to get married right there, they offer a civil marriage ceremony right at the court house. Naere is a fee of $35.00~ You are taken into a private room and the clerk as well as a wimess that they will provide in case you. don’t take some with you goes thru the marriage ceremony. The ending remarks are "In as much as Donald and Raymond have thus consented together in marriage, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of California as a Deputy Comrnissioner of Civil Marriages for the County of l~verside, I now pronounce you to be united in marriage. "AND TRUST US, IT JUST DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT MOMENT! After 37 years together, dais was one of the finest sentences that we have ever heard! You do not need a blood test or health certificate. There is no waiting period to get married. The entire process from start to finish takes less than one hour. Some couples prefer to get the license and then plan a wedding afterwards in a few days. Eight states allow same-sex marriage alternatives: In Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Vermont, same-sex couples can enter civil unions and receive the same statelevel benefits and responsibilities conveyed in traditional marriages. Similarly, Oregon residents can register as domestic partners and receive all state marital rights. Couples in Hawaii, Maine and Washington state can register as domestic partners and receive many of the most important marital rights. Suggestion: Don’t fly out for the weekend expecting to get married. The Court Houses are open Monday thru Friday only. 14 NetroSTAR August 2008 EUREKA SPRINGS SUMMER ,E,UREKA SPRINGS, AR;__ Eureka Springs is gearing up for its Summer Diversty Festivel to be held August 1,2,3, 2008 ~vith many events, shows and pool parties planned, including the now famous PDA in die park, where all persons are invited to show "Public Display ofAffection" for their spouse or partner. Eureka Springs welcomed its 200th gay couple (Visiting from Chicago) to register under the domestic partnership registration law. History was made on May 14, 2007 when the Eureka Springs City Council unanimously approved the "Domestic Partner Registration (DPR). Although the document does not entitle couples legal benefits as in a marriage, it does act as a wonderful validation and acknowledgement oftheir relationship and commitment to each other. This was a first for Arkansas and hopefully, will inspire other registries throughout the state and beyond. Persons from anT0¢here may register in Eureka Springs.’ Visit www.diversitypride.com or ww~v.eurekapride.com for more information. AUg 1, 2008: Welcome Mixer at Marquee’s 7 - 9 PM (open for dinner 4 - 10pm) Aug 1, 08: Miranda Ray Performs at Jaek’s Place 10:00 PM Aug 1, 08: Miranda Meridian Performs at Lumberyard 8:00 PM Aug 1, 08: Diversity Bikers Brunch & Fun Run. Iron Horse Stables at 10 AM then ride to the PDA Aug 2, 08: PDA in Basin Park 12 Noon Aug 2, 08: Bear Pool Party. 1 PM - ? at Tradewinds Aug 2, 08: Diversity Bikers Raid the Pool Party & Fun Run starting at Planner Hill Parking Lot 3:30 - 5 PM Aug 2, 08: Miranda Ray Performs at Jack’s Place 10:00 PM Aug 2, 08: Miranda Meridian Performs at Lmnberyard 8:00 PM ALSO: Aug 1-2, 08: Yards & Yards ofYard Sales Aug 3, 08: Lucky 13 Cinema: Double feature "Across the Universe" & "Wizard ofOz", music of"Dark Side ofthe Moon" www.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 15 The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @Angles, Oklahoma City The Copa, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Finishline, Oklahoma City by Jack Fertig AUGUST 2008 "Keep your balance, Aries!" The most troublesome planets are stirring up discord - Mars opposing Uranus, Mercury opposing Neptune. Looking to Eris for the best aspects is like borrowing sugar from Lucrezia Borgia! With everyone shooting their mouths off and facts getting jumbled, focus on careful listening and discernment. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Struggles at work might make you feel you’re on the wrong team. What’s easier to change - your job or your attitude? Time out, playful relaxation, and self-care (massage? acupuncture?) are needed to keep your balance. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): A~guments at home need to be settled to avoid tension that can screw you up at work. Friends who want to play may keep you from what you really find entertaining and relaxing. Take time at home to contemplate your goals in work and in life. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You probably can’t avoid arguments this week, but you canopick and choose them. Remember the simple, obvious rules: logic has nothing tO do with religion or sex; authorities should be criticized with extreme diplomacy and care; and friends who will forgive anything are the best to hang with! CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Arguments about sex can come up easily, especially if you’re unclear about what you really want. You need some guidance, a new philosophical or spiritual perspective. Explore those intangibles, and the touchy-feely will be easier to work out. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your partner (or Jack of one) seems especially aggravating now, and your sexual needs are not being propedy met - probably because you are at some level reassessing them. A good political argument may somehow kick your priorities and Needs into better focus. ......... VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Make a list of your worries. Cross off the ones you can’t do anything about, then list the steps you can take to deal with the others. A partner’s input may be helpful. An amorous retreat will be even more so. .... LIBRA (September 23 - October 22):.Nob0d~ else will fix what’s bothering you, so what ape _you_ doing about it? Big as some problems are, you can make a difference! You could even bring friends into a volunteer effort as if it were a social event. SCORPIO ((~ctober 23 - November 21): "(our playful jabs at social critique can get you a reputation. Will hosts send you invitations due to real affection or out of self-defense? Focus that acuity on working more effectively, and you could accomplish a lot! SAGITTARIUS (Nov.ember 22 - December 20): Arguments aren’t as likely to show that you’re right as much as that you insist on "being right." A little humility and listening can go a long way. Better yet, playful word games are preferable to serious debate. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Arguments about sex, sexuality, and gender issues can easily get out of hand. If you must react as if your mother’s honor were at stake, think of how she’d want you to be civil in your debate. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Sexual values and tastes change with age and experience. Although that’s normal, staying in sync with your partner may be the big challenge! Communication is always the key. Be open to exploring differences as well as common ground. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Your ideas for improvements at work are, um, intriguing. Discuss them with a colleague or two, allowing that they may be a bit off the wall. Still, they could be the seeds of much better ideas. Focus on efficiency and economy. 16 MetroSTAR ,, August 2008 Massachusetts may OK marriage for out-ofstarers Massachusetts’ legislature is considering repeal oi:a 1913 law that prohibits people from other states from getting married there if the marriage wouldn’t be allowed where they live. ’The law -- which stopped interracial couples who couldn’t marry in their own states t~¥om n~arrying in Massachusetts -- was resurrected aider Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage in 2004. ~e speaker of the House, the president ofth~ Senate and Gov. Deva! Patrick all support the law’s repeal. U2S. Census Bureau won’t count married gays ~ae U.S. government will not count married gay couples in the 2010 censtts, the San Jose Mercury News reported July 12. Brot,~ers &Sismrs actors Matthew Rhys (who plays gay character Kevin Walker) and Sally Field. GLAAD photo repre.sentations. Lifetime and MTV ranked adequate. A&E, Spike, TBS, TNT m~d USA received failing grades. The ful! report is at glaad.org/media/nri/ NRI_2008.pdf. Instead, same-sex couples who accurately report that they are married will have their response tabulated by the Census Bureau as if they had checked "unmarried partners." Same-sex marriage is legal in California and Massachuset:tS[ in addition, New Yorkers who m~r~ in those states or abroad are recognized as married in New York state. ~ae Mercury News said the Census Bureau’s decision was based on the federal Defense of i~{arriage Act (DOMA) "and other mandates." DOMA, signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996, states, in part: "In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word ’marriage’ means only a leg~d union between one man and one woman ,as husband and wife, and the word ’spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex ~vho is a husband or a wife." Gary Gates of the Williams Institute, a think tank at the University of California Los Angeles Law School, told the newspaper that the bureau’s decision "goes against everything the census stands fo,:" "It’s a systematic hiding not only of married gay couples, but gay couples as families, which I would argue is a fundamentally political decision," Gates said. received failing grades for their 6 percent and 4 percent of programming hours with GLBT images. Of the 10 cable networks evaluated, FX, HBO and Showtime each received a grade of good, with FX leading with 45 percent of programming hours featuring GLBT "Barack believes that ,ve must fight for a world as it should be. A ,vorld where together we work to reverse discriminatory laws like D.O.M.A. (Defense of Marriage Act) and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell," Mrs. Obama said, addressing an audience of 250 people at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Uric Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 2® Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at t0:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC 0fthe Living Spring t7 Elk Street Eureka Spdngs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! ~Transsexnal Richards www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 17 \ KiNG OF MASSAGE GFeBt Touch Man to Man F.tl Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available out calls (405) Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge Now Hiring Male & Female Creating Community for People ~iving H~V/A~DS 50’I c (3) No~: P~ofit ()rgaaizafion Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HtV+ and or living with AiDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who ¯~/ould like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. ~rhether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. Freelance Reporters Needed For Oklahoma City, Tulsa and all area’s Qualifications to stamews@sbcglobal.net or mail to: The Star, PO Box 581718 Tulsa, OK 74158 Metro Star Chssfieds 2" square ON SALE! for as litde as $33 per issue. Email: starnews@sbcglobal.net offer good until 8/16/08 918.835.7887 SAVE & FILL YOURPIGGY [] [] grWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM 18 www.rnetr0starnews.c0m Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT DOWNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www:downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 ~v.~vw.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 21!7 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK vavw.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 wv~#abambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 wvw.dubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NxY-/- 39TH EXPRESSWAY Otdahoma City, OK 405-525-{3730 xwvw.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS"gAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.corn HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV!STD Hotline SPIPdT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING !7 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pro MCC UNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 9t8-838-1715 www.mcctutsa.org www.metrostarnews.com 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oldahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 N\V EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle,com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller vvrilliams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: w~,av. gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.glbtdallas.com L N÷troSTAR 19 Advertisement paid for by friends OfRon Marlett. OKLAHO ESE "I’m Ron Marlett and I’m running for State House District 84 because I want a chance to bring about change that really matters for my fellow Oklahomans: good jobs, affordable healthcare, a quality educational system and real freedom and equality." I NEED YOUR HELP TO WIN THIS ELECTION, WE CAN NIAKE ~T HAPPEN! need money and volunteers! Ron Marlett P.O. Box 854 Bethany, OK 73008 (405) 640-2069 www.ronmarlettforhousedistrict84.com Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] Metro Star Magazine, August 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 8 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 01, 2008 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd; Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Rex Wockneer Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Devre Jackson Chaz Ward Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern 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 Star Magazine, July 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/247 The Metro Star, September 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/201 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/198 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/2698e69563dac442975726fa3ccdc324.jpg 91080cec75c4608c9092062fd36d7424 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/db0ee4c2ed6d12764a885c1600e0ad76.pdf 7d031eefaacd3f2b0159c6bb31da4c3d PDF Text Text ~NWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" DECEMBER 1, 2008 WoCkmer News Service life and times ofan OHahoma legend. ByMetro StarStaff protesting Califom,as ’assage ofl~ropost, tion 8. Wackner News Photo) Bill Francisco, ~ Clogger Bill, has pofarmed over 350 b~efits andfundraisen for the ~dsa and surrounding Communities since !93Z In the beginning, God created heaven and earth and Bill Francisco on September 5, 1931. He was born in the middle of the Great Depression. His Mother and Dad were Portuguese farmers, poor as the dirt they farmed. His job until school years was pulling weeds in the garden. An estimated 7,500 to 15,000 people marched through Manhattan Nov¯ 12 protesting caiifornia’~ Proposition 8, the state ~-on~titution Nov. 4 to end same:sex marriage, which yeas legalized by the former New York Ammerican Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Normal Siegel Said t~e was c0mfortable ,vith a figure of 7i500; and longtime gay activist Bill Dobbs, who opposes same.sex marriage, favoring civil unions instead, said 5,000 to 7,000. ~e march began at the Mormon Temple on Columbus Av, enue, went down Broadway, turned east on 61St Street, then south on Central Park West to Columbus circle, "Tonight was an amazing success and I was proud of New York City standing in Solidarity with California and getting people out in the streets doing something meaningful," said Johnson, who is director of government affairs at a Wall Street realresta*e-development firm and political director of the popular gay blog Towleroad. Gay activists have claimed that more than half of the money that funded the ubiquitous TV ads that convinced Californians to vote for Prop 8 was donated by Mormon families at the church’s urging. Estimates of the turnout for the march varied. Journalist and radio personality Michelangelo Signorile reported 15,000; lead organizer Corey Johnson estimated 12,000; blogger and participant Joe Jervis (JoeMyGod) Said 10,000 to 15,000; "My career started when I was six ),ears old. I was in the 1st grade in Tulsgs Longfellow Hementary Schoo! at sixth and Peoria. We did a fund-raiser for the school. They staged still life portraits of Oklahoma history. I was selected as the young boy in the Ponca City.statue of The Pioneer Woman for my very first on-stage performance. Playing a statue, I had to stand perfectly still and not move for three minutes! The most difficult thing in the world for a six year old boy to do is stand still! I wanted to do such a good job, every night when the curtain went up, I would hold my breath the full three minutes so I wouldn’t move a muscle and be the perfect statue, but of course I almost passed out." My name is Chili. ........ Continued see SANTA page-15 California’s Supreme Court has been asked to delete Prop 8 from the constitution, anda ruling is expected rdatively quickly. The American Civil Libe*:ties Union, Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rigl!ts and other parties say Prop 8 illegally "revised" the state constitution rather than merely amending it. .,,,,....,.:Con{inued see NYC Page-8 �2 December 2008 �~#w.metrostarnews.com �Oklahoma City GLBT and Allied Community Rallies Over two hundred demonstrators t~llied on the Oklahoma City, City Hall steps to p~otest discrimination voted in by California, Arizona, Florida and Arkansas on Nov 4. Photo by ~ctor Gorin. On November 15 on the steps of the Oklahoma City Hall, there was an outpouring of emotion & solidarity as over 200 GLBT people and their fair minded allies gathered together to protest the passage of Proposition the rights of those who may want to marry later, but also left in legal limbo s~ae sex couples who had already gotten married For Trey Dill, who brought it all together, organizing this protest was his first venture in social activism. As he puts it, "After the passage of Proposition 81 found myself kind of angry, and Igot on the Internet and began browsing every GLBT website. One day I stumbled onto the jointheimpact.com website, which was organizing these rallies nationwide. There ~vas a listing for Oklahoma City, yet nobody here was involved, so I decided that I was going to do this." At 24, a lifdong Oklahoman, he brought it together through Internet work and word of mouth, naakAng a grand occasion that received mainstream televi- McCullar and Marlena Weaver, who had gotten married in California October 20, xvhose marriage is now in legal limbo. Although they realized that their marriage would not be recognizedqn Oklahoma, the passage of Proposition 8 still hurt. As Kara put it, "It makes us feel like we’re not worthy enough. ~aey’ll take our taxes, ~ve l~ve in the same community, yet we are second class citizens. We’re here to protest this, because gay or straight we all should have the same rights. STOP HATE IN THE HALLWAYS By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY. OK Educators, mental health professionals, activists and others interested in Oklahomds students came together November 13 for the 2nd Stop Hatred in the Hallways Conference. Following the success of the first conference held in Oklahoma City, this meeting was held at the U.S. Postal Service’s National Facility for Employee Development in Norman, bringing in people throughout Oklahoma interested in making Oklahoma’s schools safer. The Conference was originally organized by Cimarron Alliance, mainly because of a glaring need that wasn’t being met. While there have been many incidents of school violence, and conferences and discussion to address it, there had never been a conference, seminar or major Ann Simank Social worker &former OKC Councilperson, Randy Tate Conference organiz~ Tanya Cox representingACLU Oklahoma. Photo by Victor Gorin meeting that included what many feel is the most common form of bullying, those who are or are perceived to be gay or lesbian. Whether the problem is growing or simply being recognized and addressed is open to question. What is certain is that there definitely is a problem. In a national study, over 30% of U.S. students reported being involved in bullying either as a bully 13%, a victim 11%, or both 6%. Coming dose to home, the Oklahoma State Department of Health did a study surveying 7848 Oklahoma students. They found similar results, with 33% that had been involved in bullying, 12% as the bullg, 14% as the victim, and 7% involved in both. One in five students worried often or daily about being bullied. More than half never reported it to an adult at school or a parent. When asked what could be done about the situation, 213 of those xvho were bullied and half of those not bullied wanted better adult supervision. of 37 school shooting incidents found that 71% of the shooters felt threatened and/or persecuted, or had been attacked. Following a welcome by Richard Odgen, Chairman of Cimarron Mliance, the conference was addressed by Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson. He pointed out how things have dhanged, how prejudices of home are brought to schools, and those who ,ire different frequently become objects of bullying. ............. Continued see STOP HATE page-11 Not only is bullying damaging to both the victims, but frequendy the bullies suffer as well, with over 60% of those categorized as bullies in grades 6-9 having at least one criminal conviction by age 24. A study with the U.S. Department of Education December 2008 �Room Rates From $42.95 A~ About Our Su#es www.metrostarnews.com ~et~tJSTAR 5 �What’s the Matter with Oklahoma? OkEq Sponsors a Care Drive OGRA Announces 2009 Royalty Team By Gov. David V/alters TULSA, OK (PR) __ OkEq is sponsoring a Care Drive as part of our Home for the Holidays. Donations are being accepted at the Center for Our House Too, which serves approximately 75 clients affected by HIV and AIDS. Our House Too needs personal items such as cleaning supplies and toiletry items. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) _ OGRA has announced the New OGRA 2009 Royalty Team. Miss OGRA 2009, Anita Ryder Mr OGRA 2009, Larry Bourne Ms OGRA 2009, Brooklyn Rachelle OGRA would like to invite everyone to come and join us for our next genera! membership meeting, Sunday December 7th 2008 at 2:00 PM at the Ledo, in the Habana Inn Complex. The Parish Church of St. Jerome’s Food Pantry served over 500 householcks and over 1000 people last year. The food pantry needs canned foods, stuffing mixes, hamburger helpers, etc. The drive will continue until the end of the year. A full list 0fitems needed is available at the Center and on our website, ~wccw.okeq.org Holiday Music Is In Air Photo: Gov. David Walters (nndb.conO I waited three days in the hopes that my fuming at Oklahoma’s counter performance to the collective heave ho that the rest of the nation gave to the Republicans would subside. It has not. Axnending the title of Tnomas Franks’ insightful book about how conservatives won the heart of g,ansas ,.. "What’s the Matter with Oklahoma?" Did we really just do this? We’re the winner of the national championship for the highest McCain/Palin margin at 65.6 percent; the only state where Republicans gained ground in the state house, senate and statewide offices; and the only state in which McCain/Palin carried every county. Not one of our 77 counties ,vent Democratic, not a single blue dot. Sen. Obama polled 10.8 percent in Beaver County. This was not out of 100 votes where percentages are easily distorted, but out of 2,462 votes cast. Now you are thinking that we cannot expect mu& progressive thought out of a county best known for its cow-chip throwing contest (two tries if you lick your fingers after the first). BUt I have been to Beaver county and met good people and don’t understand 89.2% decided Sarah Palin should be vice president of the United States. It’s not just our friends in Beaver scouring the landscape for aerodynamic cow patties. Twenty-one counties fell below 25 percent for Obama and 39 counties, more than half of the 77, fell below 30 percent. The top bastion of Democratic performance? Cherokee county, where they used to spray for Republicans, held McCain/Palin to "only" 56.percent. The heart of our most Democratic county only allowed Obama to get within 12.2 percent of a single county victor,/. Howard Dean called me as I was looking at these .......... Continued See WALTERS 6 ~etroSTAR TULSA, OK (OKEQ) Council Oak Men’s Chorale Presents "A Holiday Happening" - an event so festive even Rudolph will be jealous! December 2nd, 5th, and 6th starting at 8:00pro at the Trinity Episcopal Church. For more information visit the web site at http://vcww. counciloak.org. Sisters In Song is also holding a Holiday Concert. The event scheduled for Dec 13th. Stay tuned for details or visit ww~v.myspace. com/sistersinsong. NEW GAY CLUB OPENS IN JOPLIN JOPLIN, MO (PR) __ With several new GLBT bars opening and closing this past year, the Joplin Gay Community is looking forward to a place to gather and have fun that they can depend on to be open the next day. The PLA-Mor Lounge should be just that. Local business man and owner of the new dub, Bill Jack is well know and respected in the area. They are open Monday- Saturday 3:00PM to 1:30 am. Located at 532 South Joplin Ave Joplin MO 64801, phone 417-624-2722. The OGRA 2009 Royalty Team would !ike to invite everyone to their first fundraiser of their reign, Saturday December 20th 2008 from 8:00 PM until 10:00 PM at the Finishline, in the Habana Inn Complex. They ~vill be raising money for the 2009 Great Plains Rodeo and their Charity Partners. During the evening a Christmas wreath auction will be held and door prizes will be given away. They will also be issuing the organizations contributions to the charity partners for 2008. "Please join us to recognize al! the hard work the organization has done for this community during the 2008 year." N~e 2008 charity partners are RAIN Oklahoma and Other Options. Dennis R. Neill Equality Center opens December exhibit TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R Neill Equality Center Gallery exhibit for December is a fundraiser for the Gallery. The theme for the exhibit is ’Reflection on a Red Stiletto’. Each of the eleven participating artists were given ~a red stiletto to use in their creation or to use as inspiration for their creation. That piece ~vill be donated to the Gallery and available for purchase throughout the exhibit in a silent auction. The Opening Night Reception for the exhibit ~Vill be Thursday, December 4th, from 6 to 9pro, at the Center, 621 E 4th St, Tulsa. The exhibit and silent auction will rm~ through December 31. Each artist will also have one additional piece of his/her artwork on display for sale. Proceeds from this fuaadraiser will go towards the purchase of wood benches for the Gallery, additional lighting, additional display pieces, etc. Artists that will be participating include: Michael Christopher Ann Marie DiStefano Karen Greenawalt G Krysta Hamilton Allie Jensen Nick Kountoupis Sharyl Landis Josh New Jessica Newman Directory of Local Animal Shdters Tulsa Shelter Broken Arrow OKC Muskogee Stillwater Coweta Siloam Springs Claremore Sand Springs Jenks Owasso Sapulpa Norman Collinsville 918-669-6299 918-259-8311 405 297 3104 918 686 7297 405 372 0334 918-486 2137 479 524 6535 918 341 1260 918 246 2543 918 299 6311 918-272-4965 918 227 2722 405 321 6725 918 371 1000 Courtesy ofwvoCalabrescue.net December 2008 �Wockner News Service Colorado sends openly gay man to Congress Schwarzenegger: State Supremes may undo Prop 8 Laxwers for the gay side filed suit in the state Supreme Court on Nov. 5 seeking to annul Prop 8. They said it is not merely an amendment to the constitution but rather a "revision" that fundamentally alters the guarantee of equal protection. Don Perata and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass. Constitutional revisions require a t~vo-thirds vote of the Legislature to reach the ballot. Prop 8 got there by activists’ collecting signatures on petitions. When changes in the constitution have farreaching effects on the document’s structure and purpose, the process of amending it must begin in the state Legislature, with a two-thirds vote. The process cannot start solely with voters signing petitions, as was the case with Prop 8. "Proposition 8 is invalid because the initiative process was improperly used in an attempt to undo the constitution’s core commitment to equality for everyone by eliminating a fundamental right from just one group -- lesbian and gay Californians," said the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Photo: j~red Polls by Rex l~ckner California Gov. A,wold Schwarzenegger thinks the state Supreme Court may annul Prop 8. Photo by Rex Wockner " Openly gay Jared Polls was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 4 from Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, which encompasses areas north and west of Denver, including the city of Boulder. California Gin: Arnold Schwarzenegger told CNN on Nov. 9 that the state Supreme Court may welt "undo" Proposition 8, the voter initiative that re-banned same-sex marriage Nov. 4 by amending the state constitution. Polls, a 33-year-old Democrat, is the first openly gay man elected to Congress who was out when elected t’or the first time. U.S. Rep. Tamlnv Baldwin. D-Wis., holds the female distincrmn in that regard. ,~d the governor suggested he thinks that would be a good ~ove. "~e voters of out" district have spoken clearly that they ~an~ change brought t~ Washing~rn,Polls told the Denver Post. "I look fbr~vard to taking my out-of-the-box approach and creative ideas to help shake up "Washington? maybe, as goo_d a campaigner had as much ’ gg er moneY behind ~t, " " whatever, Schwarzene said. "I think it is unfortunate, obviously, but In his primary-election victory speech in August, Polls introduced his partner, made reference to being gay, ~d said, "I always worried that that ~vould get in the way (of) giving back mad contributing to our society:’ A millionaire who made his money in online ventures, Polis spent $ 5.6 million of his own funds in the campaign. Polls becomes the sixth open gay to serve in the I-louse of Representatives, following in the footsteps of Baldwin, current Rep. Barney Frank kD-Mass.), and former Reps. Gerry Studds (D-Mass.), who is deceased, Steve Gunderson (R-Wis.) and Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.). Frank, 68, is now the powerful chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. Frank told the Post in August, "We are reaching that point where among.Democratic voters sexual orientation of a candidate is not a factor." He also said that once he’s no longer the only gay male congressman, he won’t feel as much pressure to be a role modd and plans to start smoking cigars in public again. °I can start indulging some bad habits; Frank said. "Let the young gay people find someone else to emulate? www.metrostamews.com "They had a very, very strong campaign, the pro-Proposition 8 people, and I think that the people that tried to defeat it did not have, it’s nrt the end because I think this will go back into the courts, this will go back to the Supreme Court because the Supreme Court very clearly in California has declared this unconstitutional. It’s the same as in the 1948 case xvhen blacks and whites were not allowed to marry. This falls into the same category. So, I think that we will again, you know, maybe undo that, if the court is willing to do that, and then move forward from there and again lead in that area? In addition to the anti-gay side’s having aired much more effective ads than the pro-gay side did in the huge TV-advertising war, Schwarzenegger said there were other factors that aided Prop 8’s passage. "Because of the big turnout amongst AfricanAmericans and Latinos, that had an effect also, which they did not expect, so there’s all kinds of other things there;’ he said. "And I think the religious groups have done a really big campaign, a lot of them, to support Proposition 8, and so on, and so it’s a very, very difficult thing." Before the TV ad war started, Prop 8 had been losing in the polls by as much as 17 points. 2qae governor also offered some advice to California’s gay population. "(Y)ou should never ever give up; he said. "They should never give up. They should be on it and on it until they get it done: Gay groups and others have filed suit seeking to invalidate Prop 8, arguing that it unconstitutionally "revised" the constitution, rather than merely amending it. "Proposition 8 is invalid because the initiative process was impropetly used in an attempt to undo the constitution’s core commitment to equality for everyone by elinainating a fundamental right from just one group -- lesbian and gay Californians;’ said the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. "Proposition 8 also improperly attempts to prevent the courts from exercising their essential constitutional role of protecting the equal prote.ction rights of minorities," the groups said. Same-sex marriages begin in Connecticut Same-sex couples began marrying in Connecticut on Nov. 12 after final judgment was entered in a case decided by the state Supreme Court on Oct. 10. In a 4-3 ruling, the court had declared that the state’s policy ofoff~ring same~sex couples:only civil unions violated that state constitution’s guarantee Of equal protection under the law. One report, based on partial data, said 66 marriage licenses were issued to same-sex couples across the state in the initial hours after samesex marriage becanae legal. On S,a.ra,,y, No . 15, w=e .ge, ,-oorai- hated anti-~grop 8protests across the country at 10:30 a.ra. Ca~fornia time. 7his was the scene in San Francisco. Viockner News pboto by Steve Silb~an With California voters’ recent decision to re-ban same-sex marriage, Massachusetts is the only other U.S. state where gay couples can marry. ~ae California move, which anaended the state constitution, is under assault in several new lawsuits filed with the state Supreme Court, and gays and their supporters have staged numerous large street demonstrations up and dmvn the state since Nox: 4. Legislators want Pro 8 overturned Direct Cremation From $595 Forty-four California legislators filed a brief with the state Supreme Court on Nov. 10 urging that Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment that voters passed to qe-ban same-sex marriage, be overturned. MORTUARY SERVICE, ~c Traditional Funeral Services at Affordable Prices (405) 230- 1310 or !-800-913-1310 Pre-Need Plan CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED Signers included Senate President Pro Tempore 2415-C North WalnutAvenue, Oklaho MetroSTAR 7 �California Supreme Court Grants Review In Prop 8 Legal Challenges Court To Determine Constitutionality of Prop 8 SAN FRANCISCO, CA (PR) __ November 19, 2008) -- Today the California Supreme Court granted review in the legal challenges to Proposition 8, which passed by a narrmv margin of 52 percent on November 4. In an order issued today, the Court agreed to hear the case and set an expedited briefing schedule. q-he Court also denied an immediate stay. On November 5, 2008, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit challenging the validity of Proposition 8 in the California Supreme Court on behalf of six individuals and Equality California. The City of San Francisco, joined by the City of Los Angeles and Santa Clara County, filed a similar challenge, as did a private attorney in Los Angeles. clause of the California Constitution and violates the fundamental right to marry. Proposition 8 would completely eliminate the right to marry only for same-sex couples. No other initiative has ever successfully changed the California Constitution to take avcay a right only from a targeted minority group. Over the past 100 years, the California Supreme Court has heard nine cases challenging either legislative enactments or initiatives as invalid revisions of the California Constitution. In three of those cases, the Court invalidated those measures. For more information on dais case, go to: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme/ highprofile/prop8.htm MISS BAMBOO 2009 CROWNED By Greg Steele On November 17, 2008, the California Council of Churches and other religious leaders and faith organizations representing millions of members statewide, also filed a petition asserting that Proposition 8 poses a severe threat to the guarantee of equal protection for all, and was not enacted through the constitutionally required process for such a dramatic change to the California Constitu~ tion. On the same day, prominent California womeffs rights organizations filed a petition asldng the Court to invalidate Proposition 8 because of its potentially disastrous implications for women and other groups that face discrimination. In May of 2008, the California Supreme Court held that barring same-sex couples from marriage violates the equal protection 8 ~®t~oSTAR "Proposition 8 is invalid because the initiative process was improperly used in an attempt to undo the constitution’s core commitment to equality for everyone by eliminating a fundamental right from just one group -- lesbian and gay Californians," the legal groups said. "Proposition 8 also improperly attempts to prevent the courts from exercising their essential constitutional role of protecting the equal protection rights of minorities," the groups said. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Nov. 10 expressed support for overturning Prop 8. "This will go back to the Supreme Court because the Supreme Court very clearly in California has declared this unconstitutional," Schwarzenegger told CNN. "It’s the same as in the 1948 case when blacks and whites were not allowed to marry. This falls into the same category. So, I think that we will again, you know, maybe undo that, if the court is willing to do that, and then move forward from there and again lead in that area." The lawsuits allege that, on its face, Proposition 8 is an improper revision rather than an amendment of the California Constitution because, in its very title, which ,vas "Himinates the right to marry for same-sex couples," the initiative eliminated an existing right only for a targeted minofit): If permitted to stand, Proposition 8 would be the first time an initiative has successfully been used to change the California Constitution to take way an existing right only for a particular group. Such a change would defeat the very purpose of a constitution and fundamentally alter the role of the courts in protecting minority rights. According to the California Constitution, such a serious revision of our state Constitution cannot be enacted through a simple majority vote, but must first be approved by two-thirds of the Legislature. Since the three lawsuits submitted on November 5, three other lawsuits challenging Proposition 8 have been filed. In a petition filed on November 14, 2008, leading African American, Latino, and Asian American groups argued that Proposition 8 threatens the equal protection fights of all Californians. A constitutional revision requires a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to begin the process, while an amendment can be placed on the ballot simply by collecting enough voter signatures on petitions, as was the case with Prop 8. Schwarzenegger also urged gay Californians up" on marriage..... equali~.: to "never ever g ire .... "They should be on it and on it until they get it done," he said. Photo: Miss Bamboo 2009 Lady Katherine TULSA, OK __ No prelim, no registration fees, not known for glamour, but an absolute celebration 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. Lady Katherine was a bit sleazy with her very revealing Victoria Secret underwear! Votes for each contestant were determined by the amount of money each was given by the audience for their performance. Our House Too of Tulsa ~vas the recipient of this years proceeds of $625.00. Our House Too offers a variety of services for people who are HIV+ or living with AIDS. You can contact them at 918-585-9552 or 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 Conspicuously absent from the entertainment line-up this year was self proclaimed Empress of the Bamboo, Miss Mona Lott and Miss Bamboo 2007 (2 X default) Czarina Rottchacokoffwho’s Hollywood caliber talent was very much missed. December 2008 �Neiman Marcus Gift Idea For Christmas 2008 Limited-Edition Fighter Motorcycle There’s the startling, dare we say sex); design that fuses raw power with crisp simplicity. It’s an evolution of the machine, at once taken back down to its core elements while being reinvented and re-engineered for optimal performance. It’s our street-legal sci-fi dream come to life, in the form of the limitededition Fighter Motorcycle. Ours exclusively courtesy of Confederate Motor Company°, the first ever Fighter packs 190 mph of performance into its cutting edge carbon fiber, titanium, andaluminum chassis~ There’s the 64" wheelbase, 27"H seat, integrated braking system, tots of high-tech bells and whistles, and custom NM edition features. But, honestly, ride it once and you’ll be too jacked up on adrenaline to remember all the details. (To view them in all their glory, go here.) To score one of only 45 of these raw, raging, right on machines, call 1.877.9NM.GIFT. Item Limited-Edition Fighter Motorcycle Price $110,000.00" OCBF9_NMO3594 *Manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Price excludes all taxes, tide, licensing, registration f~es, and transportation costs. Neiman Marcus is acting as the advertiser of this product. All sa]es will be conducted solely by participating, authorized dealers in the United States. Sunday Services @ 11:00 A}4 1623 N. Maplewood Tu{sa, OK Un A Metropolitan Community Church v~.metrostarnews.com 918-838-1715 % w.mcctu sa.org ~®t~oSTAR 9 �Is Gay Marriage A Q,Eestion Of Rights? By Gerald Libonati ~e marriage protection amendment that bans same-sex couples from marrying was on the ballot in three states last Tuesday. It passed in Florida and California by a margin of 52% to 48% with a majority of the precincts counted. In Arizona, a conservative state that once rejected the amendment, it passed by 56% to 44%. [[he results came as no surprise, emphasizing once again that the rights of unpopular minorities should never be put to a popular vote. How many times was the Equal Rights An,~, endment for ~vomen squashed? The first public Womans Rights Convention was held in 1848 west of Syracuse, New York. African-Amlericans did not win equal rights by a popular vote. The country vehemently fought against it. Equality for blacks required an act of Congress. So too, should equal rights for ay men and lesbian women be written into lave, not restricted y it. c Some might feel gay marriage is not a question of rights, yet the expression of religious values is protected by the first amendment. After all, it is a religious Viewpoint that same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry, and it is the spiritual vie~cpoint of gay and lesbian couples (and the mental health community) that homosexuality is a good and valid expression. It is, to be sure, a religious debate as well as one of legal benefits. One can’t help feeling violated every time there is a gay/lesbian issue on the chopping block. It becomes a lightning rod for the religious right to rally agm’nst with their bumper stickers and selbrighteous slurs. How many gay and lesbian people feel battered during times like this? Yet, the struggle for gay rights may be part of a process that has not yet finished. Certainly, the zeitgeist has improved significantly over the years regarding attitudes toward gay/lesbian people. And if it is hard to imagine a time when GLBT people are a part of the Atnerican mainstream, remember it was once hard fbr women and black Americans to imagine, too. Gerald Libonati is an award-winning wrimr in South Florida. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, 7he Miami Hera~ 7he Advocate and various gay/lesbian newspapo’s. He is the author of the new novel, ’7~eter Wo~" the sto~ ofa famous gay rock star who goes incognito m find love. NO on Prop 8 Campaign Leaders Call on Community to Stand Together SACP,AMENTO, CA (PR) __ Top leaders from the NO on Prop 8 campaign today issued the follmving statement urging leaders in the community to stand together following the passage of Prop 8. "We achieve nothing if we isolate the people who did not stand with us in this fight. We only further divide our state if we attempt to blame people of faith, African American voters, rural communities and others for this loss. We know people of all faiths, races and backgrounds stand with us in our fight to end discrimination, and will continue to do so. Now more than ever it is critical that we work together and respect our differences that make us a diverse and unique society.. Only with that understanding will we achieve justice and equality for all." years now I have heard the ~vord Wmt. It nngs ~n the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This "Wait" has almost always meant Never. We must come to see, with one ofou distinguished jurists, that "justice too long delayed is justice denied." ( http://www.mlkonline.net/jail.html ) Geoff Kors, Executive Director, Equality California Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights. Lorri Jean, CEO, Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center Delores Jacobs, CEO, San Diego Gay and Lesbian Center 925 L Street, Suite 1200 Sacramento, CA 95814, As we march, let’s take our chant from the newly-elected President Obama’s campaign, Yes, we can! Time for Waiting is Over -he Time for Action is NOW. By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ A recent joint press release from Equality California, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center ,,,a,,n~d the San Diego Gay and Lesbian Center is counseling that We achieve nothing if we isolate the people who did not stand with us in this fight. We only further divide our state if we attempt to blame people of faith, African American voters, rural communities arid others for this loss. I disagree completely. No longer, no longer, no longer must religion be used as the cudgel to separate any person from their legal rights of fair treatment and protection under the law. I walked by a religious proselytizer today in downtown Oklahoma City. I hadseen him yesterday when he made a speech for Gee-sus on the bus I was riding. Today, though, he was on the sidewalk and said to me, "Did you know God loves you?" I looked him in the eye for a few seconds and replied, "F*** ofiq.", and walked away. I’ve never acted that way to a stranger before and depending on the perceived physical danger to me, it wofft be the last time I respond to an uninvited encounter with a proselytizer. Religion has and continues to be the major block to the implementation of rights for gay/lesbian citizens because of wh~tt we do in private and who we love in public. Religion ,vas the chain around the necks of slaves, it’s been the chastity belt forced on women’s reproductive choice, and it’s been the Closed book preventing the age-appropriate teaching of responsible sexual information to children. Religion instructs the empty-headed to fear our differentness, to treat us with disrespect and with barely concealed contempt to encourage violence against our property and bodies. Wegays/lesbians are far too complacent, accepting, and willing in our own disenfranchisement from our birth right as citizens. "This has been an incredibly difficult week for Californians who are disappointed in the passage of Proposition 8, which takes away the right to marry for same-sex couples in our state. We feel a profound sense of disappointment in this defeat, but know that in order to move forward we must continue to stand together as one community in order to secure full equality in California. I welcome the peaceful protests in California and elsewhere that are demanding the protection and benefits of the laws that are applied to others but not to us. "In working to defeat Prop 8, a profound coalition banded together to fight for equality. Faith leaders, labor, teachers, civil rights leaders and communities of col0r, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, public officials, local school boards and city councils, parents, corporate law firms and bar associations, businesses, and people from all walks of life l’oined together to stand up against discrimination. We must build on this coalition in order to achieve equal rights for all Californians. Dr. M. L. King said it best in his "Letter from Birmingham Jail", April 16, 1963 with this paragraph: 10 ~÷troSTAR Our self-appointed equality leaders who counsel shyness and acceptance of a later time should act like leaders or get out of our way. The time is long past for coyness and politeness. X~re know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given b~ the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct-action campaign that was "well timed" in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For With the immorally presented kangaroo-court vote that passed Prop 8 in California and with other anti-gay measures in Arizona, Florida, and Arkansas, I think we gays/lesbians have waited long enough. Let the marches continue! numbers. He wanted to say, "thank you" ... for what I have no earthly idea. I unloaded about our local results, but Howard didfft take the bait. His politically correct language has been finely honed from thousands of scathing attacks on each of his utterances. He opined that the economy is much better in Oklahoma than most states and that many other states have a sizable portion of their popul,a,tion tl~at,~ould normally be concerned about leaders who are different than they are. But in those states the economy and the need for change overwhelmed their normal reticence to select someone "unlike" them. Man that guy can talk. While t am fuming, foaming, uttering and mumblin,F, obscenities, he sounds like he just graduated from The vabama School of Cool. So should we do anything? Of course we should. Not just for competitive partisan reasons, but because it’s not good for Oklahoma to run so counter. One national media service recently said bas,,ed on the polls, the future of the Re, publica,n Party lies with old white people and hayseed states. I, dont believe that, but much of me nation does and we dont need to be in that category. Another pundit said that to understand the current Republican Party one has to "understand the unique culture and politics of Appalachia." Are you kidding me? Hayseed states and Appalachia! Call your local chamber and ask them if they think this is somehmv good for us. From a national image it’s a disaster. From a local basis can you imagine how this emboldens Republicans in the state house, now firmly in control of the l~gislature? Do you think we are going to hear much about education, health care and jobs -- or are we simply going to get a double dose of Guns, God, and Gays? Gun sales in Oldahoma skyrocketed immediately prior to the election and particularly afterwards. The vast majority of these Oklahoma voters really believe that Obama -- in addition to not being a Christian, being affiliated with terrorists and intent on doubling our taxes -- is also going to take their guns! What was that comment during the campaign about clinging? So what do we do? Before we start shouting and stepping all over each other like the national Republicans, we should first calmly talk about process. Hmv do we determine what are the highest contributing factors to this unusual trend in Oldahoma? Let’s assume that we can identify with polling and focus groups the top 20 contributing factors, and then perhaps we can identify that half of these we cannot do an) thing about.., but a plan to address the other half may have merit. I have lots ofideas ... but I really have to cool off first. Posted by David Waiters at: http:llreddirtblog.typepad.coml red dirt blog/ December 2008 �Oklahoma Couple Marries Rhis was best shown by the keynote speaker, Stephen Wessler, who directs the Center for the Prevennon of Hate Violence located in Pordand, Maine, and was a former assistant Attorney General in that state was well. He is the author of the book, "The Respectful School," and has received many awards for his work in the area of civil rights. Robbins, 46, and Damon Romine, 42, have been together for nine years and Barrett and David Romine have been together for 16 years. It was believed to be California’s first same-sex double wedding ceremony shared by a father and son. Same-sex marriage became legal in California on June 16, following a Supreme Court ruling, and became illegal again on Nov. 4, following passage of a ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to negate the ruling. Gay groups have filed suit to block the amendment from taking effect. At press time, the State Supreme Court had not ruled on the case, and county officials had stopped issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Will & Grace creator marries Photp: Rex Ball, Architect/Urban Designer, a former US Commissioner ofFine Arts and Stephen Edwards, multi-award winning Interior Designer in Oklahoma were mar~ed October 24 in Palm Springs, CA by Mayor Steve Pougnet. The couple has been together for 24 years. Both are originally from Central Oklahoma where they first met. Having also lived in Washington, D.C. the couple settled in Tulsa in 1996. B~th ~e a~tive iii Hist0fi~il PreserVation and have renovated two Tulsa houses for themselves both of which are located in neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic places. In Oklahoma City they renovated the Mid-Century landmark Raymond Carter designed Residence on Barnes Circle which is also visible from Pennsylvania Avenue. OkA¢homa State Attorney Gene~al Drew Edmondson. A speaker at the 2nd Stop Hate in the Hallways Conference. Photo by Hctor Gorin The services were conducted on Friday, October 24 by the Mayor of Palm Springs in the Mid-Century designed City Hall. q-he Mayor hadwritten the words of the service. Witnesses were former Tulsans Mike Green and Jim Trotter also Architect Dan Logan of Palm Springs and Malibu. The couple has 5 daughters and nine grandchildren. Father and son marry partners in He pointed out that serious bullying begins with words. He told of a student (pseudonym John), ~vho was perceived to be gay by 4 male students at his school. At first they talked behind his back, and nobody objected. It escalated to name calling direcdy to John. ~aen it escalated to tripping and shoving in the hall, with no objections or intervention. The following February he ~vas jumped by three boys and severely beaten, and nobody intervened or told an adult. This followed by 3 more similar incidents, including an attempt in the bathroom to put his head in an unflushed toilet, and another incident where a boy put John’s head in a noose and pulled it tight for over 40 seconds. Finally, When one of the boys threatened to shoot John, the threat was overheard by a girl ~vho reported this to school authOrities, Finally the police were called and Mr. Wessler, as a prosecutor with the state hate crimes prosecution unit, finally took action. Ironically, the four boys involved in the harassment were age 12. Although the conference included the issues of GLBT students, it was also inclusive of other forms as ~vell, including those of Islamic students ~vho were harassed (frequently called terrorists), Latinos frequently called "beaners" or "tacos". Other issues included students with disabilities, and other characteristics such as being overweight. Reverend Scott Jones of Oklahoma City’s Cathedral of Hope led a panel discussion of religion and the role it played in harassment, and also those who are victimized. Another workshop conducted by Kathy Middleton with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, showed and demonstrated how bullying could be prevented, and how students & administrators can deal with it. And intervention can’t come too soon, not only for those bullied, but for all Oklahoma students who have the right to a productive, safe education. www.metrostarnews.com Palm Springs double wedding By Rex Wockner Max Mutchnick, a creator and executive producer of TV’s Wilt & Grace, got married to lawyer Erik Hyman on Oct. 25 in Beverly Hills. "We wanted to be a part of the wave of same-sex couples getring married before the election," Mutchnick told The New York Times. ~e couple have been together for two years. They moved in together a week after meeting and have never spent a night apart since. Mutchnick told The Times that Hyman is the most intelligent and confident man he’s ever met, and the only one he’s met who can withstand his insecurities and histrionics. Hyman said he felt hard for Mutchnick’s passion, charm and humor. The couple have two daughters, who were born to a surrogate. California voters ended same-sex marriage in the state Nov. 4, amending the state constitution to say, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Gay groups have filed suit to block the amendment from taking effect. At press time, the State Supreme Court had not ruled on the case, and county officials had stopped issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. OKLAHOMA CITY COUPLE WED IN CALIFORNIA Charles Robbins, executive director of ~e Trevor Project, and Damon Romine, director ofentertainment media at the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, got married Nov. 2 in Palm Springs in a double ceremony that also saw Romine’s father, David, marry his parmen La~wy Barrett. From left: Robbins, Damon Romine, David Romine and Barrett. Photo by David A. Lee Charles Robbins, executive director of~he Trevor Project, the national suicide-prevention helpline for gay youth, and Damon Romine, director of entertainment media at the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, got married Nov. 2 in Palm Springs in a double ceremony that also saw Romine’s father, David, marry his partner, Larry Barrett. Kara McCullar & Marlena Weaver demonstrate on Oklahoma City Hall steps. The couple was legally married in California October 20. Photo by Victor Gorin. MetroSTAR 11 �@ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, TulSa ..... @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City Community Fellowship "A place where you can be who God created you to be andfi’iends’hips become family" Worship Experience Sundays 5:30p.m. Pastor Neill Spurgin PastorNeih’@ExpressionsOKC.com (40 ) 76 - 7s @ The Copa, Oklahoma City 12 ~w. Express ions OKC. corn Lansbrook Event Center 6009 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK December 2008 �On Saturday, Nov. 15, there were coordinated anti,Prop. 8 protests in 300 cities in all 50 states and several other countries at 10.30. a.m. California time, ~lengthy march from San Diego’s Balboa Park to the Count~ 25;000 ~ar~hers, Photo by Re~ Wockne~ On Sa~twday, Nov. 1£ there were huge, coordinated anti-Prop 8 protests across the country at 10:30 a.m. Ca~lifo~ia time. ~is wa~ the stone in San ~,n&co. ~&ner News pbom by Steve 39am the stage to repeate!ly create a~ant rambowflag, to the de@,}t ofnews photographers and cameramen. ter and ~dsa rallied in opposition to California’s Prop S. Arqzona, Florida outlJwed Mardage ~quality an~ Arkansas voted toprobibit GLBT~doption, Saturda November 15, 2008 25,000 str~g mti~Prop 8 grassroots protest in San Di~g0~ �N Wockner News Service Caribbean health offidals call for repeal of buggery laws UK Ministry of Defence paid $6.2 million to sacked soldiers Some government officials in attendance at the recent annual meeting of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS called for repeal of laws that criminalize gay sex as a pathway to slowing the spread of the virus, the Caribbean Media Corporation reported. The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence has paid $6.2 million to people who were kicked out of the armed forces before the gay ban was lifted in 2000, officials said Nov. 7. "Ifxve repeal the Buggery Act it reduces risky behavior and puts the onus on men who have sex xvith men to act in a responsible way," said Dr. Peter Figueroa, head of the Jamaican Ministry of Health’s AIDS program. "When people see themselves as excluded or discrimihated against and stigmatized, it promotes risky behavior? The health minister of the island nation of Dominica, John Fabien, agreed, saying: "We need to take this to another level, I think the level of prime ministers .... The whole question of men who have sex with men ... we can’t Sixty-five people have been compensated, receiving an average of $96,300 each. "Over the past few years the MoD has made strenuous efforts to reach amicable settlements in relation to those legal claims which remained outstanding and we are pleased that compensation has now been awarded in all these cases;’ a spokesman said. Britain’s armed forces lifted their gay ban on orders from the European Court of Human Rights. Gay couple arrested in Mexico for kissing and hugging UK to give lesbians equal access to fertility treatment Txvo male U.S. citizens were arrested in Playa del Carmen, in Mexico’s Q,~intana Roo state, for kissing and hugging in public, the Mexico City daily E! Universal reported Oct. 22. A controversial bill that passed Britain’s House of Commons Oct. 22, authorizing stem-celt research that implants human cells into animal eggs creating hmnan-animal hybrids, also cleared the way for lesbians to access fertility treatment and for a lesbian couple to be named on a birth certificate as a child’s parents. Eric Schroeder, 22, andJosd Mdndez, 35, were accused of committing "a moral misdeed" (una falta a la moral), jailed for 15 hours and fined 2,000 pesos ($148). Schroeder told the paper that on Oct. 10 the couple was "resolving some differences that we had" and, as they walked out of the house, "there were a few hugs and a kiss out front:’ At that point, police arrived, handcuffed them, then drove them around while they "picked up more people who presumably had committed other crimes," he said. .................. 1 ...."-They, wanted money and realizingthey , bow our heads in the sand and say it do~s no{..... DutCh men convlc~:eG weren t going to get it, they drove us around ’ Schroeder said. happen.and try toI ,villsee howbedriving, ve couldthe getPr°cessthingsbaCkgoingh°me .... gge need to really fall in line mad try to get it off the books." Barbados’ health minister, Dr. David Estwick, asked, "What are we going to do about reaching men who have sex with men when we have laws against their sexual activity in most Caribbean countries. Jamaica’s Figueroa added that when gay sex is stigmatized, "it drives not only the epidemic underground, but it also means that men ~vho have sex with men disguise their sexuality, take on a girlfriend and have sex with women who are unaware that they are really people who have sex with men, and therefore this acts as a bridge in terms of HIV transmission from the gay community." The lneeting was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. According to Amnesty International, 11 Caribbean-area nations continue to ban gay sex -- Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jmnaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. of inj ecting sex p ar triers with HIV Two men in Groningen, Netherlands, were convicted Nov. 12 of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm by injecting several men ~vith HIV-infected blood after apparendysedating them during gay sex parties arranged over the Internet. One of the perpetrators, who vcas also convicted of rape, received a nine-year prison sentence and the other was sentenced to five years. The Groningen District Court determined that while all the victims in the case were HIV-positire, there was no way to know if the assaults caused their infections, given that they had willingly participated in barebacking orgies. Resistance in UK to gay adoption Hungarian Parliament passes nexv hate-crime laws A recent ICM Research survey conducted for the United Kingdom’s National Adoption Week revealed a high degree of resistance to adoption by gay couples. Hungary’s Parliamentpassed legislation in early November extending hate-crime laws to cover members "ofa social group" and making it possible to initiate civil proceedings against someone ~vho engages in degrading or intimidating behavior toward another based on "sexual orientation." The poll of 1,007 people found that 40 percent ofth0se questioned think gay male couples should not be allowed to adopt and 36 percent think lesbian couples should be banned from adopting: The changes need the approval of President L~szl6 S61yom and also must be able to withstand possible Constitutional Court challenges. The court previously has struck down socalled hate-speech laws on freedom-of-speech grounds. 14 ~÷troSTAR Susan Cotton, adoption manager for the charity Action for Children, told the BBC the findings xvere "shocking and disappointing." "We have successfully placed children with both gay couples and single people. We know it works," she said. The couple’s eventual incarceration at the main police station ended after they paid a cop a 300-peso fee to take one of their credit cards and withdraw money to pay the 2,000-peso fine, Schroeder said. S P ain’s ueen Sofia hot water with gays Spain’s Q~een Sofia is in hot water with gays after the newspaper H Pals published excerpts Oct. 29 from an upcoming biography of the queen by journalist Pilar Urbano. ha "The Q~_een Up Close" ("La Reina muy de cerca"), Sofia, 69, is quoted as saying: "I can understand, accept and respect that there are persons of other sexual tendencies, but should they feel proud to be gay? Should they ride on a parade float and come out in demonstrations ? ffall of those of us who aren’t gay came out in protest we would halt traffic." She went on: "If those persons want to live together, dress up as bride and groom and marry, they could have a right to do so, or not, according to the laws of their country, but they shouldn’t call dais matrimony, because it isfft. q-here are many possible names: social contract, union contract? Spain is one of six countries where same-sex couples have access to full marriage. A royal spokesperson conaplained that the quotations are not "exactly" accurate. The State Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Transse~uals and Bisexuals demanded that Sofia recant her reported statements. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill passed the House of Commons 355-129 and is unlikely to be further modified before becoming law. "We’ve always thought it scandalous that lesbian couples could lawfully be excluded from the safety of (National Health Service) clinics, for which we all pay," said Ben Summerskill, chief executive of leading gay lobby group Stonewall. "Often they’ve been forced to use unregulated backstreet services instead? ,, Children in lesbian and gay families develop in exactly the same social and intellectual way as any others," he said. "This latest step forward for our communities is an important reminder that lesbian and gay families are every bit as loving and tender and magical as any other." Irish president condemns Speaking at a GLBT youth forum in Galway on Oct. 30, Irish President Mary McAleese condemned anti-gay bullying. "Homophobic bullying continues to be a societywide issue, including in our schools, and the link between it and suicide sends a clear message that this trend must be reversed," she said. "By refusing to go along with loudly voiced prejudices, we can overcome the bias and hostility experienced by many young gay people throughout the country." McAleese also said people don’t choose to be gay but rather discover that they’re gay. Australian de facto couples who split to be treated as divorced Australia’s Senate passed a bill Oct. 16 to treat unmarried couples who break up the same as married couples who divorce. The measure, which was returned to the lower house for approval of Senate anaendments, will create a uniform national standard for separating de facto coupmsles, gay and straight, sendin g them to federal family-law courts to work out property settlements, pension splits and other Issues. Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the changes are "long overdue." December 2008 �"In my junior high school years at Wilson Jr. High I delivered the Tulsa Daily "World morning paper on horseback for three years on what was then a two lane country road called Yale Ave. I had to quit riding horseback because the customers of a new housing development called "White City" complained that my horseback deliveries was tearing up their beautiful yards. I graduated in the 10th graduating class of Will Rogers High Schoo! in 1949." "The start of my dancing career was 1950 ~vhen I joined the new qfillsa Opera Ballet. ~-his was the time when opera companies retrained a Corps de Ballet and operettas were popular. ~l~.e Tulsa Opera_ Ballet would practice in the ballroom of Richard Mansfield Dickenson’s home on Riverside Drive and F!ouston Ave., which is now known as the Spotlight Theater on Riverside Dr. "t received a scholarship in 1952 to study dance with the "Ruth St. Denis Dance Foundatioff’ in Hollywood. While I was there I also studied ballet and jazz at the "Eugene Loring School of Ballet. M1 of the great dancers of the Holly~vood musicals of the 50’s would teach in their idle time at Loring’s studio, t was honored to take classes with some of Hollywood’s best. I was accepted with 150 other dancers in the Chorus of"On the Rivera" staring Danny Kaye and the Great "Gwen -Verdoff’. However, I nm~er made it to the final Audition because my dance career was interrupted in 1953 with a draft call from UNCLE SAM. Thinking my dance career was oveI; ! found it was just beginning." but I had to work the next day. I took a shower to wash the gold pigment away and my hair turned green! I went to work and was ridiculed, LOL, the boy with the green hair." "In 1956 1 began dancing with the "Tulsa Civic Ballet" today knmvn as Tulsa Ballet Inc. I danced the premier of The Nutcracker and also performed the first Dr. Coppelius In Tulsa at the Municipal Theater today our Lady on Brady I also danced in the first two summer musicals with the "Tulsa Little Theater" at the 15th and Delavcare Playhouse." She could er my given name. She what my name was and \ in his usual vivacious reply said "just// ke C LO G GERB I //, Because volunteer dancing could not sustain me financially, I went to work for American Airlines in 1955. In 1961 American decided to move their finance department to NYC where they purchased their first computer. This was my opportunity to see hmv the professionals dance in the Big Apple. Let me tell you, I was just a little worm in the Big Apple. What a culture shock, nobody does volunteer dancing in New York. Everyone is a union professional. ! realized my love of country folk music, bluegrass and clogging there. I studied with the International School of Dance one semester. I realized dogging was what I wanted to dance the rest of my life. Isn’t is ironic? I fell in love with dogging in ]"FYC and had it all around me growing up in Tulsa. I returned home to Tulsa after 13 years in New York and spent all my free time attending clogging classes and workshops. The IGRA had become very popular with clogging teams throughout the U.S. and Tulsa. I attended a fund-raiser for OGRA in 1987 at "STROKES" and saw the renowned "Bunkhouse Cloggers" from Oklahoma City perform. I was so excited and impressed to see a rodeo clogging team that I wanted to form one from Tulsa for OGRA. Thus the "GREEN COUNTRY CLOGGERS" ~vere born in 1988. The Green Country- Cloggers became famous from the Mississippi west to Los Angeles, dogging to standing ovations in Oklahoma City, Dallas, Phoenix, Denver, Los Angles, Kansas, Joplin and Tulsa..We performed for two seasons at Tulsa Mayfest and the Bluegrass/Chilifest. Photo: Bill Franc#co served in the A4ilimry 1953-1955 "My tour of duty took me to the occupation forces in Augsburg, Germany. I was blessed! They allowed me to continue my volunteer dancing for tile kindergarten kids in West Germany." "I was honored for nay volunteer dancing in Germany by becoming the only American awarded a medal by the city of "Augsburg at the 1954 Fashing Festival. They even wrote a nice article about me in the Augsburg newspaper which was in Get,nan and I didn’t understand a word of it. I sent it home to my mother in NAsa and she gave it to the Tulsa \Vorld to interpret and they published it in English in the Tulsa World Sunday Mar. 21, 1954." "Rett,rning home to Tialsa in 1955, I again auditioned for the renowned Tulsa Opera. I landed the leading male dancer, all with gold pigment and Crisco! I was beautiful (like an Oscar) ,~w.metrostarnews.com When the Green Country Cloggers moved their practices to Tulsa’s Silver Star for bigger dance space we were doing a big fund-raiser to raise money to take the cloggers to Los Angeles ~br a rodeo performance. Our Mistress of Ceremonies was a eighteen year old (not old enough for the bar) known as KA~S KOHL. To this day in 2008, Kris Kohl has done more benefits and fun&raisers than any other entertainer in Tulsa and she is the real legend of this community. Our music maestro, arranger, recording artist and D. J. from the cloggers conception in 1988 was Ron Greenwood. Thank you Quake for all your loyalty and contributions to the cloggers. Kris Kohl was to introduce my solo. She could not remember my given name. She asked Qtmke what my name was and in his usual vivaciotrs reply said "just call him CLOGGERBILL" And from that time on, fbr 18 years, to the birth of"Santa, I have been known as "CLOGGERBILL" Now I’ve forgotten my real n~e. class at the community center. They asked if I would dress as Santa and clog for the kids at their Children’s Christmas Party, of course I said yes. That was the birth of"Santa Clog". The kids just loved Santa Clogging and a lot of adults also. The next year I created my own Santa Suit, and started growing nay own beard with theatrical white wash. Since I’ve performed hundreds of Santa Clog benefits over the past ten years. It was so much fun (because I’m such a ham), that’s when I decided I wanted to be the real Santa for the rest of my life. In 2004 1 entered "SANTA_" in the Grand Lake dogging championship in Grove, Oklahoma. I had worked so hard on the choreography that I pinched the ~ciatic nerve in my left hip and neuropathy begin to set in. But I kept going. I knew I had to win that competition before I could qualify for National World Competition. I did win mad took 1st place in that show. I guess when you stop your career, you should always stop at the top, when everyone knows who you are, not what you were. I tried to do a couple more Santa Clog benefits in 2005 but my leg was in such pain I could not continue. I then had lower back surgery and the severe pain was gone but the neuropathy would not go away. I would like to thank my two very best friends for sticking by me and helping me through this crisis. Mr. Paul: (aka), Helga. another community legend of spirit, giving, benefits and caring, for getting me the best surgeons, standing by me thru surgery and coming by my home on his way to ~vork every day to wash my ass and change my bandages. Arnie XWard, for taking so much time offwork to take me back and forth from exams, doctors and hospitals. SANTA loves you both so dearly. I would not have survived without you. No~v Santa only does children benefits, private corporate parties and my favorite adult bars: N0 eio~ng; just takAng pictures, giving out pre~ents havi@ ~ iittl~ ~,~ arid .... loving every moment. Now I am one of the most sought after Santa’s in Tulsa. I begin getting requests for appearances in July for the December season. Santa has appeared in four magazine and six newspaper articles. Someday I dream of Santa dancing again in the spirit of the season. From 1937 to 2004 (67 years) I have danced over 350 performances, benefits and fund-raisers for the Tulsa and su> rounding communities. I was actually paid union wages for one show. The Vandever’s summer fa~shion show at Southern Hills Country Club about 30 years ago. So, if you divide the $50.00 into 350 performances, I have been paid just about .07 cents per performance. Does that make me a professional volunteer? I would like to take this opportunity to let the world know how very much I appreciate all the support and devotion of good friends, entertainers and bar~8~ners (past and present) for helping me do what I love best, DANCE !! As Santa said when he rode out of sight, Happy Holidays and to all a Good Night ! I left the Green Country Cloggers in the capable hands of the worlds best Leather Clogger "Gene West" who took the cloggets to new heights. I formed the "OK Country Cloggers" from other Cloggers around Tulsa. We performed benefits for Tulsa Opera at Cains Ballroom and Tulsa Ballet Inc, at Harwellen. The OK Country Cloggers quickly dwindled into a trio competition team. The Ok Country Cloggers had performed for two seasons for "Black Gold Days" in Glenpool. I was teaching a clogging ~etroSTAR 15 �QEe’ Syrah, Syra :: Celebrate the holidays with a cool red wine Brief history For most wine lovers, as we talk about Syrah or Shiraz; two specific places of the xvorld come tO mind: Rh6ne Valley in France and Australia. Syrah is found in other wine regions of the ~vorld, though- California, Italy and South Africa- hmvever the reference areas of this grape are still considered France and Australia, each being identifiable for its particular style. Of course, of the two regions, the one having a longer tradition is the Rh6ne Valley, whereas in Australia, Syrah - or Shiraz, as it is commonly known in the land of kangaroos - has a history shorter than two centuries. ~ais grape may not be commonly associated with the holidays like other red wines, however, this varietal rates highly among the most elegant, tastefhl and food friendly wines. To that end, I recommend that we consider adding a bottle or two to our wine shopping list for this season. We have much to celebrate and sharing wine & food with friends & family is the best thingwe can do. The northern part of the Rh6ne Valley, in France, remains one of tl~e undisputed reference point.s for the production of wines made with the Syrah grape. The best examples of varietal Syrah, are the ones produced with the appellations Hermitage, C6te-R6tie, Cornas, St-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. Wines produced in these areas have Strong fruit aromas, a good acidity, dry body and an appreciable mineral taste. Hermitage has a deep color and intense fruit aromas, in particular black currant, full body and evident astringency. Syrah is also common in the southern part of Rh6ne Valley and it is used in Ch~teauneuf-du-Pape This months recipe courtesy of: Directions: Ogunquit, Main About 4 hours before ser~,ing: Remove giblets and neck from goose. Refrigerate giblets and neck to use in soup another Discard fat from body cavity; rinse goose with running cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Fasten neck skin to the back with 1 or 2 skewers, With goose breast-side up, lift wings up toward neck, then fold under back of goose. With string. tie legs and tail together. With fbrk, prick goose skin in several places. Place goose, breast-side up, on rack in open roasting pan. Rub goose with 2 teaspoons salt. Insert meat thermometer into thickest part of meat between breast and thigh, being careful tha pointed end of thermometer does not touch bone. Roast goose in 350 degree oven about 3 hours. Start &ecking for doneness during last 30 ~ninutes of roasting goose. Christmas Goose With Cabbage t frozen goose (12 pound size), thawed salt 1 medium sized head red cabbage I medium sized head green cabbage 1 medium sized onion 1 large green cooking apple 1 package (8 ounce size) sliced bacon 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1/4 cup currant jelly 2 tablespoons &T marsala wine 16 #~®troSTAR ’04- Oregon Slammer ’06- California (which translates as New Castle common in southern Languedoc-Roussillon blended with Grenache Noi C Syrah fro aromas of black pepper associated with wines Trinity Pousseur ’06- California to emit often to your favorite wine purchase a bottle or ~d & wine with friends and r yourself. area. Food parings Syrah is a good turkey or ham F ’ " who knew ? We always think Pinot best red wine choice. A lot may hinge on the way your meat is prepared. Appetizers with veggies or cheeses with a sharp like flavor can also pair ~vell. This writer also bar tends and hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. www.~neSpectato~:com www.Foodand~ne.com ............. www.~Vikipedia.org slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper travels to drain. In bacon fat in saucepan over medium heat, cook green cabbage, onion, caraway seeds, and I teaspoon salt until cabbage and onion are very tende}, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally; keep warm, About 20 minutes before goose is done, in small saucepan, heat red currant jelly and marsala. Brush goose occasionally with idly mixture. Goose is done when thermometer reaches 180 degrees to 185 degrees and thickest part of leg feels sof~ when pressed ~th fingers protected by paper towels. When goose is done, remove skewers and string. Linep,latter with reserved red and green cabbage leaves. Place goose on cabbage leaves: let stand 10 minutes for easier carving. Spoon red and green cabbage on platter with goose. Mier goose has roasted fbr I hour. prepare red andgreen, cabbage’, reserve fi.~v outer leaves of red and green cabbage for garnish. Slice red and green cabbage and onion; dice apple; cut bacon into 1/2 inch pieces, it into a In 12-inch skillet over medium- lmv h~r. cook half of bacon until browned. With slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper towels to drain. In bacon tht in skillet over medium heat, cook red cabbage, apple, red wine vinegar, sugm; and 1 teaspoon salt until cabbage is very tender, about 25 minutes. stirring occasionally; keep warna. Meamvhile, in ~-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, cook remaining bacon until browned.iWith )resence Jonathaffs Restaurmat Bourn ~ December 2008 �Trace Adkins At the BOK Center, Tulsa INSIDE HOLLYWOOD Deep Inside Hollywood, which reports on new projects for Nicole Kidman and Jane Fonda By Romeo San Vicente Fonda Returns to Broadway with Moises Kaufman TRACE ADKINS with special guests: Craig Morgan & Jason Michael Carroll Tickets On Sale Oct 3 @ 10am Ticket Prices: $52 and $42 When Trace Adldns appears on stage, his towering presence and floor-shaldng baritone instantly energizes the crowd. With a string of hits spanning more than a decade like "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk; "Hot Mama," "I Got lVly Game On," and "Ladies Love Country Boys;’ and his powerful, heart-stirring ballads like "I’m Tryin;’ "Arlington;’ "Every Light In The House;’ and "I Came Here To Live;’ Adldns takes his audience on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Cirque du SoleiFs Saltimbanco Dec 10, 2008 to Dec 14, 2008 at BOK Center Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco December 10th at 7:30 December 1 lth at 7:30 December 12th at 3:30 & 7:30 December 13th at 3:30 & 7:30 December 14th at 1:00 & 5:00 Ticket Prices:S97, $77, $62, and $42 Group tickets: For groups of+20 or more receive 10% offyour tickets, group discounts do not apply to Friday or Saturday show times. For group tickets please call 918-894-4252 Cirque du Soleil weaves its magic in Tulsa for the first time with Saltimbanco. Saltimbanco is the very first "classic" Cirque du Soleil touring show to be presented in arena. The Saltimbanco arena tour, proudly presented by iShares, will performed 8 shows at the BOK Center from December 10 to 14 inclusively. December At ~lhe P.A.C. Tulsa Performance Dates 3 FREE Brown Bag It: Tulsa Festival Ringers John H. Williams Theatre 4-28 FREE Artist Janet Duvall PAC Gallery 5 Available by Subscription Tina Brown Chapman Music Hall I View Interactive Seating Chart 6 BUY Christmas with TOC Chapman Music Hall I View Interactive Seating Chart 11-14, 16-23 BUY A Christmas Carol John H. Williams Theatre Dec 12-t4, 19-21 _ Wind in the Willows, Charles E. Norman Tl~eatre Dec 12-14, 17-20 BUY The Santaland Diaries, Liddy Doenges ~eatre Dec 13-14, t8-21 BUY The Nutcracker (Tulsa) Chapman Music Hall She’s a producer, memoirist, exercise guru, and multi-Oscar-winning actress, but fihn legend Jane Fonda’s roots go all the way back to Broadway. And while she hasn’t strutted and fretted her hour upon the stage since the early 1960s, Fonda is preparing her return to the Great White Way in a new play ~vritten and directed by Moises Kaufman, the gay writer behind "The Laramie Project". "33 Variations" focuses on a musicologist (Fonda) and her study of Beethoven’s obsession with a particular piece of music. Fonda hasn’t been completely absent from the stage--in recent years, she:s participated in several one-night-only special presentations of Eve Ensler’s "The Vagina Monologues". Get ready for New York to be abuzz when the woman who was Barbarella returns to Broadway this winter. Landon’s Career Remains Hot with "Burning Palms" "Burning Pahns" may sound like a clothing-optional gay resort, but it’s actually the new film written and directed by Christopher Landon, the openly gay son of TV legend Michael Landon. On the heels of Christopher’s success as the co-writer of the hit "Disturbia", dais Holl)-a,ood legacy returns with a new satire that pokes fun at the residents of various segments of Los Angeles, and "Burning Palms" boasts an interestingly eclectic ensemble. Slated to star in the fihn are Dylan McDermott, Shannen Doherty, Lake Bell, Nick Stahl, Zoe Saldana, Adriana Barraza ("Babel"), Colleen Camp and Rosamund Pike. They’ll play characters whose storylines overlap in five different vignettes set in different L.A. neighborhoods. Vditch for the smoke in 2009. Kidman and Tneron Go Out [’or "Danish" Nicole Kidman and Chadize Theron both won Oscars for playing lesbians and for ~vearing fake noses--in "The Hours" mad "Monster", respectively--but the mind reels about what kind of prostheses will be required for their next movie. "The Danish Girl" will star the duo as real-life artists Einar and Greta Wegener. Einar (Yddman) began life as a man but later became the world’s first transsexual in 1931; Einar’s road to womanhood began xvhen he stood in for a female model in a painting that Greta (Theron) was creating. Anand Tucker ("Shopgirl", "Hilary and Jackie") will direct from Lucinda Coxon’s adaptation of David Ebershoff’s book. Look for Kidman and Theron to astound the world almost as much as the real Wegeners did, when "Tne Danish Girl" eventually hits theaters. Soon, We’ll MI Be "Spartacus" The smash success of"300" put muscular, leggy men in togas back on the ctfltural radar, and "Xena" exec producer Sam Raimi (who directed some obscure art films with "Spider-Man" in the tide) intends to keep them there. Raimi is one of the driving forces behind "Spartacus", a new series for the Starz cable channel that centers around a legendary slave rebellion against the Roman Empire. Insiders say the show will shoot for the same intense violence and distinctive graphic-novel look of both "300" and "Sin City", so Romeo figures that means lots of oiled up, brawny lugs fighting each other to the death in leather miniskirts. And that’s good TV! "Spartacus" starts shooting in New Zealand at the beginning of the year ~vith an eye to unfurling its muscular majesty on Starz next summer. More ENTERTAINMENT see page 20 www.metrostarnews.com N~troSTAR 17 �entire country, we want to thank the gays and lesbians in California for fighting this batde for us. And keep fighting until we win! by Donald Pile and Ray Williams GAY TRA¥ LER’S, BOYCOTT UTAH "Morman Church Millions Help Pass Prop 8" EUREKA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ In one of the slowest economic periods in recent memory, and at a time when other tourist destinations are experiencing downturns, this Ozarlcs getaway is doing remarkably well. things "right", it is time for the rest of gays and lesbians in the rest of the country to do what they can to help. So secondly; we are telling our readers to BOYCOTT UTAH ! Salt Lake City is the world headquarters of the Mormons and the Mormon’s account for about 62% of the population of Utah. Tourism brings in about $6 billion a year to Utah. They have ~vorld-class skiing, the film festival among many, things. Thousands of Mormons worked as volunteers and spent tens of millions of dollars on Proposition 8. Photo: Salt Lake CiF Temple M1 travelers have a choice ..... a choice as to where to go, where to stay, where to dine and where to visit. A few years ago the state of Colorado made some very bad decisions and thousands and thousands of both business as well as personal travelers made the choice NOT to visit or spend any money in that state. The state was financially hurt terribly by that boycott as conventions and business meetings were canceled. Fortunately the state mended its ways and now the gay community has once again started visiting the state. We are extremely" proud of the fact that Colorado elected the first openly gay congressman, Jared Polls. He was certainly the best person for that position. And now we come to Proposition 8. As one of the nearly 20,000 gay couples who were LEGALLY married this summer, we were devastated with the results on Nov. 4. Since we do not live in Cali~brnia we are not able to attend any of the rallies and protest marches but our readers from around the country have sent us dozens and dozens ofemails asking what they can do. We have told them two things. First, GO to California, spend money with those ~vho are wanting our business. There are thousands of straight owned businesses in California who are on our side. There are thousands of gay mvned businesses who have worked hard on defeating Proposition 8 as well as thousands and thousands of gays and lesbians who went door to door and worked tirelessly. They are all to be conm~ended highly. They did not sit idly by and just hope for a victory. They worked long and hard. So as the gays and lesbians who live in California take to the streets and protest and march and do whatever that they can to have the California Supreme Court step in and make 18 ~÷troSTAR Eureka Springs Tourism Increases Despite Tough Economic Times Mayor Dani Joy’s o~ce reports that receipts f~r Eureka Springs city sales t~es have increased, year-to-date, 2.36% over last year. Meanwhile, City Advertising and Promotion Commission figures reflect an even larger improvement. Operations Manager Sheila Hulsey said 2008 C.A.EC. tax collections year-to-date are up 9.6% over the same period in 2007. Photo: Golden Gate B,;idge San Francisco. Califo,saia’sflght against Prop 8failed on November 4 mobilizing hundreds ofthousands who held protest rallies around the world. Visit California. As just one gay couple out of the nearly 20,000 gay couples who were LEGALLY married this summer in California, we resent the Mormon Church’s involvement in our civil rights. Is it okay they can have 10 spouses, but yet deny us to have just one ? Mormon spokesmen say that they had a right to do ~vhat they did. \Ve also have a right to do what we are doing, ha 2008 you just cannot take away anybody’s civil rights and expect not to get a backlash. You cannot take away our legal marriage and get away with it. No, NO, NO ! No matter what state you live in, BOYCOTT the Mormon Church but by all means BOYCOTT the entire state of Uta!! Don’t go there, don’t spend your gay dollars there, don’t purchase anything from any company that is based in Utah. There will be plenty of listings of businesses who gave money for Proposition 8. Boycott them all! The gaypress in California Photo: Echo Lake Denver; CO. Fortunately Colorado mended has done and will continue to do it’s ways and now the gay community has once again started a fabulous job of keeping all of us visiting the state. informed about Proposition 8. This is not just a California story, but a story for the entire country. With Barack Obama becoming the first African-American President of the country it wotfld have been nice to think that prejudices were going to be a thing of the past. However the Mormon Church proved us wrong about that. Hate still does exist and mainly in the eyes of the Mormon Church. Mayor Joy believes several factors are respon;ibte for the city’s strong economic showing in the face of national financial turmoil. "First of all, our community has come together this year in a coordinated effort to make the tourist’s stay in Eureka Springs the best it can be. "And, simultaneously, we’ve done a better iob of marketing ourselves." Tne mayor also cited high gas pr!ces as afactor. "When gas was near!y" $4 a gallon, travelers saved money by staying closer to home." She continued, "Some chose a domestic vacation instead of taldng an overseas flight. Many others picked a destination within a few hours drive over one a few days away." Joy also believes Eureka Springs’ relatively inexpensive lodging and meals have helped the city grow while other tourist destinations have declined. "We’re quite a bargain compared to the larger, glitzier vacations spots," she said. Finally, the city’s quiet, relaxing feel could be a factor. "When you come here you feel like you’ve stepped back in time," the mayor stated. "We have Victorian homes, locally owned shops in an historic downtown, and no stop lights or mega-malls. We’re a very refreshing escape from the rat race--and, especially these days, people value that!" Once October figures are received by the city and the C.A.P.C., Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Feldman believes they will shove an even larger improvement. "Most of our members say they’re having an excellent month," he commented. ’~md several business owners have told me they’ve had their biggest days and weekends in history." For info on Eureka Springs, contact Ken Rundel, CAPC, P.O. Box 522, Eureka Springs, AR, 72632. 479-253-7333 ken@eurekasprings.org On behalf of millions of gays throughout the December 2008 �www.metrostarnews.com #~®troSTAR 19 �OKC Civic Center Music Hall December Events Nov. 28 - Dec. 20 A NICE FAMILY GATHERING a comedy by Phil Olson Nov. 28- Dec. 21 ROMEO &JULIET Dec. 4 - Dec. 6 A VERY MERRY POPS presented by the Oklahoma City" Philharmonic Dec. 5 - Dec. 21 THE JUNGLE BOOKby Rudyard Kipling, adapted by Rick and Erin Cheek Dec. 5 - Dec. 21 A TUNA CHRISTMAS by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams Dec. 6 - Dec. 7 THE NUTCRACKERpresented by the Tulsa Ballet Dec. 7 CANTERBURY CHRISTMAS Dec. 11 CARLOS MENCIA Dec. 12 John Prine with Iris DeMent Dec. 13 - Dec. 21 THE NUTCRACKER - OI<C Ballet CompaW Photo afMike P~,or in American ~eatre Co’s produ~:tion ~se Santaland Diaries. Photo by Michad Ervin, Ervin Productions. TULSA, OK (PRy __ The Santaland Diaries, a merrily subversive t~ale, is David Sedaris’ humorous and acerbic acconnt of working as an elf at Macy’s in Manhattan. It has become an ’anti-holiday’ cult classic. NPR humorist and best-selling author David Sedaris made his comic debut reading his "Santaland Diaries" on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition. Sedaris’ sardonic humor and incisive social critique have since made him one of NPR’s most popular and humorous commentators. In 2001, Sedaris became the third recipient of the Thurber Prize for American Humor, and was named by Time magazine as "Humorist of the Year." Website- www.lo iecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB(~aol.com bitter girl The Santdand Diaries runs December 12th through 20th in the Doenges Tneatre of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Curtain time is at 8:15 PM xvith matinees at 2:15 PM. Tickets at MyTicketO~ce.com, area Reasor’s stores, at the Performing Arts Center at 3rd and Cincinnati, or chage by phone a 596-7111. emalh bittergirl@qsyndicate.com 20 December 2008 �by Jack Fertig December 2008 "Be playfut, Libra,"" Mercury is in Sagittarius stimulating talking, so work on listening. He’s tripping through aspects first to Uranus and Chiron, offedng healing through inspiration and wild experiments, then to Saturn, Neptune, and Eris, offering ways to either protect or unblock tribal notions and boundaries, especially across religious/spiritual barriers. It’s a good chance to get through to fundies in the family. ARIES (March 20-Apri~ 19): Some of the craziest ideas from your wildest dreams will have some practical application. They will need some work. Hash it out with a few friends to see how those wacky notions can fit in the real world. TAURUS (AprR 20 - May 20): How do social pressures influence your sexual autonomy? Playing with others necessarily requires some compromises, but you’re entitled to stand up for yourself. You may want to hold back on the impulse and negotiate a more fulfilling position. GEMiNi (May 21- June 20): To reconcile problems with a partner or colleague, try exploring entirely new ideas. What you eventually do work out can inspire fu[ther innovations to provide a new ~roach to long-standing problems at home. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): You’re even more loquacious than usual, but that can help heal old family problems. Work problems are more complicated, but keep talking. Focus creative, competitive playfulness towards achieving your ambitions. CAPRICORN (December 2t - January 19): Let your mind wander a bit. Discuss the crazier dreams and ideas that emerge with a friend. Letting yourself sound a bit weird can prove valuable. You don’t have to agree with old-fashioned notions, but study them well to develop a clearer argument against them. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Your friends are used to your weird side so don’t be shy. Revealing some of your wilder fantasies can prove therapeutic, maybe for them as well. Airing those notions can also help you clarify your sexual.boundaries. PISCES (February 19 - March t9): Some of your ambitions are unrealistic; talk privately with a boss or some expert to develop clearer goals. Then take time out to consider what you need to do to improve your relationship. Never mind your partner’s faults. What do _you_ need to do? CANCER (June 21- July 22): Sexuality can be healing, catalyzing new ideas - especia!ly when you try something new! Open yourself up to exploring fantasies. The oneg that are hardest to verbalize will teach you tocommunicate in new ways. LEO {July 23 - August 22): Casual jests can be unintentionally hurtful. Be ready to apologize, and to learn something in the process. Your humor will be handier when grappling with arguments that leave you wondering What’s really important. Balancing sympathy and logic is the tdck! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Cleaning house can help solve problems with your partner, or just bring up problems that have been hidden. Keep up the effort even if it means an argument. The make-up sex will be terrifi!! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Trying to be logical at work will backfire. Be playful and allow yourself to be inspired. Playing competitively with others can bdng out some long-hidden demons. Open discussion and humor can exorcise them once and for all. SCORPIO (October 23- November 2t): Set aside some money for impulse spending, but keep the receipts! Arguments with friends are especially likely, but keep in mind that these are people you have to live and work with. Keep your disagreements civil and your ego under control. ww-w.metrostarnews.com MCCo METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spidt0fChdst MCC 2902 E20~ S~t J0plin, M0~04 417-52~84~ W0mhip Saturdays at 10:00 AM C0mmun~ Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spdng t7 Bk SHeet Eureka S~gs, AR 72632 479-25~9337 W0mhip Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! #~etroSTAR 21 �KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man Fu!t Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available Now Hiring Male & Female Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge ~rhether buying or selling I’!1 work bard for you. lo800o535oAIDS (2437) Oklahoma’s HlVlSTB Hotline Creating Oomm u nity for People ~iving with H~V/A~DS 501 c (3) No~-I pi:ofit Orga~zatlon 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 l~nany 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. VVe invite anyone who ~zould like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhouseloo9865@sbcglobal.net [] WVg,r~TgZ M ET RO S TA R2q EVgS .COM 22 {~*~{?troSTAR December 2008 �Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 1"-,I%z 39TH EXPRESSV/AY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 ,a~,vw.habanainn.com Fd~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. I-IMRVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Cerdfied Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.~. I3th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. WALNUT AVE. Oklahoma City, OK 800-913-1310 ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma Cig; OK ww~v.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. 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Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 >> KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oldahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK ~18-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictutsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 I’~77 39TH EXPRESSWAY OHahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 xwzw.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAV/AY LOUNGE 11730 E. llTH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pro to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 THE LEDO 2200 I’,IW 39TH EXPRESSVc’AY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowship 6009 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 405-761-1878 ~a~a~v.exp ressionsOKC.com www.metrostarnews.com CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW- EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 tgoldcastle.com L ~ L ~ R A A N I N A R "A C R H E E $ E A A P 0 L A N A R $ T A $ A AB L ! V E ! N AG A T N E ¥ 0 D 0 W A D U P R ! O RE S S E E S A $ T 0 N Og RO AR GA N $ N®troSTAR 23 �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document ~NWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" DECEMBER 1, 2008 life and times ofan OHahoma legend. ByMetro StarStaff WoCkmer News Service Photo) Bill Francisco,~Clogger Bill, haspofarmed over 350 b~efits andfundraisenfor the ~dsa and surrounding Communities since !93Z In the beginning, God created heaven and earth and Bill Francisco on September 5, 1931. He was born in the middle of the Great Depression. His Mother and Dad were Portuguese farmers, poor as the dirt they farmed. His job until school years was pulling weeds in the garden. "My career started when I was six ),ears old. I was in the 1st grade in Tulsgs Longfellow Hementary Schoo! at sixth and Peoria. We did a fund-raiser for the school. They staged still life portraits of Oklahoma history. I was selected as the young boy in the Ponca City.statue of The Pioneer Woman for my very first on-stage performance. Playing a statue, I had to stand perfectly still and not move for three minutes! The most difficult thing in the world for a six year old boy to do is stand still! I wanted to do such a good job, every night when the curtain went up, I would hold my breath the full three minutes so I wouldn’t move a muscle and be the perfect statue, but of course I almost passed out." ........Continued see SANTA page-15 protesting Califom,as ’assage ofl~ropost, tion 8. Wackner News An estimated 7,500 to 15,000 people marched through former New York Ammerican Civil Liberties Union Executive Manhattan Nov¯ 12 protesting caiifornia’~ Proposition 8, the Director Normal Siegel Said t~e was c0mfortable ,vith a figure - - state ~-on~titution of 7i500; and longtime gay activist Bill Dobbs, who opposes Nov. 4 to end same:sex marriage, which yeas legalized by the same.sex marriage, favoring civil unions instead, said 5,000 to 7,000. ~e march began at the Mormon Temple on Columbus Av, "Tonight was an amazing success and I was proud ofNew enue, went down Broadway, turned east on 61St Street, then York City standing in Solidarity with California and getting south on Central Park West to Columbus circle, people out in the streets doing something meaningful," said Johnson, who is director of government affairs at a Wall Street realresta*e-development firm and political director of the popular gay blog Towleroad. California’s Supreme Court has been asked to delete Prop 8 from the constitution, anda ruling is expected rdatively Estimates of the turnout for the march varied. Journalist and quickly. The American Civil Libe*:ties Union, Lambda Legal, radio personality Michelangelo Signorile reported 15,000; the National Center for Lesbian Rigl!ts and other parties say Gay activists have claimed that more than half of the money that funded the ubiquitous TV ads that convinced Californians to vote for Prop 8 was donated by Mormon families at the church’s urging. lead organizer Corey Johnson estimated 12,000; blogger and Prop 8 illegally "revised" the state constitution rather than participant Joe Jervis (JoeMyGod) Said 10,000 to 15,000; merely amending it. .,,,,....,.:Con{inued see NYC Page-8 My name is Chili. 2 December 2008 ~#w.metrostarnews.com Oklahoma City GLBT and Allied Community Rallies Over two hundred demonstrators t~llied on the Oklahoma City, City Hallsteps to p~otest discrimination voted in by California, Arizona, Florida andArkansas on Nov 4. Photo by ~ctor Gorin. On November 15 on the steps ofthe Oklahoma City Hall, there was an outpouring ofemotion & solidarity as over 200 GLBT people and their fair minded allies gathered together to protest the passage ofProposition City, yet nobody here was involved, so I decided that I was going to do this." At 24, a lifdong Oklahoman, he brought it together through Internet work and word of mouth, naakAng a grand occasion that received mainstream televithe rights ofthose who may want to marry later, but also left in legal limbo s~ae sex couples who had already gotten married For Trey Dill, who brought it all together, organizing this protest was his first venture in social activism. As he puts it, "After the passage ofProposition 81 found myself kind ofangry, and Igot on the Internet and began browsing every GLBT website. One day I stumbled onto the jointheimpact.com website, which was organizing these rallies nationwide. There ~vas a listing forOklahoma McCullar and Marlena Weaver, who had gotten married in California October 20, xvhose marriage is now in legal limbo. Although they realized that their marriage would not be recognizedqn Oklahoma, the passage ofProposition 8 still hurt. As Kara put it, "It makes us feel like we’re not worthy enough. ~aey’ll take our taxes, ~ve l~ve in the same community, yet we are second class citizens. We’re here to protest this, because gay or straight we all should have the same rights. STOP HATE IN THE HALLWAYS By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY. OK Educators, mental health professionals, activists and others interested in Oklahomds students came together November 13 for the 2nd Stop Hatred in the Hallways Conference. Following the success of the first conference held in Oklahoma City, this meeting was held at the U.S. Postal Service’s National Facility for Employee Development in Norman, bringing in people throughout Oklahoma interested in making Oklahoma’s schools safer. The Conference was originally organized by Cimarron Alliance, mainly because ofa glaring need that wasn’t being met. While there have been many incidents ofschool violence, and conferences and discussion to address it, there had never been a conference, seminar or major Ann Simank Social worker &former OKC Councilperson, Randy Tate Conference organiz- ~ Tanya Cox representingACLU Oklahoma. Photo by Victor Gorin meeting that included what many feel is the most common form ofbullying, those who are or are perceived to be gay or lesbian. Whether the problem is growing or simply being recognized and addressed is open to question. What is certain is that there definitely is a problem. In a national study, over 30% of U.S. students reported being involved in bullying either as a bully 13%, a victim 11%, or both 6%. Coming dose to home, the Oklahoma State Department of Health did a study surveying 7848 Oklahoma students. They found similar results, with 33% that had been involved in bullying, 12% as the bullg, 14% as the victim, and 7% involved in both. One in five students worried often or daily about being bullied. More than halfnever reported it to an adult at school or a parent. When asked what could be done about the situation, 213 of those xvho were bullied and halfofthose not bullied wanted better adult supervision. Not only is bullying damaging to both the victims, but frequendy the bullies suffer as well, with over 60% ofthose categorized as bullies in grades 6-9 having at least one criminal conviction by age 24. A study with the U.S. Department ofEducation of37 school shooting incidents found that 71% ofthe shooters felt threatened and/or persecuted, or had been attacked. Following a welcome by Richard Odgen, Chairman of Cimarron Mliance, the conference was addressed by Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson. He pointed out how things have dhanged, how prejudices of home are brought to schools, and those who ,ire different frequently become objects ofbullying. .............Continued see STOP HATE page-11 December 2008 Room Rates From $42.95 A~About Our Su#es www.metrostarnews.com ~et~tJSTAR 5 What’s the Matter with Oklahoma? By Gov. David V/alters Photo: Gov. David Walters (nndb.conO I waited three days in the hopes that my fuming at Oklahoma’s counter performance to the collective heave ho that the rest of the nation gave to the Republicans would subside. It has not. Axnending the title ofTnomas Franks’ insightful book about how conservatives won the heart of g,ansas ,.. "What’s the Matter with Oklahoma?" Did we really just do this? We’re the winner of the national championship for the highest McCain/Palin margin at 65.6 percent; the only state where Republicans gained ground in the state house, senate and statewide offices; and the only state in which McCain/Palin carried every county. Not one of our 77 counties ,vent Democratic, not a single blue dot. Sen. Obama polled 10.8 percent in Beaver County. This was not out of 100 votes where percentages are easily distorted, but out of 2,462 votes cast. Now you are thinking that we cannot expect mu& progressive thought out of a county best known for its cow-chip throwing contest (two tries if you lick your fingers after the first). BUt I have been to Beaver county and met good people and don’t understand 89.2% decided Sarah Palin should be vice president of the United States. It’s not just our friends in Beaver scouring the landscape for aerodynamic cow patties. Twenty-one counties fell below 25 percent for Obama and 39 counties, more than half of the 77, fell below 30 percent. The top bastion of Democratic performance? Cherokee county, where they used to spray for Republicans, held McCain/Palin to "only" 56.percent. The heart of our most Democratic county only allowed Obama to get within 12.2 percent of a single county victor,/. Howard Dean called me as I was looking at these ..........Continued See WALTERS OkEq Sponsors a Care Drive TULSA, OK (PR) __ OkEq is sponsoring a Care Drive as part of our Home for the Holidays. Donations are being accepted at the Center for Our House Too, which serves approximately 75 clients affected by HIV and AIDS. Our House Too needs personal items such as cleaning supplies and toiletry items. The Parish Church of St. Jerome’s Food Pantry served over 500 householcks and over 1000 people last year. The food pantry needs canned foods, stuffing mixes, hamburger helpers, etc. The drive will continue until the end of the year. A full list 0fitems needed is available at the Center and on our website, ~wccw.okeq.org Holiday Music Is In Air TULSA, OK (OKEQ) Council Oak Men’s Chorale Presents "A Holiday Happening" - an event so festive even Rudolph will be jealous! December 2nd, 5th, and 6th starting at 8:00pro at the Trinity Episcopal Church. For more information visit the web site at http://vcww. counciloak.org. Sisters In Song is also holding a Holiday Concert. The event scheduled for Dec 13th. Stay tuned for details or visit ww~v.myspace. com/sistersinsong. NEW GAY CLUB OPENS INJOPLIN JOPLIN, MO (PR) __ With several new GLBT bars opening and closing this past year, the Joplin Gay Community is looking forward to a place to gather and have fun that they can depend on to be open the next day. The PLA-Mor Lounge should be just that. Local business man and owner ofthe new dub, Bill Jack is well know and respected in the area. They are open Monday- Saturday 3:00PM to 1:30 am. Located at 532 South Joplin Ave Joplin MO 64801, phone 417-624-2722. OGRAAnnounces 2009 Royalty Team OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) _ OGRA has announced the New OGRA 2009 Royalty Team. Miss OGRA 2009, Anita Ryder Mr OGRA 2009, Larry Bourne Ms OGRA 2009, Brooklyn Rachelle OGRA would like to invite everyone to come and join us for our next genera! membership meeting, Sunday December 7th 2008 at 2:00 PM at the Ledo, in the Habana Inn Complex. The OGRA 2009 Royalty Team would !ike to invite everyone to their first fundraiser of their reign, Saturday December 20th 2008 from 8:00 PM until 10:00 PM at the Finishline, in the Habana Inn Complex. They ~vill be raising money for the 2009 Great Plains Rodeo and their Charity Partners. During the evening a Christmas wreath auction will be held and door prizes will be given away. They will also be issuing the organizations contributions to the charity partners for 2008. "Please join us to recognize al! the hard work the organization has done for this community during the 2008 year." N~e 2008 charity partners are RAIN Oklahoma and Other Options. Dennis R. Neill Equality Center opens December exhibit TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R Neill Equality Center Gallery exhibit for December is a fundraiser for the Gallery. The theme for the exhibit is ’Reflection on a Red Stiletto’. Each ofthe eleven participating artists were given ~a red stiletto to use in their creation or to use as inspiration for their creation. That piece ~vill be donated to the Gallery and available for purchase throughout the exhibit in a silent auction. The Opening Night Reception for the exhibit ~Vill be Thursday, December 4th, from 6 to 9pro, at the Center, 621 E 4th St, Tulsa. The exhibit and silent auction will rm~ through December 31. Each artist will also have one additional piece ofhis/her artwork on display for sale. Proceeds from this fuaadraiser will go towards the purchase ofwood benches for the Gallery, additional lighting, additional display pieces, etc. Artists that will be participating include: Michael Christopher Ann Marie DiStefano Karen Greenawalt G Krysta Hamilton Allie Jensen Nick Kountoupis Sharyl Landis Josh New Jessica Newman Directory ofLocal Animal Shdters Tulsa Shelter 918-669-6299 Broken Arrow 918-259-8311 OKC 405 297 3104 Muskogee 918 686 7297 Stillwater 405 372 0334 Coweta 918-486 2137 Siloam Springs 479 524 6535 Claremore 918 341 1260 Sand Springs 918 246 2543 Jenks 918 299 6311 Owasso 918-272-4965 Sapulpa 918 227 2722 Norman 405 321 6725 Collinsville 918 371 1000 Courtesy ofwvoCalabrescue.net 6 ~etroSTAR December 2008 Wockner News Service Colorado sends openly gay man to Congress Schwarzenegger: State Supremes may undo Prop 8 Photo:j~red Polls by Rex l~ckner Openly gay Jared Polls was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 4 from Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, which encompasses areas north and west of Denver, including the city ofBoulder. Polls, a 33-year-old Democrat, is the first openly gay man elected to Congress who was out when elected t’or the first time. U.S. Rep. Tamlnv Baldwin. D-Wis., holds the female distincrmn in that regard. California Gov. A,wold Schwarzenegger thinks the state Supreme Court may annul Prop 8. Photo by Rex Wockner " California Gin: Arnold Schwarzenegger told CNN on Nov. 9 that the state Supreme Court may welt "undo" Proposition 8, the voter initiative that re-banned same-sex marriage Nov. 4 by amending the state constitution. ,~d the governor suggested he thinks that would be a good ~ove. "They had a very, very strong campaign, the pro-Proposition 8 people, and I think that the people that tried to defeat it did not have, "~e voters of out" district have spoken clearly maybe, as goo_d a campaigner had as much that they ~an~ change brought t~Washing~rn,- moneY behi"nd ~" t, whatever, Schwarz’ enegger Polls told the Denver Post. "I look fbr~vard to said. "I think it is unfortunate, obviously, but taking my out-of-the-box approach and creative ideas to help shake up "Washington? In his primary-election victory speech in August, Polls introduced his partner, made reference to being gay, ~d said, "I always worried that that ~vould get in the way (of) giving back mad contributing to our society:’ A millionaire who made his money in online ventures, Polis spent $5.6 million of his own funds in the campaign. Polls becomes the sixth open gay to serve in the I-louse ofRepresentatives, following in the footsteps of Baldwin, current Rep. Barney Frank kD-Mass.), and former Reps. Gerry Studds (D-Mass.), who is deceased, Steve Gunderson (R-Wis.) and Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.). Frank, 68, is now the powerful chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. Frank told the Post in August, "We are reaching that point where among.Democratic voters sexual orientation ofa candidate is not a factor." He also said that once he’s no longer the only gay male congressman, he won’t feel as much pressure to be a role modd and plans to start smoking cigars in public again. it’s nrt the end because I think this will go back into the courts, this will go back to the Supreme Court because the Supreme Court very clearly in California has declared this unconstitutional. It’s the same as in the 1948 case xvhen blacks and whites were not allowed to marry. This falls into the same category. So, I think that we will again, you know, maybe undo that, if the court is willing to do that, and then move forward from there and again lead in that area? In addition to the anti-gay side’s having aired much more effective ads than the pro-gay side did in the huge TV-advertising war, Schwarzenegger said there were other factors that aided Prop 8’s passage. "Because of the big turnout amongst African- Americans and Latinos, that had an effect also, which they did not expect, so there’s all kinds of other things there;’ he said. "And I think the religious groups have done a really big campaign, a lot ofthem, to support Proposition 8, and so on, and so it’s a very, very difficult thing." Before the TV ad war started, Prop 8 had been losing in the polls by as much as 17 points. 2qae governor also offered some advice to California’s gay population. °I can start indulging some bad habits; Frank said. "Let the young gay people find someone else to emulate? "(Y)ou should never ever give up; he said. "They should never give up. They should be on it and on it until they get it done: Laxwers for the gay side filed suit in the state Supreme Court on Nov. 5 seeking to annul Prop 8. They said it is not merely an amendment to the constitution but rather a "revision" that fundamentally alters the guarantee of equal protection. Constitutional revisions require a t~vo-thirds vote ofthe Legislature to reach the ballot. Prop 8 got there by activists’ collecting signatures on petitions. "Proposition 8 is invalid because the initiative process was improperly used in an attempt to undo the constitution’s core commitment to equality for everyone by eliminating a fundamental right from just one group -- lesbian and gay Californians," said the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. "Proposition 8 also improperly attempts to prevent the courts from exercising their essential constitutional role ofprotecting the equal prote. ction rights of minorities," the groups said. Same-sex marriages begin in Connecticut Don Perata and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass. Gay groups and others have filed suit seeking to invalidate Prop 8, arguing that it unconstitutionally "revised" the constitution, rather than merely amending it. When changes in the constitution have farreaching effects on the document’s structure and purpose, the process of amending it must begin in the state Legislature, with a two-thirds vote. The process cannot start solely with voters signing petitions, as was the case with Prop 8. "Proposition 8 is invalid because the initiative process was impropetly used in an attempt to undo the constitution’s core commitment to equality for everyone by elinainating a fundamental right from just one group -- lesbian and gay Californians;’ said the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Same-sex couples began marrying in Connecticut on Nov. 12 after final judgment was entered in a case decided by the state Supreme Court on Oct. 10. In a 4-3 ruling, the court had declared that the state’s policy ofoff~ring same~sex couples:only civil unions violated that state constitution’s guarantee Ofequal protection under the law. One report, based on partial data, said 66 marriage licenses were issued to same-sex couples across the state in the initial hours after samesex marriage becanae legal. With California voters’ recent decision to re-ban same-sex marriage, Massachusetts is the only other U.S. state where gay couples can marry. ~ae California move, which anaended the state constitution, is under assault in several new lawsuits filed with the state Supreme Court, and gays and their supporters have staged numerous large street demonstrations up and dmvn the state since Nox: 4. On S,a.ra,,y, No . 15, w=e .ge, ,-ooraihated anti-~grop 8protests across the country at 10:30 a.ra. Ca~fornia time. 7his was the scene in San Francisco. Viockner Newspboto by Steve Silb~an Legislators want Pro overturned Forty-four California legislators filed a brief with the state Supreme Court on Nov. 10 urging that Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment that voters passed to qe-ban same-sex marriage, be overturned. Signers included Senate President Pro Tempore 8 Direct Cremation From $595 MORTUARY SERVICE, ~c Traditional Funeral Services at Affordable Prices (405) 230- 1310 or !-800-913-1310 Pre-Need Plan CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED 2415-C North WalnutAvenue, Oklaho www.metrostamews.com MetroSTAR 7 California Supreme Court Grants Review In Prop 8 Legal Challenges Court To Determine Constitutionality of Prop 8 SAN FRANCISCO, CA (PR) __ November 19, 2008) -- Today the California Supreme Court granted review in the legal challenges to Proposition 8, which passed by a narrmv margin of 52 percent on November 4. In an order issued today, the Court agreed to hear the case and set an expedited briefing schedule. q-he Court also denied an immediate stay. On November 5, 2008, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit challenging the validity of Proposition 8 in the California Supreme Court on behalf of six individuals and Equality California. The City of San Francisco, joined by the City of Los Angeles and Santa Clara County, filed a similar challenge, as did a private attorney in Los Angeles. The lawsuits allege that, on its face, Proposition 8 is an improper revision rather than an amendment of the California Constitution because, in its very title, which ,vas "Himinates the right to marry for same-sex couples," the initiative eliminated an existing right only for a targeted minofit): If permitted to stand, Proposition 8 would be the first time an initiative has successfully been used to change the California Constitution to take way an existing right only for a particular group. Such a change would defeat the very purpose of a constitution and fundamentally alter the role of the courts in protecting minority rights. According to the California Constitution, such a serious revision of our state Constitution cannot be enacted through a simple majority vote, but must first be approved by two-thirds of the Legislature. Since the three lawsuits submitted on November 5, three other lawsuits challenging Proposition 8 have been filed. In a petition filed on November 14, 2008, leading African American, Latino, and Asian American groups argued that Proposition 8 threatens the equal protection fights of all Californians. On November 17, 2008, the California Council of Churches and other religious leaders and faith organizations representing millions of members statewide, also filed a petition asserting that Proposition 8 poses a severe threat to the guarantee of equal protection for all, and was not enacted through the constitutionally required process for such a dramatic change to the California Constitu~ tion. On the same day, prominent California womeffs rights organizations filed a petition asldng the Court to invalidate Proposition 8 because of its potentially disastrous implications for women and other groups that face discrimination. In May of 2008, the California Supreme Court held that barring same-sex couples from marriage violates the equal protection clause of the California Constitution and violates the fundamental right to marry. Proposition 8 would completely eliminate the right to marry only for same-sex couples. No other initiative has ever successfully changed the California Constitution to take avcay a right only from a targeted minority group. Over the past 100 years, the California Supreme Court has heard nine cases challenging either legislative enactments or initiatives as invalid revisions of the California Constitution. In three of those cases, the Court invalidated those measures. For more information on dais case, go to: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme/ highprofile/prop8.htm MISS BAMBOO 2009 CROWNED By Greg Steele Photo: Miss Bamboo 2009 Lady Katherine TULSA, OK __ No prelim, no registration fees, not known for glamour, but an absolute celebration 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. Lady Katherine was a bit sleazy with her very revealing Victoria Secret underwear! Votes for each contestant were determined by the amount of money each was given by the audience for their performance. Our House Too ofTulsa ~vas the recipient of this years proceeds of $625.00. Our House Too offers a variety of services for people who are HIV+ or living with AIDS. You can contact them at 918-585-9552 or 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 Conspicuously absent from the entertainment line-up this year was self proclaimed Empress of the Bamboo, Miss Mona Lott and Miss Bamboo 2007 (2 X default) Czarina Rottchacokoffwho’s Hollywood caliber talent was very much missed. A constitutional revision requires a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to begin the process, while an amendment can be placed on the ballot simply by collecting enough voter signatures on petitions, as was the case with Prop 8. "Proposition 8 is invalid because the initiative process was improperly used in an attempt to undo the constitution’s core commitment to equality for everyone by eliminating a fundamental right from just one group -- lesbian and gay Californians," the legal groups said. "Proposition 8 also improperly attempts to prevent the courts from exercising their essential constitutional role of protecting the equal protection rights of minorities," the groups said. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Nov. 10 expressed support for overturning Prop 8. "This will go back to the Supreme Court because the Supreme Court very clearly in California has declared this unconstitutional," Schwarzenegger told CNN. "It’s the same as in the 1948 case when blacks and whites were not allowed to marry. This falls into the same category. So, I think that we will again, you know, maybe undo that, if the court is willing to do that, and then move forward from there and again lead in that area." Schwarzenegger also urged gay Californians to "never ever gir.e u.p".o.n marriage.e.q.u.al.i~.: "They should be on it and on it until they get it done," he said. 8 ~®t~oSTAR December 2008 Neiman Marcus Gift Idea For Christmas 2008 Limited-Edition Fighter Motorcycle There’s the startling, dare we say sex); design that fuses raw power with crisp simplicity. It’s an evolution of the machine, at once taken back down to its core elements while being reinvented and re-engineered for optimal performance. It’s our street-legal sci-fi dream come to life, in the form of the limitededition Fighter Motorcycle. Ours exclusively courtesy of Confederate Motor Company°, the first ever Fighter packs 190 mph of performance into its cutting edge carbon fiber, titanium, andaluminum chassis~ There’s the 64" wheelbase, 27"H seat, integrated braking system, tots of high-tech bells and whistles, and custom NM edition features. But, honestly, ride it once and you’ll be too jacked up on adrenaline to remember all the details. (To view them in all their glory, go here.) Item Limited-Edition Fighter Motorcycle Price $110,000.00" OCBF9_NMO3594 To score one of only 45 of these raw, raging, right on machines, call 1.877.9NM.GIFT. *Manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Price excludes all taxes, tide, licensing, registration f~es, and transportation costs. Neiman Marcus is acting as the advertiser of this product. All sa]es will be conducted solely by participating, authorized dealers in the United States. Un A Metropolitan Community Church Sunday Services @ 11:00 A}4 1623 N. Maplewood Tu{sa, OK 918-838-1715 % w.mcctu sa.org v~.metrostarnews.com ~®t~oSTAR 9 Is Gay Marriage A Q,Eestion Of Rights? By Gerald Libonati ~e marriage protection amendment that bans same-sex couples from marrying was on the ballot in three states last Tuesday. It passed in Florida and California by a margin of 52% to 48% with a majority of the precincts counted. In Arizona, a conservative state that once rejected the amendment, it passed by 56% to 44%. [[he results came as no surprise, emphasizing once again that the rights of unpopular minorities should never be put to a popular vote. How many times was the Equal Rights An,~,endment for ~vomen squashed? The first public Womans Rights Convention was held in 1848 west of Syracuse, New York. African-Amlericans did not win equal rights by a popular vote. The country vehemently fought against it. Equality for blacks required an act of Congress. So too, should equal rights for cay men and lesbian women be written into lave, not restricted y it. Some might feel gay marriage is not a question of rights, yet the expression of religious values is protected by the first amendment. After all, it is a religious Viewpoint that same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry, and it is the spiritual vie~cpoint of gay and lesbian couples (and the mental health community) that homosexuality is a good and valid expression. It is, to be sure, a religious debate as well as one of legal benefits. One can’t help feeling violated every time there is a gay/lesbian issue on the chopping block. It becomes a lightning rod for the religious right to rally agm’nst with their bumper stickers and selbrighteous slurs. How many gay and lesbian people feel battered during times like this? Yet, the struggle for gay rights may be part of a process that has not yet finished. Certainly, the zeitgeist has improved significantly over the years regarding attitudes toward gay/lesbian people. And if it is hard to imagine a time when GLBT people are a part of the Atnerican mainstream, remember it was once hard fbr women and black Americans to imagine, too. Gerald Libonati is an award-winning wrimr in South Florida. He has writtenfor the Sun-Sentinel, 7he Miami Hera~ 7he Advocate and various gay/lesbian newspapo’s. He is the author ofthe new novel, ’7~eter Wo~" the sto~ ofafamous gay rock star who goes incognito mfind love. NO on Prop 8 Campaign Leaders Call on Community to Stand Together SACP,AMENTO, CA (PR) __ Top leaders from the NO on Prop 8 campaign today issued the follmving statement urging leaders in the community to stand together following the passage of Prop 8. "This has been an incredibly difficult week for Californians who are disappointed in the passage of Proposition 8, which takes away the right to marry for same-sex couples in our state. We feel a profound sense of disappointment in this defeat, but know that in order to move forward we must continue to stand together as one community in order to secure full equality in California. "In working to defeat Prop 8, a profound coalition banded together to fight for equality. Faith leaders, labor, teachers, civil rights leaders and communities of col0r, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, public officials, local school boards and city councils, parents, corporate law firms and bar associations, businesses, and people from all walks of life l’oined together to stand up against discrimination. We must build on this coalition in order to achieve equal rights for all Californians. "We achieve nothing ifwe isolate the people who did not stand with us in this fight. We only further divide our state if we attempt to blame people of faith, African American voters, rural communities and others for this loss. We know people of all faiths, races and backgrounds stand with us in our fight to end discrimination, and will continue to do so. Now more than ever it is critical that we work together and respect our differences that make us a diverse and unique society.. Only with that understanding will we achieve justice and equality for all." Geoff Kors, Executive Director, Equality California Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights. Lorri Jean, CEO, Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center Delores Jacobs, CEO, San Diego Gay and Lesbian Center 925 L Street, Suite 1200 Sacramento, CA 95814, Time for Waiting is Over -he Time for Action is NOW. By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ A recent joint press release from Equality California, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center ,,,a,,n~d the San Diego Gay and Lesbian Center is counseling that We achieve nothing ifwe isolate the people who did not stand with us in this fight. We only further divide our state ifwe attempt to blame people of faith, African American voters, rural communities arid others for this loss. I disagree completely. No longer, no longer, no longer must religion be used as the cudgel to separate any person from their legal rights of fair treatment and protection under the law. I walked by a religious proselytizer today in downtown Oklahoma City. I hadseen him yesterday when he made a speech for Gee-sus on the bus I was riding. Today, though, he was on the sidewalk and said to me, "Did you know God loves you?" I looked him in the eye for a few seconds and replied, "F*** ofiq.", and walked away. I’ve never acted that way to a stranger before and depending on the perceived physical danger to me, it wofft be the last time I respond to an uninvited encounter with a proselytizer. Religion has and continues to be the major block to the implementation of rights for gay/lesbian citizens because of wh~tt we do in private and who we love in public. Religion ,vas the chain around the necks of slaves, it’s been the chastity belt forced on women’s reproductive choice, and it’s been the Closed book preventing the age-appropriate teaching of responsible sexual information to children. Religion instructs the empty-headed to fear our differentness, to treat us with disrespect and with barely concealed contempt to encourage violence against our property and bodies. Wegays/lesbians are far too complacent, accepting, and willing in our own disenfranchisement from our birth right as citizens. I welcome the peaceful protests in California and elsewhere that are demanding the protection and benefits of the laws that are applied to others but not to us. Our self-appointed equality leaders who counsel shyness and acceptance of a later time should act like leaders or get out of our way. The time is long past for coyness and politeness. Dr. M. L. King said it best in his "Letter from Birmingham Jail", April 16, 1963 with this paragraph: X~re know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given b~ the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct-action campaign that was "well timed" in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the ~vord Wmt. It nngs ~n the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This "Wait" has almost always meant Never. We must come to see, with one ofou distinguished jurists, that "justice too long delayed is justice denied." ( http://www.mlkonline.net/jail.html ) With the immorally presented kangaroo-court vote that passed Prop 8 in California and with other anti-gay measures in Arizona, Florida, and Arkansas, I think we gays/lesbians have waited long enough. Let the marches continue! As we march, let’s take our chant from the newly-elected President Obama’s campaign, Yes, we can! numbers. He wanted to say, "thank you" ... for what I have no earthly idea. I unloaded about our local results, but Howard didfft take the bait. His politically correct language has been finely honed from thousands of scathing attacks on each of his utterances. He opined that the economy is much better in Oklahoma than most states and that many other states have a sizable portion of their popul,a,tion tl~at,~ould normally be concerned about leaders who are different than they are. But in those states the economy and the need for change overwhelmed their normal reticence to select someone "unlike" them. Man that guy can talk. While t am fuming, foaming, uttering and mumblin,F, obscenities, he sounds like he just graduated from The vabama School of Cool. So should we do anything? Ofcourse we should. Not just for competitive partisan reasons, but because it’s not good for Oklahoma to run so counter. One national media service recently said bas,,ed on the polls, the future of the Re,publica,n Party lies with old white people and hayseed states. I, dont believe that, but much ofme nation does and we dont need to be in that category. Another pundit said that to understand the current Republican Party one has to "understand the unique culture and politics ofAppalachia." Are you kidding me? Hayseed states and Appalachia! Call your local chamber and ask them if they think this is somehmv good for us. From a national image it’s a disaster. From a local basis can you imagine how this emboldens Republicans in the state house, now firmly in control of the l~gislature? Do you think we are going to hear much about education, health care and jobs -- or are we simply going to get a double dose of Guns, God, and Gays? Gun sales in Oldahoma skyrocketed immediately prior to the election and particularly afterwards. The vast majority of these Oklahoma voters really believe that Obama -- in addition to not being a Christian, being affiliated with terrorists and intent on doubling our taxes -- is also going to take their guns! What was that comment during the campaign about clinging? So what do we do? Before we start shouting and stepping all over each other like the national Republicans, we should first calmly talk about process. Hmv do we determine what are the highest contributing factors to this unusual trend in Oldahoma? Let’s assume that we can identify with polling and focus groups the top 20 contributing factors, and then perhaps we can identify that half of these we cannot do an) thing about.., but a plan to address the other half may have merit. I have lots ofideas ... but I really have to cool off first. Posted by David Waiters at: http:llreddirtblog.typepad.coml red dirt blog/ 10 ~÷troSTAR December 2008 Rhis was best shown by the keynote speaker, Stephen Wessler, who directs the Center for the Prevennon of Hate Violence located in Pordand, Maine, and was a former assistant Attorney General in that state was well. He is the author ofthe book, "The Respectful School," and has received many awards for his work in the area of civil rights. OkA¢homa State Attorney Gene~alDrew Edmondson. Aspeaker at the 2nd Stop Hate in the Hallways Conference. Photo by Hctor Gorin He pointed out that serious bullying begins with words. He told ofa student (pseudonym John), ~vho was perceived to be gay by 4 male students at his school. At first they talked behind his back, and nobody objected. It escalated to name calling direcdy to John. ~aen it escalated to tripping and shoving in the hall, with no objections or intervention. The following February he ~vas jumped by three boys and severely beaten, and nobody intervened or told an adult. This followed by 3 more similar incidents, including an attempt in the bathroom to put his head in an unflushed toilet, and another incident where a boy put John’s head in a noose and pulled it tight for over 40 seconds. Finally, When one ofthe boys threatened to shoot John, the threat was overheard by a girl ~vho reported this to school authOrities, Finally the police were called and Mr. Wessler, as a prosecutor with the state hate crimes prosecution unit, finally took action. Ironically, the four boys involved in the harassment were age 12. Although the conference included the issues ofGLBT students, it was also inclusive ofother forms as ~vell, including those of Islamic students ~vho were harassed (frequently called terrorists), Latinos frequently called "beaners" or "tacos". Other issues included students with disabilities, and other characteristics such as being overweight. Reverend Scott Jones ofOklahoma City’s Cathedral ofHope led a panel discussion ofreligion and the role it played in harassment, and also those who are victimized. Another workshop conducted by Kathy Middleton with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, showed and demonstrated how bullying could be prevented, and how students & administrators can deal with it. And intervention can’t come too soon, not only for those bullied, but for all Oklahoma students who have the right to a productive, safe education. Oklahoma Couple Marries Photp: Rex Ball, Architect/Urban Designer, aformer US Commissioner ofFine Arts and Stephen Edwards, multi-award winning Interior Designer in Oklahoma were mar~ed October 24 in Palm Springs, CA by Mayor Steve Pougnet. The couple has been together for 24 years. Both are originally from Central Oklahoma where they first met. Having also lived in Washington, D.C. the couple settled in Tulsa in 1996. B~th ~e a~tive iii Hist0fi~il PreserVation and have renovated two Tulsa houses for themselves both ofwhich are located in neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic places. In Oklahoma City they renovated the Mid-Century landmark Raymond Carter designed Residence on Barnes Circle which is also visible from Pennsylvania Avenue. The services were conducted on Friday, October 24 by the Mayor of Palm Springs in the Mid-Century designed City Hall. q-he Mayor hadwritten the words of the service. Witnesses were former Tulsans Mike Green and Jim Trotter also Architect Dan Logan of Palm Springs and Malibu. The couple has 5 daughters and nine grandchildren. Father and son marry partners in Palm Springs double wedding By Rex Wockner Charles Robbins, executive director of~e Trevor Project, and Damon Romine, director ofentertainment media at the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, got married Nov. 2 in Palm Springs in a double ceremony that also saw Romine’sfather, David, marry hisparmen La~wy Barrett. From left: Robbins, Damon Romine, David Romine and Barrett. Photo by DavidA. Lee Charles Robbins, executive director of~he Trevor Project, the national suicide-prevention helpline for gay youth, and Damon Romine, director of entertainment media at the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, got married Nov. 2 in Palm Springs in a double ceremony that also saw Romine’s father, David, marry his partner, Larry Barrett. Robbins, 46, and Damon Romine, 42, have been together for nine years and Barrett and David Romine have been together for 16 years. It was believed to be California’s first same-sex double wedding ceremony shared by a father and son. Same-sex marriage became legal in California on June 16, following a Supreme Court ruling, and became illegal again on Nov. 4, following passage of a ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to negate the ruling. Gay groups have filed suit to block the amendment from taking effect. At press time, the State Supreme Court had not ruled on the case, and county officials had stopped issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Will & Grace creator marries Max Mutchnick, a creator and executive producer ofTV’s Wilt & Grace, got married to lawyer Erik Hyman on Oct. 25 in Beverly Hills. "We wanted to be a part of the wave of same-sex couples getring married before the election," Mutchnick told The New York Times. ~e couple have been together for two years. They moved in together a week after meeting and have never spent a night apart since. Mutchnick told The Times that Hyman is the most intelligent and confident man he’s ever met, and the only one he’s met who can withstand his insecurities and histrionics. Hyman said he felt hard for Mutchnick’s passion, charm and humor. The couple have two daughters, who were born to a surrogate. California voters ended same-sex marriage in the state Nov. 4, amending the state constitution to say, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Gay groups have filed suit to block the amendment from taking effect. At press time, the State Supreme Court had not ruled on the case, and county officials had stopped issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. OKLAHOMA CITY COUPLE WED IN CALIFORNIA Kara McCullar & Marlena Weaver demonstrate on Oklahoma City Hall steps. The couple was legally married in California October 20. Photo by Victor Gorin. www.metrostarnews.com MetroSTAR 11 @Club 209, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, TulSa ..... @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City 12 @Angles, Oklahoma City @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa Community Fellowship "A place where you can be who God created you to be andfi’iends’hips becomefamily" Worship Experience Sundays 5:30p.m. Pastor Neill Spurgin PastorNeih’@ExpressionsOKC.com (40 ) 76 - 7s ~w.ExpressionsOKC. corn Lansbrook Event Center 6009 NWExpressway Oklahoma City, OK December 2008 On Saturday, Nov. 15, there were coordinated anti,Prop. 8 protests in 300 cities in all 50 states and several other countries at 10.30. a.m. California time, ~lengthy march from San Diego’s Balboa Park to the Count~ 25;000 ~ar~hers, Photo by Re~ Wockne~ On Sa~twday, Nov. 1£ there were huge, coordinated anti-Prop 8protests across the country at 10:30 a.m. Ca~lifo~ia time. ~is wa~ the stone in San ~,n&co. ~&nerNewspbom by Steve 39am the stage to repeate!ly create a~ant rambowflag, to the de@,}t ofnews photographers and cameramen. ter and ~dsa rallied in opposition to California’s Prop S. Arqzona, Florida outlJwedMardage ~quality an~ Arkansas voted toprobibit GLBT~doption, Saturda November 15, 2008 25,000 str~g mti~Prop 8 grassroots protest in San Di~g0~ N Wockner News Service Caribbean health offidals call for repeal of buggery laws UK Ministry ofDefence paid $6.2 million to sacked soldiers Gay couple arrested in Mexico for kissing and hugging UK to give lesbians equal access to fertility treatment Some government officials in attendance at The United Kingdom’s Ministry ofDefence the recent annual meeting ofthe Pan Carib- has paid $6.2 million to people who were Txvo male U.S. citizens were arrested in Playa A controversial bill that passed Britain’s House del Carmen, in Mexico’s Q,~intana Roo state, ofCommons Oct. 22, authorizing stem-celt bean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS called kicked out ofthe armed forces before the gay for kissing and hugging in public, the Mexico research that implants human cells into animal for repeal oflaws that criminalize gay sex as a ban was lifted in 2000, officials said Nov. 7. eggs creating hmnan-animal hybrids, also pathway to slowing the spread ofthe virus, the City daily E! Universal reported Oct. 22. cleared the way for lesbians to access fertility Caribbean Media Corporation reported. Sixty-five people have been compensated, receiving an average of $96,300 each. Eric Schroeder, 22, andJosd Mdndez, 35, were treatment and for a lesbian couple to be named "Ifxve repeal the Buggery Act it reduces risky accused of committing "a moral misdeed" (una on a birth certificate as a child’s parents. behavior and puts the onus on men who have "Over the past few years the MoD has made falta a la moral), jailed for 15 hours and fined sex xvith men to act in a responsible way," strenuous efforts to reach amicable settle- 2,000 pesos ($148). The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill passed the House ofCommons 355-129 and is said Dr. Peter Figueroa, head ofthe Jamaican ments in relation to those legal claims which Ministry of Health’s AIDS program. "When remained outstanding and we are pleased that Schroeder told the paper that on Oct. 10 the unlikely to be further modified before becompeople see themselves as excluded or discrimi- compensation has now been awarded in all couple was "resolving some differences that ing law. hated against and stigmatized, it promotes these cases;’ a spokesman said. we had" and, as they walked out ofthe house, risky behavior? "there were a few hugs and a kiss out front:’ "We’ve always thought it scandalous that lesbian couples could lawfully be excluded from the Britain’s armed forces lifted their gay ban on safety of (National Health Service) clinics, for The health minister ofthe island nation of orders from the European Court ofHuman At that point, police arrived, handcuffed them, Dominica, John Fabien, agreed, saying: "We Rights. then drove them around while they "picked up which we all pay," said Ben Summerskill, chief need to take this to another level, I think the more people who presumably had committed executive ofleading gay lobby group Stonewall. other crimes," he said. "Often they’ve been forced to use unregulated level ofprime ministers.... The whole ques- backstreet services instead? tion ofmen who have sex with men ... we can’t bow our heads in the sand and say it do~s no{..... .................. 1 ...."-They,wanted money and realizingthey , ,, DutCh men convlc~:eG weren t going to get it, they drove us around Children in lesbian and gay families develop happent.rayndtoI,villsee howbderivveincgou, ldthe getPr°cessthingsbaCkgoingh.°.m..e of injecting sex partriers Schroeder said. ’ in exactly the same social and intellectual way gge need to really fall in line mad try to get it off the books." Barbados’ health minister, Dr. David Estwick, asked, "What are we going to do about reaching men who have sex with men when we have laws against their sexual activity in most Caribbean countries. Jamaica’s Figueroa added that when gay sex is stigmatized, "it drives not only the epidemic underground, but it also means that men ~vho have sex with men disguise their sexuality, take on a girlfriend and have sex with women who are unaware that they are really people who have sex with men, and therefore this acts as a bridge in terms ofHIV transmission from the gay community." The lneeting was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. According to Amnesty International, 11 Caribbean-area nations continue to ban gay sex -- Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jmnaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Hungarian Parliament passes nexv hate-crime laws Hungary’s Parliamentpassed legislation in early November extending hate-crime laws to cover members "ofa social group" and making it possible to initiate civil proceedings against someone ~vho engages in degrading or intimidating behavior toward another based on "sexual orientation." The changes need the approval of President L~szl6 S61yom and also must be able to withstand possible Constitutional Court challenges. The court previously has struck down socalled hate-speech laws on freedom-of-speech grounds. with HIV Two men in Groningen, Netherlands, were convicted Nov. 12 of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm by injecting several men ~vith HIV-infected blood after apparendysedating them during gay sex parties arranged over the Internet. One of the perpetrators, who vcas also convicted ofrape, received a nine-year prison sentence and the other was sentenced to five years. The Groningen District Court determined that while all the victims in the case were HIV-positire, there was no way to know if the assaults caused their infections, given that they had willingly participated in barebacking orgies. Resistance in UK to gay adoption A recent ICM Research survey conducted for the United Kingdom’s National Adoption Week revealed a high degree of resistance to adoption by gay couples. The poll of 1,007 people found that 40 percent ofth0se questioned think gay male couples should not be allowed to adopt and 36 percent think lesbian couples should be banned from adopting: Susan Cotton, adoption manager for the charity Action for Children, told the BBC the findings xvere "shocking and disappointing." "We have successfully placed children with both gay couples and single people. We know it works," she said. The couple’s eventual incarceration at the main police station ended after they paid a cop a 300-peso fee to take one oftheir credit cards and withdraw money to pay the 2,000-peso fine, Schroeder said. SPain’s ueen Sofia hot water with gays Spain’s Q~een Sofia is in hot water with gays after the newspaperH Pals published excerpts Oct. 29 from an upcoming biography of the queen by journalist Pilar Urbano. ha "The Q~_een Up Close" ("La Reina muy de cerca"), Sofia, 69, is quoted as saying: "I can understand, accept and respect that there are persons ofother sexual tendencies, but should they feel proud to be gay? Should they ride on a parade float and come out in demonstrations ? ffall ofthose ofus who aren’t gay came out in protest we would halt traffic." She went on: "Ifthose persons want to live together, dress up as bride and groom and marry, they could have a right to do so, or not, according to the laws of their country, but they shouldn’t call dais matrimony, because it isfft. q-here are many possible names: social contract, union contract? Spain is one ofsix countries where same-sex couples have access to full marriage. A royal spokesperson conaplained that the quotations are not "exactly" accurate. The State Federation ofLesbians, Gays, Transse~ uals and Bisexuals demanded that Sofia recant her reported statements. as any others," he said. "This latest step forward for our communities is an important reminder that lesbian and gay families are every bit as loving and tender and magical as any other." Irish president condemns Speaking at a GLBT youth forum in Galway on Oct. 30, Irish President Mary McAleese condemned anti-gay bullying. "Homophobic bullying continues to be a societywide issue, including in our schools, and the link between it and suicide sends a clear message that this trend must be reversed," she said. "By refusing to go along with loudly voiced prejudices, we can overcome the bias and hostility experienced by many young gay people throughout the country." McAleese also said people don’t choose to be gay but rather discover that they’re gay. Australian de facto couples who split to be treated as divorced Australia’s Senate passed a bill Oct. 16 to treat unmarried couples who break up the same as married couples who divorce. The measure, which was returned to the lower house for approval ofSenate anaendments, will create a uniform national standard for separating de facto coupmsles, gay and straight, sending them to federal family-law courts to work out property settlements, pension splits and other Issues. Attorney-General Robert McClelland said the changes are "long overdue." 14 ~÷troSTAR December 2008 "In my junior high school years at Wilson Jr. High I delivered the Tulsa Daily "World morning paper on horseback for three years on what was then a two lane country road called Yale Ave. I had to quit riding horseback because the customers of a new housing development called "White City" complained that my horseback deliveries was tearing up their beautiful yards. I graduated in the 10th graduating class of Will Rogers High Schoo! in 1949." "The start of my dancing career was 1950 ~vhen I joined the new qfillsa Opera Ballet. ~-his was the time when opera companies retrained a Corps de Ballet and operettas were popular. ~l~.e Tulsa Opera_ Ballet would practice in the ballroom of Richard Mansfield Dickenson’s home on Riverside Drive and F!ouston Ave., which is now known as the Spotlight Theater on Riverside Dr. "t received a scholarship in 1952 to study dance with the "Ruth St. Denis Dance Foundatioff’ in Hollywood. While I was there I also studied ballet and jazz at the "Eugene Loring School of Ballet. M1 of the great dancers of the Holly~vood musicals of the 50’s would teach in their idle time at Loring’s studio, t was honored to take classes with some of Hollywood’s best. I was accepted with 150 other dancers in the Chorus of"On the Rivera" staring Danny Kaye and the Great "Gwen -Verdoff’. However, I nm~er made it to the final Audition because my dance career was interrupted in 1953 with a draft call from UNCLE SAM. Thinking my dance career was oveI; ! found it was just beginning." Photo: Bill Franc#co served in the A4ilimry 1953-1955 "My tour of duty took me to the occupation forces in Augsburg, Germany. I was blessed! They allowed me to continue my volunteer dancing for tile kindergarten kids in West Germany." "I was honored for nay volunteer dancing in Germany by becoming the only American awarded a medal by the city of "Augsburg at the 1954 Fashing Festival. They even wrote a nice article about me in the Augsburg newspaper which was in Get,nan and I didn’t understand a word of it. I sent it home to my mother in NAsa and she gave it to the Tulsa \Vorld to interpret and they published it in English in the Tulsa World Sunday Mar. 21, 1954." "Rett,rning home to Tialsa in 1955, I again auditioned for the renowned Tulsa Opera. I landed the leading male dancer, all with gold pigment and Crisco! I was beautiful (like an Oscar) but I had to work the next day. I took a shower to wash the gold pigment away and my hair turned green! I went to work and was ridiculed, LOL, the boy with the green hair." "In 1956 1 began dancing with the "Tulsa Civic Ballet" today knmvn as Tulsa Ballet Inc. I danced the premier of The Nutcracker and also performed the first Dr. Coppelius In Tulsa at the Municipal Theater today our Lady on Brady I also danced in the first two summer musicals with the "Tulsa Little Theater" at the 15th and Delavcare Playhouse." keShe could er my given name. She what my name was and \ in his usual vivacious reply said "just// CLOGGERB I //, Because volunteer dancing could not sustain me financially, I went to work for American Airlines in 1955. In 1961 American decided to move their finance department to NYC where they purchased their first computer. This was my opportunity to see hmv the professionals dance in the Big Apple. Let me tell you, I was just a little worm in the Big Apple. What a culture shock, nobody does volunteer dancing in New York. Everyone is a union professional. ! realized my love of country folk music, bluegrass and clogging there. I studied with the International School of Dance one semester. I realized dogging was what I wanted to dance the rest ofmy life. Isn’t is ironic? I fell in love with dogging in ]"FYC and had it all around me growing up in Tulsa. I returned home to Tulsa after 13 years in New York and spent all my free time attending clogging classes and workshops. The IGRA had become very popular with clogging teams throughout the U.S. and Tulsa. I attended a fund-raiser for OGRA in 1987 at "STROKES" and saw the renowned "Bunkhouse Cloggers" from Oklahoma City perform. I was so excited and impressed to see a rodeo clogging team that I wanted to form one from Tulsa for OGRA. Thus the "GREEN COUNTRY CLOGGERS" ~vere born in 1988. The Green Country- Cloggers became famous from the Mississippi west to Los Angeles, dogging to standing ovations in Oklahoma City, Dallas, Phoenix, Denver, Los Angles, Kansas, Joplin and Tulsa..We performed for two seasons at Tulsa Mayfest and the Bluegrass/Chilifest. When the Green Country Cloggers moved their practices to Tulsa’s Silver Star for bigger dance space we were doing a big fund-raiser to raise money to take the cloggers to Los Angeles ~br a rodeo performance. Our Mistress of Ceremonies was a eighteen year old (not old enough for the bar) known as KA~S KOHL. To this day in 2008, Kris Kohl has done more benefits and fun&raisers than any other entertainer in Tulsa and she is the real legend of this community. Our music maestro, arranger, recording artist and D. J. from the cloggers conception in 1988 was Ron Greenwood. Thank you Quake for all your loyalty and contributions to the cloggers. Kris Kohl was to introduce my solo. She could not remember my given name. She asked Qtmke what my name was and in his usual vivaciotrs reply said "just call him CLOGGERBILL" And from that time on, fbr 18 years, to the birth of"Santa, I have been known as "CLOGGERBILL" Now I’ve forgotten my real n~e. I left the Green Country Cloggers in the capable hands of the worlds best Leather Clogger "Gene West" who took the cloggets to new heights. I formed the "OK Country Cloggers" from other Cloggers around Tulsa. We performed benefits for Tulsa Opera at Cains Ballroom and Tulsa Ballet Inc, at Harwellen. The OK Country Cloggers quickly dwindled into a trio competition team. The Ok Country Cloggers had performed for two seasons for "Black Gold Days" in Glenpool. I was teaching a clogging class at the community center. They asked if I would dress as Santa and clog for the kids at their Children’s Christmas Party, of course I said yes. That was the birth of"Santa Clog". The kids just loved Santa Clogging and a lot of adults also. The next year I created my own Santa Suit, and started growing nay own beard with theatrical white wash. Since I’ve performed hundreds of Santa Clog benefits over the past ten years. It was so much fun (because I’m such a ham), that’s when I decided I wanted to be the real Santa for the rest of my life. In 2004 1 entered "SANTA_" in the Grand Lake dogging championship in Grove, Oklahoma. I had worked so hard on the choreography that I pinched the ~ciatic nerve in my left hip and neuropathy begin to set in. But I kept going. I knew I had to win that competition before I could qualify for National World Competition. I did win mad took 1st place in that show. I guess when you stop your career, you should always stop at the top, when everyone knows who you are, not what you were. I tried to do a couple more Santa Clog benefits in 2005 but my leg was in such pain I could not continue. I then had lower back surgery and the severe pain was gone but the neuropathy would not go away. I would like to thank my two very best friends for sticking by me and helping me through this crisis. Mr. Paul: (aka), Helga. another community legend of spirit, giving, benefits and caring, for getting me the best surgeons, standing by me thru surgery and coming by my home on his way to ~vork every day to wash my ass and change my bandages. Arnie XWard, for taking so much time offwork to take me back and forth from exams, doctors and hospitals. SANTA loves you both so dearly. I would not have survived without you. No~v Santa only does children benefits, private corporate parties and my favorite adult bars: N0 eio~ng; just takAng pictures, giving out pre~ents havi@ ~ iittl~ ~,~ arid .... loving every moment. Now I am one of the most sought after Santa’s in Tulsa. I begin getting requests for appearances in July for the December season. Santa has appeared in four magazine and six newspaper articles. Someday I dream of Santa dancing again in the spirit of the season. From 1937 to 2004 (67 years) I have danced over 350 performances, benefits and fund-raisers for the Tulsa and su> rounding communities. I was actually paid union wages for one show. The Vandever’s summer fa~shion show at Southern Hills Country Club about 30 years ago. So, if you divide the $50.00 into 350 performances, I have been paid just about .07 cents per performance. Does that make me a professional volunteer? I would like to take this opportunity to let the world know how very much I appreciate all the support and devotion of good friends, entertainers and bar~8~ners (past and present) for helping me do what I love best, DANCE !! As Santa said when he rode out of sight, Happy Holidays and to all a Good Night ! ,~w.metrostarnews.com ~etroSTAR 15 QEe’ Syrah, Syra :: Celebrate the holidays with a cool red wine Briefhistory ~ais grape may not be commonly associated with the holidays like other red wines, however, this varietal rates highly among the most elegant, tastefhl and food friendly wines. To that end, I recommend that we consider adding a bottle or two to our wine shopping list for this season. We have much to celebrate and sharing wine & food with friends & family is the best thingwe can do. For most wine lovers, as we talk about Syrah or Shiraz; two specific places ofthe xvorld come tO mind: Rh6ne Valley in France and Australia. Syrah is found in other wine regions of the ~vorld, though- California, Italy and South Africa- hmvever the reference areas of this grape are still considered France and Australia, each being identifiable for its particular style. Ofcourse, of the two regions, the one having a longer tradition is the Rh6ne Valley, whereas in Australia, Syrah - or Shiraz, as it is commonly known in the land ofkangaroos - has a history shorter than two centuries. (which translates as New Castle common in southern Languedoc-Roussillon blended with Grenache Noi C Syrah fro aromas ofblack pepper - associated with wines Food parings The northern part of the Rh6ne Valley, in France, remains one of tl~e undisputed reference point.s for the production ofwines made with the Syrah grape. The best examples of varietal Syrah, are the ones produced with the appellations Hermitage, C6te-R6tie, Cornas, St-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. Wines produced in these areas have Strong fruit aromas, a good acidity, dry body and an appreciable mineral taste. Hermitage has a deep color and intense fruit aromas, in particular black currant, full body and evident astringency. Syrah is also common in the southern part ofRh6ne Valley and it is used in Ch~teauneuf-du-Pape to emit often area. Trinity ’04- Oregon Slammer ’06- California Pousseur ’06- California to your favorite wine purchase a bottle or ~d & wine with friends and r yourself. Syrah is a good turkey or ham F ’ " who knew ? We always think Pinot best red wine choice. A lot may hinge on the way your meat is prepared. Appetizers with veggies or cheeses with a sharp like flavor can also pair ~vell. This writer also bar tends and hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts ofTulsa. www.~neSpectato~:com www.Foodand~ne.com ............. www.~Vikipedia.org This months recipe courtesy of: Directions: Ogunquit, Main Christmas Goose With Cabbage About 4 hours before ser~,ing: Remove giblets and neck from goose. Refrigerate giblets and neck to use in soup another Discard fat from body cavity; rinse goose with running cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Fasten neck skin to the back with 1 or 2 skewers, With goose breast-side up, lift wings up toward neck, then fold under back of goose. With string. tie legs and tail together. With fbrk, prick goose skin in several places. Place goose, breast-side up, on rack in open roasting pan. Rub goose with 2 teaspoons salt. Insert meat thermometer into thickest part of meat between breast and thigh, being careful tha pointed end of thermometer does not touch bone. Roast goose in 350 degree oven about 3 hours. Start &ecking for doneness during last 30 ~ninutes of roasting goose. slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper travels to drain. In bacon fat in saucepan over medium heat, cook green cabbage, onion, caraway seeds, and I teaspoon salt until cabbage and onion are very tende}, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally; keep warm, About 20 minutes before goose is done, in small saucepan, heat red currant jelly and marsala. Brush goose occasionally with idly mixture. Goose is done when thermometer reaches 180 degrees to 185 degrees and thickest part ofleg feels sof~ when pressed ~th fingers protected by paper towels. When goose is done, remove skewers and string. Linep,latter with reserved red and green cabbage leaves. Place goose on cabbage leaves: let stand 10 minutes for easier carving. Spoon red and green cabbage on platter with goose. t frozen goose (12 pound size), thawed salt 1 medium sized head red cabbage I medium sized head green cabbage 1 medium sized onion 1 large green cooking apple 1 package (8 ounce size) sliced bacon 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1/4 cup currant jelly 2 tablespoons &T marsala wine Mier goose has roasted fbr I hour. prepare red andgreen, cabbage’, reserve fi.~v outer leaves of red and green cabbage for garnish. Slice red and green cabbage and onion; dice apple; cut bacon into 1/2 inch pieces, In 12-inch skillet over medium- lmv h~r. cook half of bacon until browned. With slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper towels to drain. In bacon tht in skillet over medium heat, cook red cabbage, apple, red wine vinegar, sugm; and 1 teaspoon salt until cabbage is very tender, about 25 minutes. stirring occasionally; keep warna. Meamvhile, in ~-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, cook remaining bacon until browned.iWith Jonathaffs Restaurmat ~ Bourn it into a )resence 16 #~®troSTAR December 2008 Trace Adkins At the BOK Center, Tulsa TRACE ADKINS with special guests: Craig Morgan &Jason Michael Carroll Tickets On Sale Oct 3 @ 10am Ticket Prices: $52 and $42 When Trace Adldns appears on stage, his towering presence and floor-shaldng baritone instantly energizes the crowd. With a string ofhits spanning more than a decade like "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk; "Hot Mama," "I Got lVly Game On," and "Ladies Love Country Boys;’ and his powerful, heart-stirring ballads like "I’m Tryin;’ "Arlington;’ "Every Light In The House;’ and "I Came Here To Live;’ Adldns takes his audience on a roller coaster ride ofemotions. Cirque du SoleiFs Saltimbanco Dec 10, 2008 to Dec 14, 2008 at BOK Center Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco December 10th at 7:30 December 1 lth at 7:30 December 12th at 3:30 & 7:30 December 13th at 3:30 & 7:30 December 14th at 1:00 & 5:00 Ticket Prices:S97, $77, $62, and $42 Group tickets: For groups of+20 or more receive 10% offyour tickets, group discounts do not apply to Friday or Saturday show times. For group tickets please call 918-894-4252 Cirque du Soleil weaves its magic in Tulsa for the first time with Saltimbanco. Saltimbanco is the very first "classic" Cirque du Soleil touring show to be presented in arena. The Saltimbanco arena tour, proudly presented by iShares, will performed 8 shows at the BOK Center from December 10 to 14 inclusively. December At ~lhe P.A.C. Tulsa Performance Dates 3 FREE Brown Bag It: Tulsa Festival Ringers John H. Williams Theatre 4-28 FREE Artist Janet Duvall PAC Gallery 5 Available by Subscription Tina Brown Chapman Music Hall I View Interactive Seating Chart 6 BUY Christmas with TOC Chapman Music Hall I View Interactive Seating Chart 11-14, 16-23 BUY A Christmas Carol John H. Williams Theatre Dec 12-t4, 19-21 _ Wind in the Willows, Charles E. Norman Tl~eatre Dec 12-14, 17-20 BUY The Santaland Diaries, Liddy Doenges ~eatre Dec 13-14, t8-21 BUY The Nutcracker (Tulsa) Chapman Music Hall More ENTERTAINMENT see page 20 www.metrostarnews.com INSIDE HOLLYWOOD By Romeo San Vicente Deep Inside Hollywood, which reports on new projects for Nicole Kidman and Jane Fonda Fonda Returns to Broadway with Moises Kaufman She’s a producer, memoirist, exercise guru, and multi-Oscar-winning actress, but fihn legend Jane Fonda’s roots go all the way back to Broadway. And while she hasn’t strutted and fretted her hour upon the stage since the early 1960s, Fonda is preparing her return to the Great White Way in a new play ~vritten and directed by Moises Kaufman, the gay writer behind "The Laramie Project". "33 Variations" focuses on a musicologist (Fonda) and her study ofBeethoven’s obsession with a particular piece of music. Fonda hasn’t been completely absent from the stage--in recent years, she:s participated in several one-night-only special presentations ofEve Ensler’s "The Vagina Monologues". Get ready for New York to be abuzz when the woman who was Barbarella returns to Broadway this winter. Landon’s Career Remains Hot with "Burning Palms" "Burning Pahns" may sound like a clothing-optional gay resort, but it’s actually the new film written and directed by Christopher Landon, the openly gay son ofTVlegend Michael Landon. On the heels of Christopher’s success as the co-writer of the hit "Disturbia", dais Holl)-a,ood legacy returns with a new satire that pokes fun at the residents ofvarious segments ofLos Angeles, and "Burning Palms" boasts an interestingly eclectic ensemble. Slated to star in the fihn are Dylan McDermott, Shannen Doherty, Lake Bell, Nick Stahl, Zoe Saldana, Adriana Barraza ("Babel"), Colleen Camp and Rosamund Pike. They’ll play characters whose storylines overlap in five different vignettes set in different L.A. neighborhoods. Vditch for the smoke in 2009. Kidman and Tneron Go Out [’or "Danish" Nicole Kidman and Chadize Theron both won Oscars for playing lesbians and for ~vearing fake noses--in "The Hours" mad "Monster", respectively--but the mind reels about what kind ofprostheses will be required for their next movie. "The Danish Girl" will star the duo as real-life artists Einar and Greta Wegener. Einar (Yddman) began life as a man but later became the world’s first transsexual in 1931; Einar’s road to womanhood began xvhen he stood in for a female model in a painting that Greta (Theron) was creating. Anand Tucker ("Shopgirl", "Hilary and Jackie") will direct from Lucinda Coxon’s adaptation ofDavid Ebershoff’s book. Look for Kidman and Theron to astound the world almost as much as the real Wegeners did, when "Tne Danish Girl" eventually hits theaters. Soon, We’ll MI Be "Spartacus" The smash success of"300" put muscular, leggy men in togas back on the ctfltural radar, and "Xena" exec producer Sam Raimi (who directed some obscure art films with "Spider-Man" in the tide) intends to keep them there. Raimi is one ofthe driving forces behind "Spartacus", a new series for the Starz cable channel that centers around a legendary slave rebellion against the Roman Empire. Insiders say the show will shoot for the same intense violence and distinctive graphic-novel look ofboth "300" and "Sin City", so Romeo figures that means lots ofoiled up, brawny lugs fighting each other to the death in leather miniskirts. And that’s good TV! "Spartacus" starts shooting in New Zealand at the beginning ofthe year ~vith an eye to unfurling its muscular majesty on Starz next summer. N~troSTAR 17 entire country, we want to thank the gays and lesbians in California for fighting this batde for us. And keep fighting until we win! by Donald Pile and Ray Williams GAY TRA¥ LER’S, BOYCOTT UTAH "Morman Church Millions Help Pass Prop 8" Photo: Salt Lake CiF Temple things "right", it is time for the rest ofgays and lesbians in the rest of the country to do what they can to help. M1 travelers have a choice..... a choice as to where to go, where to stay, where to dine and where to visit. A few years ago the state of Colorado made some very bad decisions and thousands and thousands ofboth business as well as personal travelers made the choice NOT to visit or spend any money in that state. The state was financially hurt terribly by that boycott as conventions and business meetings were canceled. Fortunately the state mended its ways and now the gay community has once again started visiting the state. We are extremely" proud ofthe fact that Colorado elected the first openly gay congressman, Jared Polls. He was certainly the best person for that position. So secondly; we are telling our readers to BOYCOTT UTAH ! Salt Lake City is the world headquarters of the Mormons and the Mormon’s account for about 62% of the population of Utah. Tourism brings in about $6 billion a year to Utah. They have ~vorld-class skiing, the film festival among many, things. Thousands ofMormons worked as volunteers and spent tens ofmillions ofdollars on Proposition 8. As just one gay couple out of the nearly 20,000 gay couples who were LEGALLY married this summer in California, we resent the Mormon Church’s involvement in our civil rights. Is it okay they can have 10 spouses, but yet deny us to have just one ? Mormon spokesmen say that they had a right to do ~vhat they did. \Ve also have a right to do what we are doing, ha 2008 you just cannot take away anybody’s civil rights and expect not to get a backlash. You cannot take away our legal marriage and get away with it. No, NO, NO! Photo: Golden Gate B,;idge San Francisco. Califo, saia’sflght against Prop 8failed on November 4 mobilizing hundreds ofthousands who held protest rallies around the world. Visit California. And now we come to Proposition 8. As one ofthe nearly 20,000 gay couples who were LEGALLY married this summer, we were devastated with the results on Nov. 4. Since we do not live in Cali~brnia we are not able to attend any of the rallies and protest marches but our readers from around the country have sent us dozens and dozens ofemails asking what they can do. We have told them two things. First, GO to California, spend money with those ~vho are wanting our business. There are thousands ofstraight owned businesses in California who are on our side. There are thousands ofgay mvned businesses who have worked hard on defeating Proposition 8 as well as thousands and thousands ofgays and lesbians who went door to door and worked tirelessly. They are all to be conm~ended highly. They did not sit idly by and just hope for a victory. They worked long and hard. So as the gays and lesbians who live in California take to the streets and protest and march and do whatever that they can to have the California Supreme Court step in and make No matter what state you live in, BOYCOTT the Mormon Church but by all means BOYCOTT the entire state of Uta!! Don’t go there, don’t spend your gay dollars there, don’t purchase anything from any company that is based in Utah. There will be plenty oflistings of businesses who gave money for Proposition 8. Boycott them all! The gaypress in California has done and will continue to do a fabulous job ofkeeping all ofus informed about Proposition 8. This is not just a California story, but a story for the entire country. With Barack Obama becoming the first African-American President of the country it wotfld have been nice to think that prejudices were going to be a thing ofthe past. However the Mormon Church proved us wrong about that. Hate still does exist and mainly in the eyes ofthe Mormon Church. Photo: Echo Lake Denver; CO. Fortunately Colorado mended it’s ways and now thegay community has once again started visiting the state. On behalfofmillions ofgays throughout the Eureka Springs Tourism Increases Despite Tough Economic Times EUREKA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ In one of the slowest economic periods in recent memory, and at a time when other tourist destinations are experiencing downturns, this Ozarlcs getaway is doing remarkably well. Mayor Dani Joy’s o~ce reports that receipts f~r Eureka Springs city sales t~es have increased, year-to-date, 2.36% over last year. Meanwhile, City Advertising and Promotion Commission figures reflect an even larger improvement. Operations Manager Sheila Hulsey said 2008 C.A.EC. tax collections year-to-date are up 9.6% over the same period in 2007. Mayor Joy believes several factors are respon- ;ibte for the city’s strong economic showing in the face of national financial turmoil. "First of all, our community has come together this year in a coordinated effort to make the tourist’s stay in Eureka Springs the best it can be. "And, simultaneously, we’ve done a better iob of marketing ourselves." Tne mayor also cited high gas pr!ces as afactor. "When gas was near!y" $4 a gallon, travelers saved money by staying closer to home." She continued, "Some chose a domestic vacation instead of taldng an overseas flight. Many others picked a destination within a few hours drive over one a few days away." Joy also believes Eureka Springs’ relatively inexpensive lodging and meals have helped the city grow while other tourist destinations have declined. "We’re quite a bargain compared to the larger, glitzier vacations spots," she said. Finally, the city’s quiet, relaxing feel could be a factor. "When you come here you feel like you’ve stepped back in time," the mayor stated. "We have Victorian homes, locally owned shops in an historic downtown, and no stop lights or mega-malls. We’re a very refreshing escape from the rat race--and, especially these days, people value that!" Once October figures are received by the city and the C.A.P.C., Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Feldman believes they will shove an even larger improvement. "Most of our members say they’re having an excellent month," he commented. ’~md several business owners have told me they’ve had their biggest days and weekends in history." For info on Eureka Springs, contact Ken Rundel, CAPC, P.O. Box 522, Eureka Springs, AR, 72632. 479-253-7333 ken@eurekasprings.org 18 ~÷troSTAR December 2008 www.metrostarnews.com #~®troSTAR 19 OKC Civic Center Music Hall December Events Nov. 28 - Dec. 20 A NICE FAMILY GATHERING a comedy by Phil Olson Nov. 28- Dec. 21 ROMEO &JULIET Dec. 4 - Dec. 6 A VERY MERRY POPS presented by the Oklahoma City" Philharmonic Dec. 5 - Dec. 21 THEJUNGLE BOOKby Rudyard Kipling, adapted by Rick and Erin Cheek Dec. 5 - Dec. 21 A TUNA CHRISTMAS by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams Dec. 6 - Dec. 7 THE NUTCRACKERpresented by the Tulsa Ballet Dec. 7 CANTERBURY CHRISTMAS Dec. 11 CARLOS MENCIA Dec. 12 John Prine with Iris DeMent Dec. 13 - Dec. 21 THE NUTCRACKER - OI<C Ballet CompaW Photo afMike P~,or in American ~eatre Co’s produ~:tion ~se Santaland Diaries. Photo by MichadErvin, Ervin Productions. TULSA, OK (PRy __ The Santaland Diaries, a merrily subversive t~ale, is David Sedaris’ humorous and acerbic acconnt ofworking as an elf at Macy’s in Manhattan. It has become an ’anti-holiday’ cult classic. NPR humorist and best-selling author David Sedaris made his comic debut reading his "Santaland Diaries" on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition. Sedaris’ sardonic humor and incisive social critique have since made him one ofNPR’s most popular and humorous commentators. In 2001, Sedaris became the third recipient ofthe Thurber Prize for American Humor, and was named by Time magazine as "Humorist of the Year." The Santdand Diaries runs December 12th through 20th in the Doenges Tneatre ofthe Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Curtain time is at 8:15 PM xvith matinees at 2:15 PM. Tickets at MyTicketO~ce.com, area Reasor’s stores, at the Performing Arts Center at 3rd and Cincinnati, or chage by phone a 596-7111. Website- www.lo bitter girl iecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB(~aol.com emalh bittergirl@qsyndicate.com 20 December 2008 by Jack Fertig December 2008 "Be playfut, Libra,"" Mercury is in Sagittarius stimulating talking, so work on listening. He’s tripping through aspects first to Uranus and Chiron, offedng healing through inspiration and wild experiments, then to Saturn, Neptune, and Eris, offering ways to either protect or unblock tribal notions and boundaries, especially across religious/spiritual barriers. It’s a good chance to get through to fundies in the family. ARIES (March 20-Apri~ 19): Some of the craziest ideas from your wildest dreams will have some practical application. They will need some work. Hash it out with a few friends to see how those wacky notions can fit in the real world. TAURUS (AprR 20 - May 20): How do social pressures influence your sexual autonomy? Playing with others necessarily requires some compromises, but you’re entitled to stand up for yourself. You may want to hold back on the impulse and negotiate a more fulfilling position. GEMiNi (May 21- June 20): To reconcile problems with a partner or colleague, try exploring entirely new ideas. What you eventually do work out can inspire fu[ther innovations to provide a new ~roach to long-standing problems at home. CANCER (June 21- July 22): Sexuality can be healing, catalyzing new ideas - especia!ly when you try something new! Open yourself up to exploring fantasies. The oneg that are hardest to verbalize will teach you tocommunicate in new ways. LEO {July 23 - August 22): Casual jests can be unintentionally hurtful. Be ready to apologize, and to learn something in the process. Your humor will be handier when grappling with arguments that leave you wondering What’s really important. Balancing sympathy and logic is the tdck! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Cleaning house can help solve problems with your partner, or just bring up problems that have been hidden. Keep up the effort even if it means an argument. The make-up sex will be terrifi!! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Trying to be logical at work will backfire. Be playful and allow yourself to be inspired. Playing competitively with others can bdng out some long-hidden demons. Open discussion and humor can exorcise them once and for all. SCORPIO (October 23- November 2t): Set aside some money for impulse spending, but keep the receipts! Arguments with friends are especially likely, but keep in mind that these are people you have to live and work with. Keep your disagreements civil and your ego under control. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): You’re even more loquacious than usual, but that can help heal old family problems. Work problems are more complicated, but keep talking. Focus creative, competitive playfulness towards achieving your ambitions. CAPRICORN (December 2t - January 19): Let your mind wander a bit. Discuss the crazier dreams and ideas that emerge with a friend. Letting yourself sound a bit weird can prove valuable. You don’t have to agree with old-fashioned notions, but study them well to develop a clearer argument against them. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Your friends are used to your weird side so don’t be shy. Revealing some of your wilder fantasies can prove therapeutic, maybe for them as well. Airing those notions can also help you clarify your sexual.boundaries. PISCES (February 19 - March t9): Some of your ambitions are unrealistic; talk privately with a boss or some expert to develop clearer goals. Then take time out to consider what you need to do to improve your relationship. Never mind your partner’s faults. What do _you_ need to do? MCCo METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spidt0fChdst MCC 2902 E20~ S~t J0plin, M0~04 417-52~84~ W0mhip Saturdays at 10:00 AM C0mmun~ Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spdng t7 Bk SHeet Eureka S~gs, AR 72632 479-25~9337 W0mhip Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! ww-w.metrostarnews.com #~etroSTAR 21 Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man Fu!t Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available Now Hiring Male & Female lo800o535oAIDS (2437) Oklahoma’s HlVlSTB Hotline Creating Oommu nity for People ~iving with H~V/A~DS 501 c (3) No~-I pi:ofit Orga~zatlon 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 l~nany 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. VVe invite anyone who ~zould like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhouseloo9865@sbcglobal.net ~rhether buying or selling I’!1 work bard for you. [] WVg,r~TgZMETROSTAR2qEVgS.COM 22 {~*~{?troSTAR December 2008 Support those who support us. Their HABANA INN 2200 1"-,I%z 39TH EXPRESSV/AY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 ,a~,vw.habanainn.com Fd~LLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. I-IMRVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Cerdfied Public Accountant VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.~. I3th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Wbrship Sundays 6pm OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. WALNUT AVE. Oklahoma City, OK 800-913-1310 ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma Cig; OK ww~v.anglesclub.com MCC LFNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 ,a~ovw.mcctulsa.org OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 ,~vw. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 BAMBOO LOUNGE KING OF MASSAGE 7204 E. PINE In or Out Calls Tulsa OK ...... ..... Oldahoma City, OK 918-836:8700 ........................ 405-314-3898 wv,~v.gambooloungetulsa.com CHUCK BP~CKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 I,~V 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn TOM & JERRYS 1501 N.W. 23RD Oklahoma City, OK 405-524-9100 0 >> CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK ~18-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 12 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 01, 2008 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd; Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gotin Rex Wockner Susan A. Muscari Vernon Britt Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Devre Jackson Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri West Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource Metro Star Magazine, November 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/200 The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/132 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/199