18 20 639 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Series] Oral Histories Project > Interviews Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br />Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program<br />Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007<br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] Murrel Wilmoth Interview Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 22, 2005 Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Laura Belmonte on October 22, 2005 (Laura misspeaks at the beginning of the interview and says it is the 21st). <strong>Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research.</strong> Murrel was born on April 4, 1932, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. At the age of four, his family moved to Tulsa, graduated from Daniel Webster High School and attended Oklahoma A&amp;M (now Oklahoma State University) for 2 years and then joined the Coast Guard for four years, serving in California. He completed his degree at OSU, then returned to California for seven years before coming back to Tulsa in 1965, after which he started his coming out process. Murrel worked in the Tulsa Planning Commission office, became involved with the Metropolitan Community Church and Prime Timers, an organization for older gay men. He discussed his network of friends and the “don’t ask, don’t tell” environment in Tulsa in the 1970s, 1980s. At age 92, Murrel passed away on February 25, 2025, in Tulsa. His obituary is included in an addendum to his transcript. Subject The topic of the resource Murrel Wilmoth Oral History Project Interview from October 21, 2005 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Murrel Wilmoth, Laura Belmonte, Jensen Bridges, Matthew D. Williams, Dennis Neill 2005 available at Center Dennis Neill Dennis R. Neill interview Jensen Bridges Laura A. Belmonte Laura Belmonte Matthew D. 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Title A name given to the resource [2005] Nancy McDonald Recognition PowerPoint Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Nancy McDonald Recognition PowerPoint Slides Description An account of the resource Nancy McDonald Recognition PowerPoint Slides Language A language of the resource English McDonald nancy Nancy McDonald powerpoint recognition slides https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/cbcc096299c301a6a9c53bc5f548b3ee.pdf bfbfaeadef6334510268e16db1586d4d 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 NEATs Letter of Thanks Subject The topic of the resource Clubs and Social Groups Description An account of the resource Letter from the Northeast Active Timers social club thanking Greg Gatewood and Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights for the use of their computer lab. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northeast Active Timers (NEATs) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 14, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Richard V. Ziglar Relation A related resource Northeast Active Timers Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Letter Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Clubs and Social Groups Greg Gatewood Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Northeast Active Timers (NEATs) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/files/show/2093 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] Northeast Active Timers Subject The topic of the resource Clubs and Social Groups Description An account of the resource Documents and items relating to the Northeast Active Timers social club. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 14, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Richard Ziglar 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 Clubs and Social Groups Northeast Active Timers (NEATs) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/643 Clubs and Social Groups Northeast Active Timers (NEATs) Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/105844f44daa05dffd110aa583223167.jpg fe9ec5553401aad1a75ccdf920e43cb8 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] Pride Photos Subject The topic of the resource Photos from the 2005 Tulsa Pride Parade and Pride activities Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2005 Description An account of the resource 42 photos from the 2005 Tulsa Pride Parade and other Pride related activities. 2005 2005 Gala 2005 Pride ALL SOULS UNITARIAN CHURCH Club Maverick Club Renegade Community Hero Award Dennis Neill Dennis R. Neill Diversity celebration Diversity Celebration 2005 Diversity Gala Diversity Gala 2005 Dr. Lynne Moyers Dwight Kealiher Families First Fellowship Congregational Church gala GLBT Community Center John Madigan Lynne Moyers Maverick Bar Mavericks Michael Shackelford Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University (OSU) Open Arms Open Arms Project Open Arms Youth Project Open Arms Youth Project (OYP) OpenArms OpenArms Project Openarms Youth Project Openarms Youth Project (OYP) OSU SODA OYP Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) PFLAG PFLAG Green Country PFLAG Stillwater police Pride 2005 pride festival pride Parade Pride Parade and festival pride protestors Pride Store protestors Pyramid Project Pyramid Project campaign Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Red Ribbon Revue Renegade Sexual Orientation and Diversity Alliance (SODA) Sexual Orientation Diversity Alliance SODA SODA OSU Tim Williams Tulsa Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Community Center Tulsa GLBT Community Center Tulsa Leather Tulsa Police Department Tulsa Pride Tulsa Pride 2005 Tulsa Pride Events Tulsa Pride Festival Tulsa Rough Riders Tulsa Roughriders Women of Council Oak https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/a82b8a34cc810a331f399f40ac44f45a.JPG 674ec6ae64342c2a238c6cdc8316579c https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/a01feb707a89e3e1b3d5de4ca9f26a6f.JPG 5b12c6ac587aec1d6f3f419e1561300c https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/24af7af1724992908f37a362b98f1291.JPG dc00cdf7e7f0bd178b020ced975f281b https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/6ef16513237fc526d258bc53ade9bb5a.JPG 0c86885b867393df8b234bf9591bdccf https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/9952f18da9bd38045fdcde1efb1a8991.JPG f8ea566b04253113b28969b5d7eedd86 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/acbeb8739787fb4f64eec7c1c0a0cb1d.JPG 3e877f14e4d6cfcb36ae2250c349778e https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/dbb1f84bc249ec6b8f18a3d2fe65e894.JPG 0201dfc903713c937255f5b44cb76068 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/740fe8942edb8c2b695284f6aa206470.JPG 4d44f6e190a5dcad14586a4c57dae678 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/e3aa97eeea504762d6e8ea9fe06bde32.JPG 3f3360e07421a262cb83b8630aa289f7 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/013d22f2dac849e998ac5a5cee84e7c5.JPG 303e30b6023550c3c12c6537847e8813 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/2e9e8010347c78eb24ff1c31fcfa6174.JPG c032364141a7eed14b0bcafbc0a36f3e https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/9a734f48bcd5f0660c8c40fb0c2def15.JPG 0e89baa321d56536b1c212cad7e08d60 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/832109154af16d62c98b980551fc4dbf.JPG a5297cdbc2b6edc335eb359c3d04ec2d Photo Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] Pride Photos from Kelly Carter Subject The topic of the resource Pride Photos Description An account of the resource Photos from the 2005 Pride celebration contributed by Kelly Carter. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kelly Carter Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2005 2005 AIDS AIDS Memorial Quilt AIDS Quilt AIDS/HIV Bill Fuller Billy Fuller Billy Ray Fuller cater David Wayne Robinson HIV/AIDs june kelly Kelly Carter Morgan Zac Sweeny NAMES Project parade Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) PFLAG PFLAG Stillwater photo photos Pride Pride celebration pride Parade Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Series] Oral Histories Project > Interviews Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br />Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program<br />Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007<br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] Tay Clare Interview Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 13, 2005 Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Laura Belmonte on April 13, 2005. <strong>Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research.</strong> Tay was born on September 5, 1932. She lived in New York City until her father’s work at American Airlines resulted in a transfer to Tulsa in 1950. Soon upon arriving in Tulsa, Tay attended the University of Tulsa. She described herself as a cultural and social lesbian more so than a sexual lesbian. She discussed the lesbian scene in Tulsa, the bars, sports, relationships and social activities. Also, the various efforts in the 1970s to form LGBT organizations and the Human Rights Commission’s survey and report on sexual preferences and the need for anti-discrimination protections. Tay was one of the organizers of the first Metropolitan Community Church which began by meeting in her home. She discussed Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, including some of her concerns about their focus and training issues around the information line. Tay passed in the 2020s in Tulsa. Subject The topic of the resource Tay Clare Oral History Project Interview from April 13, 2005 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tay Clare, Laura Belmonte, Dennis Neill 2005 anti-discrimination laws available at Center Human Rights Commission interview Laura A. Belmonte Laura Belmonte lesbian Metropolitan Community Church OKEQ Oral History Project oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript Tay Clare TOHR transcript TU Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) University of Tulsa video https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/85bdaebc520c9c940793e06586981e92.jpg d722db5a0835af08236ecb30787b514a https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/be7fc6a28ce11e62e60a4047111f8fb6.pdf 96c2f07c640a770cb1befbc1bb5dd2c7 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document PR Y S RV N H ■ TA OMMUN TY ···· 1~ ~r; <t Page 2 .i I I i ! j Miss Peggy Lee A Career Chronicle Robert Strom Foreword by Keely Smith Available Spring/Summer 2005 Peggy Lee holds a speciai place in the history of American and jazz music. From her bit n May 26, 1920, to her final recording on August 26, 1995, to the New Yorker's obituary from February of 2002, these chronological entries cover every moment of her professiOnal life. Detailed entries 'describe recordings (both albums and songs), radio and television appearances, her work in films, and her songwriting efforts, draw from interviews ·with Lee and others, nightclub and concert reviews, and a wealth of other sources. Appendices list songs that Lee performed and recorded and a selective list of her CDs. The work concludes with a bibliography and is illustrated with many rare photographs. About the Author Author Robert Strom lives in San Leandro, Caiifornia. www.mcfarlandpub.com HOW DARE YOU ... ? Are there not times you would just like to ask exactly that? How dare you? How dare you drag me into that argument? How dare you refer to me in that manner? How dare you wear that? How dare you color your hair chartreuse? · More importantly how da::e you show any one in our community disrespect because you can't accept who you are? Am I upset, YES! Overwhelmingly so! You see when I arrived back in j oplin in 1996. there existed a J opjn Pride organization and ;:he first letter I read in tnei r newsletter was from a young man ,vho ·.,:a~ tired cf ~he "prideiessne,s" of Jopl:n's Queer Community Anci this vcung man was moving away to where he hoped he could find a community with some pride. This last t\vo \vceks has sh(nvn those of us at the C)zark Star just ho-..v kY\V people can reaHy be and the inability of our con11nunit\~ to take pride in itself. .r\ friend \vho i5 a mas~age therapist, a legai, gcrvernn1cnt regulated, therapeutic professional \V3S a~J~ to offer 1nore than a massage. Sexual favors were requested with a flippant "your family, aren't you?" Another friend whose job is to work closely with people living with HIV, providing support in financial, medical and social services was ask the same thing ... "after all your gay!" Then I received a phone call from someone asking if we could get together? "Your writing for a gay paper and don't you preach at a gay church" so after all you must be a homosexual and I have this fantasv." Well fantasize this! I am a gay male not turned off by being called gay, homosexual or faggot and am strong being confident in myself and who I am. I am in a loving relationship and don't need fantasies from myself or yours. I am a professional having spent over thirty years in health care, having written for two other gay oriented magazines, having belonged to gay support organizations, marched in numerous protest, have won a battle to get my job back after being fired for no other reason but that I was gay. And yes as a professional I am also the pastor of the longest surviving gay organization in Joplin, Missouri. I love my congregation, my community and wouid do anything for them. Do I respect myself and am I happy with whom I am. Absolutely! Well fantasize this! My friend the massage therapist is a professional caring for her clients, maintaining the highest standards of practice and caring about her community. She respects herselE, knows who she is and is willing :o help anyone, anywhere she is. Does she respect herself and is she happy witl: whom she is, Absolutely! Well fantasize this! My friend who provides for the HIV communiry is a professional :hat ioving cares for and provides for her dien~s, their families and makes every attempt co keep the community safe. Does she respect herself and :s she happy with whom she is? l\bsoluteiv! \X:eil fantasize this! A community . ..continued-pg 15 Page 6 Dear Editor: We received the Ozark's Star today and CONGRATULATIONS on your 1st year anniversary! That is quite an accomplishment and we are very proud of you. Besides writing the travel column for you we have also got ro know you and how truly a nice and generous person you are. We know that only the very best in life will prevail for you. Again, congratulations on your 1st anniversary. We are only glad that in some small way we could have been a part of it. "Love, live, laugh ............. " Donald Pile Ray Williams The Gay Travelers Dear Editor: Congratulations on the 1st anniversary of the Ozarks Star. We here in Northwest Arkansas truly appreciate your publication. You have made a tremendous difference here in our area. Keep up the good work. Kelly Crissman Studio 716 Dear Editor: The owners and staff at REE'S Joplin send our congratulations and appreciations on your first year of publication. The Ozarks Star is truly a community asset. Thank You! Richard, Dave, Terry, Kara, Gabe, Austin, Robby and S.A. REE's Nightciub, Joplin 'Denying these soldiers the right to serve is wrong,' said HRC Political Director Winnie Stachelberg. WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign lauded 12 soldiers and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network who filed suit today for the soldiers' right to be reinstat~d in the U.S. Armed Forces. All were forced to leave t-he service under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which bans service by openly gay, lesbian and bisexual soldiers. "Denying these soldiers the right to serve is wrong," said HRC Political Director Winnie Stachelberg. "All have served during the war on terror. All have had their careers cut short because of a discriminawry policy." Stachelberg continued, "Our nation needs qualified and experienced soldiers. But under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' nearly 10,000 soldiers including docwrs, pilots, linguists and other highly skilled soldiers - have been discharged. We laud these 12 soldiers and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network for bringing this important case forward." The suit, Cook v. Rumsfeld, was filed Dec. 6 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and challenges the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban's constitutionality on privacy, due process, equal protection and free speech grounds. According to SLDN's press release, the plaintiffs together have served more than 65 years in the armed forces, including operations in the Middle East, and have earned more than five dozen awards, medals and commendations. "American soldiers are risking their lives for the freedoms of others while being denied their own," added Stacheiberg. "It's time for every soldier to be treated equally." The Human Rights Campaign is proud to work w°lth SLDN and other groups on behalf of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans in the military. Visit: www.hrc.org. Page 7 OUT ON VACATION "Traveling in the gay friendly world" by Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com "BROADWAY: The Golden Age" There are dozens and dozens of reasons for ,__ _____________ _, traveling. Seeing new sights and sounds of a new area that vou have never been to before is fun but for us one of the finest rewards about traveli~g is meeting new and exciting people. On our recent trip to West Hollywood we stayed at the Secret Garden Bed and Breakfast, www.secrecgardenbnb.com where we always stay. The owner, Raymond Bilbool is a fabulous host and that is why guests return all the time. And because Raymond is so fabulous he gets a very eclectic group of guests that stay with them. \)'./bile there we met Rick McKay, the New York City film maker. His new movie, BROADWAY: The Golden Age recently came out and it is a truly outstanding work of art. It is the most important, ambitious and comprehensive film ever made about America's most celebrated indigenous art form. It is award-winning filmmaker Rick McKay's journey over 4 continents and 5 years to find out whether there had been a golden age of theatre and why it had never been documented. He soon learned that great films can be restored, fine literature can be kept in print but historic Broadway performances of the past are the most endangered. In their own words and not a moment too soon "Broadway: The Golden Age tells the stories of our theatrical legends, how they came to New York, and how they created this legendary century in American theatre. This may be the last chance that these stories may be documented, for unlike film and television, live theatre exists only in the memories of those who were there watching, or more importantly, creating this magic. The movie tells the stories of these legendary stars while illustrating their tales with amazing, rare, archival performance footage and their own home· movies and photos. It is truly unbelievable how Rick McKay got interviews with all of these outstanding talents. A few of rhe many, many theatre entertainers that he interviewed are: Carol Channing, Angela Lansbury, Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Carol Burnett, Julie Harris, Carol Lawrence, Gwen Verdon, Nanette Fabray, Elaine Srritch (who is our favorite), Marian Seldes (another big favorite of·ours), Uta Hagen, Ben Gazzara, Robert Morse, Chita Rivera, Jerry Orbach plus dozens of others. Rick has a very '.!!lcanny ability to bring om the best of these people while he interviewed them and they all teli about their past experiences on the Broadway stage. The movie is completely mesmerizing. The movie has won ciozens of aw:uds induding: Audience Award at the Palm Beach International Film Festival and Best Documentary at the San Diego Film Festival. Some o~ the critical reviews on the moYie are: "An essential record of Broadway history that every theatre-goer MUST see .... " Qeffrey Lyons, NBC), "Do not miss this absolute stunner of a film. TI1ere is magic in it:'' (Pete: Travers - RolJing Stone Magazice), "A rip-roari:1g good time! iike 111 minutes of paradise\" (Robert Osborne-The Hollywood Reporter), "Magic. .. McKay pusned his stars to remember things in astonishing detail. Sandwiched becween archival stills and rare stage footage, these stars reveal themselves, ............ continued page-26 Page 8 Tulsa OkJabomaC THE GAY KINGDOM OF THE CORAL SEA ISLANDS Scattered over some 1 million square kilometres of ocean, the Gay & Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands were declared independent from Australia in 2004. The Patliitnieot of the Gay Kingdom presumes that the Coral Sea Islands are not holdings of the Australian Government or the Commonwealth, as the Islands have never bef().(e been peopled until the gay migration in 2004. The ceding of the holdings of the Coral Sea Islands from the British Crown to the Australian Government and the Commonwealths Coral Sea Islands Act of 1969 is dubious as:'no British or Australian flag bas ever been raised in the territory, nor has there ever: .~en any recording of anyone formally proclaiming the Coral Sea Islands as part ,;,J .the British/ Australian Crown. In fact historically the only flag to ever fly in the tt;m,tory is the gay rainbow flag which was formally raised on Cato Island (the highest;'poilit in the 1 million square km territory) a plaque commemorating this historic ·event reads On the 14th day of June 2004. at this the highest point in the Co . Parker Anderson raised the gay rainbow flag and claimed the .;@laiitls,sof the Co~ Sea in his name as homeland for the gay and lesbian peoples of tlie \v6tld. God Save our King!" C~: The Island of Heaven, formally known as Cato Island, Queensland, Australia. The Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands offers a policy of automatic citizenship to gays and lesbians, similar to Israel's right of return. For more information go to the official website: www.gaykingdom.org. Page 9 LL PAGE COLOR ADVERTISING NO A BLE IN THE CONTACT US: 417·437·2275 OZARKSSTAR@SBCGLOBAL,NET > SE SEEN WITH ,.-JwtE ST~-AR; AD~RTISE W ' ~,... .. .. '' Page 10 Joplin Couple Host Fifth Annual Christmas Open House by Star writer Greg Steele Dec 5th, 2004 ]oplin,MO. Tom Walton and Tim Baker held their 5th open house Christmas . .. .. . .. :;. . . . : Charity for "Aids Project of the Ozark'~!' (M~P>) on Sunday December 5th. A crowd of more that 75 friends, neighbors and family~m~inbers filled Tom and Tim's recently purchased home. Each guest donated riori perishable household items such as laundry soap, bleach, toiletries, dish soap,. paper t0wels and many other daily living essentials. All donations will be distributed to A.PO members who depend .on APO and other organizations to survive. Many memb.ers only source of income ,is Social Security monthly payments and a meager amonnt of food stamps. The state food stamp program allows recipients to purchase only food items, all other items that are necessary to function day to day are out of poclcet expense. . We who think nothing of buying a pack of bar soap don't realize people who p;y rent and utilities. on $600 per month or less go without many of these goods. Tim and Tom work very hard each year on their project, providing food and beverage for the guest .to enjoy this once a year worthy event. Over 100 items were collected this year. A great showing of Christmas Spirit by the Joplin GLBTA .community. It's a party everyone looks forward too each holiday season, a time to see old friends, make new acquaintances and to have a great time. More important to exercise our giving spirit. Congratulations to Tim and Tom on another successfui open house. You are truly appreciated by your community. You may contact "Aids Project of the Ozarks" at 417-624-5788 or Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin at 417-206-6179 to contribute. · Rodney Burgamy 405.840.2106 Joe Brennan www .c21-goldc::astle~mm Page 11 a I t e The Ozarks Star V e 716 w. sycamore Fayetteville, AR 479-571-1300 www.studio716.net OPEN wed-sun 9pm - 2am c I u b WEDNESDAYS: Cruisn' for rhe Hook-up on HUMP-DAYl Happy Hour $5 Beer Bust THURSDAYS: Karaoke rill' 12 then it's the Piastic Thursday Dance Party with DJ "COLT" FRIDAYS: Friday Night get WILD wid: DJ "JUX" & the Best Mix of HipHop, Tech & YOUR requests all night long! SATURDAYS: It's the 716 EXTREME DANCE PARTY with DJ "BRANDON]" SUNDAYS: The Queens of NWA@ 11:30 Every Sunday & DJ "IRISH" Spinning all night long!! Page 12 4815 South Harvard Ave., Suite 424 Tulsa, OK 74135-3068 Phone: (918) 747-5466 Email: KellyKirbyCPA@sbcgiobal.net or. King Size Bads. akrast. Serving the tax and accounting needs of the GLBT Community since 1982 Page 13 1s1as. Gien$t6ne · (417)881-8444 Office Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.com This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax: (636) 938-3539 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com t Page 15 The Ozarli:s Star taking pride in itself, knowing that it can and ·will rise above all things to make this a community that includes everyone, vou see it's not the "straight folk" that ~et us apart. It is our own inability to take pride in ourselves, to respect ourselves and to love ourselves. It is the inability to have enough pride, love and respect to support our own community. It is the inability for G/L/B/T owned or managed businesses to offer support to the community they expect to support them by using their products or services. On a recent trip, I found that the local MCC never has to buy flowers for their Sunday events. The local florist ( of course we know that none of the florist in town are family ) take flowers that they know will not remain fresh enough to sell and make arrangements for the sanctuary for Sunday and then has someone from the church pick them up on Saturday. One of the local motels always discounts the cost of rooms for the church to have guest speakers and performers coming to town. The amazing thing here is that thev are not members of the church but see. the importance of supporting the community. No one has the right to ask you for sexual favors or knock on your door and offer money for sex because they think that is what all of us do. We do not live in a "Queer As Folks" world but in a real world that won't respect us till we respect ourselves. And while we are on it! Taking pride, respect ·and loving ourselves includes supporting our community. I have lived from the tip of Florida to the northern parts of California and have for this magazine to continue it must rely on support from businesses advertising in it. Advertising in the Star does not mean you are gay or lesbian or in distinct variation of the sexual family. Real Estate Agents, Hotels, Accountants, Insurance Agents and others have advertised here and the distribution list has grown to 3,300 with a goal of 5 000 next month but will we still be h~re? If you do have a business and are a member of this community you should be advertising in the Star. There is no reason not to. There is every reason to. Take pride, respect and love in yourself and do the right thing. Till Next Month. G?99unte Steve Urie is the pastor of Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin ,md is ii professional in the health care industry. Dedicatd to helping others and building community pride. Steve can be contacted by email at: steve@ozarksstar.com Quotable Quotes . "Barbra Streisand is not the only 'Babs' to have commanded the attention of gay men. Barbara Bush the Younger, 22-year-old daughter of George W. Bush ... is fast developing a reputation as a 'fag hag' extraordinaire." - The lead on a Nov. 4 article in the New Haven (Conn.) Advocate. never seen a community magazine the quality of the Ozark Star. Our editor is doing a CDoy CO~eOM8 8- t ffiUtgs <:Bouttque wonderful job of putting this magazine out there for you and it is distributed FREE. But 4f7..659-991S ...... , .... ,.-ca...-,s..s 719 NII• --•• & W...'1 L..,_ .ilpli1, MO 64t0t Nu Sins 0,.. J--,, ,,..., 1~#1pm ~t IO#'it>l'II P~ 16 2004's ~xiest Star Scene I Page 18 ceTea.ms Win EUREKA SPRINGS, ARK. - Diversity Pride Events awarded $1000 each to the top three 'GOLDEN OLDIES' dance teams during the annual Fall Diversity Weekend on Saturday, November 6, 2004. Judges chose the best teams in three categories: (MaleFemale) Don McClung and Sandy Miller, (Male-Male) Mark Short & Christopher Jones and (Female-Female) Evelyn Chronister and Trini Kaukver. . The Contest w-as the highlight of the GOLDEN OLDIES Dance that featured music from the 1940's to the present, as spun by DJ Jason Watts. The event was produced to provide a venue. for the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) /PFLAG (Parents, Friends; & Families of Lesbians and Gays) communities, to promote parity for all-gcn~er dancing and to inspire dancers to think 'out of the box' when they dance. "It's a great opportunity to explore fresh new dynamics in couple dancing, says Producer Deborah Rose, "regardless of gender combinations or sexual orientation." For a second and more CONTEMPORARY dance, Diversity Pride Events brought in big city circuit DJ, Lydia Prim, who delighted men and women dancers with her own special blend of tribal, trance and house music. Prim spins at top name events from 'Provincetown's 4th of July, NewYork Pride to Jeffrey Sanker's internationally renowned White Parties in Miami and Palm Springs, and is resident DJ in many famous' clubs all. over the world. Prim expressed her appreciation of the friendliness and generosity of the people of Eureka Springs and the high level of professionalism of the producers and crew. Prim made it clear she wants to perform in Eureka again. Diversity Pride Events will next feature a special Valentine's Dinner and Dance for the GLBT/PFLAG community on Saturday, February 19, 2005. To please dancers of all ages, DJ Jason Watts will play favorite dance hits from the 1940's to 2005, with a little bit of country mixed in! For more details, log on to http:/ /www.diversitypride.com or call 479-253-2555 Based in the heart of the Ozarks, Diversitv Pride Events invites vou to visit our little town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for Fall & Spring Diversity Weekends, romantic Valentines Geciways, special Concerts & other Pride Events. Diversity Pride .Events is committed to producing quality events for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender (GLBTs) and Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gavs (PFLAGs). . Page 19 Gay Anti-Violence Programs Decry ABC News Segment on Shepard Murder Sa' 20/20 Segments Intent is To M Victim and Cause Pain for mily and Community New York • November 26, 2004 · Responding to the airing of an ABC News 20/20 segment on the murder of Matthew Shepard, representatives of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCA VP) called the segment irresponsible, biased, shameful, and destructive. The gist of the segment, which purports to uncover evidence and details not raised or discussed in the 1999 trial of Aaron McKinney, one of the two men accused of murdering Shepard, is diat the mu:der was not hate-moti,ared, but instead motivated by drug use. "The fact is rhat ciiere 1s nothing significant in che 20/20 progr201 tnat wasn't raised during the trial," s:iid Clarence Plltton, NCA VPs Acting Excn:tive Director. "One has ;:o question th:c motivation of the show's producer~ in no! only attempting :o engage in revisionist h:story, but in doing so at this pcint in time, as our nation's lesbian anci gay community is fighring for its iife to :m extent not seen in years.'~ According to data gathered by NC'\ VP, anti-iesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender violence increased 26% nationaliy at the end of 2003, and has continued to rise throughout 2004. I ",vas in Laramie after i\ifattbe\v~s murder, and at the trial his murderers acknowledged that they killed him because of his sexual orientation, and they in fact offered a homosexual panic defense," said Jeff Montgomery, NCA VPs Board CoChair. The 20/20 segment focus is on the role the methamphetamine "Crystal Meth" played in the behllvior of McKinney and Russell Henderson, Shepard's killers. "That drugs may have played a role in a violent crime and in this murder is not news," said Patton. He continued, "Everyone knows that drugs and alcohol often play a part in hate crimes llnd bias-related incidents, as they do with most forms of violent crime from domestic violence to rape and sexual assault to murder. Drug llnd alcohol use by perpetrators can fuel the intensity of the violence in an any one incident, increase the willingness of perpetrators to act out hateful impulses, or be used as a intentionil motivator to carry out a planned attack." "However, such brutal and severe violence and leaving someone to die tied to a fence is not a marker of drug-fueled violence; it is a marker of hate violence," added Montgomery. "Had 20/20 actually wanted w do a fair and balanced story on this or any other antigay hate murder, they would have reached out to experts on anti-gay hate violence • they didnt; had they wanted to examine the impact or prevalence of drug use in violent crime or hate crimes, they would have reached out to criminlll justice officials or hate vioience victim advocates _.,jth expertise :n those areas they didn't; rod those are oniy two among many factors in determining that the rea: goal of this story wasn't to urrcar:h new informlltion or even report adciitional context, but to malign the vicrim, mortify his family and inflict pain on the larger LGBT community that came to icientify with Matthew, his life, and the fear that we all :ive with as a comm..:nity under attack," conciuded Patton. http:/ /www.ncavp.org. Page 20 Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! January 2005 Hello Kittens-another New Year is here. Out with the old and in with the new, as it were. As a community, Uncle encourages all you young and old queens and twinks alike to make this, year of the queer. Strive for better things while displaying our pride all year long. Uncle has made his new years resolutions while pondering years gone by. i.;._·..:::1.:...c. . _____ __:;=:....i Dear Uncle: I am in a relationship that I do not know how to get out 0£ I have been with her now for six years, and she does not know 1 have fallen out of love with her. She is a fragile person, with a very bad self-image. When I think of telling her I begin to feel guilty and chicken out of telling her, that there is someone else in which my heart truly belongs too. I do not want to lose the friendship, and would never want to hurt her, but I do not know what to do. Any suggestions? Lost interest Dear Lost: Kitten-First you must be true to ypurself, if you ever truly ·wish to love another. In reality the worst drama have been developed by the best of intentions. You arc prolonging the hurt, and increasing the amount she will feel. You are hurting her by staying with her when you know inside that you do not love her. Allow her to find love and yourself. As for the friendship, you better watch your back to begin with and hope once she has calmed down, that she will be able to forgi:ve you. While preparing for the fact, that she may never be able to do so. No matter what the outcome you must be true "'-ith feelings of the heart, or risk dealing with the bitter fruit of false affections. As a lesbian goes, Cncle wouldn't cross one, if they paid me too. Telling someone that you love them no matter who you are, is a bad thing. To tell a lesbian that you love her when you do not, well, that is asking for it. The only one you are truly hurting is yourself, as you will reap what you sew. Right now Lesbians everywhere reading this are thinking to themselves, "It better not be you missy!" Dear Uncle: I am passive person by nature, and therefore in most of my relationships, find myself in the passive role. This is perfectly all right with me, as it makes me happy. My friends though have been riding me telling me I am a big queen. I am so over this in my life, and frustrated with everyone sticking a label on me. I am who I am. flow can I make everybody understand this is reaily who I am and am not trying to be some stereotype? My one friend has a habit of saying look its just Jack, which annoys me to no end. I most times <lo not say anything to him, but I am just on:r everybody acting like there is something wrong with me. · Quite Queenly Dearest Queenly, Oh, gurrl- work it as if you own it. There is nothing wrong with being Flambeyant. Uncle has had to deal with this very issue throughout his life. Some days I am queenly and fabulous and others J am a bit butch. Mind you, Butch for Uncle is getting the nail polish bottle opened. However, be who you are young queen, and allow the light of your soul to shine bright. Allow these others to continue being a negative Nancy. It is so discouraging to hear of Gay men judging another like this. This is what the straight worid does to us, and that is tiresome in itself. However, do nor try to live by labels, and stereotypes . ............. continued nex page Page 21 7 1 6 S MAIN STREET, JOPLIN, MISSOURI (41 7) 627-9035 • J □ PLINIS ALTERNATIVE NIGHTCLUB Remember fairies are what makes the worid bright. Hollywood smooches to you darlingTwo snaps and a wink Uncle encourages even the most of Butch men out there w get in touch with their queenly side. It is that balance which aliows us to be the fabulous people we arc. You never know until you try. \'{'ell, Kitrens, it is almost that time again. Therefore, Uncle wishes you aU a ,cry Happy New year this 2005! Remember Kittens: Holiday cheer rnay con1e once a year, but the happy <jueer comes all year. L'nti! we meet again-Holiday smocchcs from Uncle I\Iikcy and Tiddles !<Vi. Unclemlkey4you@aol.com i)ndc ;\{ikcy i~ ~l ,::ht.r<Kt:,:,; from l1rcd:i;ic;;; "',Yrirt:r ~fo . .:hac! Hinziniln- ;,.fich~d h:..5 been wzitinp; for ten ycazs. Ucifo:int; bis 3-tud;e$, and life expnie11<:i:: to hdp od,~n; in his cnmmuni;;:y~ through humor an<l ~oun<l 21,h-"ice. .:.\lich~,d ~pplied hi~ study of p~ychology and crt~tivt" -..n:iring, ;.~ wcH h1$- c:,:t<'nsivc background in m{;ni1?l he?,ich Din:ct care 10 hr:in~t .:. m.:1.v :•tyk and :--ppro-adl w hdpm.g athcrs, :\lkh.-d'$ other \Vorks cnn be ":icwe.<l M ~liu~(!nlUlL..1:.lli.L. Page 22 Message from Dr. Troy D. Perry Founder and Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches New LGBT Marriage and Partner Victories Around The World! December 9, 2004 Around the world, the cause of LGBT partner and marriage rights is moving forward! LGBT people, along with our friends and families, are celebrating four significant victories this week for same-sex marriage. Look at what has been achieved this week alone: CANADA We actually experienced two ·victories in Canada this week! Canada's Supreme Court has ruled that the federal government can broaden the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples and that it can be applied across the nation. In a related decision, the Court ruf ed that churches and religious officials cannot be forced to perform same-gender marriages against their belief. MCC wholly supports this riiling, believing that all religious groups should have the freedom to practice the tenets of their faith. . At this point, six provinces and one territory have made same-sex marnage legal - and this ruling paves the way for same-sex marriage to be instituted across all of Canada. A final vote in Parliament is set for early next year. Once again, I salute the pioneering work of the Reverend Dr. Brent Hawkes and the congregation of Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. This church, under Rev. Hawkes' leadership, won the first-ever legal case for same-sex marriage in Ontario's Supreme Court, paving the way for nationwide LGBT marriage rights in all of Canada. 1bis week's legal decision opens new possibilities for MCCers as we prepare to gather in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in July 2005 for MCC's General Conference & World Jubilee. Originally, MCC was prepared to exercise our prophetic voice hr carrying our struggle for marriage equality to the holdout province of Alberta; it now appe.ars that same-sex marriage may be fully legal in Alberta by the time our MCC conference begins next year in Calgary! Praise God! NEW ZEALAND 1bis week, New Zealand passed a national law giving LGBT couples the same legal rights as married heterosexual couples. The new Civil Union Bill allows same-sex couples to register their relationships with the government, and grants legal equality. In many places, Civil Union Bills are an important st~p on the way to foil marriage equality. Earlier this year, in my role as Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, I wrote personal letters to every member of the New Zealand Parliament. I asked that they act to protect the legal rights of their same-sex citizens by adopting the proposed Civil Union Bill. I am gratified that those requests have been honored. I want to salute the important and tireless work done by MCC leaders Neil Hellewell and Tony Maskill of All Saints MCC in Christchurch, New Zealand. We owe them a debt of gratitude for the incredible amount of work they put into this effort, along with Rev. Doug McGee and the congregation of MCC Auckland, and Rev. Leigh Neighbor and the members of Ecclesia MCC Manukau. Their hard work will make a real and profound difference in the lives of thousands upon thousands of LGBT New Zealanders, and sets a noble example for countries around the world . ........... continued page 25 Page 23 Creator: Paula Martinac has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac Ja.nuary 2005 Blunt-Force Trauma I'm not employed in a factory, office building, or school; to start work every morning, all I do is mosey upstairs to my home office and turn on the computer - an enviable set-up, considering many people's. way-less-than-ideal working conditions. Still, I face a grave occupational hazard, and it's bigger than carpal tunnel syndrome: I ,am a lesbian journalist at a time when the news- from the gay front has been brutally devastating. Indeed, for those of us who work in lesbian and gay media or activism and must read the headlines every day, the onslaught of "toxic news" is one of the perils of our jobs. · · Psychotherapists say that the accumulation of negative everi,ts has a particularly harmful impact on mental health. For example, if you --------------- have one love affair tum sour, it will hurt; but Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own Write." if several relationships tank in a row, that can be injurious to your long-term emotional health. In a similar way, I've been feeling the snowballing effect of a number of terrible gay-related news reports. No, not simply terrible, like the passage of 11 antigay amendments in one day; the reports I'm referring to are more _Twilight Zone_-esque. In fact, three recent stories made me feel like I had entered an alternate reality - or maybe was living in a quasi-fascist state. Not coincidentally, all three of the stories have to do with religion. Story No. 1: "Methodist Jury Convicts Lesbian Minister." Of child abuse? Embezzling church funds? No, Beth Stroud, a United Methodist Church minister, was found "guilty" of living openly in a committed relationship with another woman. Shocking! This decision was handed down by a church whose marketing slogan is, hypocritically, "Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors." Story No. 2: "Gay Civil Unions 'Grave Sign of Dehumanization,' Says Vatican Cardinal." By that statement, Cardinal Lopez Trujillo, one of the Roman Catholic Church's highest-ranking representatives, didn't mean that civil unions "dehumanize" gay couples because they reduce them to second-class status something a civil-rights lawyer might, in fact, argue. He meant that any form of legal recognition of same-sex relationships - even if it isn't called marriage "dehumanizes" heterosexuals by "inventing new, unacceptable notions of marriage," God's plan for the world. (I'm guessing that Trujillo chose the word "dehumanizing" because he sees our next step as trying to marry our pets.) Story No. 3 (and this is the clearest "we live in a fascist state" example): "Two Networks Reject Church Ad as Too 'Controversial."' Because it dishonored Judaism or Islam or some other non-Christian religion? Because it avowed that "God Hates Fags"? No and no again. The advertising message the United Church of Christ (UCC) wanted to offer American television viewers, including lesbian and gay couples, was "You're welcome here." CBS had an eerily _Pravda_-like explanation for its decision not to accept the UCC spot: "The Executive Branch has recently proposed a Constitutional Amendment to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, [so] this spot is unacceptable for broadcast." These stories nir me with unusual force, .......... co:itinued pagc-26 Page24 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo Sao Vicente January 2005 Mischa Barton Meets Bf..l~caccio It's probably just the tbing that Mischa Barton wanted for Chrismukkah: a chance to stretch her acting wings with a movie role that has nothing to do with her media-frenzied life as a star of _The O.C._ And if negotiations continue to go her way, audiences will get a chance to see the teenage actor starring in a new film adaptation of _The Dccamcron_ (the first since legendary gay director Pier Paolo Pasolini's 1971 version). One of the classics of world literatute, Giovanni Boccaccio's story of a group of 10 young Florentines escaping the Black Plague in the 1300s and telling each other 100 stories to pass the time remains as entertaining and bawdy - and often pretty queer - today as it did then. And with nine more young, pretty actors needed to fill in the cast, it could all tum out to be more like a 14th-century _O.C._ than anyone could have imagined. Sarsgaard's Active Duty Good thing military-themed movies aren't playing the "don't ask, don't tell" game, or _Jarhead_, the upcoming Desert Storm drama from director Sam Mendes (_American Beauty_j, would be short a couple of key cast members. The newest recruit to enlist in the cast is Peter Sarsgaard, a young actor whose career so far has been steeped in queer-themed indie films like _Boys Don't Cry_, _Kinsey_ - in which his bisexual character beds both Liam Neeson and Laura Linney - and the upcoming Craig Lucas film, _The Dying Gaul_, in which he plays gay. And Jake Gylleohaal, who just learned what it's like to make out with Heath Ledger onscreen io the upcoming _Brokeback Mountain_, costars. Who says military life and queerness don't mix? Ruffalo Yells for Stella Audiences can't seem to get enough of that troubled gay playwright Tennessee Williams. His plays are constantly in production somewhere, and every actor, male and female, wants a chance to play the roles the man wrote. So it's oo surprise that yet another revival of _A Streetcar Named Desire_ is in the works. This time out, Mark Ruffalo will play the brutish Stanley Kowalski and Natasha Richardson will take on Blanche Dubois. Previews begin in New York in March, running through June 19. And it's all going to 1:llke place at Studio 54, former home of the _Cabaret_ revival, which seems appropriate in some discreetly old-school gay way. From Small Sentence to Big Screen When former _Sex and the City_ writers Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo wrote the sentence, "He's just not that into you," little did they know how it would all tum out. That one line, which became an episode plot and then a bestselling tongue-in-cheek dating guide titled, yes, _He's Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys_, is now on its way to the big screen. New Line can take the credit for seeing the box-office potentiai in this comic premise, and the · authors were forward-thinking enough to develop a plot line for a film before selling the book rights, one in which a female talk-show host becomes "sort of' involved with a man who guests on her show. No cast is set yet, but any number of fresh-faced Hollywood ladies would shine in something like this. Romeo thinks the easily typecastable Kate Hudson could use a hit right about now. Just a thought. ------ Page 25 Rev. Troy Perry from page-22 SOUTH AFRICA A South African court has ruled this week that same sex marriages must be recognized in the same way as heterosexual marriages, under the nation's constitution. South Africa, as you may know, was the first nation in the world to provide legal p):otections for gays and lesbians in its country's constitutio.n. ~'J:,ile the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of LGBT equality, the Parliament of South African must now act to reform the nation's Marriage Act to include same-sex couples. I thank God for the many South African MCCers who continue to do important work on behalf of social justice as an expression of their Christian faith. In many ways, South Africa is a beacon for all of us. ISRAEL And our LGBT brothers and sisters in Israel have achieved another victory for etjuality and justice as a district court has ruled that same-sex couples must have the same rights as common law couples when it comes to matters of property, taxation and inheritance. Israel's attorney general, Menachem Mazuz, will not appeal the ruling. Th.is is another significant ruling that moves our community closer to equality under the law. According to this decision, same-sex partners will be recognized in matters of taxation and real estate, and will also be able to transfer gifts between themselves without paying taxes. The prayers of the ancient prophet who prayed that "justice might roll down as waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream"' are being answered in this birthplace of our faith. IN CONCLUSION While much of the media have focused on the recent election losses in the United States, we must look at the bigger picture. Around the globe, many nations are advancing the cause of equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons. With all the talk today about moral values in the aftermath of the U.S. elections, the reality is that the most noble moral values of tolerance, acceptance, etJUality and justice are being advanced in many places around the globe. My own country of the United States must learn from the example of other countries where equality is being achieved for LGBT people. I have. said many times that the struggle of social justice work is that of many steps forward, and some steps backward. This is the journey towards equality. I take heart this week that our brothers and sisters .around the globe are making giaht strides for us to follow. During. this season of hope, we are heartened by these international advances, and reaffirm our faithful work and prayers on. behalf of peace and justice in all places. FREE HIV TESTING,NO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which docs not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidcntiaiity. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "&roing A Healthier Community" Page 26 Gay Travelers from page 7 their art and their lives, all with so much love and appreciation that, for a while you wish you could have been a part of something as bonding, fulfilling and special· as Broadway's theater community ..... Broadway: The Golden Age finally evolves into an indispensable history of the hopes, fears, trials, defeats and victories of those brave enough to step into the limelight of a Broadway stage and make it their home." (Dano Gire, Chicago Daily Herald). Rex Reed wrote "riveting, Heart-skipping, exhilarating.. the most enchanting movie I have seen this year" and Leonard Maltin wrote "you must see the wonderful film ... The result is almost indescribably powerful and moving". And to add to what these critics have already said, we urge all of our readers to purchase this movie on DVD. It will be something that you will cherish for years to come. • We have seen the movie 4 times and can't wait to see it again and again. Anyone and everyone who is into Broadway simply MUST see this movie. And it is now out on DVD. The movie is great however the DVD is even better since there are several hours more in the Director's Commentary, deleted scenes and a sneak preview of his next movie, BROADWAY: The Next Generation. The movie is playing all over the United States so be sure and check your local theatre listings to find it. And by going to: www.broadwaythemovie.com you can read more about the movie and Rick McKay. You can also purchase a copy of the DVD by going to that website. · Besides Rick McKay being a brilliant filmmaker he is also a wonderful person who is witty, charming, intelligent and extremely fun and fuonv to be around. So, when you are traveling talk to everybody as you never know just who you might meet. For any questions about traveling in the gay friendly world, email Donald and Ray at gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their web page at: www .hometown.aol.com/ gaytravelers Lesbian Notions from pg-23 because as a queer editor and writer I have tried not to trample on people's religious beliefs, especially those chat diverge sharply from my own. Indeed, I have written that I think our community has failed to respect the strong religious ideas many people of faith hold about the "sanctity" of marriage, and that has subsequently hindered our struggle for equality. Now here come three reports that clearly illustrate the difficulty of addressing people's religious beliefs headon, given entrenched, institutionalized homophobia. Io the first two stories, prominent religious institutions chose to debase gay people by equating our relationships with crimes - either against selectively applied church law, or (as in Trujillo's case) against nature itself. If that's not "spiritual violence" - as the Rev. Mel White's Soulforce calls "the misuse of religion to sanction the condemnation and rejection of any of God's children" I don't know what is. The third story, though, is the real eye-opener. In that instance, when a religious sect sought to interpret Christ's teachings with the simple, all-embracing message of "You're welcome here," corporate America put a lid on the attempt, deciding that the message was just too contentious. (Read: Our . president, who was helped into power by right-wing, aotigay fundamentalists, wouldn't like it.) This is a good example of what screenwriting guru Robert McKee calls "the negation of the negation" - when someone sees injustice and tries to right it, only to· discover to his or her horror that the powers-that-be are themselves corrupt. I'm not sure how to deflect the devastating blows that this kind of news delivers, although getting angry is probably a pretty good start. Remember that popular saying, "Don't mourn, organize"? I, for one, will keep climbing to my third-story office and writing, and my readers, hopefully, will find themselves with no choice but to act. _Paula Martinac is a Lambcia Literary Awardwinning author of eight books and editor in chief of Q Syndicate. She can be reached care of this publication or at LesbianNotions@qsyndicate.com_. Page27 Seo by Jack Fertig January 2005 es "Bring rubber gloves, Virgo!" Mars in Sagittarius square to Uranus in Pisces makes for an explosive New Year's Eve! Anything can happen, from kissing Ms. or 1'.fr. Right, to traffic disasters. Keep a dear head and your eyes forward! ARIES (March 21 to April 20): Gathering all your "friends with benefits" to "wring in the nude" may be illegal in certain U.S. states and Tasmania, but Murphy's Law is more relevant. However you celebrate, make sure to play with clear heads and clean latex! TAURUS (April 21 to Mii.y 20): Career goals are kind of fi.\zzy these days, and "helpful" suggestions from your partner or colleagues aren't helping - in fact, too iμany suggestions can be dizzying. Better they · should lend an ear while you talk through it. GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Be careful whom you kiss at midnight! Whatever's going around has your name on it. Pressure at work can also undermine your health. Stress and snafus feed inro each other. Stop, meditate, and then return to work calm and effident. CANCER 0une 22 to July 22): Sexual adventure is way too tempting. Adventure is good, but for heaven's sake, be careful! Anything could go wrong now, from sprained backs to torn latex to ... well, anything! Be as creative and thoughtful about safety as you are about sex. LEO 0uly 23 to August 22): Host a party only if you can dean up in a hazmat suit - and if you know where to hide the bodies! A wild ceiebrarion for two at home is great. If you want to socialize more than that, go out. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): No, darling, you can only make New Year's resolutions for yourself! I know you want to be hdpful, but most people find such suggestions insulting. If a Leo invites you to a party, bring rubber gioves. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): This is an expensive season, and some holiday surprises are likely to hit your wallet pretty rudely. Resolving to economize is good, of course, but some of your ideas on how to do that may be unrealistic. Think it through! SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): Be very selective about your guests now. Domestic disturbances - or plumbing disasters - are brewing. Extra company will only make things tougher. Also, pay attention to your own role in fixing things. Your efforts can too easily backfire. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Everybody has doubts, disappointments, and worries this time of year; some are just better at covering them up. Yours come tumbling out all too easily. Focus on spiritual gifts as they occur. The rest doesn't really matter. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): Working the social scene is carrying some extra expenses. Brace yourself for "sticker shock." Make innovative use of your resources, but don't go too far out on a limb! You can save a bundle and impress others with your brilliance of economy. AQUARIUS 0anuary 20 to February 18): Whatever goes wrong, you're sure to be blamed for it. You're used to that, but now it offers a bit of freedom. Trust your instincts for inspiration to stir things up, and trust in your own audacity to avoid the worst of it. PISCES (February 19 to March 19): Your emotional roller coaster gets a few extra dips and twists now. A vacation is a tempting escape, but travel at this time is fraught with rude surprises. Religious or spirituai exploration offers more surprises, but of a gentler and more reveiatory nature. Jack Fertig has been working as a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Networking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864- 8302, through his website ai hup:l lwww.stJlrjack.com Page 28 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Lodging- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. S::camore- - 479-571-130 Ron's Place- 523 W. Poplar- - - 479-442-3052 Wild-On - - -3570 \'C 6th- - . 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 l /2 Garrison Ave- -479-783-9988 Club 1022 -1022Dodson;\ve. - -479-782-1843 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Club One Eleven- - 111 Garden St- - - - -620-4111 Our House Lounge 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Smet -1021 Jessie Rd- --501-664-2744 Discovery- - • - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- -501-372-3070 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - - - 716 S. Main - - - - - - -417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies ----- 3715i\fainSt - 816-561-2600 Belle Star's- - 1321 Grand Ave- -816-421-1288 DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Main StM: issie B's- - -805 W. 39th St- - Sidestreet Bar -413 E. 3rd- - - - Sidekicks Saloon • 3707 Main St- -8 1 6-471-1575 816-561-0625 816-531-1775 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Springfield ( 417) The Edge- -424 Boonviiie Ave- - - --41 '-831-4700 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Oiive -417-864-4572 Oz Bar• 504 E. Commercial· - - - - -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- -- - -405-601-7200 Club Rox• - -3535 NW 39th Expwy - 405-947-2351 Copa- - - - - - -2200 N\X. 39th fapwy- -405-525-0730 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th fapwy- 405-525-0730 Hi-Lo Club 1221 NW 50th- -405-843-1722 LldoPartne, s- -2200 NW 39th Expv:y- 405-525-0730 -280." 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Memorial- - - • - 918-660-085(; Ydlcnv Brick Road- - 2630 E. 15th - - 918-293-0304 Missouri, Joplin (417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground 417-683-9199 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground - 417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) HollywoodHotcl- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkansas, Eureka Springs "'.fCC Living Spring- -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural Staie Naturists- - - - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Llfe Church 1709 N Walnut -llAM PSU-QSJ\.. 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - - - · 6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - -10:30AM Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucky- 417-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-83"' W. Madison- 866-6206 Unituian Universalist Church - - - - 417-833-2723 APO- - - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMc MO Pride - - - - - - - - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- ~ -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Cathedral of Hope- 600 NW 13th St- 232-HOPE The Center- - 2135 NW 39th St. - 405-524-6000 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 TO!-IR- - - - :?O Bo,: 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 GLBT Co:nm. Ctr- -5545 E. 4'.st- - - 9:8-743-4297 I l i I .l I I I Page 29 The Ozarks Star -Business ServicesMissouri, Eureka Shelter Imurance• -·Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) Body Swim Massage Therapy- -417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-- -434-0077 RE/MAX - -Cathe Letts- - - - - - 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangeline Rd- - - - 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consult,- - 417-673-1181 Missouri, Springfield ( 417) Priscilla's - - - - 1918 S. Glenstone - -417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 - -4301 NW 63rd #100 - 405- 840-2106 Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 lngrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- -405-946-8444 Jungle Reds 2200 NW Expwy- 405-524-5733 Piece To Remember-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harvard - 918-747-5466 Underguy.com - -825 E. 3rd- 877-7-BOXERS Priscilla's 7925 E. 41st -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - - 5634 W. Skelly - - - --918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - -11344 E. 11th - - - -- 918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - 2333 E. 71st - - - - -- 918-499-1661 Quotable Quotes "The American government didn't do anything [about AIDS in the 1980s]. If it's gay people, let them fucking die .... Why wasn't I out marching? What kind of person was I then? .. It just fills me with despair. I'm ashamed I did nothing during that period." - Elton John to London's Time Out, Nov. 17. ... BOT BEFOaE I GO, l'D JOST LIKE TO MEN"TION THAT, FOR THE LIFE or: ME, l CANNOi UNDERSTAND WHY CONGRESS HASN'T TRIED TO CRIMINALIZE UNMARRIED «J>ARENTS11AS .. ORRf®IRE IN EX-GAY WAR ON CANADA.,, . ...,,, __ Page 30 Place your classified ad here for only $6.00 for the first 15 words, and only 25 cents for each additional word ........ . Advertising Representative's Part Time: For Kansas City, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Arkansas, Wichita Kansas and Joplin. Commission based compensation. Work in the LGBTA business community. Mail qualifications to: Oz~rks Star 2401 E. 32nd St., Suite 10-243 Joplin, MO 64804. Carl Junction, Missouri Nearly new 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in golf community. Open floor plan, whirlpool tub, deck, and maintenance free exterior are just a few of the virtues that will make this the perfect house to begin the new year in. Medium Priced. Call Vicki Bronson, Charles Burt Realtors 800-782-7822 or 41 ?-434-0077 Joplin MO64804 800-782-7822 www.vickibronson.com 1, IntemetWehsil<S ·I The Ozarks Star On-Line. Check out our website for Daiiy breaking GLBT news. www.ozarksstar.com ~;;~\RoomMateW~ . ... j Need A House Mate: Advertise here for only $6.00 first 15 words, 25 cents for each additional word. I Page 31 Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials Open 11 am Daily Happy Ho.ur 3-6 & 9-clos~ Bud Ught I Miehe/ob Ultra Draws $1.75-16oz. $2.25-23oz Best Damn Prime Rib in OKC 2 Nighf,S,,rn:ial $60 .$38 Holidays and Special Events Excluded MonthlY, Mtwe in Specials Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Ozark Star Magazine, January 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 1 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Ozark Star’s first issue began in August of 2004. Before this Issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) then follows The Star (2005) and The Metro Star (2008) This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 1, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Lady Bunny Paula Martinec Romeo San Vincente Steve T. Urie Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Southeast Kansas the United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozark Star Magazine, December 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/142 The Star, February 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/178 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/143 Christmas Open House Deep Inside Hollywood Dr Fall Diversity Weekend gay anti-violence programs Lesbian Notions partner and marriage rights Perry Qscopes Quotable Quotes The Star Scene travel Troy D Uncle Mikey violence https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/ed2c213decb580b887871607b801aa76.jpg 8586bd7f04bab884201a552b0fa43e57 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/859a766a3dddf5b32f72da730af47e5f.pdf 817abb6048404a7d81d055a10e50822b Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document TN.a 8 TAR PROUDLY SERVING THE GLBT & ALLIED COMMUNITY REE Fans 7204 E. Pine CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N Boston CLWMAVERICK 424 S. Memorial SPAS~N-SUCH 808 N 15th St, B TUI.SARA ROUGH B.IDERS J, www.tolsaroughriders.com f' UNDERGUY.COM 825 E. 3rd .: ,.'·" '~ < HI•·· .:. 111111.. www..so ............ Po&~n By K~n•tb I!. Cowhide Page 3 NWA'S ONLY GAY OWNED AND STAFFED DANCE CLUB! SUNDAY APRIL 3rd 2005 Miss Gay Arkansas USofA •· DQdn{Gpea;af 8:00pm Pag~antb~gins at 9:00.pm Cover$5: Mem. $8 Gu~t Featuring: . Miss 'G, W . -:U So.f A Layla LaRue KARAOKE WEDNESDAYS Sgfid~:April 24th, 2005 Pl.ASTIC "FHURSOAY·~A.NCE; .. Mi$.~fW Wa:shington Q:lunty PART'r' EVERYTHURSDAY! . . •· :. '. ',i ,'' A1nerit:a GO GO BOY$ E\'~R,Y F,FUbAY . . . :00pm & SA:TURDAY NJGHJ:! a.t 9:00pm NWA1S1BE&:F'.DRA:G SHOW· ; ··~-/Guest EVERYSUNE>AYNlGHT! .. ·Featuring~ ... Special thank& :tr;:alFof yqu who mc;tde. my S4th b!r,t,~ey.~ ~ . · · Huge'.'success ... · ].ave Kelly . 0,9. Kamri.o. M,!k?-els '04 Makayla Duvoi MGWC.Emeritus Vicki V~[eptine Fr:iday ,Wril 2$tfu· S~N~E;ff StiOW FOR E:GRANl'l: . {jSdfA Classic Ft~lp u,s ~n~ aarbie to Dallas for . . NEdibn~ts)n Mey! . -2am . AR 479~571-1300 net· E.01,1.r .. Sta Rodeo 2005 by Greg Steele TULSA, OK. With the Fort Worth rodeo kicking off the 2005 gay rCldeo in March, T~~~. T-Town Jiodeo the f.our .~t?-tes region's buckin show' .. '"' .. ·. ·on 4£rj1 Sth- ' Afena. For atio ,;t6 stai:ero0~~~t~{~: ti~e Rock with . . . fo : ·, ~d.sta:Of'g-)1 ,_ h~i~l ?· o Wi.':~)pfc:s~;e;d£l~ii,.1:he .,,y in Oklahoma State OGRA is the 3~d largest ga}'iodeo event under the· IGR!A :w!iibteila:.·lFor,1schcdule f eventssYisif ·: .. GltAY"S- ~:~ff lat ', ,',' , fellowship with its member ~sociati~s, donates thousands of dollars to cha#fy each year. The Gay and . of the United States enriched by the ed • through its sanctioning · the various events and . part of wh.at ~• call Gay Rodeo. Your local Rodeq Associatio(! rieeds your support, :~e fi:tn: fur'~ sdo'a cause. They Do!·. Page 5 Sooner State Rodeo .entertainment. The cast included Rachel Ward, Kris Kole, Anita Dickey, Pat La Association F d . Morte, Jonathan Brown, Kris Enloe, Un raiser Jamie Summers and Reba Lynn Cole. A by Greg Steele dinner and show to benefit SSRA was photo's by Chaz Rachel Ward lvfiss SSRA 2005 TULSA, OK_ Royalty was out :in full force March 19th around T-Town. A benefit to raise funds for SSRA's T-Town Rodeo. The event was hosted by Rachel Ward Miss SSRA 2005 and held at the Bamboo Lounge. The audience was delighted with the variety of Jamie Summers Miss Iowa 2004 Kris Enloe Mr. SSRA 2003-2004 also held at The Supper Club in Tulsa. SSRA's T-Town Rodeo kicks off the four states rodeo season on April 8th, 9t.h and 10th at the Tulsa Expo Square Arena 4145 E. 21st. This is the 1st rodeo for SSRA and their 3rd year of incorporation. For tickets and information visit the website at ,vvlw.soonerstaterodeo.com. Jonathan Brown Mr. SSRA 2005 Anita Dicky Miss Bamboo 2005 (by default) Page 6 APRIL 2005 by Andrew Collins "Galveston, Texas" Although America's Gulf Coast doesn't have any major gay beach resorts, the Texas barrier island of Galveston has steadily become a popular option. This scenic haven of sandy beaches, opulent Victorian houses, and touristy but engaging seafo?d restaurant~ ~d souvenir shops attracts quite a few gays and lesbians from Texas and the Gulf South - it's Just 50 iniles south of Houston. Galveston has a handful of accommodations that market specifically to the gay community, as well as a few lively gay bars. and discos. Many of the queer folks yoi,i're apt to meet around town either own second homes or rent cottages here. Late spring through early fall, the city absolutely swells with visitors,· but no matter the time of year, the gay presence tends to be relatively discreet.. You won't see same-sex couples holding hands around town, as Galveston remains first and foremost a ,destination for families and retirees, many of whom tend toward the conservative side. Nevertheless, with colorful architecture, a small but discernible arts scene, and a laid-back. demeanor reminiscent of both Key West and New Orleans, this city of 65,000 tends to be ii. little more open-minded and offbeat than any other on the Texas Gulf Co11St. As you approach Galveston _from metro Houston, the scenety offers li~e inspir~tion:_ suburban sprawl and strip-mall development give way to the presence of gnm, hulking 011 refineries. But once you cross G:alveston Bay on I-45, you enter a different world - a narrow 32-mile-long windswept coastal island. Several historic neighborhoods abound w,i~ stately old mansions and cheerful clapboard cottages, and the main drag along the ~hordine, J;eawall Boulevard bustles with seafood restaurants, chain hotels, and shops selling postcaicl.~, seashells, ;wimsuits, and sungiii.s~cs. . ·· · · If vou're a beach lover, you'll want to hang out around the shorefront neighborhoods, but the, city's vibrant and quirky personality reveals itself most strongly a C0Ul'!le, of miles north, in the downtown Strand Historic District, which overlooks Galveston. Bay .. '.fhls warren of palm-shaded cobblestone lanes verges on quaint, but for 11 few tall builclμigs arid the frequent presence of massive cruise ships tied up. in port. Although it's too .fai to walk easily between downtown and the gulf, the city's convenient trolley runs regularly between them. There are numerous attr.i.ctions to keep you busy around Galveston, the most famous being the Moody Gardens, a dazzling nature-oriented complex consisting of ~ee h~ pyramidal buildings housing a vast tropical rain forest, an aquarium, a?~ a s~ence museum. Other points of interest include downtown's Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, in which you can explore an actual retired oil rig; the drlllllatic 1894 Gtand OpC?- House, which now presents theater and music events; and the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa. . . If you start to feel a little peckish, downtown's festive Yaga's Cafe is a Ion~~. filvonte for casual Caribbean-inspired &re; it books live reggae, blues, and jazz bands on weekend evenings. For extremely tll~ty .Southwestem and Mexic~ fue, including delicious :liri~p tacos with mango salsa, head to Playa de Loro. A spacious, elegant restaurant over,ooking Galveston Bav, Willie G's serves huge and rich portions of seafood, including lump crab au gratin and sn;pper Kathleen (blackened with shrimp, crab, mushrooms, and iemo~ _b~tter). Gay-popular Mosquito Cafe, despite its pesty name, might just serv~ the mos_t soprusttcated and polished contemporary cuisine in town. This charming space with tall WU1dows exudes understated elegance. . .................... continued next page. Page 7 Good bets from the eclectic menu include rare yellowfin tuna over rice noodles and veggies with a trio of spicy Pan-Asian sauces, and farfalle pasta with artichoke hearts, calamata olives, pine nuts, and feta cheese. Yes, it's a chain, but downtown Galveston's Starbucks is a particularly appealing spot for a light bite, with a nice-size sundeck offering views of cruise ships pulling in and out of port, and several plush armchairs. Another good place for a snack, Java 213 offers plenty of character and warmth, with its high ceilings and vintage decor. Garza's Kon Tiki is the most popular gay nightclub downtown. It's in a modern building with kitschy, Mardi Gras-inspired decor, and it's steps from several great restaurants. Garza's, which has been going strong since the 1960s, draws a varied crowd. Women and men of all ages come to admu:e some of the best female impersonators in Texas (great drag shows are staged Friday and Saturday nights). The city's other three gay bars are down by·the beach. With a second-floor deck that offers superb gulf views and a great location, Undercurrent .is the snazziest gay disco around, drawing a trendy crowd for dancing and cruising. In a. slightly ragtag neighborhood on the east side of town, the low-keyed Third. Coast Bar overlooks the Gulf and has a small deck. outside. Robert's Lafitte is another neighborhood bat with an easy-going personality. Galveston claims a pair of Texas's most renowned historic hotels, both of them run by the gay-friendly Wyndham hotel chain. Anchoring the heart of downtown's Strand Historic District, the Tremont House captures the old-world dignity and warmth of a European boutique hotel. The 119-room property lies within steps of countless shops and restaurants, and rooms have marble baths and fluffy pillow-top bedding. A 10-minute drive south, the imposing Hotel Galvez offers a more peaceful setting. Even better, this regal 1911 grande dame overlooks the Gulf of Menco. Although rooms have such modern touches as high-speed Internet and cordless phones, the period decor thoroughly recalls the city's gilded era. You can sip cockwls at the pool's swim-up bar or relax to piano music over the Sunday champagne brunch. It's top-notch, all-around. Another mainstream property with a strong gay following, the Queen Anne-style Mermaid & Dolphin resort sits along a . peaceful, tree-lined street a short drive from both the gulf and downt9wn. Luxury is the buzzword here: the eight· suites have double Jacuzzi tubs, plush hand-carved mahogany beds, gas fireplaces, CD players, TVs with VCRs, and fine artwork and antiques. It doesn't get much fancier than this. If, on the other hand, you're looking to save a little money and simply want a basic but inviting motel, consider the prosaic but reasonably priced Ramada Galveston, which is right across from the beach and near Undercurrent • nightclub. Galveston has one gay mini-resort that captures the romantic tradition of Key West: Paradise Guesthouse. Set in a modest but historical residential enclave just two short blocks from the gulf, this secluded and cozy brick compound is situated around a pool and fountain, fringed by fragrant and meticulously tended gardens and lighted in the evening by flickering torches. Common amenities include a hot tub, several patios, and a common room stocked with snacks and soft drinks. The mood is more romantic than frisky - it's a perfect retreat for gay and lesbian co~r,le.s looking to celebrate a special occasion. There are three large suites and two smaller but still inviting guest rooms, all with refrigerators and TVs with VCRs. Finally, if you're planning on visiting with a few friends and you want to enjoy the convenience and privacy that comes with staying in your vety own summer house, consider renting one of the six beautiful bungalows available through Cottage by the Gulf. Just a half block from the gulf and convenient to picturesque Stewart Beach, these handsomely outfitted houses come in all different shapes and sizes, sleeping from 4 to 10 guests. The smallest, Magnolia House, has a wraparound deck; another has a small fenced yard that's perfect if you're traveling wi~ a dog. All have full kitchens, barbecue grills, espresso machines, stereos, cable TV with VCRs, and elegant furnishings, and you can rent them by the day, week, or month. Keep in mind that rates, which in summer begin at $125 nightly and $795 weekly, are about 20 to 30 percent less from October through April, making this a real off-season bargain. The Little Black Book Cottage by the Beach (810 Ave. L, 409-739- 0194, www.cottagebytbebeach.com). ...................... continued page 25 Page 8 Star's On The Plain Heart of America Mens Chorus Of Wichita WICHITA, KANSAS_HOAMC was conceptualized the summer of 2002 and created for a Christmas concert in December of 2002. A group of 5 guys wanted to sing and new that if they were going to sing in a mens chorus they were going to have to build it themselves. They then contacted Howard Webb and asked him if he would consider conducting the group. Webb is no stranger ro the Wichita Musical community. He has helped start other choral and musical organizations like the Wichita Chamber Chorale, a group that has flourished in the musical community of Wichita for over 25 years, and /the Plymouth Chamber Series. He has performed and conducted in many area venues. As Artistic Director/ Conductor of HOAMC his responsibilities include planning the concert, training the singers and conducting the concert. He is happy to tell you that his assistant conducror, Mark Walker, and accompanist John Cargile work very dose with him in all this work. The group has grown from 18 at the original concert to a present 50 men singing the upcoming concert. We have gained our 501c3 non-profit status this past year had successful fund drive and fund raising events. We have been invited to do a run-out concert sing tile national anthem for the river festival fireworks concert with the symphony, and are slowly but surely becoming recognized in the Wichita musical communitv as a talented and well prepared music~! organization. The group is diverse in all ways, from different religious backgrounds, race, careers and sexual orientation. Our requirement is that they are prepared to have fun and make music; all else is their personal business. And have fun we do. From reading the music for the first time co the learning process, building sets and taking the show to the stage for performance and the light come on and the audience roars as the curtain opens. As the curtain opens on "Thats Entertainment" vou will be invited to Be Our Guest (fro~ Beauty and the Beast) and our guest you will be from Hello Dolly to Le .Miserable and from Oklahoma to Chicago. .There is great music :.for mens chorus and HOAMC Chorus ;(HOAMC), now in their third season will be presenting Thats Entertainment, April 16'h and 17'h at 4:00. This concert will be at Mary Jane Teall Theater in Century II and will be music drawn from Broadway musicals. For tickets or more information call Kip at 316.264.2266 or www.hoamc.org Page 9 HEART OF AMERICA MEN'S CHORUS PRBSENTS. .. .......,.... BARB SCHOENHOFER SHA'\\-"N..;1\UCHAEL 1\-IORSE H0AJICt"EIGHT OF HEARTS"' • ••• SOUTH HIGHMADRIU-ALS A VJOWSll)llHl?S Saturday Aprll 16 - 4:00 pm AND Sunday .t\pril 17 -4:00 pn1 Century II -Mary Jane Teall Theatre Wichita, Kansas Tickets: $12 adv./ $15 door Call Kip.@ 264-2266 and llvenlngs Cl Week Also Open Holidays KENN Page 10 Daffy Lunch and Dinner Specials OHn 1 tam (ltflY Happy hpur 3-6 & 9 .. c1ose $t.7J .. t6oz$2.25-.23oz Bu.d U1Mlch-Uka Draws ~,.,,, free. HolldClt'$ qnd·~ Jv•nlt. &elur/id Monlhly Mc,v...ln $pedals Page 11 Diamond State Rodeo Association is proud .!9 present IN E K APRIL 22-24 2005 Uttle Rock, Atkansaa For ticket and parttcipation Information contact: www .dsra.org Or Call the Rodeo Hotline at: 501-960•7363 Visit www.eute. Spring Diversity Fall Diversity Ap_ril 1st, . November 4th, 5th, 6th Sprf~ & Fal 2005 Mntsincklde: ouldoor diYerslty festlva, vendors. drag show, king show. beat cantest, dlrlces, karaoke, country we$m, tarot, pride clseotlQ, peintball, fishing, boat rides, C8n1)1ng & BSQ's, fanlastic shopping. di;ing, live enterlaioment clld ........ nu:h fflOl81 Page 12 ,', ,, ' 4815 S~ttdi 0 Hatvard i~e'.~ Suite 424 Tulsa, OK 74135-3068 Phone: (918) 747-5466 Email: KellyKirbyCPA@sbcglobal.net accountmg needs of the GI.BT Community since 1982 Page 13 CANADA IS NOT THE ANSWER! by Greg Razer QUESTIONS During these past few months following the November 2°d election there seems to be nothing but questions within the progressive community. Some ask, "Should we take our mes to the right?" others ask, "Sh we take our message to the left?" or, "What did religious fundamentalist do to gain so much influence and power in this nation?" and of course, "Which way to Canada?" (The last question being the most disturbing to this observer.) These are questions that are being raised from the halls of the Capitol in Washington to the dinner table right here in the heart of the Midwest. Questions are also being raised in the LGBT community. "\Vas ii: too much to 'go after marriage'?" and "Do we wntinue the path that we are on, or push foi..n:iore realistic goals given today's political climate?" These quesi:ions too are being felt right here in our own towns and all the way to Washington. These are all broad and far-reaching questions that must be dealt wii:h and dealt with soon. However, perh;ps a more basic, fundamental question needs to be asked of us all as to how we ensure that the debacle of this past November never happens again. Did we as a community, and I as an individual, really do all I could to ensure victorv in November? , Think back for a moment to the months leading up IO the election. Never before have we seen so many conversations take place regarding national issues. How manv times did yo:, sit around a bar with your, friends for , Happy Hour and the marriage issue was discussed? How many times did you go to dinner with your loved ones and anger was expressed concerning the policies of President Bush? And now, how manv times did those discussions lead to · someone at the bar or table going to write a check or volunteer for a campaign to make sure the right men and women would be in office? The Greek philosopher Plato once noted, ''The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men . .., Ir is in that quote, first made thousands of years ago, that we find the problem that today's LGBT community faces. Our problem is not with our issues. We will not find our political problems by looking at elected officials that we think of as our "friends". Nor. will we find the answer by looking at those who oppose us. The answer to polii:ical problems that face the LGBT community are found right here at home, within our own community. PROVIDING THE RIGHT CURRENCY Many want IO see our LGBT political organizations begin to demand our rights be given to us by our elected officials. However, one cannot demand anything without the ability to back up that demand. When a person is elected to public office, he/she usually has certain issues that are most dear to them. With some legislators, LGBT equality is one of their issues and their support of our community is unwavering and our appreciation .is heartfelt. However, we must realize that there are even more legislators who are supportive, but LGBT equality is rarely one of their key issues. Therefore, when asking a legislator to support us in our efforts, we are essentially asking them to spend polii:ical capital on us, and not their own pet issues. To convince them to do so, we must show the official that. not only are we not a liability at electio~ time, that in fact, we are an asset to them. To accomplish this we must produce the three forms of currency every poiitician wants: Votes, money and ~ime. · On Election Day, many of us went about our daily business proudly wearing our "I Voted" sticker. We a:-e proud of that sticker because it shows that we did a part in making our ::iation and our state a better place to live . .. continued pg35 This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Office licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 www .shelterinsurance.com Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax:(636)938-3539 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com Sisters Talk Gay Battles with Weapons VStevens Llsa Miller-Jenkins, a lesbian once joined by civil union to Janet Miller-Jenlr.-ins, has decided to use laws designed. for. heterosexuals in order to win a custody dispute with her former partner. Lisa and Janet were joined by civil union in Vermont, where the couple decided to have a child using artificial insemination. When the couple split, Llsa, the birth mother, left Vermont (the state that recognizes homosexual unions) and moved to Virgina, where she thought she would be ensured full custody of the child she shared with Janet because Virgina docs not,reco~e · homosexual unions. Anything to win, rigli.t? Luckily for Janet, Vermont does not allqw; ., · that kind of creative manipru9:tio!i, of:theJaw. The state of Vermont says' lesbiiin 'co'tiples .. joined by civil union who have children using artificial insemination should be treated no differently than heterosexual couples who choose the same procedure or choose to adopt. Both women are legal parents of the child and Llsa has no more rights to the child than Janet does. . . What we see here is a lesbhm who enjoys those equal rights and freedoms that gay unions provide only if she is on the winning side of the law. Wnen she's not guannteed a win, she simply turns to archaic heterosexist laws that srack the odds in her f.i.vor. Millions of gays and lesbians in the United States still do not have the right to a civil union or a marriage: Lisa Miller-Jenkins enjoyed that right in Vermont, then moved to Virginia to take advantage of discrimination gainst gays and lesbians. Lisa is cheating. She's cheating just as · badly as George W. did when he used the gay ban to win votes at the polls. When homosexual couples accept those rights and freedoms associated with gay unions, we also accept all the · accompanying responsibilities. Children are a large responsibility. When we decide to share that responsiblity with another partner, our own desires tllke a backseat. Homosexual couples joined by civil union (or marriage in Massachusetts) who decide to raise childteri together, . then. ultimately sever tn,eir. r~latio°'s¥p, will'. &c.e riiany chilleo:gef! in. tJie. c~drts .. , ,·,,, ,·,-· , '.,. ''; .-emo B's •. jurisdiction, the · st:lte best equipped to help the former couple deal with the custody dispute. The best thiilg to come out of Ilsa Miller-Jenkins' creative maneuvering is awareness. Society has become more aware of the mess Clinton's Defense of Marriage Act has created in child custody disputes. I refuse to believe the courts will allow these kinds of messy disputes to continue for too long. Page 15 Guess that I am just a '\vild and crazy guy'' but I just don't see what all this crap about same-sex marriages is all about. Seems as thou the "religious right" is always on somebody's case. First it was the blacks and then the Jews and then the horrible Russian communists and now the homosexuals. They always have to have their "flock" hate someone so that they can get more money out of them. They WANT their "flock" to hate! After all isn't this more or less what religion is all about? Hating the people that don't agree with you? But what I would REALLY like to know is where are the Jerry Farwell's and all the other religious right leaders when it comes to Catholic Priests molesting little children? For the life of me I cannot possibly understand why they have not jumped on the bandwagon to degrade the Catholic Church for their actions! If anyone else would molest children they would have their ass thrown in jail so fast it would make their head spin but because the Catholic Church has so much power in the world they get off with only a slap on the wrist. It just doesn't make any sense to me at all. Living here in the midwest can be fun but there are still a lot of questions to be answered. Lucky for me I live near a large city and don't have to get real close to all my neighbors. Same sex marriages is NOT giving special treatment to us, it is mereiy giving us the SAME rights as all other Americans. I have some older gay friends who said that they had wanted to serve in the Army and Navy but couldn't. They wanted the benefits of serving in the Armed Services such as hospitalilzation, education and GI benefits on getting a house, etc. but they were denied. They were not wanting speciai treatment. They were mereiy · wanting the same treatment as all Americans. The State congressmen here in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas are only playing i:o special interest groups and could care less about us. This is very sad to say but it is plainly the truth. We have made a hell of a lot of progress i..11 the past few years but it is a VERY uphill battle. I don't want much out of life, a nice place to live, a nice job, a nice person to love, live with and to be able to live my life as I want to. I don't want to bother anybody and I don't want anybody to bother me. Even thou there are laws passed for Blacks and Jews eventually there will be laws passed for Gays however just because laws are on the books doesn't mean that the average American will change their minds about us. They will forever be biased and narrow-minded. I sure would like to think that some how, some way, some day all this would change for the better and hopefully it will. Until then I will just go day by day and enjoy life in my own way. Teaching Activism, Leadership, and Knowledge P.R.I.D.E. invites all college and high students, as well as activists and community members to TALK's Spring 2005 conference at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. This conference is a chance for students and community members to meet up, share, leam, org,.nize, and have fun. The intended effect will be a strengthened LGBT community and great impact on grassroots efforts. Though our last two conferences have been Ark.ansas focused, we are inviting anyone and everyone from AR, OK, MO, and KS this year because of the location of Fayetteville in proximity to the four state area. More than anything, this is a rejuvenating experience for those with activism experience and good training for those with little. So check out the website and convince yourself that it is the only piace to be on APRIL 1st anci 2nd. Come experience a weekend in Fayetteville-the best place to be gay in Arkansasii For more information call: 479-575-3880 or visit www.uark.edu/-pride Page 16 "AN EVENING OF HOPE" WITH PAT KUTTELES FRIDAY, APRIL 8th AT PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY Press Release: PITTSBURG, KS_ The Pittsburg State University Queer Straight Alliance, a non-profit organization, Presents "An Evening of Hope" with Patricia Kutteles, to benefit Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. The event will be held Friday, April 8 at 6pm on the Campus at Pittsburg State University - Pittsburg, Kansas (Crimson & Gold Ballroom of the Overman Student Center) A black tie affair with silent auction and dinner. Reservations are required: $25 per person or $40/couple (For more information, or to RSVP, contact Brandon Plott at brandon@psuqsa.org.) Patricia Kutteles will be the keynote speaker. Patricia Kutteles, whose son Barry Winchell was murdered at Fort Campbell Kentucky after his fellow soldiers assumed he was gay, has worked tirelessly with SLDN to battle "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and has spoken at numerous events across the country. Guests who are coming from out of town can contact the Comfort Inn and Suites of Pittsburg, Kansas and receive a room with either 2 queen size beds or one king size bed for $52.00 USD per night. The hotel room block is valid for the 8,9,10 of April. Contact Comfort Inn at (620) 231-8800. FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO RSVP, contact Brandon Plott at brandon@psuqsa.org. On Saturday April 9th 2005 beginning at 9:30 PM we will be hosting the First Annual MrJMs./Miss Kansas Gay University Student at 4 Oaks Golf Course in Pittsburg, $5 cover Charge 18+ Applicants Must be enrolled full time at any Kansas University FREE HIV TESTING,NO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can aiso call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentialit-f. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Serfling A Healthier Community" Page 17 t" INMALE Page 18 cori.tihti this)1;ap pegpl~;s, e11;ch.sta' checks· not allow rule .. The issue is YOU Iuv'e.to. i,~: tn~ watch: dog, you have. to ~pealf U ,_fo' . bark andy injustice co We don't n bias, religious indifference or spealoi:igTcff :i: gteit stil:te oi" a · great nation. We don't.need tllore GLBT bars · that mistreat _us or exploit our . communitf-.Whai WC ~cd ,are tnore groups like•-B.::'G . . .. National Gav atf and churche; like\tJtli Christ, Met that commitments · accept second · · class' citizen· . '<ve th . . . . >'that · in .t he· su.. b&. :. 6f.D .. r: M.. aitili :I..rithef- !forg , • JR and-~dbi as welFas :some 'of our · · · , leaders; &ET'i.4-IE, : .:: ;:,, if.' ·:., ·i{' , ., 'f .. :,J . . the Soutlietn Baptist Conv;entiori. .. the "J.IJli.~hville betlifration~'';;ri •stiie-1~:i · ~tffig~;,;, i~ which it stated ifs' opposition to-same-sex based on C it calico, "the designed of.one man ·Steven Discip~es of the N~.riai. Gay . v .. i;;..; .. ,.~~us esponds with ".A'.~;:~~;,in tnet£Jt~stian Church Page 19 Steve Urie from pg 18 ·MCC's Troy Perry Wins California (Disciples of Christ) .and a former Marriage Lawsuit! Thirty-five Years Southern Baptist minister, I am saddened Separate His First Milriage Lawsuit in 1970 And Court Victory in 2005. "I have and disappointed that leaders of the worked and prayed for this dav for 35 Southern Baptist Convention continue to years. Today~ our prayers wer~ present their discrimination against answered," says Perry. lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender At a Monday afternoon press Americans in the guise of compassion. conference at the Los Angeles law offices While diey conclude that, "marriage is a of riot_ed attorney Gloria Allured, Perry lifetitjie union of one man and one said, "I have worked for this day and womfu, according to the Bible, and may prayea for. this day for 35 years. Today, b · · · · · · · our prayers were answered." not cq~defin:ed," these so-called Bihlical · Perry also noted; "Monday's ruling is literali~ts ignore the fact that marriage in a significant step but not a final step _ the l3ible _has been used to justify tO~?:fd ~arriage equality." The Superior . , of,coricuhiries·iri. the case' of Couit'of. California will bold a review . (Genesi;·l6t3);·~·excuse:f<i/ •.seisi6.ti~9n;~cb.30, and the order extrav~t poly~y in the case of King.· enforcing the judge's ruling could be Solomon (1 Kings H:1-3) apd as a issued aftpat time, It is also:widely desperate, but infedor; 'alternative to 4ta1: state officials will appeal burning in lustful celibacy in the case of . . . . . to the California Appeals th A:.. • Court or_ the. California Supreme Court . .. e A'f:'o.stle Paul. (1 Cor•i. .n thians 7: 8). .· •• !'.The ru· ling by Judge Richard Kramer . Their sd;iptui2Ligi:iorarice only . • • gives hope t<> .all. of us," said Petry, undercuts tlieir.message: The ori.lything noting that the judge is both a Roman you'll l~arn ab?ut mai:tfage fron;i .reading Catholic and a Republican !:l!~~~~~~ir:t!th ~I~7d moon~~::a:n:d s~:r;t;~!: giant rais~d in the Southern Baptist .church and leap' for mankind. This court victory is a their. . . .. :i~-whit keeps small step for the GLBT community and th~tn with eacli. · a giant leap for humankind. Let your ._ 'JJliey,will s b~( not hw;nanity be the example for others. :will sti th~ dgai:ettc: . . . . t don't. . ,think of setYing S_il!Ve Urie has been an activist for over . ope of thetn wine. Their women can thirty years and is the pastor of the local · we,~ tr1ake up and they can eat pork but · MCC, Spirit of Christ MCC in Joplin, MO. Lo~;1'nows you cari}taccept that two men:, or women can love each other. They can ac:cept marrying concubines iri the Bible or having multiple wives because it was to procreate and multij?,le the world'.s citizenry out they can't' accept I might love my: partner .. Apru 1 M.2. SPRIN.l Diversity w .. kend BOTH .. , ·•,· 1CQUN & Gal coatutt VALENTINE'S, Concertsarif oiler Ewra Qlver•lty BEARBI CONTEST A BBQ LU#CH www.DiversityPride.com Page 20 Star Scene . me's Wichita, Kansas to our distribution area. With· a vibrate g1ty community, the people are not only goodlooking but very friendly. You will have a great time in Wichita. Include this growing city on the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers in your nex.t travel plans! Page 22 Quotable Quotes "This is now the law of the land in seven Canadian provinces and one Canadian territory. This is a decision taken bv our courts based on our Charter, of Rights. This is a question of equality .... The purpose of the Charter of Rights is to protect minorities ... against the oppression of the majority. ... One of the most damaging things, I believe, to the Canadian concept of equality and respect for each other would be in fact if we allow the Charter to be attacked." Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin defending Canada's plans to legalize full same-sex marriage nationwide, at a Jan. 17 press conference in India. Courts already have legalized same-sex marriage in eight of Canada's 13 provinces and territories. Diversity Festival Eureka ncirs; AR EUREKA SPRINGS, AR_ Eureka Pride announces there 1st outdoor festival .event to be held Saturday April, 2nd from 1 pm to ????. The event will feature karaoke and dance party, food and beer vendors, mot readings, boat rides, archery, paint ball, live entertainment and more. At 5pm the stage will be set for "Drag Queens in Heels" drag show. A shuttle service will provide transportation to the outdoor festival event for those who prefer not to drive. Location is about 10 minutes west of Eureka Springs on Hwy 187. If your driving to the event, just iook for the waving rainbow flags. For more information visit: www.eurekapride.com Page 23 I Dee "bar service" ...... !!! What! a wonderful month 1brch was! Not too much ·snow, not too cold and evecyoO:e seemed to be a lot happier. I found the bar scene ro .be much better and nof as much bitdiirig around. the pool table. The same ·oJa:pfople who always bitch still "always bitch" but' that, is tliefr problem.. Why bitch for the hell of it? 0nly bitch. about things that you really liave control over. One thing that I would re'ally:like,to bitch about however is Bartenders!·'There·are a lot of great bartenders and)rr"bsthi&tlidm· ue very friendly: Bur there are a some of them who are vecy obnoxious! If they· don(t,'._like beiog·a bartender, why nor lo.ok' fur•aootifa'ijobl ,.-1;,. bartender MBST, be a "people'!\pett\dn:~ iBartcnders are NOT:the owners :6{ the bar, they are merely employees of the. t':li'.: ;l'.like• J:;air stylists or :iuiy other ~Ef!~=: had. never' .b~eii tt(Tulsa liefbre:. Thi! bartende.t didri't'even: say "bi" to biro: · He- just loo'ke'a' lifhiln n:nl:lf tJ:le. guy iold;liim wbat he wanted tcickirik:, ·He'thin,put thedtink down in front of hilii aaH 'ditln!f ~en tell ruin how much it was. Tbefr Ther giving him liis change the bartender·w.cnt= back over to the guys ·at the end of the, bar thiit he was tlllkmg with and completely ignored the new customer. · After one drink the out. of town businessman left the bar arid went to another bar. I happened to see him later .in the evening at another bar and scirted talking with him. He explained how rude the bartender at the fust bar was so he left after tlie first' tlrlnlt.' · At the secorid bar that he went to he Sllld that the bartender was very friendly, asked if he was new in town, introduced him to a few of the guys in the bar and:railfy IJU!de him feel right at home., He stayed at that bar, for several drinks:. He~siud that often when, lie· travels around on business that most bllrtcllders ·are very rude. •. T couldn't' expktln why that y.'liS• Seems to me that bartenders shorild be the friendliest people in town. When gays go to a n~ town whether on business or if they, have just moved there or only frequent a bar once in a while, ·the bartender should go out of his way to be extra 'nice to everybody. Sadly to say but when a gay person comes from out of town to Tuisa or Oklahoma City or Springfield, or Joplin, the first place that they go is to the gay bars. If they are not friendly there, where will they be fnendly? Bar owners are always bitching about no business or not enough business. If their bartenders were nicer, and friendlier to the patrons, then they would stay in the bar longer and drink and have fun. Doesn't this make sense? But some bar owners and bartenders would rather. bitch about no· b~sin;ss and no tips and, then wonder whv th~y don't :h~i ~ore b~siness. Oc~asion:illy I go to .a stpight ,bar arid .the ~attenders are always friendly! Why not in a gay bar? · But, d1en you walk into other bars and the bartender greets you by name, asks how your day has been and is real upbeat. That is the way it SHOULD be! M~.tig it a very pleasant experience for everyone should be the goal of all bars and bartenders. Luckily for me I look over 21 so I am rarely .asked for my ID but some bartenders and door people are downright rude when they ask to see ID's. I knpw that legally they need to check everyone but they could at,Ieast be nice about it. I love the bars in Oklahoma and get to Springfield and Joplin sometimes on weekends. But sometimes the attitudes of the bartenders turn me off so much that I just walk out and go to another bar whei~ they· are· friendly·; They should not !:>ring thei; problems to them at work. If they don't. like. their jobs, then quit and find another job that suits them better. -Why should customers have to put up with their bitching and problems. One of the worst .thirigs a bartender can do· is bad mouth the bar. owiler which has happineil several times. Luckily for me I usually go to the bars with a group of friends and we carry on,our own co~crsatian,but when we see someone come inCthat we don't know we like · to introduce ourselves fo them. Whether they aie new:in town, just · tri~ved here or iust came out, it is alwavs ' ru~e fo meet n~w. peopl~. Going out tb the bars SHOULD be a fun experience! Pa~e24 lesoiat?prcs; fut Hi . .· · ·. years. Slie serv~a for tlii:e'e :f~iis as• tli{'co~cliair of ttie Boaret:'Bf ·. ·. dir~~tors bfNei York' City's Lesbian,. Gay, Bis~xfral; iha Tr:liisg6~a~r ·co'rti'μittiii#· Center,· whei:~ she founded a . . . ' . grp\iodbt~:iking · · called ·«Jo Our by ;E'aiita .fy{artinac APruFzoos Beltway ie . Our two most prominent national :f,GBT organizations· recently• announced changes· · that, on the surface, may seem like. business as · usual. But;, in fact; tliese shifts could have a big impact on the course of o:ur, movement ... . First,· die National;G:ay and Le!!bian!Task Force created a new Department of Public Policy & Governmental,Affairs, whicb:will lobby me.mbers of C?»gr~ss,;and government agencies for LGBT rigllts ublic: ,; . ~tatement. ab'out,the. P.CW: • . one that,o Then;. Campaign. die~ odth l press attent;oh for th announcenienti.of its . HRC's neW:~h~ad will ___ ...;.. _ _.;. __ ..,;_;.;;._..,;..,;_,.. ;.._..,;_.;,,1 b:ian wh of EMIEY's List; a: grcnip that help's ·pro-choic office; . • : ,. . . . . . . What struck:. nic about these two ant\ounce&.inti .. inodifkations for the two gtouj:>s,,which - espedf:illy in been. at odds poU!=ically and ideologicallv, not to tilt.titi NGLTF,.i~Rresenting die more,progressive:wing,of out movement;,~ fot many .. Y.e:lrS. 9cc11pif:d a b~.ck. sea.t in' ~l!:.shingtoni,gay pblltic~,,~~rkirlg!:mbre at the state anc:l}ocal ky-els OD; aμttgay initiatives · , to Hit€. As a result, :we'veJiaa oasically one vision .of IB.~@'11,V .; : . ind.it's a yisigij. · ·. · f us hav[f6und,too: centrist. Ind~ed;<thete\was aJ~t. ~f talk after .Cneryl .the post at HRC that she was forced,,out for. m~kinit,.the. oiganizittfon foo y Democl::atic,.while uoder:,heti ;predecessor., Elizabeth B1rchtthe ,a· more. '.\pragg:,.atic/'., .bipartisancfaqe. . . .Now. iitepsito have a m1;1ch-l01;1de.n iY<:>ia~,in Washington. The grollp .has . 1.,IDJ!J9bbying • team,thal include~, lUlloi;ig others,• El~angr C:lintoJ?. ll<lministration of;iciaj.< and, intdguingly, . Am~er t,ac.tiv.ist ~.pq ?as long,p~e~.iavohrcd·in. AI:DS organizing an.cl. ga! .. '~ .also ,a (oi:thnght s~eaker on queer sexuality; her essay fp~s ~s:,A Queer GttLE>reaming Her0Way Home;. pro · over well' with many. Republican - · an:d I:>emocratic - !aw ., . ·.• . . . .. · At the s~nre time; HR:<£ seems to'b~ ripping a page. from NGL'fF's playbook and ~ass:ssi!fg the• im~o~cc ,e>floc:tl LGBT organizing, After till, as our • • · · · · oest-tanded orga:ntzattQn, l:£8.(i took most of the biame whcn,11 ameodri:,;ents . . . . . . ~; bu.ring his first we~k:on the So~~esc: ,sa . . · i::f9SS-countty tour. to talk. to. le;ade.i:s 1and offiq~~ ''I've. time in the last 10. years,~ " ~ol.l;Ilo.ntse .has $!Jlted .. Hi~ . list was i:o ''.go out acrotisF. 10 tt,le cf.fort to lielp wo~n j~ef . _ . · J_::~oin what I've read aodiit hitn~ Soimonese seems to suit .his 11ew. employer to a T. He·s someone who pleases Republicans and Democrats alike, ·as C'."'1:ideooed by the glowing bipartisan praise he's alffaoy picked up. But also, duritig the 2004 election, l ~ 1 i I Page 25 Lesbian Notions . ... he made a difficult, some would say "pragmatic" move - EMILY's List funded a Democratic pro-choice woman who was also in favor of passing the rabidly antigay Federal Marriage Amendment. While Solmonese argues he was just upholding his organization's mission, the move raised t.h.e ire of many of us who believe political and social movements should stick together, not sell each other out. It will be interesting to see how the sometime-rival NGLTF and HRC adjust to each other's turf. In quintessential NGLTF style, executive director Matt Foreman has already put forth his belief that there is plenty of room for "multiple voices" on Capitol Hill. In contrast, Solmonese told The Advocate that "we've got to come together and make sure .. :we share a common vision." You can probably tell that I'm a bigger fan of NGLTF than of HRC. Personally, I don't think any social movement can have a "common vision," unless it's a false one that's only the vision of the most vocal and powerful among us. But actually, I'm optimistic about both these changes in our two top groups. NGLTF has a lot to offer in the realm of federal lobbying, most notably a view of the LGBT community as bound up with other social-justice movements in an effort to bring about positive change for many different kinds of people. Indeed, the group's penchant for coalition-building has always been its strong suit. And HRC takes into America's heartland its reputation for holding the middle course - which will appeal to straight community and religious leaders who don't really understand what this "gay rights stuff' is about but who may be swayed by the stories of and faces individuals. And Solmonese avers that "increasing our presence and visibility across America will be a top priority of my tenure" - a vaiuabie goal to bring to the gay-activism table. Little Black Book fron page 7 Galveston Convention and Visitors Bureau (409-763-6564 or 888/GAL-ISLE, www.galveston.com). Garza's Kon Tiki (315 23rd St., 409-765-5805). Hotel Galvez (2024 Seawall Blvd., 409-765-7721 or 800- WYNDHAM, www.wyndham.com). Java 213 (213 23rd St, 409-762-JAVA). Mermaid & Dolphfu Resort (1103 33rd St., 409-762- 1561 or 888-922-1866, www.mermaidanddolphin.com). Moody Gardens (1 Hope Blvd., 800-582-4673, www.moodygardens.com). Mosquito Cafe (628 14th St., 409-763-1010). Paradise Guest House (2317 Ave. P, 409-762-6677, www.galveston.com/paradise). Playa de Loro (Pirates Beach Center, off Hwy. 3005, 409- 737-4600). Ramada Galveston (2300 Seawall Blvd., 409-762-1166 or 800-272-6232, www.ramada.com). Robert's Lafitte (2501 Ave. Q, 409-765-9092). Stiarbucks (102 22nd St., 409~621-2577). Third Coast Bar (904 Ave. M, 409-765-6911). Tremont House (2300 Ship Mechanic's Row, 409-763-0300 or 800- WYNDHAM, www.wyndham.com). Undercurrent (3102 Seawall Blvd., 409-750- 8571). Willie G's (21st North Street Pier 21, 409~762-3030). Yaga's Cafe (2314 The Strand, 409-762-6676). Dear uncle Mikey Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! APRIL 2005 Uncle here once more bringing you a . different view of all things queer. This week · your old uncle has done his best to stay'warm. ]t is as If this winter is lik.e a queen crowing another queen, it just does not want to let go. • Uncle was able to manage however, with the . help of a couple of hot studs to keep me warm. · · ,~ Never underestimate the power of lust kittens. This month we find ourselves pondering llfes missed chances and the lesson learned in hindsight. I was in a relationship with my boyfriend for two years. I knew I loved him however foun~ mysel_f wanting to e~periment and be somewhat free to enjoy other ~en. My b<:>yfriend tne? to make ~gs work,_howevcr, felt that the relationship was ended with my straying ways. I s10ce. have become disenchanted with the Twinldes around me, and realize~ ·what I had with him. I have tried evetything I know to get him bac~ to no avail. Now, I am at a !oss wondering if I have lost the man I was meant to be with. What can I do? ' Missing him Dearest Missing, Uncle was most touched by your letter. It sounds as if you have learned one of lifes most unrealized lessons. It is always what we do not have, which drives our desires. Once obtained, we usuajJ.y realize we, already had. what A was. we sought in out deepest desires: U nfotgiv;ably, . this. i~ .a l~sson whlcii • bfi~ wi~ it .the ·reality of lost chances. It SOll!lds l!t o.fhcl:.li#fhas iiloved'.on; arid. :that yoti should do the ~ame. Realize your .. ~ arid'.uiiliie, this in die futi:lte: If this lo'9'e was meant to be, it shall conic back to you, how#cr, be prepared that this just may not be the case. Good luck-Uncle Mikey Kittens, it is tb,e prison of our own design. Desires unrealized, as the cake always seems sweeter. 1!om the other plate. It is mans folly to want the thing they do not have, not rcaliz111g they already have what substance in their own kitchen. Be careful of what you wish for; for the wish .itself may not be the truest desire of the dreamer. Dear Uncle MiJ[ey:: I recently met the. acqpaiiit;aacc of a n:ian which is ol>'riously in doubt of his sexualitv. He attempts to run from. Jps o..m self.: denying his scxuility; while acting .like a big , old butch. I _am ~<>st ll'tttacte'.l to this man and want to help him except himself I attempt to gtve hitn leads which, he either does not except or pick up on. How can I help this man come out already? Getting real Dearest Real, F~t off lets get real. Is it. the &<;t that. you want to help him, or yourself to his delights? You cannot tjish s6me~n~ into coming out lcittep,. just because .you arc h~ving ~ 9.11 in your pants. ~au cotdf seriously burn 'lllly.·· qiances you may have with this young one, if you insist on pu!ihing them he(orc ihev are readv to reveal: the pos_sibility that they play. for our team. If you re.ally waiit to hdp this souI,>th~ allow him to come at his own rate .. Support while letting him know he has a· good Page27 friend, which will be excepting of him. Patience is a virtue dearest one. Smooches Unde-Unde Uncle Mikey once attempted to help someone come out as well. I guess it was just too much for the poor dC2C. He ran like he was running through a white sale. It is not always easy when someone is attempting to come out. There are many variables during the coming out process. While, we may see it as the obvious choice, it remains a struggle for some. 'The best thing another can do, is just be supportive through the process. Dear Uncle: I have a friend who is such a queen, he puts most to shame. He is a one man. parade, as his is lllways wallcirig around with · buttons, stickers, and colon running off of him for the world to sec. He makes issues out of everything. I get somewhat embarrassed when we arc in public, as he openly challenges everyone he secs as a threat to his pride parade. How can I tell him he needs to tone.it down; so that I can be more comfortable while in his ·presence? It is not that I do not care about issues, I just do not sec the need to constantly lead the parade. Ashamed Dearest Kitten, It is not your friend which has the issue, it is yourself you need to look to here. It is the prideful advocates which live in this manor, which make it possible, for the continuing education of. society at large, on our issues. Maybe you need to hear his voice a little more, and realize it is you who has an issues .with being your self openly. Do not charge your friend with a wrong, when he is simply proud of himself and his community. Allow bis force to shine in your life. Smooches-Uncle It is that time again Kittens. So remember " you venture out again in that wonderful drama of life- It is the one which truly excepts themselves which will be aJ:,k to except others. Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too. Unck Mikey is 11. ~ from Freeuin~ ftlriUr A6chul Hinvrun. Michrid has been fliritingfor tm ~rs. Utiiizing his stlldies, ,nd lffe apmen« w J,e.'p othen in his comm,mity, thro,tgb b,111ior ,md so#nd ""'1itt. K,d,i,eJ ~ his stlldy of psyd,ol.ogy """ cm,tiw writing, lfS wdl bis extmsifle bwdtgro#nd in mtnt11.l be.ihh Direct OtTI! to bring" ,_ st:,le """ "l'fT04d, to bdping others. ~'s other fllOri!s o,n be fliewea at -.f"]linltcontent.com. May Day, May Da ''They don't just want marriage. They want to destroy marriage and the family, as we know it." -----Doctor James Dobson, Focus on the . Family SOULFORCE LEADS DIRECT ACTION TO CONFRONT FOCUS ON .THE FAMILY AND JAMES DOBSON, SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2005 IN COLORADO SPRINGS. STIGLER; OK_Soulforce in Oklahoma planning to confront the anti-gay rhetoric.. of James Dobson and Focus on the Family. "Out goal is to have enough people in Colorado Springs to be able to surround Focus. on tlie Family. That would take 1600 people! Our goal in Oklahoma is for 20 ~~ to. go. It. is only a 12 hour drive. Pl~se consider going and invite your ~ends. There is still plenty of time to register for this action. We are also asking for donations. to help with the travel expense. There arc qtiite a few young people going that need assistance." :...from Karen W cldin, Soulforcc in Oklahoma. Tax deductible donations should be made out to Soulforce in Oklahoma and mailed to: Soulforce in Oklahoma Rt. 4, Box 3534 Stigler, OK 74462 For more information email Karen at Karen@soulforceinoldahoma-org or visit the Soulforce web site · www.~()ulfo~cc.org ·and/or www.DearDrDobson.com and read more about the action and then register . at www.soulforce.org. If you register online, you should notify Karen you are going. Karen@soulforceinoklahoma.org Page 28 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente APRIL 2005 Someone Filmed His Life Tonight_ Romeo's favorite wardrobe-malfunction accomplice, Justin Timberlake, is about to get his name over the title for the first time in his budding movie career. The pop star will play Elton John in a feature about the queer music legend's life. Handpicked by Sir Reginald himself, Timberlake's already stuck his own hand in the script - the first draft was apparently too light on both tantrums and tiaras - and demanded that the film not sanitize the wild lifestyle John ied in the 1970s and '80s. Timbetlake's played John twice in music videos, so he's had som~ practice itμpersonating his hero. Now it's up. to the dialect coaches. The film is expected to start shooting later this year for a planned 2006 release. No other actors are attached yet, but Romeo hears the competition is fierce in the Kiki Dee casting sessions. Rupert Everett Straightens Up Forget the overused lesbian kiss plotline as a May sweeps ratings-grabber. Toe hot homo move this May is casting openly gay actors in straight roles. _Boston Legal_, the show that gives _ Will & Grace_ some stiff competition in the guest-star "get'' departmem and which has already seen Freddie Prinze Jr., Dana Delany, Carl Reiner, Shelly Long, Kerry Washington, and Al Sharpton pass through its halls of justice this season is about to host Rupert Everett. In his first stateside network prime.-time drama, the queer Brit will appear in at: least three May episodes of the lawyer-centric series, playing slick civil litigator· Malcoltt;1, Holmes. His hetero character will go head \b head in court against ex-girlfriend Tara· (_Legal_ regular Rhona Mitra), so expect oJd.romantic complaints to . be re-examined iri ~J'6urt. _Suckers_ for Mad~nna .qefying the idea that she; mixes with movies: like oH with water;, Madonna has two new big-sqreen projects on track. In the first .one, _Hello, Suckers_ (which she'll co-produce with _Aviator_ director Martin ~cor,scse), Madonna plays Texas Guin~, .the ~eal-life star of silent-movie Westerns .who also ran a New York speakeasy whe.re she greeted her customers with the title line. Meanwhile, a follow-up to _Truth or Dare_ is set to debut at the Cannes Film Fe.stival in May. Directed by Jonas Ackerlund (.:,Spun_), the st$untit! ed documentary follows the singer on her 2004 Reinvention Tour and is said to lay to rest rumors about Her Madgesty's life, as well as explain her devotion to Kuibalah. That's good news, because Romeo still can't figure it out. Jenni Olson's _Joy_San Francisco's Jenni Olson is a critic, film archivist (her _Homo Promo_ collection of vintage queer movie trailers was recently released on DVD), and now a feature direcror. Her debut, _The Joy of Life_, recently screened at the Sundance Film Festival and has just been acquired by Frameline for North American distribution. _Joy_ joins two tales of the city - one the story of a butch lesbian's search for love in San Francisco, and the other a history of the Golden Gate Bridge as a location for countless suicides - in an experimental examination on the search for both life's meaning and its end. The film will screen at the San Francisco International Film Festival in May and receive art-house distribution iater in the year. Expect it also to stir more hometown dialogue over the need for an . effective jumping barrier on the Golden Gate. _Romeo San Vicente has sampkd lots of San Fr,mr:isco 's trt'4ts. Costly Discriniliiation Since the policy went into effect, · approximately 10,000 service members have been discharged. Of those who left, 757 held critical jobs for which the Pentagon offers re-enlistment bonuses because. of their specialized nature, such as data processing technicians and translators. Many who were discharged • .had in,,t~nCC,:-related jobs. 322 spoke . foreign hllguages, including Arabic, Farsi; Ko:i~an, .and Mandarin, which the Pen~qn: has called critical skills amid thica~ "ft6m terrorists. "' research has found and confirmed is that 'Don't · .;Do~i '.Fell' harms military . ;:.:~s's1'' tild Aaron Belkin, director of · · · Sexual the ta Barbara. , Democratic assachusetts, study, and is . the House ~!l}!Illttee on. · onal Thteats and . . . , ced0 t,he ¥ilifary Readin;es~ . . . ... i.Act {MREA) before the HO\llle of Repre~cntlltive. MREA is. a ptc>posal that would end the bari on gay aii~ leabiah military · persorinet The: legisllltion has. lllore that1 forty. Cob.gi:essional co:.,spotlsors, It couid be argued that _discrimination itl~luding s~cri_gn the House Armed is always costly in any form. The loss of .· · Services Cqi#mittee. self-esteem, security, and basic .human . , In respon11e, a group of retired rights at the hands of bigotry.is · · . niilitary generals -and. admirals today . incalculable. For once, however; the announced their support for the !(ct. The price of prejudice just might work· in our officers are amorig the. bighcst-'ranking favor. yetemns to publicly support repeal of the A study released recently by $,e · rnij!tary's gay ban.. · General Accountability Office (<.it'AO), ll. '\ :- '"Our,nationa:l security depends on non-partisan congress· · ·'' '' having :the best and brlglitcst Americans agency, reported that . Don't . · · · · · .our freedoms;' said Brigadier Tell" has cost the us govemmerit nearly . Foote, OQe of the first women to $200 million dollars since President achi~e ,that rank. "As . a commander, I Clinton institutecl the conticrv~isial know: that 'lesbian; gay and.bisi:iua:i policy in 1994. It allowed giys ancf Atnciicans have se~ed ou_r country with lesbians to serve in tiie armed forces as honor aod distinction. Our ·armccl. forces iong as they abstained from homosexual should be able to recruit eve'.ry qwuified, activitv and did not disclose their sciiiai capa.ble American to .protect our orien~tion. Revealing their sexual · · homeland, regardless of their sexual orientation would result in expulsi,on. odentation. 'Don't ,Ask, Don't Tell' is The $200 million cost estin;uuc did.· not , not. oply unnecess!lry and. disctiixtinatory, include training and replacement for it is ~so detrimental to our milihuy officers or those with J:ugN.y ~P:C~ze9 readiness. The law does not meet the skills or the cost of· discharging the gay chmmtiii sense nile' our aiilitaxy. sholild. and lesbian officers. abide by;'' contin#ed page-32 P.:gc: 30 nF 21 1109 E. Commercial, Springfield, MO 417.873.2225 www.HearTheRumors.com A.rrow, OK 74012 pas-n-suoh.com Point: with this · 4/30/05 8-258-SPAS (7727) . ,ad prior to purchase. Thurs, Fri 6 Sat 10-5 . ha &cit (71st St) turn . oliet Just before the Xprswy, bctwccn Lyn11 Dlrectty behllld La Petite he street from Anchor PageJ2 . . .. . .. H&1rt to]it!ft:rtfrom pg-29 . The United St:ates continues to be one· of the as . . . . . cciuntries to ban currept debate · in a similar light; realizing : that notlring has been. lost or sacrificed by the. majority in extending full rights to .the minority." gays ·... . .. . . Sini:e ."Qou't . 4sk; I),<>n't:T.ell'' was implcn:ien~d; Grca . . thci;. .ch la . 19 gro .. people we the mill·· counity, · ' designate• -~~:,. ';/',, , , ; , , '- 1 , · Of course, there are other costs to ."Don't Ask, Don't Tell"-,-costs that can't · qe tallied ~th a dollar sig,;i.) have a ft:i,e!ld in the military. In. fact, he was my first botfriend. We'v:e:remained close .. . ' ~ when he tbld me · .. :plans to enlist; . I• thought he ··wai #It.')l'as·something,he really ~~d to do; however, so of course I . · supported him. He thoughtit ~ould be • . ~~irly:: c,asy hiding his orient:l,tiOn since he's very ·masculine. • : .:: .. A(~t:, lie .. ~ few problero.s: .He lov:cd ·hiil chosen brimch of semce and . e~fwea, : moving up. tfr rank. Sfowfy, 'h er: tlie :strain of constantly ·.·liiy,ing to hide #}19 he was be~ to wear op)i!rh .. Then. di_s:S..ster struck; ljis . ;dlitj.qn~hip of tbiee years ci;uinbled . linexpectedly ancl he was left devastated. To. make mlU:t:ets WO . . . . . ·. act as '.' ~ ·"' , ,, ·,· •, ··,: fes/14,~w,pjs, .i:ewntj-1Qmahi1jg drti,st:411tbor, 1ll4S ~ .. ,w Jwt4 on t/,eUSlfflJ S/Jore gf ¥i-ry14nd ,nd li'f/l!sd#,-e flliih his husb,md, ]o1h A~ is" Litin . ~w,,n nwning "bla&sbe,p. "Hews n.m,:d the Nit Wbodtmit of 2002 by th!! StotU':'IN!i Sc~ty, · Jil«;if #g He.srts hiiisrm bis ./Jnt book in the Killi,,n Kauull m,stery smes. . Page 33 Seo es by Jack Fertig APRIL 2005 ''listen politely, V~!" ------------·-· Admitting, confusion and ignorlltlce is the first step to enlightenment. Mercury retrograde is aspecting Mars in Aquarius and Uranus in Pisces .. Sudden snafus can set off th~ sort of confusion that· can lea~ to illumination. AIUES (March 21 to April 20): Just when all looks good with your · pals, a paranoid little bug is asking· who your mends really are. Recent sliglits can prob~ be chalked up t6 si;nplc human failure. The real question is, how faithful a friend ~ you? TAURUS (April 21 to M,;y.20): Your carcet secins ·~ be goc>ing great guns now. Still, some douli~ (Taurus? Toi?) about your iong-term aims.· are • complicating the picture. Much as you hate doub~ anything, take this· as an opportunity to rethink now and make better plans later. GμIINI (May 21 to June 21): Your mste for -adventure can lead you. into fun and games that arc better left private. y OU go, horleyl Just be. ca.reful if you ~y want priyac:J.- Whether your. reputatic:>n ~ a lm,oc.k o~ gets a boost piay be subjective, but yo_u will be talked aboμtl CANCEll 0une 22 to July 22): P.rivatcc matters with your part,ner may· not. be so private. Sure, you need to t:alk dijngs out with a friend, hut be carcfull If you want real help keeping or finding a relationship, listen in particular to the advice you don't want to hear. LEO 0uly 23 to August 22); Anything that loob, ~s, or smells like an office flirtation should be avoided. right ii.ow. It will coQlC · back to bite you on· the ass - and not in a nice way! An appar1=0.t . setback in a telatlon1hip could actaally unblock a problem, aiding in a solution later. VDlGO (A-aguat 23 to Sq,tember 22): Even in simple conversations, something's sure to be misunderstood, and yet such . a snafu could lead to new opportunities to improve cooperative efforts at work. In more formal negotilitions · or co_ntracts, however, disaster waits - and so should you! Listen politely, bμt don't follow advice you get at. the gym. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): Housecleaning reveals hidden treasures that in tum provide a new creative direction. Anything from finger paints to thumbscrews can revive old interests and lead to new and very interesting levels of enjoyment. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): Your playful overtures are likely to be misinterpreted, causing some trouble, but it's noi:hing you can't handle. Keeping your fun and games on the home court will shed interesting insights on your family situation. SAGITI'ARIUS (November 22 to December 20): We all have domestic . squabbles here and there, but yours here and now offer more depth of possibility. than usual Take all argumerits at face value, but listen for hidden subtexts, especially about money. CAPRICORN (December 21 · to Janwry 19): Cool your jets, guard your current tendency to capricious impulse, and watch your words carefully. Mlsstatemcnts can prove expensive! Slow 11,nd careful is your usual mode, and ~11 a good time to stick to that. S Oanuaty 20. to February 18): · an ei;pecially bad small) financial revetSal can open up some profound personal ifisights. Getting angry with . ypurself in the process could be liberating. if you learn from the anger and kt go of it PISCES (Febnw:y 19 to MArch 19): Being unsμic of voμrsclf can open up a prqccss o( self-analysis that· provides grca~ enlightenment in the long run. Stay close to friends you can trust to call yo;o on your b.s. Friendly aignmcrits will get you closer to the truth. JMie Fertig bas been u,or/eing "5 a -profos,sumal 4StTOk,gt:r since 1977 and is a fo#ndi.ng mimber of tlR: .Association for Astro/ogial Net'U10rking:_ Page 35 Canada from pg-13 We're proud because it proclaims to all that see us that we did our duty as a citizen of this gteat land. You should be proud of voting, and never allow anyone to say that your vote does not count. We saw that to be false four years ago in Florida and are seeing it again now in Washington state where, out of the 2.8 million votes cast, the election for Governor came down to only 129 votes. And while voting is the most important thing you can do in the political process, it is also the least that you can do. It is when we as a people recognize this point that equality issues will begin to move forward. We as a community must also understand the importance of money in regards to campaigns. Consider this: To run for a statewide office in Missouri (U.S. Senate, Governor, etc), one needs to spend anywhere from $8 - $12 million dollars; Even to run for State Representative, an office that is unfortunately ovedooked all too often, one could need as much as $100,000. We must do a better job in financially assisting pro-LGBT candidates for office, and those candidates must know that the money is coming from our community. One of the ways of accomplishing this is to make your contribution to a candidate during a fundraiser hosted by an LGBT political organization. The candidate can then walk out and know exactly how much money he/ she has received from us. The other is to donate your money directly to one of our many local political organizations. Many area LGBT political organizations a.re set up in a fashion that they can receive money and spend it directly on behalf of an endorsed candidate (ex. PROMO PAC or HRC PAC). 1bis allows the leaders of these organizations to know how much money they spent on the candidate and serves as a lobbying tool once in office. It also allows the organizations to support friendly candidates in rural areas, where membership in our org:i.nizationa a.re low. Lastly, we as a community have to become more directly involved in the individual campaigns. We must get up from the bar ... show up to the dinner party a little later ... Tivo £fill & Graa if you have to ... whatever it takes, and go volunteer. We have to help stuff the envelopes, make the phone calls to registered votcn, and yes, we must knock on doors in support of our candidates. This tends to be the pan of campaigning that all people like the least. It also happens to be the most effective, especially in the close races. Studies show that in neighborhoods where candidates and volunteers knock on doors, voter turnout increases by as. inuch as twelve percent. In close elections that is the difference in the outcome. CONTROLING OUR OWN DESTINY What went \v'rong in this past election? Why did so many progressive candidates and causes get beaten so soundly? Those are questions that will be asked for many years to come. But we, the LGBT community, must look .within ourselves to understand what we did right,• and what we did wrong. We must come to the understanding that if we want our issues to advance, we must do what it takes in order to have the right people in office to advance that cause for us. Justified or not, our issues are very difficult for many legislators to support. The fear of backlash during the election cycle prevents our legislative agenda from advancing. Therefore, we must begin strengthening our campaigning muscles. Because our issues are perceived as so controversial, voting in similar numbers to the rest of the country is not good enough. Financial contributions made to campaigns at the same level other communities contribute just is not good enough. And volunteering with similar numbers as everyone else just will not be enough. If we truly believe in our issues ... if we truly believe in marriage equality, in employment protections, in the right of an LGBT student to feel safe in school, then we have to start doing to things necessary to put good legislators in office. Until we do, we have no one to blame but ourselves. The beauty of this situiuion is, we do in fact control our own destiny. We have truth and history on our side. Our opponents only have deception and a few last moments in the sun. We know who we are and that we are deserving of all the same rights that every other proud American enjoys. And with our hard work and focus, history shows us that we will succeed. The ehallenge is this: getting each and every member of our community committed to making a differ~nce during the next big election. Mark your calendars now for November 6, 2006!1 Page36 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-130 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kink.cads- 1004 1/2 Gurison Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 1022 -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - -479-782-1845 Arkaasas, Hot Springs (501) Club One Eleven- - 111 Garden St- - - - -620-4111 Our House Lounge - 660 E. Gnind Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jes11ie Rd- -- - - 501-66+2744 Di5covery- - - 1021 Jessie Rd- - - - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070 Kaa1a1, Wichita (316) ]'11 Lounge - • - - - 513 E. Central - - - 316-262-1363 Our Fanwy- - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - -316-682-5494 The Comer- -- • - 3210 E. Osie - - - - - 316-682-9781 The Otherside- -447 N. St Francis- - 316-262-7825 Shatai - - - • - - - 4000 S. Broadway- 316-522--2028 Side Street - - -1106 S. Pattie- - -316-267-1l324 South 40 - - - - 3201 S. H.i&ide - - -316-682-5494 Trends Bar - - - -1507 S. Pawnee- - - 316-262-4530 Mls11ouri, Joplin (417) Ree's-••• 716 S. Main•• - - - - -417-627-9035 Mhsouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - • • - 3715 Main St- - - - 816-561-2600 Belle Stllr'11- - - - 1321 Grand Ave- - - -816-421-1288 Club NV - - - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Main St- -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - -- - 816-561-0625 SidestreetBar- - --413 E. 3rd- - - - 816-531-1775 Sidelcicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Ml11ouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - --417-831-4700 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Martha'• Vineyard- 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar• 50.J E. Commercial - - - - . -417-831-9001 Ronisw: Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-86-4-0036 Rumon • --1109 E. Commercial- - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - - - - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy 405.941.2351 Copa- - • - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th fupwy- - 405-525-0730 Hi-Lo Oub - - 1221 NW 50th0 ~ - -405-843-1722 Lido- - • - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Partners-· - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - 405-942-2199 Sisters- - - - - 2120 NW 39th St - - - - -405-521-9533 The Roclcies- -3201 N. t.t:ay Ave 405-947-9361 Topaoga Grill &: Bar- 35351'.'W 39th--405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 720.J E. Pinc - - •- 918-836-8700 Club Maverick• • 822 S. Sheridan • 918-835-3301 End Up Club- - - 424 S. Memorial- 918-836-2480 Detour- - - - -7944 E. 21st - - - - - - - 918-660-7878 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - 918-584-9494 Renegades- - - - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- - 1737 S. Memorial - 918-838-9792 Tulsa Eagle- - - -1338 E. 3rd - - ••• 918-592-1188 TNT's - • • - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - 918-660-0856 Yellow-Bride-Rd- - -2630 E. 15th- - 918-293-0304 -Restaurants- Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Gushers Restaunnt-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 lngrids Kitchen- -3701 N.Youngs- -405-946-8444 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 -Lodging- Missouri, Joplin (417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground- - - - -417-683-9199 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground - - - - - . - - 417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Hollywood.Hotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - -405-528-2221 -Organizations-:Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - - - - - - - - -479-451-8066 Arkansas, Eureka Springs MCC living Spring- - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- www.dsra.org Kansas, Pittsburg {620) River of Life Church 1709 N Walnut - -1 lAM PSU-QSA.- 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita (316) HOA-Men, Chorus - 316-618-0684 Missouri.Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - - - - 6pm UCCFF--204 N.Jackson-Ave, -10:30A.M Aids Pro;ect Ozarks- 5i3 Kentucky- 4; 7-624-5788 MGRA- - - - - - www.mgra.us j .I l Page37 Missouri, Sprie&fieJd (417) R..inbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 lJnitllian Universalist Church - - - - 417-833-272~ APO- - - - 1901 E. Benne~ suite D- - 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - - - - - - - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Com~erical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springficld- - 0 - - - -417-889-1059 'PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@)hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oldah~nia City (405) Cathedral of Hope- - 600 ?\IW 13th&- - 232-HOPE The Center- - 2135 NW 39th St. -· - 405-524-6000 NI.A-Tribal Fire • • - - . C :. ww'w .trlhalfireokc.com OGRA- - - - - - - - - - - - :·:;v'w.w.£i~~dco.com "": ;:.. Oklahoma; . McPride- --.- - cPOBox 15is; OK 74502· ~~~.,,~~ T~~:(?l.~)._. GIBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- - - - 918-743-4297 ,, , • ,~. ·,•,✓~~;,· , -~·•·.;:~r,•,, ~''t' ·••''. ,,,, .. :;,. -: H.O.P.E. ~ - - - ""'2545 S. Yale-.~- - - .91.8'83~8378 M;CC United- -1623 N. Mapl=-_Ood-.-918}8.i~:V15 SSRA a·· • · · · · .:: • www.soonerstaterodco~~om TORR- - - - :::: _ ~:PO:Box 2687,·Tu!sa,'.ok 74101 Tulsa .C.ARJ:lS{ ::3507 E. ·Admital· Pl0 - 918:8344194 Tulsa 'ltougi:i ~§ei:s-, -www.t\)}s~e>ug!lrid~I~-co,m ..... \Bd~iness Services: . . . ~h~.~~ Eureb Sprfugs Qi;enitYPn~ E~enb~ -~.divenifypride.com ~de; ..:_ ~ - - . Kansas, Wichita ·TotalM~e-..... Kenn-· - • •·. 31~204-0111 ',,:, ~ .... ;;. .·" ., .. ,;:,.,/Missouri, Eure~.- Shclter Irimmic~- -Greg Tainter- 636-938-5500 . Missouri, Joplin (417) Charles Bul.1: Realtors-Viclci Bronson-- -434-0077 Office Min~-440 Rangeline Rd- - 417-623-1007 ken Arrow Spas NS - --918-258-7727 City • 405- 840-2106 - 405-524-5733 Piece To Reine 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 Ej.ffril:Jrl;J .:: . . -405-755-8600 Oklalioffia,'(μlsa (918) Elite Bocikstor~ -81..,S:Sli~~idan- -918-838-8503 Kelly Kirby, CPA- 48ii:s Haryard- -918-747-5466 l.Jn4erguy.com • • -825?,;6~ - - - • - 918-829-0824 . Priscilla's - - 7925 E. 41n- - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilfa!s - •, • 5634;W/~-: f • --918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - • -11344 E. 11th· -, • •· 918-438-4224 ' ""· <' ~ '' Priscilla's - • • • 2333 E..7ht·: • - • - - 918-499-1661 ' ·t Page38 PABE 40 Rodeo Kick April 7th THE STAR APRIL 2005 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, April 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 4 Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 1, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Michael Dee Douglas Glenn Steve T. Urie Paula Martinac Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Image 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) Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics 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 Star Magazine, June 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/452 The Ozarks Pride Magazine, January 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/136 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/451 activism Advice Column An Evening of Hope commentary Deep Inside Hollywood Diversity Festival Fundraiser Heart to Heart horoscope knowledge leadership Lesbian Notions local advertisement marriage equality Men Chorus of Wichita military Out of Town P.R.I.D.E. Planet Dee Q Scopes Quotable Quotes Sooner State Rodeo Association Uncle Mikey https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/2c536b0482e3462edd608cc20f9ad9fc.jpg a072202aa42960b83d2291b3d0b337de https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/6c4a2d334406538574e84f8d0a9add3e.pdf bb46df8f0a96a2399137d71aacf6579a 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 Delivering Quality; Affordability, 'ue, Integrity and Trust in Advertising Service. THE !TfS YOUR COMMUNITY, WE DELIVER ITl, AUGUST 2005 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 8 FREE Page 2 L tingand .on a" nd" Ml,S Scott C.row, Managing Broker McGraw Davisson Stewart, Realtors 1-866-527-7755 Grand Lake, Oklahoma. ScottCrow.rfic:grawok.com Tulsa Oklahoma City Little Rock . Fayetteville- } · Fort Smith .... )'..] springfi~icf ., · · Joplin Kansas Ci Witchita Page 3 Fire Destroys Gay Bar. When a friend suffers a loss we feel that loss ourselves and want to reach out and do something to help ease the pain. Such is the feeling we at the STAR have for Kelly Crissman and his staff at Studio 716 in Fayetteville. On Saturday July 16th during the early morning hours Studio 716 was· broken -into and set fire by an· arson. The Club was a total loss. Crissman said the investigation had ruled out ii#e·•crime as a motive. He and investigatotJ 0slispect the arson may have been a disgrifo.tled exemployee and would not .i:Oriiment further on that possibility. • "The building owner pilμlS to rebuild the space and Studio 716 \Vilh:eopen in the same location bigger aifd ;better than before, we aren't sure abqilt,the time. frame for the reopening. y, take months for construction .. ·. . efurbishing the club" said Crissman.. . ... · Studio 716 had been iri: btisiiiess for over 2 years and was F~yett~e's only gay club. .· .. Kelly Crissman, a big!} .erpfil~ leader in the Fayetteville q.1;~;:tc't1~niunity was the major sponsor of the dities··2nd annual Gay Pride Events ancl Pai;lde this .year. With NW Arkansas's struggle with gay rights and homopl:iobia in the area, Crissman has be~n a voke and activist in efforts to unite riot only the GLBT community but the main stream population as well. We applaud Kelly and his su for making a difference in our .. .. . nit-y and look forward to a new Studib 716. C.D. Ward/Editor HISTORIC CHURCH RESOLUTION EMBRACES ALL FAMILIES 'The United Church of Christ is sending a powerful and historic message that all families should be loved and cherished,' said HR C President Joe Solmonese July 4, 2005 WASHINGTON - The General Synod of the 1.3 million member United Church of Christ today approved a historic resolution endorsing marriage equality for same-sex couples at its biennial meeting in Atlanta. Approval of the resolution makes the United Church of Christ the largest Christian denomination to endorse marriage for same- sex couples. The Human Rights Campaign's new Director of Religion and Faith Programs, Harry Knox, a United Church of Christ member was in Atlanta for the vote. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement today: " The United Church of Christ is sending a powerful and historic message that all families should be loved and cherished. The United Church of Christ took an important step forward today. Its call for full equality in all spheres of American life will be remembered and honored by future generations. The marriage resolution is a beacon to millions of people of faith worldwide that &milies are strengthened with love but weakened by discrimination. While marriage equality under the law should never impress houses of worship into recognizing unions between same-sex couples, we hope more and more peopie of faith demonstrate important values of understanding and fair-mindedness." Marriage in Canada A bill granting full marriage equality to same-sex couples in Canada became law on July 20, 2005. Marriage licenses are now available to same-sex couples nationwide. Since marriage laws in Canada do not have residency requirements, same-sex couples who travel from the United States to Canada could also get married there. Canadian marriage for U.S. couples. It is unclear whether the U.S. government will recognize the legitimacy of Canadian marriages between same-sex couples who return to the United States and try to exercise their rights, such as filing joint income taxes or claiming Social Security survivor benefits. The Human Rights Campaign suggests checking with an attorney to get legal advice about your situation before deciding to marry in Canada. Couples should also read the marriage advisory issued by the leading gay, lesbian, bisexual and ttansgender legal organizations on this topic. Legal requirements. Io British Columbia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and · Yukon Territory, applicants .for a marriage license must be 19 or older. In Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan, they must be 18 or older. In Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Yukon Territory, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period between when the marriage license is issued and when the ceremony can be performed. Quebec has a 20-day waiting period, while Nova Scotia has a five-day waiting period. Newfoundland & Labrador have a fourday waiting period between the application and the issuance of the license and an additional four-day waiting period between the issuance of the license and the marriage. There is a one-year residency requirement for divorce in Canada, so couples thinking about getting married there should take that into consideration. Page 6 AUGUST 2005 by Andrew Collins "Magical Retreats of the Southwest" When you're choosing a romantic place to stay in the rugged Southwest, where you're ~ever far from sweeping desert or mountain vistas, it's ~ometimes .hard. to dec:de wheth.e_r to ;hoose a room with a dazzling interior, or one with a dazzling view. Ot course,. 1t _YOU re lucky, you'll find a charming place to stay that offers plenty of dazzle :ns1de and out. Here's a sdecticin of gay-friendly country inns and ranches located 1n some of the Southwest's most breathtakingly beautiful areas, from the red-rock terrain around Moab, Ut:lh, and Sedona, Ariz., to the verdant countryside of the Texas Hill Country, to the evergreen-studded mountafos of northern New Mexico. All of the accommodations mentioned welcome a mixed gay/straight clientele, and a few are lesbian- or gay-owned. El Portal - Sedona, Arizona . Nestled amid the spectacular red-rock canyons, buttes, and mesas of Sedona, about two hours north of Phoenix and two hours south of the Grand Canyon, El Portal which. opened in summer 2003 - has quickly earned a reputation as one of .the premier small lodgings in the Southwest. What sets this elegant 12-room_ property ap,ar.t from other new constructions is the care that owners Steve and C:onrue . , .afic10naaos of Arts and €rafts design, took to build El Portal exactly in period s . . The Arts and Crafts movement which flourished around the tum of the 20th century, emphasized fine ctaft;manship, clean lines, organic furnishin~ arid archite:tu~e, and natural materials: This intimate gem of a hotel features reclaimed oak and Jumper bearils, Utah river rocks, art nouveau stained glass, and actual Tiffany, Roycroft, and Stickley furnishings. . . Stylish though it is, El Portal is a low-keyed place where guests mingle each . evening over complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres in the ho~ey lobby. Food, m fact, is a big part of any visit here - a full breakfast, where you . might sample blueberry buttermilk pancakes with blueberry-cinnamon compote an~ coconut butter, is included. And an elaborate prix-fixe dinner ~$45 per person) ts served on Saturday nights, presented to the sound of live classicai guitar musi_c. . Rooms are oversized and indrvidually decorated; most have ternfic views of. the red-rock mountains nearby, and many have firepiaces and private patios. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and high-speed Internet. Guests also have use of the gym, pool, and spa at the luxury Los Abrigados ~esort, which. is just next door. A rarity among small, posh retrears: El Portal Sedona 1s pet-foendiy. Lodge at Creekside - Wimberley, Texas . _ .. · little Wimberiey mav not be especially famous outside ot Texas, but thls picturesque village in th:, he~~ o! Hill Country ha,s a lot going for i:, incI,u~ing a lush setting on the Blanco River. In !ess than an hour s dnve from Austill ana ~an Antonio, has a bounty of art galleries and charming boutiques, and is close to gte2t. rafting, hiking., swimming, and fishing. It's also close to one of the state's most scenic Page 7 Out of Town drives, the so-called Devil's Backbone (Hwy. 32), a winding ridge-top road offering brilliant vistas of the rolling countryside. This popular arts enclave is also home to one of the state's most charming gayfriendly country inns, the Lodge at Creekside, an upscale 6-acre compound consisting of eight nattily furnished cabins, a two-room suite, and a threebedroom house; all units are outfitted with jetted tubs and wood-burning stoves. A big, hearty breakfast is served in the main dining rooms, but there's a much more romantic option: your breakfast delivered right to your cabin in the morning, packed inside a charming wicker basket (the lodge also serves gourmet dinners by prior arrangement). This place may be rustic, but it's definitely not without modern conveniences - cabins have private phones, VCRs, microwaves and refrigerators, and wireless high-speed Internet. Outdoorsy types enjoy the property's location along crystal-clear Cypress Creek, a lovely spot to dip your toes in the water. Culture vultures like that it's onlv a quarter-mile walk to Wimberley's quaint town square, where you'll find cafes, shops, Wimberley Glassworks (where .you can see talented glass blowers at work and buy their artful finished creations), and the Corral Outdoor Theater, which shows movies all summer long. Mayor's House B&B - Moab, Utah A hub of mountain-biking, hiking, outdoor photography, and off-road driving, Moab is also the closest town to stunning Arches and Canyonlands national parks, both of which are famous for their fantastic red-rock formations. The town of about 6,000 residents lies a little more than four hours southeast of Salt Lake City, seven hours northeast of Las Vegas, seven hours northwest of Albuquerque, and six hours west of Denver. Although it's in a relatively rural part of conservative Utah, the townis also comparatively progressive and quite gay-friendly. . . . The Mavor's House B&B, whtch 1s gay-owned, ;its on the east edge of town, within walking distance of several restaurants and shops. The pace at this casual and contemporary five-room inn is ~low and easy, and there are several cheery spots where guests can relax and mingle, including a large, open gatheri~g room and an expansive deck surroundmg a big swimming pool. Rates here start at just $80, for t..he cozy but pleasant J\1iner's Room, but even the huge Master Suite - with its own private entrance off the main deck is a fine value at $130 nightly. Friends traveling together can also book the Bunkhouse, an 1,100-square-foot cottage that can sleep up to eight guests; it has a kitchenette, large-screen TV, and DVD player. Rancho de San Juan• Espanola, New Mexico Although this supremely elegant hideaway is technically located in rather mundane Espanola, it's actually a good 10 miles north of the downtown area, set at the foot of Black Mesa, in the Ojo Caliente River Valley. It's within easy driving distance of Abiquiu's magnificent red-rock cliffs, which so inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Northern New Mex:ic~'s artistic and cultural hubs, Santa Fe and Taos, are also each within an hour's drive. This completely secluded mini-resort, New Mexico's only member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel group, sits along a 225-acre spread and consists of 17 posh casitas and suites. Many rooms have kiva (beehive-shaped) fireplaces, which are typical of New Mexico adobe houses. The Black Mesa Suite has French doors opening onto a private patio, and the Buena Vista Suite has a massive bay window affording astounding views of the Jemez Mountains. Although Rancho de San Juan is a good distance from most dining options, the inn has its own exceptional prix-fu::e restaurant, serving outstanding contemporary American fare. The restaurant is open to nonguests, too, bv advance reservation. Guests can also opt f~r in-suite spa services, wirh options ranging from Swedish massage to an herbal mineral bath. One of the most unusual draws here is an intricatelv carved sandstone shrine up a short trail behind the property. Buiit into a cliff, the shrine consists of several cathedralinspired chambers with v:.ulted ceilings and tall windows - it's a wonderful place to catch your bi:eatn and admire the stunning New Mexico countryside. continued page-28 Page 8 NATIONAL ISSUES CONTINUED: International Marriage Rights Canada. A bill granting full marriage equality to same-sex couples in Canada ~ecame law on July 20, 2005. Marriage licenses are now available to same-sex couples nationwide. Belgium. Belgium, which passed its law Jan. 30, 2003, recognizes same-sex couples equally in tax, inheritance and other marriage benefits but stops short of allowing same-sex married couples to adopt children together. The law stipulates that only couples from countries that allow same-sex marriages can be married under the law. The Netherlands. The Netherlands ' which in 2001 became the first country to extend marriage rights to same-sex • couples, gives such couples exactly the same rights as heterosexual couples, including in tax, inheritance and adoption rights. The law requires that at least one member of the couple be a Dutch national or live in the Netherlands. Spain. The Spanish Parliament approved legis~ation on June 29, 2005 legalizing marnage for same-sex couples in the country. Under the law, gay and lesbian parents would also be permitted to adopt children. The law went into effect on July 3, 2005. OREGON SENATE TAKES HISTORIC STEP TOW ARD EQUALITY "Simple fairness means the same rights, protections and responsibilities for everyone," said HRC President Joe Solmonese WASHINGTON - The Oregon Senate made history today by passing SB 1000 - a bill that would grant critical rights and protections to same-sex coupies and their children as well as ban discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. "Simple fairness means the same rights, protections and responsibilities for everyone," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "By passing this import-ant legislation, the Oregon Senate has said that every family needs the same rights and protections and that no one should face discrimination simply because of who they are. These are American values that should be enshrined in our laws." HRC is working closely with Basic Rights Oregon - the statewide GLBT advocacy group - on a coordinated grassroots strategy for the passage of the civil union and anti-discrimination bill. This effort has included on-the-ground staff support and generating constituent contacts to legislators. "The Senate's historic vote today reflects the values of an overwhelming majority of Oregonians who believe that discrimination against gay and lesbian people and their families is wrong," said Roey Thorpe, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon. "Now is the time for Oregon to take this historic vote one step further by not only condemning discrimination, but prohibiting it in the law." The bill will now move to the House where a "reciprocal benefits" bill has been introduced that only grants a· few rights to couples and does not address discrimination protections tnat are a critical part of SB1000. "Fair-minded leaders must ensure that protections are not Handed out piecemeal," said Solmonese. "Given Nike's historic support; Gov. Kulongoski's steadfast backing, and endorsements from business and religious leaders from across the state, the legislature should hasten the passage of SB1000." Oregon voters passed a constitutional amendment in November exclU:ding same-sex couples from marriage, but did not deal with the issue of civil unions. "Supporters of the amendment argued that the legisiature should consider civil. unions for same-sex couples," said Solmonese. "It is time for them to make good on their word." Page 9 NATIONAL ISSUES CONTINUED: MCC Responds To Religiously-Inspired Anti-Gay Stabbing Attack At Jerusalem Gay Pride Event From: The Reverend Dr .. Troy D. Perry Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches July 5, 2005 Along with people around the world, I am horrified at the religiously-inspired attack that injured three marchers in Jerusalem's Gay Pride Parade. This violent incident is yet another reminder that homophobia in our world is often motivated by religious intolerance and religious fundamentalism. The attacker who stabbed the marchers was quoted as saying, "I came to murder in the name of God." It is worth noting that this attack did not happen in a vacuum. Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious fundamentalists both in Israel and the U.S. have carried out an unrelenting months-long campaign to vilify and demonize gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. They have attempted to impose their narrow religious views at the expense of the basic human rights of LGBT people. I call upon Israeli authorities to investigate beyond the lone attacker. Religious leaders .who have misused their spiritual authority to inspire violence and hatred against LGBT people must.be held accountable for theii; role in fomenting and inciting this incident. I am deeply saddened that anti-gay religious leaders have twisted a positive spiritual message of love for God's diverse creation into a hate-filled message far removed from the deep, genuine spirituality of faith, hope and love for all of God's creation. Today, I join with people of goodwill around the globe in sending my prayers to the three victims of this horrific attach, and to the LGBT community in Jerusalem, whose parade of love, pride, and equality was met with.hatred and ·violence. I call upon all faith communities to reject negative spirituality that demonizes those who are different and that invariably leads t0 division and pain, and to redouble our prayers for an end to homophobia in our world REV. PERRY'S FAREWELL SERMON HIGHLIGHTS MINISTRY THAT POSITIVELY CHANGED LIVES 'Reverend Perry's ministry has healed and brought hope to countless souls,' said HR.C's Harry Knox. WASHINGTON - As the Rev. Elder Troy Perry, moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, preaches his final sermon as moderator this evening, the Human Rights Campaign expressed gratitude for the reverend's ministry. Perry will give the sermon to the denomination's 2005 General Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. "Reverend Perry's ministry has healed and brought hope to countless souls," said Harry Knox, director of the HRC Foundation Religion and Faith Program. "It's appropriate that his triumphal last message of hope to the denomination he - founded will be delivered at the same time Canada celebrates marriage equality. Troy and the UFMCC were pioneers in the work to bring equal rights to samesex couples and have worked tirelessly to see it become a realitv. When Revere~d Perry started the chu;ch in 1968, he broke ground that is bearing glorious fruit today. His was the first voice I ever heard proclaiming God's unconditional love for lesbian, gay, bisexual and rransgender Christians like me. Reverend Perry laid down the foundation for the work we are all doing now to amplify the voices of clergy and lay people who believe in justice for LGBT folks. Mav his retirement be as rich and rewardin'g for him as his gifts of ministry have been for others." - ... a Labo . · LE· ·... Page 11 Watch For Dur Neat Liue Concert COM I NG SOON! Page 12 ,.• Dolt t! For GLBTs & PPLAGs Eurell11 Springs, Arllansas '\:,,'• ,,,,' ,,".,, , H.!i»" 4, 5 & 6 FALL DIVERSITY WEEKEND ,',,,\ "'; • ,•✓ Boys Can Sing SopranQ, ,<says Genal?rPAC ~Texas Mlisic AsJociatiori. Plav~ the Same Old Tune: Discriminati~n~ WASHINGTON DC, Ouly 7,2005) Mikliael Rawls, a rising Texas high school. senior, won't be performing before music college recruiters next school year. He won't even have the chance to audition for an elite ensemble of Texas high school singers. The Texas Music Educators Association eliminated tl:μs possibility for Rawls when they rejected his audition request: for a soprano position, which is traditionally a girls' part. "The Texas music association is denying this young man of his right ro equal opportunity to try out for the choir and develop his musical talents. And it's not because he. doesn't sing well - it's because he is a boy," said Riki Wilchins, Executive Director of Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (Gender PAC). The music association began prohibiting boys from singing soprano or alto, and girls from tenor or bass two years ago, according to the local · television news station, KXAS-TV. The association, which claims to offer quality musical experiences for students and to cultivate universal appreciation and lifetime involvement in music, has taken a step backward by denying Rawls the chance to capitalize on his strengths and talents. Rawls, who sings in an octave and a half higher than most boys his ag~, has earned several distinctions for his singing including first place as a soprano in the University Interscholastic r.eague's competition for two consecQtive years. He hopes to pursue a joint 'degree in vocal performance and liberal arts from the New England Conservatory and Harvard University after high school graduation. Rawls often a part called . wiis ; popular wonienwe group~:l'.t vias: · , when times until an it about 60 years ago. tdaay men can be found singing coui:ttert,enor in music schools across. the countrv. . " , "., "Music education, like all education. should be about helping young people - realize their full poteriti:il and achieve their dreams. Discrimination against male or female students is just plain wrong," said Lindsay Bond, · GenderPAC's Youth Program Coordinator. The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (GenderPAC) works to end discrimination and violence caused by gender stereotypes. Visit us at www.gpac.org contact: 202-462-6610 Page 13 Serving our community in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois & Colorado This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call codav and ask about our services. Auto -Home - Life Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Tel: (866) 208-9480 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com the BAMBOO LOUNGE, TULSA TULSA, 0 K_ The Bamboo Lounge inaugurated their new outdoor stage with the fabulous Rachael Sage in concert Saturday evening July 9th to a delighted and packed house. The 2004 Independent Music Award \'finner was in Tulsa promoting her new CD "Ballad$ & Burlesc1ue'' Self-produced by S:ige and mixed by Kevin Killen (Kate Bush, Elvis Costello. ~\late Cohn), Ballads & Buriesque features ten tracks of "rich vocals, sparkling piano and yearning poetry" Tli\iE OL'T NY. "Sage is the music world's best kept secret'. Q i\11\G:\Zlls.JE. "BALLADS & Bl1RLESQUE" is Rachael's 6th album release and can be purchased at Barnes & Nobie or Borders stores in Tulsa or. the four States Region. Rachael Sage is truly a renaissance performer. Self-taught on the piano from age 5, she went on to stuck at The School of American Ballet in her adolescence. She later earned a degree in Drama from Stanford l'niYcrsity. Following a one-year stint with New York Cit\''s renowned Actors Studio. she redi,co,·ered her passion for music and took the l'sie\,. York Cit\ li,·c mmic ~cene br storm. Sonja & Friends at the Hollywood Hotel, OKC Sonja ~Iartinez ha~ been entcrutining in the Oklahonn Cir, area f<,r m:im· ,-c,,r'., and is considered on<: nf C)kL1hc,!na\ hcsi kept secret~! Joined 1n, ~li\..'cna ~nc:1rs, J(Jhn Bcbcc, D:::hbic Da·,1c: Jnd <>n·:h(>\' (~rooncr i\Lnd'"!c'X J-jcath Fit1gcrald. thi~ c\·cnt \\·ill hbw 1·0~: :,\,-,,·.-.. \ nw~t ,cci ,\n r•~ycning \'virh S,)nja ii.: 1:ricnd~ .~1 t~h: Hollywood, OKC -tth Dinnt:r -rt;l _,nd ;civ·wt!'lll' S:.'1 1l'l'i'- !,,,. Rescn;atir)n~: (:~d~: ~~o,::,_tf--!~H~:;:-; ! . ~~uni.: \t.:ill ,d~n b;; pcrfonr:~t:~~ :1! P:1r:nt·r:-: / ·it:L 111 < )kbh(,tr.:\ Cit'. "n I rid.n \u-.:m• '.'1: loc~Ht'(: ~tt ~2~~( 15 :~\\' 3<~t h Michelle Mayfield "This Women Really Rocks" Singer, Song \\'riter i\liche!le Mayfield ,,ntcd m the ,1~e c,f 3 playing for friends ar:d t·:1mih·. ·'Pat Bcnarar was m,· firs, :n::ior (;1tkcnc:: and still is w this day. As :1 youn.~ in1prc~sionablc fctnale it \Vas so im:nrtant 'o hct\'t a role mode! -.,·ith sue!: ,, ,!I, ,n? ·,, ,ice. presence. and attimde; it L,,.i " :11'1j<;, imp;,ct on \,·bcre l am to::la\· ~l'.-- ;1 ~1ngcr, sonbn,!,·riree~. ;_\fichelle pc:-1·, ,r:n-:- in and :,round , \ufti::. Da'.!as, 1 hu,,on .rnd ,,ill b-.: rcckin a, CLUB l 022 ;r, i'"n S:n;d:, _\R on Sa1:~1r'.:laY \u::..~·J~t ,~-th. 5~10,\·tin1c 11 :30P:i\L Page 16 JOIN THE STAR TEAM! ADVERTISING Rl!:PRl!:SENTATIVE F"OR WICHITA, OKLAHOMA CITY, TULSA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS email qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 HAPPY BIRTHDAY! SMITII AUGUST 8TH HAPPY BIRTHDAY! RodneyB y AUGUST 1 3TH 1 /BTH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL FOR RATES 91 B.B35.7B87 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quailty, Value, Integrtty and Trust in Advertising Service. FREE HIV TESTING,NO NEEDLffi l SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sunday Service 6PM In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Seroing A Healthier Community" Page 17 N: Overexposure to Dancers can lead to vision problems.'.. (fiut tften ff.asses get more st)ftsft e-very aay! Cm.D BIBB • l10'r BODS .. 81'Bmlo DRIIID l 424 S. Memorial, Tulsa "' (918) 836-2480 21 ANDOVER a ONEDRINKMINIMUMD CLOSEDTUESDAYDWWW.ENDUPCLUB.COM -: i: :'· . ,. 405-478-4009 • 6725 N. Miramar Blvd. Okla City, OK 73111 Rodney Burgamy www.c21goldc:astJe.oom 405.840.2106 Joe Brennan It's official: We're homeowners,; Well, almost official. Our settl~fueridiite ; and the big move is about a month away, but everything is looking good. It's all happened so quickly my head .is still spinning. Our own.home .... It's a big step - put ohe mC>te, ap.d more same-sex couples · ·· · · · According to the 2000 64% of gay couples owned houses. up from 52% in 1990. However, compared to the straight world, that number is si:ill a bit low: 78% of heterosexual married couples own homes. "Discrimination may be one factor in that, but vou could think of other reasons ;hy that might occur," said Gary J. Gates, a research associate at the Pooulation Studies Center of the Urban ln;titute in Washington, D.C. Gays and lesbians tend to live in more urban areas where housing costs are higher and rental properties are more available. That's not to discount discrimination. An HRC article on homeownership reports that many gay couples have faced discrimination while shopping for a home - and Federal law offors no protection. The Fair Housing Act (fitle VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, financing of, or other housingrelated transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability, but it does not protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This discrimination could take several forms. Some couples were turned down for housing simply because they were gay. Others have been told they cannot put both partners' names on a homeowner's insurance policy, which is important to do if both partners share ownership of the home. And still other couples have been discriminated against when filing a claim as some insurance companies have attempted to refuse claims or cancel policies on the grounds that the owners are •~unrelated." · · While there are no Federal· protections, fourteen states. artd the y.Dfatrict bf Columbia have paisel:lliws that provide civil rights protections including protection from discrimination in housing for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. They are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New . hii: . . :0, oil dtid Wisconsin. df those, only California, Minnesota, New Mexico and Rhode Island include protection for transgender . peopie. It1 a~<#;ioli, ther~ .·ru:~ .?:1P:~.~'l:han · 240:local, ·thaep;oJi,ibtt· of these also der ck-'with vour local go . i~formation. Even if you',refortui:~te enough to live in one of these states or municipalities, you'm.a'fnot be protected from all forms of discrimination. For example, while Maryland prohibits discrimination in housing, gay couples still face an unfair transfer and recordation tax. This past legislative session, a bill was passed that would have eliminated what is called the "gay tax" on homeownership by exempting · committed same-sex couples from .the taxes involved in transferring the title of a home owned bv one member of a couple into both· members' names. The Republican governor, Robert Ehrlich, ........... Continued next page Page 19 HEART TO HEART vetoed the bill, along with another that ,vould have created a statewide a registry of life partners granting eleven rights dealing with health care and end-of-life arrangement~, most of ,vhich cannot be achieved through ac!Yance direcri,-e, power of attorney, or will. But what if, like Jon and I, you decide to make the leap to homeownership in the face of discrimination. What should you be looking for? #1: Gay or Gay-friendly Realtor Your first step will be to find a gay or gay-friendly iealtor. You want someone who will understand vour circumstances and lifescyle. This may be easier than you think, th;nks to the s~rvices of online · referral services like GayRealEstate.com or HomeLounge.com. Our agent, while straight, was not narrow. He treated· us like any other young couple searching for their first home. #2: Your Dream House Once you have a realtor, be sure to tell him or her exactly what you are looking for. Don't be afraid to be specific, but also be realistic. If you have a list of twenty things you're looking for in a house, what are the chances of finding one with all twenty? You may have to decide what vou can and can't live without. For' instance, Jon and I wanted an older, two-story house with a big backyard for entertaining, preferably in the councrv. Unfortunatelv, there wasn't much that ,fit that description that fell within our price range. When we were shown the house we ended up making an offer on, it was perfect except for the fact that it wasn't in the country. We decided tl1at the gorgeous hardwood floors outweighed the in-town setting. #3: Location, Location, Location Wbe1, \'OU find a house vou like, be sure to lo<;k into the location: Will it be a safe area for a gay couple to live in? Get a crime report from the police department (or online if it's available). Talk to your potential neighbors. Educate yourself about the area. More and more gay couples are moving out of traditionally gay neighborhoods. We were a little wary of the area our house was located in ... until we talked to the neighbors. A fifteen minute conversation with the lady next door really eased our minds. #4: Protection Once you've found the right home in the right neighborhood, don't forget to get the right protections. There is much complicated, additional legal work required to ensure the survivorship rights of both partners in the event of breakup or death. I know, this isn't what you want to be thinking about in the midst of such a joyous occasion, but you need to plan ahead for all possibilities. In addition to certain title provisions, other legal documents may be needed. Be sure to consult an agent experienced in such areas, or find a good attorney knowledgeable in LGBT law. Now that all that's out of the way, it's time to stare planning your housewarming party. Be sure to im·ite everyone you know. You get more presents that way. 124:N. Boston - ·Tulsa, OK - 918.584.9494 Thu-sday Nights .., Rachael Erlkks - MGA 2004 &nc::lay Ni~ts - Catla Lee Love - MG)\ 2000 1!11trsday and Sunday - 18 to enter; 21 :to drink . Friday andSaturday DanceParty- 21 to enter 9 p till 2 a .;, Ulu'-sdav - SUnday nights Sunday Ni~ come enjoy tie anlcs of Caia Lee lave, Molcaa Monroe, Kandy Kain, Iman Seal ..t guests. Thuraday Nighls Racheal Emks 10ail'S it up for a pork chop on Talent Search Tharsday•s. Cengraeulalions to T abilha Taylor - Mss Day Oklahoma America 201Jj Page 21 omentics Author's Scott & Scott Scott was scoping the boys on the dance floor. Scott was looking for friends that fortunately never showed up. One glance led to another, and soon they were shouting over the booming sounds of the latest dance remi.""t. "Scott'' "What? I'm Scott'' "Scott" "What?" "Vodka tonic." "No! What? Me, too!" And we found even more things in common: Fireplaces and red wine. Mountains and lakes and sunrises over the ocean. A cup of coffee and a morning full of writing. It was a good start, and now a few years later, we're still together. Prom our place in Boston to California wine country, from St. Croix to Bourbon Sttcet to Key West. We've been all over, weathered a .few storms, and come away convinced othet gay men share our love for romance. And we want to share .it with you. A common name. A common dttam. A common love. That's what Romentics is all about. .. .......... continued pagt.•29 Page 22 ast Out by Liz Highleyman AUGUST 2005 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. July 1865 (140 years ago this month): Military surgeon Dr. James "Miranda" Barry dies in London, England. Who was Dr. James "Miranda'' Barry? Dr. James Barry was a celebrated military surgeon and medical reformer whose sex and gender identity ,vere the subject of much specuiarion both during his life and after his death. To this day. it is not known whether Barry was a cransgender man, a person with an intersex condition, or a woman who cross-dressed in order to follow her dreams. Barry is thought co have been born around 1795, but little is known about the exact circumstances of his birth and early life. Even his original name is uncertain; some researchers believe it was Miranda Stuart or Margaret Bulkley. Barry is said to have been raised by a single mother and supported by a circle of bohemians and radicals who were friends of his uncle, the Irisn painter James Barry. Among chem were the Earl of Buchan (David Erskine), an early proponent of women's rights, and the Venezuelan revolutionary General Francisco de Miranda, who encouraged Barry to dress as a boy and enro;I at ~he University of Edinburgh IVfcdical Schooi as a young teenager. Barry graduated in l 812; today, he is regarded by many as che first woman e,·er to h"\-c rccei\·ed a unin:rsity medical degree. He then did an apprenticeship in London with renowned phvsician Sir Astley Cooper. Despite having a delicate phvsiguc and being barely five feet mil, Barry joined the British Army around 1813 as a hospital assistant. He served in several oyerseas posts, arriving in Cape Tuwn, Sonth Africa (then a British coiony), around 1816. Though he often bucked his superiors as he sought to improve local health conditions, he quickly rose through the ranks and was named medical inspector. He became known for his talent as a surgeon, and is credited with performing the first successful Cesarean section using modern Western techniques. With his delicate features, red-dyed hair, flamboyant outfits, and high-heeled shoes, Barry developed a reputation as a dandy. Writer Charles Dickens once described him as "uniciue in appearance and eccentric in manner," while another contemporary said he was "completely devoid of all the outward signs of manly Yiriiity." Among his peculiar habirs, it was noted that Barry would only undress in complete privacy. He also became known for his short temper and lack of diplomacy. While his quarrelsome manner frequently got him into trouble, Barry usually escaped serious consequences due to his medicai skills and his friendships with higher-ups. Although flirtatious with the ladies, Barry was rumored co be homosexual, and he fought at least one duel to defend his honor. Around 1820, Barry entered into a close relationship - and quite likely a love affair - with Cape Town Governor Lord Charles Somerset. The two were accused of llOdomy, after which the governor was recalled to London and the young doctor temporarily left the cape for parts unknown - some say to conceal a pregnancy, although another theory holds that Barry lived briefly as a woman with Somerset in Britain. · Barry resurfaced in South Africa, where he remained until 1828. He then went on co serve in several island posts, including Mauritius, Jamaica, St. Helena, ti1e West Indies, Malta, a:1d Corfu. It i~ rumored that once, while Barry was suffering from yellow fever, a doctor discovered his birth sex, b~c Barry swore him to secrecy. In 1857, Barry - by now promoted to continued next page: Page 23 Inspector General of Army Hospitais was posted to Canada, a move he disliked due to the cold climate. Two years 'later, after a bout of influenza, he was pressured into retirement and returned to London, accompanied as usual by his Jamaican manservant and a poodle named Psyche. Barry died in London during a dysentery epidemic in July 1865. Although he had asked to be "buried in his bed sheets without further inspection," a nurse or maid preparing the body dairned Bariy was a .woman and had stretch• marks indicating a past pregnancy. 14:is. ,8octor, however; said he thought Barry might be "an imperfectly developed man," .Aftet his death, Barry's sex continued to provoke controversy. An article in the A .... · :!Z~· . ,2lJ.d:. . it had bvious all along that Barry was a woman: "the physique, absence of hair, the voice, all pointed in one way, and the petulance of temper, the unreasoning impulsiveness, the fondness for pets were in the same dii: ";And 81 in '.baiJ.cet~ an bla. .. • . . encl/ of ·Bliri:y's said he > nev~'-~'c:if"tlie5is}ight~st suspicion of h~r sex."·. :, . .. · . 1'{qtc •t han(ir c,eo:tizj, later,; :Baa:j's •.. "reil'.' sex: remains a .tiiystcfy'. Bu,t, asks Harvard literature professor Marjorie Garber, "If a person lives hi.a or her life. consistently undet a gc:ncle,r'ili~ntiiy' .• different froth. tjut rey:i;al,.~d 1# ·.· •. . ... . anatomicaFfu:spectioti after·death; what is the force of that 'reality'?" For farther reading: . Holmes, Rachel. 2003. _Scanty Particulars:. The Scandalous Life and Astonishing Secret of Queen Victoria's Most Eminent Military Doctor_ (Random House). Rose, ]:one. -1977. _The .Perfect Gentleman: The Remarkable Llfe of Dr. James Miranda Barry_ (Hutchinson). · Spain's first gay ma. e. Two Spanish men have become the first gay couple to be married since a new law allowing same-sex marriages. July 11, 2005 MADRID_ Emilio Menendez, a Spaniard, and Carlos Baturin German, from the US, tied the knot at a ceremony ju~t outsfde Madrid . ':r'he-co1.1f?le,have bs~ . . er fqr.30 years • . •. .. • . O .. • C • • • • 'saicl: "Today :we 'are even niore a family." Spain)s yt~_:third E}lfbJ>e~ m.tion, after the Netherlands. a0<f,Belgium, to legalise samc:~:sc:x marriages.' ':fhe law allo~s ~y couples to adopt children. The wedding ceremony in the town o; Tre_s .C::~ti)s ~~· 11. fa'911y friends and 'journalists . 11 as Pedro Zerolo, the governing Socialist Party's top official for social issues. State television showed footage of the couple smiling and displaying their wedding · Spain's lower house of plirliafuf'.nt yoted)n favour of the bill 60 30}llile, •• ~.ove~g its rejectjon by.the.upper ::?~~i;sE::~. •,° J:Vd"a"k the · ¥adrid:raD:y:;~s~ the l>ilPl5~~a.it was um on !luJ!iiul to. th~ ~Ji. Jiliego. ~ m2gazine Btiiz, May 13. · Page 24 _Libby Post is the founding chair of the Empire State Pride Agenda and a political commentator on public radio, on the Web, and in print media. OK, I admit it. Lesbian Notions by Libby Post AUGUST 2005 Bye, Bye B.I ?• When I saw the "Gay, Straight or Lying? Bisexuality Revisited" headline in _The New York Times_, my die-hard "how-could-awoman- who-has-experienced-the-wonder-ofmaking- love-with-another-woman-ever-goback- to-men" dyke heart skipped a beat. But then, seconds later, liberal guilt set in and I read the article. The reporter, Benedict Carey, writes about a new joint study from Northwestern University and Toronto's Center for Addiction and Mental Health that "casts doubt on whether true bisexuality exists, at least in men." Described as "the largest of several small reports" (are the researchers having a "size" problem here?), the study used a tiny test group of 101 young adult men whose sexual identity roughly broke down in thirds 33 said they were bi, 30 said they were straight, and 38 said they were gay. A penile plethysmograph, also known as a PPG in the sex research world, was used to measure "genital arousal patterns in response to sexual images of men and women.". The article didn't detail how the PPG was attached - I'll leave that to your active imaginations. Wl:iat thej found, however, was that, as expected, the straight guys got it up for the images of women, and the gay guys did the same for men. The unexpected finding was that three-quarters of the self-identified bi guys responded only to the images of men. And from these results the conclusion was made that bisexuality, at least ·in men, does not really exist. Now, the response to. the article, the headline in particular, has been vociferous. Tue _Times_ has. been flooded with. letters to the editor tanging from: scientific to sarcastic. . . . . . . . . ·. Stanford biology professor Dr. Joan Roughgarden:wrote, "In the 300 or more known vertebrate sp'c::cies with natural homosexuality, all combine heterosexual with homosexual relations. Humans are. not likely to differ in this. regard ... 11he data in the article show that 20 percent of the pool having ·s.lUDl!-'SCX relatiqns do identify as bisexual. These people surely aren't all lying. Instead, ·psychologists should add a fourth possibility to their list: namely, that they are wrong.'' Catherine Gaffney from that city of brotherly love,· Philadelphia, wrote, "If our sexual preference were best detected by who [sic] we look at in pornography, wouldn't pretty much everyone be attracted to mildly unattractive peopie who live on the West Coast, and lack acting talent?" (I wonder if there will be an organized response from adult film makers to this one.) The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) have both galvanized their forces. GLAAD found the headline to be sensationalistic and derogatory. They even asked the _Times_ to change the header on their online edition. The answer was no. GLAAD wants folks to write more letters fo the editor. NGLTF's Matt Foreman was "stunned that _The New York Times_ Science section would carry such a .shoddy, sensationalistic and downright insulting story" that equates sexual orientation with sexual arousal. The article "defames the truth in the lives and loves of millions of bisexual men. The Times should be ashamed." A .................. continued next page - - Page 25 plethora of information regarding bisexuality, the study's inaccuracies, and suggested action can be found at www.ngltf.org. While the die-hard dyke heart says one thing, the rational thought process that inhibits my brain suggests that, absent all the sex-role stereotyping that permeates our society, we'd probably break down on the following scale - 10 percent of us would be either exclusively hetero or homo (that includes us lesbians), and the rest of us would revel in sexual fluidity. Clearly, our culture is anything but devoid of sex-role stereotypes and the presumption of heterosexism, so this isn't likely to happen. But the question that really concerns me is not whether bisexuality exists but why there isn't a stronger, independent bisexual movement with political clout of its own. The messages of bisexuals and transfolks can get lost and overlooked when we're all included under the ubiquitous LGBT political umbrella. I understand that while some of the issues that bisexuals face are the same for lesbians and gays, some are different. I understand that the transgender community must grapple with both sexual and gender orientation. But I also understand political reality and how too many messages crowd each other out. Just look at John Kerry's failed bid for president. With a smorsgasbord of "messages," his campaign never had a dear and coherent one. What happened? He lost. While each of our singular communities has its own organizations, perhaps those of us with greater resources can help those who don't. It is vital to work in coalition when the issue calls for it and to maintain our singular identities. Wouldn't it be more effective if each of us - the lesbian and gay community, the bisexual community, and the transgendcr community - had our own strong political identity, so that when we do work together we truly are greater than the sum of our parts? If this were the case, -_The New Yark Times_ might never have equated bisexuality with lying . 1 /STH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"CR RATES 91 B.B35.7B87 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Advertising Service. 1 /BTH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"CR RATES 91 B.B35.78B7 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Advertising Service. 1 /BTH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"CR RATES 91B.B35.78B7 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Advertising Service. Page26 Dear uncle: Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! AUGUST 2005 Well Kittens, Welcome back to Uncles comer in Queerdom. Uncle exhaustively rejoins you from the thirtv twioks of pride. Another season of bringing lo,;e to the masses. Uncle is proud to say not only did he manage better than some twinks I could mention However, went on to give the big bang of the season on the fourth. While eyes were glued to . the skv this Fourth of July, let:i™s just say that uncle ~as enjoying another big bang, and what a bang it was. I think I will give that boy five stars kittens. I am so over sex. I have been dating several men for a few months. Not one of them is a good lay, and I am beginning to think sex is just hype. I mean is there no one out there that can keep up with me? · Looking for more Dearest Looking: . . Well, well, well, look at you Kitten. Fully loaded with ~11 the a_ccessories lt seems. You know, maybe you are right. My advice darling; move mto a single flat,_ and h~ve at it. Since yo.; obviously have way too much skill for Queerdom, do the right thmgGo do yourself. Smooches uncle Mikey Hey Mike: . . How do you know if someone is truly in love when love JS nothing more th:t11 _an agreement? I mean it is not an actual condition. People fool themselves mto believmg they love someone until it goes bad, than it gets ugly. 'Why bother. True to one Dear True: . Utilizing my years of experience, I detect that you are a betrayed lesbian finding hers~f bitter. Uncle has been around the block sister; now close the mouth, as you know I am right. Love is a beautiful thing in which the lucky inhibitor of loves embrace finds joys untold. True love can conquer all, as long as you have the right equipment. Uncle s~~sts that you _forget about tl:ie wicker furniture she stole and move on with it already. Chalk 1t up to experience and open your heart, before you find yourself sitting at a table for one, in the romance department. Smooches-uncle Mikey . . Well, what in Chers name is going on out there? I think the heat J~ gettmg t? the inhibitors of Queerdom. Come on Kittens, put on a happy face. and !f you can t, well drink until you can. You are ruining a perfectly good b~zz, I have g?mg on over here. Suck it up already. No~ you delicious, I was speaking to my ,K1~tens. ?ue:tuncle should not use the v01ce type anymore, as the boy could ha.re nurt hims ..... t lunging for it as he did. Dear Uncle: . . I am having issues with my panner of twenty years. He is acting as if life Is over. He never wants to see our friends, go out and in honesty, have sex anymore. He puts around the house, aod garden, acting as if life does not ~:rists an~more. I a~ not ready to quit. I want to travel, and spend our retired years haVJng fun. He acts as 1f we are already in the ground. What do I do? Concerned partner Dearest CP: ............ continued next page Page27 Kitten, you know the obvious here, as checking for depression, seeking outside help to ensure the health of your partner's mental health. However, I suspect that this is not what you seek from uncle. Therefore, here is uncles advice. Hire a Greek God! Find yourself the most delectable houseboy you can find, insisting that he wear only a Gstriog to work. Go on living and if he chooses to be a sour puss than let him to it. However, I am sure once he sees that you do not care to join him in his ways, he will rethink this and find himself out of the gray mist, which he has landed. Be strong, and makes sure that the houseboy wears a generous coating of oil. What? I was speaking of Skin protection Kitten. Smooches-Uncle Mikey Kittens as partners, the worst thing we can do is join our loved one in their pity of despair. As harsh as it may sound, sometimes they need to be reminded that life will move forward. If they choose not to join in, they may lose out. Tough love kitten. It is the best gift you can give someone suffering from the pity party syndrome. Allow them to realize their folly and than welcome, them back into the game of life. However, if they suffer from serious depression or some other mental health issue. Seek: professional intervention, and offer them support. Love is a two way street, and you should support them through the good and the bad. Besides, you can always go out after visiting hours Kittens snicker, snicker I am a bad boy, somebody should spank me. Well Kittens, that about wraps up this edition of the queer life with your humble guide. I must take my leave once more and make ready for this evenings a.ffa.k As Uncle sees the end of pride tricks, he is reminded all good things must end. Remember this as you make your way out there in Queerdom. The right lube can make the difference between Twiok-a-licious, and Twink:-a-sore-ass Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too! Unck M,leey is 11. chitr11.cter from FrttLsn« writer Mich.ul Hinzm,m. Michael h,u Mn 'Writingfor ten ye,frs. Utilizing bis muiies, 11.nd lift experience to bdp others in bis community, through humor 11.nd so#nd itdwce. Mic1Md. 4J!Plied bis stlldy of prycbology 11nd cmitfoe UTriting, itS t«JJ bis c:tmsifJt! b,,degro"nd in mental be,f/ti, Dim:t ure to bring 11. neu, styk 11.nd llf!PTO,u;h to helping others. Michael's other worlts un be 1Jie-wed at fl1fl1'Cll.g,rylinkcontent.com. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center "A VISIBLE PRESENCE" The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Traosgender (GLBT) Community Center is a home for our community. It's very presence is a visible reminder to Tulsans of the important role GLBT individuals, families and friends play in our community. Inside the center the wildly popular David Bohnett CyberCenter with 10 flat-panel workstations outfitted with the latest technology allows you to surf the web, finish that school paper or chat with friends across the nation. The Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library has over 3,000 titles for you to check-out and over 300 FREE movies. The "Family" Room has PlayStation 2 and board games or sit back, relax and watch 1V on a large screen TV complete with Showtime, HBO and more. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center is the place to meet friends, make new friends and get involved with your community. The Tulsa GI.BT Community Center is located in mid-town at 5545 E 41 st Street in Highland Plaza. Regular hours are: Tuesday - Thursday: 6:00 · PM Friday & Saturday: 3:00 PM Sundays: 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM 9:00 PM 9:00 PM Quotable Quotes "Bush hates press conferences because he can't speak extemporaneously and can't form a complete sentence without mashing up the language like a 5-ycar-old on Ritalin and can't express a nuaoced multifaceted idea to save his life aod somewhere deep down in his bowels, he knows it, and he knows we know it, aod it makes him mumble and stutter and secretly pray every moment to his angry righteous God he could be somewhere else, anywhere else, like sittin' on the back porch in Te:xas eatin' ribs and dreamin' 'bout baseball." - SFGate.com columnist Mark Morford, June 3. Page 28 The Little Black Book El Portal (95 Portal La., Sedona, AZ, 928-203-9405 or 800-313-0017, www .innsedona.com). Lodge at Creekside (310 Mill Race Ln., Wimberley, TX, 512-847-8922 or 800- 267-3925, www.acountryinn.com). Mayor's House B&B (505 Rosetree La., Moitb, 435-259-6015 or 888-791-2345, www.mayorshouse.com). Rancho de San Juan (U.S. 285, 10 miles north of Espanola, 505-753-6818, www.ranchodesanjuan.com). Fort Smi_th's Oldest Gay Bar Has New Owner. Press Release July 5, 2005 FORT SMITH, AR_ Western Arkansas oldest gay club, Kinkeads Fort Smith has changed ownership and plans many new, exciting feature's in the months ahead. "Kinkeads served it's first drink 11 years ago and has slowly transformed into the show and dance bar it is today", said new owner Andy Osburn. Currently some of the regular events include wet boxer short contests, Show Cast Troupe entertainment from professionals, Miss Up & Coming a monthly talent search for drag want-a-be's, Kickin Karaoke a weekly entertaining event. Osburn, a native eastern Oklahoman began as a dancer in Tulsa's Club Top's. He later worked with a dance group "Male Order Revue" and clubs throughout Oklahoma and the U.S. Andy is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and maintains his other career working with his family in real estate deveiopment. Kinkeads, located downtown Fort Smith, 1004 1/2 Garrison and is open Tues-Fri 6pm to 1am, Sat 6pm to 12rnidnight. For more information vi5it the website: v.rww.kirbykinkeads.com Ten signs you are dating a Drama Queen1111 ■ By Michael Hinzman 10) When you go out, he insists that you drop him in front of the destination, so that he may make his grand entrance ... 9) He refers to you as his stalker. 8) His prep work for an outing could give "Tammy-Faye" a run for her money. 7) You leave the man for seconds only ,;hen upon your return; you find him sobbing to the cute bartender; how he was abandoned by love. 6) He has two yippee dogs named Muffy and Princess. 5) He insists on referring to your member to his friends as -Thor. .. God of Love. 4) He insists "Queer eye" was his idea. 3) When an ex-lover savs hello at the club, he calls you a slut while speed dialing his pack of queens.(fhat are standing not ten feet away) 2) He refers to his dinner parties as a production. (Directors chair included on set) Au'd the number one way you can tell you are dating a drama queen; After sex, he insists you complete a scorecard, complete with a grading curve ... Quotable Quotes "Texam ha·:e made a decision about marriage, and if there is some other state that h;.s a more lenient -.;iew than Texas then maybe that's a better place for them [gays] to live." Texas Gov. Rick Perry as he signed a resolution to amend the Texas Constitution to ban same-sex marriages, at Calvary Christan Academy in Fort Wo.rch, June 5. Voters are expected to approve the amendment in November. Page 29 Scott & Scott Continued TIS GAYROMANCE LINE Press Release: Boston-based Romentics announced the June 15 publication of "Hot Sauce" by Warner Books. "Hot Sauce" is the latest in the Romentics series of Harlequin-style romance novels for gay men-and the first gay romance published by a major publisher. On June 12, 2005, the NY Times Magazine featured Romentics in a multi-page article that hailed Romentics in these terms: This Oz is a brave new world of the gay male romance novel, a world where there are never cowards, only condoms; each of the heroes · · · · · · has a brain, even if it takes until the end of the story fur one of them to use · it; and the abs, if not tin, most likely resemble iron. . "Romehtics is• the first line o(gay romance novels: and 'Hot Sauce;· is the first-ever samesex marriage novel-that's one big happily ever after," said Romentics author Scott Whittier. 'We're proud to join forces with Warner Books to give gay men worldwide the chance to read, and dream, about true love." "Gay marriage here in Massachusetts is a major victory," added co-author Scott Pomfret, "but writing about it in another great American institution-the romance novel-is a cultural victory that crosses stllte borders." "Entertaining, effervescent ... [Hot Sauce] is fan, fast-moving, fairy tale stombuilt for the softhearted gay bea Publishers Weekly "Romentics are nor your mother's romance novels," continued Pomfret. " 'Hot Sauce' is a romance with testosterone-more action, fights, sex scenes, hunky heroes and gay drama. Romentics are for today's contemporary gay man." Set in Boston, "Hot Sauce" is a romantic romp between celebrity chef Brad Drake and the impossibly handsome fashion designer and club impresario Troy Boston. Even as Brad and Troy consider tying the knot, their romance threatens to come unraveled at the hands of Troy's old flame, bleachblond pretty boy Aria Shakespeare. When the action turns red-hot and tempers flare, it takes a wild ride from Boston's high society to the Bermuda triangle and back to keep the passions burning. Is it a recipe for romance or a recipe for disaster? Scott&Scott wrote the book on gay romanceliterally. Founded in Boston in · 2003 at the height of the debate over same-sex marriage in Massachusetts and dubbed "the new romantics" by the Boston · Globe, Romentics '.has brought together for the :first time the :number-one ,market for paperback fiction (romance) and the buying power of the lucrative gay market. Indeed, Romentics authors Pomfret and Whittier are real-life lovers, whose own tale could fill the pages of a romance novel. From out of the closet to all the unique elements of gay cuiture, Romencics follows a not-so-straight path to happily ever after. For info on all the Romentics novels, contact Scott&Scott (http:/ /www.romentics.com) Page32 American and Whispered Gay Resolve in Iraq Political Commentary By: Matthew V eritas Tsien It can probably be assumed that most gay people are opposed the War on Terror because most gays are Democrats; although one out of four gay voters are consistently Republican and election analysis of national campaigns in the past 25 years show that a gay crossover vote will once or twice a decade result in the GOP getting solidly over 40 percent of the aggregate gay vote, thus splitting our community's vote (Whenever the GOP gets over 40 percent of the gay vote, gay editors and activists never want to admit it, but I digress). " Over the past several months many gay readers of my column have written to me from across the country saying we shouldn't be concerned about democracy and freedom in the Middle East because all of these Arab states are homophobic. But to some gays that may be one of the very reasons why we would be willing to fight for democracy and pluralism in the Middle East. Do we not .care about persecuted Ar;ib and I;lainic gays as we promulgate the faulty Vietnam analogy? Here in South Florida the gay electorate is overwhelmingly anti-war and often seer:ri's to be hoping for the worst even at the expense of the young American soldiers who defend our freedom: to .be expressive about our gayness and pursue domestic goals that would expand our rights to be included in the mainstream of' American society. Such anti-war gays are foolish and ungrateful .to o.ur y.oung soidiers. Many oppose the War on Tertor because :Mr. Bush concludes that state legislatures rather than the courts should determine the legality of gay marriage. Yet such an anti-war stance is not likely to expand our universe of supporters for gay marriage if we are seen as a community that wants to undermine the war effort. While gays seem to oppose Mr. Bush on the war by a 3-1 margin, I found in my conversations prior to the 2004 election day that with enough disarming coaxing you can get gays to admit in whispered tones that they supported Mr. Bush primarily because of his actions in guiding the war and his response to 9-11. As I used to say to people, "Bush is going to get the "whisper vote in the gay community"; and sure enough Mr. Bush did get over one million gay people to vote for him in 2004 just as he did in 2000 according to exit polls done by the New York Times. And there is no guarantee that all gay voters will be attracted to a Democratic Party whose lawyers and activists seem more concerned about the rights of prisoner of war terrorists and Saddam Hussein, not to mention illegal immigrants and career criminals, as · opposed to the rights of ordinary citizens. Since the gay community is not universally tied to one party the following piece of news will likely appeal to pro-war gays who support Mr. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Bad news hit Abu Musab al Zarqawi on June 28. Most Americans, it -seems, want to keep U.S. forces in Iraq until civil order is. restored, whico 62 percent believe won't happen for several years. A significailt. majority. even want to increase the size of the U.S. presence or keep it about the same. With the Iraq war in its third year ...:_ and with America having been in a state of war since October 2001 - this new Washington Post-ABC poll is an encouraging indication about the patience and resolve of the American people. The past few weeks have seen politicians and pundits cherry picking whichever bad poll seems to serve their political ends. And they can easily do it again with this one. For example, the poll found that most Americans do not believe the Bush administration's claims that the insurgency is losing. In fact, what a majority of Americans (53 ......... continued next page Page 33 percent) do believe, according to the poll, is that the power of rhe insurgency is staying about the same (and 22 percent say it's weaker). Critics may also point to the finding that a bare majority of Americans (51 percent) consider the Iraq war to be a mistake, even though the very same poll found that 52 percent believe it has contributed to the longterm safety of the United States (a 5- point increase since early June). Every single one of these findings can top the headline of a newspaper, only to lea,e readers \Vith a distorted view of what's really going on. (Gay publishers of weeklies promote the same distortion in their community). Pollster Gerry Daly, who runs the Web site dalythoughts.com, makes an important observation regarding how phrasing a question can yield different results. He compares a recent Gallup poll, which found that a majority of Americans (51 percent) believe the United States should set a timerable for removing troops from Iraq, to the PostABC poll, which found that 58 percent of Americans believe we should keep our forces there until civil order is restored. Either can be used to support a particular side of the debate, but what do they actually say about the American people? Mr. Daly thinks the public has yet to form a coherent opinion of the question of troop pullout and that the "political battle is· still winnable for either side." That sounds about right. It's important to note, however, that the Post-ABC poll included the phrase "even if [keeping U.S. Forces in Iraq] means continued U.S. military casualties." That's essentially the heart of the matter, and 60 percent of Americans are still committed to victorv. Progress in Iraq ~ continue to wax and wane, as we rightly mourn each new casualty. But, underneath it all, Americans seem prepared to see the war to a successful conclusion and among those Americans are more gay people than the Gay Left would want to admit. Gay editors, publishers and activists do a disservice to our young soldiers and gay patriotic citizens when they suppress or ridicule knowledge or ___ expression of support of the war by gay people and try to portray the gay community as monolithically opposed to Mr. B:ish and the War on Terror, and even portray George W. Bush as an international terrorist. Matthew Veritas Tsien Florida Gold Coast Log Cabin Republicans '0e writer is a former Air Force Captain at Tm~er AFB, Oklahoma and Director of Presuient Ronald Reagan's lobbying organization in Washington, D. C. He also taught political science at Tulsa junior College and served on the Tulsa County Human Rights Commission during 1986- 87. The Pink Triangle The Pink Triangle was used by the Nazis to signify homosexuals. Although, homosexuals were only one of the groups targeted for extermination, it is unfortunately, the group that history often excludes .. The Pink Triangle defies anyone to deny history. In 1935 Hitler revised the German Law, Paragraph 175, prohibiting homosexualiry, by including kissing, embracing, and gay fantasies as well as sexual acrs. Convicted offenders- an estimated 25,000 from 1937 to 1939, were sent to prison and later transferred to concentration camps. They were to be sterilized, most often by castration. Hitler changed his policy on homosexuality to include death in 1942. A yellow Star of David under a superimposed Pink Triangle represented Gay Jewish prisoners- by the social hierarchy, the lowest of all prisoners. Seo es by Jack Fertig AUGUST 2005 ''Play doctor, Pisces!" Mercury retrograding past the Sun in Leo is so Norma Desmond: arrogant miscommunications, plans gone awry, and that great line, ''We didn't need words. We had faces!" Neptune opposes them, feedin:g confusion. Jupiter and Venus offer some harmony, but in weaker aspects. You may charm your way out of trouble, with some effort. Don't schedule anything too tightly, and be ready to forgive screw-ups you may need such mercy yourselfl ARIES (Much 20 - April 19): Right now you can't win at anything, but don't let that stop you from playing for funsies. Well, you could be lucky in love, especially at a gym or a spa, if you can, manage to be humble and self-critical. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Domestic squabbles feed worries about. your reputation and opportunities for advancement. One has nothing to do with the other, unless you make it a selffulfilling prophecy. Artsy-crafts~ activities help you keep perspective. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Stay home and have fun with family or close friends. Going out and expressing your opinions will just get you into trouble. If_ you really need adventure, get a forctgn or surrealist film, perhaps one by Cocteau or Jodorowsky. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Erotic adventures beckon, but will lead to trouble. Keeping bu,y around your home and .in the community will offer better opportunities for fun and provide helpful perspectives on crirrent money troubles. LEO OuJ.y 2~ - August ~: Be modest and sclf.,.ef&cing. Well, do your best. Expect.rude sw:priscs from your p:umer. Your big mouth. could orily make 1t worse. If you need to get something off your chest. write it as poetry and share it with a friend. VIRGO (August 23 September 22): Your dreams should be especially interesting now and may even offer lucrative inspirations. Minor illnesses could be warnings of far worse ahead - unless you nip them in the bud. Nothing's too small to merit looking into! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Doing good is its own reward, but charity performed now will earn all kinds of extra points. If that's why you're doing it, your motivation will be called into question, so be sure to do something that your heart is really into. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Involve colleagues in efforts to reorganize at work. This may seem to create problems, but actually will uncover already existing problems. Your boss may need some extra convincing, so have your evidence ready! SAGITIARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Apologies and selfcorrection will actually help you shine at work. Despite a bit of confusion in the short run, the humility and honesty of the process will earn you great respect. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Watch out for power struggles at work. Your natural · flair for analyzing such games will help you unravel nasty little schemes and appear heroic in your solutions. Erotic temptations carry hidden costs. Don't let your libido hijack your brain! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): One would expect arguments to diminish sexual passions, but nowadays your love of debate could land you in thrilling situations! Yield points in intellectual combat, and you could win on the field of love. PISCES (February 19 - Mardi 19): Pay close attention to your health. Moderate exercise - review and revise your routines! - and spas are helpful. Meditation is especially good for you now. If you don't need a doctor, play doctor! Jack Fertig has b«n working as a professional 11Strologer since 1977 and is a fo1mding member of the Assocwtion for Astrological Networking. You can find copies of the STA.Rat these 4 stat.es business & organtzations. ARKANSAS KANSAS Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com MCC Living Spring - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - 479-571-130 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 10041/2 Garrison Ave- - 479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - -479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Our House Lounge 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - 501-664-2744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - -www.dsra.org Discovery- -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- -501-372-3070 Kansas, Pittsburg {620) River of Life Church 1709 N Walnut -MAM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita (316) Club Glacier 2828 E. 31st South 316-612-9331 J's Lounge - - 513 E. Central - - - 316-262-1363 Our Fantuy- - - 3201 S. Hillside- -316-682-5494 The Otherside- -447 N. St Francis- 316-262-7825 Shatai 4000 S. Broadway- 316-522--2028 Sidestreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- -316-267-0324 South 40 - - - 3201 S. Hillside -316-682-5494 Trends Bar - -1507 S. Pawnee- 316-262-4530 That G.ly Group, W.S.U. - -- 316-978-7010 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground- - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - - - 716 S. Main - - - - - - - - 417-627-9035 MCC Spirit of Chrisr-2902 E 20th, - -Sun-6pm M111ouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - 3715 Main St - - 816-561-2600 Club N-V - - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Maio St- - - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - 816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar - - - -413 E. 3rd- - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 8!6- 931-1430 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground--- - - 417-779-5084 MISSOURI DKLAHDMA M111ouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - - - 417-864-4572 Priscilla's - - - 1918 S. Glenstone - - 417-881-8444 Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial - - - - - - - 417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors --1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- -- - - - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy - 405-947-2351 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Ex:p'-"1'· - 405-525-0730 Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habana Ion - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - - 405-528-2221 Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - -405-843-1722 Jungle Red, - - - 2200 NW Expwy- - - 405-524-5733 Partners- - - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - 405-942-2199 Piece To Remembcr-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - - - -405-755-8600 Red Rocle. North-2240 NW39th St- - --405-525-5165 Sii:ters- - - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - -405-521-9533 The Rockies- - -3201 N. May Ave - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bu- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulia (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - -- - : 918-836-8700 Club Maverick:- - 822 S. Sheridan - - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Blu -- 8807 E. Admiral Pl - -834-1051 FJite Boobtore -814 S. Sheridan- - - 918-838-8503 End Up Club- - - 424 S. Memorial- - -918-836-2480 Flamingos Club- - -7915 E. 21st St - - -918-622-6339 GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. -4-lst- - - - 918-743-4297 The Detour- - - - -7944 E. 21st- - - - - - 918-270-2428 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - 918-584-9494 Renegades- - - 1649 S. Main- - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Priscilla's - - - - - 7925 E. 41st - - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla', - - - - 5634 W. Slcelly - - - - -918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - -11344 E. 11th - - - - - - -918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - - 2333 E. 71st - - - a -- - -918-499-1661 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Eagle- - - - -1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - - 918-592-1188 TNT's - - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - - 918-660-0856 Undcrguy.com - - -15 B. Brady - - - - - 918-829-0824 Whittier News Stand- - 1 N. Lewis- - 918-592-0767 Yellow-Brick-Rd- - -2630 E. 15th- - - - 918-293-0304 Outlets wishing to distrlbute FREE copies of the STAR, contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon - fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net J I 1 'I Page 37 NEW cART □□ N "Bitter Girl" blttergir10 Page 39 '124 N. Boston- - Tulsa OK·~· 918 . .58;i;g494. · .. , .. •·.···· ,. ' ... . -.! . . . . ·.···.•;·. T:owts.oay Night$ - Rachael Erikks MGP{z0()4 :·swndc1yNights CatiaLee Love MGA2Q06 "Ttll:frsday .and Suriday - 18-ta enter; 2 Ltci Mrink · · · · · d Satutday Dance ;Party ..:. 21, to .enter ' 9:tltill 2 a .. ·fh4r$dav: ~ Sunday nights .... .Suiid,ay: Nights come .. ergaf ie antics of Catia b~laye;Mokaa K.. a ·n·'·d y··· ·Ka·i n, lifian;~Sitbl.and guests. Thu~d~y·Nights Racheal Emks tiatf{itup for a pork chop. orrTalent Search Thursdaf s; Congratulations to T abilha Taylor. - Miss Oay Oklahoma America ·2005 PAGE 40 CABARET SHOW Shanel and Friends Saturday Aupt 2ott' Show Time Midnight THE STAR EVENTS DAWGDA.YSOF RH> saturday August 20th 9:00 AM.CLUB 1022 All Bl(es Welcome AUGUST 200S ICHEUE MAYRlll> Direct from Austin( Saturday August 2'11' Show Time 11 :30 PM www.micheliemayfietd.com w.~u DO/H~ IT Alt FOR YOU AT~,,,. ton, 1022 Dodson AWN.Mt C: L ... El Open Friday a Saturday fort Smith, AR 72901 - ----- 9 PM until 5 AM (◄79) 782-1845 'II C. ~ ~ www.club1022.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 [2005] The Star Magazine, August 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 08 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 01, 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Michael Dee Douglas Glenn Libby Post Paula Martinac Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text 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 Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine 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, 2004; Volume 2, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/217 The Star Magazine, September 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/222 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/222 acceptance advertisement Advice Bamboo Lounge Bitter Girl Cartoon equality fire gay bar gay bar fire Hollywood Hotel home owning Lesbian Notions marriage equality National news Q Scopes Quotable Quotes Scott & Scott Spain-Gay marriage Star Scene The Pink Triangle Uncle Mikey vacation https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/e4119b2328f41e2a2ec3e97c0d6d5a75.jpg ce9118f8aac0a672355ab56dd086fccd https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/6f410db8e09af6201d107a657800860c.pdf 434e77c1072474fa9c66992e25eec450 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 ur Grand Lake L ti iris Scott Crow, Managing Broker . McGraw D.avisson Stewart, Realtors 800.460.3210 Langley, Oklahoma ScottCrow.mcgrawok.com 918.782.3211 Page 3 Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) Announces Gifting Ceremony. TULSA, OK_Sooner State Rodeo Association has scheduled a Gifting Ceremony on Saturday, December 17th From 10:30pm until 11 :30pm at Club Mavericks - 822 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa, OK. Tulsa's own IGRA Sanctioned Gay Rodeo Association had their first TTown Rodeo in April of 2005. It is customary for Gay Rodeo Associations to distribute some of the proceeds of their rodeo to Community Organizations. SSRA will present $4250.00 to the following non-profit organizations in the Tulsa area. Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership t0 receive a donation of $500.00 to assist towards all of the amazing work they do for a myriad of Tulsa's GLBT community organizations. Our House Too to receive a donation of $250.00 to assist towards all of the great work the organization does for the Tulsa GLBT community in need. · Green Country AIDS Coalition to receive a donation of $250.00 to help support efforts toward HIV testing, counseling and referrals for the Rural Northeastern Oklahoma Area. St Jerome's Parish Church to receive a donation of $500.00 to thank them for all of thier kind assistance to the Sooner State Rodeo Association and to help support the community assistance and outreach for which St Jerome's has become known. Pyramid Project to receive a donation of $500.00 to help support the purchase and rennovation of the new Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center. Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to receive $2250 from the fundraising efforts of Mr. SSRA 2005 Jonathan Brown. Page 4 Erosion Media Launches Gay Political Blog Brent Hartinger, 1fichael Jensen, and Sarah W am comment on The Big Gay "Picture. (PRWEB) November 17, 2005 - There are gay blogs, and there are political blogs, but until now there hasn't been much in the way of exclusively gay political blogs. That changes with the arrival of The Big Gay Picture (www.biggaypicrure.com), a new blog from Erosion Media, creator of the popular websites, AfterEllen.com, AfterElton.com, AllGayNews.com, and FakeGayNews.com "Most blogs are all over the place," says author and activist Brent Hartinger, one of The Big Gay Picture's three main writers. "But we are a gay political blog. Because we're targeted, we can be comprehensive." According t0 Hartinger, the blog will feature interviews with both GLBT leaders and opponents, ongoing commentary, and updates on local and national gay political news. "We really are giving the big gay picture!" Hartinger says. Along with Hartinger, the blog will feature daily postings from Sarah Warn, editor of AfterEllen.com, and novelist and activist Michael Jensen. "Any blog is a reflection of the personalities involved in writing it," Warn says. "And by God, we definitely have personalityl We can be pointed, funny, impassioned, and sarcasticsometimes all at the same rime." Finally, according to Jensen, Tne Big Gay Picture is also a community forum. "Unlike most blogs, The Big Gay Picture allows users to prominently post their own commentary and analysis," Jensen says. "We've only just debuted, and things are already quite live~yl" NORTH CAROLINA BAPTISTS SEND INTOLERANT MESSAGE TO CONGREGANTS 'The church should be a beacon, not a barricade,' said the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Harry Knox. WASHINGTON - The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina sent a message of intolerance to its churches and congregants yesterday in passing a resolution to expel any member church that "knowingly affirms, approves or endorses homosexual behavior." "The church should be a beacon, not a barricade," said Harry Knox, director of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's religion and faith programs. "Gay parishioners contribute in meaningful ways to their local churches and communities and the convention should focus on love and compassion, not finding ways to demean. and marginalize the faithful." The North Carolina Baptists' decision comes as several other Southern Baptist institutions have taken intolerant stances on gay issues. This week the Georgia Baptist Convention voted t0 sever ties to Mercer Universitv one of the denomination's ~!<lest and largest educational institutions - because school administrators refused to condemn a student group's observance of National Coming Out Day. Additionally in Texas, Baptist-affiliated Bavlor Universitv dismissed a Baylor alumnus from ~he business school's advisorv board because he is gay. ' "Instead of welcoming an open dialogue, these actions are designed to cut off any intellectuai or spirituai debate," said Knox. "God gave us intellect so we would use it, no:: cut ourselves off from those who disagree with us." DECEMBER 2005 by Andrew Coilins Page 6 Out of Town W'ine-touring in this part of the state is great fun because staff at most tasting rooms are friendlier and more laid-back than in touristy areas. You can typically spend plenty of time asking questions_ about what you're sampling. The reg10n excels in just about every common U.S. wine varietal, but zinfandels, pinot noirs, and chardonnays are especially notable in these parts. A favorite winery of gay visitors is the slightly campy Clautiere Vineyard, which describes its own festive tasting room as "Edward Scissorhands meets the Mad Hatter at the Moulin Rouge." A few other great w-ineries in Paso include the prestigious J. Lohr Vineyards, the hip Justin Winery, and the intimate but outstanding Peachy Canyon Winery, which produces one of the top zinfandels around. One of the larger vineyards that's worth a visit is SLO's Tolosa Winery, which provides visitors with excellent self-guided winery tours and produces some superb pinot noirs and syrahs, too. Also check out charming Baileyana, set inside a ,-intage former schoolhouse and turning out fantastic pinot noir. For more information on specific wineries, check out the useful websites of San Luis Obispo Vintners (www.slowine.com) and the Paso Robles Vintners and Growers Association (www.pasowine.com), both of which provide details on wineries open for tours as well as great dining and lodging recommendations. Apart from winery-hopping, one of the great things to do in this part of California is to drive along the gorgeous coastline fringed by the famed Highway 1. The must-see attraction along this stretch is Hearst Castle, the legendary San Simeon retreat built bv media magna~e William Randolph Hearst, who commissioned Bay Area architect Julia Morgan to de;ign it. Morgan collaborated with her boss for some 25 years to build this 150-room ~o~mtaintop S'.:langri La filled with priceless mostlv Mediterranean antiqui .. i~s. It's ~ow operated by the California state park system and open to visito:s for fascinating tours. Famous guests at the castle during its heyday in.eluded numerous Holiywood stars, among them Erroi Flynn, who ,vas supposedly kicked out for brea~ng one or two of Hearst's house rules, like those against excessive alcohol consumption and unmarried guests sharing a bed. It's been speculated that the never-married Julia Morgan (1872-1957), who designed some 700 buildings during her life, was a lesbian, bur very little is actually known of her personal life. Unquestionably, however, she's one of the nation's premier ~ if relatively unsung architects. If you really want to get to know the heart and soul of San Luis Obispo, attend the fabulous Thursday-night farmer's market, which is much more than a mere gathering of produce-sellers. A big chunk of downtown's main thoroughfare, Higuera Street, is turned into a pedestrian zone, and local restaurants serve up everything from delicious bruschetta to smoky barbecue ribs. It's really a festival of sorts, and a great time to people-watch and mingle with both visitors and locals. For dining in downtown SLO, check out the Park Restaurant for some of the freshest and most innovate Californiastvle cuisine in the region, or Blue for its o~tstanding wine list and heavenly grilled salmon. At trendy Novo, you'll find eclectic food with Asian, Mediterranean, and Latin American twists try the Sri Lankan cashew-and-butternut-squash currv or the Moroccan lamb satay with · min~ 'chutney. Rudolph's Coffee & Tea is a lively and gay-popular java joint downtown, and Metro Cafe can be counted on for great saiads, soups, and baked goods. Or head south of SLO to popular, if touristy, Pismo Beach for a feast of tasty seafood at the Cracked Crab. Downtown Paso Robles is set around a lovely, shaded city square lined with several excellent restaurants, among them Villa Creek and Berry Hill Bistro. For lighter fare, pop inside Odyssey World Cafe, which serves a terrific grilled tuna rice bowi and fantastic sandwiches, such as baked brie over artichoke hearts with masted almonds. Sample delicious Italian food at Buona Tavola, which also has a branch in downtown San Luis Obispo. Parts of SLO County bear an awfully strong resemblance to Northern Italy, esoecially around the grounds of Villa T~scana: a Tuscan-inspired \"ilia that offers some of the most luxurious B&B Continued page-12 Page 7 Gifts &rlWheeler 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 ,, 918.291.EARL {3275) Serving the Tulsa Metro Area for over 21 Years with PRIDE! CUSTOM DECORATING * HOLIDAY SPEOALS orders by 12noon guaranteed same da-, clJ\iv"'f. Tulsa Stonewall Now Necessary! TULSA, OK_As most gay men and women living in Tulsa now know, the Tulsa Police Department began a series of unending assaults on the gay clubs here. Beginning in August of this year, the TPD have entered gay bars with the force of Storm Troopers, assailing the rights of gay men and women who are attempting to enjoy what gay life there is in Tulsa. Police have demanded identification from individuals not remotely involved in any illegal actions, and once they call them in through the NCIC service, arrest anyone with warrants and arrest a few on public drunk charges without a breathalizer test. I wonder how may times this happens at the elite straight bars in Tulsa? God help you if you were born gay and try to live peaceable here. On June 28, 1969 the modern gay rights movement began in Greenwich Village, NYC when the Stonewall gay bar was raided and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community decided to revolt. The rest is history. It is time for the disjointed gay community in Tulsa to unite and begin to fight for our civil rights. We need a united front to demand from our city and county government and Tulsa Police. parity with other citizens and clubs, gay or not. The Tulsa Police have achieved what they sought to do-make gay citizens who choose to go to gay bars, stay home, resulting in the clubs struggling to stay open. The Tulsa gay community is avoiding the bars in fear of arrest for being out and gay. Go to any gay bar in Tulsa and yo:; will see that business is down, the bartenders will tell you the same thing A common scenario is for the police to swarm in on a bar, usually handcuff what appears to be a person they are actua]y hunting and then paralyze the remainder of the patrons advising them they need to produce their ID, stand still and not move until told further what to do. Further, based on what they consider proper behavior, they will handcuff anyone who remotely appears to be touching another person, even when fully clothed and begin harassing that person as to their behavior. I personally watched as this occurred. Two people were handcuffed who were fully clothed and merely talking to each other. AftC;r verbal cruel harassment, they were un-cuffed and allowed to leave. Why would anyone want to go back to more of the same? Are the police trying to push everyone back into the alley's and parks? It would seem that the gay community needs to ban together to begin a determined response when these illegal activities happen. Maybe we should raise a clenched fist when they arrive to signify our solidarity. Maybe a sit in by the patrons and let them drag us through the publicity raised by the voluminous arrest! Gay people of course would rather hit their mother than be arrested and subject to more public humiliation than is thrust on them each day in Tulsa. The gay community should begin to be politicaily active in Tulsa County. To the extent that the Tulsa Police Department is able to continue to harass gay people unfettered, it will not stop. To the extent the gay community continues to not be united, the police will win. More effort and meetings among the bar owners and GLBT organizations need to become more forceful and demanding with the powers in our city. We must remember in this so called bible belt mecca of Tulsa and all of Okl.ahoma. the general public couldn't care iess about gay rights, an aosent unified effort to secure civil rights to foll equality, nothing wiil change We mus: stop it. The TPD enjoy it and nave no plans to cease. Tney are happy we are staying home and quivering. A strategic plan outline is needed OO\V to deal \vith rhe heavy arm of the law, so that gay people can enioy a night out vvithout looking o ..v er their shoulder for the handcuffs, Page 11 Out of Town accommodations in the region. The stucco mansion surrounded by sunny stone piazzas contains several airy guestrooms with high timber-beamed ceilings and sumptuous appointments and from every window you see vinevards in all directions. A superb breakfast as well as afternoon wine and cheese are included. For a truly rejuvenating vacation experience, book a stay at the gayfriendly Sycamore Mineral Springs, a beautifullv situated spa resort nestled beneath d leafy hillside within easy hiking distance of the ocean. The upscale rooms here come in a variety of configurations (some with kitchens and large sitting areas), and most have private outdoor hot tubs. But the amenities are the real treats here: tubs bubbling with healing mineral waters, a labyrinth path, stunning hiking traiis, and a spa where you can book a variety of soothing massage, skincare, and medicinal treatments. Be sure to enjoy a meal in die exceptional restaurant, where you might sample such refined fare as seared quail with polenta, pine nuts, gorgonzola, and pomegranates. Another excellent lodging option, especially if you want to be near the coast and Hearst Castle, is Moonstone Hotel Properties, a small but growing group of distinctive hotels based in the coastal community of Cambria. Moonstone has about a half-dozen hotels right in town as well as properties in Monterey, Yosemite, and central Oregon, and the company has made it a kev focus in recent years to market enthusiastically to the gay and lesbian market. The Moonstone properties in Cambria come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and with a few different settings, but they share a few common themes: attractive, upscale rooms; grounds abundant ;ith incredibiy lush gardens and meadows; and friendly, easygoing staff. Several of the hotds are pet-friendiy, too. If you want to be on a verdant hillside above town, choose the elegant Cambria Pines Lodge, which consists of several outbuildings and cabins and has one of the town's top restaurants, known for i:s healthful, organic-inspired cuisine. Right down along ;:he shoreline, rhe Blue Dolphin Inn, Sea Coast Lodge, Sea Otter Inn, Sand Pebbles Inn, and Pelican Suites are terrific hotels set right across from Moonstone Beach. And if you're looking to save a little money, choose the economical Creekside Inn, a nicely decorated motor lodge in the heart of Cambria's festive village, steps from shops and restaurants. Wherever vou choose to stay in San Luis Obispo County, you're close to some of the nation's top wine-touring and most inspired scenery. See it now before SLO's pace quickens, and it becomes every bit as popular as Napa and Sonoma Countv. Fortunately, much of the countrvside ~ this part of California ha; been permanently protected from development, so San Lui~ Obispo Countv will likely look every btt as beautiful in the future as it does now. The Little Black Book Baiicyana (5828 Orcutt Rd., San Luis Obispo, 805-269-8200, www.bailcyana.com). Berry Hill Bistro (1114 Pinc St .. Paso Robles, 805- 238-3929). Blue (998 Mo~tcrcy St., San Luis Obispo, 805-783-1135). Buona Tavol:l. (943 Spring St., Paso Robles, 805-545-8000; also 1037 Montcrev St., San Luis Obispo, 805-545- 8000). Clauri;rc Vineyard (1340 Penman Springs Rd., Paso Robics, 805-237-3789, www.clautierc.com). Cracked Crab (7~1 Price St., Pismo Beach, 805-773-2722). J. Lohr Vineyards (6169 Airport Rd., Paso Robles, 805-239-8900, www.jlohr.com). Justin Winery (11680 Chimney Rock Rd., Paso Robles, 805- 237-4149 or 800-726-0049, www.justinwinc.com). Metro Cafe (892 M.mh St., San Luis Obispo, 805-783-2022). Moonstone Hotel Properties (800/966-6490, www.moonsronehotcls.com/ gay). Novo (726 Higuera St., S:rn Luis Obispo, 805-543-3986). Odyssey Worid Cafe (1214 Pine St., Paso Robles. 805-237-75i6). Park Restaurant (1819 Osos St., San Luis Obispo, 805-545-0000J. Peachy Canyon Winery (1480 W. Bethel Rd., Paso Robies, 805-239-1918, ·www. pcachyca~yon.com). Rudolph's Coffee & Tea (670 Higuera St., San Luis Obis?o, 805-543- 4902). San Luis Obispo Visitors & Conference Bu:eau (805-541-8000 or 800-634- 14i 4, ww-w<.sanluisobispocoun:,y.com). Svcamorc Mineral Sp:ings (1215 Aviia Beach Dr., Avila Be;;.ch, 805-595-7302 or 800-234- 5831, wn.v-·~.sycamoresprings.com). Page 12 "Is this the winter of my discontent"' Oh yes boys and girls it is that time, time for cards, the lists, the guest, the gifts, family friends, food parties, events, travel, weather, stress, guilt, anxiety, ya ya ya! What a workout it's become, this month called December. Well Auntie has the cure. Just say no to retail. Go back to your gardening roots and work from there. Naturally there's nothing better than a gift of labor and love from your own garden. Just look around, from berries, hollies and evergreens to perennial foliage, leaves, dried grasses and of course HERBS. Auntie does love her herb and heres just a couple of easy ways to piease this holiday season. Oils and vinegars. One way to preserve the flavor of fresh (or store bought) herbs is to steep them in oil or vinegar, which may be used ror cooking. or in salad dressings. This works well for a number of herbs such as french tarragon, oregano, rhyme, and lavendec To make flavored oil, fill a clear glass jar with sprigs or leaves of fresh herbs, pour over a good flavoriess oil, like sunflower and seal. Leave the jar in a sunny spot for cwo weeks, shake or stir every day. Strain and bottle, adding a new sprig of the herb as identification as well as decoration. Dried peppers, such as banana, cyan, etc. are also great to use by themselves or mixed with herbs. In unusual bottles or jars with a bit of ribbon and a hand printed label. These make excellent gifts, hand grown and made by you. But don't forget about the uses of dried herbs. Air-drying is the easiest way of preserving most herbs. Spread out sprigs, leaves, flowers or seed heads in a single layer on a rack and leave in a warm airy space to dry. Alternatively tie sprigs in small bunches and hang upside down in a warm, dry but not to sunny - spot. The drying process should take no more than 48 hours. Crush the leaves thoroughly between your hands and store them in airtight dark glass or ceramic containers (clear glass will make them fade quickly.) Using several small unique jars or containers makes for another great gift idea with a personal touch. Dried rosemary, thyme, lavender and sage left tightly bundled together create a fragrant appeal for the most domestic of goddesses. Let's not forget the tried and true hostess gift that everyone enjoys. Oh yes the poinsettia, with brilliant colors and varieties you can't go wrong with this proven Christmas winner. Just be careful not to expose them to cold temperatures, even for a few minutes or so cm possible damage the entire plant. So lets not leave it in the car when we stop at the bar first for a before party pick me up, OK? So run my little children, spread the joy and love throughout the season, it's time to grow so until next year, I wish you all a merry Christmas, happy holidays and a most harvested new year. And don't forget. ''You can lead a hor-to-culture, but you can't make her think.,, Page 13 T-Town Rodeo To Host Awards Ceremony Press Release: November 21, 2005 TULSA,OK_Sooner State Rodeo Association - Northeastern Oklahoma's own Gay Rodeo Association, will hold a New Year's Eve pre-party on December 31st, 2005 at the Parish Church of Saint jerome's, 205 W. King St. in The Brady Heights Historic District Oust north of Downtown in Gay Brady Heights). The event will be a Cowboy and Cowgirl Mixer with a short Comestant Recognition and Award Ceremony. The Event will run from 7pm til 10pm and is open to the public; a big part of this event is geared toward a new membership drive and renewing of existing memberships. You do not have to be a cowboy or cowgirl to be a part of Sooner State Rodeo Association - membership in the Sooner State Rodeo Association in only $15.00 for an Associate :Membership, $20.00 for a General Membership and $25.00 for a Commercial Memb;rship. Drop by and meet the SSRA Posse, Have a shot of Red Eye and some grub. Scott Johnson, SSRA president for 2006 says, "Our focus this vear will be to increase and develop the ro'embership base and to organize work toward the TTown Rodeo in 2007". In spring of 2005 Tulsa's Sooner State Rodeo Association put together it's first International Gay Rodeo Association Sanctioned Rodeo; billed as the T-Town Rodeo it brought contestants from across the nation and added to Tulsa's stature in the Gay Rodeo Circuit. Plans are now in the works for a T-Town Rodeo 2007. You can get more information about Sooner State Rodeo Association at www.soonerstaterodeo.com. 109 E. Commercial Street Springfield, Mo 65803 417-873-2225 HearTheRumors.com Page 14 The Years Most Anticipated Movie Is Here "Love Is A Force Of Nature" Brokeback Mountain opening in Chicago, San Francisco and New York December 3, 2005. A raw, powerful story of two young men, a Wyoming ranch hand and a rodeo cowboy, who meet in the summer of 1963 sheepherding in the harsh, high grasslands of contemporary Wyoming and form an unorthodox vet life-long bondby turns ecstatic, bitter and conflicted. The new film from Academy Awardnominated director Ang Lee. An epic love story set against the sweeping vistas of Wyoming and Texas, Brokeback Mountain tells the story of nvo young men a ranch-hand and a rodeo cowboy who meet in tne summer of 1963, a~d unexpectedly forge a iifelong connection, one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of l.ove. Ennis and Jack, two cowbovs who fall in love. As others have touch~d on, Brokeback Mountain is so much more than merely a "gay cowboy movie". It perfectly cap~res what true, unbridled love is all about and this love transcends any issues of sexualitv or gender. "Love is a force of nature". , Unfortunately for many people and indeed the protagonists of our story, society doesn't always view it that way. Kudos to Ang Lee who has not shied away from the material at all. This adaptation stay; true to the original shore story and the two lead actors fit the roles perfectly. Ledger and Gyllenhaal give incredibly strong performances .but the supporting cast shouldn't be overiooked work ail around and with Mr Ang Lee's vision they have created an anything a,vay, you are going to be 1nnv,ed b:,t this one. Staring Heath Ledger, jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hatl.1a,;av. Micheiie \~filii an1s. ~ , Page 15 This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. CalJ today aod ask about our services. Auto -Home - Life -BH-~iness Greg W. Tainter. LUTCF Tel:(166)M-9480 gtainlef@shelerinsur.llce.com Healing the Family There are some fortunate souls whom upon coming out, find their families to ' be completely accepting and understanding. And then there are the rest of us. Our families panic, weep, wail, pull away, and in some cases, outright reject us. A few years ago, if someone had told me that my partner and I would one day be preparing a meal in our home for our parents, I would have laughed. Yet, I recently found myself in that very situation. The journey to that point was not an easy one for any of us. Almost everyone in my family is a conservative evangelical Christian. Needless to say, when I came out, it caused quite a stir. I viv:idiy remember the family gathering together to prav over me in an attempt to drive o;t these evil influences. Yes, my family had an exorcism to rid me of the gay demons. Obviously, it didn't work. Next, thev decided I should try one of the ex-gay "ministries." They helpfolly provided me with all kinds of information about Exodus. I flat-out refused. Then they suggested counseling. I agreed to that, but only on my terms. I would not go to a biased anti-gay Christian counselor. That turned out to be a very good decision since it helped me fully realize there was nothing ',nong with me, and in the long run, helped my family as well. For a while after that, they backed off My family tends to suffer from SOS, or Severe Ostrich Syndrome. That's the tendency to ignore something you don't like by sticking your head in the sand and hoping it will just go away on its own. I've noticed many Southern families suffer from this disorder. For a while, I wasn't dating anyone and wasn't really that invohred with my family, so it became easy for them to ignore the fact that I was gay. That changed when I started dating Jon. When we decided to move in together, it became impossible to ignore. I got a call from my mother soon after I broke the news to them. My mother asked point-blank if Jon and I were "lovers." I told her yes, to which she responded that the family didn't approve and could not condone that "lifestyle." As calmly as I could, I told her that I wasn't looking for their approval and I didn't need them to condone my choices. I went on to say that Jon was an important part of my life and if they wanted to continue being a part of it as well, they would have to deal with that. I didn't speak to them for about a month. and then one afternoon I got another ~all from my mother ' inviting Jon and I over for dinner. That first night was decidedly awkward, and it stayed that way for a while. I refused to attend any family function to which Jon wasn't welcome, so there were many more uncomfortable moments. For a while, the only people who w:ould even speak to Jon at gettogethers were my parents and my younger sister. We didn't give up, though, and gradually, more of my siblings began to come around. It was a slow process, and I'm .still not as close to most of my brothers as I once was. but we've come a long way. My paren~s have been especially accepting as they've come to know and love Joo. Jon's family, while similar in some aspects, was a different situation. Jon was raised as a Reformed Jew. He grew up attending a shul with gay and lesbian Rabbis. He had every reason to expect his family to be accepting, and his younger brother was from the very beginning. When Jon came out to him, his initial reaction was simpiv, "Okav. Cool." Jon's mother, on the ~ther h;nd, Continued next page Page 18 HEART TO HEART had a harder time with the news. Her first reaction was to rather hvstericallv blame the fall of Greece and Rome on· homosexuality. She refused to have anything to do with me, and was furious at Jon for hiding this from her. Once again, there was no sudden change of heart, but rather a gradual acceptance. She lives farther away than my parents, so we saw her less often, but when we did see her, we were almost always together for Jon's or her birthday, when Jon graduated from college, etc. I did a painting for her of her cat, who she dearly loved. Over time, she began to ask how I was when thev talked on the phone. When Jon and I decided we wanted to buy a home, she, being a real estate agent, wanted to be involved. She traveled back and forth several times as we looked at homes and found one we loved. She stayed with us at our old house and we spent more time together. The weekend we closed on the house and moved in, I spent more time alone with Jon's mom than I did with Jon. We actually had a chance to bond. A few weeks after we'd moved in, Jon's mom came down for the weekend just to see what progress we'd made. That Saturday, my parents came over because my dad was planning to help us with some minor plumbing problems. As these things have a tendency to do, the small project turned into an entire day spent under the sink. While Jon, my father, and I spent the afternoon between the kitchen and the hardware store, our moms bonded while watching a homeimprovement marathon on HGTV. Later that evening, the sink fixed, Jon and I cooked dinner for our parents. As we all sat around the table eating and laughing, it suddenly hit me that our families were heaied. I had to fight back tears as I looked around. I never would have expected to see the scene before me. It wasn't because of anything in particular that we did. We didn't forcefeed them any scientific smdies or drag them to PFLAG meetings. That may have worked for other families, bu: what worked for ours was simply Jiving our lives openly and honestly. They co;.;ldn't help but see our love for one another and realize that there was nothing diny or wrong about it. Maybe it took a wi1iie. but the wounds did heal. This past week I was talking to my mom about Thanksgiving plans. It's an annual tradition for my very large family to gather together for a huge, homecooked meal. The past two years, Jon and I have spent Thanksgiving with his mom and brother since they don't have a large family to share it with. Last time, though, I promised my family we'd spend the holiday with them this year. When Mom told me no plans had been made yet, I found myself impulsively offering to host the family dinner at our house. It made sense, since we have more space than any of my other siblings that live locally. It wasn't until after I hung up that I wondered just what I'd gotten myself imo. Between my three brother and two sisters, I have nineteen nieces and nephews - and white living room furniture. After I broke the news to Jon and he calmed me down, we decided it would be a good thing. We also decided to invite his mom and brother, too. We don't yet know if thev will come, but if thev do, it '.Vill be the first time both of our families have been together. I know it will be an emotional and perhaps somewhat awkward time, but I'm looking forward to it. It will be the next step in healing our family. 1he views expressed in this column are my opinions only. You don't have to agree with them. I just ask that you read them with an open heart and mind. FREE HIVTESTING, NO NEEDLES I SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sunday Service 6PM Your Invited to our Communitv Dinne: _Every ~ed. 6pm just $4.00. No one 1s turned away. Page 19 Lesbian Notions by Libby Post DECEMBER 2005 Freedom To Think Getting a good education was always paramount in my house. Neither of my parents went to college, but _The New York Times_ was daily reading, and my brother and I were promised a college education they could afford. That meant going to one of the 64 State University of New York campuses. I eventually got both my degrees from the Universitv at Albany; my brother received his fro~ Stony Brook and Binghamton. Io the post-'60s college environment that both my brother and I enjoyed, there was open debate on mvriad issues - debate that was fostered by ; · commitment to new and different ideas respect for a broad range of opinions, ' and recognition that if we didn't learn and grow, we would shrivel and die. This is the way it was and still is on many campuses, but not so at some schools that have religious affiliations. Schools affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention have made the news regarding their reluctance to embrace ideas outside their narrow biblical interpretations. At Bavlor Universitv in Waco, Texas, 25-year-~ld Matt Bass had his full scholarship to divinity school revoked after he came out. When the school's student newspaper endorsed gay marriage, Baylor's president rebuked it. After all Bavior's school policy states that no s~de~t publication's editorial should "attack the basic tenets of Christian theology or of Christian morality'' - so much for freedom of the student press. After learning that 1983 graduate Tim Smith, who is on the universitv's School of Business advisory panel, wa; gay, Baylor told Smith that he could no i.onger serve and was no longer welcome. Tb.is was after Smith personally donated over $65,000 to the school and raised an additional $60,000 to establish an academic scholarship. I guess gav monev doesn't talk at Baylor. • · Nor does a good cup of java. Once Baylor learned that an Armistead Maupin quote was on Starbucks' coffee cups as part of the company's campaign to highlight quotes from famous people, the school ordered the Starbucks on campus to get rid of all its cups. Even if a Baptist-affiliated school wanted to do ~e right thing and be welcoming, the vanous state Baptist Conventions are not above holding the schools they support financially hostage. Recently, the North Carolina Baptist State Convention threatened to pull nearly $1 million in funding to that state's Mars Hill College if it approved Open Doors, a campus LGBT group. Money won out - the group was not recognized. But the Baptists aren't alone. An associate dean at Catholic Seton Hall University in New Jersey was demoted after he publicly criticized the church's aotigay position in his local newspaper. W. King Mott wrote a letter to the _Newark Star-Ledger_ assailing the church for its new policy banning gar men as priests, and for making gay pnests scapegoats in the child sex-abuse scandal. His big mistake, according to the school's dean, was identifying himself as a Seton Hall administrator. After working there for seven years, Mott thought of Seton Hall as an institution of higher learning that valued free ' expression of ideas. Unfortunately for Mott, that freedom of thought has to be within certain parameters - this time, the teachings of the Catholic Church. If you want to be a doctor and go the New York Medical College (NYMC), a private Catholic school affiliated with the Archdiocese of New York and located in Westchester, you have to tow its religious line as well. The school revoked the charter of its LGBT student group after it changed its name from Student Heip to NYMC Lesbian Gav Bisexual and Tmosgender People in Medicine - it said that the group wanted to "promote the lifestyle of GLBT people, [which is] in conflict with the standards and vaiues of the College." A statement issued bv Dean Dr. Ralph O'Connell said, "It ;as clear that the organization and its leader would advocate and promote activities inconsistent with the· values of NYMC." ~ould those activities be teaching Continued next page. Page 20 Lesbian Notions: safe-sex or promoting free and unfettered access to reproductive health care? Are coffee cups really so subversive that they pose a threat to Christian teachings? Is speaking one's mind about victimizing gays grounds for demotion? These are all valid questions - but ones that will never be given the full rigor of academic discussion and debate at Baylor, Seton Hall, Mars Hill, or NYMC. At these campuses, the freedom to think has been replaced with the freedom to not think out loud. Page 21 ut by Liz Highleyman DECEMBER 2005 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. Who was Harvey Milk? Harvey Milk's shift from closeted businessman to radical firebrand to political insider mirrored the trajectory ~f the gay rights movement during his hfe. Though his time in office was short he is remembered as one of the most ' important gay icons of all time. Milk was born May 22, 1930, in Woodmere, Long Island. Although he began having sexual experiences with men in parks and theaters in his earlv teens, he presented a conventional , appearance and was a popular high school athlete. After graduating from the New York State College for Teachers, Milk enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War. · After leaving the Navv in 1955 Milk taught high school mathe~atics, ' coached basketball, and enjoyed a cozy domestic life with sometime hustler Joe Campbell (later immortalized as the "Sugar Plum Fairy" in Lou Reed's song "Walk on the Wild Side"l. But Milk soon tired of teaching and its requirement for strict secrecy about his sexuality, and he went to w~rk as a Wall Street financial analyst. Possessed of both a voracious sexual appetite and a yearning for romance, Milk had a penchant for attractive. often troubled men many years his iuni~r. After his relationship with c;mpbell, Milk took ~P w!th _young activist Craig Rodwell. Next, he became involved with stage manager Jack McKinley, whointroduced him to the bohemian Greenwich Village aiternative thea::er crowd. Milk soon eschewed his buttoneddown ways, adopting a hippie style and liberal political views. In 1972, Milk and his new lover. Scott Smith, moved to San Francisco. where they opened a camera shop on ·Castro Street, in what was then a working-class Irish neighborhood. Milk aot involved in politics, making alliances :-ith labor unions, seniors, and the city's Chinese community. He formed the Castro Village Association (a gay business alliance) and founded the Castro Street Fair. Milk ran for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1973, following in the footsteps of drag impresario Jose Sarria, who, two decades earlier, had been the first gay man to vie for the office. Rejected by established gay leaders who preferred to cultivate straight political allies, Milk built his base on grassroots support. After losing that election, Milk cut off his ponytail, traded his jeans for business suits, and swore off marijuana and bathhouses. Positioning himself as a champion of neighborhoods and against downtown deveiopers, Miik ran unsuccessfully for supervisor again in 1975 and for state assembly the following year. He rode the wave of militant gay activism in the wake of Anita Brvant's Save Our Children campaign, and: took the lead in opposing California's failed Briggs Initiative, which would have barred homosexuals from ceaching in public schools. .Milk finally won a supervisor seat in November 1977, becoming the first openly gay man to win a major political office in the Unired States. (Lesbian Elaine Noble had been elected stat~ representative in Massachusetts in 197 4.) Yet despite his political success, Milk's personal and financial life was in disarrav. He was deeply in debt and had to close his f~linEf_ camera business. He had broken up with ::,m1th and taken a new young iover, Jack Lira, who was given to embarrassing drunken scenes at public functions and who committed suicide in 1978. Milk's first legislative proposai was a gay antidiscrimination ordinance, which the supervisors passed with one dissenting vote that of conservari;;e ex-cop Dan \X'hite, who had been elected on .... continued next page. Page 22 Past Out: a traditional values platform. Citing financial hardship, White resigned his board seat in the fall of 1978 but soon decided he wanted it back.' At the urging of Milk, Mayor George Moscone declined to reappoint White, who had often provided the swing vote to block progressive legislation. On the morning of November 27, 1978, White snuck in through a side window at Citv Hall, shot Moscone at close range, th~n marched down the hall and pumped five bullets into Milk. Coming just a week after the mass suicide of Jim Jones' People's Temple (which had been based in San Francisco), the assassinations threw the city into further ~u~moil. That night, thousands of people Jomed a candlelight march from the Castro to City Hall. On May 21 of the following year White was convicted on two cou~ts ~f voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to less than eight years in prison, after his attorneys employed the "Twinkie defense," arguing that he was mentallv i~paired due to eating junk food. Th~ city's gay community exploded in rage, shattering the windows of Citv Hall and torching police cruisers in wh~t came to be known as the White Night Riot. Later that evening, the police retaliated, invading the Castro with nightsticks swinging. In 1984, White was released on parole; the next year he committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. Having frequently received death threats, Milk had prepared a taped will suggesting who should succeed him (including Harry Britt, whom new mayor Dianne Feinstein appointed as his replacement). "If a bullet should enter my brain," he said in the message, "let that bullet destroy every closet door." At his memorial service, Milk's lesbian aide, Anne Kronenberg, read a poem she found in his desk: "I can be killed with ease/ I can be cut right down/ But I cannot fall back into mv closet .. .I am too many/ I am all of us." , For further information: Epstein, Rob, and Richard Schmeichen. I 984. _ The Times of Harvey Milk rNew Yorker Vuleo). · - ' Shilts, Randy. i 982. _ The 1\Jayor of Castro Street_ (St. Martin's Press). Page 23 Dear Uncle Mikey: Rsk 1 Advice Column! December 2005 Salutations Kittens, Uncle here bringing the latest in all things Queer. Another Holiday season is upon us, while Uncle makes ready for his annual wet jock contest. Yes, Uncle celebrates the season slightly different from the average Queer. You should see my Christmas tree, it could sway several priest at the very site. I have the twenty-five Twinks of Christmas dawning my tree. Yes, it shall be a very Marv Christmas this vear. Let's see what Queer seekers · bring me this se;son. I am not prepared again to join in my familise dysfunctional seasonal celebration. I am not allowed to bring any one with me, as they remain homophobic. I have decided to be on my own this year, but am feeling down, as this will be the first year I have not been with my family during the holidays. I love them however; can not deal with this years dysfunctional holiday bash. I am really finding myself depressed about all of this and am not the typical depressed person. Should I just go and ignore the fact they refuse to let me be myself. I mean it does not really matter that I am gay, but being single during the holidays is a bummer. Any thoughts here? Seasonally sad Dearest Sad: Kitten, you are right as many people suffer from seasonal depression during these holiday times. It is not in any way your fault that your family can't see the errors in their ways. You are the wonderful creature you are meant to be and it is solelv their loss. Uncle, would advise you not to sit aro~d and allow these feelings of sadri:ess to set in. Get invoived in the community, and create a family of your own, which will love and support you just the way you are. Besides, isn't it about time you celebrate the season Queer style? This too shall pass young one. Holiday smooches-Uncle Mikey Many people in the GLTB ~ommunity are left on their own during a season which, in its basic form has been used to segregate our people while judging our lifestyle and choices. This is however not the seasonal meaning and true spirit of the season. Do not allow ignorance to leave you feeling sad, celebrate your life, ind our community this year by joining in with others as fabulous as you. Believe me there will be no long faces at Uncles corner this year. Tis the seaso~ of brotherly love and Uncle has a lot of Love to go around. Christmas thongs for everyone! Dear Uncle Mikey: The guy I have been seeing is so bcredibiy full of himself. He is also selfish in so many ways, while loving in others. I feel like he is truly a good guy deep·inside, however needs reality checks, in the way he disregards my feelings. I need a way to show him just how it feels to be disregarded. Any suggestions Guru? Tired of being Dissed Dearest Dissed, Kitten, Unde knows of what you speak. Allow me to share with you just how I handled one man, which while in my life, did not know who Uncle truly was, as he did not see the force he was dealing with, until Uncle gave him a lesson ·in consideration. Uncle dated him whilst in a gray area of my life. He acted as if he was Gods gift, little did he know I was the one true Queen in the piace. So after dealing Continued next page: · • Page '26 Ask Uncle Mikey: with his antics, and rudeness on several occasions, I decided it was time to give back a little. I set up a romantic interlude, which of course he took for granted, thinking he was doing Uncle a favor. Can you imagine, Uncle, please? Poor widdle puddin did not stand a chance. After whining and dining the fool, it was time for the romantic interlude to heat up. While in the midst of our widdle physical romp, Uncle decided he had a craving for pizza. To his shock, Uncle hipped out a cell phone never missing a beat, and ordered a pizza. Never stopping mind you, after watching his eyes, I could see his dismay in Uncles lack of concern and interest in the event before him. I however, being the Queen I am took it to another level as I answered my call waiting. Discussing a shopping trip a friend of mine had made that day. Needless to say, it was a most humbling experience for the widdle one. Uncle knew it was not his prince before him, however wanted to s·end him back to Queerdom humbled, and more concerned for the next one ro call him lover. Try it and see if it does not bring Romeo back to earth. Kittens, life are a series of lessons, and teacher is in! Well, that is about all of the time I have this month. Kittens, celebrate the season pride style this year, celebrating Queer life. Reach out and touch someone this season providing holiday Yule time loving for all. Merry Christmas Kittens, your forever humbled servant Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too. See you next year, you fabulous Queer! Smooches uncle Mikey and Tiddies too! Want more of Mikey? Visit Mikey's corner at www.askunclemikey.com. Freelance writer Michael Hinzman, joining communities throughout Queerdom ... with wild rice stuffing and Southern Comfort sauce Sauce: 1-1/2 cups brown sugar. 1/2 cup Southern Comfort. 1 cup orange juice. 1 cup pineapple juice. 1 /2 lemon squeezed. 1 / 8th teaspoon cinnamon Mix all together and simmer for 45 min., then set a side. Stuffing: 2 cups cooked wild rice. 1/2 green bell pepper 1/2 red bell pepper. 1 large Shittake Mushroom chopped. 1 / 4th cup chopped white onion. 1 I 8th teaspoon rosemary. :Mix all together and set a side. Preheat oven to 375 degree- take 4 large Quail Breast stuff each breast with a 1/2 cup of rice stuffing. Tooth pick the ends to hold mixture in Place breast side up, meit 3 tablespoons of butter and lightly brush the breast. Place in a 9X12 baking dish, lightly season with ground rosemary. Bake for 45 minutes or until internal temp of 165 degrees. Remove from oven. Drizzle SC sauce on pla~e and place Quail !.n center, remove toothpicks, drizzle more sauce on top, garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Tip: Serve with Red Wine. HAPPY HOLIDAYS to ail my great friends._________ Page 27 / Scopes ;'Explore new ideas, Pisces!" Ma.rs is in Taurus, which is good for getting things done - but he's inflexible. Now opposing Jupiter in Scorpio, he is open to seeing the deeper effects of his efforts, but he's still relentless. While these planets are aspecting Uranus in Pisces, it's a great time to consider options and improvements in both methods and purpose. ARIES (March 20 - April 19): There's no end to sexual opportunities now. Although you're the sign that most wants instant gratification - and there's lots to be had - you also want something deeper and more important. Stop, think, and hold out for what you really want. .. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): You've been feeling stuck lately. With a little courage and willingness to confront your partner, you can release that blockage productively. Advice from friends will prove helpful, even if it only provokes you to think of different ideas. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You can get an awful lot accomplished. Just remember that when "staying on track," you have to consider that the track has some surprise twists. Be adaptable and solicit input from anyone with more authority, whether by position or experience. CANCER (lune 21 - July 22): You're being a bit of a control queen these days. Well ... a bit more than usual. Be open to giving and getting suggestions - especially getting. Don't be too fixed on your goals; there are better possibilities for the open-minded. LEO (luly 23 - August 22): Be confident, and wherever you find opposition to your goais, consider what your opponents have to say. They have some good ideas that will prove helpful to you. If you can find common ground to work together, all the better. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Never mind the "tall, dark stranger." A stocky, ruddy stranger is more likely to enter your life now. If you meet such a hottie, offer verbal challenges - dares, riddles, mysteries - to start what could become a very intriguing affair. LIBRA (September 23 October 22): You're sexual dynamite now. You could do what you want with almost anyone. Don't let enthusiasm make you forget what's important in life - sexually and otherwise. Keep your head clear and your sex safe! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): You have a clear advantage over partners and opponents. You could take ruthless advantage, or engage them playfully, finding creative solutions to conflict and new opportunities for brilliant teamwork. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Problems you've been having with work will soon clear up. Real progress is a week or two off, but revelations and insights now will help you get back on track. Imagine what your wackiest old relative would suggest. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Sensual explorations open.up new sexual horizons. Discussion with a confidant should lead you through some confusion and surprises if you are to find any real clarity. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Any money troubles can point to bigger problems (and towards solutions as well!) regarding how deeply engrained family patterns may be holding you back from your career goals. Answers don't come easily now, but at least questions are getting dearer. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Explore new ideas and philosophies enthusiastically. But if you try expressing those new ideas, you'll sound like vou're channeling Edward Said via Gracie· Allen. If you can let having fun be more important than being convincing, that's not so bad. Page 28 You can find oopf.es of the STA.Rat these 4 atat.es buainess & organizations. Arkansas, Eureka Sprin&s Diversity Pride Event - - www.diverllityprido.com MCC Ll,-ing Spring - - - • - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville ( 479) Condom Sense. - -418 W. Dicluon- -479-444-6228 Curry's Video - - 612 N. College Ave- 479-521-0009 Passages - - 930 N. College Ave- - - - • 479-442-5845 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Club 1022 - - 1022 Dod,on Ave. - - - • 479-782-1845 Kinkead!- 1004 1/2 G.lrrison Ave- - - 479-783-9988 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jeiter11 Lounge - - 1010 E. Grand Ave - -501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street- - - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - -501-664-2744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - - www.dsra.org Discovery- - • 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - -501~666-6900 Sidetracks - - 415 Ma.in St - -N. LR- 501-244-0444 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - - -501-372-3070 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Llfe Church - 1709 N Walnut - -11.AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Kan1as, Wichita (316) Club Glacier - - 2828 E. 31st South - 316-612-9331 J's Lounge - - - 513 E. Central - - - 316-262-1363 Our Fantasy- - - - • 3201 S. Hillside- - -316-682-5494 The Otheraide- -447 N. St Francis- - 316-262-7825 Shami• - - - - - - - 4000 S. Broadway- - 316-522--2028 Sidestreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- - -316-267-0324 South 40 - - - - - 3201 S. Hillside• - - -316-682-5494 Trends Bar - • - -1507 S. Pawnee- - - - - 316-262-4530 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (<417) Ree's- - 716 S. Main - - - - - - 417-627-9035 MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - - -Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - - - 3715 Main St-· - - 816-561-2600 Club NV - - - - 220 Admiral Blvd- 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Main St- - - -816-471-1575 Mis5ie B'5- - • -805 W. 39th St- - - - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidestteet Bar - - -413 E. 3rd- - - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - - - 417-779-5084 MIDSDUR:t DICL.AHDMA Missouri, Springfield ( 417) The Edge- -424 Boomille Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial.873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - - - 417-864-4572 Priscilla's - - 1918 S. Glenstoue - - - 417-881-8444 Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial - - - - - - 417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- -- - - -405-601-7200 Qub Rox• - -3535 NW 39th Expwy - 405-947-2351 Cristies Toy Box- - 3126 N. May Ave - 405-946-4438 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Expv;y- 405-525-0730 Gmhers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- 4-05-528-2221 Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - - -4-05-843-1722 Jungle Reds - - - 2200 NW Expwy- - 405-524•5733 Partnet11- - - - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - 405-942-2199 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - -405-755-8600 Red Rocle North-2240 NW39th St- -405-525-5165 Sisters- - - - - - 2120 NW 39th St - - - -405-521-9533 The Roclciei- - -3201 N. May Ave - - 4-05-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - - 918-836-8700 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - • 918-584-9494 Qub Maverick- - 822 S. Sheridan -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bies - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - -834-1051 Elite Boolutore --814 S. Sheridan- - - 918-838-8503 End Up Club• - - 424 S. Memorial- -918-836-2480 GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- - - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Loungc-11730 E. 11th- - -918-437-0449 Midtown- - - -319 E. 3rd- - - - - 918-584-3112 Nitc Spot - - -3007 E. Admiral Pl - - - 918-834-3007 Priscilla's - - - - - 7925 E. 41st- - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - 5634 W. Skelly -918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - -11344 E. 11th - - - - -- -918-438A224 Priscilla's - - - - 2333 E. 7bt - - -918-499-i 661 Renegades- - - - 1649 S. Main - 918-585-3405 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pi- - 918-834-4194 Tuisa Eagle- - - - -1338 E. 3rd - 918-592-i188 TNT's - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - -918-660-0856 Uodeiguy.com - - -15 E. Brady - - - - - 918-829-0824 Whittier News S12t1d- 1 N. Lewis- 918-592-0767 Yellow-Brick-Rd- - -2630 E. 15th- - 918-293-0304 Outlets wishing to distribute FREE copies of the STAR, Page 29 contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon - fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobai.net Page 30 f I bltterglrl Oq•yndlaate.aom 3007 E. ADMIRAL PLACE. TULSA, OK TIJESDA Y'S LADIES NITE 8pm TO CLOSE 1.25 LONG NECKS DRAGS WELCOME 918.834.3007 Open Monday-Saturday 11 am CLOSED SUNDAY 7240 East Pine - TULSA, OK 918.836.9777 open 6am to 2pm mon - sat. Breakfast & Lunch HIDEAWAY 11730 E. 11th - Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 4pm to 2am Monday. Page 31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, December 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 12 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 01, 2005 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/216 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis John Patrick Matt Brooks Steve T. Urie L.H. Garey Libby Post Paula Martinac Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz Purdy Art Co. Nancy Wood Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text 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 Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, November 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/220 The Star Magazine, January 1, 2005; Volume 3, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/227 Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine A Couple of Guys acceptance Christmas Quail recipe family gay clubs Harvey Milk Heart to Heart intolerance Lesbian Notions Past Out Q Scope religion Star Scene T-Town Rodeo The Big Gay Picture Uncle Mikey vacation World AIDS day https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/b502d509c4e27de8829448d87f6a808a.jpg 3774705845c6574a0c46f28c3d279ac4 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/8a340a886a39d4ed9f8eef3bc795780c.pdf ece766c52bb594e46230b55c631ce287 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document PROUD • V N OM UN "From the day of ourfofi:n,4ifl:g, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this Earth :h45 rights,, and dignity and 11ttitcbless value because they bear ~rnagc of the maker of ven.and ta;rth .. » • Ge~rge W. Bu~h, . • Toaugb./al. ~J>eech; January 20, 2005 State~entl?y:M:att Forc=m.a11'✓ • · μecut~e Djrector, Natio11af~a;r . andI:.esbian'Fask Force • " ., C ,:•\ ,'" •• " ,, Page 5 Tulsa Oklahoma City Little Rock · F ayettevitle·~·"'i Fort . Spri Club nv opens in Kansas Ci by Greg Steele January 18, 2005 ■ KANSAS CITY, MO- The long awaited opening of KC's newest club opened their doors to the public on January 6th. Studio@NV Video Bar officially opened at 4:30pm. A year under construction the dub also has a dance side that will be open on Jan 21st. The grand opening private party is planned for the 20th. "You'll be blown away at the light show and we have some of the cutest bartenders in town." said General Manager, Chad Mantooth. Located in the site of a former Buick deaiership, the club will have three bars, a state of the art dance bar, a video bar and two patio's. The rooftop bar and patio is the place for a grand view of downtown Kansas City. NV plans to be KC's first GLBT totally nonsmoking bar. Smoking will be allowed on the patio. In addition to the club area's, the building \vill feature 23 lofts to be named "The Buick Lofts" and will range in size from a studio to 2500 square feet. Studio@nv video bar is open at 4:30 to !:30 Monday through Saturday with 1/ 2 price martini's from 4:30-8:30 Monday through Friday. The Dance Club starting January 21st will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1 0pm to 1 :30am. Located at 220 Admiral Blvd. on the corner of 7th and McGee in downtown KCMO. If you need further directions or have any questions, you may call 816.421.NVKC or check out the website at http:/ /www.nv-kc.com. Page 6 Arkansas Anti-Gay Foster care Ban Overturned LITTLE ROCK - Finding that children are not harmed by living with gay or lesbian parents, an Arkansas court today struck down a stllte regulation that banned gay people and anyone living in a household with a gay adult from being foster parents in the st:2.te. The American Civil Liberties Union brought the lawsuit ag:ainst the state in 1999 on behalf of three prospective foster parents. ''Throughout this case, the state has relied on ugly stereotypes to deny children in the Arkansas foster care system the chance of having the widest possible pool of foster wnilies available to them,'' said Rim Sklar, Executive Director of the ACLU of Arkansas. "We're very pleased that the court sa~ through these arguments and has recognized that gay and lesbian people can provide homes just as loving and smble as anyone else's." In his findings, Circuit Court Judge Timothy Fox flatly rejected many of the claims the state had made about gay and lesbian people's suitability as parents. In his decision, Fox wrote: "(Psychology pioneer) Jerome Bruner has suggested that one of the reasons people believe in om system of justice may be as simple as 'ow: faith that confrontation is a good way to get to the bottom of things.' The 'confrontation' in this case has presented us all with an excellent opportunity to replace ignorance with knowledge and to make an informed decisionbased on information as opposed to assumption." Among Judge Fox's findings of fact • Being raised by gay parents doesn't increase the risk of psychological, behavioral, or academic problems for children. • Children of lesbian and gay parents are just as well adjusted as children of straight parents. • There is no factual basis for saying that heterosexual parents might be better able to guide children through adolescence than gay parents. • There are no reasons that health, safety, or welfare of a foster child might be negatively impacted by living in a foster home where there is a gay person present. • The blanket exclusion can hurt children by excluding a pool of effective foster parents. "Throughout the trial we presented a variety of experts who proved that the state's justifications for this ban were nothing but baseless myths about gay people," said Leslie Cooper, a staff attorney with the ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project. "This is a victory not only for gay families, but for the many children in the Arkansas foster care system who now have a better shot at finding a good home." After Arkansas's Child Welfare Agency Review Board established a policy in 1999 that "no person may serve as a foster parent if any adult member of that person's household is a . homosexual," the ACLU filed a lawswt in state court challenging the policy on behalf of three Arlwisans who are challenging the ban: William Wagner of Waldron, who works in an optical laboratory. Wagner has been married for 31 yClltS and has two adult children. Although he is a married heterosexual, be is disqualified from serving as a foster parent because his gay son sometimes lives at home. Wagner .and pis wife hope to serve as foster parents because they alrea~y provide em~rgency shelter to teens who have been physically abused and kicked out of their homes for being lesbian or gay and would like to be available to take care of teens in the foster care system. Matthew Lee Howard, a teacher, who lives with his partner Craig Stoopes, a librarian, in Little Rock. The couple has been in a committed relationship for 19 years, is currently raising two children, and hopes to serve as foster parents. Anne Shelley of Fayetteville is a community organizer for various nonprofit organizations and woul9. like to serve as a foster parent. She is prevented from doing so under Arkansas law because she is a lesbian. Leslie Cooper and James Esseks of the ACLU's Lesbian & Gay Rights Project, Grif Stockley of the ACLU of Arkansas, and cooperating attorneys David Ivers and Emily Sneddon represent the prospective foster parents. 1 ! February 2005 by Andrew Collins "Cooking-School Vacations" Photorigbt: You can take cooking classes taught by some of the leading chefs in the Southwest at the acclaimed Santa Fe School of Cooking. Given that many travelers put as much thought into picking the right restaurants as they do choosing appealing hotels and sightseeing attractions, it's little wonder that cooking-school vacations have become extremely popular in recent years. After all, if you're already a fan of eating outstanding food, it makes perfect sense to explore your culinary passions a bit further and learn how to prepare the great meals you enjoy. Whether you're a die-hard chef with professional ambitions or simply a fan of good cooking who's keen on picking up a few culinary tips, you're likely to find a cooking-school adventure that suits yow: interests (and budget). Opportunities to learn bow to cook while traveling range from taking a class or two at a local cooking school or country in~ to booking a complete educational getaway that includes several days of intensive cooking instruction as well as accommodations, meals, and day trips to farmers' markets and restaurants. The cost can range from $50 for a single demonstration class at a cooking school to several thousand dollars per person for a wecklong, all-inclusive package. In most cases, you're responsible for getting to and from the destination. Although there arc no cooking-school vacations geared exclusively to the lesbian and gay market, plenty of gay-popular destinations - from San Francisco to Vermont to Barcelona - offer these food-based educational excursions. Taking one of these trips can be great fun whether you're traveling with yow: honey or with a group of pals, but it's also an excellent way to make new friends; indeed, cooking schools draw plenty of single travelers. If you're looking for an informal, unstructured experience, where you plan your own trip but take some cooking courses on your own, consider booking a class or two at the esteemed Santa Fe School of Cooking, whose instructors include some of the top chefs in this gay-friendly arts mecca in New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Topics cover a wide range of food styles, from the cuisine of Mexico to Southwest tapas. Classes arc offered several times per week and typically cost from $50 to $65 apiece; each one concludes with a full meal featuring the delicious food prepared. A number of inns around the country offer occasional cooking-class weekends, which typically run from two to four days and are especially popular with couples seeking a romantic retreat. In Kennebunkport, Maine - which is dose to such gay-friendly destinations as Portland and Ogunquit - the lavish White Barn Inn offers weekend cooking-school packages throughout the year. These three-day, two-night events begin with a Friday afternoon tea reception, followed by a tour of the inn's impressive wine cellar, where you're also treated to a tasting of several fine vintages. On Saturday you participate in a cooking class in the state-of-the-an demonstration kitchen, followed by a mixoiogy course in the bar. You then get to sample some of the dishes you saw demonstrated in class earlier in the day during the six-course dinner on Saturday evening, in the \Vnire Barn's highly acclaimed restaurant. Guests also receive _The White Barn Inn Cookbook_. Prices start at about $400 per person, double-occupancy. Vermont, which has become a favorite gay destination in recent years, ... continued page-32 Page 8 ' The Queen City of the Southwest ? From the Editor January 20, 2005 TULSA, OKLAHOMA Located in the center of a potentially gay business boom. Sound like a fantasy? Well, look what is within 175 miles, just a three hour drive. Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Muskogee, McAlester, Miami, Witchita, Joplin, Springfield, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, a huge GLBT population estimated at near 150,000. Yes, Tulsa, OK has an opportunity to become a major gay /lesbian city. Shake the Bible Belt syndrome. Gay is not unique in this year of 2005. Gay does not have to be in the closet. Gay is not a lifestyle, it is a life! Gay /Lesbian is not a nasty word with a connotation of deviate. Homosexuality has been accepted around the globe and has become common place. Teen's think of sex as just sex, it doesn't matter if it is with the opposite sex or same sex. If you prefer same sex or opposite sex, no big deal. It's just sex. What does the Tulsa business community have to offer the GLBT tourist or those wanting to relocate? Is there a hotel that seeks gay business? NO. Is there a restaurant that caters to gay people? NO. Is there a predominateiy gay area for housing? NO. Are there shops that as;;. for your business? A FEW. Are ,here gay /lesbian bars? \'ES. Bars, clubs, disco's country western, cruise, neighborhood, and just bars. ls that it? NO. Tulsa has a percentile of GLBT professional people equal to any major city. Attorney's, Accountants, Doctors, Realtors, Nurses, Artists, Writers, Insurance Agents, Engineers, Business Managers, Teachers, Pastors and of course Cosmetologist. A fabulous group of entertainers, Shopping Centers, Theater, beautiful scenery, parks, museums, recreational area's. Tulsa has everything a city needs to attract gay/ lesbian business. To attract gay business development and tourism. Except, two major factors, gay pride and organization! Tulsa has the foundation for growth with the GLBT Center, a GLBT Business organization, we have a Human Rights Organization, we have GLBT religious leaders and community out reach organizations. Yes and how much support do they receive £rpm the over all gay population. Most of these nonprofit organizations say they are struggling to keep afloat. I asked one business owner if he belonged to the Gay Business Association, and he replied, "I didn't know we had one." Another said he belonged to the "Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization" ar one time, but the group decided to cease because there were only ten active members. In the last two months there have been three gay owned business closing in Tulsa ti1a~ I know of, maybe more. Could be the bar market was overly saturated. Niche clubs seem :o be doing well. That is a good sign Tulsa has a diverse group of people who have found a club they enjoy. Persona]y .............. continued next page Page 9 Photo: Night Club in the Brady District. I prefer a nice plush piano bar with entertainment, hunky bartenders and good selection of exotic martini's. Fine wine and food would make my day! I might rent a booth by the month. If anyone out there would consider opening such a place, let me know and I promise to be your best customer. As an Oklahoma native, I've watched the State grow in positive attitude toward her GLBT citizens. Tolerance for some, but for the most part the attitude has changed from gay bashing and hatred to live and let live. Just because we can't legally ma.tty in Oklahoma is no excuse to sit back and grow stagnant, or move to Massachusetts. Star Media, Ltd., the publisher of this magazine is so confident in the future of Tulsa's GLBT community, we are now publishing the STAR here in Tulsa and will continue to cover and distribute to the Four State Region of Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. People we've talked with, all agree that a home based news publication is an essential part of every growing community. We are excited and look foiward to becoming a part of Tulsa's future. Our growth has been gradual, but strong. This issue is our largest ever, with 40 pages. Our distribution has grown from 1000 to 5000 in just over a year. We distribute free of charge and depend on advertising from the GLBT and allied business community for our existence. Without it we could Clothing & Gift Shop in the Cherry Street Image, convenience, quality products and not survive. The response has been service are key to any successful business. tremendous with the February issue Offer the GLBT community something having a record number of advertisers. they want and don't have, let them know We may not be the largest paper in the you have it and treat them with respect state, but we are gaining ground thanks to and they will support you. a very supportive Oklahoma community and the 4 states region. TIJLSA, "The Queen City of the Southwest". Possibilities abound, the potential is here. The Brady District, Cherry Street, East Village, Mid Town area's are prime locations to consider for offices, shops, clubs or restaurants. We just have to make it happen by becoming more united in the efforts to serve the community and develope a strong, well organized entity dedicated to the success of all. "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" Editor in Chief r n • · t t v • , n I g; h t '.o 716 w. syc~re Fay~tttville, AR 479-571-1300 . www.atud•oZ16,ncl OPEN wed-sun 9pm - 2am WEDNJ!SDAYS: Cruisn' for the Hook-up on HUMP-DAY! Happy Hour $5, Beer Bu.t . ~PAYS:. Kataoke till' 12 then it's the Plastic Thureday Dan1re · . get WU,D with DJ jUX" & 1he Best Mu of Hipl,Jop. Tech & YOUR .requests all night long! SA'(UJU)A;YS: it's th~ 716 EXT.REME DANCE PAR'I'Y with OJ . "BRANDON J"' SUNDAYS: The Queens of NW.A @ 11:30 Evety Sunday & DJ "IRJSH" Spinning all night Jong!! Club •,Rex to· Host· Turna . . 1i1·,, ·,,a, Fund raiser: Press Release January 21, 2005 OKLAHOMA CITY. A fundraiaer to benefit the. Winds Houa~ will he held ' Saturday, February 26, 2005, at 10:30 p.m., •t Club Rox inside the Hollywood Hotel & Suites in Oklahoma City. This will be our second annual fuodra,iscr for the Winds· House. The featured event will be a Turnabout Show. in which our club aiid test:aurant employees will be perfotmi,ng and contributing their tip11 to the Winds H~1,1se. A great tum.out is expected again this yeat'md we hope to surpass the amount collecttd at last years event. MARDI GRAS DAY, . ' . . AKA FAT TUESDAY / Every year, N~ .Q.dlan; shuts down and throws the· p~ of parties. Everywhere else · • it's just another Tuesday Orleana it's Mardi Gras! Mardi Gas is more than a single day of ceie\,rition. It's a stiu:c of mind. Mardi Gas teflects and defines . the cultural traditions of Nevi Odcan11. Most "outsiders" assume ~ Gras takes place on a single day; this .is true. Matdi Gms is French fui Fat Tuesday. Some time ago, the tradition a fatted ctlf on beginning of . . . . fast. Thu,, the c~g of the pb.raae,,::11at Tuesday.'' ·,· Page 11 2902 E. 20th Street, Joplin Missouri· Sydney New .Mardi Gras * and Gay Games® Chicago ~ Announce International Partnership 21 January 2005 U~ I Sydney, .A.u,tralia -- The Games and the New Sydney Gay and Lesbian Matdi ~ras t~ay announced a multi-yeat mtemauonal partnership designed to s~ngthen two of the world's largen and most beloved in~miriooal gay and lesbian events. In a joint announcoment &om Chicago, h<>St of Gav Gables VIJ,. and Sydney •. site of the world's largett LGBT Mardi Gras festival, the new pattnecship bro~dcn, the worldwide visibility of both ~eots. 1Utching two of the world's tnost vibrant and gay and lesbian-friendly cities, the new .rdationship will also ' enhance tourism and batin,~?Y between the LGBT communities in the USA and Australia. , , , , . continued pagc-29 P,age12 ,, ', , ,:, '48l5 S<>uth. Harvard Ave., Suite 424 ,'I)tlsa, OK 74135-:3068 Phone: 8) 747,.5466 Email: .; byCP A@sbcglobai.net j 1 Office Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.com This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax:(636)938-3539 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com 11JISA ROUGB.RIDERS' Valeatme's Club~ · ••*Mllle.lJtlllCD'Slll . ._. EndUp .. Club, Sat.., F~ -~ 4th&. Memorlal,..~ ~Opm-?!~ Drawings For Pri7.es!! BeerBust t! *J,-tller Po.t Office Game* • ...........,.tulsa~ugluiden.com•• Leadaer@TaJaRougllRi4en.com Page 15 "Alternatives to the bar scene" Some of us really are not all that into the gay bar scene. Just because your gay does not necessarily mean you HA VE to go to gay bars. First of all I really have never particularly liked the idea of going to a dark bar to find someone. It is rather a creepy feeling. First you have to put up with all the smoke. And then after you get home you have to wash or have everything dry-cleaned. It just isn't worth it. Oh yea, smokers have their rights? Well, what about us nonsmokers? We should be able to go somewhere and not HA VE to have that ciguette smell and smoke everywhere. But aside from smoking the bar scene still does very little for me. I prefer to do my drinking with friends in my own apartment or at parties. friendlyand has lots of straight customers. The MCC Church in town is another place where I have found a lot of friends. Seems like a lot of gay men attend the MCC Church with the hopes of finding someone to share their life "W-ith. I even attended a meeting of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) even thou I am not a parent of a gay person and I met some wonderful guys there. I looked in the last issue of the Ozarks Star and saw a listing for different otgllnizations in the area and have already checked some of them out. You just have to be forward and talk to people I guess. I have met guys at the supermarket, at the malls while shopping and even when I walk my dog in the park. I am really not against bars but I am just saying that the bar scene does not rule my life. I have plenty of interests being gay without the bar scene. I love the Ozarks Star in that it tells us what is going on in the community besides the bar scene. Thanks Ozarks Sou: for being here. Quotable Quotes "I know that many of you wanted to see my husband and some of you had questions out there. Is he hot? Yeah. Is he hung? Yeah. Is he [she waved her hand to suggest bisexual]? Not unless you can give a better (she mimicked eating a banana) than me." Lucky for me I live in a large city and they have lots of activities going on all the time. The gay/lesbian community center is always having entertaining events going on. I have met a lot of other gays at dinner parties. My mature friends - Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom, filling have their Prime Timers organization in for her husband, San Francisco and they are always having events. Mayor Gavin Newsom, addressing a In Oklahoma City I usually stay at fundraiser for New York's gay Empire State Pride Agenda, Oct. 21. the Habana Inn and you r----------------------can always meet a lot of people out at the pool area. I have driven to Kansas City and they have two gay owned Bed and Breakfast Inns there. I have driven down to Eureka Springs, Arkansas where they say almost everyone in town is gay. But the gay owned bar is only gay <Boutique Page 16 Cable TV Gives Birth to Slew of New Gay Programming Written By Ross von Metzke On the forthcoming Logo channel. conceived by figureheads at MTV ~nd VH-1, programs will range from a series on coming out experiences produced by Cher and Chastity Bono to realitv series on gay cops and gav dream , weddings. , On cable TV's here!, a gav parenting series, a holiday drama about, a teenager's two gay dads and numerous gay themed films acquisitioned from film studios across the world round out the roster of programming. ~~ on the Palm Springs based Q Televmon, a daily gay talk show and the gay soap opera Paradise Falls play mostly to audiences in Southern California and Manhattan. For years, mainstream cable networks like HBO and Showtime have enticed gay viewers with shows like Six Feet Under, Oz, The L Word and Queer as Folk - p~ograms featuring gay characters without succumbing to the standards and occasional censorship of network TV. No~, chan~els geared toward gay and _lesbian audiences specifically are making a play for financial success. Gav TV has officiallv arrived , Cablevision, Systems ·Corp. a1:1~ounced yesterday that it is offering dtgi.tal customers monthly subscriptions Dish _Network offers three-hour payper- view blocks of the channel for S3.99. Regent Entertainment co-founders Paul Colichman :md Stephen Jarchow founded here! in August of 2003 and the service is now available in one form or another in more than 30 million cable and satellite TV homes nationwide. It got a nearly two year head start on Logo which Viacom Inc. plans to launch ' s~metime this year as a digital channel with wider distribution. _"They all want to serve the gay and lesbian community and they want to do it in a way that makes money " :olichman col~ !'lewsday on Tu~sday. And because it ts a premium service. anyone who doesn't want gay and - lesbian programming doesn't have to get it." Colichman said here! claimed $15 million in revenue for the first vear and has pl_a~s to spend $50 million this year on o_r1gtnal f'.rogramming and acquiring syndicatton nghts to series and films. Cablevision's nationwide satellite se:vice called _v oom carries its own gayoriented movie channel - DivineHD. A company spokeswoman declined to say whether Cablevision will carry Logo which Viacom had planned to launch next month but has not said whether that is still the plan. Links: www.heretv.com www.logo-tv.com www.qtelevision.com to 30 hours of on-demand programming from here! for $6.95. r:;:::::-------------------- Time Warner Cable in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Milwaukee and San Antonio began carrying here! late last year as nonsubscription video-on~ emand for $3.95 per three-hour viewing. DirecTV recently began offering here! as a monthiy add-on for $9.99. And EchoStar's Rodney Burgamy 405.840.2106 Joe Brennan www.c21-goldcastle.com Page 17 Ozarks Star New Shakespeare Adaption 'The Merchant of Venice' Rings with Gay Undertones By Ross von Metzke Provided by Gay Link Content . Just weeks after American audiences historians and church groups gave OHv'er Stone's Alexander adaptation a big thumbs down over the bi-sexual references, another of history's beloved treasures is getting the gay treatment. Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is getting a lot of heat for a scene in which two male characters, Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes) and Antonio Geremy Irons), head up to Antonio's bedroom to discuss an issue involving a deb~. Just as Bassanio is leaving, he piancs one on Antonio - and from the look of things, it's more than just a friendly peck. Director Mlchael Radford's version of the classic story pushes a lot of buttons and asks a number of questions, which is whv scar Fiennes said, he thrives while ~~rking with the Bard's words. ''The great thing about Sμakespeare and why he's so difficult to pin down is his ambiguity," actor Joseph Fiennes told Reuters. "He's not saying they're gay or thev're straight, he's leaving it up to his actors ... I feel there has to be a great love between the two characters ... there's great .attraction. I don't think they have slept together, but that's for the audience to decide." Co-star Jeremy Irons said tl1e kiss doesn't say so much about the character's sexualitv as it does about the time period. , "In Shakespeare's time male platonic iove was the highest form of love," he said. "Male platonic affection was regarded as a higher form of love to male-female, even husband and wife." While promoting the film in New York recently, Radford said he fe~t it was important to emphasize Antonio's love for Bassanio because of the play's final act. in which Bassanio's feelings for Portia and Antonio are tested. Page 18 Illinois Bans Anti-Gay and Anti Transgender Discrimination National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Praises Equality lllinois for Its Tireless Work WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 12. Capping an eleven year effort led by Equality Illinois, the, ;Illinois House of Representatives today passed a bill banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. The bill was first .introduced over thirty years ago in 1974. When signed into law by Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, a supporter of the measure, Illinois will become the 15th state to protect gay people from discrimination, and the 5th state to protect transgender persons. The bill cleared the State Senate yesterday by a vote of 30-27 and the State House today by a vote 65-51. "We salute Equality Illinois and its tireless leader, Rick Garcia, for today's extraordinary achievement," said Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "This win again shows that dogged work by state and local leaders and activists can surmount enormous odds- and is real salve to a community still hurting from the results of November 2." A non-discrimination bill first passed the House in 1993, also because of the work of Equality Illinois. The law will add "sexual orientation" to the state's existing nondiscriminati·on statute which already bans discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations or credit on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, marital status and milit~ry status. The definition of "sexual orientation" includes provisions to specifically cover transgender persons. A non-discrimination biil first passed the state House in 1993, "The passage of this bill is a major advancement for transgender people, both in Illinois and countrywide," continued Foreman. "Once again, a state has proven that when we dare to dream to protect our entire LGBT community with one bill- to cover everyone, legislators respond. The activists in Illinois have done a tremendous job." · Illinois becorp.es the fifth state to pass explicit transgender-inclusive language in its discrimination law, joining California, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Rhode Island. In addition, 72 cities and counties have transgendet-inclusive nondiscrimination laws on the books. With the addition of Illinois, 27% of the U.S. population now lives in a jurisdiction with transgender discrimination prnte~tion. Eight states have enacted transgender-inclusive hate crime laws. In addition ten states ban anti-gay discrimination - Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Hawaii, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, Nevada, Maryland and New York. FREE HIV TESTING,NO NEEDLFS! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin; Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the · Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We 1,1se the Ora-sure method which does nor require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Serving A Healthier Comm,mity"' Page 19 NSD Statement on Claude Allen White House Appointment January 06, 2005 Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) issued a statement on President Bush's appointment of Claude Allen as White House Domestic Policy Advisor. "The architect of domestic policy for the White House should be an advocate for every American family," said Dave Noble, NSD Executive Director. "Claude Allen has advanced ideological extremes in family policy that have endangered the health of gay youth. His record indicates that he would prompt the White House to promote anti-gay policy and attitude within the administration. As an organization, we are troubled by this appointment." Allen was previously nominated by President Bush for a seat on the 4th Circuit U.S. Appeals court, but had failed to receive Senate confirmation. Allen is a staunch conservative and abstinence activist. He has served the Bush Administration as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, where he has been described as the administration's key advocate for abstinence-only programs. Claude A. Allen worked as an aide to former Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC). In 1984, while serving as press secretary chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party co advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. www.stonewalldemocrats.org for the Helms' senate campaign, Allen accused Helms' Democratic opponent as having ties "with the Diversity 19 VA LENTINE' S ,.Jf41','?,,. queers." National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender nts We Do It Different! Aprl_l 1 ® 2 SPRING! Diversity Weekend BOTH DA#Cn ON FRI & SATI for GLBTis/PPLAGs 1COUNTRY WESTERN' in Eureka Sprlafs. Arltaua, :caoo'!oTEGMP, oo RAc , Rt rt, FAU. & SPRING Di'lerslty Weekends, ,. .,. ay I on " VALENTINE'S, Conawts and other Events DlveNJlty BEARS I CONTEST & BBQ LUNCH www.DiversityPride.com Democrats, with more than 90 local The Point Foundation A Scholarship Lifeline For GLBT Students Scholarship opportunities for. exceptional students, ..-gardless of their ~exual orientation or gender identity; · The Point Foundation is the first and only nationwide LGBT scholarship·. organization that focuses exclusively on granting assistance to. undergraduate, graduate and post7graduate students of distinction. Point Scholars are chosen for their demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, involvement in the LGBT community and financial or emotional need. The most recent scholarship awarde.d was announced on January 12, 20Q5. An academic honorarium was .awarded to James· Barnett, the. 18-year:-old: n9n9t'. . student who was expelled in December from Trinity Christian Academy 'in Addison, Texas, in the greatcf·Dallas mcttopo tan are . . . '. discovered Barnett W!1S · gay and hosting My-Boi.com, a supportive Web site tor GLBT youths, school .oftidals reportedly outed him to .his parents, who agteed to withdraw him fro'!Jf:thc academy at the school's request, Barnett said. His parents then threatened to witliliold financial support for colle~ in the fall, Barnett added, if he did not agree to go to a college in Texas. Barnett hopes to attend school out of state. · The amount of the Point Foundation award will be determined after a financial review in the spring, the foundation said fa a press release. 'We ~e·plea.sed to.present this honor.aiium to James, an outstanding student turned away s~ply because of· his sexual orientation," Vance Lancaster, executive director of the Poihl: Foundation, said in the written statement. "This is a sadly common and vei:y real example of why Point Foundation scholarships are necessary." . The honorarium is ·separate from the Point Foundation's._an'nu,aI grams to GI.BT scholars, which will be determined in April or May for the 2005.:2006 school year. Applications are due March 1. · · "The Point Foundation is honored to. be in the position to bring this support to James," Lancaster said. "As the Point Foundation grows, we hope to create a world where students are not marginalized or turned away because of their sexual · orientation or gender identity--ever." The application process is open to ill LGBT students nationwide regardless of levci of education. Application Period S01.rtS January 1, 2005 All applications must be received by March 1, 2005. All additional materials must be received by March 15, 2005. A decision will be made by May 1, 2005. You can apply on-line at ( www.thcpointfoundation.org/apply.html) Page 23 I Dee A New Year and a New Beginning Well, first of all I want to say that I am a PROUD gay man. It is just that simple! I love my life and I am in it for the long haul. I love living in the Midwest and enjoy the changing of the seasons. But, I am getting to the point where things are going to have to change in my gay world. I am tired of being the scapegoat for all the stupid religious right wing nuts, the Republican politicians and the do-gooders of America. I own a home, pay property taxes on it and have a good job. Most of the people that I work with know that I am gay and understand that I was born that way. My neighbors are very nice and seem to like me as a neighbor. I keep my house in good order and of course my lawn and patio is the best kept on the block. But this is 2005 and things has just GOT TO CHANGE in my gay world. I am not going .to tolerate being a second class citizen anymore. I just won't do it! NO, no and NOi So, what am I going to do about it? First off I am NEVER again going to hide in the closet. I am NEVER again going to tell someone that I have a girlfriend. I am NEVER again going to be ashamed when I walk into a store with my partner as we are buying furniture or anything else. I am NEVER again going to be intimidated by any sales clerk or anyone when I am shopping. When we check into a motel or hotel I will ask for one bed for both of us and think nothing about it. I am a PROUD gay man and the rest of America will just have to get used to it. I have met a few gay men who live in Europe and they all are amazed when coming to the United States how intolerant so many Americans are to gays and lesbians here. They think of America as a land of guns and of right wing religious nuts. They think that small towns means small minds and I am beginning to think that they are right. I would love to live in a small town here in the Midwest however I have just learned that it is much easier foi: gay people to live in larger cities. What kind of America do we live in when the State legislatures pay more attention to gay civil unions than they do to educating the children of America. What right in America does some right wing religious nut have to try to force their religion down the throats of other people. One's religious beliefs should be kept to them. Another thing I am going to do this is year is NOT put up with bad or inferior service ANYWHERE. You go into a store to purchase something and the clerk is on their cell phone talking to a friend and trying to ring you up at the same time or your waitperson is having a bad day and wants you to feel sorry for them or you walk into a bar and the bartender is busy talking to his regular customers and doesn't have time to get you a drink. Nope, I am not going to cake it any more. I am sick and tired of having to deal with this, not only in the straight community but in the gay community as well. I love to hear of a gay business that has gone out of business and say that the gay community .doesn't support them. Ha! If they gave good service and appreciated their customers they would have lots of business. Just because a business is gay owned that is not a sufficient reason to give them your business unless they do give good service. So things are changing for me this year. I am going to be much happier and I have to bitch a little more to get good service and what I deserve then I will. It is just that simple! Page24 Paula Martirlac has b_ec;ri. writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, ·Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac FEBRUARY 2005 On The Move The week before George W. Bush's second inauguration, 22 national gay-rights organizations issued a unity statement, putting forth in clear and almost stirring prose their continuing commitment to working for a wide range of issues to achieve full equality for LGBT people. One of the things that struck me about the joint statement was its dual definition of "movement'' - first, as ''ao organized effort to promote or attain an end," but also as simply "the act of' moving." (YOU can read the full text at www.lambdalegal.org and the websites of other national groups.) That second definition is profound, but it's one we often forget. Indeed, it can be hard for groundbreaking reading series individual gay people - esp_ecially those living in called "In Our Own Write." ' hostile states - to see that we're in "the act of ______________ __,, moving" toward the attainment of'civil rights. Many o( us are? in fact, &cirig brutal attacks from some. of the same people who helped Bush. Wlll four more years in office. The joint st:u:ement from· otir national l~ders, then, caμ help us stop and remember that even though the progress of civil rights is maddeningly erratic, it is still progress. . WJ;iat'~ con~sing, I thln,k, is that the word "movement" implies going. forward in a linear fashion, like when you get in your car to go from point A to point B. But. when rou think about it, driving is often not that direct. You may start off,malcing great nme, but the~ th_ere might be traffic, an: accid~nt, or bad weat:her; yoμ: might get a flat; or maybe you hit a detour for roadwork, which sends you off in another direction or even in a circle. Ultimately, you get to poiot'B", but it took a lot longer' than you hoped. · · · Recent even~ in g:iy politics look a lot like that driving metaphor. In the space of 11 short months tn 2003 and 2004, we saw two amazing triumphs: the U.S. Supreme Court struck. do~n the remaining state sodomy laws, and same-sex couples began le~y n:iarrymg 10_ Massachus<:tts. B_ut not long after, 4,000 lesbian and gay couples in Califorrua had their legal marrtages annulled by the state. And in a political slam dunk, 11 state anti-p,y-marriage amendments passed in a single day. As 2005 dawned, however, we saw victory again: Illinois joined the list of states .with antidiscrimination laws. This is "movement''? Bumpy times like these could really throw our community off-balance if we didn't keep the bigger picture in view - that vie are in the business of fighting for nothing les~ than equality, like so many other groups (blacks, women) before us have been dotng for decades, even centuries. And unfair as it may seem, the road to _equality is:°'~ sI?~oth; neither blacks nor women: are anywhere nearing the completion of their mdividual struggles for full rights. Consider a little gay history. The fight against sodomy laws, for example, was a long struggle. We all know about Michael Hardwick's challenge to Georgia's law in ~e eatly 1?80s, and the resulting antigay Supreme Court decision in 1986. But by the um5 th~ high court heard _Bowers v. Hardwick_, legal analysts had alreadr, been tuiilg attn at state sodomy laws for decades, witnessing the first victory over this heinous legi~lation in Illino~s in 1961. And it had taken another agonizing eight years for a seconct state, Connecticut, to follow suit. ..... continued nex page. Page 25 lo addition, most of us are familiar with the marriage-equality movement that burst into public consciousness in Hawaii in the early '90s and brought us civil unions in Vermont and ultimately the marriage victory in Massachusetts. But the first same-sex couple to apply for a state marriage license did so in Minnesota back in 1970, when a lot of people in our community weren't even born and no anti-gay-marriage laws existed. That couple is still in the news, too: earlier this month, Jack Baker and Michael McConnell sued to have their marriage, which was performed by a Methodist minister in the Twin Cities recognized by the Internal Revenue ' Service. (Ibeir case, by the way, was thrown out.) History also teaches us that "movement'' doesn't mean that evervone walks together in lockstep. Both the· black and feminist movements witnessed considerable infighting over issues and tactics. And the gay movement is no different - within a day of the release of the "unity" statement; some LGBT activists rushed to criticize the major gay organizations for putting marriage equality so far down on its lists of goals, which they said could be viewed as retreating from the issue under pressure from the far right. One Illinois activist dismissed the national gay groups as basically inconsequential and "out of touch." But while we're squabbling among ourselves, let's remember that "movement" may involve taking a step forward, a couple back, and another off to the side before we are able to go forward again. Quotable Quotes "We need to educate the younger generation of gay men because many think that living with HIV is a real doddle. They don't realize that there's no cure; it's treatment for life and the meds can have horrible side effects." - Gay actor Rupert Everett to the British AIDS magazine Positive Nation, November issue. HRC RENEWS CALL FOR REPEAL OF 'DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL,' AS PENTAGON PONDERS TROOP SHORTAGE 'Any policy that keeps patriotic Americans from serving during wartime is bad for the nation,' said HRC Political Director \"\'innie Stachelberg. Press Release: Friday,Jan. 7, 2005 WASHINGTON-The Human Rights Campaign today :renewed its call to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, in light of a report in today's Washington Post stating that Army officials are considering changing Pentagon policy to allow for longer and more frequent call-ups of some reservists to meet the demands of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Any policy that keeps patriotic Americans from serving during wartime is bad for the nation," said HRC Political Director Winnie Stachelberg. "'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is deeply hurtful to gay and lesbian service members and their families and is costing the nation valuable service ' members." According to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, more than 9,000 service members have been discharged since 1993 under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy at a cost of more than a quarter billion dollars to U.S. taxpayers. According to the Washington Post story, a temporary increase of 30,000 troops in activeduty ranks that was authorized last vear will probably need to be made permane~t. "In addition ro the men and women who have already been discharged, this policy is a deterrent to countless other gay and lesbian Americans who cannot join the military for fear of discrimination," said Stachelberg. "Allowing aii Americans to serve openly and honestly is good for the country. It's common sense." The Human Rights Campaign is the i.t.rgest national ksbian, gay, bisex11at and rransgtnder politicai organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, pr<roi<k5 campaign support ,md educates tbe public to ensure that LGBT Amtricans can bt open, honest and safl! at home, at u;ork and in the community. Page26 Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! February 2005 Hello Kittens, Uncle here bringing another week of advice on life and love, and all matters between. Uncle smells love in the air this Februarv Kittens. Valentine's Day will soon be here. It 'is the first time in youth, which we feel the excitement of being admired by another. Getting those little cards and candy ~e~s, be~ns our young journey for love. W ouldn t 1t be ~ce kittens to be able to have a heart box as we did when we were kids? Watch it fill up with those cute little cards. Uncle gets so sentimental during the holiday celebrating his favorite past time, the L---------------' pursuit of love. So, grab your valentine and sn e while we see what the mailbag has brought us this week. Mikey, . , I have this problem. I am attracted to guys in their 20's up to their l~te 30 s. I a short, slim guy who is 60 and dresses casually young. The only guys that hit on me are older than 50 or are married. I'm looking far a LTR. I'm not a bottom and guys tend to think I am due to my small stature. Can you offer any advice ?n how_ to attra~t the younger guys to me? I want them to want me for who I am. I m not Into paymg a guy to pretend to love me. Help Dearest Help, . , Kitten, if it is a LTR you seek, first and foremost, you must realize that you cant tag fate or the goddess of love with such conditions. You ~ust ?pen yo~ heart t<;> ~; so that you do not miss the love, fate might offer. Guys 10 the~ twenttes and thirties, well, who is not attracted. It is wild and untamed youth, which may be overshadowing your sight here. The male form ca°: do that. As_ for your stature, well great things come in small packages. There is nothing wrong with ?1at, show ?1em when it is time just what you are made of. Thirdly paying a guy will never brmg you love so don't even allow vourself to entertain such notions. If they do not see the hidden treasure that you ~re, than allow them to move on. Confidence in_ yourself sounds like a much need tool here. Do not allow age to bring fear and sel!. doubt. Age is nothing more than a state of mind. Here is wishing you many successes 10 loves endeavors during this the season of the hunt. Reme~ber Kittens, with age comes benefits, and I don't m~ax_i blue_ cross. I mean experience, and method. Youth as I said is wild and untamed, 1t 1s durmg these years that we find ourselves, and become the treasure we are now._ Give me a. man rl:at has perfected his craft any day to someone who will surely ~e all over me like a wild tornado, well ok, maybe a twister now and than, but still remember the worth of experience. Dear Uncle, . .al I met a woman a week ago and can think of nothing else. ~ o1:1y met he~ t~ a so~ situation and do not know if she is seeing anyone or even tf sne woul~ oe 10tcr~s,cd. I have a hard rime telling people how I feel, and making. the first move ts something that I rarely do. So, how can I let her know that I am mtercstcd before someone else comes along, if she is free in the first place? Wanting in the West Page27 MAIN STREET, JOPLIN, MISSOURI (41 7) 627-9035 Dear wanting, Kitten, you arc just a stalker in the making darling. Shy is so out, in this world of fast love. You must grab what you want, before someone else does. Work it, attitude women. What kind of lesbian arc you? I have never seen a shy lesbian before. I think that is an oxymoron to say the least. You will never get what you want like that, you will be left to sit in the back of the bus alone. There are many predators of love out there, it is time for you to present. Tell this female you are smitten with, that vou would like to take her to the truck rally or whatever it is you lesbians do. Allow things to flow from there. If there is interest, you will get your moment to make vour move. The smell of gas and oil in the air, the roar of the trucks, love can't be far behind. You will live life full of, what if, unless you get strong and show some self-confidence. Remember Kittens, it will be the one with the confidence, which will be the winner of the spoils. You must not allow society to dictate rules of love and self worth. Everybody has his or her merit; it is just a matter of showing that to the world at large. Set new rules, and play the game the best you can. You will be glad you did. Well, that is about all the rime I have this week Kittens. Herc is wishing you all well in your game of love, this valentine season. Uncle has a special Valentine this year. His name is D, and he has no idea of the love fest awaiting him. Until we meet, again remember, It is the queer with the positive mind, which will get their valentine Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too. Unck Miuv is II ch,i,racru from FrttLmce writer Michiud Hi;zrrum. Mich,id btlS beci writing/or tm ye,m. Utilizing his stNd.m, ,i,nd life experience to help others in his community, thro11gh h11mor ,i,nd sound II.Wice. Michul ,i,pp/ied bis su«Jy of psychology ,i,nd cruti'C>e fllriting, dS f!Jeil his extensiw background in menu/ be,iltb Direct c.ire to bring ,i, neTD style ,i,nd ,q,pro.teb to helping others. Mich,i,d's othn- 'll!orks can be fliev>ed ,i,t -.g,rylinkcontent.com. Page 28 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente FEBRUARY 2005 Jonathan llliys Meyers Goes fromVelvet __ to ~Elvis_ He was a bisexual David Bowi.e-csque creature in Todd Haynes' _Velvet Goldmine_, and now Jonathan Rhys Meyers will get his chance to be an Elvis impersonator. The Irish actor, who's also costarred in crowd-pleasers such as _Bend It Like Beckham_ and flops like _Alexander_, has started shooting the 1V miniseries _Elvis_ in New Orleans with a cast that includes Camryn Manheim as Presley's beloved mother Gladys, Randy Quaid as Col. Tom Parker, and Rose McGowan as AnnMargret. Gay production duo Robert Greenblatt and David Janollari (_Six Feet Under_) are on board to run the project, one that saw nearly 500 would-be Kings audition before the pouty-lipped U.K. import was chosen. And given Rhys Meyers' lithe frame, Romeo assumes the series will cover more of Presley's hip-swiveling years and less of his pantsuit-and-giant-gold-belt era. But then again, they can do a lot with prosthetic makeup these days. Hannigan's Back _In the Game Devoted lesbian _Buffy_-heads - among whom Romeo counts himself an honorary member - have been waiting for Alyson Hannigan's return to 1V for some time now. And for a while reports were surfacing that the former Willow would have her own sitcom, a la Mary Tyler Moore. Now she does. Sort of. The actor has joined the cast of ABC's midseason sitcom _In the Game_, which stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as the CEO of an ESPN-like cable sports network. Hannigan will play Hewitt's childhood best friend, who quits law school to become her pal's assistant. _Married with Children_ star Ed O'Neill takes on the role of Hewitt's father, a _Monday Night Football_ .producer who goes to work with his daughter. Meanwhile, Hannigan won't merely be playing Rhoda to Hewitt's Mary - producers are stressing the fact that she'll have storylines of her own. _Now_ Romeo's game. Cunningham Sells His _Specimen_ Ghosts? Terrorists? Aliens? Has _The Hours_ novelist· Michael Cunningham been tiling lessons from Stephen King? Readers will find out in May when the Pulitzer Prize winner's new book, _Specimen Days_, bits bookstore shelves. A trilogy of stories, _Specimen_ will feature an Industrial Revolution-era ghost story, a modern thriller about a suicide bomber, and a futuristic tale of extraterrestrial refugees flooding into Manhattlln. And the copnccting ,presiince . .in these three titl~s? wilt Whitinari, o( course - call him. this novel's Virginia Woolf. Mean.while, i:Lonreaders will have a slightly longer wait for the film version, the rights to which have just been purchased, prepublication, by gay producer Scott Rudin. This collaboration is Rudin and ' Cunningham's second, following _The Hours_; and if the movie ends up half as strange and intriguing as the book, Romeo will be first in line. Tyra Banking on Talk Show She created and hosts the gayest show on television what else but UPN's _America's Next Top Model_? But that was only the beginning for Victoria's Secret model-turned-media-mogul Tyra Banks. Now she wants to be inside your home every weekday. Warner Bros. Domestic 1V is excited about this prospect, too, and has just started selling Banks' new five-a-week syndicated talk show, the eponymous _Tyra Banks Show_, to regional outlets. So far Denver, San Diego, Spokane, and Portland, Ore., are committed, and deals are being negotiated with Disney, Viacom, and Tribune Broadcasting. If all goes as planned, Banks will soon go bead-to-head with Oprah and Ellen. Hope she bas better luck wiili ratings than Tony Danza. Or Jane Pauiey. Or Tempest Bledsoe. Or Dr. Laura. Or [fill in the blank]. Page 2.9 Gay Games from pg-11 "Syaney and Chicago are forever destined to be entwined in the minds of the LGBT community worldwide," said Kevin Boyer, Gay Games VII Co ViceChair. "Sydney hosted a glorious Gay Games VI in 2002 and Chicago will host Gay Games VII in 2006. We've watched as Australians and Sydneysiders preregistered for Gay Games VII in extraordinary numbers - the highest registration numbers per capita of any nation on earth. The legacy of the Gay Games is strong in Sydney and we welcome the opportunity to partner with New Mardi Gras to strengthen the LGBT community there while we prepare to welcome Aussies to Chicago in 2006." · "Mardi Gras is bigger than Sydney," said Mark Ort, New Mardi Gras Co-Chair. "People from Beijing to Barcelona look to it as a beacon for the fight for equal rights, acceptance of the GLTBQ community and a celebration of its rich culture. The Gay Games and our friends in C:hicago share these same values and goals and is an ideal match for our organization. Our new relationship with the Gay Games in Chicago will further enhance our reputation as an allinclusive, international event ·while we both work. toward equality for all." Fellow Co~Chair Steph Sands added, "Sydney and the <rty Games• movement already enjoy close ties. We hope the new alliance will help to bring more . people to Sydney for a wte qf a queer Aussie summer." "Cliicago continues to be. a true partoer to the international Federation of Gay Games and. our pari:iciRani:s worldw;idc" said Kathleen Webster, Federation· of <rty Games co-president. "The spirit and success of the 2002 <rty Games are a testament to the Sydney community's commitment to sport and to the international LGBT community. Chicago has shown itself to be a worthy successor. Just as the lesbian and gay sports and culture community will forever remember the Sydney skyline and harbour and their legacy to the Gay Games movement, athletes and artists now tum their attention to Chicago with its outstanding sport traditions, unique architecture and miles of lakefront parks. We're thrilled with this new parmership between Sydney and Chicago." About New Mardi Gras The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an iconic event of international renown and is Australia's largest a;;nual outdoor event enjoyed by over one million national and international visitors. In February 2005, New Mardi Gras launches a four. week festival with over 100. events, Launch, Fair Day, the world famous Parade, and culminating wit.¾ a world famous Party. Partners of New Mardi Gras include the City of Sydney, the Sydney Star Observer, plus a dozen other media and business partners. For more information, visit http:/ /www.mardigras.org.au. About Gay Games VII Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival will tiike place in Chicago 15-22 July 2006. Over 12,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will compete in 30 sports ranging from softball to dancesport, swimming to tennis. The weeklong event will iriclude band, cbeerleading and color guarq performances, chorus, an ancillary arts festival, arid a series of community-organized socW events and parties. The opening ceremony is scbednled for 15 July at Soldier Field, the lakefront home stadium the Chicago Bears. Closing ceremony will be 22 Juiy at Wrigley Fi'eld, the home of the Chicago Cubs, lo~ated in the heart of Chicago's largest LGBT neighborhood. Games vfl is now , or:g. In ~ddition.to New Sydney Gay and Le~biao Marcti ·Gras, other, earty global . . . Games VII iriciude . Media Group (Chicago, USA) ~ plus more than 30 business sponsors. About The Gay Games The Gay Games was conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and was first held in San Francisco in · continued on page-33 Page 32 .0ut of Torm from pa~ 7 offers a pair ,of rcptitible culinary , vacation optle>ns. In .the 9hapnpg ;village of'. Ptj1;ncy, you· can ~e one; of De.?orah Krasner!! V:emiont Cμlina,rv. Vacations, whcr,c y6u' cnjo,y ,stx dayf! pf_ g cduca . inside a bcaμtifiil .1 cptury ham.· .. ,barn. contains fiye> cieg-antly appointeil;gucst room;s plu{ a library stocked with scads of cookbooks. A typical w~ek includc11 myria.d classes, a . . town of · i~cal.fumcrs' -~liyi;~il tastings. as.:~·t:11 as 'ground . &om Bradley . , Ct.); the cost is · but still •~ V ~onont option ' s~y at :tlie·Inn . :which hills itself as, ''V crfuont's Culinary Rcsort.''fThc inn qffcrs a ~ry popular Chef "lpn" Training pacbgc, whic4, includes :o · commodati9ri, a with a tfucelcotjrse br'cill'as~ ;ah~ a!Out;qf the Essex. campus of the New England Ctillnary Institute. ~tes begin at .$245 per p~on, doubleoc:; c:upancy. : . · J~t ouqiide the hip collegiate city of Charlottesv:iijc,. Va.;:'.tlic • ?4-i;pom Bpar' s Head Inn ranks among the cushiest small resorts itt th~ Mid-Atlantic region; '. ' '~,~tits spa, anq; golf course, the '.s I Read 1 also . 9ffct~ cook!og. c;wses arid vintner:~eekends 'that tii.ke.advantage ;f .. -,·::;•-: .· .· {~~; :,.:ng 1· nP deu s;;-..;..,...f p, · ·' · · tio.. n ·i t the Boar,'s . . .. . ypu arrive with !l; smill J?OSIJC qf fri~nds 'or colleagu~s, as there's a s~~persbn · minimum for cooking, cla~scs; A great chok~ in; San Ii'90-cisco is , T~te-Marie~s c;ook;ing Scl,tbo4 which his been goipg s,tto~gJor:morc than 25 ytats. Witl,: Tante Marie's five;:day .. pac~; -~ed. ,owatd va_,catiOt1(lrS, you · · · classes from 10 a.ni. to 4 through _Fi;iday, but you ahange yow; own accominodatioris and tianst,ortation, abd you're on your own s9me- evenings .and on the weekend. The exceptions ue Monday, when you and vour classmates are treated to dinner at the trendy n:stauran.t.~izqu; Wednesday, during which you embark on il picnic outing to the'Napa and. ~onoma Wine Country; and Friday, when the cours.e concludes with a lively cocktail party. Teacher Mary S. Risley emphasizes classic Frerich. cooking utilizing regional California ingredients and wines. The series of .five courses costs $950. . If you're keen ~n a more pastoral setting for your cooking classes; book a culinary vacation with · · a top-notch cooking school. in . . Sonoma, the heart of California's Wine Couri.try (it's just an hour nqrth. of San Francisco and 45 minutes -easf of the g,ay Russian River resort. town of 'Guernevill.e). • Ramekins is not only a full cooking school with two teaching kitchens, it's a six-room luxury bed-and-breakfast just steps from the town's chaoning p~a. Ramekins offers an astounding rium;oer-o'f cooking classes, and y9u can cU:ston:iμ:e your own agenda, whether yoμ simply :Want to' take one course over a weekcq.d visit. or you'd like t6 J:ty ~evei::al c9tu:s~ pver 'a full week. The cwses ~c taughtiby some of . the oipst ac:ciaiQied chefs in the country, inclu~ several c~oks who appear · regularly on the Food Network. Clas.ses are offered a la carte, and generally cost from about $40 to $80, althqugh Rameldtis docs· offer midweek culinary packages! that include accommodations. Anorller option·is to c<Jnsider traveling abroa~ with·fouy being one of the most popular EuroP,ean •destiqati9ns for cooktng-school vacation~. In Italy's Tuscany, C_asa OJ'.?qilto;offers wecklong courses in Italian and Mediterranean . . The Italian courses focus y_ on T~scatj c~ine, while the ·Mediterranean. coμrses offer an oyerview or'Spani~h, F~ench, Motocc~, and Italian coqkery~ (:~a Oi:nbuto, .a charming rc9--#}e-roof villa -y;ith_ a: large pool and a hot (tμb- &shioneq out .?f a wine c~st a~cqmmodates gqestli .tp. three · · · · incluqe , and classes, ate . ble-~ccupancr.. Vacations,. a;tour Ot>eratorisFi:ciap2:fug in 1Pori=usa1 and · Europe's most ticultQ:ral tours. One of the. most popular packages, "Catalan; Cuisine, A Mediterranean Morsel." 1begins in one of the wndd's bo1;iest gay destinations, .BarcelotlA, and continues on for a full week tht:oughout stunning Catalonia. The ,tour ~olqdes b~akfut daily , ..... con'i"lued n~t page Page 33 plus four lunches and dinners, along with three Catllliln cooking lessons, a visit to a wine cellar in Girona, and tours of several key historic sites and attractions, Rates run from about $3,000per person,double-occupancy. It's a truly memorable chance for an up-close look at the dining and winemaking traditions celebrated in a land famous for incredible food and breathtaking scenery, _Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA and nine additional travel guides. He can be reached care of this publication. The Little Black Book Boar's Head Inn (200 Ednam Dr., Charlottesville, VA, 434-296-2181 or 800-476-1988). Casa Ombuto (Larniano 21, 52014 Poppi, Italy, 31-35-531-0030, www .italiancookerycourse.com), Deborah Krasner's Vermont Culinary Vacations (192 Taylor Rd., Putney, VT, 802-387-6610, www.deborahkrasnersvermont.com). EuroAdventures Vacations (Velazquez Moreno 9, 4th floor, office 409, Vigo, Ponteverda, Galicia, 36201 Spain, 34-986- 22-1399, www.euroadventures.net). Inn at &sex (JO Essex.Way, Essex, VT, 802-878~ 1100 or 800-727-4295, www: vtculinaryresort.com). Ram~kins ( 450 W. Spain St., Sonoma, CA, 707~9~3-0450, wwy,r.r~melrin~.com). Santa Fe ~~hool of Cooking (116 W. San Francisco St:, Santa Fe, NM, 505- 983--4511, . . www.santafeschoolofcooking.com). Tante Marie's Cooking School (271 Francisco St., San Francisco, CA, 415- 788-6699, www.tantemarie.com). White Bar;n Inn.(37 Bell-ch Ave., Kennebunk.pqrt, ME, 207-967:-i321, www,w-hltcharninn:com). ' . 5103 a. ah..._n, -..lte 153 tul-, ok 74145-7827 417--B7-2%75 .net * www. Gay Games from page-29 1982 with 1,350 participants. Subsequent Gay Games have been held in San Francisco (1986; 3,500 participants), Vancouver (1990; 7,300 participants), New York (1994; 12,500 participants), Amsterdam (1998; 13,000 participants), and Sydney (2002; 11,000 participants). The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal BestTM. For more information, visit GayGamcs.org. Chicago Games, Inc, is the host of Gay Games VII and is led by experienced civic leaders from Chicago's business, sports and non-profit sectors. For information about how to sponsor or participate in Gay Games VII in Chicago, visit www.GayGamcsChicago.org, e-mail info@GayGamesChicago.org, or phone (173) 907-2006, Spring Events in Eureka Springs, Ark:i.nsas Based in the hcan of the Ozarks, Diversity Pride Events invites you to visit our little town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for Fall & Spring Diversirv Weekends, romantic V alenfues Getaways, special Concerts & other Pride Events. Diversity Pride Events is committed to producing quality events for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgendcr (GLBTs) and Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAGs), of ALL ages! Our events are for GLBTs an.d their Straight friends & family to enjoy together! COMMUN.ITV MEAL $4.00 DONATION MCC JOPLIN 2902 E. 20TH ST. JOPLIN, MISSOURI EVERY WED. 6PM Seo by Jack Fertig February 2005 "Entertllin, Llbra!" es Mercury and Venus enter .Aquarius, then aspect Uranus, introducing wild new ideas and aesthetics. Meanwhile Sun conjoins Neptune, also in .Aquarius, making it a wacky, mystical, very queer week! Be ready for anything. ARIES (March 21 to April 20): You have some wild ideas for getting ahead in your work, but check with colleagues and superiors, whom you're likely to upset if you go off half-cocked. Listen to friends for new spiritual insights. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): New ideas that seem totally crazy at first are worth discussing with experts. Your assessment of your own abilities is way off - but are they better or worse than you think?, That's what you need to check with the experts! GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Everybody's full of wild ideas right now, and you have a grand head start in that department! What you have to say should be saved for appropriate and/ or receptive audiences. listening can also be a fascinating experience. CANCER 0une 22 to July 22): Your eagerness for sexual experimentation is cranked up a few notches, and your partner is more than ready to cooperate. It could be a wonderfully transcendent experience. Drugs are tempting, but they are really more distraction than help. LEO Ouly 23 to August 22): Relationships are work, and new issues are erupting-to work on. It's all quite manageable, although likely to be confusing at first. Some of the most importll.llt messages aren't rational or verbal, so get confirmation! VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): You're getting playful in ways that may look like perverse workaholism - or simply perverse. If you have a sense of humor, it doesn't matter what others think. Guard your health, especially against infections and working (or working out) too hard. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): The stars say to entertain at home, whether a big bash, a cozy little tea, or an intimate rendezvous with one special person. Most importantly, however you do it, give it an eccentric, festive twist. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): This is an, um, _interesting_ time to open communications with family members and find out about old secrets and scandals. It may not be pretty, but you don't scare easily. Go ahead and rouse those sleeping dogs! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Disagreements lead to very interesting discussions now. Keep an open mind, be ready for a challenge, and remember that your logic is off this week. Argue from the heart if you like, but your brain just isn't there for it. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): Go on a shopping spree and dress up in some new styles. Give yourself wiggle room to go over budget. Spending some extra on yourself is importmt for your self-esteem. Trying a new look is even more important! AQUARIUS Oaouary 20 to February 18): You're usually so certain of yQurself, but not this week. That's good for you, although uncomfortable. Letting go of old ideas will free you up for ne:w ones. Spend time meditli.ting; make note of your dreams. Take time for a small retreat. PISCES (February 19 to March 19): Friends will help you discover things about yourself you never knew - but what will they learn in the process? Keep your ears and mind open and your mouth shut. You need to confide in someone, but be very careful who it is! Jt«fe Fertig has been u,or/eing as a professw,u/. astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the .Associ4tion for Astrological Networking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, through his webnU!at http:/ /u,ww.starjack.com Page 35 North Korean leader claims his eountey has no AIDS because there are no gays in North Korea. .MUST FIGHT UR.GE TO OIVE SOMEONE AMAICBOVER! UST FIGHT URGE TO GIVE SOMEONE A MAKEOVER! MUST FIGHT URGE. 5103 s. sherldan, suite 1 tulsa, ek 74145-7627 417-437-2275 tml ·Ktm, Page 36 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Lodging- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-B0 Ron's Place- - - 523 W. Poplar- - - 479-442-3052 Wild-On - - -3570 W. 6th- - - 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 1022--1022DodsonAve. --479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Sprin&s (501) Club One FJeven- - - 111 G.uden St- -620-4111 Our House Lounge - 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- --501-664-27 44 Discovery- - - - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - • - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's• - - - 716 S. Main - - • • - - -417-627-9035 MiHOUri, Kansas City (816) Buddies•• - - - - - 3715 Main St··· 816-561-2600 Belle Star's- - 1321 Grand Ave- - -816-421-1288 Club NV - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-l'<VKC DB Warehouse- 1915 Main St- - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar. - - -413 E. 3rd- 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - --417-831-4700 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive -417-864-4572 Oz Bar- 504 E. Commercial•• - - • -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy 405-947-2351 Copa- . - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- • 405-525-0730 Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - -405-843-1722 Udo- -- - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Partners- - - - -2805 NW 36th St 405-942-2199 Sisters- 2120 NW 39th St• - - - • -405-521-9533 The Rockies- - -3201 N. May Ave• - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- no• E. Pine• - •- 918-836-8700 Club Maverick· • 822 S. Sheridan · 918-835-3301 End Up Club- - 424 S. Memoriai- 918-836-2480 Heads & Tails- - 7944 E. 21st - - - 918-660-7878 Club Maiescic- 124 N. Boston - - -918-584-9494 Renegades- - 1649 S. Main - - - -918-585-3405 p;ay-Mo,-Cbb- - 1'.'37 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 TNT's 2: :.i S. Memonal- - - 9:8-660-0856 Missouri, Joplin ( 417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catu5 Canyon Campground- - -417-683-9199 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground· - - - · - - 417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkan, as, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Natwists- - - - - •· - - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut -11AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Missouri,Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, • - · • 6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - -10:30AM Aids Project Ozarb- 513 Kentucky- 41'.'-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield ( 417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - - - - 417-833-2723 APO- - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - • - - - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Cathedral of Hope- 600 NW 13th St- - 232-HOPE The Center- - 2135 NW 39th St. - - - - 405-524-6000 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Mapiewood• -918-838-1715 TOHR- - - - - PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 Tulsa Rough Riders- -www.tuharoughriders.com GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st-. - - 918-743-4297 Page 37 -Business ServicesArkan5as, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com Missouri, Eureka Shelter ln5urance- -Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) Body Swim Masiage Therapy- - - -417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realton-Vicki Bronson-- -434-0077 RE/MAX - -Cathe Letts- - . 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangcline Rd- - - 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consult,- 417-673-1181 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's···· 1918 S. Glenstonc - -417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Quotable Quotes Century21 • ·4301 NW 63rd #100 405- 840-2106 "Ohio is the new Florida in the 2004 Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ingrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- - -405-946-8444 Jungle Reds - 2200 NW Expwy- - - 405-524-5733 Piece To Remember-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harvard - 918-74f5466 Underguy.com - - -825 E. 3rd - - 918-829-0824 Priscilla's - - 7925 E. 41st - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's · · · · 5634 W. Skelly - - - •-918-446-6336 Priscilla's••• -11344 E. 11th•••• - 918-438-4224 Priscilla's• - - - 2333 E. 71st • • - - - .,. 918-499-1661 election and we are looking at a recount headed by Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell. The same man that permitted the use of electronic machines that provided no paper record. The same man who presided over a voting system that resulted in quick, short lines in the dominantly Republican suburbs, while the inner cities experienced four and sixhour- long waiting lines." - Gay icon Barbra Streisand writing on her Web site, Dec. 6. WR1TER SUSAN SONTAG HAS DIED AT THE A.OE OF 11. SHE IS SURVIVED 8Y SOME WOMAN. WHO 100K HER PICTURE FOR A VODKA AJ>. Page38 NEW CARTOONS A COUPLE OF" GUYS A Couple ofguyse ~~~ Cura~ao courts gay travelers Seven years after the Cayman Islands refqsed to let a gay-themed cruise dock, another Caribbean island has put out the welcome mat. The Dutch island of Cutas:ao is encouraging gay and lesbian trav;clers to visit with the help of a new Web site, www.gaycuracao.com. To receive a free DVD about the island, call (800) 328-7222 or visit www.curacao-tourism.com. If yoive ever been to Holland, you knqw .that the Dutch don't raise a blonde eyebrow over the gay lifestyle. Same is tru6 in their tropical paradise, Curas:ao. The motto here: "Live & Let Live." .An:d oh how you can live. Curas:ao is surrounded by over thirty uncrowded beaches, some intimate and tucked away without another sole in sight. And these beaches are oh-soinviting all year round, with an average air temperature of 85° in the summer and 81 ° in the winter. And an average water temperature of between 78° and gzo. A short drive in from the beaches, you'll find Willemstad, one of six UNESCO world heritage city sites in the Caribbean. Willemstad is historically significant, because it is still filled with Dutch-colonial architecture dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The city is also home to important. art, maritime and Jewish· museums, as well as one of the best anthropological museums in the world. A short swim out from the beaches, you'll find some of the best shore diving in the world. And further out, top underwater attractions such as the famous Mushroom Forest. In either case, the visibility around Curas:ao is remarkable, averaging about 100 feet. Or, to put it another way, it's easy to see why Curai;:ao should be at the top of your vacation shortlist. Night Life and Casino's. In Curai;:ao, the nights are most definitely full of life. Pull up a chair on the beach and relax to a nice breeze and a soothing jazz 'band. Or tear up the dance floor at midnight to a hot Latin beat in one of our many nightclubs. Either way, you'll find enough here to keep you entertained till the wee-hours of the morning. And if you're feeling lucky, then tty your hand in one of ten hotel casinos that are on the island. They're open daily and feature a variety of games including blackjack, roulette, craps and poker mach.ines. The Beaches: About 40 public and private beaches are tucked in and around the island ranging from private, secluded, intimate coves to larger beaches that are bustling with activities such as live bands, beach sports, parasailing and jet skiing. Since the northern coast of the island is made up of rocky shores and rough seas, it's the southwestern coast with irs calm and crystal clear warers which harbors the most inviting beaches. Go to: http:/ /www.gaycuracao.com for more information and travel arrangemems. ip Off Thursday•s SlJ! <.ASII·& Pllm Beer Bust q-CLOSf. •oss.e >e> oe>sNLO·s .<><> IIALXFi!!'T'XNrs; •t2.so weu.. "DRXNIC9o $1.75 00ME?STIC LONGNSC~ ,.' ~ 'DajJ. ~ Doy~. Dally lunch and Dinner Specials Open J J om Dolly Happy Hour 3-6 & 9-dose Hlghlly 29. '9 3rd Nlg.ht Free Holkloys and Special Events . Excluded Monthly Mov• In Spedals P RO U D LY S E R VI N G T H I! O·L B T & ALLIED CO M M U N I TY FREE Page 2 HIST BITD. IIED'IINTIW 1--fflt-m-11111 109111 I. ' i 1 ' ! j Page 3 Springfield's · Catering to e GL Communi Hear eRumors.com 5pm-1:30am Now in the Back Room, Check out our New Open Friday and Saturday 8 pm to 1 :30 am . of pee ..• called for a co t;,forBici mar ouples: A t~tal: sraali d· s. pe·e cl:i •. 9· ft r·.. .. •~e Allard (R-CO) duc~l.the Mat;4~e Protection A. (MPA) on the US Senate floor ::_ m_aking if .... •. :;tije i~St * business in• full week B'ush's seconil!'t6ri:n .. j Page 5 Dear Editor I just picked up my first copy of the STAR; how nice to have a feature article on the potential for Tulsa to become a Gay Mecca (February issue). Your observations were close to target with a few pellets of shot flying slightly off course. Tulsa's location is one of it's greatest assets. From Dallas to Kansas City and from Nashville to Denver, there is no city more liberal and accepting. Often compared to Boston for it's art, architecture and civic life, Tulsa has: nine welcoming and affirming churches, a thriving Jewish Community, several predominantly gay neighborhoods (Brady Heights Historic District has easily the highest percentage of gays and lesbians than any other), a smattering of bars, the most extensive Gay Pride event in a 3 state area, the oldest active gay rights organization in the state (fulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights • TOHR), and a police department that meets with gay leaders as part of their diversity training. In spite of Oral Roberts University being located here (or maybe because of it) Tulsa also has one of the largest PFLAG organization in the countrv. Additionally, there are many varied social ~lubs (the leather community is one of the most vast) and a capital campaign with alreadv over $300K in funds working towards building a new and visible Gay Pride Center (www.pyramidproject.org). The gay business organization TuRBO is going strong with almost 100 members under the stewardship of TOHR; and several gay restaurants have opened and closed in the past years • hopefully there will be more soon. It is my hope and that of my colleagues that the new Gay Pride Center will become an anchor for what will be a Gay District for Tulsa. Whether that is in The Brady Arts District (close to the already predominantly gay neighborhoods and shops) or in a part of the city that has the right stuff, you are more likely .:o see a gathering of forces within a Gay District just like in other major cities. Not a Gay District to ghettoize our community, but to give us the strength of combined spirit. Best Regards, T'mo•hv A. Wiiliams. Tu'.sa. OK ~ - ,/ , , ·Let's Rodeo 2005 by Greg Steele TULSA, OK. With the Fort Worth rodeo kicking off the 2005 gay rodeo season in March, Tulsa's T-Town Rodeo will begin the four states region's buckin for buckles show of events on April 8th- 10th at the Tulsa Expo Square Arena. For more information and tickets go to www.soonerstaterodeo.com. Sponsorships are still available. Diamond State Rodeo, in Little Rock Arkansas presents it's 10th season with the "Rodeo In The Rock 2005" April 22nd-24th at the Arkansas Equestrian Center Barton Coliseum. For more info go to: www.dsra.org. Rodeo Wichita presented bv the Kansas Gay Rodeo Assoc. will be held in Wichita, Kansas May13-1 Sth. Location tO be announced. www.kgra.us OGRA, Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Assoc. holds their 20th annual "Great Plains Rodeo" May 27th-29th at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds arena. OGRA is the 3rd largest gay rodeo event under the IGRA umbrella. For schedule of events visit www.okgayrodeo.com MGRA's "Show-Me-State Rodeo" will take off later this fall September 2nd- 4th. The Missouri Gay Rodeo Assoc. is in there 13th year and has chapters in Kansas City, Springfield and Joplin. For updates go to: www.mgra.us The International Gay Rodeo f\ssociation (IGRA) is an umbrelia organization comprised of 20 regional Gay Rodeo Associatiom from across the United States and Canada. IGRA serves to foster the sport of Rocke :ind Country & Western actiYities. IGRf\, !D fellowship with its member associai:io,i,< donates ;housands of doi!ars to char:n- each year. The Gay and Lesbian Co:nmumt1es ui the United States and Canada have be::-n en:dched by the eciucational efforcs of lGR:\ through its sanc:ioning and sprrnsorship ,,f tne various events and activities which are a part of what we cali Gay Rodeo. Your locai Rodeo Associaticn n:::ed, your support, have fun for a good crns<::. They Do! Page 6 MARCH 2005 by Andrew Collins "Palm Beach, Florida" With the emergence of South F1orida as one of the hottest queer destinations in North America, the pink presence has gradually migrated to metro Palm Beach, a region not traditionally known for its lesbian and gay scene. The area's largest city, West Palm Beach, and its high-rent, ocean-front neighbor, Palm Beach, are but an hour north of the gay-popular Ft. Lauderdale, . . . . and they offer plenty of cultural, dining, and rughtlife diversions as well as some of the nation's ritziest hotels. West Palm Beach originated largely as a place to accommodate the countless cooks, maids, chauffeurs, butlers, and gardeners employed in the great mansions and resorts of Palm Beach. Although it'1 much larger than Palm Beach ind contains the region's major airport and train station, for many years it was considered little more than a pass-through for travelers headed to Palm Beach, and as recentlv as die mid' 90s ':'as ~addled ~th ~gh crime and urban blight. Over the past dec~de, however, a combmatton of C1V1C prtde, progressive planning, and private investment have helped turn downtown into a vibrant residential, commercial, and arts district. The crown jewel of downtown's renaissance, the $600 million CityPlace entertainment and shopping center has been built to resemble a Mediterranean village - it contains more than 75 mostly upscale chain shops, a dozen fine restaurants a 20~screeh cinema, and a massive concert hall. ' Another major draw is the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts - a ven1;1-e for ~rst-rate ballet, classical music, and Broadway-style musicals. The city's most 1mpress1ve cultural attraction, the Norton Museum of Art contains a fine collection of 1_9th- and 20th-century American and European paintings; following the 2003 operuog of a 45,000-square-foot wing, it became the Tuigcst art museum in the state. . Fr~m downtown West Palm Beach, Route A1A leads over the"Flagler Memorial Bndge mto P:tlm Beach, long one of the wealthiest - and unabashedly snobbiest - enclaves on the Eastern Seaboard. The gay and lesbian scene is virtuallv invisible her~, b~t it can be fun ch~g along the town's gilded avenues, trying to guess which tortress wall or towenng hedge conceals the estll.te of which celebritv. The s~azzf shopping begins along Royal Poinciana Way, which you'll bit just after crossir~g th: Flagler Memorial Bridge. The best places for window browsing and gallery noppmg are the toy-poodle-infested sidewalks of Worth Avenue, several bl~cks ~outh, where you'll find stores with such ptedous, if gag-inducing, natnes as Ansto~ds and Au Cas~ere. For a chance to marvel at the island's I~ of· con~pt~uous c_o~sumpuon, spend an hour or two touring Flagler Museum, :which is set tnstde Whitenall, a 73-room, turn-of-the-century castle. · · As for nos~ing, West Palm Beach's most homo-popular restaut20t, JU,,~ ~a~e, ?ffers an inventive, changing menu of contemporary American · · 10c1ud10g black bean and tomato cakes and goat cheese-and crepes. It occupies a retro-cool former drugstore (circa 19 , of the city's antiques row. Cabana, a hip sidewalk cafe with a sexv dinmg·, West Paim's funky Clematis Street, serves wonderful ... ndt~ :'-}:' · .·,;:':}-,-: <✓;: ,,_, 't½ .. '"~- t ~ ,,,. ·,t;; ·(&. ;. ~'Cc i I 1 i l I i i Page 7 Nuevo Latino fare, including a tender marinated skirt steak and heavenly Cuban sandwiches. Wash everything down with a mojito cocktail. Across the bridge in Palm Beach, Chuck and Harold's is where visiting celebs congregate for a casual meal and where everybody else comes to peoplewatch - tty to grab a table outside overlooking the sidewalk. Bice Ristorante, tucked in a cloistered courtyard off of Worth Avenue, serves excellent Northern Italian food and is one of the best see-and-be-seen eateries in Palm Beach consider seared tare tuna with sauteed butternut squash, crispy spinach, and a sweet-tangy apricot sauce. Hamburger Heaven is a jazzed-up version of the classic all-American burger joint; this small luncheonette with a Ushape counter is something of a local institution in downtown Palm Beach, drawing equally among the hoi polloi and the local elite. It's also a favorite spot for hearty breakfasts. You'll find a handful of gay nightspots in West Palm Beach, including Kashmir, a festive and elaborate warehouse disco. The area's definitive cruising-andmingling video bar, H.G. Roosters has been going strong for years. The crowd is eclectic, and the staff cute and friendly. A branch of the famed nightclub in the Hamptons ( on eastern Long Island, in New York), the Resort Lounge occupies a glam space inside CityPlace and pulls in its share of A-listers, along with plenty of poseurs and wanna-bes simply hoping to see some A-listers. Paris and Nicky are said to be regulars at this riotously colorful, sexually ambiguous hangout. The gay-friendly Respectable Street Cafe, at the west end of Clematis Street, tanks among the best music clubs in the city, presenting an eclectic range of bands. 5101 is a low-keyed gay neighborhood bar, and Cupids Cabaret is a favorite place to ogle male strippers, with lap dances being a house specialty. It's the onlv bar in South Florida where the dan'cers take _everything_ off. If you want to be close to gay nightlife, stay in West Palm, which is home to the super-sleek Hotel Biba, a big hit with trendy types, thanks to its Aveda bath products, glass-tile mosaic floors in the bathrooms, angular mahogany furniture, and lavenderscented closets. The intimate property has just 43 rooms and brings a splash of Miami Beach's outrageousness to the city's downtown. The Hibiscus House - a 1922 mansion in one of West Palm Beach's most historic neighborhoods - is now a B&B run by gracious hosts Raleigh Hill and Colin Rayner. Each room has a name that bears out a particular look. The Green Room has French doors opening onto a balcony with verdant garden views; the Burgundy Suite is bathed in sumptuous reds. In the morning you're treated to a delicious two-course breakfast. The lavish, gay-owned Grandview Gardens B&B lies within walking distance of downtown West Palm Beach's many fine shops and restaurants. This dashing 1920s Spanish Mediterranean-style home contains five posh yet reasonably priced rooms, all with French doors opening onto secluded terraces that oYerlook the pool. Palm Beach is the domain of posh resort compounds, and no place captures the regal essence of this wealthy, blueblooded enclave more persuasively than the majestic, twin-turreted Breakers resort, which opened in 1896 and anchors 140 beautifully manicured acres of lawns, gardens, and palm trees. The Italian Renaissance building contains 560 ultraposh rooms, several excellent . restaurants (Sunday brunch in The Circle dining room is de rigueut), two outstanding 18-hole golf courses, a huge full-service spa and fitness center overlooking the ocean, and scads of other impressive amenities. Another popular choice, if money's not an issue, is the Four Seasons Ocean Grand, a contemporary 6-acre oceanfront compound a few miles south of the hubbub of Worth Avenue. Although supremely sumptuous, the sleek design and decor contribute to a fairly relaxed mood you'll feel right at hor~e walking through the lobby in casual threads. A refined and historic boutique hotel with a discreet gay :.md lesbian following, the 43- room Chesterfield Palm Beach feels a bit like a private European dub, with its museumquality furnishings, courtly restaurant, garden courtyard, and afternoon high-tea service. Rooms are cozy but comfy, with marble baths, downy bathrobes, and 1~\7, y,rith VCRs. It's steps frnn~ Worth An::nue shopping. '"'•····continued page-JJ Page 8 WAL-MART CHANGES FAMILY POLICY 'We hope that with equal responsibility come equal benefits,' said HRC's Daryl Herrschaft. WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign appiauded Wal-Mart Stores, the nation's largest private employer, for a new definition of family that includes same-sex partners recognized under state law. "We hope that with equal responsibilir-y come equal benefits," said HRC's Darvl Herrschaft, deputy director for HRC'~ workplace project. "We are encouraged by this sign showing America's heartland employer understands same-sex couples share the responsibilities that come with being a family. It's only appropriate for these families to also receive the same benefits as others." Wal-Mart's definition of "immediate family" was included in a conflict-ofinterest poiicv the companv filed yesterday with the Sec~riti~s and Exchange Commission. A portion of the policy follows: "You are responsible for advancing WalMart's business interests when the opportunity to do so arises. You ,,;ay not take any opportunities or use any con.fidet:tial information for your benefit, or for the benefit of your immediate family members, that you discoi:er or obtain through your employment with Wal-Mart. Immediate family members include !whether by birth, adoption, marriage or domestic partnership or civii union, if recognized lry your state or other local law) your spouse, children, parents, si · , mothers and fathers-in-law, sons daughters-in-law and brothers and sistersin- 1.aw. '' "\X' e will continue our work to encourage Wal-Mart and other companies to expand fair-minded poiicies to areas where same-sex couples are not recognized by law," added Herrschaft. "Without legal recognition of same-sex couples, employers' domestic partner programs are a critical way to ensure that every employee's family h~s equal access to healthcare, medical leave and other workplace-offered benefits. Companies that offer these benefits understand that the strength and stability of every employee's family life correlates with the quality of their work and the success of the business." Currently 228 - or 45 percent - of Fortune 500 companies offer health care benefits to employees' same-sex domestic partners or spouses. The number has increased tenfold since 1995, when onlv 21 Fortune 500 companies offered the , benefits. Wal-Mart competitors Costco Wholesale, Best Buy and Horne Depot all offer domestic partner health benefits. In July 2003, Wal-Mart expanded its nondiscrimination policy to include sexual orientation. Currently, nine of che 10 top companies in the Forrune 500 include sexual orientation in their nondiscrimination policies, and three of these companies also include pro_tection against discrimination based on gender identity in their policies. "Every gay, lesbian, bisexual and rransgender employee deserves to be judged by the job they do, not who they are," said Herrschaft. "We urge Wal-Mart and other companies to add protections for ttansgender employees so that no employees are at risk for losing their livelihood for reasons that have nothing to do with their work." The Human Rights Campaign is the largest nationai lesbian, gay, bisexual and irarngender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. Page 9 Photo's by Chaz Up Close with Male Entertainer Joseph. Male entertainment, it's hot or it's not! This 24 year old is hot! Joseph loves the spot light and said " I enjoy the enthusiasm of the crowd and I have a great time doing it. The money is very good also". His athletic build and handsome face quickly gets your attention when he jolts onto the stage. The fans in Springfield are all to eager to voice there approval as he flexes every muscle in his 5' 11" frame and gives a very masculine performance. Joseph grew up on a farm, a foster home south of Atlanta, GA until he was 18 when he left and went to work in a logging camp. He moved to Springfield, MO four years ago where he works for a construction company pouring concrete. With a goal of attending college to study creative · · writing and music, he plays the acoustical tar and has performed as lead singer in a Springfield straight clubs. Joseph's main is to be successful in music. In his spare time ri exercise are his favorite hob voted him our 2005 Mister OZ",· Greg Hill. Currently performing on week ends at the OZ bar in Springfield, Joseph has become a popular main attraction and draws a huge crowd at the newly reorganized club. "Joe has .become such a hit we have Talented live entertainment here in i:he four states region has become the signature of many night dubs and bars. Exceptional performers are highly courted in an extremely competitive business. Singers, Comedians, Female Impersonators, Musicians, Musical Groups and Male Dancers WANTED! Club pat.tons love to dance to the music of a great DJ, but are also looking for an alternative in good live gay entertainment. Page 12 • • • y 4815 South Harvard Ave., Suite 424 Tulsa, OK 74135-3068 Phone: (918) 747-5466 Email: KellyKirbyCPA@sbcglobal.net accoun GLBTC 1982 Office Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.co~, This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp. -Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka; Missouri 63025 Tel: (636),~38-5500 Fax:' (636) 938-3539 Page 15 "Chat Rooms, Bar Scenes, Ect." Well, here I am a single gay man and where oh where do I look for someone? The chat rooms are really getting more weird all the time. There are getting to be way to many "crazies" out there. One has to be VERY cautious when meeting anyone for the first time from a chat room conversation. It is always best to meet in a bar or in a public place like a shopping center or somewhere that is really safe. And of course it seems like three-fourths of the guys you meet in the chat rooms turns out to be married heteros who are just looking for a little extra action on the side. And that is NOT something that I am looking for in my life right now. Then there are the different descriptions of one's own assessment of themselves. Nothing wrong with being 40 or 50 or even 60 or 70 but be honest when giving your age. A 60 year old cannot possibly pass for a 25 year old. And we won't even go into the "aol size" difference between 6 inches and 9 inches. It seems that there is always somebody for everyone so why lie about who vou are? Just go with the flow and enjoy life. Just be very specific in the chat rooms on who you are and what vou are looking for. , The good old gay bars are st ill a s tap .l e for hoping to hook up with someone. · someone from out of town comes through and of course everyone hits on them quickly. I do like to get out on weekends and travel to cities usually within 100 miles of here and that can sometimes be fun. A new face in town always draws interest. I have even been known to hit a few straight bars in a Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn or some of the other major hotel chains. Amazingly I have found several other gay guys going there also. My older friends tells me that a few years ago that almost evervone went out for happy hour from 5 to 7 and that the bars were ii.ways packed at that time with people getting off of work. That sounds great! Just wish that it was like that today. . Now it seems that nobody goes out till at Je1ist 10 PM and sometimes even later. Since I have to be at work at 8 every morning that just doesn't work for me. I.have ii.ways had an aversion to Parks. They just really never did anything for me. It was just to public for me. I ha~e lots of friends who cruise the parks all the time but it just doesn't ;.ork for me. But with the proper "eye contact" I have found people at the car wash, supermarket, shopping mall and even at Walmart! It just takes a little more time to search sometimes. But I won't give up trying to find that "special" person in my life. I know that someday, somehow, somewhere he will come into my life and it will be perfect. But until then I will just continue to keep on the lookout for Mr. Right whether at a bar, on line, just looking in the BIG world or at gay meetings, groups or seminars or gatherings. I won't give up. But the only problem ----------------------7 the bars that I go to all the time have the same people in them night after night after night. I have either been with all of them or have by my own choice not wanted to be with them. Once in a great while fWlyff•I .. w.,,r s,-, Y.•lll§ s~--.r ... ,, .. .., COag COaooMS S. t..Aftght ffilllgs CBouHque 417 -6.59-991$ M••• I. W...'• - el....,_ & lheet 719 N• M.t'• & .._.,, U.,.rie Jeplilt, MO t,.tMI Nn Sins O,.. T---,- ffWi1J 1a-,pm 'S,:at 10-Spm Page 16 124 N. Boston - TulsaT OK - 918.584.9494 Thursday Nights - Rachael Erikks - MGA 2004 Sunday Nights - Catia Lee Love - MGA 2000 Thursday and Sunday - 18 to enter; 21 to drink Friday and Saturday Dance Party -21 to enter 9 p till 2 a - Thu-sday - Sunday nights "Night of Press Release Feb 19, 2005 R 2005" JOPLIN, MO A "Night of Stars 2005" for AIDS Project of the Ozarks. The e·.enr ·.viii be held on Sunday, April 3rd, 2nos. The annual fund-raiser will begin at 2 PI\f at Ree's Lounge iocated at 716 S. Mam. Parking and entrance is at the rear of the building off of Joplin Street. All monies raised during The Nignt of Stars 2005 wiil be donated to APO to assist HIV clients living in the southwest 1\fissouri 1\rea. The event activities will include an auction of donated items and services and a talent show featuring local performers. AIDS Project of rhe Ozarks provides care and services to 500+ clients in the Ozarks and the southwest Missouri area. Those living with the HIV virus. APO also provides prevention awareness and educational information to the community free of charge. i\11 contributions and donations are tax deductible. If vou should need a letter documenting our non-profit, taxexempt status please contact Lynn Meyerkord at 417-881-1900 and the information will be sent to you. We are asking for community support for this event. If you would like to make a donation or need more information, please contact Tim Baker at 417-206-4691 or email Tim_Baker39@yahoo.com. You may also contact Richard or Terry at Ree's Lounge at 4!7-627-9035. Page 17 Do you ever wonder what happened to that cute kid that lived in your neighborhood? ti~ gme up. &&f did he gro" He and his friends are appearing nightly at "Tulsa's best kept secref' nd p ub 424 South Memorial, Tulsa OK 918-836-2480 inimum - but NEVER a cover charge! . . w~~·~e~ppnt ai_i[!oeflatikpnces · ~oiJt1i~~4009 • 672~ N. Mi~marBlvd, Okla Ci.ty, OK 73111 Rodney Burgamy www.c21goldcastle.oom 5.840.2106 Joe . ~y relationshie with, pastors locally and in Eurdca :sp~ h!ij::b~en;_~eJfipk of meetibgs archiiia illlfderiominatfon I belong to. What Latn saying here is that I never dreamed i:bai: iii<rnv lifetii:ne opp6rtunitics w~tili ~if~£~ my . life that would make a difference for anyon~. Or that those OJ?P:Oftuaj~es w<;nil.1li1~t,;:. manifest themselves info the supp9rt, · encouragement, and care I have .,,: .. · experienced in the last 'fow;/ ni9,.pJhs _now. Here I am the pastor of a sm,alF Cfuistian church tb,at mini~ters pred · · antly to the gay, lcs_bian,, bisexual . . , Transgendered community arid yet YOU TOO'G:AN:. .· i .; > · almost every denotnination in town had · · · · · · · · · · · · ·· · •. · · , • · " me on their pray~r list. Everyone at , DIFEERENC~ .. · work would say; ."E .iJ>. going to 1n my'.lifcfu¥!;)I;hs,vc-1oyacl, supported; · be' 61(,,.:by thc"way,, }>i.i on:pur cnc6ufaged ati,d ;even ii.:ritated my sliare ~hurch~s prayer, list:'; ... , .. c:ibout the of peoples but: always. mowing. that the overwhelming conccB_t' id~o!ved in that. day w.o.uld,;'c:oine ~henJ :wo'l]ld "londc~ Openly out bt1;f calmiy BJtli;in,bqw I ' what if? In ;..the past fourteen months I stand on: issues' and ~1Ldiis support. .· In ' have hl!d four \gj~es;:,. My ' ' : :odwnciili,,ofriff.etno.d,;ns:Y an_··f·. 9dn1i)Y:' "Jii~.•afr.dosunhd1·th. c ncutostttgcoμjB.is:tpli!l:isJ;w,i~cthit I w'il.S/ ' .. . . . . ' ' his, 5;Wltb:¥l df:Jl¥~, 1: ' · f;~r-s'tate atca we Fr6miny have I cfili, make a difference. . dli;i;li~,~til tri.y rctu;n io\vqik;I was I hav~ found thit l can atid if fcan; so ritver' left alone wit:h some pcdplc even can YOU! · You sec this past year I was cciniing to .our honic · because. μi,cy. knew diagnosed with cancer of the lymph my pa;mcr was sleeping dwjpg the· day nodes in my neck. For two months after (he works graveyard shift). Eipills, cards i:he biopsy I had a dressing on my neck. and phone c.alls were ·so ov . .. . .. ng at It's a little difficult to hide a dressing that times that I lit~rally sat and . s is just' under your jaw bone. Even with a running down my fac<:. 'Th;en came the short fat neck a turtle neck shirt . good news that there wouid not have to wouldn't cover it. There were the usual, be any chemotherapy _or radiation "did you cut yourself shaving" or "is the treatments. Simply cvei:y six-~onth hickey that big" comments .but then chcck:-ups for the patfcv y~ars to make there were t:hf words of c~couragcmcnt, s11te the 'ca~cer·hasri'f'r~nirifc.4- the "I'll remember you in prayer" ar1d Yes, I havci truly b~en bl~;;cd and. even the, "I have you on our churches God has seen: nic · flirough blessing me prayer list.'' I suddenly realized that I with family, friends and people in my life have made a difference in my life with that care. I have to, publicly say Thank family, friends; at work and church,, you! I do that b,· c~ii:g you to act and There have b·een difficult decisions made tb do it now. ·. · if I can make a that have 'not always.been populQ,.r, a- . differeni:_e SQ. public stand in out 'Iocal ncwseapcr It is'.,fo that we do not let outing not just myself but our church, a the last ~iettipn/oteak our spitjt or very public .stand supporting p'ublic dampen our'ieso&e. We ml).§t act always debate on any issue but to do so without to do what is right even when it may not hate and personal attacks. and articles in be popular: Io doing so· you will find this "community magazine'; have been that you ·can make a difference and used in England, Scotland and Germany. people will respect that. ; .. cont. next page l 1 Page 19 Steve Urie from pg 18 Our country is on a slippery downhill slide to put us back in the closet and I for one shall not be going back in there. We must keep track of what our federal, state and local government is doing. We must let them know how we feel about it. I attended a county commission meeting in Escambia County, Florida where one county commissioner stated, "I am voting for this because the only phone call I received was for it." Just think one phone call! I attended a Missouri Senate session where a senator recited a letter from just one constituent and introduced a bill on the Senate floor. Just think one letter! You could be that one phone call, that one letter or that one e-mail that makes a difference for all of us. If I can do it ... so can YOU! W c need to oppose an amendment to the constitution simple because it is being used to generate hate and fear. The sample letter below may be copied and used in snail mail or email. I encourage you to make the difference. Be that one call, that one letter, that one e-mail because it is the right thing to do. "This amendment is unnecessary, discriminatory and would amend the Constitution for the first time to restrict the rights of a group of Americans. Despite being soundly defeated last year, I understand that this amendment may be introduced in the House again soon. I wanted to make sure you ~_ew that and freedoms, not to take them away . Further, this amendment would do real harm to same-sex couples and their children, who already do not enjoy the vast majority of benefits and protections that married couples enjoy. Please do not co-sponsor the amendment. Please urge your colleagues in the House of Representatives to focus on other issues that are priorities. I look forward to receiving your response." Until next month, stay out of the closet! FREE HIVTESTING, NO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin ,offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between SPM,and 6PM .. For your convenience y~u can also call 206-6179 fi an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality: You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "SerfJing A Healthier Community" iversi Events F•b 18;. 19 V AL~NTINE' S this amendfuent do~s nothiiig to "protect" marriage. Instead, it singles out a group of people for discrimination in the United States Constitution. The Constitution has alwavs been used to guar;ntee rights Aprll 1~ 2 SPRINGI r ,,. _.,, Diversity Weekend We Do It Different! som aANca 01t FRI uAn for GLBT!st PFLAGs 'COUNTRY WESTERN' S rt I In Eureka P n~s. A""""' auas "AC aOo.aNoT EGuMy ,P OGaRl cAonRt,Yat'l FALL & SPRING Diversiiy Weekends, VALENTINE'S Cooa.ts and olher Evenls Dlv•n,lty BEARS I • CONTEST & BBQ LUNCH www.DiversityPride.com Page 22 Quotable Quotes "Being open about our lives is the most important and powerful form of activism at our disposal. Lecturing our friends and family about gay marriage isn't nearly so important as letting them see that our relationships are as important and integral to us as theirs are to them. If we do not treat our relationships as equal, how can we ever expect others ro do the same? 'Coming out' isn't a one-step conversation; it's a lifelong commitment. And it isn't just about activism and civil rights. It's about living your life with integrity and honesty and, to use an overused word, it's about pride." - Washington Blade Executive Editor Chris Crain in a Jan. 7 editorial. - The Pink The Pink Triangle was used by the Nazis to signify homosexuals. Although, homosexuals were only one of the groups targeted for extermination, it is unfortunately, the group that history often excludes. The Pink Triangle defies anyone to deny history. In 1935 Hitler revised the German Law, Paragraph 175, prohibiting homosexuality, by including kissing, embracing, and gay fantasies as well as sexual acts. Convicted .offenders- an estimated 25,000 from 1937 to 1939, were sent to priso!l and later transferred to concentration camps. They were to be sterilized, most often by castration. Hitler changed his policy on homosexuality to include death in 1942. A yellow Star of David under a superimposed Pink Triangle represented Gay Jewish prisoners- by the social hierarchy, the lowest of all prisoners. Page 23 I Dee "Ph eIp s" .......I.ll . Just last month I wrote about a New Year and a New Beginning. Little did I realize what a new year and new beginning' I was getting myself into. My favorite aunt and uncle recently moved to Topeka, Kansas and I thought that I would visit them for the weekend. They have known that I was born gay and totally accept who I am as does the rest of my family. We had a great visit and then decided to go out for lunch at one of the local restaurants which was located in the· Gage Shopping Center on the comer of Gage Street and Huntoon Street. To our amazement and shock we found a group of children not over 14 years of age right on the sidewalk with huge signs saying" GOD HATES FAGS" and other derogatory comments. We couldn't believe it! What kind of a world is this? Upon entering the restaurant my aunt asked the manager what was going on. He very nice explained that it was the "Phelps" group who protests regularly on that corner as their church is just a couple of blocks away. I had heard about Fred Phelps for several years and how he pickets funerals of gay men who die from AIDS and that he pickers the University of Kansas whenever they have a gay-themed concert or theatrical production. I even read where he goes to different cities to prorest against gays. There was a web site on one of the signs that I quickly wrote down. www.godhatesfags.com. If you have never logged onto that website I suggest that you do. It is an intelligent person who knows who their enecnies are and trust me, FRED PHELPS is our enemy. He has a church in Topeka with a very small congregation mainiy consisting of his own family. Several of his own children won't have anything to do with him. He used to be an at:orney but was disbarred in the Smte of Kansas. On his website it tells where he is going to be picketing in the weeks to come. He even hates the country of Sweden and has signs saying "God Hates Sweden" just because the peopk of Sweden are intelligent enough to extend all of the marital status to homosexuals as well as neterosexuals. Can you just imagine if he had these little children carrying signs and posters that read, "God Hates Blacks" or "God Hates Jews" or God Hates whatever"? But hating gays seems to be alright. The people of Topeka and Kansas has had to endure this man long enough everyday and everyday. But when he and his group embarrasses me and my family then enough is enough. He is performing hate crimes in tbe name of his church and it is just not right. Even thou I don't live in Kansas I am writing letters to the Mayor of Topeka, the Gm-ernor of Kansas and to several State Senators in Kansas. What right does this madman have to spew hate towards us? Again, if he hated blacks or Jews there would be a massive public uproar about the whole · thing. And where are the religious people in Topeka who tolerate this kind of behavior? Do they not care what is going on in their city? Topeka, Kansas has become the laughing stock all over the United States. Why aren't there more gay publications writing about this man and informing everyone about him? Apparently he has taken his crusade to different parts of the C nited States however he feels more comfortable · within the confines of Kansas. Everyone has a right not to like someone else but this is a plain and simple HATE CRIME! There should be laws against this type of activity. No American should have to put up with this kind of discrimination. NO ONE! What right does this man have to promote Hatred in America and to bring small children into his church? All of this of course is done in the name of religion so it is alright in their eyes. Hopefully the rest of my year wii! be a little calmer and tamer than this last month. So, things are still changing for ine this year. I am going to be much happier and if I have to bitch a little more to get good service and what I cieserve then I will. It is just that simple. Page24 heeii.wnttog. .. e gaJC~nd lesbi~ pr'esffor ni,ore than 20 years. Sh_e seryed for _tliree, y;ears as 1;11~ co-chai(of ftie)<;>#;d of_ . . -~{Ji11Is·.~:I-J;xb~;:f, fits '·> .,.,,._.J,. '"" ... ·, .. Transge1:1<ier CcimmunitJT Center, where shC f ouri.ded a gro~dbr~3;'$ng_ .read1~g .~cries ci'l l,.e. ~a-· "In' ,,.,_O-,!,;u< r. .'" O,~ w" n'' W' ' ri't e.". Lesbian Notions . by Paula Martinac MARCH 2005 Crying Shame In a recent development in the J;:{IV / AIDS , epidemic, two independent research teams recommended that all Americans - not just those .who've been deemed "high risk,'.' -~e gay 'm·en and iv drug users - be tested.for the virus. Clearly, this is good news. The · : · ·,recommendations are meant to finally make RN t~sfi#g ~s .routirie and devoid ofstigma as a Pap tesc, mammogram, or bldod-pressure screening. · .· . . . . But could a change implemented, in the third decade of th~. pandemic really be effe<;t±'{e, given the sname still attached to HIV/ AIDS and to homosexuality? Unless a public-health . policy shift goes hand in.hand with realitybased sex education, I think it would stand ! little chance of making a ·difference oveitime. Part of the problem stems from the. fact .that HIV is still being tied to identity rather·: than behavior," ~though tl:fe connection is more subtle than in the past. For .example, all the new.ii repp.i;ts. abolit .th.e 11,~ ~eqical studies. cite=~ people in "mpn . · he · · · · • · pf' _as · .the lowest-risk groups for HIV, who t opt outof; the. . . .. er o ... . just have it once. . . · ' . At about. the same tip:ie, . anotl:ier. reporc also hit the· news - that a. new ~-:_ resistannhain 'bf HN has appeareo in New· York City in a gay man wh~ ttsed· crystal meth i!.tid,;acc<>r,d!rjg 't9 -ti;r~' _:New Y'cfrk Times...:, hs,.d f'unpro:eF:ecI sex of partners:" Tfils lrearkeos •lSaclHo the early· 1980s, re-establishing the . between.,HJV· and;homosexuality,atid conjuring. up. memories .of that original %ad" gay map; P!ltient Zeiq,. who was.blamed_ for_bringingi11IV_to the United §tates. .· IT'he,dang~r in contimμngro,talk,i1bqutns~ categon;,s.1~•.thatmanypeq~le:who don't use drugs or have sex. with "hunq.i;eds or partners will erroneously :vtew HIV as of no concern to them .. Consider thai:' heterosexual women 'of color actually , acco~ted for 85 percent of new AIDS infections in 2003. Sex with HIV-pos!tive men is the primary means by which straight women bec~nie ~fected, and many.of· these women firinly oelieve. they're in monogamous rej.attonships. . . As one AIDS researcher told JIN Plus_ magazine, "There is a_whole set.of women who .dori't have a clue that their male· partners .have outside rell!:ti9n.sl;rips." And there are other wome_n who may indeed be in monogamous hetemsepial relationships - but with men who. previously had unsafe. sex with other ~co:" The contiouiqg stigma -;\ttacheg. .• to homosexuality and bisexuality isJ~ely to blame for thi.s explqsion of HIV ampng those who mistakenly thoughqlj.9' -were safe fro~ the disease. Many men "on the down iow" put their unknowing female partners at risk b~cause admitting they like to have sex with men would be viewed.as disgraceful, unmanly~ Br even sinful. . . Comvounding tlie problem is our public education system, which, like much public-health policy; evades the complexities of human sexuality and_ psychology. . While it reduces money for AIDS programs, the federal government increases funding for "abstinence-only" sex education, despite a lac_k of .evidence that these programs work. Indeed, a. report from U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) showed s?me abstinence-only programs providing false infonnatioo that put kids at risk tor pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.. . . . . . continued next page · Page 25 Lesbian Notions . ... And a recent study in the president's home state found that abstinence-only education had not prevented students there from becoming progressively more sexually active. The result is a classic catch-22. The best way to erode the stigma of HIV would be to start in the schools with accurate sex education aimed at helping all kids acquire knowledge about behavior that would keep them safe. But schools have their hands tied by a federal government committed to the idea that promoting one kind of identity - being heterosexual and married - is the panacea for all of society's problems. Sadly, that approach is based on the reality of only a small number of people. In fact, kids are human, and most humans - even the deeply religious - want to have sex, especially when their hormones are raging. And as Shelby Knox, a young Christian sex-education activist whose story will be told on an episode on PBS's POV series this June, puts it, ''.ff [ki<l:s] are going to have sex, they need t6 lrnow the consequences. And they need to know how to protect themselves.'' One step we can all take is to lobby our representatives in Washington to pass the Responsible Education About Life Act (REAL), which would create a grant program for states to offer broader sex education programs that include information about contraceptives and safer sex. Such a bill faces an uphill struggle in the current climate of fear and repression. But without an attempt to address this serious education shortfall, HIV, one of our greatest public-health challenges, will continue to spread as "someone else's disease.'' Gay Buying rP at $610 Billion in 2005 Latest Apalysis by WiteckCombs Communications and Packaged Facts Washington, D.C. February 1, 2005 - The total buying power of the U.S. gay, lesbian and bisexual (GIB) adult population in 2005 is projected to be $610 billion, according to the latest analysis by Witeck-Combs Communications and Packaged Facts (a division of MarketResearch.com). The estimate was originally derived in a joint study by both organizations entitled, "The U.S. Gay and Lesbian Market." In 2004, the gay buying power projection was estimated at $580 billion. In releasing the latest projection, Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications said, "Validating buying power is a reliable business tool for companies and policy decision-makers. It provides the most compelling snapshot of the economic activity of America's diverse gay, lesbian and bisexual population.'' Since 1993, Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc. has provided expert counsel to Fortune 500 companies in designing marketing communications strategies for the gay consumer market. Quotable Quotes "Actress Portia De Rossi is having the tattoo of her ex-girlfriend's initials · removed from her ring finger now that she's seeing comedienne Ellen DeGeneres." - United Press International, Dec. 28. Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! MARCH 2005 Uncle Mikey bringing you the latest in all things queer. Oh kittens, allow uncle a moment to share about an experience that Uncle had this week. I ,was sitting by the fire minding my very own biz, .when I felt my scope go to full alert. I did a quick ninety degree when our eyes met, uncle felt a serge. It seemed the delivery guy was there bringing Uncle a package. He even brought me some stuff I had bought. It was like a full service happy train. After I accepted delivery, Uncle attempted to be gracious. Kittens-word of advice, do not feed the trick-please. They will never leave ,_ ___________ _, if you do. Well, as they say, it was an easy kill. Dear Uncle, My roommate and I have been Jiving together now for a year and a half. Things have really been nice, as we have built a friendship, and become really close. I now find myself looking for more than just a roommate, as he drives me crazy, in a good way. I am afraid though if we play arouna it could ruin the current situation, which is worktng out so nicely. I watch him walking around the apartment naked, and I have to take cold showers to control my urges. He is beautiful, funny, rod kind. Should I tell him about tny feelings for him? I am seriously nervous, as I do not wrot to lose such a wonderful roommate. It is not easy finding a good one. What should I do? Confused in the other room Dear Confused: Kitten first; uncle would have you define feelings here. As it were, I heard .attraction and not really feelings. If sex is what we are talking about, I would think twice before jumping those bones on the way for the midnight snack. Sex could make things weird. Imagine living with a trick you hne had. Waking up and seeing that face which, you no longer find remotely attractive. This is potentially harmful . for your relationship with a roommate. On the other hand, if you have truly built this mutually rewarding friendship, and there are mutual feelings of admiration, you could be on the threshold of a love affair. It is the best place to start a relationship and that is as friends. However, know the risk you take. As if it does not work out, there is going to be carnage here. So, weigh out your feelings and or attraction carefully while making the best decision for you both. Smooches uncle These is nothing sweeter than forbidden fruit kittens, however there is always the price in the end. Know this price, and think with your head not your member. We all know that will save a lot of troublesome aftershock. Dear Uncle: There is a man that has been following me around. That is what it.feeis like as I am constantly seeing him around. He has not spoken to me, or anything, but every time I turn around there he is. I am thinking he is shy, and wondering if I should make the first move? Mv best friend told me he is a stalker, and that I should not let him near me. I work in' a public place in retail, and he always seems to be near watching me. Stalker guy Well, kitten there is a iine that comes to mind here. It puts the lotion on its skin, or it gets the hose again. Have you read the papers recently? One must be careful in this day and :age. While, Page27 your stalker might have some bragging quality for afterwards, there might not be an afterwards. I would heed your friends advice and keep your distance. To avoid ending up on the milk carton kitten. If this mro is worthy of your interest he will find a way to make an introduction. If not he is most likely not someone you want to have a random hook up with. Kittens-Uncle cannot express this point enough. With all of the weirdoes out there, you must be careful. Forgive uncle here, for a trailer moment; however, there is ho booty call worth risking your life. There are too many outlets for safe encounters and hooking up. Smooches uncle Kittens, sometimes in life, we encounter problems, which stem from soc.ial surroundings in our life. Children raised to believe sexuality is a bad thing, will eventually face these troublesome affairs, when faced with their own adult sexuality. There is no shame in seeking help for yourself. Anyone that tells you otherwise, most likely has some social disorder them selves, like a ass-a-si-diss. It is important to utilize the help available to us ill through good mental health providers. Search out one before going. There are numerous providers, which are gay friendly, advertised in most gay publications. Going to the wrong mental health provider could only add to the issues you already face. Here is wishing you and your willy good health. Kittens, I guess that about wraps it up for this month. Uncle enjoys his time with his kittens. Remember this as you go at another week of that wonderful roller coaster we call queer life. Behind every good man, is another good man! Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too. Unck J6leey is a ch.rllCIC' from Frttl4na writer Micfud Hinnrun. MuJ,,,d h,,.s 1-i vmtingfor ten ye,irs. Utilizing his st#dies, and life expmt:nce to hdp others in his comm,mity, tbroMgh h,mior and s<n1nd adflia. Mkh,,d 4J1P&iJ his stwdy of pryd,o/,,gy and autiflt! writing, AS wdl his extensive b.tc/egroMnd in menu[ he4/th Dim:: c,ir,: to bring" m!fll style and approach to hdping others. Michad's other works om be~ at -.KJtJlinlwmtent.com. "REMEMBER TO LOVE" fundraiser hosted by . Bamboo Lounge. ry WI.SA, OK"' Guest host Kris Kohl (top photo) ~th scrumptious Ebony Hall and delicious Mike Busby gave a roaring performance at the Bamboo Lounge on Sat. February 19th to a standing room only crowd. All proceeds from the show went to Tulsa CARES, a ated to fit raised $240 for Tulsa Cares medical assistance program. Congratulations to the show cast and Bamboo owners Terry and Stan for a worthy job well done. Page 28 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente MARCH 2.0.05 1 . . the Prairie Romeo thinks th:~ oest tiioment to make the film version of sorr1'gili(ng is when the adapted intellectual pioperty in question is long past its initial'burst of popularity. It's just less foi:ce& and marketing-team-driven that way. Robert Altman must agree, '.qecause finally, years after its 1980s moment in the pop-culture sun, Garrison Keillor's still-running public radio program, _A Prairie Home Companion_, is making its way to the big screen. And rather than visit the townspeople of Keillor's Lake Wo~~gon, the film is a fictionalized behind~tlie.:: scenes look at the production of Fiil show. Lily Tomlin and Meryl Streep. (word is, they play a · of singing sisters) will star alon singer/actors Tom Waits and Lyle Lovett, and _SNL_'s Maya Rudolph, not to mention crooning host Keillor Himself. The . show's gentle humor sh6uld hit screens sometime in 2006, which is no wait at all for patient Midwesterners. Wham! It's a George Michael Movie The pop star that no one bothered to notice was gay even after that "Wake Mc Up Before You Go-Go" video - is now the subject of a no-holds-barred documentary. The film is called _George Michael: A Different Story_, and it stars the iconic '80s heartthrob as tour guide to bis own career. Already seen on British television, the movie recently hit the big screen at the Berlin Film Festival and should be making the festival rounds in the States soon enough. In the film, !'l,fichael visits childhood haunts, talks for the first time about his &mily, and touch.es on painful recent memories as well (his partner was gravely ill with AIDS while Jl..fichael performed at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert). The testimonial line-up includes Sir Elton John, Boy George, Mariah Carey, and Simon Cowell. And Wbam!-obsessives will be thrilled .to know that Michael is reunited oncamera with former singing p~tner Andrew Ridgely fur the first time in nearly 20 years. Izzard Tries on New Outfits It's getting so you barely see the man in drag anymore. Not that cross-dressing comedian Eddie Izzard's complaining. It's just that bis mainstream acting career, t.J.ie one that more often than not puts bim in guy clothes, is taldng off like never before. The hilarious Brit has just been tapped to star in an as-yetuntitled pilot for cable channel FX, in which he'll play an Irish con man who relocates to the American South. If it goes to series, he'll have to find a way to fit in his other planned roles, like in _Macbeth_ on Broadway. Meanwhile, £ms can see him soon.in John Turturro's upcoming musical, ...,Romance & Cigarettes_, which co-stars James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslct, Mandy Moore, Mary-Louise Parker, Elaine Stritch, Bobby Cannavale, and Amy Sedaris. Looks like those Manolos will just have to cool their heels for a while. Latifah's Career Is _Stranger Than Fiction_Is Queen Latifah on the same path to Oscar as Halle Berry? The former rapper and lesbian &vc has Marc Forster, the director of critically acclaimed films like _Finding Nevcrland_ and _Monster's Ball_, in her comer these days, so anything's possible. Latifah has signed on to co-star in Forster's latest film, _Stranger Than Fiction_, alongside Will Ferrell, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Emma Thompson. It's the story of an IRS auditor who begins hearing the narration of his life - a running commentary audible only to him, and one that begins to affect everythjng he does. No word on Latifah's role in the film, but if _Finding Ncverbnd_ takes home its share of Academy Awards, then expect the buzz around her and the film to grow iouder as the year goes on. Page 29 · Heart to Heart Born for Love By Josh Aterovis once wrote, "All men and ·women are born ' live suffer and die; what distinguishes us on~· from another is our dreams, whether they be dreams about. worldly or unworldly thlngs, and what we do to make them come about .. We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents. We do not choose ~ur historical epoch, the country of our birth, or the immediate circumstanc.es of our upbringing. We do not, most of us, choose to die; nor do we choose the time and conditions of our death. But within this realm of choice!essncss, we do choose how we live." He's right, of course. Life is all about choices. Every day we make myriad choices, from the mundane (What will I cat for breakfast?), to the ~omentous (Should I come out?). In 1970, Epstein caused a firestorm of controversy when he wrote a cover story for Harper's magazine titled: "Homo/Hetero: The Struggle For Sexual Identity." In the article, Epstein wrote: "If I had the oower to do so, I wouid wish homoscruality ~ff the &cc of this earth.'' He went on to sav, "I do think homosexuality an anathema, a~d hence homosexuals cursed, and thus the importance, for me if for no one else, of my defining a homosexual as someone who has physical relations, for it leaves room for my admiration for the man who is pulled toward homosexuality and resists, at what psychic price I cannot hope even to begin to imagine.'.' In other words, if you "give in" to the pull of homosexuality, you are cursed, but if you resist that choice then vou're okay. Despite the fact that Epstein is a proud , Jewish man, this is a common belief held by many in the Religious Right. They believe that honiosi;xuality is a choice. This bdief is at the core of the debate over gay rights. Should gays be allowed to marry? Should gays be protected from discrimination? Is being gay a sin? It all boils do · · · · ··· que~tion: is being gay a choice? . . .. . . rive answer to this, but a growing body of scientific evidence may be pointing to a genetic or, at the very least, biological basis for sexual orientation. According j:o)he American Psychological Associarion3s wc:bsit~,' "There arc numerous theories about the· origins of a person's sexual orientation; most s9,entists today agree that sexual orientation kll).ost-likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental cognitive and biologfral ~ctors. In mos: people, !exual orico.tatioq;j~ ~haped at an early age. There is also · · · able recent evide?ce t~ suggest tha . . including g.en:ttc or mborn horm :, ... factors, play a sigruficant role in a person's sexuality. In summary, it is important'.'to recognize that there are probably many reasons for a person's sexual orientation;and the reasons may be different for different people." As reported in New_~cicntist, a srudy from Oregon Health and Sdence Univcrsitv in 2002 found that the. br~s of gay sheep · (and apparently as mmy. as dne in ten sheep express exclusively gay sicfμal preferences) showed small but distinct _differences in a part of the brain called the J:ij,p'qthalamus when compared with rams that[tiieferred to mate with ewes. The diffcrenc"~(~ii.s in a particular region of the hypothalamus . the preoptic nucleus. The region is generally almost twice as laigc in Illms as in ewes, but in gay rams its size was almost identical to that in ' "straight" females. · · These fin4!nga matched those of the neuroscientist Simori li.eV:ay .in his studies of the brains of gay men: His work has alwavs been considered controversial, partly bec;use the brains he studied were mostly from men who had died of AIDS. So it was, not clear whether the differences were reh.ted to the disease or to sexual orientation. The results of the sheep srudy would indicate that the differences in fact were reiated to orientation. In a separate study released in 2004, a group of Itltlian geneticists led bv Ancirea Camperio-Ciani of tne Universig· of Padua ........................... continued pg-32 Page 30 Dally l.uncJ,t:and Olhner ~ Open J Jam dally Happy hour 3-6 & 9-close $ 1. 75-160% $2.25-230% Bud U/Mlch·l.llla Dtaws HolklO)'I and Special &vent, Excluded. Monthly Move In~.. ,.,.-:': .. ,,' Page 31 71 6 S MAIN STREE:T, JCPL.IN, MISSOURI (41 7) 627•903S JCPLtN's A~T.ERNATIVE NIGHTCLUB ------' Be Seen with the s Advertise with us! (918) 835-7887 (417) 437-2275 ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net www.OzarksStar.com Page 32 Editors Rant cont. from pg 4 .. A Missouri Discrimination Bill House Bill 328, introduced by Rep. Baker proposes to eliminate state funds to any entity-public or private-that has a nondiscrimination policy that exceeds federal protections against discrimination. While this bill was introduced in direct response to the University of Missouri, which last year added "sexual orientation" to the list of groups protected under their nondiscrimination policy, it will have drastic effects on businesses, organizations, and charities all over the state. There are hundreds of public and private entities in Missouri which rely on state funds for financial suppon. Last month, Pulaski County, Arkansas Circuit Judge Tim Fox struck down a 1999 regulation by the state's Child Welfare Agency Review Board that said homosexuals could not be foster parents. Fox said the board had exceeded its mandate to protect the health, safety or welfare of foster children, and he issued an order barring· enforcement of the rule. Meanwhile, state legislators are considering a bill. that would prohibit homosexuals from. ~ecomirig adoptive or foster parents. Rep~ Bob Adams, D-Sheridan, and Sen. Jim Holt, RSpringdale, filed House Bill 1119. The bill would order the Human Services Department or any agency involved in adoption and foster <1Ce not to place a child with homosexual parents or in a home that has a homosexual adult. The bill also says that Arkansas public polity should preserve public morality with respect to childreh in the foster care system: · "'Lesbianism is so ra t in some of the schools in southeast ma that they'll only let one girl go the bathroom ..... How is it that- that's happened to us?" Sen. Tom Coburn, (R-OK} Assoc. Press, October 11, 2004 This is only a sampling of what we are up against here in America. Yes, it's time write to your Senators, get out the protest signs and go back to work. Holiday party time is over a we must dig out the combat boots (or Joan Crawford pumps if your prefer), prepare to fight a difficult battle to defeat discriminatory laws that do and will govern us. C.D. Ward/Editor in Chief Heart to Heart from pg-29 may have provided the answer to one of the greatest paradoxes of homosexuality: the Darwinian dead-end. How can homosexuality be genetic when gay men don't have children? The researchers' findings suggest that the same genetic fuctors-as yet unidentified-linked to homosexuality in men may also be linked to increased fertility in women. "This is a novel finding," Dr. Le Vay said. "We think of it as genes for 'male homosexuality', but it might really be genes for sexual attraction to men. These could predispose men towards homosexuality and women towards 'hyper-heterosexuality', causing women to have more sex with men and thus have more offspring." Twin studies have also revealed some strong evidence for a biological basis.]. Michael Bailey and Richard Pillard studied the gayness between monozygotic (or identical) twins, dizygotic ( or fraternal) twins, and non-related adopted brothers. They found that 52% of identical twins were both self-identified homosexuals, 22% of fraternal twins were gay, and only 5% of nonrelated adopted brothers were so. Bailey and Pillard repeated the study with the samf results· and later cxp~ririients found· similar evidence in Jcm,ales .. These studies seem to conclusively demonstrate that there is at least some genetic component that leads to the development of homosexuality. However, it is important to note that none of these studies suggests that there is a single "gay gene." In fact, they all seem to indicate a more. likely scenario of numerous genetic and environmental influences. It's also important to realize that none of these studies can be considered conclusive. Much more research needs to be done, but science seems to be pointing towards biological factors in detcrmuiing our sexuality. Is being gay a choice? Only in the sense that, while we inay not make the choice to be atttllctcd to the same sex, we do make choices about whether we act on those attractions or not. We choose whc.ther we wili live our lives honestly or in the closet. We choose whether to iove as our.hearts desire or to deny an integral part of who we are. Arc we born gay? Maybe a better question would be arc WC born to love? Benjamin Disraeli once said, "We arc all born for love. It is the principle of existence, and its only end." If we don't have a choice in who we love, is it really a choice at all? Page 33 If you're looking for a real treat, however, consider staying 20 miles south in the up-and-coming oceanfront village of Delray Beach, at the spectacular and very gay-friendly Sundy House Inn. This historic compound is worth a visit just for dinner at the stellar De la Tierra Restaurant, where you might sample such globally inspired treats as baked stuffed baby conch with plantain salad, and ancho-cinnamon pork tenderloin with sweet corn, Manchego cheese, onion chutney, and baby com. This 1902 inn, surrounded by magnificent botanical gardens, offers plenty of leg room, including several one- and two-bedroom apartments with laundry facilities and fully stocked kitchens. For the ultimate in pampering, opt for the fabulous Honeymoon Cottage, which is outfitted with a Jacuzzi tub, fireplace, flat-screen plasma TV, DVD player, and VCR. Far removed from Palm Beach's stuffy confines, the Sundy House Inn nevertheless ranks among the area's most sumptuous hideaways. _Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA and nine additional travel guides. The Little Black Book Bice Ristorante (313 1/2 Worth Ave., Palm Beach, 561-835-1600). The Breakers (1 South County Rd., Palm Beach, 561-655-6611 or 888-273-2537, www.thebrcakers.com). Chesterfield Palm Beach (363 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, 561-659-5800 or 800-243-7871, www.chestcrficldpb.com). Chuck and Harold's (207 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, 561-659-1440). CityPlace (700 S. Rosemary Ave., 561-366-1000, www.cityplacc.com). Cabana (118 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, 561-833-4773). Cupids Cabaret (4430 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-642-5299). 5101 (5101 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, 561-585-2379). Flagler Museum Gust ofi Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, 561-655-2833). Four Seasons Ocean Grand (2800 S. Ocean Blvd., 561-582- 2800 or 800-819-5053, w-ww.fourseasons.com). Grandview Gardens B&B (1608 W. Lake Ave., West Palm Beach, 561-833-9023, www.gcandview-gardens.net). Hamburger Heaven (314 S. County Rd., Pa!m Beach, 561-655-5277). H.G. Roosters (823 Belvedere Rd., \YI est Palm Beach, 561-832-9119). Hibiscus House (501 30th St., West Palm Beach, 561-863-5633 or 800-203-4927, www.hibiscushouse.com). Hotel Biba (320 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach, 561-832-0094, www.hotelbiba.com). Kashmir (1651 S. Congress Ave., West Palm Beach, 561- 649-5557). Norton Museum of Art (1451 S. Olive Way, Palm Beach, 561-832- 5196). Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau (561-233-3000, www.palmbeachfl.com). Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-832-7469). Respectable Street Cafe (518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, 561-832-9999). Reson Lounge (CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach, 561-805-9600). Rhythm (3800 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, 561-833-3406). Sundy House Inn (106 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, FL, 561-272-5678, www.sundyhouse.com). Spring Events in Eureka Springs, Arkansas Based in the heart of the Ozarks, Diversity Pride Events invites you to visit our little town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for Fall & Spring Diversity Weekends, romantic Getaways, special Concerts & other Pride Events. Diversitv Pride Events is committed to producing - quality events for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender (GLBTs) and Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAGs), of ALL ages! Our events are for GLBTs and their Straight friends & family to enjoy together! COMMUNITY MEAL $4.CC DONATION MCC JCPLIN 29 □ 2 E. 20TH ST. JOPLIN, MISSOURI EVERY WED. 6 PM Page 34 Seo es by Jack Fertig :MARCH 2005 "Enjoy magic, Sagittarius!" Sun conjunct Uranus brings wild surprises and inspirations to light. This line-up in Pisces will make those surprises especially mystical, artistic, and otherworldly. ARIES (March 21 to April 20): Let one of your more spiritual friends take you to church, synagogue, mosque, Wiccan circle, seance, or whatever. It won't lead you to any conversion, but vou will gain new perspectives so that you can reconsider your ideals. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): What does "success" really mean to you? Think about it long and hard, and the answer may surprise you. A shock from your boss is likely to be a blessing in disguise. Be ready for new opportunities in unexpected directions. GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Your mouth is likely to get you into trouble, but you're used to that. Try keeping your ears and mind open, instead of your mouth, and what you stand to learn can start you thinking in radically new ways. CANCER Qune 22 to July 22): This is a great time to explore new erotic adventures, and all kinds of barriers can falL Doubie-check your safety precautions - from standard prophylaxis to safe words. Don't be shy; just be careful! LEO (july 23 to August 22): Recent weirdness in your relationship - or about nor having one - is coming to a head. It's time to get clear about what's going on. Even if things get briefly ugly, they'wili improve in the long run. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): See a doctor, acupuncturist, or other health practitioner right now. There's probably nothing seriousiy wrong, but any lingering - or normally invisible problems are now easiest to identify and soive. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): Take in the strangest show you can find. Open your mind to consider the most preposterous artistic notions you can expose yourself to, and find your own creative abilities stimulated in directions that will amaze you. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): If your home life was ever normal, it won't be now. Plumbing, foundations, and parents can offer very rude surprises, but they're easier to deal with now than later. Community involvement offers unusual rewards. SAGITIARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Your mouth is further ahead of your brain than usual, and your brain seems to be meandering along some very odd paths. Enjoy whimsy, magic, music, and art; leave any mathematical or logical efforts for later. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): You like your accounts in perfect order, but they rarely work out so well. Any glitches and surprises become clearer now, probably with happy outcome. Rethinking your priorities can also turn up some interesting twists. AQUARIUS Qanuary 20 to Feb~a.ty 18): Your favorite hobby, re-inventing yourself, suddenly presents a crisis with startling possibilities, as it collides against your highest ideal, selfawareness. Letting go of control and admitting what you don't know - your two least favorite things to do - open you up to greater knowledge. PISCES (Febrwuy 19 to March 19): Deep, deep in the murkiest depths of your soul - like some subaquatic creature - there is a profound revelation offering both illumination and shock. Take time out for quiet medit:2.tio~ to get more enlightenment - and to get burned less. Jiuk Fertig !Ms been 'fllorleing as a -professional astrologer sina 1977 and is a fo,mding mnnber of the Association for Astrological Networking. Page 35 BUSH BUDGET CUTS HURT THOSE LIVING WITH HIV/ AIDS, PUTS OTHERS AT RISK Gaywire Release: February 7, 2005 "This budget does not reflect the concern President Bush showed during his State of the Union for H!V and Alps care and prevention," said HRC Vice President of Policy David Smith WASHINGTON - As President Bush introduced his 2006 budget today, the Human Rights Campaign expressed grave con~em about the requested funding of crucial HIV/ AIDS programs. With the exception of modest increases for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the National Institutes for Health, most other programs that affect people living with HIV/ AIDS were flat-funded or saw budget cuts. "This budget does not reflect the c~>0cern President Bush showed during his State of the Union for HIV and AIDS care and prevention," said HRC Vice President of Policy David M. Smith. "Unfortunately, the President's actions do not match his words." The Ryan White CARE Act, which addresses the unmet health needs of persons living with HIV/ AIDS, was highlighted in the President's State of the Union Address last week. Yet the budget request for the program included only a ~odest $10 million increase, all of which 1s earmarked for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). All other programs covered by the Ryan White CARE Act were flat funded. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) saw a $4 million cut to its budget for HIV/ AIDS prevention and survei~ance. At the same time, unproven · non-science-based abstineoce-oniy programs, which do not include education about how HIV/ AIDS is transmitted, received $38 ~llion in additional funding. A recent studv at Texas A&M University showed that teenagers taking abstinence-onlv sex education programs endorsed. by the President became increasingly ;exuallv active, which is the exact opposite eff~ct that the program is designed to have. "Programs which focus on abstinence as the sole means of preventing HIV/ AIDS put oq.r young people at tremendous risk," said Smith. "The President has repeatedly stated his commitment to combating the spread of HIV. We have to question that com1:°itment when his ideology consistently outweighs sound scientific facts." "The young people of this country ?eed leadership that recognizes the · 1mpor~ance of comprehensive prevention educanon, and we hope to work with leaders on both sides of the aisle in Congress to make sure thev get it "added Smith. , ' Despite the President's recognition that HIV/ AIDS is a growing problem in communities of color, the Minoritv AIDS initiative was flat-funded. Al~o, $14 million was cut from the Housing for_ Persons Living With AIDS program, which helps people living with HIV/ AIDS afford housing.· Having stable living conditions increases the chances of ~trict adherence to drug regimens, which 1s necessary for fighting HIV/ AIDS and also prevents the development of medication-resistant strains of the virus. Unfortunately, President Bush's budget also includes Medicaid cuts of at lea.st $45 billion over the next 1 0 years. These cuts would greatly affect a · program that is responsible for providing health care to 55 percent of all adults living with AIDS and 90 percent of all children. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexuai and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. Page 36 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Restaurants- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-130 Ron's Place- - - 523 W. Poplar- 479-442-3052 Wild-On . -3570 W. 6th- - - - - 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - • -479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Sprin&s (501) Club One Eleven- - 111 Gilden St- -620-4111 Our House Lounge - 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- --501-664-2744 Discovery- - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - · 501-666-6900 The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- -501-372-3070 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- .. • 716 S. Main•••••• -417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - 3715 Main St- - 816-561-2600 Belle Star's- - 1321 Gnnd Ave- - - -816-421-1288 Club NV - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Main St- - - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidemeet Bar -413 E. 3rd- - - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon 370? Main St- 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial••••• -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - -1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th E:tpwy 405-9-47-2351 Copa- - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730 Finish Llne -2200 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525-0730 Hi-Lo Club - 1221 NW SOth- - - -405-843-1722 Lido- - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Partners- -2805 NW 36th St - - • - • 405-942-2199 Sisters- - 2120 NW 39th St - - - • - -405-521-9533 The Rockies- - -3201 N. May Ave - • - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - • •- 918-836-8700 Club Maverick· • 822 S. Sheridan · 918-835-3301 End Up Club- - 424 S. Memorial- - 918-836-2480 Heads & Tails- 7944 E. 2bt - - • - 918-660-7878 Club Majestic- 124 N. Boston 918-584-949-4 Renegades- - 1649 S. Main -918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- - 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 TNT's - .. - 2! 14 S. Memorial- 918-660-0856 Yellow-Bricic-Rci- -2630 E. 15th- 918-293-0304 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ingrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- - -405-946-8444 Topanga Grill&: Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 -LodgingMI111ouri, Joplin (417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground- - - - - 417-683-9199 Mlasouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - 417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Hollywood.Hotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn 2200 NW 39th Exp- -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - · · · - -479-451-8066 Arkansas, Eureka Springs MCC Uving Spring- - - - - - - - - • - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - www.dsra.org Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut - -11AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Missouri,Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, · · · · 6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - • c -10:30.AM Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucky- 417-624-5788 Ml111011ri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Universalat Church - - - -417-833-2723 APO- - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride • - - - - - . - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklalloma City (405) Cathedral of Hone- - 600 NW 13th St- 232-HOPE The Cente.r• ~ 21;5 NW 39th St. - • - - 405-524-6000 Tribal Fire - - - - • - - - - - -www.tribalfireokc.com Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - •• -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Page 37 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- 918-743-4297 MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 SSRA - - • • • • • • • •·· www.soonerstatetodeo.com TOHR- - - - - - - - PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Rough Riders- -www.tulsaroughriden.com . -Business ServicesArkansas, Eureka Spring~ Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com . Missouri, Eureka . . Shelter Insurimcc- -Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) . Body Swim Massage Therapy- - - -417~825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-- -434-.0077 RE/MAX~ - -CatheLetts----- 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangcline Rd- - 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consult,- 4170673-1181 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - • - - 1918 s: Glenstone - -417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Broken Arrow Spas N Such- - : - 808 N. 15th - • - --918-258-7727 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 • -4301 NW 63rd #100 - 405- 840-2106 Jungl«;Reds - • - 2200 NW ~wy- - - 405-524-5733. Piece T~·R~ein~ef-2131 NW 39th~ -405-528-2223 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Elite Bookstore -,.814 S. Sheridan- -918-838-8503 Kelly Kirliy, CPA.~ 4815 S Harvard- 918-747-5466 Underguy.com .. -825 E. 3rd. - - - 918-829-0824 Priscilla's- __ :7925 E: 41st . -918-627-4884 Pnscill;'.s : · - -. 5634 w. Skelly • • - --918-446-6336 Priscilla:!".; -: i 1344 E. 11th •• - •.. 918-438-4224 Piiscillai- -~ :.·2333 E. 71st, •• - • -- 918-499-1661 co~ntiy jn which one - the one th.at happens to co ches of the federal govemme¢t - . 'activat~s' ,'its 'Ba~e by demoniiiIIg, scapegoatibg, :i11d_actively perseci:f~ng homos, a tiny a11'd: relatively defenseles!, minority Jt~put,licans tell the ' . th that the and lesbians. is a thr~at to the American family, Western civilizllri<>n,. aQd, as one bigwig R recently put it, 'tlie. survival of the earth.' At some point the Rs are either g()ing to have to .rp.hlce good on their rhetoric and actually cl.b so,giething about all the homos 'out,theie imperiling the surviva.l ir (hey, maybe we're .for global warming?), or they're going to have to knoc;k it off." _;.:. SJPdic~t~d • columnist Dan. Savage, Dec. 29; · Pag~ 38 NEW cART□□ Ns "A Couple _of Guy~"· A Couple of guys• ~~~ Page39 Achella, Bear Nak Corsets, Kenneth C Rope, lby's Toys. -May 1 $100 througli · Marc'1 15, 2005 $115 J\tarclf 1~;;;; ~pril 15 $150 after April 15 Rev Pat· Sebastian Sheryl Dee Spo Stephanie r Teny Brown VictorTella X ska, Kansas. kansas e run package . . ar!nformation, usltr04@aol.com ntest, Cigar ring, Fetish nee ai;id ies Included Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, February 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 2 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 1, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Lady Bunny Michael Dee Douglas Glen Steve T. Urie Paula Martinec Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Ferlig Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Southwest Missouri Southeast Kansas The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozark Star Magazine, January 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/143 The Star, May 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/219 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/178 Alternatives to the bar scene anti-gay foster care ban Bars Deep Inside Hollywood discrimination Don't Ask Don't Tell gay tv Gay/lesbian city Lesbian Notions National Stonewall Democrats nightclubs Planet Dee Qscopes scholarships Studio@NV The Merchant of Venice The Star Scene travel Tulsa Uncle Mikey https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/d7a2016c796ec0959d774ac28cf5be63.jpg 79215605b557736708c28b85de0aaaea https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/119af72fbd0966aaba4068e081dcbb8c.pdf 65498a08dc2439b9ecc9f5b8bfa38b6f 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 rlty and Trust in Advertising Service. JULY 2005 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 7 FREE Page 2 Page 3 The July, 2005 issue of the STAR marks our 19th printing, 1-1/2 years in publication and have never missed a distribution deadline. I wanted to point this fact out because of a few nay-sayers who thought we wouldn't exist in July,2005. With that said here are a few changes and additions effective with this issue. . Our new monthly column, "Past Out" is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. Another new cartoon, "Bitter Girl" just for the ladies will be a monthly addition. STAR of the month (page-3) will be a trial feature spotlighting a four statesirresistible hunk! Surely we will find 12 of these sexy guys for the up coming year! With all the human rights issues surrounding the GLBT community, we have decided to allocate a three page section, but not limited too, to address equal rights on a national level. The "Advertisers Index" (page 35) will give you our readers, a quick reference to find that business in the four states region that may carry a product or service you want. The index ·will conveniently point you to the· advertisers ad page. Advertising means you are · invited to visit the advertiser. Wnere can you find a copy of me STAR? Just look on page 36 to find a distribu'toi' in your area. Thao.ks to ali for your support over·this past year and a half and be assured we are here to stay. C.D. \'{'ardiEditor National Gay and Lesbian Task Force denounces U.S. Senate confirmation of William Pryor Jr. to the federal bench 'Pryor has repeatedly proven he is an ideological tyrant of the highest order' -Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman WASHINGTON, June 9 The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force denounced the u.S. Senate's confirmation today of former Alabama Attorney General William H. Pryor Jr. to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. "Pryor has repeatedly proven he is an ideological tyrant of the highest order," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gav and Lesbian Task Force. "Pryor's ~xtremist views may resonate with the outer fringes, but· they have no place on the federal bench. This is an American travesty." Foreman said Pryor ha'd compiled a "mind-boggling record of hostility toward the rights of ordinary Americans, and may be the most demonstrably anti.gay judge ever nominated to a federal appeals court." A few examples: @ In his capacity as deputy attorney general of Alabama, Pryor co-authored an amicus brief supporting Colorado's anti-gay ballot initiative in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Romer v. Evans. • As Alabama attorney general, Pryor wrore an amicus brief defending Texas' anti-gay sodomy law in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Lawrence v. Texas. Pryor sought to deny gay people equal protection under the law, including upholding tne imprisonment of gay men and iesbians for expressing their human ~exuality in the privacy of their own nomes. @ While temporarily sitting on the Eleventh Circuit via a recess appointment by President George W. Bush, Pryor cast the deciding vote upholding Florida's ban on adoption by gay men and lesbians. • Pryor calls the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade as "the worst abomination of constitutional law in our history." "It is widely recognized that Pryor is a right-wing zealot who is unfit to judge," said Foreman. "His hostility toward a vast range of Americans and fundamental rights and freedoms is as astounding as it is disturbing." New Report Love Won Out, Details One of James Dobson's Most Harmful Anti-Gay Ministries at Focus on the Family So-called "ex-gay" conferences target lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth and tear families apart "'Love Won Out' is one of the most harmful programs sponsored by James Dobson 's organization," said Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "Their speakers are nothing more than snake oil salesman peddling pernicious and discredited theories about how parents can 'prevent' homosexuality in their children. It is homophobia, not love, that wins out at these conferences." New York: May 4, 2005 - A new repor: released todav bv the National Gav and Lesbian Task· F;rce Policy Institute titled, A Report from "Love Won Out: Addressing, Understanding, and continued pg-8 You'llfi~d lo,w.s of hip cafes and restaurants in Melbo11me's fanky Fitzroy neighborhood, JULY 2005 by Andrew Collins "Melbourne, Australia" Nearly all gay North Americans who make it to Australia end up spending time in Sydney, but relatively few ever make it to the n:i.tion's mecca for culture, Melbourne. This city of roughly 4 million cl:i.ims an am:i.zing theater scene, a vast range of first-rate live-music venues, highly regarded art museums and galieries, and cutting-edge events (including late January's Midsumma Festival, which showcases visual and performing arts; February's Melbourne Fashion Festival; March's Queen Fiim Festival; and November's Fringe Festival). In terms of gay-friendliness, this· city of vibrant, lively neighborhoods ranks among the most progressive and inviting places on the pl:i.net. And hey, it's also home to Kylie Minogue _:i.nd_ Dame Edna, two queer icons. . . . Food lovers extol Melbourne's wealth of fine restaurants, known p~cularly for excellent ethnic fare (from ltali:i.n to Asian). Java addicts will find that coffeehouses arc jusc as popular here as they are in Seattle or Toronto, and oenophiies appreciate the city's love of fine wines, which is evident in the great selections at both affordable and high-end restaurwts. The city also cl:i.ims several cool boutique hotels, a wide range of bars and discos. that host weekly gay parties, and a smaller but still potent suppiy of nightspots that glow pink seven nights a week. • Melbourne is less a singular destination than a collection of distinctive neighborhoods, all of them connected quite handilv bv a clean and efficient system of trams and buses. Rath~r th:i.n focusing on the ~ity's partic~la; attractions and gay-oriented businessei, .h~re's an introduction to the city by way of its ench:i.nting neighborhoods. Keep in mind th~~ -~though you'll find a gay scene in sever:i.l parts of town, the neighborhoods south o_f the. 1'.atta River tend to b~ known more for fashion :i.nd glitz, while those north of the nver tend _more toward funkiness and countcrculturalism. Also note that "hote!" in Australia can refer to anything from a pub to a disco to an act.ual lodging (perhaps with a bar or disco); except where overnight accommodations are mentioned, :assume that all the "hotels" in. this articie are nightspots. Central Melbourne The citv's courtly business district contains soaring skyscrapers, tree-lined streets, and many of Melbour~e's cultural attractions. Downtown's most distinctive feature is its many "lancways," Iitrle alleys lined with impossfoly cure tearooms, boutiques, bars, and cafes. Some of them lead into enclosed arcades, where you'll find more of the same. There's plenty of great shopping to be had in Central Melbourne, ::specially on Collins and Little Collins streets, which are lined with shops specializing in haute couture and fine jewelry, and Bourke Street, where you'll find ali the le;;ding department stores, such as Myer and David Jones. Downtown contains ::hc,we:iith of the city's top accommodations, including such stellar luxury options as the phenomenally cushy Park Hyatt Melbourne and ,he luxe Le Meri~i::~ at Rialto. Also consider staying at the Metropolican Hotel, an uber-chic bou::iquc property with sleek decor. Head to Federation Square, an architecti.:railv dramatic complex containing the Australian Centre for the Moving Im;ge (it shows arty films, often with gay themes). The compound also Page 7 contains the sexy restaurant Chocolate Buddha, which serves sophisticated but affordable Pan-Asian cuisine. Another memorable downtown dining option is Ezard at Adelphi, helmed by celeb chef Teague Ezard, a ch:i.mpion of modern Aussie cooking. Just across the Yarra River, the glitzy Southgate district is dominated by modern skyscupcrs containing dozens of upscale shops and restaurants, including the well-regarded Pure South, where you might sample slow-roasted wild duck with parsnipand- vanilla puree, and a caramelized fig-port reduction. This part of town is a real culinary hotspot. Head a bit east of Southgate, along the river, and you'll come to the lush Royal Botani Gardens, which make for some of the city's best strolling. St. Kilda One of the hippest neighborhoods around, St. Kilda developed as a swank seaside resort during the 19th century, fell on grim rimes during the mid-20th century, and has truly blossomed again over the past couple of decades. These days this colorful neighborhood is loaded with fun shops and c:i.fes and anchored by Luna Park, a Coney Island-like bc:i.chsidc amusement park overlooking Port Phillip Bay. The St. Kilda Esplanade runs along the waterfront and is a terrific pl:i.ce for a walk or jog don't miss the arts and crafts market hdd here on Sundays. There arc two main drags worth scoping out: Right along Fitzroy Street, you'll find a slew of trendy h:i.ngouts and shops. C:i.fc Di Susio serves superb Italian fooci in a romantic setting - it's a great special-occasion pick. Around the corner, I1 Fornaio is a terrific little post-industriai space serving up espresso drinks and delicious bre:i.kfast and lunch fare, along with toothsome sweets. Consider staying next door at the 40-:mom Prince of Wales Hotel, which is one of the coolest and gay-friendliest properties in the city, with h:p contempor:i.ry rooms. There's also great dining here at Circa, and a natty bar that draws a fashionable bunch. Aithough }e's a bit bland-looking, the nearby Novotel St. Kilda has a terrific location right on St. Kilda's Esplanade and has reasonable rares. Another good bet is perhaps the slickest backpackers' hosrel in the country, Base, a contemporary building with a red-glass facade and surprisingly comfy rooms. The other area for great window-shopping and dining is Acland Street. Sample the wonderful seafood fare at Ciaypots, which also has a branch in Collingwood, and then try nearby 7 Apples for sensational gelati in a city tl1at's known for it. Down the block near the Esplanade, Soul Mama is famous for its fantastic, world-beat vegetarian fare and enormous deserts. This snazzy place with wonderful water views, too. Just a little east of St. Kilda, the rapidly gentrifying Balaclava neighborhood has several groovy cafes · and restaurants, including gay-popular Boccone, a smart, minimalist trattoria where you might sample salmon carpaccio with ruby grapefruit and basil salad. And don't miss Glick's, a Jewish bakery famous for its bagels. pastries, latkes, and chopped herring salad. A hip breakfast and lunch spot with a sunny patio, Las serves such tantalizing fare as pancakes with blackberry coulis and mint. In the same area, on Saturday evenings you'll find great drag shows and dancing :i.t the Greyhound Hotel. Prahran and South Yarra The stylish Prahran precinct has arguably the highest concentration of gav-oriemed businesses in the city, most of them clus~ered around the in:ersection of Com:nercial Roaci and Chapel Street. Drop by the gay bookstore, Hares and Hyenas, for a browse. And cion't miss strolling through Prahran Market, which pulses wi;;h gourmet food and produce s.:alls :i.nd can get quite cr.:r;sy, especially on weekend mornings. The neighborhood's favorite gay clubs arc Diva, known for its campy drag shows; Xchange Hotel, v.·hich draws a cruisy, sta~dand- model bunch m ........ continued page-28 / Page 8 NATIONAL ISSUES CONTINUED: Preventing Homosexuality," provides a first-hand account of an anti-gay conference that took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota in September 2004. The report's authors, Jyl J. Josephson, an Associate Professor at Rutgers University-Newark, and Cynthia Burack, an Associate Professor at Ohio State University, detail the theories and world views espoused by the presenters and "ex-gay'' leaders who spoke at the conference, one of at least four such conferences sponsored annually by Focus on the Family around the country. Among the key observations highlighted in the report is the claim that homosexuality is caused by a lack of "appropriate or fulfilling" relationships between a child and his or her same-sex parent. One speaker, who first said that parents should not be blamed as the principle source of homosexuality in their children, went on to warn that mothers who are "doormats," • "manipulative," "domineering," and "selfconsumed," can cause their· daughters to become lesbians. "It would be shocking for most Americans to see the way that conference presenters claim to be champions of the family while they blame parents for making their children gay or lesbian," said Cynthia Burack, one of the report's co-authors. "As a researcher and university professor, I am amazed that ex-gay 'experts' continue to use discredited psychology to explain the origin of homosexuality and that they continue to stigmatize gender-atypical behavior," continued Burack. "Telling parents that they must force their children to conform t0 gender stereotypes to keep them from becoming gay is hurtful to both parents and children." One of the most disturbing observations detailed in the report is that a number of conference a.:tendees appeared to be parents accompanying their young teenage children, presumably to help "prevent" them from becoming gay. The outreach of "Love Won Out" to youth is exemplified by a picture of a young teenager on the ministry's website with a confused and sad _expression, placed right next to the ohrase. "A dvnamic one-dav conferenc: addre'ssing, underst~ndiog and preventing homosexuality." - "As the mother of a gay child, I was particularly heartbroken to see these parents and their children attending this conference," said Jyl Josephson, report co-author. "What impact does it have on a young teenager to hear such rejection from his or her parents and people who claim to be representatives of God?" continued Josephson. "One speaker even claimed that if a genetic basis for homosexuality were discovered it would still be a violation of God's will. Frankly, this message to young people is immoral and I have seen first hand the gteat harm that it causes to vulnerable children and youth." "The pastors, clergy, and lay leaders of the Task Force's National Religious Leadership Roundtable have witnessed the negative impact of Focus on the Family's so-called exgay or conversion therapy ministry. Ex-gay ministries are groups that llttempt to change people's sexual orientation because of conservative religious beliefs that say homosexuality is a sin. In their funding and promotion of these so-called ex-gay ministries, Focus on the Family is destroying families and the faith of young people." Richard Lindsay, spokesperson, Religious Leadership Roundtllble. iversity ide ents We Do It t! For GLBTs & PPLAGs Eureba Springs, as Valentine's, Spring & Fall Dances - Concerts 00 BEARS! Plus other Pride Eve11ts! - And Watch Out Far Nore TS de.com Page 9 NATIONAL ISSUES CONTINUED: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to President Bush: "If it's good for the Baltics and Russia, what about here at home?" - Matt F-0reman, Executive Director National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Speaking in Latvia on the 60th anmvc:su,; of the end of \X1\'flI, George Bush lectured , Russia and Vladimir Putin, saying, ''The promise of democracv is fo!fil!cd b,· ciinoritv rights, and equai iusti~c under the r;ilc of la,..._;, and an inclusive socictv in whicb even· person belongs!' · ' Mr. President, you support amending the U.S. and state constitutions ro depri,:c a minority gay peopie of :i right rl:e majority takes for granted and sees as funda1;:;ental, namely marriage. You oppose giving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans equal protections ueder tile iaw from discrimination in employment, housing, a:1d public accommodations. Your administuaon has relentlessly sought t<) exclmic even the words 'gay,' 'lesbi:111,' 'bisexuai,' and 'transgender' from any federnl fonding initiative. So, the questio:1 is, 'If minorir;· rights, cciu,,l justice under the law, and inclusiw. arc good for the Ba!tics and Russia . why !101 here at home?"' RYAN WHITE CARE ACT FUNDING IS IN.AD1EOUATE IN FIGHT AGAINST IV/ AIDS 'Shortchanging the fight against HIV/AIDS threatens the lives of millions of American men, women and children,' said HRC President Joe Solmonese. WASHINGTON The Human Righ1:s Campaign expressed deep disappointmenr at the d~cision bv a House subcommittee to flat-fund rhe Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emerg~ncy Act and other critical federai HIV/ }dDS programs. "Shortchanging the fighr ag:1insr i,J.J\/ All)S threatens the lives of rnillions of :\merican men, wcn1c::1 and chiidrcn." said HRC President !oe Sol:nonese. , ·•HT,.j, •.. f'l\·,1,r,·)s v,,. !t.h.>UL g1y1ng -1 i. ,. J /\ 1 prograrns the resources they need~ ,ve'H continue to sec adverse i1nJ)acts to those n1ost at risk: coinrnunirics of color~ vouno· peo()lc, gay anci bisexua'. m~:; anl' ,vomen.'' In approving the flat-funding le,·els, a subcommittee on rhe }Jousc 1\ppro!)tiations Committee provided no increase for most <,f rhc programs in the CARE Act with the exception of one program, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. However, ADAP, which prnv1des HIV-related presc:ipti,m drnl!S to those withm.it access tu basic HIV ,! treatment, w«s increased by only S10 million faliing "ar shor: of the funding needed to support rhe crisis conditions this program faces. Despite the insufficient fundi:1g levels for these criricai programs, tbc appropriations subcommittee disappointingly increased funding for abstincnce-umii-marriage programs by $11 miilion oveall. "1\1.bstinence-~untii-marriage programs are based on bad science. Gooc: science telis us more is needed for the programs the l.. I ousc is shurtchang-in!. .. Cleadv •. - ,,,., 0 ,,, pohttcs ts gettlng in the ,vav of science~]) added Soimonesc ''Ti0 is i,s~e cannot be vie,ved in a Yacuurn. ·rhe Ilvan \Xlhite (·•Rr. . , ~i'"i r,, /\.ct ts a prayer of last resort. Because ~:t'edicaid cuts arc forcing n1ore Americam into Ryan Whrtc CARE Act programs, shcrcchanging this program will have a devastating effec;:." ., The Ry,;n White CARE Act is the largest single source of pubiic funds (exduding Medicaid) that ~rears people wii:h HIV/ AIDS in the Unitec! Srntes. First enacted in 1. 990, the bipartisan piece of legislation supports a \Vide range of community-bas~ci scr.rices, including~ prirnary and home health care'.' case managen1eot.., substance abuse treattnent and mental health services and nutritional and hc,using services. / Page 11 ~ ,4a) Page 12 It wasn't lust Another Drag Show. It was BIG TIME SHOWTIME! Oklahoma Co!ltinentaJ is open to contestants from all states to compete and wi[ now have four major events annually, Miss OK Continental, MR. OK Contine!1tal, :t.riss OK Continental Elite, Miss OK Continen:al Plus. The Oklahoma pageant is a franchise of JF Enterprises in Chicago Illinois, and is in its 26th year. OK Continental is the only pageants with its own trademark, owned and operated by James & Monica Freeman of Tulsa . . Miss OK. Continental PLUS is coming up on ~'.'"""7--:--"'""".:--":"':"=~'"""'.'~-----.....;._..:-._--~ Friday November 18th at Club Majestic in Tulsa. Visit their '---------------~---------_;;.,-". :w:ebsite for more nrin<":nt:tl 2005/20% EBONY HALL, Mr OK Con:inental 2005/2006 r. DANIEL XAVIER, Mr Continental e~rional ANTONIO EDWARDS By Greg Steele June 3, 2005 TULSA, OK_You may have thought you were in a Las Vegas or Hollywood snow bar. The sparkle, glamour, evening gowns, tuxedo's and some of the best talent to grace the Tulsa GLBT scene in decades. It was 1:he 2nd annual 1'1iss Oklahoma Con~inental Pageant and a new attraction this year the "Mr. Oklahoma Continemal " title. Okiahoma Continental is the fastest growing pageant in Oklahoma, and is also called the most fascinating in the state. The first Mr. Oklahoma Continental, Daniel Xavier (residing in San Antonio TX) placed 1st Alternate it the Mr Continental Nationals last year. I\fiss F:bony Hall captured the 1\1:iss Oklahoma Continental crown and has held many other titles. Lady Hall resides in Tuisa. information on 1.10 comino- events. 1st Alternate Mr. Oklahoma Continental 2005i2006 the "Oklahoma Cowboy Crooner" Matthew Hearh-Ffrzgeraid. Page 13 Serving our community in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois & Colorado This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Auto · Home - Life- Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Tel: (866) 208-9480 gtainter@sheltelinsurance.com · Earl Wheeler 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 ·~ 918.291EARL (3275) over 21 Years with PRIDE!· HOLIDAY SPECIALS "Divas & More" by Greg Steele TULSA, OK_The team of Ginger Lamar and Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald have the formula for serious entertainment. Ginger, a legend on rhe Oklahoma drag circuit has been performing for her loyal fans since 1969 and keeps on dishing it out to packed audiences. Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald known as the "Oklahoma Cowboy Crooner" can belt out a song that will make you quiver. Performing throughout Oklahoma and Texas. Matthew was recently named first runner up in the Mr. Oklahoma Continental Pageant held at Club Majestic in Tulsa. You can catch their show "Divas & More" at Club Rox located in the Hollywood Hotel Oklahoma City, Saturday July 2, 2005. Show time is 10:30pm and each first Saturday of the month. No Cover Charge. Ginger & Matthew will return to Tulsa on Saturday, July 16th 2005 at Tulsa's Renegades Club. Matthew will also be performing at Club Maverick in Tulsa on July 23rd 2005 for the "Christmas In July" fund-raiser. In Fort Smith you may want to check out Master Illusionist Gage Gatlin performing July 16th at Club 1022. Gage currently hold more reigning titles than any ocher Male Impersonator. If male dancers are your cup of tea! Then head over to Tulsa's End Up Ciub for nightly entertainment from some of the hottest jocks in the area. And of course every Sunday at the Bamboo Lounge in Tulsa. The men are hot and guarantee not to disappoint you. Don't miss the Fabulous Rachaei Sage in Tulsa for r,vo nights July 8 at the Mercury Lounge 1 0pm and will be performing at the Bamboo Lounge Sarurdav Juiy 9th, 9pm. / Page 16 Rachael ge Performing at the Mercury Lounge 18th & Boston - Tulsa, OK July 8th, 1 0pm & The Bamboo Lounge 7204 E. Pine ':" Tulsa, OK July 9th, 9pm JOIN THE STAR TEAM! ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE F'OR WICHITA, OKLAHOMA CITY, TYLSA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS email qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 1 /BTH PAC:IE CLASSIF"IED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"CR RATES 91 B.B35.78B7 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Advertising Service. 1 /BTH PAC:IE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"CR RATES 91 B.B:35.7B87 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Service. /_,/ //., />;~, /:>:,;✓:---/ ;;~~ it:;: /~;:;>/> ///; ' /// / // ,;/ ,/.., // /: /.·· / FREE HIV TESTINGfNO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you c:m also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use o,: needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Serf.Jing A Healthier Community" Page 17 The r'oot·s back 011, The Beer is st,11 cold and the guys are waiting. 8-Ball Thandays at11PN at&PN aad l 424 South Memorial, Tulsa JX> (918) 836-2480 oo 21 and over Closed T\fesday oo 1 drink minimum to enter . 405~478-4009 • 6725 N;/Mi.rarnai;Bivd Okla City OK 73111 Rodn,ey Burgamy www.c2lgoldca5!ie.com 405.840.2106 Joe Brennan Page !8 The Importance of Pride! June is Gay Pride Month. The month of June was chosen to honor the Sconewall Riocs that occurred in 1969, the first time gay peopie fought back p;:;ysically against poiice harassment and entrapment. The riots invoived 300 g?Y men, lesbians, and drag queens. This • · historic evem sparked the modern LGBT equaiity movement throughou: the world, bringing LGBT people cogether like ne,er before. The following year, on the anniversary of the Riots, the newh· organized gay, community held a mar~h to commemorate ti1e event. More than 30 years la::er, ;:his small but significant gathering has evoh'ed into Gay Pride Month, a celebration of freedom and support for gay, lesbian, bisexuai, and trnnsgender peopk Chances are you won't be hearing any proclamations or statemen~s in honor of ~his event from toe White House. However, you probably wiil hear so:neone saying chat gay pride celebrations are a passe concept. Tha;: it's silly to be proud c;f being ga/because i~'s like being proud to have brown eyes it's something you have no control over. Ivlaybe you\7e even said or thought the sanH~ thing yourself. 1\io~v I'm the first to insist that everyone has the right to their O\vn opinions, but I don't necessarily agree ,~ith that i.dea. · Pride is important. I understand the concei,t that \Ve should be proud of "vho .,;e are rather than "\\that \\~e are, lJnfortunatcly, not everyone i~ able to do ::bat rii1t away. I think it's great when people arc secure enough to s~mp:.y be proud of accepting themseives, but I do think "gay pride" nas its place especially for young gay kids or people first corning out. It's a ceeci o: many oppressed minorities (thi:1k Black Pride, or Girl Power). It take~ something that is tradi:ionally demeaned and makes it somethi!lg pmverfuL It makei; it easier to accept being gay if it's something to be proud of versus something to be ashamed of. \X'hen I was first coming out, I wore rainbow Pride neckiaces all tne rime. I ne,·er !err home without one. I grew up :n an extremeiy conservative religious family, never knmving a singie openly gay person. For me, as it is for many from rural areas or religious upbringings, being gay wasn't something to be proud of. These necklaces were a physical link ro a community to which I didn't feel I folly be:onged yet. I wanted to belong, but I was stiil searching for mv identitv, which at the time ·was almost ~onsumed by the fact t::iat I was gay. Wearing that necklace, that symbol of pride, of belonging, aliowed me to be proud of something I was still coming to terms with. It helped me to be proed of \Vhat l was: a 6ray man. As I became more comforrable with who I was, I found I didn't need to const;n:iy announce the fact chat I was gay. Being gay no longer defined me as a person. It was mereiy a p:ut of my sum totai. My pride shifted from what I was to who I was but I needed that first srep. I had to accept be:ng gay before I could become a whoie person. J'hat's why I think g3y pt·ide is ~rill extremely important maybe now more th~n ever. The LGBT community is under attack. \'Y/c've gained visibility, but '".,vith Yisibility con1cs increased attention} and the attention has led to increased persecution .. \Y,/e~vc been bit ,vith a barrage of :antigay n1cssagcs frorn the president to Congn::.-s to our churches in recent yc,ars. 1l•cre is an abundance of negafrv<: inforn1ation around out on cbe r11ainstrcaff1 media~ the rnes~agcs an: cotning through loud and clear. Gay pc~)p!e ::1rc sinners. (;ay people do not deserve the sm11e .............. contt.n uect' next page. Page 19 rights a:: others. Gay families are less vai11· d t I~ an " tram, .ti.o.n aI f am1·11· es. "· It's okay to discrimina:e against minorit:es. Hate · is acceptable ·when it's targeted at those y;rithout rights. \'ve need to counter those messages with the truth, and one of the ways we can do that is through Pride. Imagine, for a minute, a young gay child. Maybe he doesn't even know he's gay yet, or maybe he's just starting to realize his attraction for other boys. Maybe he only understands chat he is different. He's being inundated with negative information on a daily basis: from the government, from school, from church, and maybe even from his parents. Where are the positive messages? Now imagine a closeted young lesbian in the rural South. Maybe she's crapped in an unhappy marriage, maybe she's maintaining that she hasn't met the "right man" yet, or maybe she just fears the rejection of her family. She's just hoping desperately to escape, but doesn't feel she has any options. Where is her hope? The Far Right would like us to live in shame, fear, and silence. Pride celebrations defy them in a powerful and positive way. By making ourselves visible and celebrating who we are, we're sending a dear message co both our critics and impressionable minds. \'('c're here, we're q~ecr, and ,,,e're not going anywhere! To me, Gay Pride Month is less about those of us who are already out and more about those who have vet to make tbat sten It's a powerfui statcme~t, but the best parr';s, we get to have fun while making it! Gay Pride events are being pl:umed all across the co,mtty and world, but you don'c hayc to join one of the large planned galas. You can .make a statement right where you are. Richard D. Mohr, author of The Long Arc of justice: Lesbian and Ga'V Marriaoe ,,. . ., 6, Eqttatity, and Rights, relates this story in his book. "The town I live in is girded by cornfields and good o!' boys. It's nowhere near large enough to support a gay pride parade the last weekend in June, when cities across America commemorate with parades the so-called Stonewall Riots that launched the modern lesbian and gay rights movement in 1969. The town's gay men and lesbians do something at once more radical and more ordinary than that. We have a gay contingent in the town's all-American Fourth of July parade. The parade draws in crowds from all of the county and much of the rest of east-central Illinois. Last year, a purple parade banner streamed by the crowds reading 'Lesbian and Gay Pride.' I saw a little girl, maybe fiYe, lean over co her father and ask, 'Daddy, what does pride mean?' Apparently she knew what lesbian and gay meant." Whether vou do it in the citv or in the country, i~ a Red state or Blue state. as part of a large celebration or a small · act of defiance, get out there and show vour pride! It's important. Quotable Quotes When asked by the Fort Worth Star Telegram how he would tell gay and lesbian veterans of combat in Iraq that they cannot come home and get married, he replied, "Texans made a decision about marriage, and if there's a state that has more lenient views than Texas, then maybe that's a better place for them to live." __ Texas Gov. Rick Perry Page 22 by 1z Highleyman JULY 2005 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. What is the history of Queer Nation? The activist group Queer Nation evolved as the gay and lesbian movemen~ confronted the scourge of AIDS, the rise of the religious right, arid changing notions of identity. Though s;1ort-lived, Queer Nation made a :asting impact on the movement and the language it uses to describe itself. Queer Nation was born in New '::' ork City in the spring of 1990. The idea for the group is said to have hatched at an ACT UP meeting, and Queer Nation made its first public appearance at an April demonstration against antigay ·violence. But the new face of queer activism burst onto the national radar with an inflammatory broadsheet distributed at the citv's Gav Pride parade that June. , , The four-page broadsheet - "published anonymously by queers" proclaimed "Queers Read This" on the front .;.nd "! Hate Straights" on the back. "Until I can enjov the same freedom of moveme~t ,and sexuality as straights, their privilege must stop and it must be given over to me and my queer sisters and brothers," the diatribe read. "Straight people will not do this vobntarily and so they must be forced into it .. .Terrorized into it. .. Rights are not given, they are taken, by force if necessary ... Straight people are your ene1ny. "Queers Read This" was phorocopied, passed from hand to hand, faxed, and mailed across the ,ountrv. A Queer Nation chapter soon formed· in San Francisco, follow;d by groups in other major cities. With a considerable overlap in membership, Queer Nation adopted· ACT UP's sense of urgency and its theatrical spirit. Like ACT UP, Queer Nation was a leaderless network of autonomous chapters, in turn made up of ad hoc working groups. By the summer of 1991, there were chapters in some 40 cities, including conservative locales such as Des Moines and Salt Lake City. "Our strength lies in our numbers, our diversity, and in our public and proud contempt for the closet," read the group's mission statement. With its slogan, "We're here! We're queer! Get used to it!," Queer Nation came to be seen as the shock troops of the movement. Popular actions included the Suburban Homosexual Outreach Project (same-sex kiss-ins at shopping malls) ~nd Queer Nights Out (invasions of straight bars and other venues). Queer Nation protested everything from gay bashing and the 1991 Gulf War to the censorship of queer art and negative portrayals of lesbian and bisexual women in the film _Basic Instinct_, while promoting queerpositive sex education and defending abortion clinics alongside pro-choice activists. Its Urban Redecoration Committees ensured that the group's brightly colored stickers and postecs featuring declarations of queer pride and sometimes sexually explicit images adorned telephone poles, subway cars, and activists' leather jackets from coast to coast. The uncompromising message of "Queers Read This!" and Queer Nation's in-your-face tactics re-ignited an old debate within the LGBT community over the merits of radicalism versus reformism. "Being queer means leading a different sort of life," the broadshee: declared. "It's not about the mainstream, profit margins, patriotism, patriarchy or beingassimilated." In an article in the Winter 1991 issue of the now-defunct nacional magazine _ Out/Look_, Alan Berube and Jeffrey Escoffier wrote that the group's "new culture is slick, quick, anarchic, transgressive, ironic ... If they manage not to blow up in contradiction or get bogged down in the process, they may lead the way to ne\v forms of activism for the 1990s." ............... continued next page Page 23 Queer Nation did blow up, but still managed to influence ti:ie course of LGBT activism. The group's very name embodied its contradictory goals of achieving di\·ersity while solidifying a dis~inct idemiry that sometimes bordered on separatism. Members frequently debated wl:-io belonged under the "queer" umbrella. Queer Nation generaliy embraced bisexuals and transgendered people, and took pains t<J emphasize inclusion of people of co:or and all classes; there was more controversy, however, about whether the term could encompass radical heterosexuals. As much as a sexual orientation, "queer" came to denote sexpositivity, pride in being an outsider, righteous anger, and a determination to fight back. Bm: some felt that Queer Nation really oniy welcomed the young and hip, and that its members were a new generation of clones. The group was also accused of emphasizing style O\"er substance - ½"hat Escoffier called a "politics of symbolic gestures" and failing to engage in the difficult work of long-term organizing. By 1993, Queer Nation was largely moribund. Just as the in-your-face activism of the Gay Liberation Front in che eariy 1970s was followed by an "insider" strategy in the 1980s, the radical activism of ACT UP, Queer Nation, and the Lesbian Avengers gave way to more mainstream activism focused on inclusion in the military and same-sex marriage. But Queer Nation nevertheless made a lasting impact on the movement. The once-shocking term "queer" has become de rigueur, and gay and lesbian groups now include bisexual and transgender people as a matter of course. In the ·;:ords of former Nacional Gay and Lesbian Task Force director Tor:e Osborn, "Queer Nation forced us to deal wir.h issues relating to gender, violence'.' and visibility that pushed our movement fot"\vard." Minister Denounces President Bush's 'Compassionate Homophobia' '77Jere is nothing Cliristian about discrimination.' Rev. Steven Baines On J unc 21, Pre:,id<:n: Bush addressed the Southern Baptist (~onvention at its annual 1nccting in ~"2:!s1r,~illc, ·renn. Pra:sing the co1i,-e:1tio~1's support for 1he Federal ivlatri,,[;C :\mend,nent, the president said: ;,Somhem B,tptists are practicing compt:ssion by defending the family and rhe s,m-ed instit!aion of marriage." Reverend Steven Baines, an elder in the Discipics of Christ and member c>f the Natiornd G,1y and Lcsbi:m Ta~k Force ~atic,na] Religious Leadership Roundtable rt:spo:1ds with the foliowing statement: "As an eider in the Christian Cirnrch (Discip~es of Christ) and a fonnGr Southern Baptist minister, I am disappointcl that ti1e president and leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention continue t(> p::csent their discrimination against :csb:an, ga:,, bisexual and transgcndcr J\1r1cricans 1n the guise of compas:,ion. "The preside:1t·s speed, faiicd to cxpl:J.te how a Federal tvtarriagc i\tncndment that wouid block tho:1:,amls of i\mcr:can families fmm the prnccci.ions they neecl for :heir stabilitv ,111,! ~ccurity car: be seen as an act of co1npas~ion; just as the Sou:hern Baptist Convem;on has faikd r.o e~piain how supp:>tting this d,~cr1m1nat10n contributes to tts Christ:an ,•:itn,:<~ There i,; Christian about dlscrirr,in=-ttinn. r,pp•~p~~~~cd J1rH ;;-; tLc frn1n<h1 ti<)n 1+1c J-{ebn::\-.- and (:hristian president Page24 Creator: Paula Martinac has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of me board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series cal!ed "In Our Own Write." Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac JULY 2005 Hold the Marching Orders In a recent op-ed in the _ Washington Blade_, organizer Robin Tyler made an appeal for a fifth LGBT March on Washington to take place before the 2008 election, "demanding all ~mr civil rights." I understand her anger with the climate that's been set by Washington; gay people are indeed, as she put it, "under siege." But before we take up the call for another showy, star-studded event in the nation's capital, we should consider where queer money and energy could besr be used at this time of right-wing hegemony. I believe that the stra~egy of holding national LGBT marches should be put on indefinite hold, and that we would be better served as a community to shift increasingly more of our resources to local demonstrations and organizing. I've perrnna!lv attended two of t!1e four national marches for LGBT rights that have take~ place ;ince 1979. The 1987 demonstration was a somber event the devastating sight of so many queer people with photos pinned to their T-shirts of friends and lo,;ers who'd succumbed to AIDS is still a vivid memory for me. The chillv. overcast day reflected the mood of our community perfectly. In me one photo I ha;e of myself ~t that march, I'm sitting down wearily with my head in my hands. Six years later, the day of the 1993 march was bright and sunny; Bill Clinton had just taken office with the promise of ending me gay military ban, and many of us believed we could actually see a ray of hope. In fact, me march had more of the air of a party than a poiitical march. And although it was a iot of fun, it was still a bit pointless for those of us who wanted something more substantial than the color and glitz of a Pride celebration. Like many omers in our community, I sat out the march in 2000, which had been dictated by a few national organizations that never bothered to consult local gay organizers about whether another D.C. get-together was really a good idea. Later, the so-called "Millennium March" was fraught with financial scandal, as tens of thousands of dollars mvsteriouslv went missing from its coffers. Have w~ learned 'anyming as a movement in the five years since then, particularly gi·:en the devastating results of the 2004 election? '· .Hopefully, we know now mat mere's much truth to the old maxim about all politics being locai. That's not to say that our nationai gay groups snould close up shop. But a corporate-sponsored party in Washington - starring, as Tyler s4ggests, gay icons like Cher, Madonna, and Barbra Streisand, no less! - couldn't adequately address the serious challenges our community faces. Just think about it: Do you see me American Family Association wasting energy anci time hosting an antigay blow-oi:t on the Washington Mall, starring, say, Pat Boone and Bo Derek? No, the AFA is too busy organizing locally focused actions like its "Meet at Citv Ha.:l" event for a "morn~ rebirth" of me country, calling on local religious groups and. congregations to spread rhe word. Indeed, the right has been so successful in its antigay campaign because it has honed its local and Internet organizing skills to precision. How do you suppose they routinely manage to garner alf those signatures ro get antigay initiatives on ballots across the count::y? Page 25 Our CY,Vn major organizations !i'.,c: the Human Rights Carr:paign and the National Gav and Lesbian Task Force have been c;Jrrect, then, tc begin chanp_eiing more and mo:c c,f their energies and resources mto shori!1g up our state and local efforts. Ai:d c,·en one national sraffer taken :mt of commission to plan a \X'ashington e\·ent and i.: would, of course, take many more than one would be one staffer too many. Tyler reasons that a national march would. be important for demonstrating our "strong and united presence.'' But there are many other ways to sho•;;r queer strength and resolve. (I won't go imo "united," which I think, given the diversity of our community, is an unattainable goal.) For example, a single day of demonstrations in the capitals of states that have antigay laws on the books or anti-marriage-rights bills pending would be far more effect;ve than a party ,vith Babs on the Mall (e,·en if she sang "People" jus: for us). Remember that there arc still a lot of foiks ou;: there who think gay people don't exist or shouidn't live - anywhere but San Francisco and New York. Jus~ recently, Gov. Ricic Perry (R-Texas) had the audacity to suggest that returning gay veterans of the Iraq war might be happier vacating his stare if tney don't approve of its laws. How much more effective it is, ti1en, to fight 'phobes like that on their own turf not by gamering in D.C., when al1 me politicos have left for the weeicend. :; ~'~~"ii tue, 1111:eg . ~i, ',;{,'{~if~~rtfsirig:Servire. .. ,//,-/·>:)/(C/~::,, Quotable Quotes "l thinic we'ye alreaci·; won (the samesex marriage batt:e]. /\nd that's a hard thin!! to remember, because it's really a scary time. Bur ,vhen you look at ,vhat l1as happened in the gay-rights movement in the last 36-37 years, we have progressed further, in a shorter period of time, than any civil-rights movement in the history of the planet, and there's bound to be a backlash .... Uppity people get uppity and get excited and get organized and there's a backlash. But I trulv believe mat we have so profoundly' impacted the generation behind us that we'ye already ;,on. \Y.'e just don't know it yet." "Queer as Folk's" Peter Paige (Emmett) to the Sr. Louis gay newspaper The Vital Voice, May 13. Joplin Couple To Host First Annual Christmas in July Pa JOPLIN, MO_Tom Walton and Tim Baker tne host and creators of the annual Christmas open house parry to benefit "Aids Project of 6e Ozarks" (APO) has announced their first "Christmas in July Bar-B-Que". The event will be at me coup:es home in Joplin on Sunday July 17th, i 2:00 noon. Guest are requested to briag nonpe~ishabie items, mainly paper goods, bleach and detergents. Ail donations will go to benefit APO members. "Wim all the cuts in benefits to people with AIDS, donations have never been more important than noy;r" said Tim Baker. The decision by a House subcommittee to flat-fund the Ryan Wr:ite Comprehensive AIDS Resour~es Emergency ~;\ct and other federal HIV/ AIDS programs, more help from the private sector is critical. Fur an invitacion or to drop off your contributions call 1·101 or 'Torn at 417-396-0474, Page26 Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! JULY 2005 Salurntions to all of my loyal kictens en:rywhere.This month Uncle has been just over run with a!l the excitemem of pride kittens. You know they asked uncle to serve as a judge in a pageant competition going on to celebrate pride while, crowing diversities finest. Uncle was drawn back imo the days gone by; Uncles pageant days. Straight men only think hey know blood sport. You cannot imagine the true body called pageant. I teli you those Queens work it as if they own it and you. Yes, uncle dealt with some trifling Queens however, emerged victorious. Face it sisters, in the end there can only be one. You have never in vou.r life saw the levels of absolute disdain, which, pours from a runner up. I swear at ~ne competition, I kno•,v I heard music from the omen coming from behind the dressing room door. I have· also been equaliy dividing my time to my new houseboy, while craining this young kitten to become a great mans man. This young one now before me shows a lot of possibility. Uncle misses Delight, however realize nothing last forever. Delicious has been able to jump in '.Vithout looking back. I will tell you the buns on that boy, inst scream-Hot dog. Uncle none::heless has remembered his own policy of not sampling the helps me!lu of love. Whilst Uncle Recalls days gone by, let us see what seekers seek this month. Dear Uncle: I am one of t:\vo children born to my parems both of which are gay. My sister and I have chis odd relationship, in which, I wish I could escape. She has always had better grades, better friends, everything overall has been better for her. My parents e:ven accepted her sexuality, while treated me as if I was a mistake. They never loved me. I have the opportunity of moving away with some friends, which would allow me my escape. I haYc no~ told her yet as it is difficult as were all we have. Our parents both gone now, leaves us depending soleiy on one another for family support. Am I wrong for wanting my own life, away from my family shadows? Distant brother Dear distant: Well baby Jane; it's all ai:>out you from the sounds of things. It is hard enough to find chosen familv in the world ~o cali loved ones. I would suggest that you attempt to try to keep a relationship, even if a ~ong distance one with your sister. Who knows kitten vo;.. may need a kidnev one dav. You know they sav jealousy is crueler than the g;a;e Kitt~n; you may w;nt to thi;1k about that fo; a '\~hiie bef~re making your choice. Uncle might also suggest seeing a [professional for what sounds like- a luggage rack fuH of baggage. Kitten, life is too short to hold grudges. Let go and let Cherl l(ittens life i::: hard enough without dragging baggage around. Life is not always easy, however, there is one thing true. Life is what you make of it. You can either enjoy life while, balancing the negative occurrences. Aiternatively, you can give in and allow the negative to rule you. In which case you shall send your life being a negative I'\Jancy. Dear Uncle Mikey: I ,vaf. ha,·ing sex ·.vith my partner the <Jther night, when he shocked me with is bei1avior We are not mto kinky stuff, just good old-fashioned sex. When he toid me Page 27 to slap him, I thought he was joking. Than in a passionate plea, he insisted that I slap him. I did it however, felt strangely afterwards. When it was all said and done, he acted no different from before. Is this normal for men to pick up new habits? Should I be worried here? I am afraid he may show up with a black mask and whip soon, what should I do? Seriously Confused Dear SC: Kitten, I would not raise the alarm just yet. This could be something he heard of, or simply had the urge to try. It is not uncommon, especially in a committed relationship for people to want to try new things. I would keep open discussion on the needs of both parties if you fear certain behavioral movements in the bedroom. Smooches-Uncle Uncle Mikey not only believes in creative _expression in the bedroom, however is an active promoter. Uncles bedroom accessories include and are not limited to the following. Smoke machine, laser machine, mirrors for every angle. You know, I have seen some of my best moments in those mirrors. Maintaining a happy healthy sexual relationship takes dedication, creativity, and of course Glitter! Well Kittens-ks that time again. Uncle has to get ready for the nights events. Remember while enjoying this pride season, we have a lot to be proud of. Our community is made up of some of the most diverse, genuine, loving people in the world. Most of which uncle has loved on a one to one basis. Continue the spirit kittens, and be safe. Remember; Love thy neighbor, especially if he is Hot! Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too! Undt! Mikey is a character from Freeiance 'WTiter Michat!l Hinzman. Michat!l h.u b«n writing/or ten years. Utilizing bis st1IIUl!s, and life t!Xprntm« to bdp othttrS in bis commHnity, through humor and sound ad'Uice. Mich4eJ applied bis stlldy of prycbolvgy and creative writing, 11.S 1«il his extensive b.ultground in mtmul health Dim:t can to bring a new st:,lc and approach to helping otkrs. Michael's other works can be vit!Wl!ti at 'fl1'WU!.gayiinkcontent.com. Bamboo owner's donate mini cvcle back to Tulsa Rough Riders. , Press Release: June 15, 2005 TULSA, OK_Tulsa Rough Rider would like to thank Club Maverick for letting us have our club night on June 11, 2005 Gay pride weekend at the club, it was a great success. We would also like to thank everyone who participated and purchased Raffle tickets. Stan and Terry owners of the Bamboo Lounge won the Mini Chopper that was given away and they have graciously donated it back to the Rough Riders to Raffle again on August 13 2005 at the Rough Riders next club night at the Bamboo at 1 0:00pm till ? All the proceeds from the Chopper will be donated to Hope Clinic. The August 10th chili night at the Bamboo will also be the Rough Riders One year anniversary celebration and will be a night to remember. Lots of surprises and some out of control fun. Quotable Quotes "My stepdaughter is gay. She and her partner have been together in Chicago for 10 years; they have a wonderful relationship. I adore her. She's been my stepdaughter since she was 9, so we have a ,.·ery good family relationship." Golden Girl Betty White to San Diego', Gay & Lesbian Times, May 12. Page 28 Oi.t o/Town- continued from pg-7 watch videos and mingle; and the Market Hotel, the city's top late-night gay disco. Amid several offbeat shops and eateries around the intersection of Greville and Izett streers. check out Candv Bar, which serves light f~od and hosrs a gay parry on Sunday nights. . Just amble up Chapel Street from Prahran to South Y arra to find some of the most fashionable clothing and design shopping in the city, plus a slew of wny restaurants. Collingwood, Richmond, and Abbotsford North of the river and Central Melbourne, you'll find happening restaurants and swish lounges cropping up in Collingwood, especially around rhe junction of Smith and Gertrude streets. On Thursdays, the Q+A party at the Builders .,"1rm Hotel draws a see-and-be-seen set of mostly under- 35 gay guys. Continue a bit east of the neighborhood into the rough-and-rumble Richmond and Abbotsford areas, and you'll find several top gav hangouts,including the Glasshouse Hotel, a fab lesbian club thar's especially popular on Sarurdavs. and the Peel, a youthful video bar and dis~o- that draws plent'J of young guys on the make. Leather-and-Le~·i's types favor the rollicking Laird Hotel. Trade, a cozy gay pub, draws an eclectic, mostly male neighborhood crowd. Head ro the Star Hotel or DT's Hotel for crazy drag shows, which are arguably as beloved in Australia as anywhere in the world; and for steamier action, you'd be hard-pressed (so to speak) to find a better-kept and cleaner bathhouse than Wet on Weliington. Fitzroy In Fitzrov. the intersection of Brunswick and lohnston '~treets marks one of Melbourne's hipster meccas, buzzing with tapas and flamenco bars, Asian restaurants, wackv coffeehouses, and off-kilter bout1cmes and ;hops selling curring-edge anci retro clothing, underground mus:c, and e,ery imaginable kinci of gift and knickknack. Mos' piaces are hidden behind ,:intage bdding$ wit:1 ir.tentionally distressed facades, nrod~cing a some,.vhat shabby-chic look. • Among the dozens of intriguing eater:cs along here. consider Red Tongue Caie, a ch;c, contemoorary space that's equal parts 1ncimat; and· seductive; Fitz Cafe, a han~;somc <pot w•th a nieasant sidnvaik terrace and ;~;:;t globail~ inspired food; or the affordable Polly Bar, \vhich serves up delicious small plates, ranging from barbecue venison to gnocchi. Carlton Just west of Fitzroy lies Melbourne's imp;essive Little Italy neighborhood, Car!ron. The main drag, Lygon Street, contains scores of great restaurants and gourmet shops. Try Ti Amo, an old-world trattoria, for such classics as lamb osso buco. And definitely don't leave Carlton without ~topping for gelati or pastries at Brunetti. And that's just a sampling of the great neighborhoods in this underrated ciry. Yes, it's a long way to Australia, and Sydney deserves attention, but don't come all this way without spending at least a few days in Melbourne, one of the world's great gayfriendlv metropolises. The Little Black Book (the country code for Australia is 61) Base (17 Carlisle St., 3-9536-6109). Boccone (2"'7 Carlisle St., 03-9527-9223). Brunetti (194- 204 Faradav St., 3-9347-2801). Cafe Di Stasio (31 Fitzroy, St., 3-9529-3999). Candy Bar (162 Greville St., 3-9529-6566). Chocolate Buddha (Federation Square, Flinders and Swanston Sts., 3- 9, 654-5688). Ciaypots (213 Barkly St., 3-9:-,34-1?-8'.->) · Diva /153 Commerciai Rd., 3-9824-2800t DT's Hotel .(164 Church St., 3-9428-5724). Ezard at Adelphi (187 Flinders L:a., 3-9639-6811 ). Fitz C:,fe :357 Bruns\':ick Sc.. 3-9417-5794). Giasshouse Hotel (51-55 Gipps St., 3-9419-4748). Glick's (330 Carlisle St., 03-9527-2198). Greyhound Hotel (1 Brighton Rd., 3-9534-4189). II Fornaio (2 Acland St., 03- 9534-2922;. Laird Hotel (149 Gipps Sc., 3-9417- 2832,. 1,:,; Chicas (Carlisle St., 03-9531-3699). Le Meridien at Rialto (495 Collins St., 3-9620-91111. Market Hotel (143 Commercial Rd., 3-9826-0933). M.eibourne Visitors Centre (Flinders and Swanston Sts., 3-9658-9658, www.thatsme!bourne.com.au). Metropolitan Hotel (263 Wi!liam St., 3-9670-1385). Novote! St. Kild:. (14-16 The Esplan2de, 3-9525- 5522). Park Hyatt Melbourne (1 Parliament Sq., 3- 9224-1234). The Peel (113 Wellington St., 3-9419- 4762). Poliy Bar (401 Brunswick St., 3-9419-6539:,. Prin~e of W:i.les Hotel (2 Acland St., 3-9536-1111). Pure South (Shop GR2, River Level, Southgate, 3-9699-4600~. Q+ A party (Builders tum Eo.ei, Gertrud~ and Grove Sts .• _3-9419-0818). Red Tongue Cafe (275 Brunswick St., 3-94i5-92.i4j. 7 Apples (75 Acland St., 3-9537-3633:,. So'1i l\.fam;i !St. Kiida Scabachs. 10-18 Jacb. Blvd., St. Kilda. 3- ~525-3338). Star Hotel (176 Hoddle St .• 3-9417- 2(,%,. Ti Ame (303 :,ygun St .. 3-9347-5759). Tou;~stn Vio:ori~'s gay/lesbian website (http:// visitmeibourne.com/ g.ytr~vel). Trade (9 Ped St.~ 3- 9417-6700). w~: on \'(icliingtcn (162 Wellington St., 03~9419-20101 Xch;;.nge Eotei (119 Com1nercial Rd-, 3-9867-5144). Hollywood Events Center Opens with "NIGHT OF STARS" by Greg Steele June 18, 2005 OKLAHOMA CITY_ Leona Layne emcee, opened the star studded show to a oacked house of 300 plus. The elusions of Tina Turner, Judy Garland, Diana Ross, Nancy Sinatra, Cher, Bet Midler and special guest's belted out everyone's favorite tune to a delighted audience and raised over $1,100 for RAIN Oklahoma. RAIN Oklahoma, a nonprofit, regional AIDS Intercommunity Network, and is located in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lawton. The Events Center is located in the Hoilr.vood Hotel and Suites anci has been a iong awaited project of Lee Burrus the complex General Manager. \Y/itt a capacity of 400, the evem center is availabie for banquets, conventions, pageants, parties and other functions. The center has a large stage with great lighting, a dressing area and a dance floor. Food and bar service are also available in the center from Topanga Ba1: and Grill. The i/!11-.<ion of Judy Garland at the opening of Hollywood £,vents Center, Oklahoma City. The cemer is a beautifui new addirion to Oklahom~ City's GLBT community facilities and to our region. For booking information contact Lee Burrus, Generai Manager, 405-()4--2351. f Page 33 STAR Scene Photo's by Chaz I Seo by Jack Fertig JULY 2005 es "Keep a journal, Scorpio!" Three weeks ago, Venus was square Jupiter and ttine Uranus; now the Sun is in the same position. Try to imagine Fidel Castro imitating Isadora Duncan, and you'll get the general picture. Where you experienced charming stimulation three weeks ago, you're now likely to find egoistic assertion. Channel that energy constructively, if you can! ARIES (.March 20 - April 19): Just as Louis XIV declared, "L' etat, c' est moi," so may you be overidentifying as the avatar of your community's concerns. Put your ego aside and be strong enough to accept criticism as a key to real growth. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Teamwork has been a big issue lately. All your recent efforts do not make vou enough of an expert to tell other~ what to do. Better to use your charm to elicit advice from your colleagues. GEMINI (May 21 June 20): Stay focused on what's important in the long run, and on strategies for the furore. That focus should help you curb your playful, provocative streak, which is usually great fun, but is sure to get you into big trouble now. CANCER Oune 21 July 22): You can be Queen of the F***ing Universe at your birthday party, but otherwise your self-absorption ain't pretty. Affect the humble grace and charm of an immigrant or a profoundly religious grandmother. If neither of your grannies fits the bill, make one up" LEO (July 23 - August 22): Stop, think, and breathe. People ignore your demands for attention, so tune in to. quiet, selfcontained intensity. Meditate and focus on what you want to say; speak with your beautifully dramatic eyes and save your mouth for more intimate expressions:. VIRGO (August 23 September 22): Try not to obsess about money. Focus instead on what values and resources you can offer others. If you have any doubts in those departments, any son of teamwork or volunteer effort will bring out your ralents. LIBRA (September 23 October 22): Your instincts for teamwork are sure to get you ahead. The trick is to make others look good, which you usually do well. You're too eager for recognition now. The more you share the credit, the more you'll achieve in the long run. SCORPIO (October 23 November 21): Keep a dream journal handy. Meditate. Those deeper thoughts, images, and memories all provide a wealth of material to open up new artistic and philosophical directions. And a journal makes the darker, scarier stuff easier to handle, too! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): The stars are boosting your sexual confidence - as if you needed any more! That charisma can be enjoyed at a purely erotic level, or it can be sublimated into community work. They're not mutually exclusive - do some good, and you can get done good! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Opportunities for promotion can get you in over your head. Trust in your improvisational skills and you should be able to talk your way out of any. situation; exploit that ability now while you can. AQUARIUS Oanuary 20 - February 18): Arguments can get expensive or lead you to fundamental questions of philosophical values. Save some money and re-examine your dogmas. Budgeting and exercise help focus your mind in those directions. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Remember three weeks ago when you were irresistible? Well, now you're indomitable - unless you _ want_ to be a kinky bottom! Whatever - or whomever - you want, go get 'em, tigerfish! Jack Fertig has been working as a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Networking. r t l l I I I I -J7 Page-20 Page:-2 - - ~. 7 l~~ge-10 . Page.:.nf· - - - - - - - I?age;-17 . Pa.ge/~2 Page'-14 You can find copies of the STAR at these 4 states business & organizations. ARKANSAS KANSAS Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Events - - w1vw.diversitypride.com MCC Llving Spring - - - · -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479} Studio 716- -716 W. Syco.more- - - '179-571 130 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - 479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson A·,e - 479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Our House Lounge 660 E. Gro.nd Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - -1021 jessie Rd- 501-654-27 44 Dio.mond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - -'\\rww.dsra.org Discovery- - - 1021 Jessie Rd- - - 501-656-6900 The Factory -412 Louisiwa St.- - - - -501-372-307(1 Kansas, Pittsburg {620) River of Ufe Church - 1709 N W2lnu: -11AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita (316) Club Glacier J's Lounge - Our Fo.ntasy- 2828 E. 31st South - 3:6-612-9331 - 513 E. Central - - 3i6-262-1363 • 3201 S. Hillside- -316-682-5494 The Otherside- -447 N. St Francis- 316-262-7825 Shatlli - 4000 S. Broad·;1a;;- 316-522--2028 Sidestreet Men5 Bar -1106 S. P2ttie- - -316-267-0324 South 40 - 3201 S. Hiliside -316-682-5494 Trends Bar - -1507 S. Pawnee- That Gay Group, W.S.U. - Missouri, Ava 316-262-4530 316-978-7010 Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - - - 716 S. Main - - - - - - - - - '117-627-9035 MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - - -Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - • - • 3715 Ma:n St -- 816-561-2600 Club l'.'V - 220 Admiral Blvd- 816-421-NVKC DB Wo.renouse- 1915 Main St- -816-47 1-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - 816-561-0625 Sidestreet Ba.r • -- -413 E. 3rd-- - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks So.loon - - 3707 Main St- 816- 931-i430 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground-----· --417-779-5084 MIBS □ URI OKLAHOMA Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- A24 Boonvilie A.ve- --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Mo.rtha's Vine;:ard- 219 W Olive - - 417-864-4572 Prisci:Ja's - 1918 S. Glenstone - - 417-881-8444 Oz Bo.r 504 E. Commercial Ronist:z Pl:ice- --821 College- 417-831-9001 - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, McAlester McP:ide- - - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 KW 36th St- - -405-601-7200 Club Ro,:- -3535 NW 39th Expwy 405-947-2351 Finish Line - -22C10 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525-0730 Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39E:xp405-525-0730 HollywoodHote:- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habo.na Inn 2200 NW 39,h Ex!J• - - 405-528-2221 Hi-Lo Cub - 1221 N\Y/ SOth- - -405-843-1722 Jung;e Reds Partners- . - 2200 NW fapwy- - 405-524-5733 -2805 NW 36th St - - 405-942-2199 Piece To Remember-2i31 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 P!:sdla's- 615 E. Memorial -405-755-8600 Sisters- - - - . - 2120 NW 39th St - - -A-05-521-9533 TI:e Rcc;;ies- -320: N. May Ave - - 405-947-9361 Topanga GriiJ & Bar- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. P'ne - - 91?-836-8700 Club Mo.vcrick- - 822 S. Snerida:' - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks -- 8807 E. Admir:1.i Pl - -834-1051 Elit~ Bookstore --814 S. Sheridan- 918-838-8503 End Up Club- - - c.24 S. Memorial- - -918-836-2480 Flamingos Ciuo- • -7915 E. 21st St - - -9 I 8-622-6339 GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 415:. - - • 918-743-4297 The De:our- - - -794A- E. 21st - - - - - • 918-270-2428 Club Majestic- - 124 J\i. Boston - · 918-584-9494 Renegades- - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Prisciila's - - • 7925 E. 41st - -918-627-4884 Pr::scilb's - - 5634 W. Skelly - - - - -918-446-6336 Pri~cilla's • - -11344 E. i ith - - -- - -918-438-4224 Prisdib's - - 2333 E. 71st - - - -- - -918-499-1661 Tub• CARES- -3507 E Admir~i Pi- . 918-83·+-4194 Tulsa E~gk- - -1338 E, 3rd - - • - 918-592-1188 TNT's- - 21 i 4 S. Memorio.1- • •· - 918-660-0856 Undcrguy,corn - - -15 E. Bra~y 9 l 8-829-0824 \vhitticr l'Jev.rs Stand- - 1 :t.J. ]n,is- - 918~592-0767 Ydkr.v-Brick-Rd- -2630 E. 15th- - - 918-293-0304 Outlets wishing to distribute I<'REE copies of the ST AR, contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon - fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Page 37 I NEw cART □□ N "Bitter Girl" I I PASE 40 THE STAR JULY 2005 to 3pm closed sundays. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, July 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 07 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 01, 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Douglas Glenn Michael Dee Steve T. Urie Paula Martinac Chaz C.D. 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 Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, May 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/219 The Star Magazine, August 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/215 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/217 Advice AIDS anti gay Bitter Girl Cartoon Drag Show family HIV Lesbian Notions local advertisement Past Out Pride Q Scopes Quotable Quotes religion Ryan White care Act Star Scene Uncle Mikey vacation https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/fe31c2dea84101f56a195147826781fc.jpg 73498dae0a0cbe0ec93efd6c664a6dee https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/0df1ba0618742cac7cdebdc3ea6300f0.pdf 8efc7a5d9bf16546bc1fcb6a520d40c1 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6 JUNE 2005 FREE DIVERSITY PRIDE 2005 Four States Gay Pride Celebration Schedule. Tulsa Pride Equal Rights No More No Less Dates: 6/3 - 6/11 Location: Tulsa, OK For more information go to www.tohr.org or call GLB'.I' Center 918-743-7297 Springfield, Show Me MO Pride: 6/4 - 6/12. Festival at Phelps Grove Park June 12, 12noon to 6:30pm. Kansas City Pride Dates: 6/3- 6/05 Location: Kansas City, :MO Liberty Memorial Pershing Avenue & Main Street June 3rd. Oklahoma City Unity in Pride Dates: 6/24 - 6/26 Location: Oklahoma City, OK For more information, go to www.okcpride.com. Northwest Arkansas Pride Weekend Fayetteville Parade starts at the Square and will go down Dickson St to the Powerhouse. Favetteville 6/25. Fort .Smith 6!1"9 - 6/26 Contact Kinkeads @ 479-783-9988 for more info Wichita Pride O 5 Stand UP, Step OUT! Parade and events June .?,5th 2pm Start Central and· Waco. End St Francis and Central. For more info call Carol Harrell 316.617.8813 All festivals aim is to educate the . community by invoking, promoting, and celebrating Gay/LesbiaI)./Bisexuai/ Transgender pride. Pages Mother and HRC Board member Judy Shepard, '7bere 1$ notmn(/ that ctilt 9ffl" britlg Matthew back but $upporfff/g·the$e i$$ues is flliMt htJ/pl me ~ through the d.,y.. .The ,-,,t·n.~ do for h;m and either vittfhts. or fr~•'""~ 11~1Jon /$ $#:ar'ld, up . n'ld c:ome tog«her to do w/iit~vtr: we tan·to•~ our., CR'm'tlunitiiJS_ 4 me, fail: p/a(» for GLBT \.. Amenc:ans .... -Judr Shepard _______________ __, It has been over 6 years since our son Matthew was brutally murdered in Laramie, Wyoming. No matter how much time passes, the pain of losing our son never seems to diminish. The understanding 'tl:;iat he was taken from us simply because he was gay only adds to the confusion and pain. Since bis death, my husband and I have devoted our ,lives to promoting acceptance and understanding in communities, churches, schools, workplaces - anywhere we can get people to listen, so that we can help end discrimination and hate against our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLB1) friends and family. Soon after Matthew's death, Dennis and I started the Matthew Shepard Foundation to help raise awareness. We felt that as allies to the GLBT community, we had an opportunity to make a difference. Although many GLBT people enjoy welcoming workpiaces and accepting families and communities, many still do not. -And it is all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or religious beliefs, that we need standing with us today to create a truly accepting culture based on equality for every citiz~n. Because hate and discrimination has so personally affected my family's life, I know how critical HRC's work is to everyday pepple. When you join us, know that you'll be standing with over 600,000 Americans who will not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our constitution, in our schools, our workplaces, our places of worship, or our communities. HRC is not just an organization "for" GLBT people. It is an organization for all people who believe we can create a wodd where acceptance and diversity are welcomed and nurtured. Rep. Sally Kem (R-Oklahoma City) Calls King and King, "obscene". Oklahoma City; Oklahoma_ The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed a resolution that would ban books on gay families from the children's sections of public libraries. The measure does not have the power of law but calls on Oklahoma libraries to "confine homosexually themed books and other age-inappropriate material to areas exclusively for adult access and distribution." It passed, 81-3 and now will be distributed to library boards across the state. The resolution's sponsor, Rep. Sally Kem (R-Oklahoma City) said that the vote shows public libraries that they must aware of the "values that our state upholds". The 32 page book ends with the two princes sharing a kiss. Tulsa Oklahoma's TOHR, strongly encourages the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender (GLB1) and allied community to call Mr. Richard Parker, Deputy Director of Community Relations at 918-596-7899 ASAP and voice your feelings and to contact the bill's author, Rep. Sally Kern (R), OKC at 405-557-7348. Thj st.«R'S:oviri·~Michaier ✓ H.iniril~r,a .. . . "·•· . .MJkey) FIRST IS RELEASED KENT, OHIO. May 2, 2005 - Michael Hinzman, current Kent resident, is excited to see his lifelong dream become reality. Michael's first novel, Dragomir, is currently available.. . ''Dragomir is the story of Richard Stonewall who, after the death of his aunt, begins to learn the truth about his family," said Michael in a recent interview. "Richard finds courage and support from his three best friends as he faces murder, intrigue, and a few surprises. I am fascinated with the world of magic. With that fascination and my desire to tell stories, Dragomir seemed to spill onto the pages. It is purely fictional and was fun to write," Michael continued. While exploring the unknown with this group of fresh chara<;ters, M,ichael Hinzman delivers a wonderfully told story that keeps the .reader in suspense from page to page. D. ~mit can currently. be found on websites selling publications including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Publish America. Dragomir's ISBN is 1-4137-5116-4. The author's audience is quickly spreading; his novel is also being sold' on a United Kingdom website. . Michael began writing in high school and writes when time permits between fatherhood and work. He and his children~ Mikayla, Michael, and Jacob, moved to Kent in 2003. Mich.ael and his family have found their home in Kent and: .hope to stay here for a long time. .About the Author: Born ln Okeechobee, Florida, Michael grew up in Toledo, Ohio. After living in Indiana for 10 years, he returned to Ohio. Michael currently is working on several writing projects. Contact: Michael Hinzman, Author Dragomir - ISBN 1-4137-5116-4 (330) 678-0221 micka1obe30@aol.com "," , ,,.,-. \" < Press Release TULSA, OK_A benefit show will be held on Saturday June 4th 10pII1 at the Bamboo Lounge. Hosted by Tulsa Diva Kriss Kohl and will feature many of Tulsa 's best entertainers. Proceeds from donations will go to support the Tulsa Pride 05 Parade organization. There will be no door cover charge. .• P•a•ge• 7• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• . •• •• Oklahoma City GLBTI Pride Celebration June24-26 FEST'\ ''AL t M . Saturday, 3 -10 pm VJ 8 emonal Park Sunday, Noon - 5 pm Large Children's Play 1'rea, Two Stages of Li~ Entertainment, PRIDE IDOL Contest on Saturday, Grw Food, Refreshing Beverages, a Host of Pride Items! Learn more about Your community! PARADE From Memorial Park to the Strip, Festive step off at 5 pm www.okcpride.com . iversity 1de Even It For GLBTs & PFLAGs Eureia S · •' Valentine's, Spring & Fall Dances - Concerts - BEARS! Plus other Pride Events! &' iversity de en It fll,41",.,,.,.,.t! For GLBTs & PPLAGs Eu · S ansas . . . . ... -~ V-1entine's, Spring a Fall Dances .. Concerts ;..; BEARS! Plus other Pride Events! ,.p;rtfl@[ "pp And Watch Out For Nore .com •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• • Page 10 JUNE 2005 by Andrew Collins "Juneau laska" If it's outdoor adventure you're seeking this summer and you want . . a base of operations that's spectacularly scenic, relatively progressive, and surprisingly artsy, consider a trip to America's most remote state capital, Juneau, Alaska. This bustling city of 30,000, sometimes referred to as ''Little San Francisco" because of its hilly streets, fringes Gastineau Channel and lies beneath the sheer faces of Mt. Juneau (3,600 feet) and Mt. Roberts (3,800 feet). There are no roads in or out of Juneau (all travel here is by boat or plane), which is about 600 miles southeast of Anchorage and 900 miles northwest of S~attlc. If you're guessing that secluded Juneau isn't exactly a gay mecca, you're correct,· but gay visitors will hardly find themselves alone here. Although Alaska's one of the most conservative states in the Union, its capital city is an educated, outdoorsy place. It's home to the Southeast Alaska Gay & Lesbian Alliance, whose website (www.seagli.org) offers plenty of great information for visiting "family." Juneau also claims one of the most respected regional theaters in the country, the Perseverance Theatre. This first-rate company has produced such enlightened fare as _Hedwig and the Angry Inch_ and _Angels in America_; the 2005- 2006 season will include _Hair_ and _The Laramie Project_. Juneau also has several excellent art galleries and a local GLB'I' Pride Chorus that performs at a variety of venues. Most folks come to Juneau for one primary reason: to enjoy the great outdoors. The region lacks the frosty climate for which interior Alaska is known, with average temperatures in the 20s and 30s in winter, and in the 60s and 70s in summef. The city does experience plenty of rain, averaging as much 100 inches of annual precipitation (the worst of it in autumn). The driest and most pleasant months arc April through June. Keep in mind, however, that cruise ships dock in Juneau from mid-May through mid-September - good news if you're planning sightseeing excursions, as many of the touring outfitters in town operate only at this time; and bad news if you're put off by the sight of massive 20-story ships looming over downtown and unleashlog a torrent of pasty and portly passengers. That being said, if you're a fan of cruises, note that the gay-and-lesbian tour operator RSVP is offering an Alaska cruise in September 2005, and also that lesbian-oriented Olivia Cruises occasionally offers Alaska trips. Among Juneau's myriad outdoors activities, visiting a glacier tops the list. The simplest way to do this is to drive out to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, which sits just 10 miles north of downtown and contains some excellent exhibits on this hulking glacier, which you can view from a nearby observation area: You can hike right on the glacier by booking a helicopter trip through Northstar Trekking. A chopper lifts passengers and a guide up to Mendenhall Glacier, first circling over the massive Juneau Iceficld (which covers some 1,500 square miles, extending from Juneau well into British Columbia), then depositing everybody onto the glacier. Next your guide straps crampons (ice spikes) onto your shoes and leads you on a hike over the ice, with its eerie blue pools and streams. For a truly intensive glacier experience, opt for an all-day hike with Above & Beyond Alaska, whose friendly and knowiedgeable guides will lead you up a trail ..................... continued pg· 12 Page 11 Overexposure to Dan~rs can lead to vision problems ... .. . ·. ¢ ~aay! IIAllclll 1111111-,.. TD CL08I Cold $eer - Hot Bods - Strong Drinks 424 S. Memorial, Tulsa• (918) 836-2480 21 ANO OVER a ONE DRINK MINIMUM a CLOSED TUESDAYaWWW.ENOUPCLUB.COM R~ney Burgamy www.c21goldc:asth;,~c:om 405.840~2106 Joe Brennan Page 12 Out o/Town from pg-10 alongside Mendenhall Glacier, and then out onto the ice itself. The company also offers ice-climbing, rock-climbing, whalewatching charters, and water~taxi services. There's really no better way to understand the glacial process, which carved out much of North America during the last Ice Age, than to hike across one of these huge floes of ice - it's an unforgettable experience. Another fun opportunity for glacierviewing is taking a Wings Airways flightsecing trip to Taku Glacier Lodge. . You fly by seaplane from downtown Juneau's harbor over Taku Glacier and land in an inlet beside the rustic 1923 lodge, where you can enjoy an impressive salmon bake and roam the trails behind the lodge. It's not uncommon to spot a black bear in these parts. In fact, wildlife sightings are extremely likely around Juneau; keep your eyes peeled for moose, bald eagle~, blue heron, scoter ducks, mountain goats, whales, and marmots to name a few of the region's frequently observed fauna. Hikers will find dozens of great treks, · from scrambling up the backside of Mt. Roberts (you can also take the_ Mt. Roberts Tramway directly up the mountainside from downtown, but hiking is more fun) to strolling through a lush rain forest in North Douglas to walking among the ruins of a vast mining ghost town in Treadwell. You can hike most of the trails easily on your own by asking locals for directions, but if you want to learn about the flora, fauna, and history while you hike, consider a guided tour. Gastineau Guiding Company offers some of the best day-hiking trips as well as delightful kayaking tours around pristine Admiralty Island. Finally, you can rent your own kayaks or canoes from Alaska Boat & Kavak. Invariably, if you spe~d more than a few days in Juneau, you'll encounter a rainy day or two. If the weather is grim, pian a visit to the exceptional Alaska State Museum, which provides an excellent overview of Juneau's indigenous Tlingit heritage and culture, or a tour of the Alaskan Brewing Co., which turns out some of the tastiest brews in the region (and serves free samples, of course). For a small city, Juneau has plenty of excellent restaurants. In the historic Fisherman's Wharf building, both Doc Water's Pub and the Hangar serve outstanding food. Doc Water's is more casual, with outdoor seating and such tasty treats as halibut ceviche and salmon burgers. The Hangar turns out both pub fare (excellent halibut tacos) and more ce>smopolitan dishes, such as Dungeness crab cakes. Head to the airy and attractive Twisted Fish for designer pizzas and refined but still affordable food, from ahi' spina·ch salad to oysters on the half shell . Across the channel in Douglas, the new Island Pub serves creative steaks and seafood dishes as well as both savory and "dessert" pizzas (among the latter, try the apple pie pizza with mascarpone, sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and walriuts); it's right by the Perseverance Theatre. Overlooking Auke Bay Marina, not far from Mendenhall Glacier and the attractive campus of the University of Alaska Southeast, locals convene at the Hot Bite for creative short-order fare ' (from Thai peanut chicken sandwiches to green-chile cheeseburgers) and the most luscious milkshakes around, available in 16 flavors. This is a great town for coffee lovers. The funky Silverbow functions as a topnotch java house, bakery, bagelry, indiefilm theater, and six-room boutique hotel (with reasonable rates and upbeat decor, to boot). It's right in the center of town and draws an eclectic bunch. A couple of blocks away, Rainbow Foods is a superb gourmet health-food shop that also has a small coffee bar. The popular local chain, Heritage ·cafe, is another great option for coffee, wraps, sweets, and wireless Internet. Although Juneau lacks a gay bar, the Hangar tends to draw a mixed bunch to its lounge area, and you'll also sometimes find like-minded souls at the bar inside the funky Alaskan Hotel and in downtown's Triangle Bar. As for choosing a place to stay, luneau has few cookie-cutter chain ;ccom~odations - even the larger properties, such as the historic Baranof Hotel (which is also home to the elegant Gold Room restaurant) and the contemporary Goldbelt Hotel, have their own quirky personalities, Perhaps the gay-friendliest property in town, Crondahl's B&B is ........... cont. pg-26 Page 13 ·- ~J({l?l!lS,l/ ti/Ir-el Serving our community in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois & Colorado This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Auto -Home - Life Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Tel: (866) 208-9480 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com NG NATIONAL PRIDE Earl Wheeler 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK 74033 (3275) over 21 Years with PRIDE! • * HOUDAY SPECTALS Page 15 chita, nsas CELEBRATING PRIDE .// // / 1// / ,/ ; .:>:~ /~/ /-/:/ ~1/ ~/"_---// / ·.>~ / //~ / ----~/ /i FREE HIV TESTING,NO NEEDLffi ! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may ;.iso request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Seroing A Healthier Community» '/ / ' ! Page 18 Won!'t Somebody Think of the Children? In 1977, the Miami-Dade County Commission passed an ordinance making it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. Anita Bryant, a wellknown pop and gospel singer, qui'1kly launched a virulently anti-gay campaign she called "Save Our Children." Purportedly, the point of her group was to save children from recruitment by homosexuals, employing stereotypes and lies in support of her cause. She made claims such as "If gays are granted rights, next we'll have to give rights to prostitutes, and to people who sleep with St. Bernards, and to nailbiters," and "The recruitment of our children is absolutely necessary for the survival and growth of homosexuality. Since homosexuals cannot reproduce, they must recruit and freshen their ranks." She used God and religion to stir up a backlash of hatred and anti-gay violence. Six months after the ordinance was passed, voters overturned it by a ·wide margin. If all of this sounds eerily familiar, that's because it should. Obviously, religious conservatives have remembered their successes and they're once again pulling many of the same tricks. You may recall Republican Senator Rick Santorum's comments on .a radio program when commenting on the Lawrence vs. Texas sodomy law case in 2003 when he claimed, "If the Supreme Court says that you have the right to consensual [gay] sex within your home, then you have the right to bigamy, you have the right to polygamy, you have the right to incest, you have the right to adultery. You have the right to anything." He went on to compare homosexuality to bestiality as well. It almost sounds as if he was channeling Mrs. Bryant, doesn't it? We are once again living in an era of rampant anti-gay sentiment. Browsing LGBT news sites is not for the faint of heart these days. It seems like every day gay rights receive another blow. Politicians become bolder and bolder in their assaults. Once again, religion and "moral values" are being used to demonize and attack gays and lesbians. And once again, children are often the focus. On May 10, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a resolution banning books on gay families from the children's sections of public libraries. The measure does not have the power of law but calls on Oklahoma libraries to "confine homosexually themed books and other age-inappropriate material to areas exclusively for adult access and distribution." It passed, 81-3. The resolution states that a child's development "should be at the discretion of a child's parents free from interference from the distribution of inappropriate publicly cataloged materials" and that public libraries should not expose children to material "that mav be deemed harmful and inappropriate." '· The furor began when an Oklahoma City mother became upset after her child brought home King and King, a children's fairy tale book about a prince who falls in love with another prince. King and King is aimed at elementary school children and helps teach diversity. The book, by Linda De Haan and Stern Nijland, tells the story of Prince Bertie who searches for love through a bevy of eligible princes before falling for Prince Lee. The thirty-two page book ends with the two princes sharing a kiss. Rep. Sally Kern called the book "obscene." Libraries across the state have already pulled the books from the children's sections and, in some cases, created entirely new sections specifically for the offending materials. In Troy, Michigan, a poster in a high school classroom has created an uproar from concerned parents. The inflammatory poster's message? "Gay people are everyday people.'' Page 19 Heart to Heart_ Approximately eighty protesters are expected at the next school board meeting. Ironically, the poster has been on display in the classroom for two years. So far the school is defending the poster, claiming, "We do not allow our students to be harassed for any reason. It is an issue of tolerance." Patricia Raezler, a member of Parents Promoting Innocence in Bloomfield Hills, which supports Troy parents in the poster issue, said the school shouldn't be promoting sexuality of any kind. "\Ve are promoting innocence," said Raezler, whose children attend private school. "Once, these types of things were left up to the parents. Then there was a push to inform and let pupils know about sexuality. It hasn't decreased sexually transmitted diseases." Somehow, it is completely incomprehensible to these people that promoting tolerance and understanding of gay people has absolutely nothing to do with sex. It has everything to do with bigotry and discrimination. In their rush to paint gays as evil sinners, the religious conservatives have forgotten one important fact. While Anita Bryant's campaign was successful in overturning the civil rights ordinance, she also succeeded in mobilizing LGBT people across the country. Thousands marched in the streets of San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. Countless individuals came out of the closet, and numerous new local organizations sprang up. Most famously, the LGBT community launched a boycott of Florida orange juice, for whom Anita Bryant was spokesperson, that gained widespread support. It's time for us to rise up again. We have to fight these mean-spirited and immoral attacks. We need to make our voices heard. We can start by pointing out the absurdity of their arguments. Promoting rolerance of an abused minority has nothing to do with sex. Loveiy and charming books like King and King are not obscene, harmful, or inappropriate. And two consenting adults choosing to express their love for one another in a healthy manner has absolutely no c;ortelation to ioce9t, bigamy, or bestiality. . It's time we stop allowing the Religious Right to decide what is and isn't "moral." Whose standards are we using? When did the United States become a theocracy? And when did Conservative Christianity become the State Religion? What if my religious beliefs don't hold that homosexuals are sinners? What if I believe that spreading hate in the name of God is a sin? \X:'hat if I believe that denying a minority their basic civil rights is an immoral abomination? It's time we save the children of America from the hateful teachings of self-righteous bigots. In the immortal words of Mrs. Lovejoy, "Won't somebody think of the children?" Quotable Quotes "A straight man knows that if he knocks a woman up, he's on the hook for child-support payments for 18 years. [I propose that if you] infect someone with HIV out of malice or negligence ... the state [should] come after vou for half the cost of the meds the p~rson you infeci:ed is going to need. (The man you infected is 50 percent responsible for his own infection.) Once a few dozen men in New York City, San Francisco, Toronto, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Vancouver are having their wages docked for drug-support payments, other gay men will be a lot more careful about not spreading HIV. Trojan won't be able to make condoms fast enough." - Syndicated gay columnist Dan Savage, Feb. 24. 1 /STH PAC:iE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F□ R RATES 91 B .. B35.7B87 Ask Uncle Mi Advice Column! June 2005 Hello out there in Queerdom-Kittens. Uncle here coming in like a heat wave. Uncle as excited as a farm boy; just off the bus in New York, during this our !Ilonth of pride. Uncle and Tiddles is ready for it after a long cold winter. Uncle suggest that , each and every kitten out there, celebrate till the tricks run home. Kittens, you know that Uncle is not a gossip; however, I must share this dish before we speak another word. Uncle does not believe in gossip, and idle hearsay, with this being said, Gurrl, you are ._ ______ ....;.. _ ...;. __ ....1 not going to believe this one; who knew? The movie which evervone has heard about Alexander, with ~ breath of fresh air, Colin Farrell, is a mu;t see. Well, kittens, 1 had to tell you, this man is a walking dream. Not only is he good looking, and a free spirit. Uncle heard a rumor that he had a nude scene pulled from another movie, because his how do you say, manhood, was just overwhelming. I heard from sources however, that he took it like a ma1.1,... simply throwing it over his shoulder and walking to wardrobe. That is a class act Kittens. Dear Uncle: I have known I am gay since I was sixteen. While, I have kept my familv in the dark about my lifestyle, since going to collage, I have been feeling guilty, and disconnected fr?m them. I would love to tell them about my happiness. However, I fear that they will not handle. the news well. Any advice on breaking it to them gently? · College-queen · Dear Queen:. W~ll, let's se~. You could send them. a postcard announcing your sexuality and ong? 11;1g e~u~atlon ~t man academy 101. Kitten, relax uncle is just joking with you. First oft kitten, lifestyle refers more to the social and environmerital choices we have as individuals. You have to realize that homosexuality is not a choice, it is simply who we are born ~o be. You want to make sure that you are accurately informed, so that, you can help them accept and educate themselves as well. Realize before you tell, that afterwards you must be prepared to deal with the outcome. There is ~o rush to tell, though af°J:,er finding your freedom in your own skin, it is the sheer delight "'.hich c~use.s -us too want to tell it from the mountain. Knowing your people best, dec~de whi:h 1s better. A private moment at home a public meeting, to avoicl the emotional display fit for stage and screen. Whichever· you choose, know this yo.ung queen. You are looking for acceptance and love, verse approval. You are fabulous in who you are no matter what! Smooches- Uncle Mih:y Dear Uncle: ~y ~artner and ~ of five ye~rs are rai~ing our chil~en (His biological) together. We 11~e 1n a _predomm~ntly straight suburban commuruty, and we get along fine. It was d!fficul_t m the ?eg10n10g however, :"e have let people know we are. a family unit, not going anywnere. I adore the children, and would not give them up for the world. l_'he issue~ we_ face are prima_rily about us as a couple. The two leading factors are simply this. Time restt~tits form Job, children, and the hectic schedules we deal with. Leaving us little to no time with one another. The second is the fact that not I 1 ;! Page 21 only do we get judged by the straight community, however the gay community as well. They act like we are not gay enough, if there is such a thing. With little to no family support, we have found· ourselves clearly on our own. I hate feeling this way, as I fill guilt and selflessness for wishing we had more us time. Is this wrong? The suburban Bradies. Well hello Mr. Br:ady: Kitten-It is not selfish to want to celebrate the love on which you quilt this family upon. This is natural, and appropriate to say the least. It is a commendable accomplishment which, you have your partner have done. There is another point to make here as well. There are more families than you realize out there, mirrored to your own. Dealing with the same issues. Uncles suggest that you go through your local GLTB community center, in order to find others such as yourse,lf. Support is invaluable, when dealing with this lifestyle. · As far as suffering ignorance, refuse. There is ignorance and sometimes, from within our own borders. Family life has just as much value as player life. Enjoy the precious gift which fate has bestowed onto you both. Remembering to· rejoice and keep the love which began that day in the park. Smooches and good luck~ Uncle Mikey Well, I guess that about wraps up this session; Uncle is just spent Kittens. Mr. Tiddles.is ever so persistently letting me know, mommies baby needs some attention. Until we meet again kittens remember; your life story is up to you. It can be a best selling page turner, Or a lonesome documentary sitting there alone collecting dust-It is up to you! Happy Pride everyone! Smooches-Uncle Mikey and Tiddles tool Unck Miieey is A dMncter from Ind.nee writer Mic/'4el Hinznun. MkhMJ !Ms b«n writing/or ten ye,,rs. Utilizing his st#dies, •nd life apmma to bdp others in bis comm,mity, thro11gb hHmor •nd s~nd ,uh,ia. MidMd ,ipplid. his stll.dy of ptyd,ology and crtativt urriting, .s -1! his extensive IMc/egroNnd in mentAl bet,hh Dim:t u" to bring• nev, style •nd appnMd, to bdping others. Mkh«J's other woris am be 'IMTll1ed at fl'fl1fl1,g11Jlinlecontmt.com. AIDS Drug Assistance Programs: Americans in Crisis Washington, D.C._ In order to provide AIDS therapies to all Americans who need them, a minimum of $303 million in additional federal funding is urgently needed for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) for the Fiscal Year 2006. That is the consensus of ADAP experts , advocacy organizations and patients who participated in a Congressional briefing today, urging Congress to act. The call to action mirrored a letter sent last week to both President Bush and Members of Congress, which was signed by more than 300 organizations nationwide. ADAP, funded under Title II of the Ryan White CARE Act, provides access to treatment for low-income people living with HIV/ AIDS who are uninsured or lack adequate prescription coverage. It is the final safety net for Americans who have no other means of accessing HIV medications and a lifeline for approximately 100,000 people every month. According to a budget projection conducted a11nuaHy by the National ADAP Working Group, the program requires a minimum of $303 million in additional federal dollars in order to provide treatment for existing clients, as well as the 25,000 to 45,000 new patients that are expected to seek treatment through ADAP before April, 2007. The budget projection has been proven to be a highly reliable predictor of actual need since 1997. "Four years of inadequate federal ADAP funding have culminated in a genuine ADAP crisis which has worsened Cllch year'', stated Bill Arnold, Director of the National ADAP Working Group. The ADAP emergency i5 now a year older. We hope that this year Congress and the White House will address this esca!Ating crisis at the earliest possible moment. Last year, President Bush authorized an emergency allocation of $20 million in an effort the help the approximately 1,500 ADAP clients on official state ADAP waiting Hats in 10 states. However, that funding wu not sufficient for the thmuaods of those of people living with HIV/ AIDS around the country who are not able to access life-saving medications to keep them alive. Unfortunately, the president is recommending an increase of ooly $10 million for FY2006. That is not even enough to continue to keep the people served by his $20 million initiative on their drugs, let alone keep up with the growing demand. beeir writiiig for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. she se~ed. for three years as the co-chair of the board of d~ectors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called «In Our Own Write." Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac JUNE 2005 Political Science The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's soon-to-be-implemented guidelines about anonymous sperm donors present a reproductive-rights issue for both gay men and lesbians. When a government can't directly stop "undesirable" people from reproducing, it simply makes it more difficult for them - in this case, by instituting a policy that is more politically motivated than it is rooted in science. The FDA's new guidelines - set to take effect on May 25 - recommend as "ineligible" for sperm donation any man who has had sex with another man in the previous five years, even if he's in a monogamous relationship or routinely practices safer sex. They further _______ ....;.. _____ .J· restrict donations from men who have had sex · in the previous 12 months with anyone "known or suspected to have HIV infection." (Ibe "suspected to" part is particularly creepy.) · This policy - which has no basis in the science of HIV - actually got its start six years ago, 'durfug the. Clinton administration, at the FDA's spooky-sounding "Human Tissue Se_tniriar.,,·At that _tinie, the agency announced its ihterition to make it illegal for all ~y Illen to_ be_come ~onymo~s sperm donors because of their supposed across~tl:\'.e-board nsk for HIV. Despite the growth of HIV infection in the heterosexual population, straight men with multiple sexual partners would have faced no similar restriction, . ·~ flood of protest eil~ued, primarily from sperm banks, which rightly saw it as mvasive regulation of an mdustry that already employed necessary safeguards against !'fIV. Indeed, tner~ were on record. C>nly a few cases of HIV transmission through mfected donor sp,erm. (And today, there is no recorded increase of such · transmissioh.) 'HaJ>pily; activists were successful at staving off the discriminatory change, but under Bush, the FDA began revisiting the idea in earnest. Let's fac: it -: ~e Ufderlyirig premise of the FDA guidelines is that gay men should not faili,er chil~en; al%bugl:i the agency doesn't conic right out and· say that. It co~ve~:uently c,1rctirilven_t~ the charges of antigay discrimination by noting ?1at the gw?elines don t have the force of law, and that the agency's official regulations - which _do_ carry legal force - never use the words "gay" or "homosexual." Yet, as one sperm-bank director aori:utted to gay blogger Michael Petrelis, "A lot of clinics will use the guidelines as. an intimidation document and refuse gay donors." · . What's more, .the new .guid~es also have a direct impact on lesbian reproductive choice. Many lesbian coup1es pterer gay sperm donors. Indeed, they mav have chosen a sperm bank where donors_ agree to have their identity revealed at soni~ point in the future - usually when the child comes of age and want that donor to be "familv"· in more ways than one. , _ If yo:1 think that I'm sounding a false alarm, that our government doesn't get mvolved m _who can and can't reproduce, think again. In fact, the U.S. government has o~en tned to prevent or discourage certain people from having children - e~pec~~ poor women, women of color, and people with mcntai or physicai d1sabtl1ttes. 1 l l Page 23 It has accomplished this through sterilization programs disguised as "contraception" - perhaps most heinously, in a campaign of the 1970s that succeeded in sterilizing a fourth of :all Native American women living on government reservations. Individual abuses are still being documented, especially in cities with high immigrant and people-of-color populations. The other significant means by which the government restricts the reproductive rights of specific people is through punitive, economic policies that make it impossible for them to raise th~ own childrc:n. For example, the 1996 "welfare reform" bill instituted a "family cap" that limits paynients to women if they becomc:/pregnant while accepting governp:ient' assistance. UndersiAnd that, at the same time, our goycmment tries to make it more difficult for white,· middle-class women to _opt out_ of motherhood, by · . away at their right to choose. . . abortion is still technically legal in the United· States, fewer and fewer m2dical schools now teach the proc::edurc:, ar1d tl1e numbc;r of doctors perfowiog: abortions .has therefore been drastically reduced since the historic _Roe v. Wade_ decision of 1973. Of course, the new FDA guidelines for sperm donors may seem benign compared to egregious examples from the women's reproductive-rights movement. But the lesbian and gay community shouldn't fool itself into complacency. The guidelines are ultimately all about who is and isn't "fit'' to parent - who is, in effect, "mommy material," a phrase I coined a few years back. Now the FDA is poised to include gay men - based on their sexual _identity_, not on the realities of their sexual _behavior_ - under the rubric of those who aren't "daddy material." ® B 1g NYC's Wisstock Festival. to Celibrate 20th Anniversary on ffugust 27 The iegendary dfllg festival which refuses to "curl up and dye" will once again rock it's original SO's location in the East Village's · Tompkins Square Park on Saturday, August 27th 2005, from 5:00-7:00 pm. For the last 2 years, the wiggy festival has been organized in association with FEVA, the Federation of East Village Artists, which adds Wigstock to it's annual HOWL Festival line-up. HOWL's goal is to revitalize the East Village and commemorate its promine.o.ce as a cultural hotbed. Last year, over 6,000 turned out in the pouring :min to see such acts as Boy George, RuPaul, Lypsinka, Drag King Murray Hill, Comedy Centtal's Graham Norton and Holly Woodlawn, the Warhol superstar whose life inspired Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wtld Side." So far, Wigstock 2005 has confirmed transexual superstar/David Lachapelle muse Amanda Lepore, dancing fool and former Miss Continent21 Candis Cayne, comedilln/actor Mike Albo, the super-sized t21.ents of Sweetie, Billboard chart-topping <W1ce divo Kevin A viance and Flotilla Barge, whose evil SruJones' impersonation in a recent PETA ad made nationwide headlines! Of course, they'll _all be curated and emceed by Wigstock founder Lady Bunny who notes "20 yearsi I'm 26 now so I must have starting organizing the festival when I was 6 years old!" (And she's bee.o. using that line since 1992Q Expect a frel!k show with raunchy putp0r, scintillating song and dance numbers and a vibe of which the New York Tt1nes has said "the ban.a was dynamite." The audience is encouraged to dress up as well, providing a perfect audience for the queens' zany antics. Plus, it's a throwback to the East Village's glory days when the area was much grittier, and freaks couid sci!! afford to live in Manhattan. 1 p C 25 I l JUNIE 24 • 26 OKLAHOMA G:l"A', DK Talent Night Drink S Is H1111p brinkS Is Poo1·toumments Karaoke Best·in· Town I 9toClose ...c..e..P....a.. ... . page-26 Out o/Town from pg-12 on a quiet downtown street and offers two simple rooms, with rates from $70 to $80. Owners Jay and Judy Crondahl give plenty back to the community - if you stay at their B&B for three or more consecutive nights and book with them directly, you can make an equivalent contribution to one of three local nonprofit organizations (including PFLAG) in lieu of one night's payment. Juneau's most luxurious accommodations are invariably found in B&Bs and smaller inns. The romantic Pearson's Pond sits close to Mendenhall G:ader and offers cushy rooms, many with fireplaces and hot tubs. Alaska's Capital Inn sits right in the heart of the restaurant and retail action, offering seven attractively furnished rooms with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, and an excellent full breakfast. If it's a magnificent view you're after, book a room at the gay-friendly Aurora View Inn, a majestic contemporary house high o!1 a bluff in Douglas, with unparalleled · vistas of downtown and the mountains beyond. Just beware that gazing out over this charmed capital of America's 49th state may render you unable to return home. The Little Black Book Above & Beyond Alaska (907-364-2333, www.beyondak.com). Alaska Boat and Kayak (907-789-6886, www.juneaukayak.com). Alaskan Hotel (Franklin St., 907~586-1000, www.alaskanhotel-juneau.com). Alaska's Capital Inn (113 W. 5th St., 907 -586-6507 or 888-588-6507, www.alaskascapitalinn.com). Aurora View Inn (2917 Jackson Rd., 907-586- 3036 or 888-580-8439, www.auroraview.com). Crondahl's B&B (626 5th St., 907-586:14§4,. . www.juneaucrondahls.com). Doc Water's Pub (Fisherman's Wharf, 907- 586-3627). Gastineau Guiding (907-586- 8231, www.stepintoalaska.com). Goldbelt Hotel (51 ~n Dr., 907-586- 6900 or 888-478-6909, www.goldbelttours.com). The Hangar (Fisherman's Wharf, 907-586-5018). Heritage Cafe (174 S. Franklin St. 907- 586-1087). The Hot Bite (Aukc B~y Marina, 907-790-2483). Island Pub (1102 2nd St., Douglas, 907-364-1595). Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau (907- 586-1737, www.travcljuncau.com). Northstar Trekking (907-790-4530, www.glacicrtrek1cing.com). Pearson's Pond (4541 Sawa Circle, 907-789-3772 or 888-658-6328, www.pearsonspond.com). Perseverance Theatre (914 3rd St., Douglas, 907-463-TIXS, www.pcrscveranccthcatre.org). The Silvcrbow (120 2nd St., 907-586-4146 or 800-586-4146, www.silvcrbowinn.com). Twisted Fish (550 S. Franklin St., 907- 463-5033). Westmark Baranof Hotel (127 N. Franklin St., 907-586-2660 or 800-544- 0~70, www.westmarkhotels.com). Wings Airways/Taku Glacier Lodge trips (907- 586-6275 or 907-789-0790, www.wingsairways.com). Press Release WICHITA, KS _"June is PRIDE month - Come one, come all to help Wichita, KS celebrate the diversity of the prairie. Scheduled for June 26, 2005 is a 2:00 p.m. PRipE parade, followed by a speaker, music entertainment, prized, and fun for all. Parade registration is still possible with discount entry fees valid until a May 22nd postmark. Full price entries will be accepted until June 22nd. Parade walkers (friends, families, and pets) are welcome at no cost. Dress in vour PRIDE best and come participate. Vendors interested in setting up during or after the parade arc invited to contact Prairie Pride Productions, 316-617-8813. V cndor fees arc being waived this year in exchange for donations from each vendor to assure success of a PRIDE celebration in future years. Call the number above for parade rcgistr2tion forms, vendor forms, t-shirt pre-order information, and any questions you may have." Page 27 Seo es by Jack Fertig JUNE 2005 "1bink it through, Libra!" Saturn quincunx Pluto is continuing to force you through difficult selfexamination and hard choices. Mars in Pisces is triggering them both, offering spiritual insight and a push to work. But think ahead and sort things out carefully before taking action. ARIES (March 20 April 19): There seems to be precious little going right these days, so you may as well take a meditative retreat and charge your batteries. Just working on those insights is quite enough for you to handle now. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Imagine vou're on one of those TV survivor ;hows with all your friends. List them on paper, and scratch them away one at a time, each time thinking about why you're making that choice. What does this process tell you about your friendships? GEMINI (May 21 June 20): Your career right now is feeling about as stable as a surfboard at sea. To avoid wiping out, consider the balance of values and associations your goals are built on, and remember that the values have to be stronger. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): You're hungry for adventure now, but that's a temptation to disaster. Dig into your safe little nest and get your thrills intellectually or artistically instead. A good philosophical read or a sci-fi epic will take you where you need to go. LEO (July 23 August 22): A mad, passionate, erotic getaway will raise problems and be more trouble than it's worth, but the problems it brings to surface are exactly those you need to deal with. You can handle it. Make sure your partner is ready! VIRGO ~August 23 September 22): Social opportunities can stir up problems at home. Try to involve your partner - or, if you're single, a good friend - in helping you reconcile the two. A friend can also help you with relationship problems. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You need to think your actions through, but be careful not to dit.'1er. Too little or too much thinking can lead to accidents. Guidance from your boss or from any authority, even parents, will help you stay focused. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Money problems have been a dug for a while. There's no easy fix, and impulse spending is not therapy - _au contra.ire_! Adventure is helpful. Any version of diversion or perversion provides both relief and perspective on your problems. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 20): Although you're extra sexy these days, you have some questions about personal and sexual integrity. Are they compromised by easy sex or obsolete habits? What do you need to work on to make sex more satisfying? CAPRICORN (December 21 January 19): Relationships are often a source - or core of anxiety. The old-fashioned approach talking honestly abour your fears and worries is best. Don't worry about focusing your thoughts and words. That will develop during the discussion. AQUARIUS 0anuary 20 February 18): What you want to achieve at work is now less important than how you go about it. Focus on the process and stay on the track you set earlier. Challenges from colleagues can offer opportunities to improve, but just stay on that track! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Your energy is very high now, but easily scattered. Your goals may seem impossible, and your boss oppressive. Weather It through by focusing your energy into tasks that offer a chance to exercise some small sense o: playful creativity. Jack Fertig has been working as a professionai astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Networ.king. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864- 8302, rhrough his website at hctp:l lwww.starjack.com Page 28 Four States Community Directory -Bars- NightclubsArkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 7Hi- -716 W. Syc:1morc- - - - 479-571-130 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garmon Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 10~ - -1022 Dodson .Ave.. - -479-782-1845 ArkHsu, Hot Sprba1s (501) Club One Eleven- - · 111 Garden St- - • -620-4111 Our Houae Lounge - 6tiO E. Grand .Ave- -624-6868 Arkamas, Little Rock (501) Back Stteet - - -1021 Jessie Rd- - - - - 501-664-27# Discovery- - - -1021 JCS$ie Rd- ••• - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 Louisi- St- - - -501-372-3070 .Ka■1a1, Wlcltlta (316) J's Lounge·· - - 513 E. Central - - 316-262-1363 Our Fantaay- • • - • 3201 S. Hillside- - -316-682-5494 · The Comer-•· - • 3210 E. Osie - - - - - 316-683-9781 The Otbenide- • --447 N. St Francis-• 316-262-7825 Shaw - • - - - - - • 4000 S. Broadway- - 316-522-2028 Sidestreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- - -316-267-0324 South 40 - - • - - 3201 S. Hillside - - • - -316-682-5494 Trend, Bar-• - -1507 S. Pawnee- - - - - 316-262~4530 Miaoelri, lopft■ (417) Ree'•·· - · 716 S. Main· - - - -· -417-627-9035 Mlae■ri, Kaua, City (81') Buddies - - - - - - · 3715 Main St- - - - 816-561-2600 Belle Sw's- - - · 1321 Grand Ave- -816-421-1288 Club NV - - - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- 1915 Main St- - - -816-471-1575 Millliic B's-• - -805 W. 39th St- - - - - - 816-561-0625 Sidestrcct Bar- · -413 E. 3rd- - - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- . 816- 931-1430 ,Mlae■ri, Spria&fleld (417) The Edge- -424 Boon'rille Ave-•• - • --417-831-4700 Uquon & Kicl:eu- -1109 E. Commcrcial-873-2225 Martha's Vioeya.rd-21, W Olive -417-864-4572 Oz Bar-5().4 E. Commercial••• - • -417-831-9001 Ronism: Place- - --821 College- - - •• - -417-864--0036 llumon • -110, E. Commercial-. - -417-873-2225 Oklaltoma, O~ltema City (415) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - - - - -405-601-7200 Cl■b Jlox. - - -3535 NW 39th Espwy - .fOS-947-2351 Cope- · · - · - · -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -40S-525-0730 fllnillh Uoc • ~2200 ~ 39th Expwy- - 40!>-525-0730 Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - - ...OS-84}-1722 Udo- - · - · · · -2200 NW 39th &pwy- 405-525--0730 Partnas- · · · -280S NW 36th St - - - - - 40S-942-2199 Sisteu- - - - - · 2120 NW 39th St - - - - - ..fOS-521-9533 'The Jloddcs- • -3201 N. May .Ave - - - - 40!>-947-9361 Topaap GrDI 8t Ba-- 3S35 NW 39th--405-947-2351 Oklahoma, T■lsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine•••· 918-836-8700 Club Maverick-· 822 S. Sheridan• - 918-835-3301 End Up Club- - 424 S. Memorial- - 918-836-2480 The Detour-·· -7944 E. 21st••• - - - 918-270-2428 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - 918-584-9494 Renegades- - · • 1649 S. Main - • - - - - - 918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- - 1737 S. Memorial - - 918-838-9792 Tulsa Eagle- - - - -1338 E. 3rd - - - - - - - 918-592-1188 TNT'~····· 2114 S. Memorial-• - • - 918-660-0856 Yd!ow-Brick-Rd- - -2630 E. 15th- - - - 918-293-0304 -Restaurants- Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (465) Gushers Restaumnt-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ingrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- - -405-946-8444 Topanga Grill tic Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 -Lodging- Mlnoari, leplia (-417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800 Mlnoari, Ava Catus Canyon Campground- - - - - 417-683-9199 Mlaoerl, Lampe KOKOMO Campground - - - - - -.. 417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkansu, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - - • - - • - - -479-451-8066 Arkaaus, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Arkansans for Human Rights-www.arhr.org Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - -ww:w.dua.org Stonewall Democratic Club--www.sdcar.org Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church• 1709 N Walnut - -11.AM PSU-QS.A.- • 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita (316) HOA-Mem Chorus - - - - - - - - - - - 316-618-0684 That Gay Group, W.S.U. - - - - - - - - 316-978-7010 Kansu Gay Rodeo As,oc- - - - - - - - - www.ltgra.us Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, •••• 6pm UCCFP--204 N. Jaclaion Ave, - - - - - -10:30.AM Aids Project 02:arl:1- 513 Kentucky- 417-624-5788 Missouri Gay Rodeo Assoc - - - - - www.mgra.us Page 29 Missouri, Springfield (417) · Rainbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - - - 417-833-2723 APO- - - . 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - - - . - - - - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - . . - -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Cathedral of Hope- - 600 NW 13th St- 232-HOPE The Center- - 2135 NW 39th St. - - 405-524-6000 NLA-Tribal Fire - - - - - www.tribalfir~okc.com OGRA- - - - - - - - - - - • · - www.okgayrodeo.com Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- • • - 918-743-4297 H.O.P.E. - - - - 2545 S. Yale- - - - 918-834-8378 MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 SSRA - - - - - • - • - - - www.soonerstaterodco.com TOHR- .. - - PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- - 918-834~4194 Tulsa Rough Riders- -v.-ww.tulsaroughriders.com -Business Services....;. Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com Eurek:aPride- - - - - - - - - - - - www.eurekapride.com. Kansas, Wichita Total Massage- - - - - - Kenn- - - -.. - 316-204-0111 Missouri, Eureka Shelter Insurance- -Greg Tainter- 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-- -434-0077 Office Max- -440 Rangeline Rd- - - 417-623-1007 Missouri, Springfield ( 417) Priscilla's• - • • 1918 S. Gienstone • -417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Broken Arrow Spas N Such- 808 N. 15th· - • --918-258-7727 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 - -4301 NW 63rd #100 - 405- 840-2106 Jungle Reds - 2200 NW Expwy- 405-524-5733 Piece To Remember-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's: 615 E. Memorial - - - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918} Elite Bookstore --814 S. Sheridan- - 918-838-8503 - Glenpool Flowers- 437 E. 141st- GP- 918-291-3275 Kelly Kirby, CPA- 4815 S Harvard- - 918-747-5466 Unclerguy.com • • -15 E. Brady- - -918-829-0824 Priscilla's - - . - 7925 E. 41st - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - • • 5634 W. Skelly - • • --918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - -11344 E. 11th - - • - - 918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - - - 2333 E. 71st- • - - • - 918-499-1661 PAGE 32 THE STAR JUNE 2005 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, June 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 6 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Michael Dee Douglas Glenn Steve T, Urie Paula Martinac Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Image 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, 2011; Volume 8, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/190 The Star Magazine, April 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/451 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/452 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/92927820e396e4169036521fcdd12a1a.jpg f1cf9fd545dbff9599754715b516df04 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/03c32577792cb4c86ed7abfdd7bb684b.pdf be5ee8ad94ddfebb1d10265e78576237 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 VOLUME 2, ISSUE S MAY 200!5 FREE Green. Country will have a _Pride Parade 2005. With lots of ium9.r1 floating ~round T-Town &peculating Tulsa would not organize a parade this year, New TOHR and GLBT Center Oircct<>r; Greg Gatewood a11urcd the STAR 1'~a•a Diversity Pride Feativa.l and Parade will h1tppeo. With Gatewood coordinating die festival events and Rick Martin 1111 coordin,ator of the parade, the many volunteer', and the efforts of PPL.AG, OYP and TOHR Tulsa should have a pride celebration like no other. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human rights (fOHR) will celebrate it's 25th anniversary with this yea.rs events. TOHR sponsors the GLBT Center in Tulia and if you haven't visited the center, check it out. A newly dedicated David Bobnett Cybercenter donated by .the David Boboett Foundation ia very imprcnivc. Along with the 10 IBM workstations many other improvement! arc happening at the center including expanded community meeting rooms. Visit jhe website for more info www.tob.r.org Tulsa's first Gayfl',ride event was in 1981 and was primuily picnic gatherings in a bar parking lot. The fitat plll'llde was held in 1999 and became national new, because of opposition from the Tulsa City Council Tulsa you have come a long way baby! For Pride week cvcot11 schedule sec page 12. Page 2 AV/$.- Page 3 NWA'S ONLY GAY OWNED AND STAFFED DANCE Ci.UBI Sunday May 29th. 2005 $300 Grand Prize $150 1st Alternate Sponsorship to Miss Gay Arkansas America $50 Emry Fee Must be 21 years of age KARAOKE WEDNESDAYS PLASTIC THURSDAY DANCE PARTYEVEFtY THURSDAY! . . . .. . . . . . GQ 80 BOYS EVERY FRIDAY & SATUFtOAY NIQHTJ , NWAJS BEST DRAG SHOW I l I ji I 4 I ■ ~, EVERY SUNDAY NlGHT! Wed -Sun 9pm - 2am 716 W. Sycamore. F~ille AR 479-571-1300 www.studio716.net Kansas Votes NO Same Sex Marriage! April 5, 2005 - Washington, DC. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force condemned today's 70% to 30% vote (with 72% of th~ precincts reporting) by Kansans in favor of a constitutional amendment banning the recognition of same sex marriages and other, more limited forms of partner recognition. The Task Force said it was dismayed by the continued, widespread silence and inaction of so many faith and political leaders and people of good will in response to the wave of anti-gay organizing that continues to sweep the country. With today's vote, Kansas becomes the 18th state to amend its conscitution to preclude the recognition of same-sex marriage. Ten of the 18 amendments, including that of Kansas, seek to preclude the recognition of other forms of relationships, such as domestic partnerships and civil unions. Four states adopted amendments prior to 2004 - Alaska, Hawaii, Nebraska, and Nevada. It is possible that another 12 to 14 states will have sllnilar measures on the ballot between 'no~ and 2008. The marriage amcndtnerit failed in the City of Lawrence (home of the U°!versity of Kansas) by a luge margin, lostng in 35 of the Cit:is~.:1:9,.piecincts and tying in 3. The . by :which it carried in Shawnee. (where the state's largest qgf · · . ted) was smaller than (Shawnee County/Topeka;· %). Page 5 a 0 20 5 Friday June 3rd Doors@ 8pm Featuring: Miss Continental 2004 ERICAANDRBWS I TulsaOK . Continental 2004 ANTONIO EDWARDS Mr. Contlmmtal 2003 RAY MATTHEWS Hostedby: Canada Conlinentll Pins 2004 TAIMAHALL UEDANIEI.S, per .COlll . Page 6 Tulsa's 1st Gay Rodeo Smooth as Silk! April 12, 2005 by Greg Steele TULSA, OK. .. Since October of 1976, the first Gay Rodeo in Reno, Nevada, 25 Gay Rodeo Associations have sprung up across the United States and Canada and comprise the 'International/ Gay Rodeo Association, IGRA. Gay Rodeo's are hefd through out the year with a National Final's to buckle and crown the season. Men and Women from across the US and Canada compete for points to have the honor of an invitation to the National Finals. Out of hundreds who compete, only the top 20 point winner's from each competition category will be invited. It's a rough ridden, steer bustin, serious event each year for these dedicated gay men and women who compete in rodeo competition. The Gay Rodeo has become an important part of the LGBT community. Those who organize and stage the events year after year work night and day to bring you the best show possible and the Sooner State Rodeo Association SSRA, showed there stuff in Tulsa this year with a grand rodeo, a hell of a good time and great entertainment. The 2005 season ends in Dallas with the Texas Gay Rodeo Association, TGRA and the IGRA National Final's November 10-13, 2005 in Dallas, Texas. This will be the grand finally to a big year for IGRA. Fan's from across the US, Canada and around the globe will converge on Dallas. It's the big event of the year for contestants and rodeo follower's. Rodeo lovers come in campers, motor homes, limo's, buses and. some just ride their broncos. They come to party hard , enjoy entertainment and the thrill of the action. If you have never· been to a_ IGRA rodeo, you've missed a good dose of ou,r ~estem · heritagi::. So, saddle up guys _ and _gal~, get on.out to see :sqme real cowb9ys & cowgirls. · Kansas Gay Rodeo Association, KGRA Rodeo Wichi~ is the nex( competition' scheduled for May 13-15, www.kgra.us Following KG-RA will be the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Assoc. OGRA in Oklahoma City on May 27-29. www.okgayrodeo.com Mood Swing perf.onnu1e;at . Rodeo in Tulsa's new Livestock~~ Page 7 124.N.·Boston: ,.. ·Tulsa, OK ,... 918.584.9494 Tht.rsday Nights - Rachael Erikks - l'vlGA 2004 ~~ l~IJg-.ts - Catia Lee Love - MGA 2000 Thursday and S(nday - 18 to enter; 21 to drink Friday ~d_$.atl.rday_Dance Party-- 21 to enter 9 p till 2 ~ - Thu-sday - Sunday nights KGRA, Rodeo Wichita 2005 Buckles UP! Press Release: WICHITA, KS _KGRA will be hosting Rodeo Wichita '05 on May 14 - 15, 2005 which is part of the Bud Light Rodeo Series. Contestants from Oklahoma, Texas, Arhnsas, Nebraska, Missouri, Colorado as well as distant states will compete for cash and the coveted Buckle. There are 14 events each day that male and females compete in. The rough stock events like Bull Riding and Steer Wrestling will test the skills of each cowgirl and cowboy contestant. There are horse speed events like Pole Bending, Barrel Racing and "drag" events like Goat Dressing which involves 2 team members racing to put underwear on a goat. You won't want to miss the Wtld Drag Race, contestants in heels! The rodeo is held in the indoor Mattox Arena in Derby, Kansas with vendor & concession space under the Big Top (a 40' x 80' Tent). KGRA will donate a portion of the profits to a charity to be named by our Grand Marshal. Our Grand Marshal for this year is Linn Copeland, owner of the Fantasy / South 40 Complex in Wichita. Linn is a founding member of KGRA and continues to be very supportive. KGRA is one of 25 nonprofit organizations in the USA & Canada that operate under the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) guidelines. Visit the KGRA web site www.kgra.us it has all the activities listed with times for the rodeo. You can also contact us Page 9 91 ■ . ■ :18•■ 70Q www. ■ AM ■ CJCIL0IJNIIIETUL■A.CCIM Join Us For the BIG.BASH! Memorial Day Weekend M 28th, 29th, 30th Page 10 MAY 2005 by Andrew Collins "BARCELONA, SPAIN" Even though Barcelona routinely receives plenty of great press, it's still vastly underrated, given just how much the city has to offer. This is a world-class metropolis, and specifically a premier gay and lesbian destination, especially as Spain's government prepares to legalize gay marriage by the end of 2005. Like Sao Francisco and Sydney, Barcelona combines the sophistication of a bustling, urbane, and progressive city with mesmerizing natural and physical beauty. Its many other ass.ets include superb contemporary cuisine, stunning architecture spanning many centuries, friendly and approachable citizens, fashionable shopping, copious hip gay cafes and nightclubs, excellent public transpomtion, reasonable prices (compared with much of Europe), and a temperate, sunny climate. Perched on the Mediterranean Sea in northeastern Spain, this stately city of 1.5 million fringes the foothills of the Pyrenees. Barcelona is eminently walkable, and if you stay anywhere near the gay area, you're within walking distance of most city attractions. Cabs are also plentiful, affordable, and easy to hail from the street, and the city has an efficient and clean metro system. It's also a &idy accessible place for English-spealring visitors, as the vast majority of the city's residents speak at least some English. Barcelona's mother tongue, Cat2.lan, is still widely used, and many business names and signs are expressed in Catalan, but nearly everybody in Barcelona also speaks Castilian Spanish (the national language). Additionally, Barcelona is quite safe, but for the same problems with pickpockets and petty thievery that p~e a number of European cities; violent crime is exceedingly rare. Probably Barcelona's most striking feature, elaborate _Modemista_ architecture dominates much of the city. The architect most associated with Barcelona, Antoni Gaudi, lived here from the 1870s until his sudden death (he was rim over by a streetcar) in 1926. Definitely plan to tour his masterpiece, Sagrada Familia, which looms high over the Barcelona skyline and can be seen from virrually anywhere. Gaudi began work on this spectacular skyscraping cathedral in 1883, but it's not expected to be finished until 2015. You can also admire many of his works by strolling through the Ei:z:ample neighborhood (especially along ritzy Passcig de Gracia, famous for fine shopping), and also up to Park Guell, the most enchanting pule in the city, replete with fairytale-like Gaudi spires, mosaic sculptures, staircases, and he~clies. The Ei:z:ample extends from the city center up into the hilly residenrilll ~~cighborhoods of interior Barcelona. Developers laid out this regal neighborhood of wide boulevards in the early 19th century, and Gaudi is just one of the fine architects who left his mark on the area. The small section of the neighborhood nearest the Universitat plaza, sometimes nicknamed the "Gai:z:ample," contains the bulk of the city's gay cafe and bar culture. To find these places, just stroll along the handful of blocks intersected by Gran Via and stretching from the Urgdl to the Universitat metro stops. From Universitat you can walk just a few blocks east to the city's most prominent central square, Placa Cataiunya, which is surrounded by department stores and hoteis. From here,· the city's famed La Rambla leads down to the waterfront. This broad tree-lined boulevard. make, for an engaging strol!, but it's also the most touristy section of the city, rife with overpriced and unexceptional restaurants and shops. Barcciona's waterfront and harbor (Port Vell) received a major facelift prior to the city's hosting of the Summer Oiympics in 1992, and the entire shoreline has continued to improve and develop ever since, with fine beaches, restaurants, shops, and marinas . ........ cont. pg-21 ] I I I I I I I I ! Page 11 Overexposure to Dancers can. lead to vision problems ... ~rut?! . . . . JIii ' ' : ' •• < Cold ,Beer Hot Bods - Strong Drinks 1 424 S. Memorial, Tulsa ii' (~118) 836-2480 21 AND QJER a ONE D~INK MINlt.UM a CLOSED TUESDAYaWWW.ENJUPCLUB.COM >~'181 .~μrgamy lgoldcasl1e,aim 5.840;2106 Joe Brennan Office Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.com This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax: (636) 938-3539 4815 South Harvard Ave., Suite 424 Tulsa, OK 74135-3068 Serving the tax and accounting needs of the Phone: (918) 747-5466 Email: KellyKirbyCPA@sbcglobal.net GLBT CommdLity since 1982 and ■venlna- a 'Week Also Open Holidays KEHN Page 15 Wichita's Gay Communi Will Parade Into The 21st Century Press Release: WICHITA, KS_On June 26, 2005, Wichita's gay community will hold it's first Pride Parade in more than five years. Lineup for the parade will begin at 1:30pm, .v-ith the parade kicking off at 2:00pm. After suffering a devastating loss with the Marriage Amendment, on April 5th, a number of us decided it's rime for a party!!! If you would like to join us for the first Pride Parade of the new century, in Wichita, then get a carload together, and we "'rill save some room for you in the lineup. The parade route will run from Central and Waco, to Central and St. Francis, with a Post-Parade Party at the finish line, featuring Parade Awards, speakers, music, food and drinks, t-shirts, and much more!!! If you would like to enter a float or car in the parade, please contact Mike Bevier at 316-207-1717. The registration feds $10 if paid before May 22nd, and $20 after May 23rd. The registration deadline is June 22, 2005. Walkers are free and encouraged to join in the Pride fun. So bring along your family, friends, co-workers, pets, all are welcome. Volunteers are greatly needed and even more greatly appreciated. Kansas is seriously behind the rimes, and we could sure.use some help bringing this state, kicking and screaming, into the 21st Century. FREE HIV TFSTING,NO NEEDLFS ! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith • through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Serving A Healthier C-Ommllnity" Page 16 Star Scene I J j ut for a Hero In 1984, Bonnie Tyler sang "I need a hero" in her smash bit "Holding Out for a Hero." The song was resui:rected last year for the s~undtrack of Shrek 2. Its message of despen1.tion is one many of us can relate to these days, especially thoJe. of us in the LGBT collltllunity. We need heroes now more than ever. Perhaps it was this lon~g that led to the claim that our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, was gay. In ~s recentlv released b,oo~ The Intimate World' of AbrabarJJ, Lincoln, Dr. C.A.. Tripp makes his case that President Lincoln was in &ct .a homosexual. He uses letters and co~temporary: .~econd-, hand accounts to•support·bis assertion:, .. but even bis most. ardent supporters have to admit that, far t:be·most part; the bt!lk of bis evidence is .circumst2ntial at best. I have to adtnit I'm more than a· little uncomforbble ~th. this whole situation. To me, it smacki ,;;f celebrity outing. I'm not trying to say; that .Lincoln was straight. I'm sii;ni?ly saying that I don't really think it's i!J? to us. to make that designation for him, especially considering the fetms "homosexual" or "gay'' hadn't even .been invented yet in that context. It's presuo;iptuous of us to assume that, were he alive today, Lincoln would choose to identify himself as homosexual. Are we th~ desperate for gay heroes that we have to for~e the designation on dead statesmen?' That's not to say I don't understand the need for someone to look up to. Dr. Tripp's goal was admirable. _Gay youth are especially hungry for an idol, and as much as I eniov Sir Elton's talent, let's face it - he's, h, ardly a role mod e1' . We don't need to invent gay heroes, though. Why bother when we have plenty who were openly and proudly gay? . The Equality Forum 1s an annual event whose goal is to promote understanding of the impact of .. homophobia on individuals, fam~es and society, and advance LGBT equality. Each year, the Forum highlights a. different nation. This year's focus 1s a National Celebration in honor of the fortieth anniversary of the historic first public gay and lesbian d.emonstration in front of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia on July 4, 1965. The Celebration will salute those pioneers and honor our LGBT . luminaries with' a special program titled "40 Years, 40 Heroes." The week-long Cd~b,ration will culminate on Sunday, May 1, with a full schedule of events. Several screenings are planned for "Gay Pioneers," a docwrientuy about the start of the ~y and lesbian' civil rights mov~ment. .The documentary was produced by ~quality Forum in collaboration with WHYY / PBS and was ll21llep. "Best of the:. Y w'' by The A.dvo'<:ate. R.oundtal:M i:liscussions featuring honorees sucli as Byan Wolfson Kate K~ndall, ~tt Foreman, ' · ·· · · · 13ui:iey'Frank, and . ulcd . thr·. · e Gfu.iton 0 . '• . th will be pa,mcifouing m the tribute to e 40 Heroes · which will beJollowed by a 1 meet~arig,-~eet with the honorees in the "Giy Icons Pavilion." Bishop. Gene_ Robinson will be leading .an 1nterfitlth service in the afteriiooti. The finale will be a concert at Independence Hall headlined by Cyndi Latiper. All. events are free. . Over eigl:lty n,1:ional ~ ititema~onal GLBT organi2ations. were· 10Volve1 .~ nominating the 40. Heroes. The cntcna required thad:Qe no~ee .had to haye made bis. or p~r ~ontpbutton bet:ll!C~~ 1965 and . . . . deceasecl, LGBT, . . . . ... , The nominations were th~ subt;n1~tdl to a selection committee, which na'trowcd the list to forty, then Equality Forum's Board of. Directors approved the final nominations. The end result is a satisfyingly diverse collection of activists, role models, and leaders . ......... continued next page Page 19 "This is an impressive list from Bayard Rustin to Barney Frank, MTV to Melissa Etheridge, Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin to Kevin Bourassa and Joe Varnell, Larry Kramer to Andrew Sullivan," stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. "In honoring these Heroes we acknowledge the paths they• have paved for our equality." Some of the names may be familiar to you. Who doesn't know who Ellen DeGeneres or Melissa Etheridge is? Less well-known are people like Bayard Rustin. He was a personal friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., helped organize the National Demonstration at the Lincoln Memorial that defined the African-American Civil Rights struggle, and was a life-long advocate for gay rights. Have you heard of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin? They were the first same-sex couple married in the United States at a ceremony in San Francisco on February 12, 2004. They were presented Women of Courage Awards by the National Organization for Women and their book Lesbian/Woman was named one of the twenty most influential women's books of the past twenty years by Publisher's Weekly. Or what about Tim Gill? He's one of only two openly gay individuals on the Forbes 400 list and an active philanthropist who provides millions of dollars annually to LGBT and HIV/ AIDS organizations. Then there's Leonard Matlovich, the first service member to fight discrimination against gays and lesbians in the United States military. His headstone reads. ''When I was in the military, they gave :me a medal for killing two men, and a discharge for loving one." These are only a few of the forty individuals being recognized for their contributions. Obviously, we don't have to look far to find role models. The problem lies in educating our community, especially our young people, about these heroes. We're_ living in times when our government and a very vocal segment of our society are actively opposed to anything remotely homosexual. Teachers can lose their jobs for simply telling their students they are gay or lesbian. How can we expect them · to teach about our gay heroes? No, until things change, it's up to us to spread the word. Equality Forum is to be applauded for their efforts to educate and acknowledge those who came before and made a difference. While we're recognizing the contributions of our community's notables, let's not forget the everyday heroes. The gay moms and dads who struggle every day to raise their children in a culture that tells them their family i:, of less worth than those of heterosexuals. They, too, are heroes. The brave men and women who live their lives openly and proudly even in the "Red States." They, too, are heroes. The soldiers forced to serve in silence due to government discrimination. They, too, are heroes. The fearless teenagers who come out in school despite the very real threat of harassment and bigotry. They, too, are heroes. Every act of courage, whether recognized by history or unseen by the world. moves us closer to equality. We don't ·have to hold out for our gay heroes. They're all around. We just have to learn to recognize them. Quotable Quotes "I really relate to the gay issue because of the marijuana issue. Because what Democrats are saying to gay people - which is basically, 'Oh, what do you care if it's just getting dvil unions? It's basically the same thing as marriage - just shut up and take it!' that's basically what people say to me about pot-smoking. They say, 'Bill, what do vou care so much if it's illegal? You can ~ways step outside the restaurant after dinner, I've seen you do it a hundred times, and smoke your joint in the allev.' And my answer to both of them is 'Fuck you.' You go outside after dinner and drink your brandy in the allev. You call whatever is going on under your roof a 'civil union."' -1V talk-show host Bill Maher to The Advocate, Feb. 15. Page 20 Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! May 2005 Salutations, Uncle here bringing you another in-depth look into all tings queer. Uncle is counting down the days until pride kittens. Celebrating that light which shines so bright from our community. Yes, uncle is gearing up, stocking up on supplies, while, preparing to endure endless parties, parades, and celebrations. Uncle spends the weeks after recouping from his yearly twist with the cause kittens. I am a giver however, so do not fret, you may just catch a glimpse of uncle if you look carefully. I will be the one dancing on the poll, L--------------' doing the sacred dance of the queenly, like the queens before me. Yes, I shall uphold tradition and vow to party until uncles proverbial bottom gives out. While, we dream of the celebrations which await us, allow us to see what queer seekers have brought uncles way this month. Dear uncle Mikey . I have made a mess with my friendship concerning my best friend. We have been friends forever, sharing almost everything. We have lived together now for three years since we graduated collage, and have seen the good and bad times go by us both. Well, we were at home last weekend, and we both being between mates right now, were drinking our sorrows away. He is straight and I gay. Though many said it would never work, it has been heaven, and I have depended on this friendship to get me through a lot. Well, I was drunk and horny, two combos which have proven dangerous for me in the past. I lent in to him placing my hand on his goods, and attempting to kiss him. I don't even know why I did it. He .has been distant and I fear he is thinking of moving out while, he is reading more into this than there reaOy is. I mean yes he is hot, and I wished on occasion, however, do not truly desire anything more than the best friend he has been to me. How can I convince him this was nothing more than a drunken weakness in my stupid lonely state? Seriously sorry Dearest Sorry, Kitten, alas, this is a most serious issues, with consequences, which you may find are inevitable. You broke his trust, and boundaries; which, are not so easily mended. You have to give him time to deal with your actions. He is probably feeling betrayed by you, since you are his best friend, knowing his sexuality, went ahead and broke that trust. You may very well wind up looking for a flat mate sooner than you dreamed. Uncle suggests giving him space, while, maybe writing a letter from your heart. Allow him to deal with this in his time, and see where this goes. It is. difficuit to come back from broken trust; however, determined one can overcome. So, hold in there, and just hope for the best and prepare for the worst as they say. It is his decision to make, and you will have to except the consequences of your actions. Uncle also suggests you reconsider drinking habits, which get you into troubie. Good luck- Uncle Dear Uncle Mikey: Dear Uncle: Why are so many gay men so uptight? It seems that drama rolls whenever there are more than two queers in one place. Does everything have to be a scandal? The normal guy i l f Page 21 Dearest Normal, Kitten, this is an easy one. Gay men are fabulous beings, which by design alone attract creativity, colorful surroundings, and of course, diversity in its finest. We do not look to some threepiece suite with a bad haircut, to dictate our life for us. We are ,what many only dream of being. We enjoy life, and the moment fate allows us. This however has a most plaguing side effect, and that is simply known; as drama. When you have, as many beautifully diverse people, as our community; New ideas springing fourth, life passions being realized, and of course the unique ability to stand in a world of repression, while, remaining true to yourself. There is bound to be some backlash, and that is drama .. So, do not judge so quickly my young one, Smooches-Uncle Drama is like anything else in life. Too much can push someone over the edge, while too little, can leave one in a bleak existence at best. The drama lets you know you are alive. So, enjoy it, while keeping it rightfully in check. Well Kittens, it seems our time has come. Uncle sends warm mav kisses out to all of his wonderful Kitt~ns. Remember this: He, who does not ask permission to exist, remains true to himself. While, the others will ask for the rest of life, for a ship, which will never come. Sink or swim baby, I got my thong! Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too! Uncle Mikey is a character from Fru&.na: writer Michael Hinzman. Michael has mm 'Writing for ten years. Utilizing his studies, and life experienCJ! to hdp others in his community, through humor and sound advice. Michael applied his study of prychology and creative 'Writing, as well his extensive brtckground in menu/ hMith Dirn:r caTI! to bring a new style and approach whelping others. Mich11.d's other works can be vieTDed at W'W'W.gaylinkcontent.com. Out of Town from pg-10 It's a great area for a warm-weather stroll, especially during the day, when you can admire the sea. To find the gayest section of beachfront, head to the Barceloneta neighborhood Gust west of the Olympic Port) and follow it as far west as you can go, not far from the Sant Sebastia cable-car tower. When you've had enough of the beach, hop on the cable car, which offers stunning views of the city and harbor and deposits you right on the edge of Montjuic, a verdant and hilly park. that's an absolute highlight of any visit to Barcelona. In the park, you can take funiculars (small aerial trams) up to its highest point, where Montjuic Castle (now a military museum but for many years a fortress and prison) stands sentry over the city. Or you can stroll through the park's lower regions to explore the lush botanical gitrdens and the wonderful Fundado Miro, the art museum dedicated to modern Spanish master Joan l\,fuo. Another area where you should try to spend at least one full afternoon is Barcelona's centrally located Old City, which feels nothing at all like the rest of the city, with its extremely narrow lanes and meticulo*sly preserved medieval architecture. This neighborhood dates to the city's Roman origins and contains several key landmarks, from the magnificent cathedral to the city history museum. If you have a bit of a foot fetish, check: out the quirky Museu de! Calcat, an entire museum dedicated to the history of shoes. In the neighboring (and also ancient) Born and Sant Pere districts, you'll find the Museu Picasso, whose thoroughly contemporary and stark interior contrasts dramatically with the building's medieval exterior. Exhibits here focus heavily on Pablo Picasso's early years, so if you're looking for his most &mous works, you may be disappointed. Fans of haute couru.re must not miss the neighborhood's Museu Textil, whose collections date back many centuries but include pienty of fashions from the past century, including some donated by chichi Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga.. Just a bit farther east, Puc de ia Ciutadeila is a delightful spot for a walk: (it's not uncommon to see the occasional same-sex couple meandering about the gardens); it also contains the city's zoo and natural history museum. On your way to the park, drop by the small but fascinating Museu de la Xocolata, which contains amazingly rendered contin11ed pg-26 c as been writing for the ~y and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own Write." Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac MAY 2005 Making History In a few weeks, anybody who's anybody in the lesbian and gii.y movement will be headed for Philadelphia to commemorate "the 40th anniversary of the GLBT dvil rights movement," as the celebration's official website (www.equalityforum.com) bills the event. You may be scratching your head now and saying, "Fortieth anniversary? Philadelphia? I could have sworn the Stonewall rebellion took place in New York City in 1969." And indeed, it did. However, an event that is much less known but still of enormous significance to the LGBT movement took place four years _before_ Stonewall. On July 4, 1965, in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a group of gay men and lesbians _____________ ;...,it staged what appears to have been the first public protest on behalf of gay civil rights. Each year on Independence Day for the next four years, the protestors held a demonstration at the same spot, called the "Annual ~eminder." N~w, just a couple of months shy of the actual anniversary, those lesbian and gay pioneers will be acknowledged with a star-studded celebration. . The P~d~hia demonstration was notably different from Stonewall - peaceful, qwct, and with 1ts own dress code of suits and ties for men and dresses and heels for women. They marched in an orderly circle carrying signs with, messages such as "Homosexual Citizens Want the Right to Make Their Maximum Contribution to Society." Still, as longtime gay activist Frank Kameny correctly notes, those conservatively dressed, law-abiding protestors "created the mindset for the expression of dissent" that made the Stonewall rebellion possible. Equality Foru.m's description of the anniversary celebration makes the distinction between the two historic events even clearer, with the stress in Philadelphia on "GLBT civil rights," as opposed to the "GLBT liberation" that arose from Stonewall. And that's been the split in our movement since the 1960s, continuing in some ~easure to the present day. Tho_se activists who have pushed primarily for "gay civil righ~s" have been more moderate and centrist in their approach to our movement, seeking to fit gay people into the overall fabric of American life. On the other hand, those who have pressed for "gay liberation" have often been in favor of more sweeping change of U.S. institutions and policy. It's noteworthy that we're commemorating the Philadelphia demonstration at this particular point in our politicii life as a movement, when maay of us arc indeed much closer to the suited activists of 1965 than to the queer rioters of Stonewall. We have l~rge national organizations in Washington and New York that hold glitzy fundraiscrs. A lot. of us name marriage and the right to serve openly in the military among our concerns - hardly the goals of take-to-the-streets radicals. Some of us even vote Republican. And a number of us have the disposabie income to spend on a jaunt to Philadelphia to venerate our past. Significantly, the May 1 event promises to be quite commercial, with a conformist public face. It's not eyeo being held on the _acrual_ anniversary of the demonstration, but i_n conjunction with the city's PrideFest of entertainment and parties. Among the conttnued next page 1 Page 23 many side-events taking place is a dinner honoring gay-friendly corporate giant IBM. So if. celebrating our marketability or the conservative tum our movement has tak~o isn't for you, the Philadelphia celebration probably isn't either. I myself won't be attending. At the same time, Equality Forum should be commended for a couple of importll.nt things that will come out of this event. First is the fact that Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) will d~dica~e a marker from the Pennsylvania Histoncal and Museum Commission to note the s~ot of the Philadelphia , . dc:m<>ostratl()n. This in itself is cause for celeb~tion, since there are so few amgible remnants of the lesbian, and gay past. To attempting to document LGBT historic sites in a book called The Queerest/P:~ces_, t f~und tha~ sadly, ~y buil~ assoC11lted with our moveme1# ~ere .no longer extllot. What's· more, his.t<>ric house museums connected , to &mous queers - like Walt Whitman, , for cx:unple - are often deeply "closeted" about their &inous inhabitants. A number o~ gay-related sit~s, especially in Sao Francisco, have attained city status as landmarks; but our only "out" national historic site remains the Stonewall Ion which .got its official designation unde; the Clinton administration. Now, having a state recognize the lesbian and gay movement - with a marker near the spot ~e Declaration of Independence was signed, no less - is of enormous significance, particularly .in this conservative political climate. A Statement by The Reverend Dr. Troy D. Perry Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches On The Elevation of Cardinal Ratzinger to the Papacy of the Roman Catholic Church April 19, 2005 , In 1987, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, then Yic~-:Moderator of Metropolitan Commumty Churches, and I met Cardi.rial_ Ratzingcr at the Bilateral :q~oguc held during Pope John Paul II's VlSltJci Columbia, South Carolina. , A,t that time, we were filled with h<;>pc that the relatively new Pope John Paul II. would usher in a new era of ,, · . God's gay, lesbian, bisexual . . . transgendcr children. That did not hap·'-en. , , ~ ', ,, . In recent days, we h_eld out hope that ~. ~~~n of a new Pope would now Bnng greater openness and acceptance to the Roman Catholic Church. With today's election, that did not happen. In fact, over the past three decades Cardinal Ratziogcr has served as the ' author_ of many of the Roman Catholic Church's policies that embody overt hostility to LGBT people and preclude womeil from full participation in the life of the Church. We share a deep sadness that one of the world's most homophobic religious leaders has been elevated to the papacy, and regret that his policies will continue to <icvalμe the rich spiritual gifts of , LGBT people and women of faith. . Second, the Philadelphia celebration will,. I hope, help make people aware that lesbwis and gay men have lived and · straggled for their rights in places other than Greenwich Village and the Castro Since so man~ of us don't live in gay · ghetto:es, but m suburbs and small towns making our human faces visible is a huge' part of the work that our movement is now doing across the country. , _.- My &ith teaches ttiat aU people can change, so my prayers today are that the c;yes 9f Cardinal Ratzingcr _. now Pope ~c=dict :XVI - will be opened to the umgue giftedness and blessing that LGBT ~people can be to the Church. And my ~rar,crs_ today are with my brothers and sisters m the Roman Catholic Church and those ~ose lives will be harined by c~h policies that treat LGBT people with less than unconditional acceptance and dignity. P 25 Ids rne www.HearTheRumors.com pagc-26 Out of Town from pg-21 miniature sculptw:cs and dioramas made cntirdy of chocolate (and no, you can't nibble on them, as thcy'i:c safely ensconced within glass display cases). Not far from the Old City, the up-and-coming Raval district contains the distinctive (and huge) Richard Meier-designed Muscu d' Art Contcmporani de Barcelona (MACBA), which houses an esteemed collection of contemporary art. Gty Barcdomans pursue clubbing and bar-hopping with great vigor. Some good bets in the Eixamplc indudc Ambar, Sweet; and Z:dta's, the last being a bit darker and cruisier than the others. Ambar is fun because it has seveml. pool tables in back, and Sweet is brightly lit and contemporary, drawing a fashion-conscious crowd. D-Mer is the main lesbian hangout; although women have a notable presence at virtually all of the predominantly male bars. The outrageous La Diva presents wild c:lriig'ahows along with pretty tasty food. Dietrich might just be the hippest gay bar in.~,with a spotlighted garden and a courtly interior. Both inen ~d women frcqnent this spot; with .an especially strong under-30 contingent. Bi-level Punto BCN. is light and open, drawing the biggest crowds early in th~ evening. And to you fans of leather and Levi's, felat not - Batcdona has its own very popular Eagle. Among larger daqce clubs, the sexually ch'1'ge<l Metro appeals to cruisy guys, owing to its muc ofdarlt rooms offthc dance floor. And then there ~c the three pulsing.Arena nightclubs - Ar~ Clasoic, .A,r~ Madre, lllld Arena VIP - wftlch all get going a bit aftct midnight and throb until nearly 6 a.m, On Fridays, Saturdays,. and Sunday, anybody who love$ dariciμg and muscular men should head to Salvation: · . For a memotablc meal, drop by trendy Porquesi, where you mightJ:rr.cod with lime, coriander, tomato, and olive .. oil. The food is reasonably priced (the colorful cocktails more expensive), and there's a separate lounge filled with white beds and pillows; Friendly La Monyos is a cute and .ttendy cafe serving bandadc and ,alt cod crepes, apple and walnut aalad, and risotto with parmcaan and cmcd ham. You can enjoy an absolutely delicious meal and also b~c a fine mukct of Spanish gow:met wines, olive oils, jams, and chocolate, at Origcns 99.9o/e, which celebrates all things culinary· and Cataian. Snack on rabbit braised in chocolate, cod tripe with snails, and other regional ,pecialtics. Simple and hearty Cuban-inspired Spanish &re, including great roast chicken and black beans, is served at Cubaneo. Irreverent Iurantia, a snazzy little cafe drawing an artsy bunch, serves inexpensive pub &re, including a ground-beef patty known as the "Fuck Mac Burger." The restalltllilt Castto has a gay following - it turns out fine Continental fare at dinner. Tapas are more a Madrid ttadirion than a Barcelona one, but the city does have some excellent restaurants specializing in these small plates of snacks, including Celler de Tapas, a handsome space with clean lines and several tables along the sidewalk. Crab salad, marinated octopus, and anchovies with garlic stand out on the lengthy menu. To satisfy your sweet tooth, pop inside La Valenciana, an old-fuhioncd cafe that serves exceptional gdato,, coffees, and cakes. Barcdona has a wealth of charming accommodlltiona, from inexpensive gay gueathouses to. some genuinely enchanting historic palaces, such as the gorgeous Hotel Balmes and the citf s true grandc dame, the ultra-luxuricius Hote~'Majcstic, which anchors the Ei:a:amplc's main shopping dtsg. Right on the edge of the gay area, the sixfloor Hotel Calcdonian has pleasant rooms (some with terraces overlooking the street) ar/,d friendly prices, a~ around 90 euroa. Nearby, the mic;l-priccd Hotel Hl0 Univenitii.t has a convenient location • it's clos~ to La Rambla, too. Free high-speed Internet and a hip restaurant add to the appeal. · • Tops among gay and lesbian places, the 66- room Hotd Axd ia an uber-cool boutique property with futuristic minimalist rooms and a terrific, helpful staff. The hotd's swish restaurant; bathed in black and cranbctty-red, ~cries such creative fare as cardamom-dusted '~o'nifish and watermdon soup with a dash of rum. On Wednesday nights the Axel throWll a big bash on its roof deck - it's a favorite place for gay locals and guests of the hotd to mingle. Ho1tal Que Til ranb among the bc11t gay budget opttons; it's on the edge of the gay uca and contain, artful, simple room, with hand-painted mural• and auper-low rate■ • Another excellent choice, Frimda Ban:~na ~cupica an elegant penthouse apartment with du:ee brightly famished ~oma and three big tcrmces affording great city Yiewa. 'Thia smartly furnished guesthouge with a young, amiable ataff ia one of aevc:rai top-notch gay accommodations to open in re<:ent yean, a trend that reflects Barcelona's continued 1111cccs1 u one of the vot:!d'• hottest queer destinations. Page27 Seo by Jack Fertig MAY 2005 es "See foreign films, Leo!" Saturn is quincunx to Pluto for a month, which presents irritating challenges to making deep adjustments. Mercury is briefly aspecting both, offering ideas and messages on how to use those challenges. It's a great time for research projects, especially in history, genealogy, and archaeology. ARIES (Much 20 - April 19): Normally, problems at horn~ should be solved there, .but solutions are now coming from as far away as possible. Find a foreign and/ or philosophical fount of wisdom to offer new insights. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Words lie heavily on your tongue - but what really needs•saying? Take some time out for meditation or another introspective focus. That will just make you sexier, so take time to play too and then who needs _ words_ on your tongue? GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Loans to or from friends will only make trouble later. Get by on what you have and let others do the same! You're especially forceful and persuasive now, so you shouldn't have trouble sticking to your guns - and that will earn you great respect. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Working too hard could make the boss suspicious that you're after his or her job. The two of you are due for a talk about your duties and about how to work more effectively. Relax effectively, too! Stress from overwork can be dangerous. LEO (July 23 - August 22): You're getting into arguments too easily. Instead, try to confront what's really bothering you. Pick from a list of foreign films - for entertainment, yes, but also for a clue to what is really working your nerves. VIRGO (August 23 September 22): Power struggles are more easily won on your home turf. Getting all involved in your work space or usual hang-out is OK, but nothing wins them over like a home-cooked meal - or at least coffee and treats at your place. IJBRA (September 23 - October 22): Asserting your authority in any matter will only create more problems than it solves. Simply and concisely spelling out the facts of the matter at hand will demonstrate your mastery of the situation. Remember, _what's_ right is more important than _who's_ right. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Do.mestic arguments largely boil down to problems around work and money. Cut through the emotional drama and get to practical issues. The real trick is to respect everyone's emotions in the process. SAGITI'ARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Ever-lucky Saj! While Saturn is giving everyone else headaches, he's malcing you the queen (OK, Butch or the king~ of leather and fetishes. Just don't be too assertive about it. Your natural confidence is quite enough. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Relationships feel especially problematic now. Working it out together is ideal, but a time-out may be in order. Whether family traditions arc a source of the problem or offer wise insight, digging around your roots will help. AQUARIUS (JanulltY 20 - February 18): If something is bothering your tummy, it's likely to be from the weight of something you need to get off your chest. Even if there are repercussions, difficult adjustments are better than the sntus quo. Sing out; Louise! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Your profound creativity is blocked now. Diverting your attention to work, especially on money matters, will help .. Balancing your checkbook or reviewing the household budget is fine, but doing similar tasks at work is better. Jack Fertig has been worleing as a professional astrofuger since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astro/ogic4l Networking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864- 8302, through his website 11.t http://'Wf1J'W.st4rjack.com Page 28 Four States Community Directory -Bars- NightclubsArkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycunore- 479-571-130 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Ganison Ave- -479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson.Ave. - - - -479-782-1845 Arkansas, Bot Springs (501) Club One Eleven- - - 111 Garden St- - - - -620-4111 Our House Lounge - 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkaa1as, Little Rock (501) Back Street- - - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - 501-664-2744 Discovery- - - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070 Kansas, Wichita (316) J's Lounge - - - - 513 E. Central - - 316-262-1363 Our Pant:uy- - - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - -316-682-5494 The Comer- -- - - 3210 E. Osie - - - 316-683-9781 The Othenide- - -447 N. St Pt11t1cis- - 316-262-7825 Shat:tl - - - - - - - - 4000 S. Broadway- - 316-522--2028 Sidestreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- -316-267-0324 South 40 - - - - 3201 S. Hillside - - - -316-682-5494 Trend, Bar - -1507 S. Pawnee- - 316-262-4530 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's• • • • 716 S. Main•••••• -417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - - 3715 Main St - - - - 816-561-2600 Belle Stu's- - - - 1321 Grand Ave- - - -816-421-1288 Club NV - - - - 220 .Admintl Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Main St- - - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - - - 816--561-0625 Sidestreet Bar - - - -413 E. 3rd-.- - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicb Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Mlssowri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar• 504 E. Commercial••••• -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-Q036 Rumon • -1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - - - - -405-601-7200 Club Rox• - - -3535 NW 39th &pwy - 405-947-2351 Copa- - - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730 Pimh Line - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525-0730 Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW 50th- - - -405-843-1722 Lido- - - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Partners- - - - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - - 405-942-2199 Siatus- - - - - - 2120 NW 39th St - - - - -405-521-9533 The Rockies- -3201 N. May Ave - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill &: Bar- 3535 NW 39;:h-405-947-235, Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine• - -- 918-836-8700 Club Maverick- - 822 S. Sheridan - 918-835-3301 End Up Club- - - 424 S. Memorial- 918-836-2480 The Detour- - - - -7944 E. 21st - - - - 918-270-2428 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - 918-584-9494 Renegades- - 1649 S. Main• - - - - 918-585-3405 Pb.y-Mor-Club- 1737 S. Memorial - - 918-838-9792 Tulsa Eagle- -1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - 918-592-1188 TNT's - - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - 918-660-0856 Yellow-Brick-Rd- -2630 E. 15th- - 918-293-0304 -Restaurants- Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ingrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- -405-946-8444 Topanga Grill&: Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 -LodgingMbsouri, Joplin (417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground-- - -417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn 2200 NW 39th Exp- - -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - - - - - - - - -479-451-8066 Arkansas, Eureka Springs MCC living Spring- - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Arkansans for Human Rights-www.arhr.org Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - -www.dsra.org Stonewitll Democratic Club--www.sdcar.org Kansas, Pittsburg {620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut - -11.AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita {316) HOA-Mens Chorus - - - - - - - - - - - 316-618-0684 That Gay Group, W.S.U. - - - - - - - - - 316-978-7010 Kansas Gay Rodeo Assoc- - - - - www.lcgra.us Missouri, Joplin ( 417} MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - - - • 6pm UCCFP--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - -10:30AM Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucky- 417-624-5788 Missouri Gay Rodeo Assoc • - - - - www.mgra.us Page 29 Missouri, Springfield ( 417) fuunbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Univmalist Church - - 417-833-2723 APO- - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - - - - - - - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfidd- - - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Cathedral of Hope- 600 NW 13th St- 232-HOPE The Center- 2135 NW 39th St. - - 405-524-6000 NLA-Tribal Fire - - - - - - - - www.tribalfueokc.com OGRA- - - - - - - - - - - www.okgayrodeo.com Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- - - - 918-743-4297 H.O.P.E. - - -- 2545 S. Yale- - - - - - 918-834-8378 MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 SSRA · - - - · - · - - • - www.soouerstaterodeo.com TOHR- - - - PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Rough Riders- -www.tulsaroughriders.com -Business ServicesArkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com EurcbPride- • - - - - - - - - - ~.eurekapride.com Kansas, Wichita Total Massage- - · - - · Kenn- - - - - - . 316-204-0111 Missouri, Eureka Shelter Insurance- --Greg Tainter• 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-- -434-0077 Office Max- -440 Rangeline Rd- - - 417-623-1007 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - • • • 1918 S. Glenstone - -417-881-8H4 Oklahoma, Broken Arrow Spas N Such- - 808 N. 15th· - - --918-258-7727 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 - -4301 NW 63rd #100 - 405- 840-2106 Jungle Reds - - - 2200 NW Expwy- - 405-524-5733 Piece To Remember-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa {918) Elite Bookstore --814 S. Sheridan- - - - 918-838-8503 Kelly Kirby, CPA- 4815 S Harvard- - 918-747-5466 Undcrgi:cy:.com - · -15 E. Brady- - -918-829-0824 Priscilla(s - - · - - 7925 E. 41st - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla'.r- · · - 5634 W. Skelly - - - ·-918-446-6336 Priscilla;s,• - • -11344 E. 11th - - - - - 918-438-4224 Priscilli~ • - • - 2333 E. 71st - - • • - - 918-499-1661 Page 31 Page 30 cARTooN "A Couple of Guys" Inn Segth -1-316-522-1880 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, May 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 05 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 01, 2005 Subject The topic of the resource https://history.okeq.org/items/show/178 Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Michael Dee Douglas Glenn Steve T. Urie Paula Martinac Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Chaz 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 Southeast Kansas Western Arkansas 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, February 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/178 The Star Magazine, July 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/217 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/219 Advice gay rodeo Heart to Heart Lesbian Notions Miss Gay Layetteville pride festival Q Scopes Quotable Quotes religion same sex marriage-Kansas Spain Star Scene Uncle Mikey https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/015fa44afde2a916349c2982940c5e30.jpg e2e30a32d990eea49fc557c4118ccc47 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/9e4d20eaab2e34e0e08d2c63d0384688.pdf 94fbe63abdb287da3de6c97e93e4de2e 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 iiiis 109 E.Comm . Springfield, Mo 65803 417-873-2225 HearTheRumots·J~orn Scott Crow,, Managipg; M~Graw Da~isson. Stew 800. 0.3210 Langley, Oklahoma . ScottCrow~mcgrawok.com 918.782.3211 I J Diversity Pride Weekend EUREKA SPRINGS by Greg Steele EUREKA SPRINGS, AR_Rainbow flags will be flying high over Eureka Springs, Arkansas the weekend of November 4th- 6th. Diversity Pride Events owners Deborah Rose and partner have organized a weekend shindig for everyone. Rose said "It will be raining guys, gals and bears". Fall Diversity Weekend is just one of many events organized throughout rhe year by Deborah's group and other producers. Spring Diversity Pride Weekend, April 7-8 2006 and the fantastic Valenrines Dinner and Dance February 17-18 2006 are just a few getawa:y dates to plan for. Highlights of the upcoming weekend will include something for the girls, CRAVE DJ Kiki Fri & Sat. at Caribe Restaurant and Cantina. Collide with JD Bryan for the guys, GO GO Guy and Gal Dance Contest with cash prizes. Then rhere's Diversity Bears events with Bears, Beer & BBQ at Foresr Hill Restaurant. Moodswing Band will be belting out some Country Western Retro at Shawbee's Big Dawg Saloon 9pm Fri & Sat. For those wanna be crooners there's a Diversity Open Mic/Talent search contest Friday and Saturday. Drag Kings and Drag Queens, what else could you ask for! The fabulous Robbie Walker and many other performers · will be out to entertain you. You may even run into IRIS. For schedule's and more information on Diversity Pride Events weekend, check out the website at (www.diversitypride.com). Also (www.eurekasprings.com/ alternative) for lodging and other points of interest such as shopping, shopping, shopping. And don't forget Eureka Springs has some of the best restaurants in the region. It will be a biast off weekend in this little gay friendlv city nestled in the Ozark Mountains. Drive carefully. Page 3 QJ~ttttksgining irtttitt!JS by Greg Steele With all the outing of gay pen~ . ins, sheep, dogs and other species, is tere a possibility there are gay . ~ turkeys? How would you know./: you were eating one of our. own. l mean the poor critters are Just. herded into the slaughter pen,. h!1111andy killed, I presume, plm;keo and whisked off to Walmart. I. for one will be asking the Walmart meat lady 'f turkey was gay! I refuse to 1 mv . "r-!1 bak~, fry, barbecue or boil a "=Y member. We assume that all turkeys are hetero, and it's OK to bake or fry t a homophobic betero turkey, but ec ., h d what if your turkey was etero an gay friendly? This outing of animals and now fowl is just not rig~t. It raises so . many questions and create~ ~o many problems and it's Thanksgtvmg ~o.r god sake. Where are the Fowl Rights people when you need them! Have a Great Holiday! Citing Dangers Posed By Antigay 'Sodomy Laws', Lambda Legal Voices Concern Over Supreme Court Nominee Harriet Miers's Answers to Gay Rights Survey Lambda Legal fought in the courts for five ye.trs to overturn the Texas "Homosexual Conduct" law. We therefore find it very troubling that Ms. Miers would twice assert that the law should stand rather ihan be repealed (New York, October 4, 2005) - Statement from Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director for Lambda Legal regarding a survey Supreme Court Nominee Harriet Miers answered on gay rights while she was a candidate for Dallas City Council. "Harrier Miers's written answers, while a candidate for Dallas City Council, to a number of questions about the rights of gays and lesbians merit very close scrutiny. We would hope that the general proposition that gay people deserve the same civil rights as everybody else isn't controversial. We nonetheless take note that Ms. Miers agreed with the proposition in 1989. What we find particularly troubling, though, is her contradictory statement that the Texas "Homosexual Conduct" law which made it a crime for gay people to engage in sexual intimacy that was completely legal for heterosexuals should not be repealed. As Justice Sandra Day O'Connor pointed out in her concurring opinion in Lawrence v. Texas, this law unjustiy discriminated against gay people. Lambda Legal fought in the courts for five years to overturn the Texas "Homos;xual Conduct" law. Two of our clients were led handcuffed from one of their apartments in the middle of the night and jailed as a result of it. We therefore find it very troubling that Ms. Miers would twice assert that the law should stand rather than be repealed. "This new evidence makes it even more important that Harriet Miers's nomination be subjected to rigorous scrutiny during the Sena~e confirmation process. We do not believe that her statements in 1989 alone decide whether she is qualified to a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. At the same rime, we firmly believe that a nominee is qualified only if she demonstrates the necessary legal intellect, experience and judicial temperament as well as a clear commitment to fairness and equality for all Americans. Ms. Miers's support for a criminal law that openly discriminated against gay people calls into serious question whether she possesses this commitment. The upcoming Senate confirmation hearings will provide the nominee with the opportunity to discuss her current thinking and demonstrate whether she is committed to fairness and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and all other Americans." FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN GLBT SERIES 'NOAH'S ARC' PROVIDES IMPORTANT VISIBILITY WASHINGTON - In collaboration with Logo, the Human Rights Campaign is sponsoring a six city sneak preview tour of "Noah's Arc," the first African-American gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender series. The Washington, D.C., preview takes place at 8 p.m. today in HRC's Equality Forum /RS.YE). · "We're proud to be promoting a show that finally gives visibility to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender African-Americans," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "We should all have the opportunity to see ourselves in our media." "The Human Rights Campaign's support from the beginning of this show has really helped bring it to life," said show creator Patrick Ian Polk. "These sneak previews represent anotner seep m the partnership we began more than a year ago.'" "This is a historic moment not only for the African-American GLBT community, but for the whoie GLBT community," say Chris Wagely, marketing manage! for Logo.Other sponsors include the Black AIDS Institute, Comcast and Di!ectTV The series will premiere on Logo Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2005. A sneak pre,;iew took place la~: night in New York C:ty. All previews except for the OUT!'lest preview are free of charge. Additionai previews wiH take place: Page S Jackson Hole ahd Telluride _Jackson Hole, Wyoming~ Just south of Grand Teton National Park, in one of the most remote and dra~aticall· scenic patches of the American West, Jackson Hole feels e~ual, parts , h y · •·· ' chic On the surface it's less cutesv and overoeve10ped man down- ome ana cowooy • '. , ' .. h · d many upscale Rockies ski resorts, but you'll still fina plenty of ,ony s ops, inns, an restaurants. n •. li 12 mil northwest of Toe ski area, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, actuauj es • es .. th• bustling town of Jackson. The resort area is surrounded by T~ton Vhlllage, a~ att..r. active duster of re. sorts, restaurants, · d s· · -rer1ate t e resort s and con os. k:lers apy ~ challenging and beautifully kept terrain. Page 6 Out of Town Half of the 111 trails are expert, and 40 percent of them intermediate. A dozen lifts serve the 2,500 acres of skiing, and the vertical drop of 4,139 is the greatest of any ski area in the nation. Among Teton Village accommodations, consider the cushv Snake River Lodge, an inviting 88-r~om hotel that's home to one of the region's top resraurams, GameFish (where you might sample port-marinated elk chops with appie cider sauce), as well as the magnificent Avanyu Spa. The lodge also rents out 46 adjacent condos. Another excellent option, Teton Village Lodge also lies at the base of the ski resort and consists of 80 upscale rental condos, many with full kitchens, gas fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. No trip to Teton Village is complete without a visit to the Mangy Moose, a rollicking tavern and live-music dub that draws both regionally and nationally known talents and serves up delicious buffalo burgers, pizzas, and barbecue ribs. This is one of the world's quintessential apres-ski hangouts. In the town of T ackson itself, vou'll find a number of ieat restaurants: plus a good many spots to buy everything from high-end cowboy wear to top-of-the-line ski gear. Enjoy a casual meal and some top-notch lagers and stouts at Snake River Brewing. Rendezvous Bistro serves such delectable contemporary fare as smoked swordfish carpaccio and steak tanare. And set inside· a vintage house downtown, the Blue Lion presents huge portions of tasry Western favorites, such as fresh-caught Idaho red trout and grilled elk tenderloin. Among downtown accommodations, the historic Won Hotel exudes charm, with its imposing 1940s T;:ido:.:-style facade and richly furnished rooms, pius the convivia: Sfrver Dollar Bar and Grill. Head up into the hills just west of town to reach one of the \'vest's premier resorts, Amangani, an ultra-op~lent mouncaimop spread whose 40 paiati2l suites start at $700 11ighth in season. Massive windows lool~ o~t across Teton Pass from this elegant sandstone-andredwood building. Even if you don't stay here, drop by for a meal at The Grill or cocktails at the zinc-top bar. From either Teton· Villal"e or the C' to'l..vn of Jackson, it's a relatively short and easy drive north into Grand Teton National Park, and from there it's just about 45 miles up to the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. To reach Jackson, your best bet is to fly right into Jackson Hole Airport, which has service from several major airlines, including American, Delta, Northwest, and United. Otherwise, it's a long drive to Jackson from the nearest major cities (300 miles from Salt Lake, 520 miles from Denver). _Telluride, Colorado_ Telluride is really two communities in one. There's the historic and extremely charming original town, which sits nestled in a deep gorge at the base of some of the finest ski terrain in the West. And then there's the more modern Mountain Village, which you can reach either by driving 8 miles west and then north of town or via a free gondola trip up the mountainside (the ride takes 13 minutes). Telluride ski season begins around Thanksgiving and runs through early April; the area consists of 84 trails, evenly balanced between advanced and intermediate runs, with a smaller but still considerable number of beginner slopes, and there's a vertical drop of some 3,500 feet, with the area's peak elevation at 12,260. Skiers can navigate the mountain via 16 lifts (more than half of them highspeed) and dine at some 55 ski-in/ ski-out restaurants. This is truly a world-class facility. Telluride Gay Ski Week was begun in 2004 and has rapidly developed an enthusiastic following. In 2006 it runs from February 26 through March 5, and it coincides with the Telluride AIDS Benefit, which is the recipient of the week's proceeds. Festivities include a variety of parties, from an outdoor tubing shir:dig co an indoor pool-andJacuzzi romp. The week culminates on Oscar Night, so the final party includes a fabulous viev,-ing of the Academy Awards. One thing downtown Telluride has pient:y of is superb restaurants, the best of them helmed by iocai chef superstar, Jake Linzinmeir. His latest creation, which opened in December 2004, is Chair 8, in the Camel's Garden Hotel, at continued page-28 Page 7 Bold New Ads Aired to Oppose Texas Anti-Marriage Amendment Houston same-sex couples and families speak from the heart about why marriage matters HOUSTON, Oct. 12 - The Vote Against the Amendment Campaign, a project of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, today announced the release of seven broadcast commercials in opposition to Proposition 2, a proposed amendment to the Texas constitution that would prohibit any legal recognition of same-sex relationships. The measure will be on the ballot on November 8. The seven television spots, which begin airing today, feature several Houston gay and lesbian families talking about their love and the need for, and importance of, marriage equality. While there have been many television ads opposing state anti-marriage constitutional amendments over the last few vears, this new series is the first time sam;-sex couples have spoken directly about why marriage matters. "These groundbreaking ads will introduce Houston voters to their gay and lesbian neighbors and underscore that this constitutional amendment will hurt real people and real families," said National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Director of Organizing & Training Dave Fleischer. "We think it is important to speak to voters openly and honestly about our lives and relationships. When voters know who we are, many more of them see the need for marriage equality for gay families and consider standing with us on the issue." "It is imperative that Houstonians understand the negative impact this amendment will have on our Eves and our families," said Rev. Carolyn Mobley and Adrain Bowie, who appear in one of the commercials. "We are not second-clas$ citizens, and we need the same rcso~rces and rights availabie ro heterosexual couples to protect our fan1iiies. 1 • According to the U.S. Census, there are 9,784 same-sex couples in the Houston metropolitan area, with a total of 42,912 same-sex couples in the st.ate of Texas. The greater Houston metro area ranks 44th out of the 331 metropolitan areas defined bv the Census nationwide. The Vote Against the Amendment Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force are working in partnership with the coalition of state and local groups in Texas that are part of the No Nonsense in November campaign. "Our opponents have vastly greater resources at their disposal and are relying on myths and fear-mongering to hurt Texas families. We appreciate the work of the Task Force to show the truth about who we are," said Glen Maxey, the No Nonsense in November campaign manager. Proposition 2, which will be decided on November 8, prohibits marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships for same-sex families. The Task Force has committed significant resources to helping the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community educate voters about the detrimental impact of these divisive amendments. This commitment inciudes training, voter identification, organizing key communities, as well as significant financial assistance. To date, 18 states have amended their state constitutions to preclude the recognition of same-sex marriage, with most of the amendments also forbidding any legal recognition of same-sex families. Quotable Quotes "1 think the opponents of gay marriage really fall into two categories. A smail group of peopie just don't like gay oeople. If you don't like one, you don't like two. It's geometric. The larger percentage are people who are generally supportive of equal rights, as they have been in Massachusetts, but hear these predictions that it's going to be socially very chaotic, and they figure, why take the chance?" - Gav U.S. Rep Barney Frank, D-Mass., to the \feilesley {Mass.] ·ro~,.vnsman. Page 8 Know The Law, Then You Decide! OUJI-CR 8-25 DEFENSE OF ENTRAPMENT - REQUIREMENTS Where a person has no previous intent or purpose to violate the law, but is induced or persuaded by law enforcement officers to commit a crime, he/ she is entitled to the defense of entrapment, because the law as a matter of policy forbids a conviction in such a case. On the other hand, where a person already has the readiness and willingness to break the law, the mere fact that a police officer provides what appears to be a &vorable opportunity is no defense. If you should find from the evidence that, before anything at all occurred respecting the alleged offense involved in this case, the defendant was ready and willing to commit a crime such as that charged in the information whenever opportunity was offered and the police merely offered the opportunity, the defendant is not entitled to the defense of entrapment. If, on the other hand, you should find that the defendant had no previous intent or purpose to commit any offense of the character here charged, and did so onlv because he/ she was induced or persuaded by some agent of the police, then the government has seduced an innocent person, and the defense of entrapment is a good defense. Committee Comments This instruction is substantially similar to that approved by the Court of Criminal Appeals in Robinson v. State, 1973 OK CR 152, 507 P.2d 1296. . overruled on other grounds, Mclnt~rjf v. State, 1976 OK CR 226, 112, 554 P.2d 837, 841. Entrapment occurs when the planning and volitional conduct associated with an offense are entire!, the products of an officer or a person acting under the direction of an officer, and the officer or his agent procures the c~m~ssion of the offense by a person who, buc for the artifice of the officer, Kiddie v. State, 1977 OK CR 301, 574 P.2d 1042; Dupree v. State, 1973 OK CR 53, 506 P.2d 974; McCan v. State, 1967 OK CR 222, 435 P.2d 419; Riddle v. State, 1962 OK CR 98, 374 P.2d 634; Crosbie v. State, 1958 OK CR 78, 330 P.2d 602; Savage v. State, 1956 OK CR 112, 304 P.2d 344; Bayouth v. State, 1956 OK CR 26, 294 P.2d 856; Lee v. State, 66 Okl. Cr. 399, 92 P.2d 621 (1939). See also Jacobson v. United States, 503 U.S. 540, 554 (prosecution was required to offer evidence of defendant's predisposition to violate the !aw independent of the government's acts and bevond a reasonable doubt). Merely furnishing the defendant with an opportunity to commit a crime is not entrapment. Hunnicutt v. State, 1988 OK CR 91, ,r 3, 755 P.2d 105, 107-08. The defense of entrapment is not available unless the officer or the person acting under his direction first suggested perpetration of the criminal act, or lured or persuaded the defendant to partake of the criminal conduct. Stevens v. State, 51 Okl. Cr. 451, 2 P.2d 282 (1931); Warren v. State, 35 Okl. Cr. 430, 251 P. 101 (1926). The court has analyzed the availabilirv of the entrapment defense as follows: O~e who is instigated, induced, or lured bv officer of law or other person, for · purposes of prosecution, into commission of crime which he had otherwise no intention of committing may avail himself of the defense of entrapment. Principle of entrapment places no limitation on right of officers to obtain evidence of any crime originating in mind of a~orher; and an officer may, when acting in good faith with view to detecting crime. make use of deception, tricker}~ or artifice. Robinson, supra, 1973 OK CR 152, ,i 11, 507 P.2d at 1299 (citations omitted; emphasis in original), overruled on burden of proof, Mclnturjf v. State, 1976 OK CR 226, 1 12, 554 P.2d 837, 841. Continued page-29 Page 9 iversity de Events We Do'It t! Por GLBT.s & PFLAGs Eureka Sprinqs. Adzansas No It. will be .RAINING . ... MEN,. WOMEN~, BEARS/ . www.DiversityPride.com Call for G Games Poster Artists **VII** GAY GAME'S. CHICAGO 2006 CHICAGO, IL_ The Gay Games in Chicago won't just be for athletes, performers and their fans. True to its motto of inclusion, the Gay Games will give also give creative artists an opportunity ---m!i to showcase ti½.eir talents. Chicago Games, Inc. (CGI), the organizers of the July 15 to 22, 2006 Gay Games VII Sports & Cultural Festival, has issued a Call for Artists to submit designs for a series of commemorative Gay Games posters. Selected designs will be printed in a limited series on museum quality paper and distributed to help raise visibility and. funds for the Chicago event. The Gay Games Arts Committee will select winning artwork from designs submitted by 15 November 2005. The selection committee will be chaired by well-known Chicago artist Bob Klunk and Chicago artist, writer and poet CC Carter. The winning artists will each receive 50 artist proofs of their completed poster and the designs will be featured on the Gay Games Chicago website at www.gaygameschicago.org. Artists should submit artwork in the highest resolution possible on CD-ROM by 15 November 2005 to: Poster Art Contest. Gav Games VII, 4753 N. Br~ad<N;y, Suite 602, Chicago, IL 60640. All artwork submitted will be the property of Chicago Games, Inc. to be used in promotions, sales and all other uses. No original artwork will be returned. Artists will be required to sign a release granting use of the artwork. Specifications/Rules Final printed poster artwork will be 18" wide by 24" high. The logos of Gay Games VII and our Global Sponsors, along with text continued page-3 5 Page 12 OKC,OK Priscilla's 615 E Memorial (405) 755-8600 Springfield, MO TLC Priscilla's 1918 S. Glenstone (417) 881-8444 Tulsa, OK Priscilla's 7925 E 41st (918) 627-4884 Tulsa, OK Prisciila's 5634 W. Skelly (918) 446-6336 Tulsa, OK Priscilla's 11344 E. 11th (918) 438-4224 Tuisa, OK Priscilla's 2333 E. 71st (918) 499-1661 Page 13 to2pm Music, These Girls It All! A 5 piece all female band, Moodswing has been together for one and half years. They have played at many events including Tulsa Pride Picnic, OKC Pride Picnic, Tulsa's Mayfest, The Women's Music Festival in Dripping Springs, Texas and the Sooner State Rodeo in Tulsa. And have proven to draw huge crowds at many Tulsa and Oklahoma City nightclubs. Current members are: Brenda Bobbit has been entertaining since the tender age of 3. At 12, she played with her father & Jimmy Dallas in Kansas City. She performed in the Fender's theater in Branson, played in concerts with Jo Clark & the Fog_gy River Bovs to name a few. Her hero 1s Dottie &i.mbo. Her life long dream is to iam with Dorrie someday. · Paula Gokey Raised in Bowling Green, Ohio. She started playing drums when she was 13. She also plays guitar and writes poetry. One of her poems has even been published. She loves to practice playing her drums and sometimes will spend 5 hours listening & practicing totally lost in the music. She will blow vou awav when she plavs the drums. She ~ay be ~mall, but great· things do come in small packages. Schellve James is a singer/songwriter and plays ,rhythm guitar. Scheliye is an entertainer. She has great stage presence. She joined the school band at age 10 & played drums. But don't ask her to play them now. She says it's been too long. Her favorite artists are Sting & Lisa Marie Preslev. She is a Cartoonist, Portrait artist & wa; an OSU Graphic Design Girl Illustrator. Mary King is a singer/ songwriter 2nd plays guitar. She first st:1rted singing at :1ge 7. (She was frosty the snowman) Alw:1ys shy and quiet growing up until the 7th grade when her music teacher w:1s walking past all the choir members listening to them sing. Her teacher talked her into singing ll solo in district contest and the rest is history. Marv was in love with music &om th:1t point on. She received 13 first place medals in either solos or ensembles from the 7th grade thru the rest of high school. She :1lso received outstanding vocal music student in the 9th grade. Valerie Meador was born and raised near Roanoke, VA. She started our playing drums and singing in her family's gospel group at the age of 8. Valerie's family (The Jimmy Me:1dor Family) consisted of Mom & D:1d and two older sisters. They recorded their first album wl::en Valerie was 9 ye:1rs old. Since then, she h2s played with several other groups a:.d has played on several recordings. Valerie's musica! background comes primarily from her Dad. Vaierie says, "My dad could ha,'c been a Bill Monroe." Don't miss Moodswing's next concert at the Diversity Pride Events weekend Coumry /Retro dance in Eureka Springs. November 4th & 5th at Shawbee's. For booking information contact Mary King 918-955-5890 Page 15 / COME OUT; COME OUT WHERE EVER YOU ARE! by Reverend Steve T. Urie JOPLIN, MO_ What an event ~d in Joplin, Missouri! October. 12, 200.'.l saw the beginning of an amazmg growth for, our community. The Straight and Gay Alliance of Missouri Southern State University successfully held its first "Coming Out Event" on campus. Although a close vote, the campus . organization known as ~AG~ received permission from the uruvers1ty to hold the event. With booths on the campus oval located in the center of the campus, approval to use part of the li~r~ and use of the Mills Anderson Cnmmal Justice Center auditorium the event was an enormous success. A success first for the fact it even happened. Secondly for the organization representing the students and off campus organizations including PR?MO (the Personal Rights of Missounans . _ organization that is our communmes political arm), AIDS Project o_f the Ozarks, Alternatives Counseling Associates, and Spirit of Christ Metropolitan Community Ch~rch coming together as a commuruty. Several businesses provided products for ~ raffle, students sold rainbow bead key chams and cookies while Spirit of Christ MCC received donated CD's from Marsha Stevens and Shawn Thomas for the raffle and for sale. Both of these very talented performers are indeed people of faith but also part of our G/L/B/T community setting the example that 1f you make up your mind to be who you are ... you can in fact accomplish great things. Finally this was a success for a surprisingly nonaggressive response from the student body and community at large toward the event. The event was covered by the Joplin Globe and two local television stations including KOAM. Workshops during the day incl~ded "Pink Triangles" by H. James Megmley, PhD. From Alternatives Counseling Associates and the House of Hope in Chattanooga; "Coining Out as a P7rson of Faith" by Reverend. Steve T. Une pastor of Spirit of Christ MCC with. a predominantly G/L/B/T .con~~egauon; "Coming out... the Expenence by Daniel Boyer, Jr. representing SAGA and a fourth workshop by H. James Mcginley on "A .Transgendered Path." Students and faculty from all walks of life and sexual orientations visited the booths and attended the workshops with a positive response and show of support. Only one student walked up to the church table and asked "What about Leviticus?" The response from one of the church members was simply, "God loves evervone." The student simply walked away. No protest, no name calling, only open dialogue. . Several- people signed statements g?mg to our State Senators and Representatives encouraging them to support legal rights for all Missourians. - As a person of faith, a gay male and a Joplinite I was proud of this ende~vor and the fact that the students, straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, Transgendered came together to start a proc~ss loo~ missing in our local commur~1ty. I_t 1s difficult to come out to fam1ly, friends and associates as a person of an alternate sexual orientation but what a lot of people don't understand is ~tha_t i.t is ?ften difficult to come out as a Lhnsuan. ln both situations you never know the response. Many youth. ~oday qu.estion and wonder for somethmg deeper. Recently at the General Conference of Metropolitan Community Ch1:1-rches the youth and young aduits brought up an interesting issue. "Why would we want to be Christians? Christians are mean!" Out of the mouths of babes and such innocence this is a challe!'lge for people of all faiths. The answer is found in the simplicity of their response when ask continued page-32 1 , Page ,o A TisketA TasketA Girl And Her Basket. Once upon a rime in a land far away, I was considered quite a blossom. But as years have passed the fruit has ripened on the vine and the root has matured. Is this a bad thing or a blessing ? Is youth better than experience and wisdom, or knowing what you want? I think we must consider assessing what you have at the stage your at. So, before you can draw up a realistic plan for your life as well as your garden, you need to make a proper assessment of your site. It is a good idea to spend some time over this. You need to get an impression of whar the garden is like at different rimes of the day - which parts get the most sun; how much shade is cast and where. If at all possible, it is worth waiting to see what different seasons of the year do so that you discover the warmest and coldest corners, it's wettest and windiest spots. Every plot has it's good and bad points yours may be very small, have impoverished soil or be on steep sloping ground but a challenging site can be the making .of an interesting and highly individual garden. In the light of what you discover, you may fmd yourself abandoning preconceived ideas of your ideal garden or at least adopting them to suit the scale and condition of your own particular plot. It's a matter of size. There are various ways of making the best of the space in your garden no matter how small or large the site. Large sites are often best treated as a series's of compartments, the partitions formed by hedges and other screening devices. Vistas, focal points and the occasional surprise. Many small gardens are rich in possibilities despite the limitations of size. Concealing the boundaries by planting around the edges and "borrowing" the trees and shrubs of neighboring gardens help to create a sense of space. The shape of the site is just as important as it's area and has implications for the way the garden is designed. On a long and narrow site of the kind common in suburban areas, a straight path running from end to end is likely to draw the eye immediately to the fore boundary, making the garden look smaller than it really is. The broad spaciousness of a wide garden along the front of a house will often be welcome and might be designed ·with organic shapes and flowing lines. Well, with all this innuendo, I've just about worn out my good "writing" hand, so lets go on to the plants of November. This month picks are large and bountifol at your local markets, yes it's bulbs, bulbs, bulbs. The bigger the bette:: I say. There's nothing better than the feel of mature bulbs cupped in your hand before being thrust imo the ground. Here are a few basics, Tulips, Daffodils, Liiies. Let's start with Tulips, or shall we tip toe? Lending unrivaled brilliance to the spring borders, there are several different groups of tulips that can provide color from late winter to late spring, either as annual bedding or as groups in borders. continued page-32 Page 17 Josh Aterovis, Author Saving the World One Party at a Time One of our closest friends recemlv said to me, "You know, I always read your column, and I enjoy it, b;t it's been pretty heavy lately. I miss your fluffy pieces.'' I thought about it and realized that mv columns have tended a bit toward the doom-and-gloom variety of late. I've found it hard to focus on the bright side when every week things seem to get just a little worse for the LGBT movement. The truth is, however, I firmly believe that what is going on in the U.S. and all around the world for that matter - is just the swing of the cultural pendulum. It's a cycle we've seen before. When things seem to be progressing jus;: a little too far for the social conservative to handle, they fight back. In the end, though, what is right and fair always wins out. The pendulum will swing back Once it does, it'll never swing this far again. \X,'hy do I believe this with such conviction? Because I see it piaying out all around me. Even with all the hatemongering going on right now even with all the bigotry being spewed from pulpits under the guise of religious teaching, even with all the anti-gay rhetoric masquerading as political platforms, even with the President of the United States openly working to ensure that gays and lesbians remain second-class citizens - we're making progress. Just a generation ago, it would have been unthinkable for gays and lesbians to live openly the way so many of us do today. Fifty years ago, the police routinely raided gay bars and arrested gay men, lesbians, and drag queens for no other crime other than being in a gay bar. Lives were destroyed simply by having the arrest report printed in the paper. Today, 31 states have hate crime laws that include sexual orientation, while ten also include gender identity. Those same newspapers that once outed innocent men and women now run announcements for same-sex unions. Just twenty years ago, not a single state had laws protecting its LGBT citizens from discrimination. Today, sixteen states have some form of anti-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation. Just five years ago, it was unthinkable that gays and lesbians couid get married in the U.S., and now Massachusetts has samesex marriage, Connecticut and Vermont have civil unions, and California, DC, Hawaii, Maine, and New Jersey have domestic partner laws. We still-have a ways to go before we reach full equality, but we have undeniably made progress. Everything I just described above is law, and as we all know, laws can be repealed. In fact, the Far Right is working hard to fight many of those same laws I just wrote about. But here's the thing. They can fight it as hard as they want, but they're fighting a losing battle. Attitudes are changing, and that's something no amount of hate-filled propaganda can reverse. ~'hy are attitudes changing? Some of i: can be attributed to the laws, perhaps. It might make people confront their beliefs and prejudices. We can probably thank Will & Grace for some of it. Studies have proven that positive portrayals of gay characters on ;:devision affect people's feelings towards gays and lesbians. For the most part, though, I think we can be grateful for those who live their lives openly. continued next page Page 18 HEART TO HEART Jon and I live very openly. We often eat out together, we shop together, we go everywhere together. We just bought a house and we were together at every step of the process, from the first viewing to the signing of the paperwork ( oh, so much paperwork ... ). Not one~ have we experienced any open discrimination. In fact, it's usually just the opposite. We've found m~st people are surprisingly accepting if you give them the chance. w-e've been very open with our new neighbors, introducing each other as partners, and we've been welcomed into the neighborhood with open arms. At our recent housewarming partv, l looked around at the 30 or so people who had come out to wish us happiness in our new home and I saw a great diversity. It was an interesting mix of straight and gay, young and old, men and women, black and white. There were straight couples, lesbian couples, gay _couples, and singles both gay and straight. Many of Jon's coworkers came. Even my younger sister and her husband were there. . Sev:eral of our neighbors also came, tncludmg an older couple who live across the street. He plays kevboard for a local Christian quartet. He'; been playing for years, decades even. He told us he lost a dear friend when Ray Charles passed away last year. He and his charming wife w~te among the first people to welcome us to the street, and have even had us over to their house alreadv. Last week. as we sat in their living roo~, they subtlv let us know that they were accepting ;f our relationship. The word "gay" was i;i.~ver used, but thev made themselves perfectly clear. · · . Another person at the housewarming was a woman who just had her first book published at the age of 81. I had interviewed her recently for the local newspaper and we became friends in the r,.rocess. After meeting with her several tunes, I invited her to the party. She made a comment about looking fom-ard to. ~<;eting my wife. I'd spoken often with ner about Jon, but it hadn't sunk in that Jon was a man. I gently corrected her and she seemed surprised. I wasn't ~ure if she would still come to the party, out sure enough, there she was at our door with a bottle of wine. As we chatted later that evening, she told me that she'd picked up my book at the library. "I'm really enjoying it," she told me. "It's been a real education." My sister is a very conservative Republican Christian. On the surface, we couldn't be more different, but she has always been supportive of my relationship with Jon. For a while, she was the onlv one who accepted Jon as a, member of our family. Jon and I love to entertain and we often throw l:uge, rather lavish parties. This was the first one my sister and her husband have attended. She called me after the party and said, "You know, l was looking around at evervone there, and they didn't look like thei all belonged there, but they all seemed to be having fun. It was cool." In many ways, that's· what it's :ill about. I like to think th:.t, in our small wav we're making a difference. Parties and g~;-togethers may seem frivolous, but we're changing hearts and minds ... and attitudes. People who may_ not _oth_erwise be exposed to gays and lesbians In tneir daily lives meet them in person, socialize with them, and realize we're no different from anyone else. As more and more attitudes change, so will the laws. Eventually, a generation from now, maybe sooner, people will look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. I'll be an old man by then, telling stories to wide-eved disbelieving youngsters about th; b;d old days when gays were openly discriminated against ... and I'll proudly tell them about our parr in the revolution - saving the world one party at a time. Th~ 7:iews expressed in this column are my ofzmons only. You tUJn't have to agree with tJJem. I just ask that you read them with an open heart. and mind. Page 19 Serving our community in Mis::ouri, Arkan,:as, Oklahoma, Illinois & Colorado This Is Shelter Country. Herc in out: community you will find Shdtl'.r ,\gem Greg Tainter. \'i7e'rt proud to serve this community aa<l our cuscomcrs. Call today and ask about our service:-:. Auto -Home -Life - Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Tel: (866) 208-9480 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com www.shcltcrinsurance.com fl Tulsa's Social Event of the Year. by Greg Steele November 22, 2005 TULSA, OK_The limousines lined up outside the Bamboo Lounge waiting to unload the their cargo of Scar':;. The red carpet was in place and the show was about to begin. Bamboo owner~ Terry and Stan were overcome with joy with the return of the coveted Miss Bamboo Crown. The precious jeweled trophy had mysteriously disappea1:ed ten month:~ ago and had just been returned via p1:ivatc courier. Reliable sources had tht: jewels travding the world with a disgruntled looser of tht: 2005 pageant. But the priceless crown had been returned and everyone was elated. The show· could go on! All pageant proceeds were donated to TULSA CARES. This years event raised over $400. Fundraising veteran and MC of the show, Kris Kohl, works drclessiy year round raising funds for variou:, nonprofit organization in Tulsa who benefit people with HP✓ and AIDS. (More photo's p,tge-30) Among the many stars and dignitaries in attendance, where crooners Pat LaMorte and Matthew Heath Fitzgerald. Matthew entertained and graciously donated one o bis freshly discarded jock strap for auction, it brought $100. What a jester' .:\ funtastic evening and all for a good c:ms,~. Big appiause fc;r Stan, Terry, Kris and all the fabulous entertainers. campaign to boycott the state. by Ut Organizations ranging from the American Mathematical Society to the U.S. Conference of Mayors cancelled conf~rences in Colorado. Aspen vowed to con_ttnue enforcing its civil rights ordmance, and Telluride passed a similar measure in defiance of the new state law. z Highleyman NOVEMBER 2005 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. What was _ Romer v. Evans ? The U.S. Supreme Court has a mixed record when it comes to LGBT civil right~. The court upheld state sodomy laws m the 1986 _Bowers v. Hardwick case, but reversed itself with the 2003 - _Lawrence v. Texas_ decision. Whil~ it permitted a private organization to e~clude ~y members in the _Boy Scouts 01 America v. Dale_ case in 2000, the court ruled that states may not ban antidi~crimination laws that protect gay and bisexual people in its 1996 _Romer v. Ev~s_ ruling, the outcome of a long legal battle over Colorado's Amendment 2 ballot initiative. A conservative state with liberal enc.laves, _Co~or~do'_s first law against anttgay discnmtnatton was instituted by the .resort town of Aspen in 1977, ~unng ~ dec~de that saw numerous gay rtghts :ictones ~cross the country. . Followmg the rtse of the religious right in_ ~he 1980s, however, a group called C1t1zens for Family Values introduced an a°:endment that wouid prevent state agenctes, municipalities, or school districts from enacting laws or policies whereby "homosexual, lesbian, or bisexual orientation, conduct, practices or relationships" would constitute th- ' b . C as~s for "any minority status, quota preterences, protected status, or claim of discrimination." Although polls predicted the initiative was headed for defeat, voters passed Amendment 2 in November 1992 by a margin of 53 to 47 percent. The outcome set off a flurry ;f protest and a A coalition spearheaded bv Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union filed a laws~t ~gainst Amendment 2, arguing that it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In January 1993, Judge Jef~ey Ba~ess ruled i~ their favor, issuing an m1unct100 preventtng the initiative from taking effect. "For the judge to suggest that a ... skewed sense of moralitv is not a basis for denying rights to gays ~d lesbians - I've been waiting to hear that all of my life," exclaimed Richard Evans, a former staff mem?er of Denver's Agency for Huma~ Rights and Community Relations who signed on as lead plaintiff in the suit. Also joining as plaintiffs were the Boulder Valley School District; the cities of Denver, Boulder, and Aspen; tennis star Martina Navratilova; and six other individuals. Colorado Governor Rov Romer - who personally opposed the am~ndment - and Attorney General Gale Norton filed an appe'.11~ arguing ~at Amendmenf 2 merely prohibited granttng gays "special rights." In July 1993, the Colorado Supreme Co~rt uphdd Judge Bayless' ruling, statmg that. the amendment, ''bars gay men, lesbta~s, an~ bi~exuals from having an effecove voice m govemmentai affairs." After a second failed appeal to the Colorado high court, the state asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case Since the Supreme Court reverses m~st appeals it hears, its decision to accept the case worried gay rights advocates a; thev prepared for oral arguments scheduled for October 1995. As part of his law firm's pro bono legal work,_John G. Roberts Jr. - who was named Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in September 2005 - assisted the plaintiffs' attornevs bv playing the role of a conserv;tive ·justice 10 a practice mock trial. · On May 20, 1996, the Supreme Court ruled by a 6-3 margin that Amendment 2 .................................. continued. next page. was unconstitutional, declaring that "a state cannot so deem a class of person a stranger to its laws." Writing for the court's majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy rejected Colorado's contention that the state had a legitimate government interest in excluding homosexual and bisexual people from legal protection, suggesting the effort was motivated by "a bare desire to harm a politically unpopular group." Justice Antonin Scalia Goined by thenChief Justice William Rehnquist and Justice Clarence Thomas) strongly dissented, claiming that Amendment 2 was "a modest attempt by seemingly tolerant Coloradans to preserve traditional sexual mores against the efforts of a politically powerful minority." Evoking the culture war, he expressed outrage that the court's ruling "places the prestige of this institution behind the proposition that opposition to homosexuality is as reprehensible as racial or religious bias.'· The groundbreaking decision was rhe first time in American history that the Supreme Court had ruled in favor of LGBT citizens. According to Lambda Legal attorney Ruth Harlow, the ruling coming 10 years after _Bowers_ set a new precedent that helped LGBT plaintiffs prevail in countless ensuing civil rights and family law cases. "Now, the presumption in most judges' minds is that constitutional claims on behalf of lesbians and gay men have legicimacy, and that the government bears the burden of justifying its antigay actions," she wrote in 1997. \X,'hile _Romer_ stymied a wave of attempts to overturn local antidiscrimination laws, conservatives soon shifted their focus to same-sex marriage, culminating in the passage oc 11 ballot initiatives against gay marriage in November 2004. Gi-ven the changes in the Supreme Court's composition in 2005, the queer comm'.lni~y anxiously awaits the high court's next move in the arena of LGBT civil rights. For further reading: Murdoch, Joyce, anci Deb Price. 2(:01. _Courting Justice: Gay Men and Lesbians ,. the Supreme Court _ (Basic Books). Page 23 Page24 e Pride .Agenda and a ntator on public radio, d in print media. Lesbian Notions by Libby Post NOVEMBER 2005 Which way Did They Go, George, Which Way Did They Go ? Poor George. First, the man who really calls the shots at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Karl Rove, had to go into hiding. Remember? This past summer he'd been implicated for exposing the name of Valerie Plame, the covert CIA agent who also happens to be the wife of former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, who criticized the administration over Iraq. Then Katrina hit New Orleans and the bankrupt morality of Bush cronyism was brought front and center. Michael Brown, the incompetent whom Bush picked to head FE.MA (now considered the Feeble Emergency Mimagcment .Agericy), acted out Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First" routine as a one-inan play while thousands of poor, mostly African-American, New Orleans residents lost everything. 'I'hen Tom DcLay, the House Majority Leader and Bush hatchet man on the Hill, was indicted - not once, but twice, for campaign fraud and money laundering. As a fellow Texan, DcLay has built a political operation in the Longhorn State that has served George well, but that appears to be a matchstick structure soon to go up in flames. Then George needs to come up with a new Supreme, and in order to maintain the gender balance (well, ~e gender configuration) at the Court, he nominates Hartiet Miers, the White House counsel whose lack of judicial record (she's only been a lawyer, not a ju~) has Bush's base up in arms. The conservative cadte who anointed George the savior of the right expects him to dance its dance and sdccr a Court nominee who will vote to strike down _Roe v. Wade_, block any gay rights laws, and turn back the legal hands of time in this country. Other than being a born-again, Miers, for the most part, is a blank slate, and that's not OK for folks who want a guarantee that their brand of strict conservative, constructionist constitutionality will be the order of the day. Poor George. It's all starting to fall apart. What's a guy who hasn't had an original thought in his life and who surrounds himseif with syncophantic yes-men and women to do? He's losing his friends. He's losing bis credibility. He's losing his grip on his political base. He's losing the public relations war. He's losing any claim to a positive presidential legacy. But his losses do not necessarily translate into gains for the iesbian and gay community. Sure, it's great that individually we can walk around with a "we told you so" attitude. I, for one, am proud that I still have my Kerry-Edwards bumper sticker on my car. But how far can that really take us? How can we, as a community and a potentially powerful political force, capitalize on the crumbling of the conservative coalition? First, we need to expose their politics as a sham. Katrina showed us that compassionate conservatism is an oxymoron. While the right has formed anrigay coalitions with black clergy throughout the country, those same clergy woke up the day after Katrina to see a government they supported refusing and unable to help their own people. Perhaps this is the right time for LGBT groups throughout the ............................................ continued next page. Lesbian Notions country to reach out to their local Africa;_-American clergy to build new bridges and work together to help our domestic refugees down south. . . . . Second, we need to raise the v1S1bility of LGBT groups throughout the country to show the compassion and concern we've routinely shown for people affected by disasters. From AID~ to ?/11 to Katrina, the LGBT community did not sit on its hands and wait to be told what to do. We're well aware of the need to do something, to make change - after all if we don't do things for ourselves, n~ one is going to do it for us. . . Thankfullv our action is just not hm1ted to doing f~r ourselves - we underst~nd that we need to bring our compasston and concern beyond the borders of our gay ghettos and to~ch the lives of anvone anvwhere m need. , Third ~e need to make it clear, over and over' again, that we're here, we'.re_ queer, and we ain't goi?g away. Thi~ is no time to seek refuge m a closet. We need to be clear about who our families are who our children are. We need to wo~k on the midterm elections, side by side with folks who share common goals, and defeat those in the House and Senate whose politics are not only dangerous to us, but deleterious to the nation. We need to run for office as well. Openly gay elected officials do make a difference. Having a seat at the table beats knocking on the door anytime. And, yes, we may just need to march on Washington as well. If we do all this and work together, we may be able 1:0 show George and his cronies which way to go - out the door. liewsprint at affonlabfe prices 405-478-4009 • 6725N. Miramar Blvd. Okla City, OK 73111 25 Rsk November 2005 Salutations and welcome to Uncle's comer once more. Uncle here, coming to you on location. I am soaking in the garden tub, whilst my ever faithful boy Delicious dick-tates, my every word. Say hello delicious, Oh I am just teasing Kitten. He is terribly shy, unless it is in a dark alley somewhere, and than the boy is a tramp. Well, a quick look at the latest in the world, while I enjoy these simply calming bubbles of mine. Freedom of speech took a U-tum during an ugly widdle run in, via the straight world. I guess they are not even safe from their own .kittens. What is this wodd coming to when just the right wing mentality gets someone· thrown off an airplane, for offending someone? I mean, if that is the case, I would t:'!,ck up frequent walking miles, as some of my playful wardrobe includes fun summer T's, which well, lets just say, could kill a nun at twenty feet. Still, is it not a right tci wear what we want? Did not the founding fathers pave the road for our freedom to· speil our minds? I guess,.the error of Bush is ringing in more than just natural disasters. Well, a~ we all can see, "gay" has become the fad of iast year. Seen as mainstream media attempts to once again, push our characters and causes from site, under the rug we go. It is sad when whom you sleep with is just so last year. Uncle would think that sexuality would be the last thing to become a fad. I wonder how the breeders would feel if we were to tell them, they no longer could breed, as it is just so fifteen agol Get the point sister? Before uncle's water loses its steam, let us see what seekers in Queerdom have brought me this week. This week Uncle received a special treat from Straightdom. It seems even the straight boys are curious about Uncle's corner. Uncle Mikey, I have decided to come out of the second closet so to speak. I have chosen to accept the fact that I am not a man, but women trapped in a gay mans body. I have decided to utilize my trust, in order to have the operation. I am however nervous about telling my mother, who took a very long time to accept I was gay. She finally realized I would not change, and now, I fear this may be too much for her. My father passed away a few years ago, · and she and I, are the only family we have in the world. Should I just stay the way I am for her sake? What should I do? Well Kitten, Uncle has thought about this and here is what I offer. You show up to dinner wearing her mommy's best string of pearls, evening gown and poof, probiem solved. You now have your trust, her trust, and your freedom, to become whoever your widdle heart desires. Ok, that was just wrong, smile kitten, uncle jest with you. Uncle suggest that you get a support system, in which to build the strength and backing this kind of transformation will demand, in order for you to brave the possibility of rough waters ahead. However, bear in mind, you never know, mothers love can overcome a lot more than given credit. Personally, I have always fancied finding myself trapped by a gay mans body; Oh' wait you said trapped in didn.i'™t you. Well, kitten, as uncle says, be you, the reai you, and allow others to deal with their own baggage claims. Good luck, and let me know how it ail turns out. Smooches-Uncle Page26 Ask Uncle Mikey: Mikey, I am a straight guy who does not mind homosexuals being who they are. I have a friend who came out to me a couple of years ago. We were able to remain friends, as I think of him as my best friend. However, there is a problem. He gets weird when he drinks around me. He starts kidding around with me, like he would like to sleep with me, but he knows I am not that way. I feel like he is disrespecting me though I try every way to respect his life choices. How can I get that point across to him? Friend of Dorothy's friend Kitten, Your letter arrived just in the dick of time. I was just about to reform, before your letter arrived giving us permission, whew-close call. Silly boy, Cute thougha : you do know that widdle handle aged you, as well went out ages ago. Communicate the very words you have expressed here. Maybe he is unaware of his offensive behavior, while meaning no harm. Gay men is general are more in touch with their emotions, which at times can be affectionate in an absolute harmless manor. If your friend is truly a friend, he will graciously except your concerns and correct the behavior. Meanwhile, welcome to Uncles corner, please feel free to take your pants off and stav. awhile. Snicker.. snicker. I am a stinker. Well Kittens, just as my bubbles are quickly dissipating, I too must take my leave. Until next time, remember; Uncle welcomes any who can abide by the rule of one; One society, one equality! Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too! Want more of Mikey? Visit Mikey's corner at www.askunclemikey.com. Freelance writer Michael Hinzman, joining communities throughout Queerdom ... Quotable Quotes "Touether it is a process, this act of b - coming out. But in corning our, we tree ourseives and take power away from those who would push us down"-~ Dr. H. james Menginley at the "Coming Out Ev~m" SMSU Campus Oct 12,2005 "Momma always said, Don't say you don'; like it until you've tried it!" OYSTER STUFFING 1 cup Chopped celery 1/2 cup Chopped onion 1 /2 cup Butter 1 tbsp Sage 1/2 tsp Black pepper 8 cups Dried bread cubes (white & pumpernickel) 1 pint Shucked oysters 1 - 1-12 cups Chicken broth In a medium saucepan, combine butter, celery & onions. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Chop oysters and add to mixture. Cook an additional 3 minutes, set aside. In a large mixing bowl. combine bread cubes, sage and pepper. Add oyster mixture. Add 1 cup chicken broth and mix slowly. For more moist stuffing add additional broth. Pour mixture into a 13x9x2 pan. Heat in oven at 350 degres for 15-20 minutes. HINT: Let bread set out overnight, then cut into cubes. You may also add 4 chopped boiled eggs to stuffing mixture. 27 Out of Town the base of Chairlift No. 8. In this retrohip '70s-inspired space (complete with shag carpeting and disco-ball lighting), you might sample such avant-garde takes on American comfon fare as "PB&J" sandwiches (slathered with roasted-pecan butter, fig jelly, and foie gras), and lobster-and-Brie fondue. Other cool Linzinmeir restaurants include Excelsior Cafe for contemporary Italian cooking; and the Blue Point Grill, which serves todie- for steaks, chops, and seafood (as well as cocktails in the adjacent, swanky Noir Bar). · Downtown Telluride has a bunch of great accommodations, among them Camel's Garden Hotel, an intimate resort hotel at the base of one of the main chairlifts, with handsome modern rooms, Italian-marble bathrooms with oversized tubs, and a sumptuous full-service spa. For a more authentic slice of historic Telluride, book a room at the courtly New Sheridan Hotel, a redbrick 1890s property with 32 Victorian-inspired rooms, a first-rate steak restaurant, and one of the coolest bars in the area. Mountain Village lacks character but has astounding views and offers some fine accommodations, such as the Wyndham Peaks Resort, which is home to the Golden Door Spa and abounds with many other fine amenities. Or consider ;taying at the classy Mountain Lodge at Telluride, which comprises 86 well-outfitted rooms and suites as well as 10 larger log-and-stone cabins. To reach Telluride, you have a variety of options, although like Jackson, this is a fairly remote part of the country, so flying makes the most sense. Llttle Telluride Regional Airport has direct service on Great Lakes Airlines (affiliated with United) from Denver, and on America West Airlines from Phoenix, but this facility tends to get snowed in fairly often. Another good option is to fly into Montrose (a 75-minute drive), which has direct flights from Denver, Houston, Newark, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago. As for driving, Telluride is 290 miles from Albuquerque, 360 miles from Denver, and 410 miles from Salt Lake City. Of course, both Jackson Hole and Telluride have much to offer, so if vou can possibly find the time, consider, spending haif your vacation in one town, half in the other. It's a 550-rnilc drive between the two towns, but there are plenty of photo ops along the way. And it's hard to imagine a more stylish and exciting way to spend a week or two this winter than to vacation in both of these wonderful communities. The Little Black Book Jackson Hole: Amangani (1535 N. East Butte Rd., 307- 734-7333 or 877-734-7333, www.amangani.com). Blue Lion (160 N. Millward St., 307-733-3912). Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce (307-733- 3316, www.jacksonholechambcr.com). Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (307-733- 2292 or 888-DEEP-SNO, www.jacksonholc.com). Mangy Moose (feton Village, 307-733-4913). Rendezvous Bistro (380 S. Broadway, 307-739-1100). Snake River Brewing (265 S. Millward St., 307-739-2337). Snake River Lodge (Teton Village, 866-975- ROCK, www.snakeriverlodge.rockresorts.com). Teton Village Lodge (Teton Village, 307- 734--7111 or 800-801-6615, www.destinationrockies.com). Wort Hotel (Glenwood and Broadway, 307- '733-2190 or 800-322-2727, www.worthotel.com). Telluride: Blue Point Grill (123 S. Oak St., 970-728- 8862). Camel's Garden Hotel (250 W. San Juan Ave., 970-728-9300 or 888-772- 2635, www.camelsgarden.com). Chair 8 (250 San Juan Ave., 970-728-8887). Excelsior Cafe (200 W. Colorado Ave., 970-728-4250). Telluride Ski Resort (800- 778-8581, www.te!lurideskiresort.com). Mountain Lodge at Telluride (457 Mountain Village Blvd., 970-369-5000 or 866-368-6867, www.destinationrockies.comj. New Sheridan Hotel (231 W. Colorado Ave., 970-728-4351 or 800-200-1891, ,vww.newsheridan.com). Wyndham Peaks Resort (136 Country Club Dr., 970-728-6800 or 800-WYNDHAM, www.wyndham.com). Page 28 Entrapment: Where the evidence indicates that entr.apmcnt may have occurred, the ~s~ue conccmfug the existence of the reqws1te mental st:2tc to commit the crime charged is reserved to the jury. SL.gel v. Suu, 1988 OK CR 284, 19, 766 P.2d 355,357 f'A question of cnmpment is generally one for the jury, rather than for the court."); Ryttns v. State, 1966 OK CR 153, 420 P.2d 556. The Court of Criminal Appeals discussed the defense of sentencing entrapment in Leech v. Stttte, 2003 OK CR 4, 66 P.3d 987, and pointed out how OUJI-CR 8-25 should be modified .if the defense of sentencing entrapment has· been raised. It stated: In a case where sufficient evidence is presented to raise the issue of sentence entrapment, tliis langwagc must be modified to make it clear to the jury that the issue is whether or not the defendant, although intending to commit a lesser offense, has been cntr.apped into committing a greater offense. If the defendant had no previous intent to commit the greater crime or did not become rcady,and willing to commit a greater crime during the course of the transaction, even though predisposed to commit the lesser crime, then a finding that law enforcement agents committed sentencing. entrapment would require that the defendant be found not guilty of the greater crime, and guilty of the lesser offense. 2003. OK CR 4,110, 66 P.3d at 990. OUJI-CR 8-26 DEFENSE OF ENTRAPMENT - BURDEN OF PROOF It is the burden of the State to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that n.o entrapment occurred. If you find that the State has failed to sustain th?,t · burden, then the defendant must be found not guilty. Committee Comments: Since entrapme;nt is an affirmative defense, the obligation to produce evidence sufficient to raise the defense remains with the defendant, uniess the evidence adduced by the prosecution has raised the issue. If the defendant fails to present any evidence that tends to prove that entrapment occurred, or if the defendant's evidence is insufficient as a matter of law, the issue of entrapment is not presented and no instruction should be given. If the defendant presents sufficient evidence to raise the defense of entrapment, or if the defense is raised by the prosecution, an instruction must be given in order to apprise the jurors of the defendant's theory of the case. Once the defense of entrapment is properly raised, the burden of proving the nonexistence of the defense and the predisposition of the defendant rests on the State, and the jury must be so instructed. Mclntur/J v. Suite, 554 P.2d 837 (Oki. Cr. 1976); Striplin v. State, 499 P.2d 446 (Oki. Cr. 1972). Note that Watson v. Stttte, 382 P.2d 449 (Oki. Cr. 1962) and Robinson v. Stttte, 507 P.2d 1296 · (Oki. Cr. 1973), were specifically overruled on the issue of burden of proof by Mcinturff, suprtt. No instructions concerning the defendant's burden to come forward with evidence, or the question of whether the defendant has presented sufficient evidence to warrant an instruction, arc included because these matters pertain to questions of law and of trial procedure, both of which arc beyond the legitimate concern of the jurors. Quotable Quotes "I have a brother and a sister who arc gay. And they always were, they didn't switch or change or anything. They alwavs were like that. They were born like that. I'm just for human rights, and that's part of it. It's nobody's damn business what people do. If people would just keep dicir damn noses out of everybody else's business, that would be a good place to start. Just treat _ everybody the same and shut up. •H Do l sound bitter?" - Roseanne to the Palm Springs gay publication The Bottom Line. Page 29 Aunt Mattie: Grown in fertile, well drained soil in sun with shelter from strong winds. Plant bulbs, 4:6 inches deep in late summer or autumn:·1n our region just before first frost. Daffodils, with thousands to choose from there are daffodils (narcissus) to suit any border and they can also be natucilized in grass. Careful selection will providi;.,.color from late winter to late spring. Plant bulbs at three to five times their own depth in autumn, in sun or partial shade in moist, fertile, well drained soil. Dead head faded flowers, but after flowering leave the foliage in place for at least six· weeks. lilies ate usually tall-growing and bear showy often fragrant summer flowers, occasionally in autumn. Grow in w~ll drained soil and a sunny position. Plant bulbs in early autumn to depth of two or three times· their size on a bed of course sand to ensure good drainage. • Well talk about drained, I'm done! So always remember, "You can lead a hor-to-culture, but you can't make her think" Till next time, see. you in the dirt. 1 /BTt-:t PA13E CLASSIFIED .A:D • • ,:✓ SPACE NOW. AVAILABLE· 1N THE STAR CALL F"CR RATES 91 B.B35.78B7 or email: aza~ksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and lh.Jst in Affordable AdYertising Service. Rev. Steve Urie what they wanted for themselves to which they responded simply, ''We want to follow Jesus!" Just this week talking with high school students and students on campus this same issue was raised with the same response. Yes as Dr. H. James Mcginley and I commented individually arid together it is a process, this act of coming out. But in coming out, we free ourselves and take power away from those who would push us down. Now more than ever we need to have more of this dialogue, more of these events putting faces to who we are. Letting our families, friends and associates know that we are here and we expect to be treated .equally without threat of prejudice from anyone, including our government. Dr. Mcginley encouraged the formation of positive support groups for all generations of queer people and stressed the importance of it needing to be more than just the gay bar down the road. May each of you set yourselves free! Take the power away from those who seek to silence you or to beat you down. Take the first step; we are here to help you; .. Be Freel Rf!fl. Sfe.ui T. Urie is the j1dStcr of Spirit of Christ MCC in Joplin, MissoNri. .A member chMrch of Metropoliun C'1mm•nity Chffrd,es with 2JO crmgreg,tticns 11round the fllOrfil.: Tbe cb#rch jNSt cdebrdtai its eight 1t4r 11nnit.'m4ry ,nd is 411 it/firming ch#rch for people of alJ faith fl14lks, mewl .md CNitMr,I diwnitia ,1nd btts a sp«i4J. o#t.TNd, to the G/L/B/T co~mMnity .. FREE.HIVTFSTING, NO~EDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS Testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sunday Service 6PM Your Invited to our Communi Dinner Every Wed. No one· Page32 Subscribe to the STAR Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $24.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 NAME: ___________ _ Address:, ____________ City:. _____ .St:_Zip: _ _ Phone:. ______ _ Check enclosed __ Money Order Start Date: ___ _ Page 33 Page 34 Seo es VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Communications go awry chis week. At home, it's especially easy to gee locked ~nto needless disputes. If you dig in your heels, you'll find yourself in quicksand. Be ready to reiterate and clarify to save trouble. by Jack Fertig OCTOBER 2005 "Switch gears, Gemini!" ~-•. , .. ,,,,. Three very difficult squares dominate this week: Sarurn square Sun (dissatisfaction and frail egos); Mercun' square Uranus (loose lips and , provocation); and Mars square Neptune (overindulgence and recklessness). If you want to turn this terrible trio to vour advantage, work hard, think ahead, and be sensitive to others. ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Think carefully about your priorities, but if you expect others to share them, arguments will ensue. Plav with a few new erotic kinks, but if y-◊u act like you have something to prove, someone couid get _hurt! TAURUS ~Aprii 20 May 20): Communicate! Your efforts at work are 111isunderstood, so stay in close contact with your boss to keep your work on track. If you think your work at home is unappreciated, tell your partner that you feel taken for granted. The apology could be tremendousiy sexy! GEMINI (May 21 June 20): Arguments at work come way too easily. A meditative time-out can help, and remember that yes, the boss is the boss! S,virch chose gears; instead of running your mouth, keep your ears and brain busy instead. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Our community is riddled with sexual peer pressure, ',vhic:1 is always stupid and is now especiaily da:1gerous. Ditto booze and drngs. Remember: "To thine own ,elf be t;:.ue." Stay close to your own ~ore values; do what's healthy and right for ,·ou_! LEO (ju!y 23 August 22): Home is where your controi issues are. How much of chat did you get from your parents? Be very careful to keep communication with colieagues clear. Sex play restores balance, but accidents are likely nm.-. Be very careful. LIBRA (September 23 October 22): Friends and money don't mix at all now. Dutch treat is good. Curb your erotic impulses; weil, at least be careful! You're wide open for all kinds of accidents. Think ahead, but not coo far. SCORPIO (October 23 November 21): Stand up for credit when it's due, and share it with your mentors. Exaggerated pride and false modesty both lead to disaster. If in doubt, lean toward modesty. Advice on investments should be politely ignored. SAGITTARIUS <November 22 December 20): Ac~idencs are jumping out at everybody, and you're a favorite target for those gremlins. At home, be careful to keep electricity and water far aoart. · Any retreat, even quiet meditatio~, will help you stay out of trouble. CAPRICORN (December 21 January 19): Your sexual expertise is a well-kept secret - until now! Admit nothing, deny nothing. If rumors get way out of hand, just laugh, shake your head like it's all news to you, and invite whomever you like ro find out fur themselves. AQUARIUS Qanuary 20 - February 18): Keep your finances to yourself. Either side of a loan can get you into trouble. You have enough confusion aiready, especially at home. Avoid domestic arguments, but pay close attention so you know what you're agreeing to! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): There are no secrets now. Your own business is out where everyone can see it. Grace and humor can keep you above scandaL A proper response is always, "Who said _what_? My goodnessi" Jade Fertig has been working as a professionai astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Networking. I I Gay Games Posters listings of some of our business sponsors, will appear on the final product. Artists may incorporate placement of these logos in their submitted design, or they may leave a 2" high space at the bottom of their design for logo placement by CGI. Artists may choose to use the Gay G2.mcs VII logo in their design. The logo may not be modified. Piease review the Logo Acceptable Use Guidelines available onlinc at www.gaygameschicago.orgiyourhosti logo.php. For specifications on proper use of the logo of the Federation of Gay Games contact info@gaygameschicago.org. Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival will take place July 15 to 22, 2006. Over 12,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will compete in 30 sports ranging from softball to dancesport, swimming to tennis. The wceklong event will include band, chcerleading and colour guard performances, chorus, an ancillary arts festival, and a series of communityorganised social events and parties. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 15 July at Soldier Field, the lakefront home stadium of American-style football's Chicago Bears. Closing ceremony will be 22 July at Wrigley Field, the home of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs, located in the heart of Chicago's largest LGBT neighbourhood. For the first time, the Gay Games in Chicago will receive widespread television coverage on the Q Television Network. Early sponsors of Gay Games VII indude PlanetOut/ Gay.com; Q Television Network; Walgreens; Orbitz; Sydney New Mardi Gras; McKnight Kurland Baccelli; Human Rights Campaign; M~te, Genre, Pink and Girlfriends Magazines; Windy City Media Group; and more than 80 business sponsors. You can find copies of the STAR at these 4 states business & organizations. ARKANSAS KANSAS MISSOURI OKLAHOMA Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Event ~ ~ WWV{.diveisitypride.com MCC Llving Spring -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteviile (479) Condom Sense - - -418 W. Dickson- -479-444-6228 Currv's Video 612 N. College Ave- 479-521-0009 Arkansas, Fort Smith ( 479) Club 1022 1022 Dodson Ave. 479-782-1845 Kinkeads- 1004 1 /2 Garrison Ase- - 479-783-9988 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge - 1010 E. Grand Ave -501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - -1021 Jessie Rd- - -501-664-2744 Diamond St>tc Rodeo Assoc.- - - www.dsra.org Discovery- - - 1021 Jes~ie Rd- - - -501-666-6900 Sidetraclr.s - - 415 Mam St - -N. L.R.- 501-244-0444 The Factory -412 Louisian:t St.- - -501-372-3070 Kansas, Pittsburg ( 620) River of Life Church 1709 N Walnut - -1 lAM PSU-QSA- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita (316) Club Glacier - - 2828 E. 31st South 316-612-933! j's Lounge - - - 513 E. Central - - 316-262-1363 Our Fanmy- - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - -316-682-5494 The Otherside- - -447 N. St Francis- 316-262-7825 Shatai - - 4000 S. Broadwoy- - 316-522--2028 Sidestreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- - -316-267-0324 South 40 - 3201 S. Hillside - - -316-682-5494 Trends Bar - - -150" S. Pawnee- - - - 316-262-4530 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Ca:npground - - - - - 417-683-9199 Miuouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - 716 S. Main - - - - 4i7-627-9035 MCC Sp•nt of Christ-2902 E 20th, - -Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Bud-::lics - - - · - - 3715 l,fain St - - 816-56i-2600 Club NV - 220 Admiral B!vd- 816-421-NVKC DB W:irchouse- 1915 .'.fafo St- Mis5ic B' ,- -8fl5 \\. 39th St- - - - Sidcstrcct B~r - ~413 E. 3rd- - -816-471-15:5 · 816-561-0625 - - 816-531-1775 Sid~kick~ S;;loon - - 3707 :,Iain St- - 816- 931-i430 Missouri, Lampe - - 417-779-5084 Missonri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commeric2l- -869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Martha's Viney2rd- 219 W Olive - - 417-864-4572 Priscilla'5 - 1918 S. Glenstone - - 417-881-8μ4 Oz Bar 504 E. Commercial- - - - - 417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place-• --821 College- - · - -417-864-0036 Rumors --1109 E. Commercial- - - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- -- - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- -3535 NW 39th Expwy 405-947-2351 Fini$h Line - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ho!lywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- 405-528-2221 Hi-Lo Club - 1221 NW SOth- - -405-843-1722 Jungle Reds - 2200 NW Expwy- - 405-524-5733 Partners- - -2805 NW 36th St - - - 405-942-2199 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial -405-755-8600 Red Rock North-2240 NW39th St- -405-525-5165 Sisters- 2120 NW 39th St - • -405-521-9533 The Rockies- -3201 N. May /\.ve - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) . Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine· 918-836-8700 Club Majestic- 124 N. Boston - - - 918-584-9494 Club Ma,erick- - 822 S. Sheridan -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks 8807 E. Admiral Pl -834-1051 Elite Bookstore --814 S. Sheridan- 918-838-8503 End Up Ciub- 424 S. Memorial- - -918-836-2480 GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- - - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Lounge-11730 E. 11th- - - -918-437-0449 Nite Spot - - -3007 E. Admiral Pl 918-834-3007 Priscilla's - - - 7925 E. 41st - -918-627-4884 PrisciUa's - 5634 W. Skelly - - -918-446-6336 Prisci!la's - - - -1 1344 E. 11th· - - - -- -918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - 2333 E. 71st - -918-499-1661 Renegades- - - 1649 S. Ma.in - - - • _918-585-3405 Tuisa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pi- 918-834-4194 Tulsa Eagle-• .;3~3 E. 3rd- - - - - 918-592-1188 TNT's - - - 2114 S. t .. {emorial- -918-660-0856 Vnderguy.com - - -15 E. Brady - 918-829-0824 \~"hittier News Stand- 1 N. LCwis~ - 918-592-0767 Yeilow-Brkk-Rd·· - -2630 E. 15th• - 918-293-0304 Outlets wishing to distribute FREE copies of the ST AR, contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon. fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Page 37 cARTooN "Bitter Girl" Page 38 cARTooN "A Couple of Guys" A Couple . ofguys• ~13t~ I l 1 I I I I l ! j ,I, I .. 918.834.3007 PlleriL,t~n~ajr:saturday 11 am ,, .;, CLOSED SUNDAY HIDEAWAY 11730 E. lfth ~ Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 now C ••••••,w••:t.... ~a•f e 7240 East Pine - TULSA, OK 918.836.9777 open 6am to 2pm mon - sat. Breakfast & Lunch , ,;,1 ·: .. •--:~".:,; 1 /BTH PAGE. ct::.A.sst.FIED AD SPACE NOW .AVAILABLE IN 'T;t;IE STAR CALL FCIR' ~ATES 91 8~835.7887, or email: oza~~star@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and 1hist in Atfordable Advertising Ser,:vice. PAGE 40 THE STAR NOVEMBER. 2005 It's all hapJ>tming at the Bamboo Just for You! Open 12noon to 2am daiiy Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, November 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 11 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 01, 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Josh Aterovis John Patrick Matt Brooks Steve T. Urie Libby Post Paula Martinac Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz 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 Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, October 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/221 The Star Magazine, December 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/216 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/220 A Couple of Guys acceptance Advice anti marriage amendment Bitter Girl Cartoon Diversity entrapment Eureka Springs going courting Heart to Heart Lesbian Notions local advertisement National news Past Out Q Scopes Quotabe Quotes religion Star Scene Thanksgiving Uncle Mikey vacation https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/2b311a27d186a02d02b9dbf2689e12b1.jpg c3a8099328f4ed8c7773939d9bddc8f6 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/d9d2ddd6813fbf684c59e5129a22ec72.pdf 22a62a0f43baa841a183b57deb1dfd6d 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 I 1HE APP ALLING SILENCE Io last months editoriai I encouraged men and women within our communitv and the GLBT allied communicv to sta~d up to the challenge of elective .~ffice in the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County. 1bis month's "Heart to Heart" column expands on the purpose of tlie subject and the reason it is so importmt for us as a minority group of people. . . I hope everyone who picks up a copy of this issue of the STAR will take rime to read the Josh Aterovis article (page 18), become concerned and discuss the issue with your friends, relatives; coworkers and anyone who wil(li~ten. Silence will not bring equai rights! Below is an exsert from the column that hopefully wilt peek your interest enough to read his enlightening article. "'It's up to us and our allies to change. We must elect fair-mi . women who will fight for equalify in our legislative halls. We must encourage and support those politicians who are ffri'ving to protect and improve the lives of all minorities. We need to applaud those vrave · · ,, and groups who stand up ina.tion and bigotry. Most importandy, we need to make our voices heard. Speak u-p for what ywoue believe appalling silence. We . rd to allow · · foundea on prejudice to go • And for the GLBT and Allied business owners a good start may be to join the newly re-organized "Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization'' TuRBO. 918.743.4297. CD. Ward /Editor in Chief 1 Massachusetts Anti-Marriage Am@ndment Defeated!! National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Lauds Efforts of State and Local Leaders WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force hailed today's defeat of a proposed Massachusetts constitutional amendment seeking to ban same-sex marriage and create civil unions. The measure was defeated today by a vote of 157 to 39 by the state Legislature meeting in a joint constitutional convention, having passed the body in March, 2004 bv a vote of 105-92. Had it passed tod;y, it would have been on the statewide ballot in November, 2006. "Today's vote proves that dogged grassroots organizing can change legislative votes" said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "MassEqualiry and its campaign director Marty Rouse have done an extraordinary job and we are very proud to be on-the-ground partners with them in preserving marriage equality in the one state where it now exists." "The reality of thousands of our marriages in Massachusetts showed the utter fallacy of our opponents' arguments and dire · predictions," Foreman said. "Not on!v did the crops not wither, the Red Sox wo~ the World Series and the Patriots took the Super Bowl." "This victory is especially sweet. The Legislature's resounding defeat of the meanspirited amendment to strip away our right ~o marry af:u:ms and echoes the courageous stand of our state's Supreme judicial Court. In its Goodridge decision, the Court conferred full recognition of our famiiies' human dignity and goodness and today, our Legislature agreed," said Cambridge resident Sue Hyde, a longtime Task Force staffer and CG-founder and board member of MassEquaiity. Lambda Legal Offers Assistance to LGBT Survivors of Hurricane Katrina Who Experience Discrimination - Launches Toll- Free Hotline NEW YORK, September 12, 2005 - Today Lambda Legal announced plans for outreach to LGBT survivors of Hurricane Katrina who may experience discrimination in services provided by relief agencies because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status. "Tragedy does not discriminate and neither should relief agencies," said Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director of Lambda Legal. "In our experience during the aftermath of September 11, LGBT people face compounded difficulties because on top of the disaster they face discrimination when it comes to recognizing their relationships, leading to even more hardship at the worst moment imaginable." Lambda Legal is reaching out to a vari~ty of agencies, including gay and lesbian centers near the area impacted by the. hurricane and around the country, asking them to distribute a flier outlining forms of discrimination gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender people or people with HIV · ence after disasters. Lambda L unched a toll free hotline {866-542-8336} for use by displaced LGBT people to reach the organization's Legal Help Desk. Lambda Legal staff from the organization's South Central Regional Office, located in Dallas, are also working with LGBT community leaders in Houston, where much of New Orleans' gay community is temporarily assembling. Please contact us if you or people you know are being: * Kept out of or been mistreated bv a shelter or other facilitv,; because of '"J ou~• sexual orientation, gender identitv or HTV . ✓ i status. .. ........ Conunued pg-9 Page 5 "Pl conside Travel Gui Once the mining and Pittsburgh ha · cent , ed software de pollution ha eradicated, a industrial sit attractions. The integrate populati theaters films an alternati Out of Town which celebrates the life of the late pop art icon, who grew up in nearby Oakland. Created inside an eight-story 1911 warehouse, the museum contains more than 4.000 works and is an outstanding,· engaging, and often very funnv museum, laid out with abundant co~r=nentary on Warhol's life (and his homosexuality). Close by are the Carnegie Science Center, the National Aviary, and the Mattress Facto1:7, known for its provocative, larger-than-life . installations created by visiting artists m residence. South of downtown, the city rises sharply above the Monongahela River tow~rd Mt. Washington, a workaday neighborhood with spectacular :iews of downtown. Ride up the slope via the historic Monongahela Incline, which . leads to a viewing platform and a small museum. A short drive east is the bohemian South Side, a repository of funky shops, galleries, and eateries that once anchored Pittsburgh's Lithuanian and Polish communities. Still farther east of downtown, Oakland was built from the gobs of money aenerated during Pittsburgh's b . industrial heydav and today contains hospitals, unive;siries, and ·high-tech firms. Forbes and 5th avenues anchor the Universitv of Pittsburgh and formidably endowed, Carnegie Mellon University campuses. Be sure to visit the C~rnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, which contain well-conceived architectural and decorative arts exhibits, a cache of artifacts from ancient Egypt, and the nation's third-largest dinosaur coliecdon. Nearby Schenley Park, ideal for 'a stroll. is anchored by the 1893 Phipps ca'nservatory, comprising 13 rooms of exotic flora. East of Oakland is Shadyside, a gentrified patch of neatly kep: yards and attractive old homes, many ot them gayowned. Ellswor~h Avenue (around the 5800 block) has several gay-popular eateries and businesses, and more chichi Walnut Street (along the 5500 block) holds mid- to high-end chain stores. It's a short drive east to Clayton, the former estate of industrialist Henry Clay Frick ir now consists of a magnificent mansion and other historic outbuildiogs,inciuding rhe Frick Art and HiHorical Center, which has an outstanding collection of European m·aster paintings. If you're looking for a bite t0 eat, head b;ck w the Strip to dine at Kaya, part of Pittsburgh's extremely "familyfriendly" Big Burrito restaurant grou~ .. Kaya presents creative Caribbe~n fooa tn a noisv but fun warehouse settmg. There are se~eral other great Big Burrito hangouts around town, among them Soba Lounge, a Pan-Asian fave in Shadyside, and Casbah, ai: elegant but whimsical spot in East Liberty specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. Off the lobbv of the Downtown Courtyard Marri~tt, Sonoma Grille presents innovative Wine Co:1ntry-_ inspired food, along with an mcredible vino list. It's a great place to take a special date. On Mt. Washin~ton, consider the Monterey Bay Ftsh Grotto, whose contemporary seafood fare (like macadamia-crusted sea bass) draws almost as many "wows" as the knockout skyline views. The South Side has plenty of great restaurants, among them City Grill, a hallowed burger joint where the juicy patties are hardwood-grilled in_ an oldfashioned coal-fired oven. A btt more refined and romantic, Le Pommier Bistro serves exceptional but reasonably priced country French fare. Nearby, swelldegant Tuscany Cafe _ a cross. betw~en. a java joint and a cocktail bar 1s a fa,•onte spot for people-watching. Known simply as the "Big O" by the students and locals who pig out here, Oakland's Original Hot Dog Shop doles out huge portions of greasy food - french fries hot dogs the size of full-grown dachshunds at rock-bottom prices. Shadyside's quintessentially queer video lounge and cafe, 5801 is a hip but friendly place for cocktails, good homestyle cooking, and great conversanon. For a hearty breakfast or lunch, pop inside the friendly Square Cafe, a homey neighborhood spot in the ~verse Regent Square neighborhood s~rvmg hefty sandwiches. omelets, Be,gtan waffles, and buttermilk ·pancakes. In up-and-coming Lawrenceville, Ray's Marlin Beach Bar and Grill serves a ,.vide range of imponed and microbrewed beers plus Caribbeaninspired seafood and creative coi:nfort fare, from chicken potpie to stutfed meat loaf. .. ,.continued pg28 Page 7 HISTORIC HOUSE HATE CRIMES PASSES One step closer to protections for GLBT Americans. September 14, 2005 WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act by an overwhelming 223 to 199 bipartisan vote, taking a historic step toward giving law enforcement the tools they need to enforce and prosecute hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. The measure was passed as an amendment to H.R. 3132, the "Children's Safety Act." "Hate crimes send a message of fear and Congress answered with a powerful law enforcement tool," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. 'We must ensure that some of the most heinous crimes are fully prosecuted and enforced. Members of the House, Democrats and Republicans alike, historically signaled todav that local law enforcement officials dese~e the tools this bill would provide toward fighting the scourge of hate crimes." "Every American child deserves the strongest protections from some of this country's most horrifying crimes," said Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and HRC board member. "The House of Representatives answered our call today by passing a bill that would give law enforcement officials important crime-fighting tools. This makes families stronger. It makes America stronger." Reps. Barney Frank, D-Mass.; Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla.; John Conyers Jr., D-Mich.; Christopher Shays, R-Conn.; and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.; are the lead sponsors of the original bill, which would add actuai or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability to federal hate crime laws. It would give grants to the states to help prosecute these crimes and allow federal assistance in cases where needed to fully prosecute hate crimes. The measure enjoys strong bipartisan support and is endorsed by more than 175 law enforcement, civil rights, civic and religious organizations, including; the National Sheriffs' Association, Inttrnacional Association of Chiefs of Police, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and many others. Poll after poll continues to show that the American public supports hate crimes legislation inclusive of sexual orientation, including a Kaiser Family Foundation poll released in November 2001 showing that 73 percent of Americans supporting hate crimes legislation that includes sexual orientation and a Lake Snell Perry & Associates poll in August 2002 showing chat 68 percent of likely voters support hate crimes laws for transgender Americans. AIDS Alliance, Katrina AIDS Alliance Emergency Fund Ths fund will support the emergency needs of families and young people living with HIV/ AIDS served by Ryan White CARE Act Title IV programs in Louisiana and Mississippi. These emergency funds will be disbursed directly through local programs. Money raised through the Katrina AIDS Alliance Emergency Fund is being distributed to Ryan White CARE Act Title IV clinics and programs in the affected areas to meet emergency needs of women, children, youth, and families living with HIV and AIDS. This inciudes programs and clinics in J.(arrinadevastated areas, as w::11 as programs that are absorbing displaced individuals and families needing care. About 8,000 peopie with HIV and AIDS who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina now face the massive challenge of trying to manage their disease without their doctors, their clinics and their support systems. For more Info go to: www.aids-alliance.org/ Page 8 * Denied access to needed HIV medications or care * Denied help, services or the ability to assert legal nghts because you are ( or were) in a same-sex relationship and not married * Kept from your or other family members, or denied the ability to take action on their behalf because you don't have a formal legal relationship * Asked to provide documents to prove your relationship or ownership of property when married people are not * Turned away or mistreated by a private or public relief agency based on religious views about LGBT or HIV-affected people * Mistreated in temporary or permanent foster care * Denied the right to handle the affairs of a deceased loved one "If individuals or couples within the LGBT or HIV community are denied services because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status, I encourage them to call one of our help desks around the countrv " Cathcart said. · ' · Lambda Legal Help Desk Numbers: Toll Free Hotline 866-542-8336 South Central Regional Office (Dallas): . 214-219-8585 Southern Regional Office (Atlanta): 404-897-1880 National Headquarters (New York): 212-809-8585 Midwest Regional Office (Chicago): 312- 663-4413 Western Regional Office (Los Angeles): 213-382-7600 A printable flier is available by following the link on the homepage at www.iambdalegal.org. Lisa Hardaway 212-809-8585 ext.266; Cell: 402-369-2104 Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. HOUSE COMMITTEE VOTES TO RESTORE PROTECTIONS FOR FEDERAL WORKERS 'Members of Congress are fighting for more than 2 million federal workers while a Bush appointee tries to chisel away at protections,' said HRC President Joe Solmonese. Sept. 15, 2005 WASHINGTON - Legislation that would clarify existing law to ensure protections from anti-gay discrimination in the federal workplace was passed today by a unanimous voice vote in the House Government Reform Committee. Introduced by Reps. Henry Waxman, DCalif., and Chris Shays, R-Conn., the Clarification of Federal Employment Protections Act became necessary after President Bush's appointee at the Office of Special Counsel began rolling back protections in existence since the Carter administration. "Members of Congress are fighting for more than 2 million federal workers while a Bush appointee tries to chisel away at protections," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "This measure would halt the rollback of a law preventing anti-gay discrimination that has existed for three decades. Today's vote was an important step toward restoring these critical protections. Our thanks extend to Representatives Henry Waxman, Chris Shavs and Tom Davis for their leadership.;' For more than two decades, a federai statute, the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, has been interpreted to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace for federal empioyees. Special Counsel Scott Bloch. who heads one of the federai agencies · responsible for investigating and settling claims of workplace discrimination, claimed at a Senate hearing in May tl:at he lacks authority to investigate or ac;: on continued page-32 Page 9 September 14 * October 23, 2005 The Cimarron Alliance Foundation. in partnership with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and other communit"f, civic and religious•baacd orgaoaations is pleased to bring to Okiaboma City an exhibition on the Holocaust unique to Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Holocaust ExbiQition • offered FREE to the pubiic - began Wednesday, Sq,tcmber 14 and will remain through Satmday, October 23, 2005, in downtQwo Oklahoml City at Untitled (ArtSpace], t NE 3rd Street. The gallery hours for the exhibition will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 11am to 4pm; Friday 11am to 8pm and Sunday 1 pm m 4pm. For more information go tawww.OKHolocaustExhibition.org. I I It's alJ liappe1:1ing at lhfi Ba.mlwi1 .l m1t fut· Yott! Open i 2noon fo 2am daily Page 1 l iversity de ents We D<iit ti For GLBTa &. PPLAGa EureRa Sprinqs. Adzansas Nov 4, s.&. 6 It will be RAINING . ... MEN, WOMEN & BEARS/ .Earl mheeler . 437 E. 141st Streiit Glenpool, OK 74Ql:3.. · .-, 918.291.EARL(3275) iscill <fu.nli OKC,OK Priscilla's 615 E Memorial (405) 755-8600 Springfield, MO TLC Priscilla's 1918 S. Glenstone (417) 881-8444 Tulsa, OK Priscilla's 7925 E 41st (918) 627-4884 Tulsa, OK Priscilla's 5634 W. Skelly (918) 446-6336 Tulsa, OK Priscilla's 11344 E. 11th (918) 438-4224 Tulsa, OK Priscil!a's 2333 E. 71st (918) 499-1661 Page 13 Mister Sunshine State: Gage Gatlyn, I wins Mr. Gay USA, FMI Gage Gatlyn, Master Illusionist, a native of Jacksonville, Florida traveled to Hickory North Carolina Labor Day weekend to compete in National Pageant, Mr. Gay USA, FMI (For Male Impersonators). Gage Gatlyn qualified for USA, FMI in the Mr. NC, USA Preliminary. After 3 scressfoi , yet funfilled days at Club Cabaret, he was named the new Mr. Gav USA, FMl 2006, and was rhe winner of every category. His 1st Runner up is Cord Long of Michigan and 2nd Runner up is Devin Dame of Ohio. The title was turned over by Chase Thompson of Oklahoma. The Competition included 17 contestants from 9 different states, and they brought IT! It was hiswry in the making for USA, FMI. Mr. Gay USA just celebrated 20 years of the Gay pageantry system. When asked if she planed to be traveling this year now that she holds a USA Title, Gage replied, "I plan on entertaining at every preliminary for Mr. Gay USA, FMI, and even prelims and National Pageants of other categories of USA Unlimited Pageantry System. To show the rest of the Nation that Drag Kings are not what they used to be. The standards ha,e changed and we are on the road to sharing a stage with our sisters on a regular basis:i: not just on Drag King nights. Some of us work just as hard and go through just as much to make the illusion on that stage, therefore we deserve the opportunity to be seen". Gage Gatlyn will be performing at Ben's Club 1022, Fort Smith, Saturday, November 12th! For more information and schedule go to www.gagegatlyn.boilingpoint.us Marsha Stevens in J lin Oct. 1st Famous for her song, "For Those Tears I Died" Stevens became the first (and as of 2002, the only) major singer in the contemporary Christian music subculture to identify herself publicly .ts a lesbian ..... Christian Century Magazine has said that Stevens bec~me "conservative Christianj~/s worst nightmare a Jesus-loving, Biblebeiieving, God-fearing lesbian Chrisrian." Marsha will be performing at MCC _Toplin 6pm Oct 1st. Page 15 "'Momma always said; Don't say you don't lilie it until you've tried it!" FALL SPICY SALMON 2 cups Brown Sugar 1/2 tsp Salt 1 tbsp Cumin 1 tbsp Chili Powder 1/2 tsp Thyme 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper 1/2 tsp White Pepper Mix all ingredients together and set aside. 4 12-16 oz Salmon Filets (1/4-1/2 inch thick) 1 cup Bro~n Mustard 2 tbsp Cream Horse Radish Sauce Take brown sugar mixture and rub gently over both sides of Salmon filets. These may be cooked 2 wavs. Preferablv grilled or broiled in an ove~. If grilling, ' cook for 15-20 minutes. If broiling, cook for 10-12 minutes (about 165 deg internally) Mix brown mustard and horse radish sauce together. Lightly brush on filets during the last five minutes of cooking. Save enough to serve on the side. Serve fish over Spanish Rice of Rice Pilaf. Hint: Serve with a nice Merlot TESTil'iG,~O NEEDTu~!. sPirur•oii CHR1ST. MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 47.11 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sunday Service 6PM conjunction with AIDS Project of the ks, MCC Joplin offers fr~e HIV g the last Sunday of each month een 5PM and 6PM. For your nvenience you can also call 206-6179 for appointment. We use the Ora~sure ethod which does not require the use of and we offer complete nfidentiality. You may :1lso request oklets on AIDS for People of Faith rough the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Seroing A Healthier Community" Page 16 Mary Mary Quite Contrary, How does your garden growl What makes a garden? So powerful are the impressions made by flowers and foliage, it is tempting to think of the_ garden as essentially a place in which plants grow. Gardens are, however, first and foremost for people whose preferences and requirements can be very different. You might relish the idea of honing your garde~ng s½:ills and making a special collection ot plants. But creating a pleasant, low maintenance setting for outd_o_or !ivin~ is an equally legitimate amb1t1on. At its most rewarding, a garden is a highly personal creation, one that happily reconciles your idea of what is best for vou with the potential of the are; that is available. The way you want to use the garden area affects the way vou organize the space within it; boundaries. This will be reflected in the relative weight given to hard landscaping, such as paving, walls, the planted areas, or soft iandscaping. I pr~fer it hard!, but a little soft is also enjoyable, but if, for example, vou want the garden to be an outd~or room for entertaining, you will probablf need a large area of paving or decking. If your passion is plants or you want to grow fruits or vegetables, you might make do with narrow paths crisscrossing planted ~rea~. A pond may be high on your list tf you wish to attract wildlife into your property. Once you have thought through how you want to use your garden and how to best exploit the site you can start planning how you want it to look. In the following months we will explore °:ore aspects of gardening, plant vanety, maintenance and tips fo~ a number of problem's that may anse. October is the month for mums and pansies. My personal favorite variety of chrysanthemum is "Salmon Faire;' a beautiful florists mum with pompom shaped salmon pink flowerheads, 1 1 / 2 inches across in late autumn. Pansies come in a large variety of colors and are an excellent choice for fall winter or spring color. Pansies will winter in our region quite well although snow will bring on a dormant period. They prefer well drained soil and will take full sun in cool temperatures. So, if anyone calls you a pansy, just say THANK YOU! And on that note it's time to close for now. I hope you will enjoy the columns but remember ........ .. "Yo,u mcaank lead a bar-to-culture, but you cant e her think" Till next time, see you in the dirt. Page 17 Josh Aterovis, Author Opinions Founded on Prejudice The great Scottish judge and literarv critic Francis J effrev once said · "Opinions fo~ndel on prejudi~e are always sustained with the greatest of violence." He was most likely referring to the ferocity of a verbal argument, but his sentiment holds true in every sense of the word violence. As lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues have come to the forefront on an international scale, organized attacks and violence against the LGBT communitv has increased exponentially. , Several countries saw ·violence erupt at their Pride events this year. In July, Erik Shkapars, the executive direcwr Latvia's capital Riga, canceled the city's pride celebration, but a judge ruled that the parade could go on. When several dozen brave gays and lesbians showed up to march through the cemer of the cicy demanding justice for sexual minori<iP< they found themselves vastly ·--~, outnumbered by anri-gay demonstrators. The protes::s turned violence when the anti-gay crowd began throwiDg rotten eggs and insults, and scuffles with the police broke out. A similar scene played out in Poland a month earlier when more than 2500 people marched through the streets of Warsaw in defian£.Lof the city's mayor; who had also canceled all gay pride celebrations. Once again, eggs and insults were tossed, bur that time, marchers were physically attacked by protestors. Things got even uglier at Jerusalem's pride parade. More than a thousand protestors threw bottles of urine and bags of feces at marchers. Three people were stabbed in a series of attacked by religious extremist. In Australia, the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby reports that Violence and harassment against gays and lesbians in Victoria is increasing to "unacceptably high levels." According to Human Rights First; in France, violent hate crimes against gay men more than doubled from 2002 to 2003. Even in Canada, where gay marriage was recently legalized, violence against gays and lesbians has increased. Criminologist and author Doug Janoff says violence against homosexuals in Canada is more "frenzied" and intense than that perpetrated against other victims of violent crime. Unfortunately, the U.S. is at the forefront of anti-gay attacks. This summer was an especially violent one for the LGBT community. In July alCl!le, there were four separate LGBT-related arson attacks around the country. On July 9, a gay-friendly United Church of Christ congregation in Middlebrook, Virginia was damaged in a fire set after the arsonist wrote a message on the exterior of the church calling its members sinners. Two weeks later, the only gay club in Fayetteville, Arkansas was torched for the second time in iess than a month. Studio 716 was destroved by the second blaze. A week later, a gay club in Brownsville, Texas was gurted by fire. Then, just davs ia;:er. a Florida couple were the victims ~f a targeted hate crime when their home was set ablaze and "Die Fag" was spray painted on their front steps. It was a violent summer for gays in New York City as well. There were neariy one hundred attacks on gays in the City this summer. In June and 1uly alone there were 85 viole~t hate cri~e~ Continued next page: Page 18 HEART TO HEART against NYC gays and the number rose almost ~aily in August. According to the Ant1-V1olence Project, hate crime against gays were about 6% above average in 2004. . In fact, violence against gays is on the nse. on a natio_n.al level. According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs' _annuai report released in April, reported anti-gay violence rose 4% between 2003 and 2004. Included in the rise in incidents for the year was an 11 % increase in anti-LG BT ~urders. In 2003, NCA VP's report on hate violence detailed a 26% increase in anti-LGBT violence. "This year's report has to be viewed as a follow-up ro our report from a year a~o," Clarence Patton, acting executive director of the NCA VP said. "In the last edition of this report it became all too clear that with respect to violence the nation's LGBT communities had ' entered a very new, :i.nd very dangerous era in which all of us were under attack at levels not seen in recent vears." So what is at the root of this increased hatred and violence against LGBT peopl~? Certainly, it is partially the resu_lt of increased visibility. Violent attacks Jumped dramatically following the Supreme Court's decision striking down sodomy laws and Massachusetts's allowing s~me-sex couples to marry. They cono_nued to rise as many states passed antt-gay ballot initiatives. the President repeatedly called for ~ cons?tutional amendment banning gay marnage, and the LGBT communitt foun~ itself ~eing used as a wedge is;ue by Right-Wmg politicians during the 2004 eiection process. Some believe it's even more insidious than mere exposure, however. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force lay the blame on conservative religious groups. "The literal blood of the thousands of gay people physically wounded b·, hate during 2004 is on the hands of jerry Falwell, James Dobson, Tony Perkins and_ so m~y others who spe-~ hate fo; p~msan ¥am and personal enrichment," said NGLTF Executive Director Mat Foreman. He codd be right S~dies have concluded that polincal hate-dnven messages have been directly connected to violence a=inst gav and 1 b . 1 b- , es tan peop,e. Constant hate speech from r~l~g10us leaders demonizing gays and lesbians musr have the same effect. E-..-ery time Falwell, Dobson. Robertson, or Phelps denou~ce gavs as sinners, they are so-wing the seeds ~f bigotry and reinforcing the prejudice many already feel towards LGBT people. T~e most recent example of this came rn wake of the devastation of Katrina .• ~n evangelical Christian group that calls itself Repent America made a public statement blaming the hurricane on gays. "Although the loss of lives is deeply saddening, this act of God destroyed a wicked citv." director ·Michael Marcavage said: When will this cvcle of hate and viol.ence end? Only ~hen good people begm _ to stand up and fight back against the bigotry and intolerance. As Dr. ~artin Luther King Jr. once wrote, "We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appa~ng silence of the good people." Its up to us and our allies to bring about change. We must elecr fairminded men_ and women who will fight for equality m our legislative halls. We mu~t. encourage and support those poli~c1ans who are striving to protect and 1mprove the lives of all minorities. We need to applaud those brave religious leaders and groups who stand up and denounce discrimination and bigotry. Most importantly, we need to make our voices heard. Speak up for what you believe is right. Do not b~come a part of the appalling silence. We cannot afford to allow those opinion founded on prejudice to go unchallenged. Th~ ~iews expressed in this column are my opinion~ only. :You don't have to agree with them. I jUSt ask that you read them with an open heart and mind. Page 19 Serving our community in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma. Illinois & Colorado This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent,_ Greg Tainter. We're proud to serv<N:his community and our customers. <::all today and ask about our services. ANtO • Ho,m: • Life • Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Ttl: (886) 208-9480 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com www.shelterinsurance.com Page 20 10% off with this ad! Pagt" 21 ut by Highleyman OCTOBER 2005 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key momen_ts, personalities, and subjects in L<JBT history. Each installment brings the past to life lry exploring the div&sity of the gtt:y past and its impact on the queer present. What is the ,history of the . Metropolitan Community Church? Because they have often experienced homophobia in their religions of origin, LGBT people have formed lesbian and gay groups within specific denominations, as well as an entirely • new LGBT religious organization, the• Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). MCC was founded by the Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry, a defrocked Protestant minister. Perry was licensed as a Baptist preacher when he was 15, married at age 18, and became a pastor in two different Pentecostal churches. In the early 1960s, he came put as gay, leading to a. divorce from his :wife and dismissal from the ministry. At age 27, after having attempted suicide following a failed love affair with a man, Perry realized that God loved .him as he was, and felt called to start a new church to serve the gay community. Perry held the first MCC service in the living room of his suburban Los Angeles home on Oct. 6, 1968. Twelve people attended, including friends and a few individuals who had seen an ad in _ The Advocate_, then a local gay newspaper. Perry's first sermon, "Be True to You," was inspired by Polonius' advice to his son in _Hamlet_. The church expanded rapidly, and within a few I)J.Onths had outgrown Perry's living room. The budding congregation first m.oved to a theater in Hollywood, theri. bought and refurbished a dilapidated building. Soon, MCC congregations began to spring up in other cities, including Chicago, Honolulu, San Diego, and San Francisco. In 1972, two dozen affiliates were· formally organized as the Univ.ersal · Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, with Perry serving as moderator .. The fellowship has since grown to nltply 300 congregations comprising sbme 43,000 members - in 48 states and more than 20 countries. Not everyone was happy about the new church's success .. In 1973, the Los Angeles congregation's recently dedicated building was burned down, the first of some 20 arsons and fire-bombings at MCC churches. Later that same vear, a fire at a New Orleans gay bar us~d for MCC services claimed the. lives ,of 32 people, including the pastor and nearly half the congregation. Perry always,intended that MCC should be an ecumenical Christian church, and {tom its first days it attracted people frpm diverse religious backgrounds. Drawing upon Pentecostal, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and other .. malnline Protestant traditions; MCC . retains many tenets of Christian doc:trine, but promotes a reading of the Bible :that accepts gay people. "Jesus never orice . mentioned or condemned : · homosexuality,:' wrqte Pe:1;tt. "Jesus spent a lot of time talking-about Iov~ - and that's something that's missingjti both the rhetoric and actions of an~y; religious,. groups." A few congregations have taken . · · ·. . the fello_;;;hip's ecw:neni~in • tp -~ n~vi levd; San Francisco's MCC .. Bills itself as. "a home for queer sp· · · · the first to .hold Since the clergy and Jay members'h~ve ta~en an active role in the LGBT civiVrights . movement. Tlie original MCC. was oom in the midst of a · · of police harassment of gay . Angeles, which resulted in the arrest of one of Perry's close friends'. In ·March 1977, • Perry was among the first gay and lcsqi~ leaders to meet with White House staff.·· In 1981, MCC Toronto's.pastor, the Rev._ Brent Hawkes, held a month-long fast to protest that city's raids on gay bathhouses, and in 1987 Perry was among the. LGBT leaders arrested during a ma$S civil disobedience outside the Supreme Court to protest the _Bowers vs. Hardwick_ sodomy ruling . .. cont-next pg. From the outset, MCC has recognized the validity of gay and lesbian relationships, and has played a key role in the ongoing struggle for same-sex marriage. Perry conducted MCC's first same-sex union ceremony just months after the church's first rn'eeting, and in 1970 filed the first-ever lawsuit demanding that the state of California recognize same-sex marriages. In conjunction with the marches on Washington in 1987, 1993, and 2000, Perry conducted mass commitment ceremonies for thousands of same-sex couples. In January 2001, MCC Toronto's Hawkes performed a wedding for a gay and a lesbian couple following the ancient tradition of banns, under which marriages may legally be performed without a license if the intent to marrv is announced in advance and no one obf ects. Although Ontario authorities refused to record the marriages, the action set in motion a series of lawsuits that legalized same-sex marriage throughout most of Canada. When Perry founded MCC, he expected that mainline churches would change their teachings about homosexuality, and that gay people would then "go home" to their own denominations. As it happened, the failure of other denominations to fully embrace LGBT people ensured MCC's survival, and MCC's success, in turn, helped spur some other religious institutions to re-examine their views concerning homosexuality. While debate still rages within several denominations over issues such as the blessing of samesex unions and the role of LGBT clergy, MCC continues to provide a welcoming spiritual home for thousands of LGBT people throughout the worid. For further reading: Perrv. Troy. 1972, 1987. _ The Lord Is My Shepherd and He Knows I'm Gay _ (Liberty Press). Perry, Troy, and Thomas Swicegood. 1990. Don't Be Afraid Anymore: The Storv ;;f Reverend Troy Perry and the Met~opolitan Commu~ity Chu:ches~ (St. Martin's). Page 23 Page 24 _Libby Post is the founding chair of the Empire State Pride Agenda and a politicai commentator on pubiic radio, on the Web, and in print media. Lesbian Notions by Libby Post SEPTEMBER 2005 Is That a Promise or a , Threat? ! Repent America, yet another Christian Right we-take-the-Bible-as-literal-fact group, reveis in its belief that Hurricane Katrina was God's vengeance on New Orleans, a city, according to the group's website, that "had its doors wide open to the public celebration of sin." They're referring to "Southern Decadence," an annual end-of-summer extravaganza that, before Katrina hit, was slated to bring in o,'er $100 million in tourism dollars to New Orleans' business communiry. That $100 million is part of what has become the· $640 billion lesbian and gay market in this country. While smail compared to what the lesbian and gay market is worth nationaily, $100 million spent in any city isn't anything to sneeze at. The gay dollar is strong in all 50 states and getting stronger, much to the chagrin of those, like the folks at Repent America, who blame us for everything that in their view is not Christian and right. Citing moral authority over corporate America, :he Christian Right has long tried to keep businesses from supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) kick-starred various Christian Right-based embargos with their boycott of Disney in 1997. SBC, along \vith the American Family Association (AF A) and Focus on the Family, contended that the roof on the house the mouse built provided shelter for the wrong type of people us. All three accused Disney of pursuing a "homosexual agenda" in providing domesticpartner benefits to employees and permitting Gay Days at their parks. Eight years later, the Christian Right gave up. Plain and simple - it didn't work. Disney thrived despite the boycott. Besides, I'm sure it was getting difficult for young Southern Baptists to expiain to their kids why they couldn't go to see Mickey and Donald. But the Magic Kingdom ·was only the beginning. Bush's re-election gave the Christian Right a shot of adrenaline, and it's got;:en savvier about intimidating business in this country. Instead of calling for an outright boycott, it just threatens one - maybe the threats are more effective tnan the real thing. As fast as you could say "economic sanctions,'' the _A.FA went after Procter and Gamble for supporting gay rights legislation in Cincinnati last fall. P&G underestimated the frenetic response of AFA members - they're said to have mobilized 400,000 people througnout ;:he country •o sign boycott pledges to pressure the corporate giant. In the long nm, some heads rolied at P&G, and gay ad dollars dried up. It will be interesting to see if Crest or Tide is advertised during _ Will and Grace_ or _Queer Eye_ thi~ season. Concerned Women for America (CWA), another Christian Right front group, has targeted Starbucks. It seems the java king has various quotes pnnted on its ubiquitous green-and-white cups a~ part of its "T'he W'ay I See It" series One of the quotes is from Armistead r-.faupin. author of __ Tales of the City_ The quote reads "My only regret about being gay is that I repressed it so bng. I surrendered my vomh to the people T feared \-:.:hen T could ha Ye been our there hJYing so1ncone. l)on ~t make that Lesbian Notions mistake yourself. Life's ;:oo damn short." CW A should take a lesson from Maupin - life is to~J damn short and they should be worrying about qumes on coffee cups. But, aias, it is the group's calling to uphold biblical teachings and thus organize against all things gay. . Need a vacation from all this Christian Right craziness? Go to the City of Brotheriy Love which, by the way, is ,vhere Repent America is headquartered - and you'll find thev actuallv want us there. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation spent S1 ~illion on an ad campaign to lure lesbian and gay tourists to the ·citv. It worked. After a 14-month campaign, the group found that we came, we saw, a~d we spent! In fact, it seems we spend more money when we stay overnight than our straight counterparts do. For every dollar that was spent to get us to the city, the city's tourism coffers realized S153 - that's quite a return on investment. So what are corporate America and the small-business community to do? Does would-be moral authority trump the American Dream of making a profit? In the long run, we ;re a capitalist nation, and money talks. Maybe it's time to bring our the "Gay Money" rubber stamps from our memorabilia shoeboxes and start using them again. Perhaps the next time you go to Starbucks you should let them know you're a member of the LGBT community and you appreciate their support. When the Christian Right threatens a boycott, write the corporate execs and tell them not to capitulate. When you travel with your partner, send a clear message to the hoteiier or B&B and book a room with a queen-or king-size bed, not two doubles. They may not know you're queer when you book, but they'll certainly know it when you check in! \'{ie're worth $640 billion a vear in this coumry. Let's show corporate America and the small-business community just how green the rainbow flag can be. By doing so, we can help them ward off the likes of the Christian Right and reclaim the moral high ground. IGNA.Tt.1:ltE PUBlISHl Quality web newsprint at affordable prices 405-478-4009 • 6725 N. Miramar Blvd. Okla City. OK 73111 Page 25 Rsk o Advice Column! October 2005 Salutations everyw-!iere Kittens. Uncle Mikey once more on the s\;ene. You know, as the recent developments in ou~\southern states occurred, Uncle has found himself pondering, how our wonderful country shall recover from the terrible effects, of the real storm in our country, simply called Bush. Between that and trying to get my damn nails to dry evenly, a thought occurred to me, Gay men have been saying it for years, No more Bush! Uncle Mikey: I have been having this affair for six months. My boyfriend does not suspect a thing. He thinks I a.m working a lot of overtime and he trusts me. I feel crappy, but sexually, I was bored. Now, the man I have been seeing is demanding more and threatening to tell my boyfriend if I do not give him what he wants. I don't want to lose my boyfriend. I just do not know how to get myself out of this one? Help! Lost Lover Dearest Lover: Kitten, Uncle must tell you, we reap ~ha.t we sow darling and I am afraid there is no wa.y out of this without feeling the wrath of scorned love. The mature thing to do would be to tdl your boyfriend what you have been up to. Devote yourself to him, and making it anew, deal with this home wrecker as one. However, know this, once you and your lover have made it through this turmoil of <lea.ling with Mr. Fata.I attraction, you a.re next on the agenda. If you are serious a.bout earning back the trust, you are going to have to take your medicine. Good Luck Uncle Kittens I have said it before and it stands true. Broken trust and love can be ~ended with only the sincerest seeker. It is not a.n easy road however, one that you can find redemption. You could also find a bunny in the p()t, so be warned. Uncle knows the role of being betrayed, with husband number three, who held an insatiable appetite for the delicacy of twinkalecious. Uncle, after buying himself a complete new wardrobe, assured him the price is never bargain rates with this queen. He wa.s able to manage his wondering eyes after that. The poor duck, did not know someone could do such damage armed only with a gold card! Dear Uncle: I am so sick of gay people acting self-absorbed. It is no wonder why people think we are such shallow people when most of them are. Why arc they? I am sorry Kitten. Uncle caught his reflection in this new hat, which would make Lady Kitty envious. Maybe I can ponder this later for you, after my tanning session maybe. I must remember to give Sue Lee, a faithful hat-girl, a raise. Smooches-Uncle Dear Uncle: Why do lesbians have such a mean streak in them? I have two friends and '\\c-henever we go out, it is like walking on eggshells because they fight more than anyone I have ever seen. I am almost over getting together with them at all. I fear where their dramatics might lead with me in the middle. The Dike's friend Dear Dike's Friend: This is something Uncle has pondered, and in all truth, I think this is merely Page 26 Ask Uncle Mikey: good spirited foreplay. In truth, though many may want to deny it, they arc oassionate creatures. Kitten; think about ~ group of gay men at a dub. Eave you ever seen a group of more .:han five gay men get together without som~cme's flame igniting? I did not think SC;. Li've and let live. Encourage the two to healthy physical activity in orcier to sooth some of those pent up passions. Maybe skydiving, I hear that bush diving is almost a sport in itself; that is if its done right. Dear uncle: My friend is a walking-breathing penis. I mean he has no thoughts above the waste. I have watched him sleep v.'ith more men than I can count. I mean he has at 26 years old, never had a relationship that lasted longer than orgasm. Brian is his hero from QAF, and he thinks his lifestyle is all right. I keep telling him that one day he is going to be sorry for his behavior. How can I help him see he needs something more in his life? Plaver's friend Dearest Kitten: First things first, does he have a brother? Ok I am som· Uncle must have drifted the~c for a m~ment. Kitten, do I detect a hint of jealousy in your words? Alternatively, is it more that the item, which is really fueling your desire, is just that? Mavbe vou think vou are the one to tame this ~ild stallio~. Uncle says go for it, show him the benefits of homemade desert in bed on a rniny day. Smooches-Uncle Kittens, live and let live, do we ha-,e to continue to go over this. As long as someone is open and honest with his or her playmates, there is no harm in this lifestyle. Playing safely and responsible, is simply a choice. We are not all meant for domestication; remember that! Smooches Unde Mikey and Ticidles too! Want more of Mikey? Visit Mikey's comer at www.askunclemikey.com. Freelance writer Michael Hinzman, joining communities throughout Queerdom ... New York's Gay Penguins Split Up (and one turns straight) By Benjamin Cohen NEW YORK_One of New York's mo~t famous gay couples has split up. Silo and Roy two male chinstrap penguins have been living together as husband and husband for the past six years. Since their relationship began, the pair have successfully hatched and raised an adopted chick, after they tried to incubate a rock. They also inspired six other gay penguin couples at New York's Central Park Zoo. However, when Scrappy, a single femaie arrived from Sea World Zoo in San Diego, Silo's eye went wondering and he moved out of his and Roy's nest and moved in with Scrappy. Quotable Quotes "I nromise mv audience at least one J , shocking gay scene this year. People will ,vrite about thi~ once I'm done \Vith it.'.f' "Desperate Housewives" creator 1viarc Cherrv ro Oc1t mag:izinc, September 1ssue. Page 27 Out of Town '·,"-, Probably the most popular of the downtown gay bars, Pegasus is a see-andbe- seen dance-and-video lounge that's especiaily popular for after-work cocktails. The sprawling Pittsburgh Eagle, in a barren industrial neighborhood a 10-minute drive north of downtown, draws huge crowds for dancing on weekends. Donny's Place is a lively· country-western dance bar with a pool hall drawing a mixed-gender crowd. Downstairs, there's a guy-oriented basement nook known as Leather Central. Trendy types head to True Cafe and Bartini, a snazzy lounge on the North Side that exudes sophistication. Fans of karaoke, pool, and videos congregate at Images, an unpretentious and friendly downtown spot, as well as the nearby Liberty A venue Saloon, which serves tasty pub fare, too. The low-keyed Reai Luck Cafe sits a short walk from the music clubs and restaurants in the Strip and draws a mix of women and men. Among accommodations, you can'{ beat either the location or the swank decor of the Westin Convention Center, which sits near Liberty Avenue's gay nightlife and the Strip's rescaurams and markets. But for sheer history, check into the old-world Omni William Penn, a 1916 beauty in the heart of downtown. The excellent, mid-priced Courtyard Marriott chain has two fine Pittsburgh properties. In the Cultural District, the Courtyard Marriott Pittsburgh Downtown occupies four adjacent historic buildings. A few miles east, the Courtyard Marriott Shadyside/Oakland is close to gay-popular shopping and dining along Liberty and Ellsworth avenues. A delightful South Side urban retreat, the Victorian Morning Glory Inn is filled with memorable touches, from an 1890 grand piano in the music room to lateafternoon wine that you can enjoy on a shaded terrace. Rooms have fine antiques, tasteful fabrics, and luxe marble baths. Another gay-friendly option, the Arbors Bed & Breakfast occuoies a handsome 19th-century house o;;. 2 pastoral acres. Rooms have cable TV with VCRs, refrigerators, and unfussy but e!F-gant furnishings. On the North Side, the Priory is a highly romantic inn created out of a comrcrted 1888 home for traveling Benedictine monks and an 1852 German Catholic church. Filled with Victorian antiques and oozing character, the inn has a welltrained staff committed to first-rate service. Best of all, it's just a five-minute walk from the wonderful Warhol Museum. The iconoclastic pop artist probably would have approved of Pittsburgh's most gay-popular inn occupying a former house of worship. The Little Black Book Arbors Bed & Breakfast (745 Maginn St., 412-231-4643, www.arborsbnb.com). Cafe Zao (649 Penn Ave., 412-325-7007). Casbah (229 S. Highland Ave., 412-661- 5656). City Grill (2019 E. Carson St., 412-481-6868). Courtyard Marriott Pittsburgh Downtown (945 Penn Ave., 412-434-5551, www.courtyardpittsburghdowntowo.com). Courtyard Marriott Shadyside/ Oakland (5308 Liberty Ave., 412-683-3113, www.courtyardshadyside.com). Donny's Place (1226 Herron Ave., 412-682-9869). 5801 (5801 Ellsworth Ave., 412-661- 5600). Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau (877-LOVE-PGH, www.visitpittsburgh.com). Images (965 Libertv Ave., 412-391-9990). Kaya (2000 Small~an St., 412-261-6565). Liberty Avenue Saloon (941 Liberty Ave., 412- 338-1533). Monterey Bay Fish Grotto (1411 Grandview Ave., 412-481-4114). Morning Glory Inn (2119 Sarah St., 412- 431-1707, www.morningglorybedandbreakfast.com). Omni William Penn (530 William Penn PL, 412-281-7100 or 800-THE-OMNI, www.omnihotels.com). Original Hot Dog Shop (3901 Forbes Ave., 412-687- 8327). Pegasus (818 Liberty Ave., 412- 281-2131). Pittsburgh Eagle (1740 Eckert St., 412-766-7222). Pittsburgh International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival (412-232-3277, www.piigff.org). Le Pommier Bistro (2104 E. Carson St., 412-431-1901). The Priory (614. Pressley St., 412-231-3338, www.thepriory.com). Ray's Marlin Beach Bar and Grill (5121 Butler St., 412-781-6771). Real Luck Cafe (1519 Penn Ave., 412-566-8988). Soba Lounge (5847 Ellsworth Ave., 412-362- 5656). Sonoma Grille (947 Penn Ave., 412-697-1336). Square Cafe (1137 S. Braddock Ave., 412-244-8002). Page 28 Minister Fired provide witness that Mr. Urie has very high women, gay and straight have offered to standards and morals completing his job with integrity and honesty" Kenneth T: a straight man who helped Mr. Urie with classes stated, "I may not approve of Mr. Urie's life-style but justice is justice and this is wrong. Never at anytime did Mr. Urie conduct himself other than professionally in the classes I assisted with.'' "My concern is that at 55 years of age and having been out since my 20's that this could happen at this rime of my life. I never thought a system that employees so many people of alternate life-styles would in fact use this as justification. This system has an antidiscrimination policy based on sexuai orientation clause in their handbook yet does nothing to protect it's staff members against being held to a double standard." " I encourage evervone to understand that they DO NOT have protection under the law as long as we remain second class citizens. We MUST work in every state and at the ·Federal level to obtain the protection that every citizen should have in housing, business, marriage and the workplace." "No one should ever be caught off guard or surprised when discriminatory actions take place as long as we are without the same protections others have. It couid happen t0 you." Urie said. "Don't be surprised, yes they can do it." Rev. Urie has ministered the all affirming. predominantly GLBT Christian church in Joplin for 8 years and has worked tirelessly to improve lives, to bring together the gay and lesbian community in Southwest Missouri. I have known Rev. Steve Urie for several vears, have attended his services and ha.;e seen first hand the charity and giving in this man, from his heart. And to my knowledge he has never drawn a salary from the church. The community, church and it's members are his life and a fulltime job in it's own. Yet he was dedicated to his teaching position with Freeman Health Care Systems. This man does not deserve to be stepped on by anyone and especially by a company that does riot enforce it's non-discrimination policy with members of our community. Steve has been unemployed since the 8'h of August and is unable to get a job until this is cleared up with the Board of Nursing. Anyone wanting to help with the legal expenses for Mr. Urie can send contributions to: Urie Legal Fund, c/o P.O. Box 4711, Joplin, MO 64803 It's a good time for our community to give back to someone who has given so much to us. Page 29 Federal Workers certain claims of sexual orientation -------. discrimination from federal employees. Liverpool to Back Building of Gay arter In April 2004, the White House released the following statement: "Longstanding federal policy prohibits discrimination against federal employees based on sexual orientation. . . . President Bush expects federal agencies ro enforce this policy and to ensure that all federal employees are protected from unfair discrimination at work." "From national park rangers to emergency personnel, federal employees fill important roles in American society. The last thing they should have to worry about is a bureaucrat in Washington rolling back their employment protections," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "Our work continues as we fight for these critical protections, including strongly advocating for an Employment Non-Discrimination Act that protects every gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender American from workplace discrimination." The Clarification of Federal Employment Protections Act was introduced June 30, 2005, by Reps. Henrv Waxman, D-Calif., Chris Shays, R-Co~n., Steny Hoyer, D-Md.; Barney Frank, D-Mass.; Mark Foley, R-Fla.; Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.; Eliot Engei, DN .Y.; Danny Davis, D-Ill.; and Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz. Quotable Quotes "If George W. Bush gets one more Supreme Court appointment, then a very important decision, the Lawrence decision, which says it was unconstitutional to prosecute two consenting men having sex in their bedroom that would be overturned. Tohn Roberts would overturn that. You have Bush talking about how Scalia - virulent homophobe ~ is such a good model for him." Gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., to the Seattle Gay News, July 29. By Ross van Metzke LIVERPOOL, UK - The Liverpool City Council voted unanimously Monday to back the idea of creating a gay quarter in the already liberal city. The ambitious plan was first put before the council earlier this month. Now that the plan has received full council support, the city planning department has announced it will begin to map out the neighborhood's boundaries and ~ on a plan to attract gay businesses to the area. This marks the first time an LGBT village has been specifically created by an act of a city council. In most cities, gay neighborhoods have historically sprung up on their own, usually as the result of several gay foc1.1sed businesses opening or a boom in the real estate market .. In Liverpool, the village will be planned out with a strip for businesses and an area for housing surrounding it. The group ofpeople who proposed the plan said they did so out of a sense that Liverpool needed a strong unified LGBT community to economically help. develop its decaying central core. Although Liverpool has its fair share of gay bars and clubs; they are currently spread throughout the area .. With no village as a focal point, Liverpool has yet to host its own gay pride celebration. Council members said they would look to neighboring city Manchester as a guide. Manchester has one of the most vibrant gay communities in Europe and annually attracts thousands of LGBT visitors from around the world. "We hope to get moving on it very quickly and we want to talk to- businesses who are already gay-friendly and. also the gay community to get their ideas and ;uggestions about the way forward," councilor Peter Millea said, according to 365gay.com. "Liverpool has always had gay-friendly bars, but they have never worked together as part of a strategy." Page 32 r 1 1 .1 ! I j the STAR delivered to your home or office? ues for $24.95 will be mailed in a envelope the 1st of each month. te the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 J\tlsa, OK 74145 NAME: ___________ _ Address:. ____________ City:. _____ St:_Zip:. _ _ Phone: ______ _ Check enclosed __ Money Order Start Date: ____ _ £11 ACI', 1'0UOHENING PENAL'flES FORA~ CONVICl'EI) OF ACRIME AGAfNS1' ACHILD. Page 33 Page 34 See es by Jack Fertig OCTOBER 2005 "Meditate, Aquarius!" ------.__,.. ,, .. After a series of stressful quincunxes, ,quares, and oppositions, we finally get some easy aspects! The Sun in Libra, trine Neptune in Aquarius, focuses on new takes on social and humanitarian ideals. Mercury conjunct Jupiter in Libra, semi-sextile Venus in Scorpio, opens the gates of erotic charm. Keep prophylactics handy. Whether you're scouting for boys or girls, be prepared! ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Reiax and enjoy the company of the one you love, or audition candidates for that role. Explore any sexual desires you've been shy about expressing, and talk dreamily about your ideals and hopes for the future. TAURUS (Aprii 20 - May 20): If you have any problems with co-workers, this is an excellent time to work them out. Your boss will be very sympathetic to any suggestions you have, but may not really understand them. Be very clear! GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You're · more playful and jocular than usual these days, and you could go over the top at work. Behave! You're especially open to new ideas. If there's any type of art you "don't quite get," now's the time to give it another try. CANCER Oune 21 - July 22): Your home could become Party Central now. Invite some people over, whether for a tasteful dinner or more erotic entertainments. Be careful with intoxicants. A good wine wfrh dinner is lovely. Harder drugs at a play party are not pretty! LEO Ouly 23 - August 22): Your charms are as seductive as they are poetic. If you work on the poetry of them, everything - and everyone - around you wiU faII into place. Siblings (despite some initial resistance) and neighbors are more cooperative than usual. VIRGO (August 23 September 22):Money flies into your pockets, but leaves just as easily if you let it. Review your budget for health and hygiene. A close friend should ha-ve some good money-saving tips. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): ,\fercury and Jupiter lined up in your sign make you dangerously open and expressive. You could let some valuabie - o/ passionate - secret slip. Go ahead and let passion out. Y ou'l! win any games you play for fun, but don't gamble away your money! SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Those dark, secret depths you're so famous for are suddenly very open and accessible - for you, at least. A little getav.•ay with a confidante can help you to gain great insights. Family religious traditions pro,-ide some insight as well. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 December 20): Cultivating social comacts now wiil pay off pretty quickly. Offering help behind the scenes, as well as rolling up your siceves and deaning up wherever needed, will gee you on the fast track to key positions. CAPRICORN (December 21 January 19): Chat up the boss or anyone else who can help you get ahead. A mysteriQUs female colleague should be helpful. Be open and honest about money troubles, and your forthright attitude will pay om AQUARIUS Ganuary 20 - February 18): Meditation can clear the fog you're experiencing. Then your philosophicai farsightedness will help you see what career moves to make now. A female (and/or femme) superior will help you focus on planning. PISCES (Febn;ary 19 - March 19): Sexually, you can get whatever you want (and nearly whomever you want) now. However, it will not come with discreet privacy. People wili talk! Whether that amou:1ts to good publicity or a tawdry scandal is up to you. Jack Fertig has been working as a profe,sional t15trologer since 1977 and is a f01mding member of the Association for Astrological ,Vetworking. I 1 I I I I I I I j 1 ,4., I l 1 You can find copies of the STAR at these 4 sr,.res business & organb:{tion.s. ARKANSAS ICANBAB Arkansas, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Event ~ ~ www.diversitypride.com MCC Lli;-',.ng Spring - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Condom Sense - - - -418 W. Dickson- -479-444-6228 Curry's Video - - 612 N. College Ave- 479-521-0009 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Club 1022 - - 1022 Dodson Ave. - - - - 479-782-1845 Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 G:u-rison Ave- 479-783-9988 Klub XLR8 - - - 917 N. "A" St - - - -479-?82-9578 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge - - 1010 E. Grand Ave -501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street- - - -1021 Jessie Ril- -- - 501-664-2744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - -www.dsra.org Disco...-ery- - - - 1021 Jessie Rd- - - - -501-666-6900 Sidetraclc5 - 415 Main St - -!'>!. LR.- 501-244-0444 The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- - -50!-372-30]0 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church 1709 N Walnut - -llAM PSU-QSA.- -1701.S. Broadway- - 620-231-0938 Kansas, Wichita (316) Club Giacier - 2828 E. 31st South 316-612-9331 J's Lounge 513 E. Central - - 316-262-1363 Our Fantllsy- 3201 S. Hillside- -316-682-5494 The Otherside- -447 N. St Francis- 316-262-7825 Shatai - - - - - - - 4000 S. Broadway- 316-522--2028 Sidcstreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- -316-267-0324 South 40 - - - - - 3201 S. Hillside - - - - -316-682-5494 Trends Bar - - -1507 S. Pawnee- - - - - 316-262-4530 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - ·_ - . 41""-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - 716 S. Main - - - - - - - -417-627-9035 MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - - -Sn:i-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - • - - • • 3715 .Main St- - - 8i6-561-2600 Club NV - - - 220 Admiral Blvd- 816-421-NVKC DB Warehou~e- -- 1915 Main St- - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - -· - 816-561-0625 Sidcstreet Bar - -413 E. 3rd-· - • - 816-531-1775 Siddricks Saloon - 3707 Main Si-• 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground· - - - · - 417-779-5084 MISSOURI OKLAHOMA Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercia!-873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - . - 417-864-4572 Priscilla's - - - - 1918 S. Glcnstone - - - 417-881-8444 Oz Bar 504 E. Commercial - - - - - - 41?-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- --821 College- -417-864-0036 Rumors --1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK '.'4502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th Sr- - - - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy 405-947-2351 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Gushers Rem.urant-2200 ~W 39Exp405-525-0730 HollywoodHotci- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habana Tnn 2200 NW 39th Exo- - - 405-528-2221 Hi-Lo Club - 1221 NW SOth- - - -405-843-1?22 Jungle Reds - - • 2200 NW Exp·;-.ry- 405-524-5733 Partners- - - -2805 NW 36th St 405-942-2199 Prisdlia"s- 615 E. Memorial - - - - - . -405-755-8600 Red Rock Nonh-2240 NW39th St- -405-525-5165 Sisters-·· - 2120 NW 39th St -405-52.i-9533 The Rockles- - -3201 N. May Ave - , 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Ba:- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) B:i.mboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - -- - 918-836-8700 Club :\faverick- 822 S. Sheridan - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks 8807 E. Admiral Pl - -834-1051 Elite Bockstore --814 S. Sheridan- 918-838-8503 End Up Club- - - 424.S . .Memorial- - -918-836-2480 Flamingos Club- - -7915 E. 21st St - -918-622-6339 GLBT Comm .. Cti- -5545 E. 41st- - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Lounge-11730 E. 11:h- - - - -918-437-0449 Dewu:- - - -?944 E. 21st - • - - - - • • - 918-270-2428 Cbb Majesric- - 124 N. Bosron - - 918-584-9494 Renegades- - - - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Priscilla's - - - - - 7925 E. 41st- - . - -918-627-4884 Priscilia'5 563,1 W. Skelly - - - - -918-446-6336 P:iscilia's - 2333 E. 71st - · -918-499-1661 The Asylum - 1737 S. Memorial Dr• -918-622-2565 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- 918-834-4194 Tulsa Eagle-- - -1338 E. 3rd - - - - - 918-592-1186 TNT's • 2114 S. Memorilli- -918-660-0856 Underguy.com - -15 E. Brady - 918-829-0824 \~·bittier News Srand- 1 N. Lewis- - 918-592~0767 .. Yellow-Brick-Rd- - ~.2630 E. 15th- - - 918-293-0304 Outlets wishing to distribute FREE copies of the ST AR, contact us at 918.83 5. 7887 9am to 4pm mon • fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobaLnet Page 37 cART □□ N "Bitter Giri" Page 38 cART □ oN "A Couple of Guys" A Couple of guys• i?~~~ •Old School• r ') I I I I I :., JOIN THE STAR TEAM! ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE F"OR WICHITA, OKLAHOMA CITY, TULSA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS email qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"OR RATES 91 B.BBS.7887 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service. SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F"OR RATES 91 B.B35.7B87 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service. 1 /BTH PAl3E CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F'OR RATES 91 B.B35.7B87 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, Value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service .. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, October 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 10 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 01, 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele C.D. Ward Josh Aterovis Chef John Patrick Matt Brooks Libby Post Paula Martinac Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Chaz 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 Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, September 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/222 The Star Magazine, November 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/220 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/221 A Couple of Gay Guys Advice AIDs alliance anti marriage Bitter Girl Cartoon Fall Spicy Salmon hate crimes Heart to Heart hurricane katrina Lesbian Notions liverpool local advertisement Marsha Stevens Mr. Sunshine State Past Out penguins Q Scopes Quotable Quotes religion sexual discrimination Star Scene Uncle Mikey vacation https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/1453e09b8524b3f446859b0b3d845442.jpg 65c3b7764a6caca1809f866458f3a56a https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/b913661c9cd978fc896085ea9e4c8edc.pdf 1dfb0d2e13624011bbb7682629a7c3cd 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 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 9 FREE Ooe:hundred people protested outside the Iranian Embassy in London 11 August 2005 coinciding with simultaneous US· and European , protests against !rans tyrannical, homophobic, misogynistic and . fundamentalist regime. . · . We cooqcililn the execution of two teenage boys in Iran on charges !fi.volving hOtQosexual acts. One of them was a minor at the time of !-Js · . ; lioth were minors when they commitrcd. t&ifr offences. OutRage! ~s ah end•k> the death penalty. We express o_ur soliijarity with Iranians · democracy and human rights, said protester Aaron Saeed, LGBT human rights group OutRagc!, f five simultaneous iocernational Dublin. Sao Francisco, Paris and · st Irans use of the death penalty and i , gay and bisextial peopje. don protesters were membem of LGBT, 5oda!ittt and human · n left-wingen, exiles and asylum seekers; induding an brother was executed and his body dragged ------ . . Openly Gay Candidc,te to run for Tulsa Mayor's 0ft:ie::e.! ... Wouldn't those headline_s .send a few heads into a Linda Blare spin~arofo:id? . But wouidn't it be a pro · · r ill of us if it were true? With the 2006 Tulsa City efectionf ·•· . coming tip, why haven't_ openlycgJLJ arid lesbian candidates voiced in ,.·, · running for elective office? I · are many qualified peopl~ in,, gay community that would mainstream good ole hors . for their money. Could be, we haven't enough or ignored enough we just don't give a daJ?O content with our third d,ass. We do have the right to vot~, . • many of the GLBT .cornmunity,arf~ot registered or just donlt vote becaustw~ have no representation. · • •: · The GLBT community of the ci Tulsa and Tulsa County deserve represented by someone who fo; equality. A son ' .. be who they are ancl ... intimidated by Ottf,l many solid citizeru;, who are qualified,.ti:> . We encourage then{ torstand up and say to all who will li~nf;f!J am a gay citizen and I am running £of the· office of Mayor for the City oftr\jl~a'.'' ............. AMEN! C D. Ward/ Editor in Chief National Gay and lesbian Task Force study finds that Social Security privatization will dlsproportlonately harm lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans 'Social Security privatization is a gamble with the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender elders. It is a gamble our community simply cannot afford. · -National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 The National Gay and Lesbian Task :Force released a report today that finds that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans will be disproportionately harmed by President Bush's plan to privatize Social Security. According to Selling Us Short: How Social Security Privatization Will Affect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Americans, LGBT Americans, on average, have lower incomes than their heterosexual counterparts, which translates into lower Social Security benefits when they retire. In addition, same-sex couples are not eligible for Social Security's spousal and survivor benefits provisions, making the LGBT community disproportionately vulnerable to the benefit cuts and risks inherent to the president's plan. 'There is a widespread myth that gay people are economically advantaged compared to heterosexuals. U.S. Census data and other national surveys indicate the opposite. In fact, gay and bisexual men earn anywhere from 13 percent to 32 percent less than heterosexual men," said Sean Cahill, director of the Task Force's Policy Institute, which published the study. "If we earn less, we receive a lower Social Security payment in retirement. Any proposals that cut retirement benefits will dis ·onately hui;t gay people." Us Short finds that LGBT people of color, in particular, face an income disadvantage that ieads to lower Social Security benefits. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, black same-sex couples earn roughly $2,000 to $9,000 less in median annual household income than black married opposite-sex couples, and Hispanic same-sex couples earn roughly $1,000 to $4,000 less in median annual household income than Hispanic married opposite-sex couples. Discriminatory government policies, meanwhile, place gay people in an even more economically disadvantaged position, increasing the critical need to maintain the economic safety net Social Security is intended to provide. "Gay people have to report domestic partner health insurance as income to the IRS, but married spouses don't have to report their health coverage as income," explained Cahill. "Gay people can't inherit their partner's pension plan, while a heterosexual widow or widower can be a beneficiary. Not only do we earn less, we are 1ess able to keep what we earn. These are among the many inequities that make same-sex couples particularly vulnerable to cutbacks in Social Security benefits." Added Many Hu, author of the report: "The federal Defense of Marriage Act continues to deny same-sex couples access to more than 1,000 federal benefits and protections of marriage that opposite-sex married couples currently receive, including Social Security spousal and survivor benefits. Even though LGBT Americans pay in to the Social Security system at the same rate as evervone else, our families and children receive fewer benefits, often in times of crisis. If Social Security is to be changed, it shouid be changed so that all families are treated fairly." "Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are more likely to age alone and iess likely to have children than their hete:tpse,cual counterparts," said Amber Hollibaugh, the Nationai Gay and Lesbian Task Force's senior strategist and specialist on LGBT elders. "This, coupled with a lower rate of earning makes them particularly reliant on Social Security." Selling Us Short finds that LGBT elders could be negatively ..... cont pg-8 Page 5 SEPTEMBER 2005 by Andrew Collins "Off Beat Washington, D.C." It's sometimes difficult to think of America's capital as quirky. This is the land of buttoned-down politicos and staffers, stately and somber monuments, dignified oldworld hotels, and mahogany-paneled restaurants. It's a city of grand traditions and regal architecture, and with a discernibly preppy personality. But if you dig a bit beneath Washington's surface, you can easily discover a city with a surprisingly high funk factor, from its several hip (and gay-popular) boutique hotels to tour operators that allow you to see the city from perspectives you've probably never imagined. If it's been a while since you visited D.C., or you're mired in the habit of visiting the same old museums, bars, and neighborhoods, try thinking outside the box the next time you're headed to Washington. Here are just a handful of ways to get in touch with the city's offbeat attractions. _ Learn to be a better spy._ You haven't seen D.C.'s weird side until you've spent an afternoon touring the International Spy Museum,. which offers an intriguing glimpse into the secret world of espionage. Permanent exhibits offer an eye-opening introduction to the art of professional espionage, display dozens of spy gadgets, and consider the challenges secret agents face in today's topsy-turvy world. _ Kayak your way through the capital._ , Here's a novel way to explore Washington and admire its monuments: Rent a kayak from Jack's Boathouse in the tony Georgetown neighborhood, and paddle your way along the historic Potomac River. You can stop and admire the greenery on little-visited Roosevelt Island, enjoy close views of the infamous Watergate building and stunning Llncoln and Washington memorials, and watch herons and cormorants fly across the water. Jack's provides instruction and equipment, and when you're finished with your adventure, you can return to Georgetown and spend some time checking out the neighborhood's slew of upscale shops and fine restaurants. _ Stay at snazzy hotel._ The San Francisco~based Kimpton Group has six ultra-chic boutique properties in the District. Kimpton's dashing Hotel Rouge sits just off classy Embassy Row, an easy walk from gay nightlife on: R. Street, and contains 137 spacious rooms bathed in reds and yellows and a swanky lounge serving such memorable co4tails a:s the Madonna (Cuervo, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, and fresh orange ru;id lii:o;e juices). Near up-and-coming Lo~ Circle, the pop-art-inspired Ho~.}lelli:- '\VOWS · · with bold colors (lime-green honor bars, orange-porcelain bathio~m,,flxtures; · . blue settees and ottomans); a, few rooms are outfitted with bunk htrds, making this the ideal locale for a crazy slumber party • .Other D.C. Kimptons iAclud~ the Hotel Madera and Topaz Hotel, both near way-gay Dupont Circle; tn,e .Hotel George, near Capitoi Hill; and the Hotel Monaco, which is downtown. . . Typical in all the Kimpton properties, in addition to stylish .decor and personalized service, are minibars stocked with fun snacks (from Bugles to Pop Rocks), Aveda bath products, flaMcreen TVs, free high-speed Internet, cordless phones, and evening wine receptions - all of these hotels are pet-friendly, too . ........ continued next page. Page 6 Out of Town _ Catch a Nats game._ After more than a 30-year absence, major-league baseball returned to Washington in 2005 with the Nationals, formerly Montreal's beleaguered Expos. For now they play in frumpy RFK Stadium (plans are underway for a brandnew stadium, which should open in the next few years), but the Nats have been playing great baseball thus far and drawing huge crowds. So you're not a baseball fan and can't see the fun in watching a Nationals game? You obviously haven't yet seen talented (and hunky) rookie outfielder Ryan Church in uniform. _Nosh someplace new._ Washington's long-revered dining scene keeps improving thanks to the bevy of admirable new restaurants that have opened here in recent years. On Capitol Hill, within walking distance of several gay bars, Sonoma has brought superbly crafted contemporary American fare and a dazzling wine list to this upand- coming neighborhood. Try a sampling of fine cheeses with a glass of pinot noir, or opt for something more substantial, like cedar-plank wild salmon with white beans and pancetta-leek compote. Another great see-and-be-seen option that also happens to serve outstanding food, Zaytinya opened in 2002 and remains trendy as ever. This downtown favorite serves dozens of Middle Eastern-inspired mezes (similar to tapas), such as scallops with yogurt-dill sauce, seared lamb chops with rosemary syrup, and olive oil-marinated baby eggplant stuffed with walnuts and tomatoes. The snazzy David Greggory RestauLounge has a strong following with the city's queer community and presents stellar Mediterranean fare, such as truffle-scented pizza with three cheeses and roasted garlic, and seared halibut with braised fennel, ,spaghetti squash, and shellfish stew. Another gay fave, the fabulous pub-grub cnain Hamburger Mary's dishes up plenty' of attitude plus great food at its Washington branch. The - hefty ground-beef patties are legendary try the Blue Boy (topped with bleu cheese and bacon).'Finally, for an all-out magicai dining experien:ce, book a tabie at CityZen, inside Wasnington's newest iuxury hotel, the exquisite Mandarin Oriental. Inventive standouts like pantoasted squab with pumpkin, baby leeks, and cinnamon jus, and chestnut soup infused with quince and chopped ham have made CityZen and its star chef, Eric Ziebold, famous. _ Make a detour to Alexandria. Just 6 miles down the Potomac River from Washington, the historic city of Alexandria, Va., beckons with a beautifully maintained Old Town historic district and loads of enchanting shops and charming restaurants. Area highlights include Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House, Alexandria's Black History Museum, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and the newly opened U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Museum, where you can learn about all kinds of inventions, from the computer mouse to the helicopter. Be sure to wander off the beaten path a bit to the up-and-coming DelRay neighborhood, where Mt. Vernon Avenue is lined with independently owned boutiques and funky cafes. Don't miss businesses like Eight Hands Round (for smart antiques and contemporary home furnishings), Eclectic Nature (for cool garden gadgets and gifts), Del Ray Dreamery (for addictive Wisconsin-style frozen custard), and Monroe's (for delicious regional American and Italian cooking). _ Cruise D.C.'s coolest gay bar. In the rapidly gentrifying Logan Circle neighborhood, Halo definitely has the slickest look of any gay bar in town. The futuristic second-floor space with a backlit bar stocked with premium liquor draws a well-dressed, eclectic crowd of men and women of all ages. Grab a seat in one of the cushy lounge chairs, listen to the mod pop tunes, and soak up the smoke-free ambience. Browse the stalls and catch breakfast at Eastern Market. Just a fow block; beyond the U.S. Capitol building you'll find the wonderfully coiorful Eastern Market, whose food hall abounds with enticing vendors selling everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh-caught Maryland seafood. You can also enjoy a fabulous down-home meal at Market Lunch, a greasy-spoon diner serving tantalizing blueberry pancakes and crab cakes Benedict. Additional draws include a Page 7 SOCIAL SECURITY from pg-5 affected by privatization. By 2030, the estimated population of LGBT seniors will range from two to eight million. LGBT elders may be especially dependent on public services for the elderly, including Social Security, because they may be without the same familv support systems as heterosexual seni~rs. "It is would be wrong to support privatization in exchange for opening a portion of Social Security to same-sex couples while overlooking the fact that marriage equality - which the Bush administration vehemently opposes would guarantee all Social Security benefits to all same-sex couples. We are unwilling to trade illusory benefits against the benefits and rights of other Americans," said National Gav and Lesbian Task Force Executive· Director Matt Foreman. Cherokee lesbians face new legal hurdle Ann Rostow, PlanetOut Network Thursday, August 11, 2005 Two Cherokee women are again under legal assault because of their marriage, just days after winning a victory before the tribe's highest court, the Judicial Appeals Tribunal in Tulsa, Okla. Dawn McKinley and Kathy Reynolds obtained a legal marriage certificate from tribal authorities last year. They married in May of 2004, but before thev had a chance to register their marriage with a lower tribal court clerk, a local attorney, Todd Hembree, stepped in with a challenge. Aided bv the National Center for Lesbian Rights, McKinley and Reynolds argued that Hembree lacked standing to contest their marriage. In .the interim, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council voted to define marriage as a union of a man and a woman, guaranteeing that same-sex couples in the furore could not obtain a marriage certificate to begin with, let · alone register a marriage with the coui:~. Obtaining a marriage certificate in Cherokee law is the equivalent of obtaining a marriage license in the U.S. system. After a ceremony is held, marriage licenses are signed by the officiating party and filed with the appropriate state office. Last week, the Judicial Appeals Tribunal ruled that Hembree indeed lacked standing to intervene in the marriage procedures, stating that he "has failed to show that he will suffer individualized harm" as a result of the lesbian union. On Tuesday, members of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council acted preemptively to block the couple from again trying to file their certificate, petitioning the high court to issue a declaratory judgment confirming that the law against same-sex marriage applies retroactively to the McKinley-Reynolds wedding. According to the Tahlequah Daily Press, the petition was signed by eight of the 15 council members. The members also asked the court to issue a temporary injunction preventing the lower court from accepting the women's paperwork, insisting that the Cherokee Nation will suffer irreparable harm if the documents are allowed to be submitted, and possibly accepted, by the court. · "Those of us listed on the petition believe we were in a situation where we could do one of two things," said member Audra Smoke-Conner. "We could either sit back and wait to see if the couple tried to file the certificate, and if they did, wonder whether the court clerk would accept it. Or, we could act swiftly to block the filing of the certificate." rt for Marriage Equal Rises ain Gaywire Release: New York, NY (August 5, 2005): A recent national poll, released Wednesday by the Pew Research Center, reports that support for marriage equality is at its highest point since July 2003. For the first time, a majority of Americans (53%) are in favor of legal recognition for lesbian and gay couples that would offer many of the same rights and responsibilities as non- gay married couples, while support for ending discrimination in marriage itself has "rebounded" and continues to grow. In a shift from some of the dips in the past few months, fully 35% of Americans said they support ending discrimination in marriage and allowing committed same-sex couples to marry, while only 53% oppose. "This is exactly what the right wing is afraid of," said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, the gay and non-gav partnership working to win marriage ' equality nationwide. "If we stick with the conversation and persist in engaging the non-gay public on marriage equality, the public will move to fairness." ''People have had a year of legal marriage in Massachusetts to see how ending marriage discrimination helps gay and lesbian families and hurts no one," continued Wolfson, author of Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry, which was recently re-released in paperback by Simon &. Schuster. "The long-term trend in Atμerica's civil rights discussion, including this recent rebound of public ~upti9.,:t for marriage equality, which follows the ferment and barrage of the past several months, demonstrates the pO'~'.~t;of engaging the public and showing t.Kem the realitv of marriage equality, fail:i~r than rightwing rhetoric and scare tactics. When it comes to opening h~~s. ~d minds on fairness and reaching the middle, seeing is, in fact, believing.•,.~·~·- - According to the Pew poll, support for the freedom to marry, as well as for civil union and other steps toward marriage itself, has also increased among most religious groups, especially among white evangelical Protestants, from 26% in December 2004 to 35% today. Polling results show a continuing decline (from 35% in August 2004 to 29% today) in support for a constitutional amendment to permanently exclude lesbian and gay couples, and their families, from the rights, responsibilities, and protections of marriage. Freedom to Marry is the gay and nongay partnership working to win marriage equality nationwide. Launched in 2003, Freedom to Marry is headed by Evan Wolfson, nationally recognized as a central "architect of the marriage equality movement." Freedom to Marry guides and focuses this social justice movement on a natiomvide level, serving as a strategy and support center for national, state, and local partners, a catalyst that drives and shapes the national debate on marriage equality, and an alliance-builder fostering support from non-gay allies. Some Marriage History 1948: Perez v. Llppold - Despite public opposition, the California Supreme Court became the first state high court to declare a ban on interracial marriage unconstitutional. 1965: Griswold v. Connecticut - invalidated a Connecticut law prohibiting the use of contraception by married couples. 1967: Loving v. Virginia - U.S. Supreme Court overturned laws prohibiting interracial marriage. Polls showed 70 percent opposed. " 1971: Baker v. Nelson - (Minnesota) The · first case for ending discrimination in marriage is brought in the United States. 1993: Baehr v. Lewin - In a landmark ...... continued page 12 Page 9 Page 14 Serving our community in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois & Colorado This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Auto -Home Life Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Tel: (866) 208-9480 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com www.shclterinsurancc.com to3pm closed sundays. Subscribe to the S Want the STAR delivered to your home or office? 12 issues for $27.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Just complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 NAME: ___________ _ Address:. ___________ City: _____ St:_Zip: _ _ Phone: ------- Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: ---- N ..... .r.-... If"\ ..... N.... ...... ] tll .u£ ""O V (I) 0 N ... ""O V (I) 0 N ] (I) 0 0 Page 15 •Momma always 'said, Don't say you don't like it until you've tried it!" BAKED CRABMEAT SPREAD 2 tbs. Butter 1 I 4 cup Sliced green onion 1/2 cup Chopped red bell pepper 1 Garlic Clove - minced 2 tbs. Flour 1 / 4 tsp. Black pepper 1 cup Mille 1/4 cup Fresh grated parmesan cheese 3/4 cup Fresh crabmeat 2 oz Shredded cheddar cheese Heat oven to 350F. Grease 9 inch pie pan. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper, onions and garlic. Cook till tender. Stir in flour and pepper. Cook about 1 minute. Gradually add milk until mixture boils. Remove from heat and add parmesan cheese. Fold in crabmeat. Pour mixture in pie pan. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts. Serve with toasted pita bread or your favorite cracker. TIP: Want it spicy - add a chopped jalepeno pepper. Chef john Patrick grew 11p in an Italian /amiiv and !of.led to watch his mother cook. She' ' inspired him to attend culinary school Che( John's most recent position was with Desen Oaks Country Club in OKC and now resides in T11/s4. FREE HIV TFSTING,NO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 Sunday Service 6PM conjunction with AIDS Project of the ks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV Sunday of each month d 6PM, For your onvenience you can also call 206-6179 for appointment. We use the Ora-sure ethod which does not -iequire the use of edles and we offer i::'omplete nfidentialify. You ni'afalso request oklers on AIDS for People of Faith ugh the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Jopli,i "Serving A Healthier CommHnity" Page 16 Page 17 Saturday, September 24, 2005 FORT SMITH TURN-A-BOUT 2005 WE'RE DOIN~ IT ALL FOR YOU AT ~LUB 1022! 1022 Dodson Avenu:e,,c ,cc,,.- C--: -L- .--.- B- ---Op-en- F-rid-ay- & -Sa-tur-da-y Fort Smith, AR 72901 1I .-. ..-a ..-a 9 PM until 5 AM (479) 782-1845 ..., ...-. ....-. www.club1022.com ;·ij,,~lity web newsprint at affordable prices 405..:478-4009 ~ 6725 N. Miramar Blvd, Okla City, OK 73111 Rodney Burgamy www.c21goldcastle.com 405.840.2106 Joe Brennan Page 18 The Post-G Debate Openly gay writer David Leavitt, author of The Lost Language of Cranes, stirred up quite the maelstrom with his recent opinion piece in The New York. Times. In his column, Leavitt posited the idea that gay books and bookstores are a relic of the past, no longer needed by or relevant to today's LGBT community. He writes, "More and more, gay fiction is giving way to post-gay fiction: novels and stories whose authors, rather than making a character's homosexuality the fulcrum on which the plot turns, either take it for granted, look a_t it as part of something larger or ignore it altogether." He goes on to claim that gay novels and bookscores are, in fact, "obsolete." Needless to say, that didn't go over well with gay bookstore owners. They countered that LGBT bookstores are very much still needed, that while major chains like Barnes and Noble or Bord~rs may carry gay titles, they don't have the vast selection of a gay bookstore nor does their staff have the familiarity and knowledge of those books. As Kim Brinster, manager of the Oscar Wilde Bookshop in New York City wrote, "My staff and I coun: ourselves very lucky ;:o encounter people throughout the day from all over the world and our own country wno come through the store and are happy to be in a place where we read the books we seH, know where to find them, know what to recommend and take the rime to be helpfu!." Leavitt's opinion and the follow-up from Brinster sparked quite the debate on Rainbow Readership, an online LGBT book group to which I belong. Some agreed wholeheartedly with Leavitt while others argued vehemently in defense of gay bookstores. Some argue that gay culture has changed, and because of that, our books have changed as well. As gays and lesbians become more accepted and increasingly mainstreamed, our books no longer have to focus so much on being gay. For many, it's just not the issue it once was, so books about coming out or accepting your sexuality are not as needed. The new "post-gay novel" is about someone who just happens to be gay. His or her sexuality is not the central focus of the story. Whether gay or post-gay, LGBT authors are currently experiencing a level of acceptance we've never seen before. Gay romance authors and reai-life partners Scott Pomfret and Scott Whittier (better known as ~ are enjoying scads of mainstream press, getting interviews and articles in everything from the New Yor~ Times to the Boston Herald. Brem Harciogs:r, author of the bestselling Young Adult novel b and irs sequd The Oak, has enjoyed mainstream success and recognitio[! for his nm·els. Two of the five finalists for this vear's Booker Prize were gay-themed nove"is, The Master by Colm Toibin and The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst, which actually won. There's no doubt that some gay novels are generating interest and sales, and in turn, finding shelf space in mainstream bookstores. Unfortunately, these success srories are the exceptions, not the rule. For every Brent Barringer there are ten more authors whose books will probably never find their way onto a shelf at Barnes and Nob!e - no: because qf.any lack of talen~, but simpiy bec;ause they're not on B&N's radar. You can, however, find them all at your neiM\;>orhood LGBT bookstore. · , .. So what does an author like Brem Hartinger, someone who has experienced mainstream success with his books, think about tne need for gay. bookstores? "Independent booksellers discover "smaller" books, or idiosvncratic ones, or ........... continued next pai,_e - Page 19 HEART TO HEART ones with less obvious media hooks," he explained. "They are not confined by corporate business plans, which see everything in terms of the bottom line, and which, frankly, want to dumb everything down for as mass an audience as possible. Independent bookstores are the HBO and Showtime of the literary world: they're willing to take chances on far more risky offerings. "Gay bookstores do this same thing for gay books, which are almost by definition "small" books, because they target a niche audience. It's true that it's now possible to find the higher-profile gay books in some chain and non-gay independent bookstores these days, and I think that's great. But the market niche is so small that gay titles are not something the chains or online booksellers are ever going to really champion. There's just no big bucks in it. And what about the niche-within-theniche fringe gay titles? Forget 'em. The chains will almost completely ignore anything about transgender folks, or bi folks, or leather dykes, or radical fairies. "My first novel, Geography Club, had a publicity budget of zero. It broke out because gay and other independent booksellers read it, preordered it, and pushed it aggressively. As more and more people read it and wanted it, word filtered out ro the chains. But I give all the credit to the independents for getting the ball rolling in the first place. "I don't fear the closing of gay bookstores because of the loss of a safe community space, or the ending of an era. I fear the closing of gay bookstores because it might very well make gay books more generic, less diverse, and just plain worse." I can remember the first time I walked into the Lambda Rising store in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It was an amazingly affirming experience for a young, recently-out gay boy. To see all those books and rainbows in one place like that was almost overwhelming, but at the same time, I felt a part of something bigger. Sure, there are some people who don't "need" that experience, but there are many who do. For those who are out and have grown comfortable with who they are, or for the growing segment of kids who don't have to come out because they're already comfortable with who they are, maybe gay bookstores and books about "being gay" aren't needed. But let's not forget the many thousands of people, kids and adults alike, who are not out or who are dealing with their sexuality. There are plenty of people for whom a LGBT bookstore is still an affirming and comforting place. Not to mention those who just like shopping in a safe environment where they can ask questions and get recommendations from a knowledgeable staff. Books about "being g:i.y'' are still needed. That's not to say that I don't enjoy books about someone who just happens to be gay, but I also enjoy books about coming out. I don't think it has to· be either/ or. We still need gay bookstores for a variety of reasons, but especially to insure the continued quality and diversity of our books - whether gay or post-gay - so get out there and support your local LGBT bookstore! Buy-In ancl 25 cent draws! all your ,-quests. Doors Open at 8 PM. Page 21 ut by iz Highleyman ______ ..._ _____ ,....._ Sufnmttry;:· Past Out is a .retrospective ·. of key moments,. · and subjects"inLGBrt h~to,&: Each .. . installmen ·· ':'Mt:tt>life by exf?lori . . .. ;6f ih~gaypast and.its• impact ori:;~e'queerjn:eseht.. prosp.tuteflfec~u~6 tlfey,:ia'illdti?rge · other jol5s. l'The Tcnaerlofa was Jm:o as the place Jo go for sex, · , and late-night fun," · · schol~r Di. Susan. Stty:k~ · e others had l:lie freedo · · · · · · · · thb transgeilder 'worn· Turk Street was · Tenderloin's transge. "Turk Sa#t was o .recalled Amanda· S · · the ro! I-Iotel, .~aywar girls" wi A'.t tiie co . between tricks 'and take tcmpor11ry.s refuge from the violence they faced on the streets. "Compton's was a great place to meet," said Tamara Ching, who, like St. Jaymes, was a frequent patron. "It was our own little fairyland." · By 1966, San Francisco had a wellestablished homophile community that included the Daughters of. Bilitis, the Tavern Guild, the Society for Individual Rights, and the Council on Religion and th~ Homosexual. While these gay and lesbian organizations had had some success in .reducing police harassment of gay bars and had made inroads into the city's political establishlnent, the street que~ns and.disadvantaged queer youth were largely left out of the picture. In response, the. youth - with. the help of progressive niinisttrs fro,m Glide Memorial Methodist Cliurcb'. ~ formed i .radical guecr group called Vanguard, wliicb held. its. meetings at Compton?s. ·. In the spmig;9f 1966, new nianageineti~ at Compton's began to disco~ageth · · · ·· ~fyoung queens and hustlers,. · y and often monev - s~arid ,. t:B.cse for transgcnder rights; "There was a lot of .......... contintieil ne:trpage Page 23 joy after it happened," recalled St. Jaymes. "A lot of people went to jail, but I don't give a damn. It needed to happen." Following the alteration, Compton's began closing earlier and its business never fully recovered; it was replaced by a porn shop in 1972. But the event proved to be a turning point for the local transgender community. In the wake of the riot, the police began leaving the queens alone, and a sergeant in the department, Elliot Blackstone, helped get the laws against cross-dressing changed. A new network of social services was established, including city-funded health clinics. The city began issuing new ID cards reflecting transgender women's preferred gender, enabling them to enroll in school and get jobs. A variety of social changes came together in the late 1960s to set the stage for the Compton's Cafeteria altercation and. the later Stonewall riots, including the civil rights movement, urban renewal, the antiwar movement, and the rise of youth counterculture. At about the same time, the new availability of sex reassignment surgery in the United States and a better understanding of transsexualism pioneered by Dr. Harry Benjamin, who had an office near the Tenderloin.- gave transgender people new hope for a brighter future. "Gender itself became a form of politics," argues Stryker. The riot at Compton's was "part of the same social upheaval that gave us unisex fashions, glam rock, gay liberation, and radical feminism." For further information: Carter, David. 2004. _Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution_ (St. Martin's). Gay and Lesbian Historical Society. 1998. "MTF Transge1lcler Activism in the Tenderloin and Bevond, 1966-1973: Commentarv and I~t~ew with Elliot Blackstone!' _GLQ:'/4.),urnal of Lesbian and Gay Studi.cs_. Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 349-372. Stryker, Susan and SiJ:vJ=ro:ian, Victor. 2005. _Screaming QuC;,fn.i;.:. The Riot at Compton's Cafeteria,.,..,(fiim). International Metropolitan Churches Denomination (MCC) Condemns Expulsion of New Orleans Church Group From Roman Catholic facility News Release: August 12,2005 New Orleans - An intern;nu Christian church group hm~ ,t, voice to the current contron : • surrounding a decision by 1.h: ,-:: 11,:u, Catholic Archdiocese of Ne,\ ( :11 kano 'u evict a predominantly-gay d,•:r from meeting at a Roman 1 , • hospice. Despite a signed rental le?""· the facilities, Metropolitan 1 Church of Greater New Ork:i::' (MCCGNO) was evicted bY _Archdiocese because the sm:d: , 1 •.1,•:1: group believes in same-sex •n,rP '::•:. The Reverend Dr. Troy D i'::r, , Moderator of Metropolitan i ,, !',·,:n;,,,. Churches, a Christian denon,1n with churches in 23 countric:, 1 i"' parent denomination of MU , : ··,i ; said, "I am saddened that dK Archdiocese is expelling the n:n t lease-holding congregation, n,:-: 'r• church building, but from ;,n \ DS hospice. They are sending a du,· to people with HIV that the Er:;,u,, Catholic Church welcomes yrn! or dying person, but not as, a loving person. We've grown church that will condescend 1;, ~•:- but not have the simple cou•·t,,: marry us." "In fact, this is the contirnv'.:•,;, pattern of hostility against ga:c• .rnd lesbians by the }\rchdiocese," ,tkkd Perry. "In 1973, in the afternu:1, ,h,.: Upstairs Fire in which 12 nwd"r'. Metropolitan Community Church·, died, the Archdiocese refused , , the doors of any Roman Cath• Church for us to hold memon.,' services." Perry was not the only !\,I( 3 ,, 11,1,·: to speak out on the controvn .\ The Reverend Jim Mituhk:, D:,,:,;t, ,r of I..caciership Development and Seminary Relations for the ,\iC' denomination, added, "Here i,; \, , another act of overt hostility :1• .1H1<c ,c!i ···········-•·····'ontinut!d page-27 Page24 _Libby Post is the founding chair of the Empire State Pride Agenda and a political commentator on public radio, on the Web, and in print media. Lesbian Notions by Libby Post SEPTEMBER 2005 Walk Like a Girl In all of my 47 years, I've never forgotten that day in sixth grade. During recess, a group of girls, whom I considered my friends, were determined to make me walk like a girl. It was 1970. I was a self-avowed tomboy. The Stonewall riots may have been already happened, but I didn't know from gay, straight, or anything in bertveen - I was 12. But it seems mv friends knew better. · They said I walked like a boy, carried my books like a bov, dressed like a bov. Thev · were trying to change who I was. Who, as it happens, I ;tiU am. It was one ~f the , most devastating events of my young life. I broke down in class after recess. Thankfully, my teacher took my fri~ds to task and not me. I can only imagine the pain of 16-year-oid Zach Stark when his parents, not his peers, were the ones telling him. he didn't walk the right way. Zach is a young gay triari who created a small tidal wave with a blog entry that said he was being sent by Mom and Dad to a "we can make you nor gay" camp run by Love in Action International. He wrote that his parents "tell me that there is something psychologically wrong with me ... I'm a big screw up to them ... who isn't on the path God wants me to be on. So I'm sitting here in tears ... and I can't help it." Love in Action's website (www.loveinaction.org) is clear about what was in store for Zach. The group's goal is to erase Zach's realit'j. Under the heading of '~Exploring the Homosexual Myth," I read the following: "There is no such creation as a 'gay' or 'homosexual' person. There is only homosexual attraction and behavior; accordingly, there can be no change for a sexual identity that never existed in the first place." Love in Action's rhetoric mirrors that of groups like Exodus, one of the first exgay organizations to tout the psychobabble of repararive therapy (the practice of trying to alter one's sexual orientation), and Focus on the Family's "Love Won Out" conferences. What these groups believ~ is that acting on same-se~ attraction is just a behavioral problem, and with reparative therapy and finding the love of Christ, all can be cured. Who are they kidding? No reputable therapist or medical pr today buys this hogwash. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association, the n Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association have all agreed that reparariv~ therapy does not work and is harmful to the mental and physical health of lesbians and gay me.a.. But more frightening is the political traction the "ex-gay" mo:v,ement has achieved. Just as the Christian Right's antigay agenda has been absorbed as fact by the majorit\' of Republican elected officials and policy-makers, the fiction of ex-gay policies h;s · wound its way into our schools. Consider this. Maryiand's Montgomery County p:.::b!ic sci.10ols wanted to develop a health curriculum that provided pos:tivt; information for LGBT studems. Once the word got out about the new curriculum, a group calJed PFOX, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays (how original), went to court saying the school district was "denigrating" ex~gays. Bad enough that the school district '.Vas providing its srudents with oositive information, but what got PFOX's knickers in a ~ea! tw:sc was that the stud~ms were Lesbian Notions given a list of LGBT positive re~gious groups such as Dignity, More Light Presbyterians, and Lutherans Concerned. PFOX sued to make sure churches teaching that homosexuality is wrong would be included in the curriculum. Their suit accused the school board of "an irrational phobia of the ex-gay community" and said that it "urges censorship of ex-gay materials i1:- 01:11' schools." Astoundingly, U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams agreed with PFOX. Well, I'm sure the folks at Montgomery County schools attempted to do what professional educators do. They sought out information that would help their students, information that has been supported by credible organizations with good reputations. I'll bet they didn't even know there was an ex-gay "community." And that's because there isn't one. All this ex-gay rhetoric and action is just another front for the Christian Right's constant bombardment of our right to exist, let alone gain th_e_ rights aJ?.d responsibilities of other c1t1zens. This suit is just another.example ofthe lengths to which the right will g~ to support their rhetoric that there 1s a "war on Christianity" in this country. But the realitv is this - for kids like Zach, despite his, parents' efforts, his sexual orientation is his sexual orientation. No amount of reparative therapy is going to make Zach walk a different path in life. He knows he's gay and doesn't have a problem with it. Perhaps it's his parents who need some therapy - to accept their son and love him the way he is. Quotable Quotes "Any time you get four or five really strong women doing desperate, dastardly things, I think gay men get a big kick out of it. The moment you put a woman in an evening gown mowing the lawn, it's just gay." - "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherrv to AP Television News, July 16. The show received 15 Emmy nominations this year, more than any show except 'Will & Grace," which received the same number. Out of Town w~ekend farmers market, a Saturday arts and crafts fair, and a Sunday flea market. See Washington by Segway._ - In case you haven't yet laid eyes on one of these quirky yet ingenious contraptions, a Segway Human Transporter is a two-wheel, sel~- . balancing, personal transportation device that moves according to the way you move. Lean forward, it zooms ahead. Lean back sharply, and it stops. City Segway Tours offers incredibly fun fourhour sightseeing excursions through the District. These efficient little machines are remarkably easy to use, and the company's amiable staff gives everyb~dy a helpful training session prior to settm? off. Just keep in mind that passersby will find you and your group of fellow Segway-ers more interesting than most of the city's sights - be prepared to pose for plenty of pictures. When you're riding around on a Segway, you become one of Washington, D.C.'s, most offbeat attractions. The Little Black Book Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association (703-838-4200 or 800-388- 9119, www.funsideofthepotomac.com). City Segway Tours (877-SEG-TOUR, www.citysegwaytours.com). CityZen (Mandarin Oriental Washington, 1330 Maryland Ave., 202-787-6006). David Greggory RestauLounge (2030 M St. NW, 202-872-8700). Eastern Market (7th St. and North Carolina Ave., www.easternmarket.net). Halo (1435 P St. NW, 202-797-9730). Hamburger Mary's (1337 14th St. NW, 202-232- 7010). International Spy Museum (800 F St., 202-EYE-SPY-U .or 866- SPYMUSEUM, www.spymuseum.org). Jack's Boathouse (3500 K St., 202-337- -9642, www.jacksboathouse.com). Kimpton Hotels (800/KIMPTON, www.kimptonhotels.com). Washington Nationals (http:// washington.nationals.mlb.com). Sonoma (223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, 202-333- 2912). Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation (202-789-7000, www.washington.org). Zaytinya (701 9th St. NW, 202-638-0800). Page 25 Page26 Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! SEPTEMBER 2005 Well hello kittens-welcome back to uncle Mikey's corner. Uncle spent this week attempting to spend some much needed quality time with delicious. As you all know, he is skillful, yet remains in need of training. The drink factor Kittens, if you are .. going to be my boy, than you damn well better be able to handle a drink order, as Liz would say. His drinks leaves uncle feeling like a sour puss. Lets hope t..hat boy gets it right, or else uncle ·will be forced to vote him off the island. Dear Uncle Mikey, My best friend is a female, who is divorced and has one child. We have been friends since high school more than ten years now. We have never let anything cC>me in-between our friendship, until now. I have tried to help her since she is a single mom. She has a spoiled rotten child, who torments anybody who comes within ten feet of him. He lies, whines, and in general aggravates and brings nothing but drama. She is completely blind to his behavior. I do not know how much more I will be able to take from this monster. I am really afraid this demon child will ruin our friendship. Any thoughts? Friend of Sam. Dear fom, Kitten, I am afraid you are in a most difficult .position. If you address this issue as you have here, I am sure you will lose your friend. Uncle has learned through the years you do not mess with their young, they will eat you alive. If you seriously want to stick it out, than I would suggest genuine and compassionate communication about her spawn of Satan. You must remember the feelings and bond of motherhood. Good luck-Uncle Uncle Mikey thought of children years ago when he was with his second husband, who adored the little ankle bitters. However, I tried and tried, yet could not accessorize a little darling for my own. Alas Mr. Tiddles shall be uncles only child. Until they come out with a fashionable model of child who can mix a martini the way uncle likes it that is. Uncle Mikey, I have been with my partner now for six years. When we got together, we were like twins sharing the same interest. As time has progressed in our relationship, he has become more. feminine in character, while he continues to become more of a flamer every year. We joke about it but deep down, I wish he could cut back a little of the dramatics in his personality. How can I tell him this without hurting his feelings? Burned by the flame. Dearest Burned, Kitten, I would think about this wisely before discussing this. Your partner obviously has achieved the comfort in your relationship where he feels he is truly able to be himself. As individuals go we all age different while evolving into our own. Allow the light of his flame to light your way through your journey, remembering that he is still the man you feel in love with. Smooches-Uncle Uncle Mikey docs sex on the first date make me a slut? Curiously guilty Dearest Guilty, ............................... continued next page Page 27 Only if you do it right puddin. Sex on the second date with multiple partners, now were talking. Smooches-Uncle Mikey, I have a secret, which I feel it is time to tell. I have been sleeping with the mister at our church now for some time. He has been my youth minister for sometime now, and my feelings for him have grown. I told him I loved him and he tells me that he is guilty of misleading me, and insist we pray together to be delivered. Well, I pray but I pray that he will come to his senses and be with me, and just except that, he is gay. He always comes back for more, and I am sure he loves me, and just confused. I believe in fighting for what I want, however feel like I am wrong somehow. What would you do? The minister's boy Kitten, I have not smoked for ten years, now comes this future porn epic. Hold on I need to get this damn thing lit. Assuming all players here are old enough to be playing, uncle give you props. I think you misunderstood their line about brotherly love kitten. I can feel the shifting in the land of right wing everywhere. He is confused, you are picking men up in church and he is confused? Seriously kitten, if you love him than only you can decide if this is healthy for you. Chances are that he will never overcome his guilt, and remain in his double-minded ways, leaving you to sit in the pew of no sex. Uncle encourages to remember the old saying. If you love, someone set them free, and if they return they were yours, if not, get out while the getting is good! Kitten, I will pray and ask mother Cher to be with you. Smooches-Uncle Well Kittens, that was better than chocolate. Uncle shall take this time to wrap up yet another session of here in unclesaTM comer of Queerdom. Kittens as you go, remember this. Judge not lest you are in f.i.bulous form to do sol Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles tool Unck Mileey is 1t ch1tr1tcter from Fru'4nu writer Mich1tel Hinzman. Mich.ul has hem writing/or ten years. Utilizing his stsuim, and life expmmct to hdp others in his community, through humor and sound advia. Mich1tel applied his study oj psychology and cre.tive writing, as well his o:tmsive badtground in menu! health Dirn:t e1tre to bring a new styk and 1tpproach to helping others. Michael's other works e1tn be 'Uie'llled at 'W'Wfll.gaylinkcontent.com. · MCC from page-23 affirming gay people. I doubt the Archdiocese would expel a congregation affiliated with the United Church of Christ or the Episcopal Church, qoth of which accommodate the blessing of samesex unions. It's time to stop using religion as a mask for prejudice against gay people." Mitulski, a long-time AIDS activist, added, "As a person living with HIV/ AIDS, let me say loud and clear: If the Roman Catholic Church won't honor our weddings, don't insult us by offering to conduct our funerals." Perry, who has championed ecumenical relations and who met Pope Benedict XV1 - then Cardinal Ratzingcr - at the Bilateral Dialogue held during Pope John Paul H's visit to Columbia, South Carolina in 1987, said, "This type of decision contradicts the Roman Catholic Church's own commitment. In 1987, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops published its own statement, The Many Faces of AIDS, and addressed the stigma too often associated with people with HIV/ AIDS. The statement said, "Made in God's image and likeness, every human person is of inestimable worth. All human life is sacred, and its dignity must be respected and protected." The Archbishop of New Orleans should apply these same principles of respect and protection to the congregii.tion of MCC of Greater New Orleans, which includes people living with HIV/ AIDS." "We send our love and prayers and support to the Reverend Dexter Brecht, senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans, and to all of the congregii.tion there," said Perry. "This action by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese is yet another reminder that the important work of Metropolitan Community Churches is not yet done," Perry said of the predominantly-gay Christian denomination. "I am challenging our brothers and sisters in other faith communities around New Orleans to receive a special offering this Sunday to help Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans iocate and move into a permanent worship space. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of faith in New Orleans need to know they have a permanent space in which to worship in openness and authenticity, and free from the prejudice and whims of homophobic bishops." --------- Page 28 Below: Mahmoud Asgari (16} and Ayaz Marhoni (18} were hanged in Eda/at {Justice) Square in the city of Mashhad, in north east Iran, on 19 July 2005. Some reports say the youths were hanged for gay sex. The Iranian government claims they were hanged for the rape of a 13 year old boy, reports Ramzi Isalam of the LGBT human rights group OutRage!. Fact: Iran executes lesbians and gays. The Iranian government has executed 4,000 homosexuals since 1979, according to estimates in the rnid-1990s by the exiled Iranian gay rights group, Human. Fact: The Iranian government often pins false charges on the victims of its murderous policies in order to discredit them and discourage public protests. "We are not prepared to give the violently homophobic Iranian government the benefit of the doubt. It has previously lied to justify public executions. In any case, the death penalty is a disproportionate punishment. It is barbaric and should be abolished," added Mr Isalam. "OutRage!s sources for this story include clandestine gay and lesbian activists inside Iran, members of the democratic and left Iranian opposition, and the websites of government-sanctioned news agencies in Iran," added Aaron Saeed of OutRage! The Islamic fundamentalist regime in Iran enforces Sharia law, which dictates the death penalty for gay sex: variously including hanging, stoning, beheading or dropping from a high place like a tall building or cliff-top. The teenagers admitted to having gay sex, probably under torture, but claimed in their defence that their crime was common and they were not aware it was punishable by death. . Prior to their execution, the teenagers were held in prison for 14 months and severelv beaten with 228 lashes. Th~ir length of detention suggests that they committed the so-called offences more than a year earlier, when Mahmoud was 15 and Ayaz was 17. In other words, both youths were minors at the time of the offence. Ruhollah Rezazadeh, the lawyer of the youngest boy (16), had appealed that he was too young to be executed and that the court should take into account his tender age. He was quoted by the IRIN news agency as saying that "the judiciary had trampled on its own laws, explaining that the Iranian courts usually commute death sentences on children to five year jail." Despite his pleas, the Supreme Court in Tehran ordered Mahmoud to be hanged. Under the Iranian penal code, girls as young as nine and boys as young as 15 can be hanged. "Three other young gay Iranians are being hunted by the police in connection with the same so-called crime. They have gone into hiding and cannot be found. If caught, they v,-ill probably also face execution," said Mr Saeed. The allegation of rape may be a trumped up charge to undtrmine public sympathy for the youths. The Iranian regime often resorts to smears and false allegations to discredit people it has executed and to undermine human rights campaigns, continued OutRage! campaign coordinator, Brett Lock It couid be that the 13 year oid was a wii!ing participant but that Iranian law (like :he laws of many western nations) deems that no person aged 13 is capable of sexual consent and that therefore even consensual sexual contact is automatically deemed in law to be stamtory rape. The use of rorture is routine in Iran .. These tw~ boys were violently abused in prison, receiving more than 200 lashes. .. .. continued next page I I l I I 1 I I 1 i Page 29 Iran execution continued: Iran is a fascist-style tyranny based on a fundamentalist version of Islam. We join with progressive Muslims to denounce the fundamentalists and to support democratic and left Iranians striving to topple the Ayatollahs. OutRagel wholeheartedly supports the struggle of the Iranian people to overthrow clerical tyranny and to secure democracy and human rights. _ Without an end to the fundamentalist regime, there can never be justice for LGBT people, women, trade unionists and minority religions and nationalities in Iran. 'The lack of liberai and left support for the victims of the Iranian tvrannv is truly shocking. We deplore the- abse~ce of international solidarity with Iranians fighting for freedom," concluded Mr Lock. ------------ Quotable Quotes ''In Spain, where 90 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, the church came out swinging against [marriage] rights for gays, using the familiar line ·that gay marriage imperils the traditional institution of marriage. This has always been a difficult argument to follow logically: Assuming that marriage is the binding of two people in a committed relationship, possibly to create a family, gay marriage adds to the institution. Even granting most religions' insistence that the two people must be of different genders, gay marriage does nothing to discourage or belittle heterosexual unions." - Los Angeles Times editorial, July 6. "I want our government, which has presided over many positive changes for gay people here in the U.K. - an equal age of consent, partnership rights, the abolition of the rightly reviled Clause 28 - to ensure that ending violations of gay people's fundamental human rights around the world becomes an explicit issue in its diplomatic relations with other countries. I strongly believe that when thousands of us refuse to look away and stay silent we make a difference to what politicians do and say." - Eiton John writing in England's The Observer, July 3. · Chula Vista Mayor Out of the Closet! "I've considered myself pretty out since about 1999 but I thought this was an occasion to put any questions to rest. . .. In my life since 1999 I've been very honest and open about who I am. And it's certainly not everything I am, but it's an important part of who I am, and certainly if Pride isn't the venue to be overtly out, I don't know what is .... It's something that I'm very comfortable with and something that I'm very matterof- fact about, and I think that's what you saw here tonight." - Chula Vista, Calif., Mayor Steve Padilla to this column after coming out at a Gay Pride. rally in San Diego, July 29. Chula Vista - a San Diego suburb with 230,000 people is now the second-largest city in America with an openly gay mayor, after San Diego itself. Providence, R.I., is next in line. 1 /STH PAGE CLASSIF"IED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F'□ R RATES 91 B.B35.78B7 or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service. . :Cer11ury 21 Gold Castle: ;Philanthropy at its Finest OKLAHOMA CITY_Rodney Burgamy an.cl Jo~ Brennap. owners of Century 21 Gold C::astle, ~ve. two offices in the Oklah<Sfu~ Citv Metro area. As owners of the agency iliey have not onlv successfully developed a thriving business with outstanding customer service, but have also . built a reputation for corporate phil~Iitb.ropy that is being recognized beyon4 th.e stllte's borders. Wh~i} you meet both Rodney and Joe, the. fifst things you notice are the bright smiles and generous nature. They both are true.southern gentleman whose cnmrpltrii5rif to their clients is only matched ~y. their . commitment to serving their comih:iiitity. · That commitment is demonstra,tfcF.in;/their long~time supporr of Easter Se~ <G>kfahoma. Founded , Easter Seals Okfahom. . 'on is to enhance the quality o(htb for children and adults with disabilities so they may live with equality, dignity and independence. In eighty yea1;s · of operati~n, o;er 1.5 million Oklahomans have ieceived seeyicc;s ran~ryg fwm'. scliq~J ~cr.eenin~.~ .· · outpatient.sμigeiic,s and ptJ!t;hlttcs of· · Ea:s¢r S~s < .. an on~site Chila Dcvelopmeht Center .~ad :AdJJit'E>il.v . Centet-hot\1,,of which are niti~n:hlii recognizcil 'Fhis is the only Intergenerational Care Facility in the state to receive recognitions for both programs. Easter Seals Oklahoma is a United Way of Central Oklahoma Member Agency. As partners at the national level, Centurv 21 has raised millions of dollars each y~ for Easter Seals. This tradition has remained strong in the twelve years that Gold Castle has been in business--each year striving to top the previous year's goal. Last year, Century 21 Gold Castle raised thousands of dollars for Easter Seals Oklahoma-placing them among the top Century 21 Agencies in the region. They were also honored at this year's Easter Seals Oklahoma Annual Meeting for their long-time supRort of the organization's efforts. . Gold Castle has found a variety of exciting ways to raise money and awareness. of Easter Seals. They've had casino nights, supported golf tournaments and purchased a table at Easter Seals Oklahoma's annual "A Blast from the Past" event. However, the mosf creative way Gold Castle supports Easter Seals is through cell phones. They donate $1 for every voicemail message ltft on their cell phones. With a busyreal estate of:fice-:-those dollars add up qajckly! Burgamy stated,. "We· 3!e so proud fo be affiliated with. Easter: Seals Oklahoma. They do such good work· providing services for Oklahomans with disabilities. There' ~e' ii,d· many people in need throughout p.Jl! <:otpmuriij:y-:I really encourage p{qple to get involved and support Eastii S~als' efforts!" For more informatiin:. about Centurv 21 ~oid Castle, c ·~ · ' · ey Butg~y, Broker, at (405) Marketing Page32 Page 33 Seo es by Jack Fertig SEPTEMBER 2005 "Be honest, Leo!" ~atum is in Leo quiocunx to U;anus in Pisces until Oct. 7. Expect twitches in religious institutions pointing to big changes in a few years. Clashes between tender egos and spiritual insights will hit home. Mercury is in Virgo aspectiog those slower planets, triggering arguments that can sharpen insight into these issues. ARIES (Much 20 - April 19): Take some friends to church - or synagogue, or mosque, or whatever religious institution you grew up with. The point is not to convert them, but to get insights into your own background and baggage. What you least like hearing will prove most helpful. T~URUS (April 20 - May 20): Arguing with the boss can be chalked up to fragile egos. Yours is the only one you can keep in check. What would your parents say? And how would you like to respond? Get that out of the way before handling the boss. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Arguments are almost inevitable now. Almost. Worries about money (or self-worth?) are the underlying triggers. Make sure you're able to have someone - preferably an older sibling or a "sister' - with whom you can discuss those issues. CANCER Q'uoe 21 - July 22): Sexual issues are up for you. Remember you have nothing to prove, and buying new toys_ or fetish-wear won't help. If getting old ts part of the problem, then being mature and taking charge is the answer. LEO Q'uly 23 - August 22): We all have inner doubts and fears, and nobody's perfect. What you really hate is that imperfection is true of you, too. Be honest and open with your partner or a trusted friend. Not admitting your flaws will magnify them and make you intolerable. VIB.GO(Augi;ist 23 - September 22): Good friends can help settle your doubts and worries, but also may confirm some of them. As bad as things may be, your worries just magnify the problems. You need a reality check. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Being too creative at work can come across as flaky or threatening to your superiors. Keep communications open, and welcome constructive criticism from colleagues. Any entertainments or morale-boosters you devise now should be kept simple. SCORPIO (October 23 November 21): Challenged by new ideas? Retreating into traditional beliefs will not help. That's what "fundamentalism" is! Better to accept the challenge. Arguing with a teacher can help both of you to learn, but stay respectful. SAGITIARIUS (November 22 December 20): Pushing bevond vour familiar sexual limits is OK, but 'be very careful! Confused signals can get you into dangerous situations. In any new kinky activities, make sure to be clear about safewords, proper instructions, etc. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Working on new erotic techniques could open questions about person;! morality and responsibility. Your partner could goad you or be a drag; there 1MiJI be some discomfort either way. Communication, though an effort, remains the answer always. AQUARIUS Q'anuary 20 - February 18): Sweetly listen to anything your partner ( or a close friend) has to say about cleaning up your act. You don't have to agree or follow the advice, but at least consider it. It could catalyze a better approach. PISCES (February 19 - March 1g): Showing off in sports or at the gym is sure to get you hurt. Maintain a moderate level of activity. If you need to show off, focus on your artistic insights and your ability to e~ress things beyond most people's itnagiph1gs. Jack Fertig bas,been fllorking as a JJrofesional astro/j,ger since 1977 and is a founding mem'lkr of tlie Association for Astrological Networking. You can find copies of the STAR at these 4 states business & oigani:zations. ARKANBAB ICANBAB MIBBDURI DICLAHDMA Arkansas, Enreka Springs Divenity Pride Events - • www.diversitypride.com MCC Uving Spring - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-1300 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 10041/2 Garrison Ave- 479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - - 479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Our House Lounge • 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street- - - :1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - 501-664-2744 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - -www.dsra.org Di1covety- - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070 Kansas, Pittsburg {620) River of Ufe Church - 1709 N Walnut - -1 fAM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Kan1a1, Wichita (316) Club Glader - 2828 E. 31st South - - 316-612-9331 J', Lounge - - - - - 513 E. Central - 316-262-1363 Our Fantasy- - • - • 3201 S. Hillside- - -316-682-5494 The Otherside- - -447 N. St Francis- 316-262-7825 Shatai - - - - - - - 4000 S. Broadway- 316-522--2028 Sidestreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- -316-267-0324 South 40 - - - - - 3201 S. Hillside - - - - -316-682-5494 Trends Bar - - -1507 S. Pawnee- - - - - 316-262-4530 That G.ty Group, W.S.U. - - - - - -- 316-978-7010 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - - 716 S. Main - - - - - - - 417-627-9035 MCC Spirit of Christ--2902 E 20th, - - -Sun-6pm Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - - 3715 Main St- - - - 816-561-2600 Club NV - - - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- -- 1915 M1in St- - - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - 816-561-0625 Side&tteet Bar - - - -413 E. 3rd-• - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Maii;l St- - 816- 931-1430 MJN~uri(Lampe KOKOMO Campground- - - .: -. .: .417-779-5084 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 Liquors & Kid.cers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - - - 417-864-4572 Priscilla's - - - 1918 S. Glenstone - - 417-881-8444 Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial - - - - 417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City ( 405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - - - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39tb. Expwy - 405-947-2351 Finish Une -2200 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525-0730 Gu6hera Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 HoilywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - 405-528-2221 Hi-Lo Oub - 1221 NW 50th- - - -405-843-1722 Jungle Reds - - - 2200 NW Expwy- - - 405-524-5733 Partners- - - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - - 405-942-2199 Piece To Remember-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorw - - - - - - - -405-755-8600 Red Rock North-2240 NW39th St- - -405-525-5165 Sisters- - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - - -405-521-9533 The Rockies- -3201 N. May Ave - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - -- - - 918-836-8700 Club Maverick- - 822 S. Sheridan - - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bb -- - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - -834-1051 Elite Boobtore --814 S. Sheridan- - - 918-838-8503 End Up Club- - - 424 S. Memorial- c -918-836-2480 Flamingos Qub- - -7915 E. 21st St - - -918-622-6339 GI.BT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E.41st- - - - 918-743-4297 The Detour- - - - • 7944 E. 2ht - - - - - - 918-270-2428 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Bonon - - - - - 918-584-9494 Renegades- - - - 1649 S. ~ - - - 918-585-3405 Prisc:illa's - - - - 792_5 E. 41st - - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - 563~ V/. Skelly - - - - -918-446-6336 Pri~dna•, - - - -113# E. 11th - - - - -- - -918-43.8-4224 Priscilla's - - 2333 E. 7bt - - -' - -918-499-1661 Tulia CARES- -3507 E. Admital Pi- - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Eagle- - • - -1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - - 9i8-592-1188 TNT's - - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - - 918-660-0856 Undeiguy.com • • -15 ~- Brady- - - - - 918-829-0824 Whittier News S~-- i 'N. Lewis- - 91g.592.0767 Yellow-Brick-Rd-· -2630 E. 15th- - - - 918-293-0304 Outlets wishing to distribute FREE copies of the STAR, contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon - fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Page 37 cART □□ N "Bitter Girl" cARTooN "A Couple of Guys" A Couple of guys• .- ., .. ,,:Sr~ ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE FOR WICHITA, OKLAHOMA CITY, TULSA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS email qualifications to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net .. or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153' · Tulsa, OK 74145 91 B.B35};7ElB7 email: ozarksstat@§bcglobal.net Quality, Value;0 Itib!grity and Advertising Service. l /BTH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F'CR RATES 91 B.B35.78B7 . or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quallty, Value, Integrity and Trust in Affordable Advertising Service . • ' :.:J.'t: NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STAR CALL F'CR RATES 91 B.B3~.7B87 or email: ozarksst:a;@sbcglobal.net Delivering Quality, ~lue! Integrity and Th.Jst in Affordable Advertising Service. , ,,,,."•."" •'::cJ.i/:t'':'.:f •," >.' PAGE 40 THE STAR SEPTEMBER 200S :j, Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, September 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 09 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 01, 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Josh Aterovis John Patrick Libby Post Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman, Chaz Ward Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas 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 Star Magazine, August 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/215 The Star Magazine, October 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/221 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/222 Bitter Girl Cartoon Cherokee lesbians gay execution gay mayor Heart to Heart Iran execution Lesbian Notions local advertisement marriage equality Past Out Q Scopes Quotable Quotes Star Scene Uncle Mikey vacation https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/a5466894be9f8e6028b22a065642bb43.jpg 73498dae0a0cbe0ec93efd6c664a6dee https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/08ebddd49039c0c3e3c8658f882cdc1b.pdf 8efc7a5d9bf16546bc1fcb6a520d40c1 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 Periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star, June 01, 2005; Vol. 02, Issue 06 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 01, 2005 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 2019.003.018 Subject The topic of the resource "A Four states LGBT community magazine" Description An account of the resource News, entertainment, and advice toward LGBT community Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd; Joplin, Missouri Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward, Greg Steele, Josh Aterovis, Michael Dee, Douglas Glenn, Steve T. Urie, Paula Martinac, Romeo San Vicente, Andrew Collins, Michael Hinzman, Jack Fertig, Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text 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 Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/6abc73708d1956fe8a8f104cf2185482.htm bd09fa34eb66bffd9cac604b2155ecd6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] eNews from TOHR Subject The topic of the resource eNews from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, March 24, 2005: Information and Services for the GLBT Community of Northeastern Oklahoma Description An account of the resource A newsletter email from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) sent on March 24, 2005 to Dennis Neill. Topics include the 2005 Diversity Celebration, nominations for Grand Marshals of the Tulsa Pride Parade, an event featuring the founder of the AIDS Memorail Quilt Cleve Jones, and others.<br /><br />Transcript:<br /><br /><b>From:</b> Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights [center@tohr.org]<br /><b>Sent:</b> Thursday, March 24, 2005 10:54 PM<br /><b>To:</b> Dennis Neill<br /><b>Subject:</b> eNEWS for Tulsa, March 24, 2005<br /> <div style="margin:15px 0px;background-color:#ffffff;"> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="text-align:right;"> <td><span style="font-size:xx-small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March 24, 2005</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table style="background-color:#ff9900;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <br /> <br /> <table> <tbody> <tr style="background-color:#ffffff;text-align:left;"> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eNEWS from TOHR </span></span> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Information and Services for the GLBT Community in Northeastern Oklahoma </span></div> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For upcoming events in the Tulsa area, check out the Calendar at www.tohr.org If your organization has events you would like posted, please send the information to center@tohr.org <br /></span> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi &amp; Transgender Community Center </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Events &amp; Activities for Everyone </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi &amp; Transgender (GLBT) Community Center is full of activities and events for everyone. Start off the weekend with dinner and a movie (the movie's on us) at Center Cinema, every Friday at 7:00 PM. This week, catch "Sordid Lives" on the big screen. Saturdays, shop a little at the Pride Store...new merchandise has arrived. HIV Testing by H.O.P.E. (4-7 PM), Pride planning sessions, organizational meetings and recreational opportunities all fill Saturday afternoons and evenings. All "L" is breaking loose with Sundays Show of "the L Word, Showtimes acclaimed series Sunday's at 9 PM. Doors open at 8:30 PM with refreshments available all evening. Look for "Queer as Folk" on the big screen starting soon on Sundays Show.</span></span> <p>Weekdays are just as busy. Anonymous HIV testing by H.O.P.E. is available from 6-8 PM...along with some idol watching. Midweek brings the newly reorganized Gender Outreach at 7:30 every Wednesday. Stop by on Thursday evening and pick up your free copy of the Gayly, the Star, Gay Parent and more. "Out," "the Advocate" and add'l periodicals are also available. Check out everything going on at the Tulsa GLBT Center on the community calendar at www.tohr.org.</p> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diversity Celebration 2005 - Tulsa Pride! </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Equal Rights...No More, No Less" </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) and allied community comes together each year for PRIDE events - celebrating our communitiy and the advances made toward equal rights through being ourselves. This year, we come together as a united community, dedicated to working together to celebrate our community through pride and diversity and demonstrate to all - that all deserve EQUAL RIGHTS...No More, No Less!</span></span> <p>Nearly a quarter century of pride in Tulsa continues in 2005. "Diversity Celebration 2005" is set for June 3 - June 11, 2005. Mark your calendars now and plan on attending a few, one, or all the events leading up to the big day - the Tulsa Pride Parade &amp; Festival on Saturday, June 11th. "Diversity Celebration 2005" is a community based effort. Presenting partners OYP, PFLAG Tulsa and TOHR welcome all the communities involvement in Tulsa's celebration of PRIDE. Please call the GLBT Information Line at 918-743-4297 for more information and check out the information below.</p> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr style="text-align:left;"> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> <ul> <li style="margin-left:12pt;text-indent:-12pt;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a style="font-weight:bold;color:#0000ff;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=psn68abab.0.wpdvabbab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org%2Fsitebuildercontent%2Fsitebuilderpictures%2FTulsaPrideHistory.jpg">TulsaPrideHistory</a></span></li> </ul> </td> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> <ul> <li style="margin-left:12pt;text-indent:-12pt;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a style="font-weight:bold;color:#0000ff;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=psn68abab.0.9pdvabbab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org%2Fsitebuildercontent%2Fsitebuilderpictures%2FWelcome-DiversityCelebration2005.jpg">Welcome-DiversityCelebration2005</a></span></li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr style="text-align:left;"> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> <ul> <li style="margin-left:12pt;text-indent:-12pt;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a style="font-weight:bold;color:#0000ff;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=psn68abab.0.8pdvabbab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org%2Fsitebuildercontent%2Fsitebuilderpictures%2FParade-Festival-TwoforOne-Volunteer-RegistrationPage1-required.jpg">Parade-Festival-TwoforOne-VolunteerRegistration-Page1</a></span></li> </ul> </td> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> <ul> <li style="margin-left:12pt;text-indent:-12pt;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a style="font-weight:bold;color:#0000ff;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=psn68abab.0.7pdvabbab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org%2Fsitebuildercontent%2Fsitebuilderpictures%2FParade-Festival-TwoforOne-Volunteer-RegistrationPage2-required.jpg">Parade-Festival-TwoforOne-VolunteerRegistration-Page2</a></span></li> </ul> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tulsa Pride Parade Grand Marshals &amp; Community Heroes </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nominations Being Accepted - Deadline is April 1 </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tulsa is fortunate to have many dedicated individuals, organizations and companies who work on behalf of the GLBT &amp; allied community. Now's the time to honor them with a "Community Hero Award." The Heroes serve as Grand Marshals of the 2005 Tulsa Pride Parade and will be announced in May.</span></span> <p>If you would like to nominate an individual or organization, stop by the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and pick up a nomination form or fill out the attached form and mail to TOHR; PO Box 2687; Tulsa, OK 74101. Nominations must be received by Friday, April 1. The Community Hero Award honorees will be recognized at the 2005 Diversity Gala, this year at Gilcrease Museum's Vista Room, on Friday; June 10, 2005.</p> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr style="text-align:left;"> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> <ul> <li style="margin-left:12pt;text-indent:-12pt;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a style="font-weight:bold;color:#0000ff;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=psn68abab.0.6pdvabbab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org%2Fsitebuildercontent%2Fsitebuilderpictures%2FCommunityHeroAwards.jpg">2005 Nomination Form</a></span></li> </ul> </td> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rock the Rotunda! </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Statewide GLBT Lobby Day Set for Wednesday, April 6th </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is your chance to educate your legislator on the need for safe schools and equal rights for all.The GLBT &amp; allied community converges on the Oklahoma State Capitol on Wednesday, April 6 for a statewide GLBT Lobby Day. A caravan will be leaving Tulsa at 7:30 AM from Fellowship Congregational Church, 29th &amp; Harvard.</span></span> <p>The state capitol rotunda will be filled with educational tables for Oklahoma legislators from statewide PFLAG chapters and GLBT organizations, while participants will visit with legislators and staff. PFLAG Oklahoma welcomes your involvement and encourages you to unite with the community on April 6th for GLBT Lobby Day.</p> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr style="text-align:left;"> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> <ul> <li style="margin-left:12pt;text-indent:-12pt;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a style="font-weight:bold;color:#0000ff;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=psn68abab.0.5pdvabbab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org%2Fsitebuildercontent%2Fsitebuilderpictures%2FGLBT-LobbyDay.jpg">GLBT Lobby Day</a></span></li> </ul> </td> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Story of the AIDS Quilt </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Featured Speaker Cleve Jones, Founder of the AIDS Memorial Quilt </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Story of the AIDS Quilt" featuring Cleve Jones, founder of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, will be presented Tuesday, April 5th at 7:00 PM at the OSU Student Union Theater in Stillwater.</span></span> <p>The OSU Student Union Activities Board presents this evening for all of Oklahoma. For directions or more information, please call 405-744-8977.</p> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make A Difference </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tulsa is full of opportunities for you and your friends </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's no better feeling than knowing you've made a difference. When you see the smile on someone's face that says thank you. We've all known that feeling.</span></span> <p>You can make a difference in the lives of thousands through the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and/or Diversity Celebration 2005. Volunteers make the difference for the community - at the center, the Pride Parade &amp; Festival or any of the many opportunities in Tulsa for the GLBT &amp; allied community. Now's the time to get involved in the struggle for equality...from just a few hours a month to larger opportunities to make a difference. Check out the information below or call 743-4297 for more information.</p> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr style="text-align:left;"> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> <ul> <li style="margin-left:12pt;text-indent:-12pt;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a style="font-weight:bold;color:#0000ff;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=psn68abab.0.4pdvabbab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Ftohr.org%2Fsitebuildercontent%2Fsitebuilderfiles%2Ftohrvolunteerapplication.pdf">Make a Difference - Volunteer Today!</a></span></li> </ul> </td> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cowboys &amp; Cowgirls Riding into Tulsa </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T-Town Rodeo set for April 8-10th </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tulsa hosted the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) finals last year. This year, Tulsa has it's own IGRA rodeo. The T-Town Rodeo is scheduled for April 8-10th at Expo Square's Livestock Arena.</span></span> <p>For more information on the T-Town Rodeo, presented by the Sooner State Rodeo Assoication (SSRA), check out soonerstaterodeo.com.</p> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David Bohnett CyberCenter </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grand Opening Set for April 20th </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The David Bohnett Cybercenter at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi &amp; Transgender (GLBT) Community Center will have its grand opening on April 20, 2005. An open house and reception, with special guest Michael Fleming, Executive Director of the David Bohnett Foundation, is scheduled at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center from 5-7 PM.</span></span> <p>The Tulsa GLBT Community Center's David Bohnett Cybercenter is the 18th of its kind nationwide. Ten stations of IBM flat screens, along with a digital photography and graphics station, will be available for all of Tulsa. The Cybercenter, as well as improvements to the entire center, are nearing completion - giving the center a facelift with more opportunities for the community. Stop by soon and mark your calendar for the Grand Opening of the David Bohnett Cybercenter on April 20th.</p> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr style="text-align:left;"> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> <ul> <li style="margin-left:12pt;text-indent:-12pt;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a style="font-weight:bold;color:#0000ff;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=psn68abab.0.aqdvabbab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Ftohr.org%2Fcybercenter.html">More about the David Bohnett Cybercenter</a></span></li> </ul> </td> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Focus on Young Adults </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tulsa Reaches OUT - Groundbreaking Survey of Tulsa </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Young Adult Focus Group will meet Saturday, April 9th as part of the Tulsa Reaches OUT Needs Assessment, the groundbreaking survey of Tulsa's GLBT community. Young adults will meet from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at the Community Service Council, Conference Room, 16 E 16th Street (door on East side of building with blue awning).</span></span> <p>Pizza and drinks will be served. All GLBT students of area high schools and universities are encouraged and invited to attend this important group session.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table style="background-color:#ff9900;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table style="background-color:#ffffff;text-align:left;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="white-space:nowrap;text-align:left;"> <div>email: <a style="color:#ff0000;" href="mailto:center@tohr.org">center@tohr.org</a></div> <div>phone: 918.743.4297</div> <div>web: <a style="color:#ff0000;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=psn68abab.0.yyhnr5aab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org">http://www.tohr.org</a></div> </td> <td style="background-color:#ff9900;"></td> <td> <p>A MISSION OF EQUALITY - TOHR SECURES EQUALITY FOR THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND ALLIED COMMUNITY.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div></div> </div> <br /> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"><b><a style="color:#0000ff;" href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1100498972773&amp;ea=dneill@samson.com&amp;a=1100614645327" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forward email</a></b></span><br /><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?p=un&amp;m=1100498972773&amp;ea=dneill@samson.com&amp;t=1100614645327&amp;lang=EN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a> </span> <div>This email was sent to dneill@samson.com, by <a style="color:#0000ff;" href="mailto:center@tohr.org">center@tohr.org</a></div> <div><a style="color:#0000ff;" href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?p=oo&amp;m=1100498972773&amp;ea=dneill@samson.com&amp;t=1100614645327&amp;lang=EN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Update Profile/Email Address</a> | Instant removal with <a style="color:#0000ff;" href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?p=un&amp;m=1100498972773&amp;ea=dneill@samson.com&amp;t=1100614645327&amp;lang=EN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SafeUnsubscribe</a>™ | <a style="color:#0000ff;" href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Privacy Policy</a>.</div> </td> <td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"> </span> <div>Powered by</div> <a href="http://interland.constantcontact.com/e-mail-marketer/"></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"><br />Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights | GLBT Community Center - 5545 E. 41st Street | PO Box 2687 | Tulsa | OK | 74101</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 24, 2005 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Dennis Neill https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/e3c6f8deed649e36fa19b9310c2fa9c9.htm 471156ff9c83ec1328347cf41890e60f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] eNews from TOHR Subject The topic of the resource eNews from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, March 9, 2005: Information and Services for the GLBT Community of Northeastern Oklahoma Description An account of the resource A newsletter email from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) sent on March 9, 2005 to Dennis Neill. Topics include Greg Gatewood's induction as the Community Center's director, House Bill 1746, nominations for Community Hero Awards, and more.<br /><br />Transcript:<br /><br /><b>From:</b> Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights [center@tohr.org]<br /><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, March 09, 2005 8:10 AM<br /><b>To:</b> Dennis Neill<br /><b>Subject:</b> eNEWS from TOHR, March 9, 2005<br /> <div style="margin:15px 0px;background-color:#ffffff;"> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="text-align:right;"> <td><span style="font-size:xx-small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March 9, 2005</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table style="background-color:#ff9900;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <br /> <br /> <table> <tbody> <tr style="background-color:#ffffff;text-align:left;"> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eNEWS from TOHR </span></span> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Information and Services for the GLBT Community in Northeastern Oklahoma </span></div> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For upcoming events in the Tulsa area, be sure and check out the Calendar at www.tohr.org If your organization has events you want us to consider posting, please send them to community@tohr.org</span> <p>Events this week at the Community Center: The Center is being reorganized in preparation for the David Bohnett CyberCenter. The Pride Store has been relocated and will be re-stocked over the next few days. Lots of new merchandise will soon be available for your shopping pleasure! Friday, March 11, 7:00 PM - Movie Night on our big screen. This week's feature, "Touch of Pink" SYNOPSIS Funny and totally romantic, Touch of Pink stars Jimi Mistry as a partnered gay man who - with not always helpful advice from the ghost of Cary Grant - tries to play it straight when his traditional South Asian mother visits; Saturday, March 12, 4-7, HOPE HIV Testing; Sunday, March 13, 8:30, L-Word Watch Party; Tuesday, March 15, 6-8, HOPE HIV Testing; Wednesday, March 16, 7:00, Gender Outreach Drop- In Night</p> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New GLBT Community Center Director Starts March 15 </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greg Gatewood will be a full-time staffperson for TOHR </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The TOHR Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Greg Gatewood has been hired to be the Community Center's full-time Director. This hiring comes after a decision to restructure the job responsibilities after TOHR's Executive Director resigned in early February.</span></span> <p>"We are pleased to have engaged the services of Greg," stated Mark Bonney, President of the Board. "Greg has an 8 year history of service to the GLBT Community and TOHR. He brings a wealth of experience to the organization and the operations of the Community Center. Greg is heavily involved in Diversity Celebration 2005, serves as the first vice- president of PFLAG, and has recently been assisting the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa. He will hit the ground running. A big welcome from all of us, Greg."</p> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oklahoma House of Representatives Considering Restrictive Legislation </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would restrict state or governmental agencies from enacting policy protections </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">House Bill 1746 would provide: "Any agency or governmental entity of this state that develops and implements a nondiscriminatory policy based on sexual preference shall be null and void." This language would be another attempt to restrict equal rights in the state. It is difficult to understand why certain legislators continue to push an agenda so out of step with the mainstream. It creates a hostile environment for many of our citizens and is a real turn-off to the major employers the State is attempting to attract for economic development.</span></span> <p>You can express your opinion on this legislation by going the web link below. Time is of the essence. Let your voice be heard!</p> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr style="text-align:left;"> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> <ul> <li style="margin-left:12pt;text-indent:-12pt;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a style="font-weight:bold;color:#0000ff;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=wbm7x5aab.0.uinnk4aab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oklahomalobbyist.com%2Fdiscrimination">Express your opinion on HB 1746</a></span></li> </ul> </td> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Advocate Magazine Article Generates Feedback </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February 15 Issue "Gay in the Red States" focuses on Oklahoma </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oklahoma and the Tulsa area have been in the news these past few months, from the Washington Post and Nightline coverage of Sand Springs and the Teenager Michael Shackelford, to the recent lead article in the Advocate on Gays in Red State Oklahoma. While this February 15 article focused mainly on Gays and Lesbians in Oklahoma City, the March 15 issue of the Advocate had two fine responses in the ReaderForum, both from Tulsans.</span></span> <p>As Tim VanMeter wrote: "Like many in Oklahoma, I know that growing up and living in a state that does not want you is difficult." Amy Kirk noted: "Even though Oklahoma voters passed the gay marriage ban this past election, this has not deterred me from speaking out against what I feel is discrimination in my home state. I feel that a real injustice is being done, not only in Oklahoma but all across our nation." Thanks to Tim and Amy for taking the time to write - and staying in Oklahoma to fight for our rights.</p> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community Hero Award Nominations Due April 1 </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TOHR honors those who give back to our community </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the past 5 years, TOHR has had the pleasure to present the Community Hero Awards. Annually, we recognize individuals or entities who have contributed to the GLBT effort in Northeastern Oklahoma. This year's awards will be presented at the annual Diversity Celebration Gala, to be held at Gilcrease Museum on June 10. Please mark your calendar for this special event.</span></span> <p>If you wish to submit a nomination for the Community Hero award, please do so by April 1. The Guidelines and Form can be found on page 8 of the current issue of our newsletter, the Torch. You can go to the Torch at the link below.</p> <div> <table> <tbody> <tr style="text-align:left;"> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> <ul> <li style="margin-left:12pt;text-indent:-12pt;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a style="font-weight:bold;color:#0000ff;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=wbm7x5aab.0.9innk4aab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org%2Fsitebuildercontent%2Fsitebuilderfiles%2Ftorch2005februarymarch.pdf">February, March 2005 Torch</a></span></li> </ul> </td> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notable Quote </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fight for Equality Goes on In Other States </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following is from the Victory Fund's Gay &amp; Lesbian Leadership SmartBrief. "We don't think we're different. What is different is that we had to spend tens of thousands of dollars to be recognized as a family." ---Maria Woolley-Larrea, a Florida resident who had to move out of state with her partner for six months in order to legally adopt her partner's biological children. </span></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table style="background-color:#ff9900;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table style="background-color:#ffffff;text-align:left;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="white-space:nowrap;text-align:left;"> <div>email: <a style="color:#ff0000;" href="mailto:center@tohr.org">center@tohr.org</a></div> <div>phone: 918.743.4297</div> <div>web: <a style="color:#ff0000;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=wbm7x5aab.0.yyhnr5aab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org">http://www.tohr.org</a></div> </td> <td style="background-color:#ff9900;"></td> <td> <p>MISSION: TOHR SECURES EQUALITY FOR THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND ALLIED COMMUNITY.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div></div> </div> <br /> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"><b><a style="color:#0000ff;" href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1100498972773&amp;ea=dneill@samson.com&amp;a=1100543307830" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forward email</a></b></span><br /><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?p=un&amp;m=1100498972773&amp;ea=dneill@samson.com&amp;t=1100543307830&amp;lang=EN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a> </span> <div>This email was sent to dneill@samson.com, by <a style="color:#0000ff;" href="mailto:center@tohr.org">center@tohr.org</a></div> <div><a style="color:#0000ff;" href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?p=oo&amp;m=1100498972773&amp;ea=dneill@samson.com&amp;t=1100543307830&amp;lang=EN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Update Profile/Email Address</a> | Instant removal with <a style="color:#0000ff;" href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?p=un&amp;m=1100498972773&amp;ea=dneill@samson.com&amp;t=1100543307830&amp;lang=EN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SafeUnsubscribe</a>™ | <a style="color:#0000ff;" href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Privacy Policy</a>.</div> </td> <td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"> </span> <div>Powered by</div> <a href="http://interland.constantcontact.com/e-mail-marketer/"></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"><br />Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights | GLBT Community Center - 5545 E. 41st Street | PO Box 2687 | Tulsa | OK | 74101</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 9, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Dennis Neill https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/a243979b43114d27d8172e160426b413.htm 4b2005b9f55d20974ad6b5944d6795eb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] eNews from TOHR Subject The topic of the resource eNews from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, March 16, 2005: Information and Services for the GLBT Community of Northeastern Oklahoma Description An account of the resource A newsletter email from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) first sent on March 16, 2005, then later sent on March 17, 2005 to Dennis Neill. Topics include Diversity Celebration planning, a letter from Greg Gatewood, Oklahoma restricting anti-discrimanatory legislation, and others.<br /><br />Transcript:<br /><br /><b>From:</b> Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights [center@tohr.org]<br /><b>Sent:</b> Thursday, March 17, 2005 2:55 PM<br /><b>To:</b> Dennis Neill<br /><b>Subject:</b> eNEWS from TOHR, March 16, 2005<br /> <div style="margin:15px 0px;background-color:#ffffff;"> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="text-align:right;"> <td><span style="font-size:xx-small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March 16, 2005</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table style="background-color:#ff9900;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <br /> <br /> <table> <tbody> <tr style="background-color:#ffffff;text-align:left;"> <td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eNEWS from TOHR </span></span> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Information and Services for the GLBT Community in Northeastern Oklahoma </span></div> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For upcoming events in the Tulsa area, be sure and check out the Calendar at www.tohr.org If your organization has events you want us to consider posting, please send them to community@tohr.org</span> <p>Events this week at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center: Come visit the Pride Store at the Community Center! New mechandise and a new arrangement for your shopping pleasure! Friday, March 18, 7:00 PM - Movie Night on the big screen. Saturday, March 19, 4-7, HOPE HIV Testing; Sunday, March 20, 8:30, L-Word Watch Party; Tuesday, March 22, 6-8, HOPE HIV Testing; Wednesday, March 23, 7:00, Gender Outreach Drop- In Night</p> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Christina Elder, New Volunteer Coordinator, Welcomes You to the Center!</span> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome Message from Greg Gatewood </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Center Director started March 15 </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days ago, someone asked "Why be involved with the GLBT &amp; allied community?" Last week, the OK State House of Reps. passed HB1746 (see below for more info). Last year, 76% of Oklahomans voted to deny us equal rights. Last night, someone came out of the closet, wondering "what's next." Why be involved?</span></span> <p>Our community is working together to educate Tulsans and Oklahomans on equal rights. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center is making a difference, from support to social events to advocacy efforts, in the lives of Tulsans. There is no better time than now to be involved. I'm extremely pleased to serve as the Tulsa GLBT Community Center director. As the name says, "community" is the center. Over the next few days and weeks, please feel free to stop by the center, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza, and say hello. Your suggestions and ideas are certainly welcome, appreciated and important. With your involvement, our community and the Tulsa GLBT Community Center will continue to make a difference. Not only for today, but for the future. Hope to see you soon, Greg Gatewood</p> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diversity Celebration 2005 Planning Continues, Saturday, March 19 </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join the Volunteer Effort! </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Planning for Diversity Celebration 2005, Tulsa's Pride events, continues at 10 AM on March 19th at the Community Center. Come join the fun in planning the most visible and entertaining time for the GLBT &amp; allied community in Northeastern Oklahoma.</span></span> <p>Look for more information coming your way soon. Diversity Celebration 2005 - "Equal Rights...No More, No Less" is something you won't want to miss. Diversity Celebration 2005 is presented by OYP, PFLAG and TOHR. Come join us in this community based effort - you'll be glad you did! See you this Saturday, March 19th, 10 AM at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center.</p> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oklahoma House of Representatives Approves Restrictive Legislation </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keith Smith worked hard to turn the tide </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week's eNEWS carried an article about pending legislation which would attempt to block state and local agencies and governmental entities from adding "sexual preference" to their non-discrimination policies. While the Oklahoma House of Representatives unfortunately choose to pass this discriminatory language, several readers emailed their representatives to express an opinion. Keith Smith, an Oklahoma City Lobbyist, wrote the following after its passage.</span></span> <p>I am a gay man who turned 50 this month and for my present I listened to the Republican controlled Oklahoma House debate and pass the most heinous preemptive attack on my rights imaginable. For those of you who are "in the know," they passed a Colorado style amendment two, which forbids any county or city government in Oklahoma from passing legislation or policy that protects me from discrimination in employment, and in effect mandates that discrimination happen. Imagine the feeling of having you very essence so attacked and persecuted by your own government. Imagine for a moment that legislation just passed your state house that prevents any other government entity in your state from ever supporting your dreams of equality and fairness, and your inalienable rights as an American citizen, and worse yet supported by people you work with everyday of the legislative session, many of them are your friends. Imagine that the majority of your house of representatives voted to legislate away your justice, any hope you may have had that perhaps your city or county might at some time have decided you deserved protection from unfair job discrimination, and literally walled you up in world where you had no access to the American Dream. You may be surprised to hear me say that it was a pretty good birthday present........... For the first time in my 50 years I heard Oklahoma legislators stand up for me and my rights in debate. I heard heartfelt passion as they discussed my future, my struggle, my reality, my life. I heard great courage for the first time from the floor of The Oklahoma House and I was so moved I wept. They were tears of joy and happiness. All of a sudden it wasn't the brave handful of women and racial and religious minorities who defended my rights to equality. These were straight, rural, white men from Oklahoma. Through my tears of joy I realized a corner had been turned. Never again would there be a 97 to 3 vote relegating me to second class status. History was indeed made tonight. We lost 65 to 28 with 8 excused. 28 legislators for the first time voted for me, for my life, for my future.....imagine. In all my elation I also understand that some of these courageous people may very well pay a price for their votes tonight. Some of them may get a taste of the hatred and intolerance I have experienced for 50 years. I feel no comfort in that painful reality, and I will pray that they are protected. But I can't deny what I do feel is great excitement about my people's struggle. Equality is on the march forward and it will not be stopped by the hatred and intolerance of the past. "Our freedom was not won a century ago, it is not won today, but some small part of it is in our hands tonight, and we are marching no longer by ones and twos but in legions of thousands, convinced now it cannot be denied by any human force." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. " It may not be time to break out the Champaign........but we might want to put in the refrigerator." Keith Smith "Tomorrow is another day" Scarlet O'Hara</p> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community Hero Awards - Nominations Being Accepted </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heroes will be 2005 Pride Parade Grand Marshals </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Know someone who has been especially supportive of the GLBT &amp; allied community over the past year? Tulsa is fortunate to have many dedicated individuals, organizations and companies who work on behalf of the GLBT &amp; allied community.</span></span> <p>If you would like to nominate an individual or organization, stop by the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and pick up a nomination form. Nominations must be received by Friday, April 1. The Community Hero Award honorees will be recognized at the annual Diversity Gala, this year at Gilcrease Museum on June 10. The award honorees will also serve as 2005 Tulsa Pride Parade Grand Marshalls. Honorees will be announced in early May.</p> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Tulsa GLBT Community Center </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"L Word" and "Leaving Metropolis" on the big screen </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come join your friends at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center for movies and screenings on the weekends! The March 18th Friday Night at the Movies features the Audience Award winner from the Sydney G&amp;L Film Festival - "Leaving Metropolis." A festival favorite, "Leaving Metropolis" features David, a successful artist in need of a muse. He applies for a job as a waiter where owners Matt &amp; Violet don't know quite what to make of him, but love his energy and ideas. Good perfomances, an intelligent script and beautiful cinematography make this Friday Night at the Movies one not to be missed.</span></span> <p>Showtime's popular series the "L Word" continues this Sunday March 20th. The center has been filled with women the past few weeks enjoying this acclaimed series. Doors open at 8:30 PM with the "L Word" at 9:00 PM.</p> <p></p> <div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rock the Rotunda! </span></div> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GLBT Lobby Day at OK State Capitol is April 6 </span></span> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr style="background-color:#ff0000;"> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The GLBT &amp; allied community will converge on the Oklahoma State Capitol on Wednesday, April 6 for a statewide GLBT Lobby Day. This is your chance to educate your legislator on the need for safe schools and equal rights for all.</span></span> <p>PFLAG chapters across the state have joined forces to reserve the capitol rotunda and invite all the community to attend the GLBT Lobby Day - it's important you make your voice heard! A caravan will be leaving Tulsa at 7:30 AM from Fellowship Congregational Church, 29th &amp; Harvard. Make plans now to rock the rotunda with a united GLBT voice!</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table style="background-color:#ff9900;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table style="background-color:#ffffff;text-align:left;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="white-space:nowrap;text-align:left;"> <div>email: <a style="color:#ff0000;" href="mailto:center@tohr.org">center@tohr.org</a></div> <div>phone: 918.743.4297</div> <div>web: <a style="color:#ff0000;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=iszbw4aab.0.yyhnr5aab.fdmtn6aab.828&amp;p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org">http://www.tohr.org</a></div> </td> <td style="background-color:#ff9900;"></td> <td> <p>MISSION: TOHR SECURES EQUALITY FOR THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND ALLIED COMMUNITY.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div></div> </div> <br /> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"><b><a style="color:#0000ff;" href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1100498972773&amp;ea=dneill@samson.com&amp;a=1100574942792" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forward email</a></b></span><br /><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?p=un&amp;m=1100498972773&amp;ea=dneill@samson.com&amp;t=1100574942792&amp;lang=EN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a> </span> <div>This email was sent to dneill@samson.com, by <a style="color:#0000ff;" href="mailto:center@tohr.org">center@tohr.org</a></div> <div><a style="color:#0000ff;" href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?p=oo&amp;m=1100498972773&amp;ea=dneill@samson.com&amp;t=1100574942792&amp;lang=EN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Update Profile/Email Address</a> | Instant removal with <a style="color:#0000ff;" href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?p=un&amp;m=1100498972773&amp;ea=dneill@samson.com&amp;t=1100574942792&amp;lang=EN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SafeUnsubscribe</a>™ | <a style="color:#0000ff;" href="http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Privacy Policy</a>.</div> </td> <td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"> </span> <div>Powered by</div> <a href="http://interland.constantcontact.com/e-mail-marketer/"></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"><br />Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights | GLBT Community Center - 5545 E. 41st Street | PO Box 2687 | Tulsa | OK | 74101</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 16-17, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Dennis Neill, Christina Elder, Greg Gatewood, Keith Smith https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/eaf56d47e8ac78be6cc21fea21c9fbbe.htm 1babfa9cd4200cb132681ac3e53563a1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] eNews from TOHR Subject The topic of the resource eNews from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, February 16, 2005 Description An account of the resource A newsletter email from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) sent on February 16, 2005 to Dennis Neill. Topics include volunteering for the upcoming Diversity Celebration, the addition of the CyberCenter, and others.<br /><br />Transcript:<br /><br /><b>From:</b> ENEWS From TOHR [center@tohr.org]<br /><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, February 16, 2005 7:46 PM<br /><b>To:</b> Dennis Neill<br /><b>Subject:</b> ENEWS from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights - February 16, 2005<br /> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong>As you may know, we have been experiencing problems with our email and web site.   We have now addressed this issue and email should be stable.  The web site will be rebuilt over the next several days.  We have some new email addresses.</strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong></strong></span></span> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong>General contact email:  </strong><a href="mailto:center@tohr.org"><strong>center@tohr.org</strong></a></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong>Information about activities and involvement:  </strong><a href="mailto:community@tohr.org"><strong>community@tohr.org</strong></a></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong>David Bohnett CyberCenter at the Community Center (located at 5545 E. 41st Street, Tulsa):  </strong><a href="mailto:cybercenter@tohr.org"><strong>cybercenter@tohr.org</strong></a></span></span></div> <div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Diversity Celebration 2005 Contact (June 3-June11, 2005):  </strong><a href="mailto:diversity2005@tohr.org"><strong>diversity2005@tohr.org</strong></a></span></span></div> <div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span></span> </div> <div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Thank you for your patience!</strong></span></span></div> <div><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong></span> </div> <div><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">This past week was a very busy one in our community.  Thanks to those who met with the advance crew from FX (Fox) - Tulsa is still in the running for the "30 Days" program!  And thanks to all who planned and participated in the Wild Hearts Ball on Saturday, February 12 - raising funds for our permanent Community Center.  And a special thanks to our loyal volunteers who keep our Community Center open, some of whom are in the picture on the front page of February 15 issue of the Gayly Oklahoman.</span></strong></span></div> <div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span></span> </div> <div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>1.  Community Center Space Redesign - In anticipation of adding the 10 new Internet connected computers in the David Bohnett CyberCenter and a possible redo of the Pride Store, we have a new space plan for review.  Over the next few weeks, stop by the Center, review the plans and add your suggestions.  </strong></span></span></div> <div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span></span> </div> <div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>2.  Volunteers - with the launch of the new CyberCenter, we will need more volunteers, with and without computer experience.  Please consider volunteering.  You can email us at </strong><a href="mailto:center@tohr.org"><strong>center@tohr.org</strong></a><strong> and let us know of your interest and we will send out a form.</strong></span></span></div> <div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span></span> </div> <div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>3.    February 24, 2005 - Special Movie as part of Black History Month.  Covered dish dinner 6 PM, Movie at 7.  At the Center, 5545 E. 41st Street.</strong></span></span></div> <div> <p><span class="990465600-17022005"></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>B<span class="990465600-17022005">rother Outsider</span></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:large;"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Arial;">Official Selection, 2003 Sundance Film Festival. A master strategist and tireless activist, Bayard Rustin is best remembered as the organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, one of the largest nonviolent protests ever held in the United States. He brought Gandhi's protest techniques to the American civil rights movement, and helped mold Martin Luther King, Jr. into an international symbol of peace and nonviolence.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:large;"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Arial;">Despite these achievements, Rustin was silenced, threatened, arrested, beaten, imprisoned and fired from important leadership positions, largely because he was an openly gay man in a fiercely homophobic era. BROTHER OUTSIDER focuses on Rustin's activism for peace, racial equality, economic justice and human rights.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Arial;"></span></span></p> <p><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>4.  Saturday, February 26 10:00 am at the Center - Diversity Celebration 2005 All Volunteer Meeting.  Coffee and Donuts provided.  Come be a part of planning and implementing our June celebration involving many different organizations in Northeast Oklahoma.</strong></span></span></p> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights</strong></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:small;"><a href="mailto:center@tohr.org"><span style="font-size:medium;"><strong>center@tohr.org</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:medium;"><strong>  918-743-4297</strong></span> </span></div> <span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 16, 2005 https://www.history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/042bdc576df8e464aa0289a332b82b2d.htm 96480dd2f987e493db480cbcefa4c349 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] eNews from TOHR Subject The topic of the resource eNews from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, February 8, 2005 Description An account of the resource A newsletter email from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) sent on February 8, 2005 by Michael Christopher to his own email. Topics include the Wild Hearts Ball, an available staff position for TOHR's Community Center, and others.<br /><br />Transcript:<br /><br /><strong>From:</strong> Michael Christopher [mchristopher@tohr.org]<br /><strong>Sent:</strong> Tuesday, February 08, 2005 7:17 PM<br /><strong>To:</strong> mchristopher@tohr.org<br /><strong>Subject:</strong> News from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, February 8, 2005<br /> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span>We have lots to bring you up to date on!</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span>Special Note:  We are having problems with the TOHR web site, <a href="http://www.tohr.org">www.tohr.org</a>.  We are not sure when it will be back up.  In the meantime, the new issue of the Torch is available at:</span></p> <p><a href="http://trojanrabbit.com/TORCH.html">http://trojanrabbit.com/TORCH.html</a></p> <p> </p> <ol> <li><span> Wild Hearts Ball This Weekend!</span></li> </ol> <p><span><strong><em>    <b>DISCO FUNK &amp; JIVE… WILD HEARTS BALL 5</b></em></strong><b><i><br /></i></b><em><b>Is it the ‘70s you long for?  DISCO, FUNK &amp; JIVE for Wild Hearts Ball 5 is here!   Hey man, you know this gig... Soul Train, Laugh In, Gloria Gaynor and ABBA.  So get down wit’ your bad self in your best ‘70’s threads and win the costume prize $ or just come as you are.  Dig the chocolate fondue and other free hors ‘d oeuvres.<i><br />Gifts for the first 50 in the door!  Be cool and don’t miss the Solid Gold Lame` Dancers!  For 21 and over, there will be a cash martini bar and other spirited libations.  If you don’t have a 21 ID, you may groove at the soft beverage bar.  Get down to funky town with your favorite retro tunes, hang loose in the Lava Lounge, take some party pics, and more!!  We'll see YOU there!  Limited Number of free tickets for those under 21 available at the TOHR Community Center.</i></b></em></span></p> <p><strong><em><b><i><br /><span>                                                       </span></i></b></em></strong><em><strong><b><span>When:  </span><span>Saturday, February 12th, 8 pm ‘til Midnight.</span></b></strong></em><strong><em><b><i><br /></i></b></em></strong><em><strong><b>                                    </b></strong></em><strong><em><b><i><br />                                     </i></b></em></strong><em><strong><b>Where:</b></strong></em> <em><strong><b> The Greenwood Cultural Center, </b></strong></em><em><strong><b>322 N. Greenwood </b></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span><b>Tickets:</b></span></strong></em><em><strong><b>  </b></strong></em><em><strong><b>$20 at the door or $15 advance at: </b></strong></em></p> <p><span><em><strong><b>GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 41st, 918-743-4297</b></strong></em></span></p> <p><span><em><strong><b>Burnett’s Flowers &amp; Gifts, 4322 E. 11th, 918-834-5555</b></strong></em></span></p> <p><em><span><strong><b>Petal Pushers, 1660 E. 71st</b></strong></span></em></p> <p><em><span><strong><b>PLEASE PASS IT ON!</b></strong></span></em></p> <p> </p> <ol> <li><span><strong><em> David Bohnett CyberCenter Grant.  TOHR is very pleased to announce that it has received a grant from the David Bohnett Foundation for a CyberCenter at the Community Center.  Bohnett will be providing 10 internet connected computers with flat panels, network printer, scanner and software.  In addition, we will receive $10,000 in cash for implementation.</em></strong></span></li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><span><strong><em>This new installation, to be completed in March, gives us an exciting opportunity for new outreach and training.  See the latest Torch for more information.  The TOHR Board expresses its appreciation to the David Bohnett Foundation for this grant.</em></strong></span></p> <p> </p> <ol> <li><span><strong><em> </em></strong>Staff Position Available at TOHR.  Michael Christopher, our Executive Director, has resigned.  Below is an ad for a staff position at the Center.  With the Bohnett Equipment coming, it will be very important to fill this position.</span></li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><span>Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, a non-profit serving the Gay, <br />Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community for 25 years, is seeking a <br />person to operate its community center and perform other support and <br />programming functions. The employee will report to the Board of <br />Directors. Title, hours and compensation to be negotiated. The <br />successful applicant will have experience in working with non-profits in <br />many areas, such as volunteer recruitment and support, financial <br />reporting, computer operations and networking, fundraising and grant <br />writing. Interested applicants may submit their resumes to: TOHR, PO <br />Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101. Resumes may also be submitted by email to: <br /> <a href="mailto:bonney@13oked.com">bonney@13oked.com</a>  </span></p> <ol> <li><span> Film Crew coming to Tulsa!  <em>FX Documentary To Be Filmed In Tulsa<br /></em><br />Actual Reality Pictures is currently casting in Tulsa for the FX series “30 Days,” a documentary-style, unscripted series from Oscar nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock.<br /><br />If you are a gay male between the ages of 30-45 who lives alone in Tulsa and would be interested in sharing your life and home with a roommate for 30 days, please contact Abby Golden at 310-202-1272 x158 to set up an interview time ASAP.<br /><br />Interviews will take place on Friday, February 11th and Saturday, February 12th at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual &amp; Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, located at 5545 East 41st Street in Highland Plaza.<br /><br />Compensation for participation IF selected.</span></li> </ol> <p> </p> <ol> <li><span> HOPE Testing Clinic is offering off-site mobile HIV testing.  Call Andrew or Brad at 812-7045 to schedule an appointment.</span></li> </ol> <p> </p> <p><span>Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights</span></p> <p>918-743-4297</p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p><span> </span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 8, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Michael Christopher 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 [2005] TOHR eNews Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 8, 2005 - March 24, 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights eNews, February 8, 2005 - March 24, 2005 Description An account of the resource Five newsletter emails from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) from February 8, 2005, to March 24, 2005. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Dennis Neill, Michael Christopher 2005 anti-LGBT discrimination Christina Elder Community Center CyberCenter Dennis Neill discrimination Diversity celebration Diversity Celebration 2005 email eNews GLBT Community Center Greg Gatewood House Bill 1746 Keith Smith Michael Christopher TOHR TOHR eNews TOHR GLBT Community Center Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights eNews work discrimination