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https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1d83dd312b49dd3e9bc3a48f8d62741c.jpg
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https://history.okeq.org/files/original/9ffdd433544ea0d5ea7ac58a9b3e2770.pdf
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Dublin Core
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Title
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
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Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
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2004-2011
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Language
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English
Type
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magazine
Description
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Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), 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.
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)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
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.
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magazine
Text
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This issue of the STAR marks a milestone not only for
our magazine, but for GLBT news publications as well.
We have seen five regional community papers come and
go since ou; inception, most only in publication for a few
months. Weil, this month is our 3rd Anniversary issue. With
the beginning of our fourth year January 2007, we plan to
make some changes, add new features and continue to
bring you our readers, local, national and world news that
affects the GLBT community. A new feature in this issue is
our "AFTER DARK" calendar which list events and special
function announcements from our advertisers. A good reason
to keep the STAR on your coffee table all month.
The Star was launched in December 2003 in Joplin, Missouri.
Our first issue was a digest size black and white
GLBT news and information magazine of just twelve pages.
Our first printing was under 1000 copies and distributed to
Joplin, Springfield, Fayetteville and Tulsa. Needless to say,
the Ozarks STAR had a very meager beginning with just
three advertisers.
I have worked very hard the past 3 years to make this
magazine a vlabie source of community information, news
and entertainment. Our readers are traveling the region to
places that were unknown when we began. I have personally
made many wonderful new friendships and acquaintances
because of this magazine. You are sincerely appreciated.
A big KUDOS to the efforts of our contributing writers Donald
Pile. RayWilliams, Michael Hinzman, Paul Wortman,
John Patrick, Greg Gatewood, Victor Gorin, Josh Aterovls,
Steve Urie and many others who have kept us informed
and entertained. Also to our sales agents Michael Leach,
Victor Gorin, Devre Jackson and Kay Massey who have
contributed tremendousiy to our success. Last but not least
a big thank you to our advertisers and readers.
WE'VE COME A LONG WAN BABY!
Sincerely,
C. D. Ward
Publisher/Editor in Chief
'tlvv-...,.ozarksstar.com
Dear Chaz:
We notice that your publication, (The Star) is approaching its
3rd Anniversary and we are very proud of you. You have brought to
the Midwest a very intelligent and professional gay publicarion that
is now one of the main gay/lesbian publication in the tv1idwest.
Long are the days when so many gay pubiications were merely
"sleaze rags" Your content, articles and columns keeps everyone
abreast about events in the state, the Midwest, the country and the
world!
As we travel around the country, we always take extra copies of
the STAR with us to show other gays and they are amazed at the
quality of your publication.
Congratulations on your 3rd Anniversary and we wish you
continued success with your splendid work for many, many years to
come. We are very honored to be a small part of your success.
Respecdul!y,
Donald Piie
Ray Williams
.',<,<\',:·,,,'\/;,, ·. I.lei us help!
(91 ) - 6
the STAR 3
4 the STAR
Victor Gorin interview with newly
elected 2nd term Oklahoma County
Commisioner Jim Roth.
Election 2006 By Joe Solmonese. HRC
President. Solmonese examines the effects
of the 2006 election on the GLBT
community.
litfi HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA'S
We did some shopping for you!
Something unique, something cheap
and some bling.
Travelers "Savannah, GA"
0 of Town "Fort Lauderdale"
Uncle Mikey finds a Twink that wants
co be fabulous, while a queen ponders
the afterlife.
INDEX
An Interview with Jim Roth ..... 6
Book Review. . . . . . . . . . . ... 11
OUT in Arkansas ........... 12
Past Out. ................. 14
Tulsa GLBT Centei News ..... 15
Holiday Gift Idea's. . . . ... 16
Ciao Travel. . . . ........... 17
Lesbian Notions. . . . . . 22
Star Scene. . . . . . ..... 24
Uncle Mikey. . . .. 26
After Dark . . . . .. 27
Horoscopes.. . .......... 28
Distributors. . . . 29
Cartoons. . . . . . . ...... 30
Classifieds. . 31
STAR DISTRIBUTION:
Jolie Justice in Lesbian Notions
"Christmas in November''- page 22
Progressive Church Shakes Up
Norhwest Arkansas. - page 12
-~•,!!,.~.!';'!~.-.
History of gay motorcycle clubs in
~~pi\ST ()lIT~~ - page 14
OKLAHOMA C!TY .. TULSA"' LAV'/TON ~ t-.,lCA.lESTER ~ EiHD • UTTLE ROCK" NORTH LITTLE ROOK.,
FAYETTEVILLE i' FT SMITH " EUREKA SPRINGS • HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE ~ ROGERS ~ KANSAS
CITY~ SPRlNGF!ELD ",JOPUN " BRA~JSON AREA:!, VVlCHlTA,.. PiTTSBURG • JUNCTION CITY
\/'.f'vvvv.ozarksstar.corn
AN INTERVIEW WITH
OKLAHOMA COUNTY
COMMISSIONERJIM ROTH.
By Victor Gorin
Phoro: Left Viaor Gorin and Jim Roth
In 2002, Jim Roth ran againsr anti-gay incumbent Beverly Hodges
in the race for Oklahoma County Commissioner of District One,
and become Oklahoma's first op~nly gay county commissioner. . He
made the most of rhis opportunity to do an excellent job in this position,
winning the respect of Oklahoma County voters from many
walks oflife. This year his Republican opponent, Dave Mehlhaff,
waged one of the most single issue, anti gay campaigns ever, and yet
Jim was re-elected. Now he shares with us how ir's been, and the
vision he has for che future
Victor: Well Commissioner, you ran a very strong and imeresting
campaign that always looked successful, but did you still feel a sense
of relief when it was over?
Jim: Absolutely. You never know until the last vote is counted. \ve
felt confident, we worked hard, but we didn't want to take anything
for granted.
Victor: Wdl, I'm sure you feel much better now. What do you feel
were the major factors.~hat made your victory so resounding?
Jim: Two things--First and foremost was our job performance. We
worked very hard and deiivered on what we promised, anci I don't
chink anyone has ever done better in District 1.
Second, my opponent's bigotry was rejected by a great number of
people that I think arc tired of that mean spirited side of politic;. l
think people realized from his approach rhat he had lirde to offer.
1/ictor: Truly over the past 4 years, v.rhen one considers the duties of
v;hat a county cotnn1issioner is supposed to do, you have a record
you can be proud of, including a balanced budget.
Jim: 1hat's right. Although all 3 discricts of ()kiahon1a (~ounty get
tht: sa1ne a111ount of n1oney for roads, I have the 1nf)St road n1ileage
6 the STAR
and still was the only one wirh a baianced budget. The pubiic in my
district is now driving over 54 miles of new road and 8 new bridges
with safer conditions. !vfy predecessor, Beverly Hodges, only built 1
bridge during her term.
Victor: You were instrumental during 2004 in impiementing and
keeping, despite a repeai attempt, a poiicy of nondiscrimination
for Oklahoma County employees that indudes sexual orientation.
Even now iI is the only government protection pertaining to sexual
orientation in the state of Oklahoma.
Jim: I serve this office with the premise char all peopie deserve respect
and dignity, and a public employment simation, of all places,
should be free of discrimination of any kind. We changed the current
policy to expand coverage in 3 areas, physical disabiliry, political
affiliation, and sexual orientation. I worked w implement this
policy for 3 reasons, to protect taxpayers from liability from officials
doing stupid things, attracting talent, and because it's the right thing
to do.
Victor: What do you hope do accomplish during your next term?
Our district is on a great rrajectory of improvement with a very aggressive
road and bridge program, a number of major projecrs. We
are also bringing a focus to senior citizens issues. Vie have to be sure
that we are that safety net so that their golden years are truly that.
Also I want to work on issues co help our memally ill in this county
so that they aren'r kept in the county jail without treatment.
Victor: Do you have future aspirations after .:his term of office?
Jim: Not right now, bur maybe in future years rhere will be something
I'll feel challenged w try.
Victor: \V'e!l, you obviousiy won the confidence of the voters in
Oklahoma County. Besr wishes and looking forward to four more
years! *
Two Night Tulsa Event Benefit
For Tulsa Cares Food Pantry.
By Greg Steele
TULSA, OK_Billed as Tulsa's Social Event of rhe year, the Bamboo
Lounge staged a two night benefit show hosted by Kris Kohl. The
5th annual Miss Bamboo Pageant was held on Saturday November
18th and the following night with Kris Kohl's show, The Bamboo
& Faces Present "REMEMBER OUR FAMILY". The two night
extravaganza packed the nighrc'.ub both nights and raised do;;:: ro
$500.00 for the Food Pantry.
The Miss Bamboo Pageant histed by Terry Hood and Stan Smith
dub co-owners is only one event out of 111any that the couple stage
each vear to benefit non-profit organizations in the Tiilsa area. 'The
out g~ing ~1iss Ba1nboo 2006. Mona Lott n:iuctandy reiinquishcd
her crown to Miss Bamboo 2007, Holly Rose, a newcomer to the
scene. Holly Rose campaigned extensiv~!y v.lith her slogan "!es
'Time For l1 l'~c",,v Generationn and sources say her ,veaithy husband
donated quite a sun1 to her success. lvfona Lott, J\.-1:iss Bamboo 2006
in a rage l~Jf despair crov,rned herself "E1npress of the Ban1boo'1 \Vhich
amounrs to nothing bur a cheap ploy to 1nainrain royal sratus in her
aging state! P.._ great time vva.s had by all and for a very gcJod cause.
Photo on page 25.
v1v,.;•.v,ozarksstar.com
Worl
Dece
i
/-,, . i
l_r,,,CJlj}OOtJ
o/1'f.o0 ,-L--/o1~, Lr:i !,•~ R~"L p/'~_?-/r: -1 )j
•'ThYJJ (Jr)g} ~ uikiff@ L1JJ'@:~?Jff i;J Y'ailif1
ORDERS BY 12NOON GUARANTEED S,'l.J,lE DAY DELIVERY
Glenpool Cleaners (inside Glenpool 1.'i,:w:-crsl 91S-29r-3275
Wear the Red Ribbon
on Dece111ber 1st.
Show th<: ,xorld ,-'.)ll c:rc that HIVi
AIDS is srill among us ,rnd du, people,
including manv ,·nuns people, arc cv<:!i
nov.' getting inf~•t'tcd. Let rhosc afF(·c(cd
knO\\' that you undcLStand .. 1nd support
thcn1 and the: figbt ~1gainst l-lI\/"f 1\I [)S.
HAP
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3rd
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(/
from all your pals in
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
,\~ Amber Bock
Sun--Thurs 1 pm---Midnight~
Fri ,-Sat 1 prrl~,,._ 2am
:·,:~:, t..· .2..c,,1., N.- ., M~ a·..1J s/:}--·iV -•~p.. -:,.~
on 'h1p.
New Tulsa
Organization For
Diversity Business
DBAT Means Business
TULSA, OK_Business is all abom connections
and growth, and the newly formed
Diversity Business Association ofTulsa
(DBAT), a program supported by Tulsa
Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), is
working to help GLBT business owners and
professionals in green country form those
connections and succeed in today's competitive
marketplace.
DBAT's mission is to provide a forum to
the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
business and professional community and
its allies for ,he purpose of networking.
professional development, creating increased
visibility and strengthening relationships
among business and professional community
members.
The group meets monthly for the purpose
of networking, development and quarterly
workshops as well. Socials are being planned
for next year. D BAT membership is an
affordable investment at $30.00 annually
for individuals and $50.00 annually for~
business entity. Members receive:
A copy of the annual business guide with
inclusion of a business listing and advertising
opportunities within the business guide.
DBAT Newsletter
TOHR Membership
Reduced fee at quarterly workshops
A listing on the DBAT web site and banner
advertising opportunities.
Join us and connec, with other locai GLBT
business owners and professionals within
your community. For 1hform,1tion contact
Susan Hartman at 918-274-1699 or
through e-mail at slr:artrnan@cox.aer.
* Wear the Red Ribbon
on December 1st.
Show the world you care that I-flV/;\I!)S
is still a111ong us and that people, inc:iuding
rhen1 ::tnd tht
against
10 the STAR
Oklahoma Ci
Couple Exchange
Vo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK_Paula Schonauer
& Pam Trotter were united in a Holy
Union ceremony on the lovely grounds of
the Backdoor Coffeeshop October 7, their
wedding officiated by the Reverend Scott
Jones of the Oklahoma City Cathedral of
Hope Church. Paula is an Oklahoma City
police officer and Pam is a floral designer.
Together they reside in Oklahoma City.
*
Tulsa Group Forms
Womens Supper Club.
TULSA, OK_Heather Hartman and a
group of other iadies have formed a new
club calied "LesDine Supper Club ofTulsa''.
Heather told us, "We meet the first Friday
of every month at Tulsa-area restaurants at
7 PM. For December we will be eating at
Jamil's Steakhouse, and in January we will
be eating at Caz's Chowhouse. For information,
peopie can emaii Lesdinesupperclub@
yahoo.com or visit v,ww.myspace.com/lcsdinesupperc!
ub . LesDine is for lesbianidentified
women in NE Oklahoma who
like to socialize and eat good food.
\,X,'e have been meeting for 6 month, now
and have had a great turn-om. Peopk are
finding out via ~ord-of-mou.t:h ancf thru
-.lahoof chat groups. Last n1onth \VC had 26
\von1cn attend.
The New Oklahoma
Mr. Leather 2007
By Victor Gorin
OKLAHOMA CITY~James Hollingwood
captured the tide of Oklahoma's new fvfr.
Leather at Oklahoma City's Pho~nix Rising
October 21, It was a festive occasion emceed
by California titleholder Mark tvfalon who
kept the evening lively and entertaining
with earchv humor, and even treated us to
his musical prowess with h1s priceless rendition
of a Shirley Bassey dassic, "Dildos are
Forever."
Attended bv;;. capacitv crowd of leather
folk and th~ir friends,' the contest featured
not only entenainmcnt but also education
and wonhwhile fundraising, the highlight
of which was the raffling of;; Garth Brooks
\Yiorld Tour Jacket that will be autographed
by the man himself. Proceeds for that raffie
went to Tulsa's Open Arms Youth Project.
David Tempie~on won the tide of First Runnerup,
and the reigning currelt Mr.Leather,
James Dean Scudder ofTi,is:,, passed the
tide on to Mr.Hollingwood. James wiil go
on to con1petc in the lntcrnationai l\-1r.
Leather Comest held in Cbicago during the
Memorial Day Weekend.
l() the cornrnunity Jarocs. had this to say/'
J fCci very honored that n1y peers have
honored n1c 1:1vith the ti tie of ()kiahon1a ~vir
Leather, and l \vill do rny unnost to support
the leather comrnunitics of'Tu!sa~ ()klahorna
(~ity and statevvide. I ;:1111 looking fon.vard to
the Jntcrnational lV1r. Leather contcsc but
1 an1 still in ~hock, letting this vvin sir1k in.
/tgain I say I ~un. honored that the cornrnu•~
has supported rne in rhis vvay
A Face in the Crowd celebrates the
and challenges of those who identify as gay,
lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
The book, "A Face in the Crowd: Expressions of Gay Life in
America," edited by John Peterson and Martin Bedogne, presents a
diverse group of people living their lives filled with iove, hope, and
happiness as well as fear and oppression. Highlighting stories and
profiles of gay men and women who share tales of families and challenges,
"A Face in the Crowd" poignantly illustrates that gay life in
North America does not fit a single stereotype.
Sponsored by the Matthew Shepard Foundation, ''A Face in the
Crowd" seeks to educate and empower today's youth w actively take
part in developing solutions to problems that are rooted in ignorance
and hatred. In the book's introduction, Judy Shepard, whose
son, Matthew, was the Yicdm of a gav hate crime, convevs, "A Face
in the Crowd is a reflection of Matthew's dreams. He id1ew that
judging people bdc,re knov;ing chem was rhe loss of an opportunity."
"A Face in rhe Crowd" can be ordered di,ectly from the ;\1atthcw
Shepard Foti!ldation, which will be signed by Judy Shepard and
includes the benefo: single "W'hat Matters" by Randi Driscoll. 'Ihe
mission of the ?vfanhew Shepard Foundation is w support divcrsirv
programs in education and ;o help youth organizatio;1s es.:ablish ·
environments where young people can fed safe and be themselves.
The goal of rhc !vfatthe,v Shepard Foundation is to replace hate ,vith
d
,. . . d .. . . ,. .
un erstanct1ng, compassion an acceptance. t-·or n1orc 1r1torn1at1on ;~~:,~;t~~:;~~;;~_Shepard Foundarion, visit their ·website: www.mar-
John Peterson created rhe initial concept for"~,\ 1:;ace in the (~rtnvcr·
and further developed and published the book to rr1eet the goals and
tnission of the ?viatthew Foundation. orders and
discounts on group saies arc availabic through the pubHsher. For
rnon~ inforn1<.,tion~ visit d1(:ir •.vcbsirc at
corn .
.., ,,..,_,w,.ozark.sstar.corn
Election 2006
By Joe Solmonese, HRC President
Tuesday was a watershed moment for our comrnunity. A wave of
pro-equality candidates was swept into office, from Philadelphia to
Fort Lauderdale and from Minneapolis to Tucson, and are now the
majority in the United States House and Senate. To date, 93 percent
ofHRC-endorsed candidates have won their races (210 of225),
with a handful of races still pending.
Perhaps most exciting of all, we had a first-ever win against a
discriminatory, anti-GLBT constitutionai amendment. While we
had heartbreaking losses in seven states, with a near-win in South
Dakota, Arizona made history this week by defeating a ban on domestic
partnerships. We salute everyone who worked to defeat these
discriminarory measures and we especially congratulate Arizona
Together for its successful campaign to defeat that state's discriminatory
initiative. HRC was proud to play a role in helping to achieve
this historic victory. Steve May, co-chair of Arizona Together, had
this to say about HRC's help in the campaign: "When we first got
started, no national organization thought we could win ... except
HRC. They believed in us and we thank them so much."
\Ve have an incredible slate of amazing trailblazers coming to
Washington - people like Congressman-Elect Harry Mitcheli, Senator-
Elect Amy Klobuchar and Senaror-Elect Sherrod Brown. We
fought to get them elected, and now they wil! fight for us. Congress
promises to be much friendlier now that bigots like Rick Santorum
are gone. With your help, we raised more than $375.000 for
Santorum's opponent, Bob Casey, and spent an additionai $200,000
to mobilize hundreds of volunteers to guarantee Santorum's defeat.
It paid off.
Here is what Senator-Elect Casey had to say about us: "HRC
got behind my campaign early and has been a tremendous help.
The energy and commitment they put behind our campaign was
exrraordinary. I iook forward to working with HRC's incredible staff
and membership, especially to advance hare crimes legislation in the
Senate."
All over tht country, anti-GLBT candidare$ and campaign tac.:ic,
were rejected by vorers. Scapegoating and anacking GLBT Amc:ricans
is no longer a winning campaign strategy. At least 21 Houst:
n1embers --~vith O percent votine: records on (;LB1-- issues ~,,vili not be
returning to ·wa.~hingron, and in the Senate, five Fcderai Marriage
A~ 1 .. 11 t r;.or i •,r•• .... nn,e1ia1nen. suppo, ...... s .. c,.,, , h.e ,•r b,'d, <•- .,.fo ,r ,-~n· t...• ih,..., .. .~-1d-·,.v, ... ,~ "•' . .....
Other races aiso mark in1pon::ant shifts in the debate about our
relationships. Supporters of fuH marriage equality \von the governorships
oft~c .. N ~{ork and 1v1assachusetts, and Jodi Rell ;vas rcst}undingiy
re-elected governor of Con.necticut: after signing ~~ civil union~
bilL Furthern1orel no candidate in f'1ev<l Jersey, or '"''·"''•"'·,. in rhc
country for that 1nar:t:erl appears r,,1 ha•le suffered from the f~c;;v
Supre111e Court's decision requiring and benefits
Progressive Church
Shakes Up Northwest
Arkansas.
by Kay Massey
BENTONVILLE, AR_ Amid the conservative
religious congregations in Northwest
Arkansas, an entrepreneurial deacon is offering
something ... a iittle different for Gays,
Lesbians and their allies.
In July 2006, the
Rev. Roger Joslin
moved to Bentonville
from Los
Angeles to start
the Episcopalian
Community of
Bentonville. Roger
is a native Texan,
receiving both a BA
and an MA from the
University ofTexas
at Austin. He did
additional graduate
work in International
Relations at the
University of Sussex
in Brighton, England.
After working
for many years in the
architectural woodwork
business, Roger
graduated from the
Episcopal 1beological
Seminarv of the Southwest in Austin
Texas in 2005 ·.vith a Masters of Divinity
degree.
Roger's bhck o:.nfic .md white clerical collar
mm heads wi11:rever he goes, and for now,
he's everywhere. His mission is dear: Find a
diverse group of people ~o form an Episcopal
congregation with radical hospitality at
its core. Joslin hopes :o offer a progressiv..:
aiternative to other churches in the ilrca.
HI think it 1.vill "vork here in t'Jorth\vest
1\rkansas/J he said of the radical hospjrality,
which focuse5 on meeting p;:<ople':, physical
and spiritual needs. <iit's a ·very friendly
place.'' ~❖7hile h:1s been treated ,vell
here~ he's not sure the reception \Vouid he as
~narn1 for a black, hon1oscxual or
12 the STA.R
poor person. "Ours is the kind of church
where everyone is welcome," he said. That
focus must start from the beginning. Rather
than creating a core group of white, middleclass
people, then expanding the group, Joslin
wants to start wirh a mixed core group
from the beginning. That is exactly what he
has done so far.
One of the local group members says,
"What makes this really special is that we
arc defining what we feel our church needs
to be about. We're all accepting, that's
very important, that ali backgrounds arc
welcome, all types of people, ro be very
hospitable and community-
oriented."
Joslin's church-planting
plans are moving
quickly. The plan is to
create small groups of
roughly 12 adults until
the total reaches about
300 people, which
could take about a year,
Joslin said. Currendv
·there are 4 groups of
adults that meet weekly,
a "Walk and Talk"
group for exercising
and meditating adulr.s,
and a group of children
who are exploring the
"Godly Play" progran1.
Roger stresses that a
person need nor be an
Episcopai ro parricipate
in any of the groups.
Study is designed for
people of any faith. 'Ihere are people from
all backgrnunds involved in the groups.
These are truly diverse groups of people on a
spirimai journey rogei:her.
Roger is continuously seek;ng out Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendcred group
and individuals in the area. hoping to welcome
:hem into the fold. "Many have been
raised in churches and have hj_d devout upbringings~
yet most churches have reiected
themn, Jos_Hn said,-_ Gay's and Lcsb~a1:s arc
an integral part ot our groups, anct tt1e soon
to be church. l\1any are already attending
the "\Ycekly meetings and becorning invoived t)!,~r?~:~~:~a~~~11~~~1:;;~:;:;;(~ Benwr;
other Episcopal churches in rhe area
there is a church in Henton ··~Lz.
progressive Episcopaiian church interprets
the Bible in terms of context and in light of
the times, he said. He believes fundamentalists
interpret the Bibic rno literally.
The Episcopalian church has liturgical
services like a Carhoiic Church, bu: Masses
and Sunday Communion ser✓ices - Eucharists
- arc in English, Joslin said.
The Diocese of Arkansas has been rhinking
about a church in Bentonville fOi about 15
years. Joslin seems rhe perfect fit. "I have a
strong enrreprcneurial bent," he said. "I do
like to create and start things. 'This is abour
creation." After many years of being involved
with the Church, Joslin was ordained
as a Deacon in May 2006. He will be ordained
as an Episcopal Priest on December
2, 2006 at St. Paul's Episcopal; Church in
Fayetteviiic, Ar.
Roger is aiso rhe author of Running the
Spiritual Path: A Runner's Guide to Breathing,
Meditating, and Exploring the Prayerful
Dimension of the Sport. He wrote the
book while a seminarian. He continues w
run and write in Arkansas as a dimension
of his spiritual practice. He is a ,'creran of
several marathons and thousands of miles
of solitary running on trails and back roads
throughout the United States. Rev. Joslin's
book emerged from a running journal
he maintained over the course of the iast
decade. Many years of meditation pr:1.ctice,
punctuated wfth the nurturing rnlitude of
periodic visits to numerous retreat cemcrs
~nd monasteries, led the author, quite naturally,
to combine his love for running with
his spiritual search.
Roger is borh an experienced ,cacher and a:1
engaging speaker and is ;;!ways eager to tab,
on the rask of avvakcning a wider audicnc,·
~o the value of spiriruai pracrict.
For n1orc infonnation about the ,-,,,,,,,,u,_,..,
c=o1n1nunity of Benton C:ounry, contacr
the IZcv. R,ngcr Joslin at 4?9-1~26-1 ')() j or
rogcrioslin@sbcg1obal.net .
V'l\-VV·J_ozarksstar.corn
The show went on and on and
on .... and oh, how we loved it!
ByD. Norman
EUREKA SPRINGS_AR~On Saturday November 4, 2006 during
FALL Diversity Weekend in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, ANT and
Sabrina tvfatthews flew in from Los Angeles, California to headline
Diversity Pride Events' first 'LOL Dive;:sity Comedy' Show and
simply awed everyone at rhc Al.JD!
Sabrina kjcked ofF the evening ddighting the very diverse crowd of
Glbti, straigi~t fricncis and allies. Both men and women were laughing
and nodding chcir heads in agreement at her hiiarious observations
of our lives. Her humor was down to earth and true to life,
covering everything from skim. p1.,rses, pets, job interviews and of
course, love lives. By the time she left the stage, you feit like she v1as
one of your pals.
ANT hit stage in an incredible spar~ling Hight suit covered with
rhinestones, setting the pace for a high energy non-stop ride to hysterical
bughre~. His jokes had u:; roar;ng, and he was at his absolute
bes: ribbing and n•·,.,..,, .. ,, .. ,, v,itb ,he audience. He pulled people
up on stage gettiag thrn1 to say and do things that had us failing
out of our seats and ('l:~tn ht~ ~cerncd an1azed at the quirky Siories he
brought out of Eurckans and her 'Vishors. He told us he just had to
use sorne of then1 ¥h:i-<~:•: Tl '>Vf" r"•~rtf~riranro •·n ,..h,::. "fon1oht 'hov.1 .i ,C_rs.,. {J"'-,. l•-•~. :h,.. .._._ '"' L, ,._., . •t,c" ...__, ,.
,vith Jay Leno
us he
and rhanked us for
i\nt i1rvited Sabrina to
and the audience- can1c
w,l,fr-•l'i.ozarksstar.com
tne cen1ctery
to end. He toid
h fun toe, stop.
con-1plin1ented
stand-up.
their ap~
It ''--Vas
Conservative Christian Group
Boycott almart.
By Staff Reporter
Donald E. \Vildmon, Fotmder and Chairman of American Family
Association, a Tupeio, MS conserntive Christian organization
ordered a mass-emailing to about 3 million recipients, on November
9, 2006. The petition was circulated because of Walmart's support
of GLBT organizations and GLBT equality in the workplace.
W'almart recently donated SS000 to N\'1/l\ GLBT Community Center
in Bentonville, AR. Below is the communication sem to \'1/almart
byWildmon.
Dear President Scott,
This will let you know that I will not be shopping at Wal-Mart or
Sam's Club on the Friday or Saturday following Thanksgiving.
Your decision to financially support groups promoting homosexual
marriage is very unfortunate. You could have remained neutral but
decided to join the battle on the side of homosexuai activist organizations.
With great disappointment, I will help spread the word to my
friends and family about your decision.
*
t
GoldC8stle
"At Century 21 Gold Castie our
•. BEST properties are our PEOPLE''
4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100
pklahoma City, OK 73116
405.840.2106
the STAR 13
Summary: Past Out is a rerrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT
history. Each instailment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and
its impact on the queer present.
Photo: Madon Brando in The W'ild One (1953)
November 1954 (52 years ago last month): The Saytrs
motorcycle club is founded in Los Angeles.
What is the historv of gay motorcvde
clubs? · ,i
Motorcvcle dubs, a ~ainsrav <,f gav culture
since rh~ 19'i0s, ushered in ; ne; brand of
queer masculinity and gave rise to today',
leather.1SM co:wnunity.
Motorcyck culture 1:merged in the ·united
States in the l 920~ and i 930.,, ofteE revolving
around racing, ,viih enthusiasts "'Nho
forn1ed ciubs and vvore distinctive unifonns
and "colors.:,~ The popularity of n1otorcycles
grev; <luring \~1orld War JI - as n1otorcyclists
\vere regarded as son1ething of a n1odern-day
cavalry ~ and cheap n1ilitary surplus
becamt: available after the 1.var.
lJpon leaving n1i1itary si:rvicc in the late
1940s, n1any gay 1ncn in port cities
14 the STAR
ra,her than returning to their hometowns.
Just as the Hell's Angels were purpon:ediy
started by furmer bomber pilots and pararroopers
unwilling to settle into mainstream
life, gay men aiso sought an alternative.
"Only in the swashbuckling motorcycle
culture,'' argues author Guy Baldwin, were
they abie to retain the ''easy camaraderie.
the stress and thrill of real risk raking, and
the 111ascu!ine sexuality that they had kno1.vn
during their n1ilitary da:rs." (;ay and straight
n1cn alike einbraced the irnage of the outLnv
biker as a frcc~spirired rebel, as r.:xen1piified
by the Marlon Brande, fi!n1 The Wild
()ne inspired by an infirnous riot
at a n1ororcycie con1lcntion in Hollister,
in 1947,
The first gay motorcycle dub in the United
States was the Satyrs, founded in Los Angeles
in 1954; the second, Oedipus, was
an offshoot started in 1958. The eariiest
Norrhern California club was the \Y/ariocks,
founded in 1960, fo!!owed by the California
Motorcycle Club (CMC). By the
mid-1960s, San Francisco's Somh of Market
district had become a hotbed of the gay
motorcycle scene, home to clubs such as the
Constantines and the Barbary Coasters.
While California - with irs climate conducive
to year-round riding - continued
to host the greatest concentration of gay
motorcycle clubs, similar groups cropped up
around the country, including, in 1963, the
Second City Motorcyde Club in Chicago,
an early hub of rhe gay ieather scene. 1he
Empire City Motorcycle Club of New York
City, founded rhe following year, claims to
be the oldest ongoing GLBT organization
east of the Rockies. Gav motorcycle culture
also crossed over to Eu~ope, starting with
London's 69 Club. As motorcycle clubs grew
more numerous, they formed imerdub organizations
such as rhe Atlantic Motorcycle
Coordinating Council. ,
Gay motorcycle clubs provided an outlet
for socialization · and often for sex. The
earlv biker scene was closely allied with the
<;m;rging "Old Guard" lea;her/SM culture,
and the clubs watering holes became some
of the first leather bars. Stylized biker gear
became a son of uniform for a segment
of rhe gay community, feamring engineer
boors, crotchless black ieather chaps (designed
by D.L. Sterling in 1960), and military-
style caps. The look - which caught on
even among men wbo had never sat astride
a motorcycle - was embodied by e:av artis,
fom of Finland s characters. Pere; Berlin in
the movie _Nighrs in Black Le:nher (1973),
ana' ("1l enn J1'u ~g.h es o f t he d.i. sco group t he
VilL,ge Peopie.
~vfotorcycle club outings. known as runs,
typically involved n1anly activities such as
can1ping trips. But \vhilc bikers esche·.,vcd
;:~~ era. their ever~;:,·~~'.:!~:::::;~:•;~~~~
pageantry and can1p of a different sort)
including drag shov.-'s. Events such as the
annual (]v!(~ (~arnival becainc popular even
arnong nonbikers, and n1any n1en organized
their social H·ves around annu;-11 runs such as
vvw~lv. ozarkssta r. corn
Photo: lhe new community center coming soon.
Community Celebrations
]he end of a year brings things we all usualiy
like par.:ies, gathering wirh friends
and family, once-;,-year food and drink
- celebrations of all kinds. This year is no
differem. Special events, holiday dinners,
and concem fili foe momh of December
on the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexuai, Ti:ansgender
(GLBT) and allied Community Calendar.
A month full of acrivities begins in Tulsa on
Friday, December 1, 2006. 'w'ith the theme,
"Stop AIDS: Keep Ihe Promise," the annual
Wori<l AIDS Day Interfaith Service remembers
those losr r; HIV/ AIDS while renewing
o~ir cornmiunent to stop HIV/AIDS.
The candlclighr service, scheduied for 7:00
P?vf ar All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952
S Peoria, v.1iU f(~ature rhe n1usic of Council
C>ak Iv1cn's Chorale ((~(}fv1C) and guest
speakers Dr. 1v1clanie Spector and Iarnara
LcBak~ l\ssistant lviinister of/\H Souls lJni-·
tarian Church.
!'~ext up on the 'fulsa (~01nn1uniry C:alendar
is the [)inner on
Monday; l)eccn1ber 11th. ]he annual din~
ner features the presentation of the S..,·J?/t!"~J
.:~wards an.d the rnusic of the \Y/or:nen of
(:ouncil ()ale A. 6:30 PJv{ reception kicks c:fF
the at feilcnvship (:ongregationai
2~100 S I-1t1rYard. ~111e
~u 7:00 Pivt fr:atnn.:~ holiday entree~:
and harn1 drinks and r:~srive table~
~V\.vvv.ozarksstar.corn
side, or dessert. You'll wam to arrive early as
over 200 individuals, coupies and families
are expected for this annuai event co-sponsored
by Tulsa PFLAG and TOHR.
Music of A Snowv Starlit Nie-ht. the annual
COMC Holiday Cone~(, will thriE
you with seasonal fa;orites, as well as new
~unes to warm your heart. SRO crowds are
expected for the performances on December
12th, 15(h & 16th, 8:00 P1v1 each night at
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S Peoria
in Tulsa.
The Tulsa GLBT Community Center will
celebrate the end of the leased space era with
the 41st Finale on Sunday, December 17,
2006. The evening, featuring a free concert,
free food and drinks, and door prizes will be
the last event held in the current Center at
5545 E 41st Streei:.
Ihe 41st Finale features the music of
recording-artist Amy 5(einberg of Orlando,
Florida. With irreverent humor and crafty
intelligence, Amy uses her original music to
promote tolerance, openness and diversity.
Combining a sassy sensibility and loquacious
socio-political and spiritual awareness,
Amy brings forth a fresh and solid energy.
The winner of several honors, including
Songwriter of the Year from the Songwrirer
Showcases of the Year and Best Individual
Performer bv the Orlando lvlusic Awards,
Amv tours ;u over the countrv. Notable
sho~s include performances ~ith Ani Defranco,
Alix Oison, Lisa Loeb, Melissa Ferrick,
Meredith Brooks and Vonda Shepard,
as well as many others.
Classically trained on the piano since age
4, with a degree in rheaue (from studies at
Boston Conservatory, American Musical
and Dramatic Academy and ?\.farvmount
Manhattan) and sclf-t;ught on the guitar,
Amys shows display ,.viid!y inaovative
musicality combined with extraordinary
perfonnance skills to create an arousing
;~nviron1nent like none other. 'Ihen1cs ~f
her 1nusic include sexuality, ,von1an po~,ver,
~-·.:
1
j~·h•.~.".!~~~.-. , ~~:~b~~.~1s~!~,o~1
1
.. ~d love. ·nie audience . ~-: .. :~ ~;_:;:; ;::-.:. t -· _, ~.. sings along, an(1
laughs untH they cry. a soul-shifting and
original n,.r,nnn nt,t "..V,dlt tu
rniss this FR .. EE concert 1.vith
1be 41st Finale marks the last day the Tulsa
GLBT Community Center will be open
before we pack-up, move-our and re-open
in the new location in downtown Tulsa!
The Tulsa GLBT Communitv Center will
close on December 18, 2006. and remain
closed through the end of the year. During
this time, we'll be packing up the last
items, loading up the moving trucks and
heading to the permanent location of the
Tulsa GLBT Community Center at 621 E
4th Street. We'll then re-open in January,
celebrating the Oklahoma-Centennial year
of 2007 - in a new, permanent home for the
Tulsa GLBT & allied community.
1itlsa Okiahomans for Human Rights
(TOHR) seeks equal rights for Gay, Lesbian,
Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) individuals
and families through advocacy, education,
programs, alliances and the operation of the
Tulsa GLBT Community Cmter.
Creating
Community for
People living
vvith
HIV/AIDS
Our House, Too offers a variety of
activities for people who are HP✓+ and
or living with AIDS to help combat the
social isolation that many of our
people live through each and everyday.
·we provide a Toiletry and Household
Pantry for those who are HIV+
and or lh:ing ,,,;Ith AJDS \•Vho cannot
afford to purchase these items for
themsei\.res. \/Ve invite anyone \,vho
vvould Hke to \1olunteer or provide fi-nanciai
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-•rnaH
harrismrnjr@y·ahoo.corn.
\,•. . ._ _________________ /
the STAR 15
BOOK: i<A FACE IN THE CROWD"
Mart
Fore
Introduction
132 pages (150+
images) ·
12" x 12" ISBN:.
Price: $24.95 ~\.
ngle "What Matand
a personal mesISBN
0-9719618-
Can be purchased at any major bookstore,
Prospect Publishing: www.prospectpublishing.
com or www.matthewshepard.org
1 6 the STAR
Give a subscription
rn the STAR.
12 issue $29.95.
Check or Money
Order to:
Ozar~s STAR
5103 S Sheridan Rd
#i53
Tt:!sa, CK 7 4145
ping for you!
ng Unique, Something
eap and some Bling.
"6-Stripe" Stainless Steel and Gold Ring
Handcrafted stainless steel ring by
Spexton. Wide brushed finish band
with 22k gold stripe inlay. Sizes 5-15.
Arrives gift-boxed. Order on line at
.spexton.com or 479-981-6060
"Baked, Hammered" Wrist Band
Coior & Depth. Handcrafted stainless
steel cuff by Spexton. This wide cuff
features hammered edges and a.baked
surface adding depth and color. The
cuff can be bent open or closed, but
choose your wrist size and they will
shape it for you. Arrives gift-boxed.
www.spexton.com or 479-981-6060
$259.00
Product Dimensions:
3/4 Inch Wide
ssaoce Marines with
perieoce. Nooe are profesSome
of tnc hottest hunks in the i\Iarine
CorJJs are posing for the America's Heroes
2007 Calendar to raise money for •.vounded
service members and their families. Sergea::it
Rodolfo "Rud/' Reyes, and 9 other !T!ember,
of the elite Reconnaissance ?\farincs arc lea1/:
ng \\:omen pantin,2; and :nen wanting ,o enlist.
1◄ hc rcn 1nen ~vho p()~e in rhe :-\rnerica:s f-Icrncs
200--:- c:alendar arc all current or fonner
models (but they could be!) So
move o,·er Matthew McCooaughey
;;nd Patrick Dempsey, "sexiest men
ali..-e'', you ma,· nave some stiff competition.
SKl:: G1-00C,1
Pnce: S14.Ci9
Freedom ls Not Free (Not-Profit)
Tel: 858-847-9999
\V\V\\•:freedomisnotfree.com
1n fo@freedomisootfree.com
www.ozarksstar.com
1 cups
1/2 stic er (melted)
3 eggs (beaten)
3/4 cup light Karo Corn syrup
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
1 /2 cup milk chocolate chips
2 Tbs. Bourbon
-mix pecans, choco1ate chips and bourbon and let
soak for 1 /2 hour. stirring occasional1y.
-blend meited outter into sugar unti: fully irtegrated.
-add beaten eggs and biend.
-add corn syrup and sait and blend ful 1y
-fold in pecan/chip mixtJre.
-pour into pie shei! with edges crimped (we nake
an old fashioned Crisco pie crust for '.his recipe. but
you can use ...vhatever ;::ie :.:rust you 11refer to rna~e \
-bake at 350 for approximately 45 minutes unti
center o: pie rises and c0acks.
-let coo!. best se~ved slightly v,a:n: with eith0r f,esi·
whipped cream or vaniiia :ce crean:
enjcy1
~TRAVEL
by Donald Piie and Ray Williams
"SAVANNAH, GA"
Savannah, Georgia (better known as Savannah GA) is one of the
most historical cities in che country dating back to it's founding by
General James E, Ogiethorpe in 1733, It has a wealth of history and
archircccure that few American cities can match. Savannah has managed
to prcscrvc it', Southern Colonial grace and charm. The ciry's
many rich, green parks are blooming legacies of che brilliance of it's
founder. \¼'hat was already a remarkable city was re-invenc,d when
our friend John Berendr, che author wrote his fabulous book, MIDNIGHT
IN THE GARDEi\! OF GOOD AND EVIL about iifr
in Savannah a frw years ago. John Berendt's book takes the reader
through all che very colorfi.d characters in the town, in particular
with the late Jim \Villiams, the
gay amiqt!Cs dealer who was
said to have shot and killed
· his lrnsder/lover. He owned
the house that fonnerlv wa:,
owned by the song writer
Johnny Mercer. Clint Eastwood
later made the book
into a wonderfol moYic by the
same name ..
SaYannah sito on the
Atlantic Ocean and has a
population of about 140,000.
"fouri,t, Hock to the city
to cake adYantagc of all the
historical and architectural
highlight,. Savannah i, known
:1, the QUEE:-,.,.: CITY of
rhc Snuth, \vhcr~ you enter
,ome<me's home, d1l' FIRST
thing t!\l'\' ask i, "\\'hat cio vou w:mt w drink?'' Everyone there is
t·xtrcn1cl:· h<lspi1ablc.
[\,...: I Iisi<ni-.. i'>i:-itrict of \;1_•:annah i~ buzzing \Vith crcatiYiry) ~HI
\~',:~:.~;/:::j :\\~;lJ~:;~l.'\tl:~~j~,:::~)t:\\~~:'/;~;\''.\'.~:;· ::;~l:~:::i~!;\;:l\;'._,,_,
\Vith .).h':ii1il:ih ~~nLt tilO\'C there to li":t' in or!C or rh\.· oldc:-it ... :iti..:s in
, \111cr1c1 :1 site oi' !11:1nv L1n1lHt> H~z:~·ohllin11~HT &· ( ~ivli \\1ar B~lt.,
' .
Uc:-. }-lund_rcd~ o( int;,.Tl'.,tirq; ~it,_·s :_(1 sec includ;:-., tnon: :h;~c t\'.'cIH~n1onu1n'-'!
lI-'. p~nkl,, l ]i.stnri;,.· 1-•lornc,'l) ( 'hurchc:-i & i:(;rt;,
:<~nion.;~ 1-li;-;tc:·ic l :tr~liin;,1rk l )i~tr(c! in 1hc t "\,;\.
n1ixcd Cr<)\\·d and
Blaine·~ Backd, )1
B,!r, l :i l :, p,_ ,,:,,
St. 1~ rn< }re , )f _:
Cf0\V(1. ,\il th~ h:
an: extrt:1nch· fun
and fricndh'. Tk:;
LOVL their tour
ists in Sav,tnnah,
~rhcrc arc 22
original p:lrk:::. in
do\,·nto\\·n ~J;·.u; ·
g1ganuc n1t ,~:---.
draped u:,ks ,.nd
surrounded i)\"
statch· hornc:-- :1:·1t.i
husinc;,:~(·~< '['his 1s :; great .. ,\·aJking" lU\\'O
\•.:hen: c\·cry, )thcr hlnck~ ukc~ you into
:u1othcr ir11ercsting and hi~torical aspect
o( the cny. Ye 1u '.\·ill :iced td ~pend three
or r-our day--: to ukt: tn c·-.;cryihing:. ~fht:
hnn1c tqur"- :,n: r:.:.dl~- cxccptic;naL Special
pbcc:-, t1 i ,:isit slv)~;ld include the i\1erccr
! louse whcrc the \ruic.JUC~ l)c,1lcr, Jirn
\\-iili:l!H'.', ii\-cd, t !le ( h\·cn-T~1Pin,l~ hou~c.
! c::1uh I ).1\-cnp{ 1n l iou~;: Jnd t!h: (;n.:l'.n.\
L-iurii:1 I h)us1~-. The {:It'. ccn1ctcnc-~ ;~re
"TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD"
"Carlos Fernandez on Bravo TV's TOP CHEF"
By Donald Pile and Ray Williams
In our travels all over the country we are so fortunate
in that we meet so many wonderful and exciting people.
A few years ago in Florida we met Carios Fernandez and
Chuck Smith who are life partners and co-owners of the
Hi-LIFE CAFE which is a very upscale restaurant in Ft.
Lauderdale. It is located at 3000 North Federal Highway.
Chuck Smith who is the excellent host of the restaurant
and his partner Carlos Fernandez, the extremely talented
Chef opened the restaurant 11 years ago and they have
developed a very strong following of devoted follmvers
over the years. \Vhen we were there last time they were
celebrati~g their 10th Anniversary of the Hi-Lit~ Cafe.
rlheir hours are Tuesday-'Thursday 5:30 PM to 10:00
PM, Friday & Saturday, 5:30 PM - 11 PM and Sunday,
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Their website is: www.hilifecafe.
com. After laying in rhe sun all day at the beach and before
heading off for the night to party, be sure and dine
there. You won't be sorr1. It is a must-do for almost all
the gay tourists that goes to Ft. Lauderdale.
www.ozarksstar.com
Carlos is a fantastic Che£ Actually he is now on the
top rated Bravo TV sho\v; TOP CHEF! Filmed in Los
Angeles he is one of 15 chefs from ail over the country
that was chosen to be on the shmv. It airs on \'v'ednesdav
nights on Bravo. Stay tuned to see just how far he gees
on the show One Chef is eliminated each ,veek. The
TOP CHEF a.: the end receives $100,000.00l It's ahv,l\'s
g-- reat to see a .g..,,.,. av_, coup- le own a business together. \'fc (,_
wiil be down in Ft. Lauderdale at the season's finale and
what a grand pany it will be if he gets the top prize: He
will alwavs be our Number 1 Top Chef in Florida! l ,ast
January ,vhen ,ve were 111 Ft. Lauderdale we presented
Chuck and Carlos with a special crystal plate engr:r.. cd
with gold to help them ceiebrate their 10th c\nni,:ersar:,
of the Hi-Life.
the ST/\R 19
Fringing the ocean, Starwood Hotels' glimorous and gay-friendly Adantic
resort has been a key feature of Fort Lauderdale's stunning redevelopment.
(Photo ~y Andrew Collim)
December 2006
by Andrew Collins
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdaie, which has transformed itself into Florida's leading
gay vacation destination over rhe past decade, continues to turn
heads with the spectacular redevelopment of its stunning beachfrom.
1his neighborhood with a number of gay resorts has seen - or
will soon see - the opening of several upscale, gay-friendly hotels,
include the Adamic, the St. Regis, the W Hotel, and the Trump
International. New bars, restaurants, and attractions also continue
to open throughout the city and in the neighboring community of
Wilton Manors, helping to make the region a vibrant and exciting
gay destination year-round.
In deciding where to stay in Fort Lauderdale, consider whether
you'd prefer a gay, dor.~ing-optional resort or a ia:ger mainstream
provertv. Among the latrer is the charming Riverside HoteL set
;lo~g f;shionable Las Olas Boulevard. Ih; natty 1936 property
recendy complered a stunning, multimillion-dollar makeover. ~nw
first of Starwood Hotels' snazzy new beac:1front properties to open
here, rhe dashing Atlantic offers ucobHructed ocean views from the
majority of its spacious, airy rooms, aII of them with Bose CD-stereos,
lovely patios, and small kitchens. Starwood's St. Regis, with
a mid-December 2006 opening, is even more sumprnous: Jviost
roon1s overlook the ocean or Intracoastal \XlarerwayJ and they con1c
"'Nith such deluxe perks as burler service~ a f3.buious spa, and leather
furniture. Starwood·s next big project, th..: W Hord Fort Ltudcrdale,
is expected to open in [)ecember 2007.
LL..:: ~ay resorts, the upscale pro1=1erty that
I .... :1uderdale's gro\vth into a iT1ajor
and it continues
hotels. Perks hen.: ]ndudt'
20 the STAR
and beer, CD players and VCRs in many units, glass-brick showers
with high-end bath amenities, and dedicated top-notch service.
Guests can relax all day around the stunning pool with a waterfall
and fiber-optic lighting. There are several other fine upscale resorts
of comparable repute, including Pineapple Point, a handsome l 930s
spread that has the grace and st:yie of a Caribbean plantation. and
the Flamingo Resor;:, opened by the former direcwr of Paris' famous
Ritz hotel; it resembles a luxury boudque hotei on an exclusive British
West Indies isle, with its hand-carved dark-wood furniture and
sumptuous linens. Relatively new owners have continued ro upgrade
the reson: with improved furnishings and amenides.
The more reasonably priced Eiysium Resort, just 200 yards from
the beach, has p::rfectly comfortable rooms. Here you'll always find
friendly guys lounging on the expansive sundeck, with its hot tub,
hammock, and tropical bar - there are nvo heated pools. Even the
simplest rooms at nearby Villa Venice are warm and attractive, with
refrigerarnrs and microwaves. With its friendly staff and an extensive
pool area where breakfast is served, the resort draws an energetic
fun-in-the-sun bunch. The similarly priced Worthington Guest
House ranks among the cruisier resorts in town, wi,h a playful vibe
and attractive grounds for sunning and swimming au naturale. 1he
same owners opened the neighboring Alcazar Resort in 2006, also
featuring a frisky ambience and lovely rooms. Mode:ateiy priced
Coconut Cove, just a short walk from the beach, is another reliable
choice in the neighborhood.
The gav-resort scene in Fort Lauderdale is constantly evolving, with
rrend/new properties opening seemingly every few months, and
oider ones receiving massive makeovers. A great example of the latter
is the elegam Nev, Zealand House, which was vin:ually rebuilt in
2003; now its sleek rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD/CD piayers,
cordless phones, and Wi-Fi. Orhcr highly recommended properties
include the Grand Resort, whose urbane decorative scheme contrasts
markedly with the tropical beachy ambience of Fon Lauderdale
beach; it's one of the few gay iodgings with a gym. With about
30 rooms, the Schubert Resort, fashioned out of a rerro-cool l 950s
hotel compound, affords a similar level of opuience and alluring facilities,
including a cafc with a full bar. Although it's set a shon drive
inland from the beach, the Coral Reef Guest House is a worthwhile
option thanks to its attractive g.1rdens, massage offerings, and eight
cheerfdly furnis'."!cci, reasonably priced rooms. One of the dosest
resorts to the mar:y gay bar, and restaurants in Wiiton ~Aanors,
Cabanas Guest House appeab w social butterflies, with its l 0-man
Jacuzzi and eight-man aroma,herapy steam room. The posh rooms
h~tvc goose-dov~rn con1fcH·ters~ Wi-I:i, and (=I)ifviP3 players.
Fort Lauderdaic is les~ about sightseeing than ~v1iami or ()rlando
- people come hnc ro relax in rhe sun :-u•~"''""-· and shop. This latter
activity you can enjoy at the fiuncd Sawgrass J\.-iills J\r1a1L whosr
more than .300 designer outlets include l)onna Karan) Saks, Ann
'riy1or; and ()r stroll along Las_
1
_;:~];:;_"_,,:, •• J-\
1~.'-,bich •~.~.. ~~_;:,:~r:
1
•~_:,
1
::
\",'ith fashion boutiques and __ .~ ..,__ --" c__ -~ ~ ---
and around 1-vatcr, and then: are sightseeing
cruises,
and
:-;ailing
rnany <)f the local :Jccornrnodations ,vork closely
outfitters, But if you do have a hanker--
of }\rt Fort I..,auderdaic
vvt.lvvv.ozark.sstar.corn
is also a great place to while away the occasional rainy afternoon.
It's known for its first-rate collection of works by leading American
impressionist painter Wiliiam Giackens.
The city's dining scene continues ro evolve. For creative contemporary
cuisine, it's hard to beat stylish Mark's Las Olas, which has a
chic decor and A-list clientele. Perhaps the hottest venue in town is
Johnny V, helmed by celeb chef Johnny Vinczencz - at this hip Las
Olas restaurant you might try ancho-cinnamon-grilled pork t~nderioin
or corn-dusted yellowtail snapper with smoked-pepper relish.
At the Atlantic hotel, Trina has become a favorite for its signature
Trinatini cocktails (with vodka, lavender syrup, and pomegranate
and lemon juices), such tempting Mediterranean-inspired fare as
Moroccan chicken pizza and tagine-baked grouper with almond
couscous, and the awesome ocean views.
Or consider one of Fort Lauderdale's several gay faves, such as HiLife,
a homey bistro with delicious, sensibly priced pastas, salads,
and seafood and poultry grills - try the grilled bacon-wrapped jalapenos
stuffed with shrimp and cheese. Kitchenetta Tratroria serves
some of the best Italian food in rhe region, including knockout
ricotra cheesecake for dessert. A favorite piano cabaret in Wilton
Manors, Tropics offers above-average Continental fare, such as a
prosciutto-pocket starrer - a pastry stuffed with prosciutro, apples,
walnuts, and mozzarella.
\v'ilton Manors is also home to Rosie's, a former Hamburger
Mary's restaurant that's still a convivial spot for casual pub fare
and socializing, and Galanga, known for its outstanding sushi and
weil-prepared Thai food. For dessert, coffee, and wine, or delicious
sandwiches during the day, be sure to stop by breezy and hip Stork's
Bakery. There's also a Stork's on Las Olas Boulevard, from which
you can book a romantic gondola tour along rhe Himmarshee
Canal. A great, relatively new addition to Wilton Manors is the
Naked Grape, a handsome iittle wine bar with light food and live
music most nights as well as a nice selection of microbrew beers to
go along with the vino.
Fort Lauderdale pulses with gay bars. If you're in the mood to cut
loose at a big-time warehouse disco, head to rhe Coliseum, a glitzy
megaclub with a variety of parties and theme nights. The elegant
China White nightclub has a number oflively parties throughout
the week, and has become quite famous for its giant elephant
sculpture and distinctive leopard-prim carpets and lavish Buddha
~tatuary.
Learher bars like the hard-edged Sr.eel lounge and dance dub and
the dungeoncsque Ramrod, with its Tom of Finland artwork, always
dra1.,v big crcn,vds. BHfs Fiiling Station is a quintessential neighbor~
hood hangout and home t0 one of the city's top happy hours, especially
an1ong the 35~and-older cro-\vd. \Xfilton Manors, a l 5-111inute
drive fro!n the beach resorts, has several appealing nightspots,
. ' •. ~ l 1 ., ~~ 1nclu~1ng a te\~l n:at_cate: ne.a:11r to r'ort .T.. _,au•~ erd' a. .1. _ e•-s CO!lS•H ' .1era• bI. e
over-)0 gay populatton. ln th1s latter group, (_,hardees, a restaurant
and lounge: is queen of the hill; its nightly piano cabaret is always
hie Sidelines Sports Bar dra"'.,v-s a great 1nix of folks to shoot
and vilatch sports on T\1~ and the lesbian-popular i-...Jev1 J\.,1oon~ a
neighborhood joint -.~vith great on Vr'eekends, (:lub
\AJV\.n.v~ozarksstar.com
Boom, Elements, and Georgie's Alibi are slick, happening video bars
nearby, ali three of them good places to meet locals and converse
with friends. There's something for everybody in this constantly
growing gay resort community.
Photo: White-faced (capuchin) monkeys frequently cavort in
the trees behind the beach in Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio
National Park. (Photo by Andrew Collins)
the STAR 21
DECEMBER 2006
"CHRISTMAS IN NOVEMBER"
Jolie Justus, newly elected member of the Missouri state Sena,e
I'm still a lirrle dazed - I was up pretty late on election night - but
I'm cerrainiy not confused. And neither is rhe country.
No longer content to be sv.-ayed by the politics ~f fear and hare,
1 middle Americans came our in record numbers lasr Tuesday ana
shoured from the rooftops - "We want change!" And change is what
they got.
President Bush and the Republican Party have been put on notice.
The Democrats have raken control of the U.S. House of RepresentatiYes,
a change that was 12 years in the making. And the improbable
is no-w reality - both Montana and Virginia have turned blue, giving
the U.S. Senate to the Democrats as we!L "I11e election is welcome
news certainly for us tried-and-true Dems, but also for rhe lesbian
and gay commc:nity.
i'fothing was more satisf1ing than to see Rick "man on dog" Sar,torum,
one of Pennsylvania's two Republican U.S. senators, become
history. Santorum is one of the most disgustingly homophobic
elected officials of ail time. He's been a wp Bush apologist, who carried
the radical Christian right's warer, and he w:11 now be replaced
by Bob Casey, the son of a forn1er Pennsylvania governor.
lust as sweet as Santorum\ exit from office is the fact that his chief
~f staff and coinn1unications director, Robert T'raynham, an
openly gay Af'rican-i\meric:m man, wiH soon b~ om of,,. jo~. L for
one, don't kno,v hovv 'Tfaynham can get up in the morning knov✓1ng
he helped elect and put ·\vords in the ffiouth of one of this counrry:s
biggest gay~haters.
'•X'hen you look at the cndors~:rricnts 1nade the l-!11n1an :Rights
C:an1pajgnt '\VC did pretty ·w·elL ()f !-1R..C:'s 231 endorsecs, 208
22 the STAR
won, while only 16 losr. (At press time, seven races were still undecided.'!
\Y/hen vou break down the numbers, rhere were 18 senators,
179 ~embers ~f r:he House, and 11 governors elected ,vho purportedly
support our issues.
Of the 51 key Congressional and Gubernatorial races tha.: HRC
identified, 15 candidares ,von in the House, and nine were successfui
in the Senate. HRC's president, Joe Soimonese, told me the day
after the election that his group's top priorii:ies were thre<:' Senate
races - Casey in Pennsylvania, Sherrod Brown in Ohio, and Amy
Klobuchar in Minnesota. All three won. But HRC's strategy went
beyond those top races.
"The greatest hope for our community resred in our ability to be a
powerful polirical force in key races and do ir in a way ,ha;: people
felt our oresence," said Solmonese. "We iooked within those states,
and as a 'national organization, considered what else we could do in
each of them to effect change for our community.''
In Minnesota, HRC pm: considerable resources into the state bod1
raising and spending money to organize the community and impact
the race. Klobuchar beat her Republican challenger, Mark Ken:1edy,
in an open race with 58 percent of rhe vote. Tim \Y/a!z, a Democ,r_at
endorsed by HRC, defeated an incumbent U.S. Congressma;:i, Gil
Gutknecht; and furthermore, according to HRC's website, thar
state's legislature will have a "fair-minded majority in 2007 .''
]be Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDNJ did a bit of its
own election analvsis and concluded that all the co-sponsors of the
bill to repeal "Do;1't Ask, Don't Tell" who sought re-~lection were
successful except for one outstanding race in Connecticut. SLDN
also said that no one was thrown out of office for supporting the repeal,
and that, according to a recent Gailup poll, nearly four in f.ve
Americans support gays and lesbian serving openly in the milh:ary.
Perhaps with the new Congression;,J leadership and rhe polii:ically
expedient exit of Secretary of Dei:ense Donald Rumsfeld, we'll actually
see some movement on rhis issue. The military is already hardpressed
to Eli its quotas, so not letting us serve is just plai1: sn:pid.
Unfortunately, all but one of the same-sex marriage bans passed.
i\rizona turned away from hatred and dcfca!ed its anti-gay-marriage
baliot measure, and Sourh Dako,a's vote was surprisingiy verv dose
- 52 percent for, 48 percent against. Virginia passed its measare, but
not after a long, hard fight and the organizing of a terrific coalirion
that \Vill hopefnlly continue ro battle for our rights.
,.;v~hile n1uch attention has been placed on the national scene. 1..ve
can\ forget that politics is aiso local, and that 1.ve did pretty ~~vell on
that levei, too.
v,.11,v,N, ozark.sstar. corn
performed charitable work, sponsorino
holiday toy drives for children and fi.u~draisers
that originally assisred injured riders and
iater helped people ·with AIDS.
While early gay motorcycle clubs were
men-only, some lesbian~ also embraced the
lifestyle, forming women's clubs such as the
Moving Violations in Boston (19851 and
the Sirens in New York Citv 0986): The
m_ost well-known queer wo.men motorcyclJSts
are the Dykes on Bikes. 1he original
group, which rode in the 1976 San F~ancisco
Pride parade, became a nonprofit
offici~lly known as the Women's Mororcycle
Contmgent. After the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office twice rejected the oroup's
application - claiming the word "dyk~" w;s
derogatory and vulgar it finally registered
the name 'Dykes on Bikes" in 2005.
Over the years, the nature of queer motorcycle
culture has changed. With the advent
of gay liberation in the iate 1960s, m.my
men no longer felt the need for secretive
fraternal organizations, and liberal activisrs
rejected the hierarchy anci militarism of the
early clubs. In the 1980s, rhe AIDS epidemic
devastated the gay male motorcycle
com~unity. With the emergence of groups
specifically devoted rn leather/SM, motorcycle
riding and fetish sexuality diverged as,
accor~ing to Bald"".in. ~ome .serious riders
were embarrassed by the irotic visibiliry of
the kinky crowd." ·
w'hile motorcycle dubs no longer plav
as prominent a role in rhe gav world, the
cuiture continues to thrive, 2~1d new dubs
emerge, such as the Stonewall Kniohts in
-Ft. L aua' erd a l' e and t I1 e '1--,:"va•l iers o~°- New
Orleans, both founded '11 2002. Mirroring
trends in the larger GLBT comnumitY,
many of today's motorcycic dubs wclcon;e
members of all genders and scxuai orientations.
In the words of ,he organizc:s of the
annual Queer Biker Invasior; of Dead~ Valley~
being queer is "a state of n1ind~ and vou
know if it fits you." '
For further information:
Baidwin, Guy. 1993. ~~fies ~!hat
(Daedaius).
Bloom, Scott, 2005.
Satyrs iv10torcycie (]ub _
Guggenheirn iv1usetu11. 1998.
fvianhi: 'The Biker Book _ .
w-NW.ozarksstar.corn
All in all. HRC flexed its political muscle in
unprecedented ways. We invested more than
$5 million in these elections and mobilized
our more than 650,000 members and supporters
to participate in campaigns and to
rnte. We placed 84 staffers in 30 races in
more than 18 states and we sent 22 HRC
Youth College campaign workers all over the
country. We also dramatically expanded our
field operations this election cycle, playing
key roles in coordinated progressive efforts
and helping fair-minded leaders take back
the New Hampshire state House and Senate,
the Iowa House and Senate, the Indiana
House, the Minnesota House, the Oregon
House and the Michigan House.
\'i/e were literally on the front lines in dozens
of states. (For a more extensive analysis on
what HRC accomplished, check our HRC
":ice President David Smith's insider postelection
analysis memo here:http:/ /www.hrc.
org/election2006/)
With a new fair-minded leadership in both
the United Srates House and Senate, the
Federal Marriage Amendment is dead! And
we look forward to working strategically ·
with our allies on the Hill to build momentum
and support for passing the Employment
Non-Discrimination Act and making
hate crimes protections the law of the land.
A truly exciting new chapter of GLBT history
is beginning.
I ~vant to offer a very special thanks to all
ot you. Your ongoing belief in rhe work we ?o made these historic vicrories possible.
Your contributions, the time vou rnok to
volunteer and your participation in HRC
evems and HRC-endorsed campaigns are
the reasons we were able to secure a more
pro-equality 11 Orh Congress and Senate. I
feel very iucky to work with such a talented
team at HRC ar;d, as I rravei around rhe
cmmtrv, I am inspired bv vour commirm~nr
to our ·rn.arch t<Y,,;ard full ;quaiitv. i·h~pe ~· ·
vou will rake some time to ~deb~atc o~r
~.,vins. because it trulv is a ne½~ dav for the
(;LR1. con1n1unity ;nd for our c~untry.
*
((3 OZ)GREY GOOSE voott\
(1 OZ) CHAMBORD
(1/2 OZ) PINEAPPLE JUICE.:___.
~~
1. Chill a martini glasses with ice and
water.
2. Add aii ingredients with ice in
shaker
3. Shake well.
4. Strain into the chilied martini
glasses.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU !
TheSTAR 23
Salutations Kittens and welcome to Uncle's corner of the world once
again. Like a friend with benefits, Uncle shall continue to provide
enjoyment to all that seek. Uncle Mikey finds a Twink that wants
to be fabulous, while a queen ponders the afteriife. Never a dull
moment in Uncle's corner, Kittens.
Dear Uncle Mikey,
Wby does everyone think that just because you are deeper than a basket of
hair products. you are a drag? I am so sick of this plastic existence, where
the most important matter of discussion is where the next piece of ass is
coming from. Can't we just pretend there is more to life than just a selfserving
int~rest?
Seeking Depth
Dearest SD,
Kitten, it takes all kinds to keep this world turning. I agree with your
plight of mind-candy. It was just this morning kittens that Uncle, while
sitting on the balcony. was pondering real life issues affecting us ail. Ifl
wear my blonde wig to the winter carnival, will the queens forgive me? Yes,
Kitten as you can see, Uncle Mikey is a twin soul; one seeking fun while the
other is seeking wisdom. Maybe I should call Ru!
Smooches,
Uncle Mikey
Dear Uncle,
I am beginning to wo,,der what comes in the afterlife. I am dating a man
of the church, who is in const211t deniai. He lies to himself, his wife, and
his church. I sit there, 01;. the sidelines in love, with a man who cannot
even walk with me in the light of day. I am wondering if there really is
anything after this !if-:. I mean, every day we hear from those in the church
who are noth:ng more thar, :mpostors living a life oflies. What is to come?
Seeing the jaded gates '\
Dearest Jade.
Kitten, I understmd t:hc bbrn::d iine between iife's happiness and moments
fillt:d wit!1 a fairhfoi search. I myself recall my first love, which happened to
be a priest, at« locai parish. He was the man who taught me passion, romance,
and commitment. A romance that gave uncie Mikey the first taste
oflo,·e and pass1on i,1 the southern skyway. It was the toughest break up of
my life. 'That vear was such a time of change for Uncle, the break up wi.:h
Father Flanagan and starting rniddlc schooi ail in one year. It was rough
but taught 1ne to be strong to say the lease
Smooches,
Uncle
[)ear lJnde fvfikcy,
1-io~~l do you tell someone you just want a booty call so they do not uy to
get aU hon1cn1akcr on your ass?
Booty-Boy
26 theSTAR
You could say something like, ·'Booty; parry of one!" Keep it simple young
player.
Uncle
Uncle Mikey,
I am surviving a breakup after ren years ofioving th:: s;ime and onl, man.
Now I find mvsdf in a world that has chane.ed in that de;::ade of bliss. 1he
men are so m{believably outrageous about tl1eir ways and desires. I fear
time has passed me ieaving me to remai!1 alone. I just do not know how
to be "so'' out there as it seems co be the protocol. Am I just destined to be
alone?
Party of One
Dearest One,
Poor love, iife is on a fast tr2ck rhac ;::an oe a bit unnerving at first. Uncle
has watched the times change, ar!d fads co;ne ;;nd go. \veicome to the
drive through of the booty age. wl1ere or.ce we had to seek out iove in
midnight hidden embraces, we now can't walk a park mile without rripping
over someone's throbbing desire. 111at reminds me of a walk Uncle took
the ocher dav, Kittens. This man was absolutclv Matthew fine! Well he
approached ·me with his! Oh sorry One! Uncle.got lost in the moment.
Back to rhe issue at hand! Kitten, buy a new ,vardrobe, and don a new look.
Tnen hit the town. Just think of the wonders tbat wait. Kitten, this too
shall pass, pd! up a ~cat to Twink :If]. and enjoy the new found,freedom!
Smooches
Uncle
Uncle Mikey,
Do you think it iS, wro~f ro ask a_ coapi~ to have a th,eesome, when you're
related ro one of tnem, tb(:y an: JUSt so not.
Looking for family .:ime
Kitten, I swear I am hearing banjos again. Let us step out of the trailer
court when looking for a hook up - shall we Darling? Remember there are
branches on the Famiiv Tree for a reason.
Smooches Mikey ·
Uncie Mikey, '
What do you tell a friend who is really getting to be: mer weight and chinking
they are still hot? I do not icnow what he sees when he looks in the mirror,
but people are talking. He jt!st seems no; :o care anymore. He never
works out anymore, and he eats anything ar;d evcryrh;ng. l am almost
embarrassed of him. What c,m I do;
Friend of chubby
A fdl-iength mirror v,ith overhead lighting should do the cick. "
Smooches r,1ikey
•Disclaimer - Looking at: oneself in a full-length rnirrnr \vich overhead lighting
may be hazardous to :{ou heahh. l}nck rccornnH:nds having a good stifF
one before doing this. \Ou do not ,varn to go into shock. Be afraid be
very afraid. (~onsult a queen near
Unde discovered
an overhead mirror JS you
has been there ev,:r since!
look best v.ri,Hc looking J.t yoursdf fron1
( 1!: ,r( ?fr ;),cn ... k, 1'.Jccdkss to say lJnde
tJnde is out of sight once nHHe, Until
rnake of itJ so
and. -i Hlct!es too.
v-rvi\N.ozarksstar,corn
FRIDAY December 1
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6.6-12
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
PEC'S: .\faie Dan~m, 9pm
SATURDAY December 2
THE ROCKIES: OGRA Benefit Shew
8:30gm
TH~ COPA: Maie D:rncers 9pm
GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfas: Buffet
1 arn.~.3:30am
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
PEC'S: Male Dancers, 9pm
SUNDAY December 3
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Fr~e Brunch
2pm, Danc~rs 4pm
CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show
8:30pm.
CLUB MAJESTIC: Caria Lee Love
Show 10pm
THE CO!'A: Raci,ac! Erikks Show
10:30pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
MONDAY December4
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9om
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
TUESDAY December 5
PEC'S: Well cirinks 2.50 from 7-9pm
,vcar lc•thcr.
THE COPA: Stip-Off Contest 12am
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
WEDNESDAY December 6
BAMBOO LOUNGE: K:uaoke 9pm.
PEC'S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-9om
wear lcad:er. •
TNT'S: Karaoke 9pm
THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament l 0pm
THE ROCKlES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
THURSDAY December 7
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show
,viRachad Erikks :!,;at=;i:t;:;~ drink~ 2.50 from 7•9pm
THE COP~-'\.: ()pen Taienr ~NiShcrnoanc
~I~;~~;i~};/~f~:~ fotm,amcn, lGp:li
LEDO: Kari-,Okic host. Pancho 9orr:
THE ROCKJE..5: Beer Bust 'lpm~7pm
FRIDAY December 8
TBJ::. COPA: t .. {a!c l)ancers 9prn
THE ROCKIES: Beer Busr 1-6.6-12
CLUB ROX: Alison Scott. 9:30pm
PEC'S: ~\1Jlc l)~u1ccrs, 9pm
wNw.ozarksstar.com
SATURDAY December 9
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
PEC'S: Maie Dar!cers, 9pm
GUSHERS: Lare Niehr Breakfast Buffe,
lam-3:30am ,.
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
SUNDAY December 10
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pm, Dancers 4pm
CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show
8:30pm.
CLUB MAjESTiC: Catia Lee Love
Show 10pm
THE COPA: R;,;.chad Erikks Show
i0:30om
THE 'ROCKIES: Beer Bu!t 1-6,6-12
MONDAY December 11
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
TUESDAY. December Ii
PEC'S: Wdl drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm
wear leather.
THE COPA: Seip-Off Contest 12am
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
WEDNESDAY December 13
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
PEC'S: Wei! cl.inks 2.50 from 7-9pm
wear leather.
TNT'S: Karaoke 9om.
THE COPA· Variety Show i0:30pm
FiNISHLINE: Dart Tourn;smem 10pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bun 4pm-7pm
THURSDAY December 14
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show
w/Rachael Erikks
PEC'S: Wdl dri:-.ks 2.50 from 7-9om
wear leather. ·
THE COPA: Open Talem w/Shcmoanc
Somemore ! 0:30pm
FiNISHLINE: 6an ·fouroamcm 10L>m
LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9p::;
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
FRIDAY December 15
CLUB MAJESTIC: Majestic Kings
Show 10pm. ··
Tl-iE COPA; J-..1:ak Dancers 9prn
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
PEC'S: Male l)ancers, 9prn
SATURDAY December 16
-rNT's: fundraiscr for Susln c; Komen
BreEr Cm1e<::r Foundation, l0;)m
Tl-IE COPA: ~1:.tlt l)311e.:-rs 9i,m
GCSHERS: 1..1,a
larn-J:30am
Brcakf1st Buffer
PECtS: fvfa.k D.1n-..:cc . c;t,,,·,.
THE RC)CKIES: Beer Bust l-6;6 .. 12
SUNDAY December 17
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pm, Dancers 4pm Kris Kohl Show
8pm
CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show
8:30pm.
CLUB MAJESTIC: Catia Lee Love
Show 10pm
THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show
10:30pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
MONDAY December 18
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
TUESDAY December 19
PEC'S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7 -
9pm wear leather.
THE COPA: Sc;p-Off Comest
Midnight.
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
WEDNESDAY December 20
BA..\fBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
PEC'S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-
9pm wear leather.
JNT'S: Karaoke 9pm.
THE COPA: Variety Show I 0:30pm
FINISHLINE: DanTournament 10pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
THURSDAY December 21
CLUB MAJESTIC: Taienc Show
w/Rachad Erikks
PECS: Wdl drinks 2.50 fcOJ:: 7-90::,
wear leathe,. ·
THE COPA: Open 'Ialmr wiShemo;;.nc
Somemore i 0:30pm
FJNISHUNE: Darr ·1ournamcnc l (1pm
LEDO: Kari-Okk host Pancho 9om
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm~7pm
FRIDAY D«.ember 22
THE COPA: Maie Dancers 9pm
PEC'S: lvfoJe I)ancers, 9pm
THE ROCKiES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
CLUB ROX: Alison Scott Show9:30pm
SATURDAY ~mber 23
TNT?s: Chrisrn1as P.anv. Raffle Benefit
for Childrcns f·iospitaL·
1-HE COPA: t.. ..i alc I)anccrs 9pm
GUSHERS: Luc l"J.ighr Bre:1kfasr Bufl{:1
J aJ11-3:30am
PEC'S; :v1ak Dancers, 9prr:
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bmt i--6.6-12
SUNDAY December 24
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pm. Dancers 4om
CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Sh°'"
8:30pm.
CLUB MAJESTIC: Caria Lee Love
Show 10pm
THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show
10:30pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
MONDAY December 25
CHRISTMAS DAY
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Christmas Din:
icr Se:-vcd 3pm. Karaoke 9pm.
THE ROCKIES: Beer Buse 4pm-7pm
TUESDAY December 26
PEC'S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-
9pm wc;;.r leather.
THE COPA: Seip-Off Comest
Midnight.
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust ,ipm-7pm
WEDNESDAY December 27
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
PEC'S: Wdl drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm
·wear leather.
TNT'S: Karaoke 9pm.
THE COPA: VarietJ Show 10:30pm
FINISHLINE: Dare Toarnament l 0pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
THURSDAY December 28
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show wi
Rachael Erikks
PEC':".: Weil drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm
v;car buher.
THE COPA: Open Taicn, w/Shemoane
Somcmorc 10:300::1
FINISHLINE: Darr Tournamcn~ I 0pm
LEDO; Kari-Okie host. Pancho 9pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
FRIDAY December 29
THE COPA: ?,fale Dancer,; 9pm
PEC'S: Male Dancers, 9pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
SATURDAY December 30
Buffer
Lan-3:30am
PEC'S: \faie l);u1et:rs, tJpm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust i-6,6-12
SUNDAY December 31
t'1£~1YEARS E'✓-E
E'IERY()l~E P1\R1-IES!'.
}i()i~LYWOO[: HOTEL:
Ddarnore, f\1a!c Dan.:e Revm.:.
aHy i{ncnvn Surprise SiJ)gr.:r.
the STi\R 27
"Welcome criticism, Gemini!""
Venus aligns with Pluto (yes, to astrologers he's still a
planet!) drawing us to erotic confrontation and artistic or
financial challenges. Both planets trine Saturn in Leo,
grounding us to more secure personalities or others without
a need to prove themselves.
ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Embrace new adventures
like your life depends on it. The quality of your life depends
on a catalytic change; familiar pleasures aren't cutting it.
Don't be afraid of a challenge. There's more to fear if you
don't go for a big one!
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Review your mortgage or
debts to see if you can get a better deal. New erotic opportunities
will push your boundaries and rouse parental or cuitural
voices - all the better to face them down and be free.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If you want perfection, it's
best to work on yourself, not your partner! Even efforts
at self-improvement may come off as annoying to others.
Perhaps that's a clue to how you realiy need to adapt. Welcome
supportive criticism.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Be careful of your health,
especially when it comes to erotic and culinary indulgences
that could affect your liver. Hard work sustains you - up to
a point. Overwork is very dangerous. Know your limits and
err on the side of caution.
LEO (July 23 - August 22): You need some recreation to
steel yourself against life's challenges. Some light, fluffy
_divertissements_ will not do the trick, but a powerful creative
or athletic challenge is needed to provide the required
release and reinforcement.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Famiiy or roommates
will drive you mad if given half a chance. Take time
out and away from them to be centered and clear on your
own priorities. Then you can stand your ground with unwavering
assurance.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Your nOimally
famous diplomacy seems to be on vacation. Despite your
best efforts, you tend to come across as forceful and locked
onto an immutabie goal. That can be good in the right time
and place, but use your forcefulness wisely!
SCORPIO (October 23 w November 21 ): Having a crisis
of values is just a process of maturing. How you face and
resoive it is more important than the crisis itself. Your approach
to the problem will be on view and couid affect your
career.
28 the STAR
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 ® December 20): You could
seduce almost anyone you want now. The trick may be
keeping away those you don't want. !f you really want to
turn the seduction up, a mature, slightly exotic look will
work for you.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Erotic dreams
(nightmares?) are suddenly very vivid. They may shake up
familiar patterns, but isn't that a!i for the better? Embrace
the challenges and someone, perhaps with more experience,
who can share them with you.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You love a good
debate, now more than ever. You are especially sure of
yourself, but learning is bettei than conquest. The greater
victory would be in keeping an open mind and respecting
whatever authority your opponent may have.
PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Hard work now can
have transformative effects on your career. Expend some
effort, but don't push too hard, to make sure your accomplishments
are noticed. Standing up to the boss may be
necessary. Be calm and open to criticism while holding firm
when you know you're right.
SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO
FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES
SPIRIT OF CHRIST
J\{CC SPONSORS
Testing appoimme:1: 417-529-8.d.80.
2902 E. 20th St..
PO Box 4711
Joplin. I\fo 64803
SA1TRDKY Service 9:?ll:\~\f
Your lnYited to our Cornmunin· Dinner w·cd
6pm iust $4.00. No one is rurned a-.:.JJav.~
Vv\'-Nrozarksstar.com
rokeback (''B
(verb) to brokeback; the
act of affection between
two men in pubiic. Best
done while wearing
cowboy hats.
ex. "Aww, look, they're
brokebacking. Isn't.
that cute?"
Celebri.Vom rn ("sel-EB-ra-vom")
(noun) fast acting \
1
.,_ 1
new diet pill; very ' ,,.__ :; o,-:.
1 -c_.; /.
Popu ar t ./ ""',:.
all h / . ~ 0 t c youn p, , · ; , -
blonde, anorexic ::: O -
and bulimic / 1 \'
Hollywood starlets.
w.vw,joanh!lty.net
30 the STAR
(verb) to hatch;
sentenced
azenly
cheating on your
income taxes.
Also see: fat,
hairv; naked
prison bitch.
•rovtan
(adjective) the act of
being evil, porcine,
and manipulative.
ex. "Jed, that pig's
done gone all
karlrovian on us.
Better go git th' gun!
onna("ma
(verb) to madonna;
technical term used
in the magazine
industry for digitally
retouching the hell
out of deeply wrinkled
faces of middle-aged
ceiebrities.
wv.,w.ozarksstar.com
~
NW Arkansas GLBT
Communit.y, Center
"Linking Together as One"
For more information:
WWWNWAGLBTCC.ORG
r---------
i
V.'\VW.ozarksstar.com
Jay Whiteside
918.902.1461
Tulsa Metro
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
JJall fqr: an -appointment tmd rates.
;,'; i :';'",•, 9~1: ..
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY
ADVERTISINC3 SALES
REPRESENTATIVE
FOR OKLAHOMA, KANSAS
MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS
qualifications to
ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net
or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #~53
Tulsa, OK 74145
the STAR
N
B R RILL
Sunday Champagne Brunch
All you can eat soup and salad bar 1 lam-2pm
$8.99
Monday & Tuesday
Well Martinis $2.50 4pm-7 pm
Best Prime Rib in Town'
Friday & Saturday Nights
Bar fa\orites. restaurant favorites and many
!lC\Y item~ for your enjoyment pleasure
NEW WINTER RATES - $45•
,:, Plus tax. excludes suites
'1 I· ,- '
-,,.,r ~
i j' ,
.
p 'S
A LEATHER/LEVI BAR
CLOSED MONDAYS
Sun 7pm - 2am,
Tues-Thurs 7pm-9pm wear your leather
and get your well drinks for $2.50
Sun - Thur. 7pm-2am
R
Fri and Sat. 4pm-2am
'S PL CE
PIANO BAR
Rudy's Place is a non-smoking
establisthment
Early for cocktails, late for a night cap
NEWYEAR$ EVE
R Delamore, Male Dance
VJ:y-.Known
, .'Surprise Sin"ger.
CLUB
CLOSED MONDAY
SIZZLIN' SUNDAYS
With Whitney Paige
ALISON SCOTT SHOW
December 8th & December 22nd
9:30pm
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2006] The Star Magazine, December 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 12
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
December 01, 2006
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
Douglas Glenn
John Patrick
Michael Dee
Kay Massey
Paul Wortman
Carlotta Carlisle
Victor Gorin
Greg Gatewood
Libby Post
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzmn
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman
Chaz Ward
Victor Gorin
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, November 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 11
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/241
The Star Magazine, January 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 1
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/206
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/225
Advice Column
Bamboo Lounge
Bitter Girl
books
Border Activity
Chelsea Boys
classifieds
Comic Strips
Diversity Business Association
gay motorcycle clubs
HIV testing
Holiday Gift Ideas
horoscopes
Jim Roth
Lesbian Notions
LesDine Supper Club of Tulsa
marriage
MCC church
Miss Bamboo Pageant
mixology
Mr. Leather
Our House
Q Scopes
Red Ribbon
Star Advertisers
Star Distributors
Star Scene
Too
travel
Tulsa GLBT community center news
Uncle Mikey
Walmart
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2e2a9a8c933dbbbc21c3c4cdc0a83571.jpg
c0285f15bddb2569e69f41fde420d855
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b96238e6cb780c76b436d590e485edff.pdf
f3af744a4fdff9fad5baa5b8f88f0d77
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] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), 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.
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)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
Oldahoma City’s Robin
Dorner oins Metro
Star team. She not only
brings her talent and
enthusiasm, but also
expertise gained from
overall life experience and
reporting. Seepage 5
3.corn THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA JULY 1,2009
TSUNAMI SLAMS OBAMA
by Rex Wockmer
not health coverage, which he said june 17 is not within his
power. That’s the good news -- all of it.
What hasn’t he done? Anything about Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell, anything about the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA),
anything about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
He’s done nothing about any of the stuff he promised the
gays before they rushed to the polls en masse last November
to make sure he won that election.
And, then, Mr. Obama’s Justice Deparmxent filed a
briefJune 1 ! in a federal same-sex marriage case that used
nearly eveW nasty homophobic argument in the book to
argue against letting gays get married. That was the straw
that broke the camel’s back and unleashed a flood of harsh
criticism from gay VIPs.
"I hold this administration to a higher standard than this
brief," Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese
wrote to Obama. "In the course of your campaign, I became
convinced -- and I still want to believe -- that you do, too....
This brief should not be good enough for you, The question
is;Mr. President-- do you bdieve that it’s
)bama. dec~des 22 which~not necessary ~ i
, ~ . to file a brief. It’s a horrific and hideous attack on LGBT
:. .......
[one thats good. He ~ssued
Americans."
and he extended a few
spousal benefits ~ ~d~ employees’ Same’sex partners -- National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director
sick leave and long-term care insur~ce; for example, but
Kate Kendell on her Facebook page: "The filing by the
............ Continued See GAY TSUNAMI Page-24
Pro ect Pride Foundation
Director Under Investigation For
Fraud
By Victor Gorin
OKLAMOMA CIT~; OK__ On May 16, Robert
Jordan Chiles was dected to a position on the Oklahoma
State Democratic Party’s Central Committee as part of the
Affirmative Action Committee. Ivan Holmes, previous chair
of the Oklahoma State Democratic Party stated to the Metro
Star, "Robert ovces the party for tickets he purchased for the
luncheon at the State Convention along with advertising in
the program. He said he would pay that immediately
and he hasn’t as ofyet, so vce will pursue this issue." If he
doesn’t resign his position, party officials are ready to begin
impeachment proceedings.
In May Mr. Chiles placed an advertisement in the Metro
Star which ran in the June 2009 isme; soliciting funds for
his Project Pride Foundation, presented as an organization
working to advance GLBT rights and hdp people living with
HIV. This advertisement was paid for with a check that was
returned unpaid by his bank. Mr. Chiles was given numerous
opportunities by phone and email to cover the check with no
results. It has since been turned over to the Oldahoma County
District Attorney for collection and possible prosecution.
........... Continued See PROJECT PRIDE Page-17
T lsa Pride Se s New
By Michael \~ Sasser
TULSA, OK__Tt~a Pride’s Diversity Festival and Pride
Parade engaged a record number of participants on June 6th,
both in terms of spectators and participants.
"I think it exceeded expectations," said Oldahomans for
Equality President Toby Jenkins. "We were worried whether
the format and schedule might scare people or would be
comfortable for people to participate in. Our Pioneer
Breakfast far, far exceeded expectations. N~e police tell us
there were 23,000 people at the festival which is the largest
single-day attendance for an event we have ever had."
Jenkins said the festival also included over 70 vendors and
booths, twice the number as last year; and there vcere three
times the number of parade entries as last year.
"The parade yeas larger, there were more floats and more
groups," If there was a down side, it ~vas that in the nev¢ event
format debuting this year, there were fewer spectators along
the parade route.
........... Continued See TULSA PRIDE Page-6
LOCAL>> 9 YO GRAND MARSHALL I NATIONAL >> NO SUPPONF FOR DADT I WORLD >> 50,000 2gF EURO PRIDE I PLUS >> LIFESTYLE TRAVEL I ~’FS I WINE I DINING
July 2009
2
A good time
By Robin Domer-Townsend
OGRA [)~ddent RTint Wied}n, Robin Dornerphoto
OKLk(HOMA CI~/, OK Every ),ear as Memorial
Day weekend rolls around, the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo is held
in Oklahoma City. Their goal as a social organizarion is to
host an annual-gay rodeo in Oklahoma City, assist in western
related events and contribute to charitable organizations. This
year~ motto is. ’~A Bucking Good Time."
The mission ofOGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo
Association) is to act as a non-profit organization, to perform
charitable duties for the surrounding area through fundraisers,
rodeo performances, etc., for any particular charitable
organization the general membership of the association shall
choose.
"Xhat is the main goal of]OGRA; to raise money for
charity," said Klint Wieden, OGRA President. "Each year we
give primarily to two different charities ~vhich provide services
to those living with HIV or AIDS." This year’s beneficiaries
of the event are Other Options/Friends Food Pantry and
RAIN Oklahoma. Each of these organizations will receive a
charitable contribution from OGRA once the dollar amount
for donation has been calculated. "Usually it is around $3,500
for each organization," adds Wieden.
"Wieden grew up on a big ranch in north~vest Oklahoma
on thousands of acres. His family raised cattle, ran horses
and performed all general ranching duties and his family
was always involved in the rodeo. "I also love doing charity
work. It is a necessary thing," he adds. "I enjoy the causes xve
stand for at OGRA and bringing the two together; rodeo and
chariw, well, it’s a great thing for me."
OGP,A is a nonprofit organization and member of the
International Gay ;Rodeo Association, Inc. (IGRA) which is
comprised of 28 state/provincial associations throughout the
United States and Canada. The purpose for organizing OGRA
was to prov;ide a harmonious enviromnent for those interested
in the western lifestyle to express themselves through rodeo,
dance and other £~mity social activities barring al! prejudices
related to sex, nation~ origin, sexual orientation, religion, race
or any other prejudices. Overall, the IGRA has raised millions
ofdoltars ~br charities across the country.
Next year is a very big year for the OGRA as they will
celebrate their 25th anniversary. "Even more is in store for
next year’s event," furthers Wieden. "We will have a special
limited edition designer ’trophy buckle’ made. Each of the 25
buckles will be numbered and sold to raise even more money
for the charities ,are help."
Wieden and the board of the OGRA wish to thank all of
their sponsors and volunteers, but offer a special thanks to
Premium Beers of Oklahoma and the Copa/Finish Line which
each contributed more than $10,000 this ),ear. For more
information about OGRA please visit www.ogra.net.
Diversity Business
Assodates; proud to do
in OKC
By Robin Dorner-Townsend
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Since 2004, the Diversity
Business Association (DBA) has been a "proud’ organization
representing many businesses and prot)ssions in the
Oklahoma City metro area. As an organization primarily for
gay and gay-friendly businesses, DBA is a diverse group; thus
the name "Diversity Business Association."
DBA is not an organization iust for the gay, lesbian.
bisexual or transgender (GLBT} community. It is an open
minded, diverse group of individuals from all walks of life.
"Why not do business with people who want to do business
with you?", is their organizational motto. With nearly 150
members, the Diversity Business Association does mean
business.
"DBA has become Oklahoma City’s fastest growing GLBT
organization and with good reason," says Monty Milburm
President ofDBA. "We offer a casual yet business oriented
environment for our members to connect with and do
business with people that want to do business with them. It is
these connections that help all of us succeed in good and bad
times."
Each month, usually two business connection meetings are
held where members meet to network and exchange business
cards, ideas, and get together for fun events also. There are
luncheons, educational meetings and after hour mixers which
bring the group together for people ~vho want t6 do business
with like-minded people.
Membership fees for DBA are some of the best in this
area for an organization of its ~nd. An individual business
membership is $49 per year and corporate memberships (for
up to 10 people) are $450. Unlike most organizations, DBA
has a student or ’social’ membership f)e for $25 per year. N~is
allows the businesses in the area who are gay or gay-friendly to
benefit from like-minded people seeking to do business with
this diverse group.
The goal of DBA is to be a positive organization in the
GLBT community and the Oklahoma City community as
a whole. DBA will have a booth at the upcoming Gay Pride
events to be held at Memorial Park in Oklahoma City on June
27th & 28th and invites everyone to come and visit to see
what they are all about.
"I would like to encourage you to visit often, check out
our calendar and consider joining. We encourage positive
competition and celebrate each member’s success," adds
Milburn. "t am proud to serve as President of such a fine
organization. We really do mean business."
For more information about DBA, please email them at
contact@dbametro.org or visit vvw~.dbametro.org. It is best to
use Internet Explorer when visiting this site.
Impressive Youth Leads Tulsa’s
Gay Pride Parade
By Judy Gabbard
Noah Blatt GrandMarshall ~dsa Pride Parade. Judy G. photo
TULSA, OK The Grand Marshal! ofTulsds Annual
Pride Parade xvas not a celebrity or an individual with a crown
of jewels: this Grand Marshall was a nine year old young man
named Noah Blatt. Noah Blatt is a perfect example ofwhat
the words "Diversity" and "Acceptance" represent in the
contin~l struggle of gay rights.
Told to me by a representative of Oldahomans [br
Equality, Noah Blatt first came m the attention of the
committee members at Tulsa’s Equality Center, when
he hand delivered a letter and a donation. In the letter,
Noah explained that as an assignment he was to chose an
organization that he rahought was making a difference, His
mission was to acknowledge that organization and donate
to its support. Noah has continued to contribute part of his
weekly allowance in support ofTulsa’s Equality Center.
Toby Jenkins, Tulsa’s Equality committee President, said,
that when it came time to select the Grand Marshall for the
Pride Parade, no other individual was as deserving as Noah
Blatt.
Noah’s revelation, revealed in his letter, that xvhen same
sex couples love each other and want to marry, there shotdd
be no one allowed to stand in their way. Simple truth uttered
from one so young shows that the continuing struggle for gay
rights is making an impact on public opinion.
In a short interview with Noah Blatt, I met a gentle young
man with a view of the world that maW lose when they grow
up. Noah is determined to hang on to his beliefs and make
his opinions known. Noah’s room and dad are hard working,
well educated parents who have a!lo~ved their child to develop
his own views of human behavior.
Mr and Mrs Blatt support their young son’s ideas and
know that it takes only one person to start a movement
towards human rights.
Noah was introduced to the public at the Pride Festival
held at Centennial Park, located at 6th and Peoria, and
severalo awards were bestowed upon him. The greatest prize
was a view into the future possibilities of our youth. The
importance of bestowing understanding, love, guidance and
attention to our younger population was made evident in such
a small package, Noah Blatt.
www.rnetrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 3
UDGE RULES IN KEITH
KIMMEL’S FAVOR
ON HIS I’M GAY LICENSE
PLATE
By Victor Gotin
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK On April 6 Keith KimmeL
like maW other Ol-dahomans since 1967, applied for a
personalized license plate for his !992 Dodge pickup truck.
However. he ran into an obstacle because his message
was ’TM GAY". His request was denied. Kathy Green, a
supervisor in the Motor Vehicle Division, stated that his
request was denied due to a Oklahoma Tax Commission Rule
710:60-3-150 (d) which states "No license plate will be issued
-which may be offensive to the general public." However, she
did not state why she deemed that his message fit into that
category.
Mr. Kimmel appealed this decision, and his case was heard
by Administrative Law Judge Jay Harrington in Oklahoma
City on May 7. A favorable ruling, in which Judge Harrington
recommended that Keith be allowed his I’M GAY plate, was
released on June 18, jttst a week before Gay" Pride celebrations
ldcked off in Oklahoma City.
Attorney Brittany M. Novomy, who represented him on
this case had this statement, "This decision is an indication
that we do still live in a society that respects the rule of law,
and when we feel our civil rights have been violated we know
we can turn to our legal system to remedy the situation. I
believe it is also a signal that despite its national reputation,
Oldahoma has outstanding women and men in the legal
profession who put the law ahead of old prejudices."
The Oklahoma Tax Commission may accept or reject
this recommendation. Talking with Mr.Kimmel he stated,
"I think the judge reviewed the case carefully,, made a good
decision and I hope the commission will do the right thing
and let me have nay plate." If the Oklahoma Tax Commission
doesfft fol!ow- through and allow his plate he plans to pursue
additional legal action.
BillyJackson and Michael[ Friday
ioined their lives together
By Victor Gorin
Bil{rJackson &Michael Friday at their Holy[ Union wid~ t/.,eir
.iF[ends Luq andMidn@t. Godn photo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Billy Jackson and Michael
Friday joined their lives together Sunday, June 14 in Norman
at Thunderbird Chapel. Lovers of the country lifestyle, both
are active in OGRA, Michael as the mernbership chair and
Billy who is running for Mr. O.G.R~k. next year. Tney are
setding down together on the outskirts of Noble where
Michael, as a member of the Orchid Society, will be able to
pursue his hobby. The Holy Union was offidated by Pastor
Neill Spurgin of Exp~:essions Community Fellowship, where
both Billy and Michael are members. Let’s wish them a
wonderful life together.
Annual Hot Young Hollywood
Party to benefit R.A.I.N.
Oklahoma August 7
Angles to host annual Hot Young Hollywood PaW to benefit
RAIN Oklahoma. Oklahoma CiF’ HIVNon-profit agent/.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ August 7 2009
N~e Hot Young Holly~vood Party is an annual fundraiser for
RAIN Oklahoma, acting as a spotlight for local GLBT owned
& friendly businesses. RAIN Oklahoma will be honoring four
Oklahomans for their outstanding leadership and activism.
The event will be a fun filled evening with fashion
shmvs from well-known designers such as Cadillac Cowboy;
Nicole Moan, GLAMNERD, Riot Rockett and Debauchery
Clothing, plus live performances from Oklahoma City;s own
Eric Bramble and others. Definitely an event not to be missed!
Rafiqe ticket sales provided much of the $2500 raised at
last year’s party. I~mt year sponsor donated items included a
necklace donated by Mitchener & Farrand Jewelers, a "makeover"
prize package .from Velvet Monkey Inc., dinner for two
at 1492, and a Marc-by-Marc Jacobs bag among many other
items.
For the RAIN Leadership Award, campus GLBT groups
made nominations from OCU, UCO, OU, OSU OKC AND
UT as well as the GLBT group of DELL and the Cimarron
Alliance Foundation. The goal of our nominees is to increase
the quality of life for all Oklahomans.
RAIN Oklahoma is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit agency,
depending on private donations and the support of the
community to continue providing high quality of services.
RAIN Oklahoma offers a wide array of services from free HIV
testing and counseling, community outreach projects, Ryan
White Case Management, ADVANTAGE Medicaid waiver
services & Transitional Housing. RAIN Oklahoma’s
mission is to compassionately serve indMduals and
communities impacted by HIV/AIDS through
education, volunteerism and coordinated access to
healthcare & support services.
We accept all donations; Gift Certificates, Checlcs,
Merchandise and/or services. Donors will be recognized
in the program.
For additional information on The Hot Young
Holbavood Party, please contact the Hot Young
Holl)wcood Committee:
Contact:
Kendet R. Powers, CTR Agent
RAIN Oklahoma
405/204/7767
kpowers@rainoklahom.org
Vicld Banta
Vicki Banta the Partyoligist
405/850/6817
Xfbanta@aol.com
Kai R. Dameron
Rain Oldahoma, CTR Coordinator
405/232/2437 xt 123
KaiDameron@hotmail.com
Giving back: MAC Cosmetics
’Viva Glam’ line supports HIV!
AIDS organizations
By Robin Dorner-Townsend
Inf!’ont ofthe Iguana Lounge in Automobile Alley in downtown
Oklahoma Ci~, the 3¢IAC cosmetics staffin Oklahoma City show
their support in theform of"a big check"for Other Options and
Friends Food Pantry. Thefundraising event "51 Toast to Life"
was heldfor the non-profit organization at The Iguana Lounge
in April The Iguana showed its support ofthe Other Options
organization by undenvHting the charitable event.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Since 1989, Other
Options has been on the forefront of prevention, education,
and assistance of those in need who are living ~vith HIV
(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Autoimmune
Deficiency Syndrome). The organization was Formed as anonprofit
whose missi6n" included al! services which hdp persons
living with the disease but currently their primary focus is that
of food services, nutrition and education.
Mary Arbuckle, Director of Other Options works to
assist the clients they serve, organizes donations and among
many other taslcs, she also writes grant applications for the
organization. "It’s a .....Continued see MAC page 24
July 2009
4
Leather Camp Vwill
be running in Wichita
gg~IICHITA, KS (PR) __ August 14
- 16, 2009. Early bird registration is active
until July" 21st at a rate of $75.00. After July
21st, the package cost xvill be $85.00. The
Clarion Hotel will hots the event with a room
rate of $79.00 per night. Rooms need to be
booked directly through the hotel. Ask for
the WOOLF rate to get the discount.
~qere are lots of great classes for this years
event. Presenters include ~qaipmaster Bob
and Bootpig, Graydancer, Sir Olivier and pup
sparlg~, Mason and Michelle. In addition, we
will be having our Central Hains Regional
contests for Central Plains LeatherSirlboy and
CommunivA Bootblack as well as our loc~
WOOLF contests for Mr. and Ms. WOOLF
and Kansas boy/girl. All of the contests
will be judged by International LeatherSir
2009, Sir Raul, International Leatherboy
2009, boy bill, Central Plains LeatherSir
2009, Master Sam Sampson, Central Plains
Leatherboy 2009, pup sparkle, Central
Plains Community Bootblack 2009, boy
blu, Great Plains Leatherboy 2008, boy mike
and Rev. Jackie Carter of the Metropolitan
Community Church ofWichita. The
weekend ~vill be emceed by Tom Stice.
For more information and to register for the
weekend and book your hotel room, please
visit www.wichitaleatherpride.com.
Robin DornerJoins Metro Star Staff
Robin Dorner-Tmvnsend. Staff photo
OKLAI-IOMA CITY. OK Already
well kmown in Oklahoma City and beyond as
a fun loving reporter and activist. Ms. Dorner
Born in Wichita, she graduated from
Kansas Newman College in that same
city to become a Registered Nurse. She
moved to Oklahoma City in 1983 when
jobs for RNs were plentiful. She worked
in various positions as a dialysis nurse,
in home health and hospice settings,
and case management. She is a happily
married heterosexual, celebrating 15
years together with Ken Townsend,
her soulmate who is in the oil & gas
business.
In 2004 she earned a Bachelor’s
Degree in Health administration,
followed by a Master’s Degree in
Business Administration in 2006.
After this milestone, seeking a different
direction, she branched out into
journalism with the City" Sentinel.
broadening their horizons when she
covered many events of the GLBT
community. She first became involved
with our community during the !990s
when she volunteered as a nurse for
the Triangle Association vdth D~:Larry
Prater. who operated a free AIDS
clinic. Relating ~o that experience she
stated that "I loved it, not only as a nurse
but also from the love, camaraderie and
acceptance I found in the gay community."
Her involvement in the community grew,
and she later became a boai~d member of
has just joined the Metro Star team. She will the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. She is a
be repo~ting local news and ~ents and wil! former board member and current member of
handle OK~’~C ad sales al6nFwithRikGOdbev Diversity Bttsiness Association of Oklahoma
and Victor Gorin. She is also an accomplished City, and is her husband Ken. She does
~h0togr~pher. She n0{ 0hly brings 1{~} taleh{ vohmteer work for Other OptiOns, and looks
~nd enthusiasm, but alSO ~ert~e gained forward to working with the Metro Star. We
f om oCe llife ep0mng welcome her a oard .
the City Sentinel ( fbrmeriy the Mid City
Advocate).
www:metrostarnews.com &~et~’oSTAR 5
Dont Shop - Adop
By Michael ~{~. Sasser
Tulsa author Clara Nipper. Press photo
TULSA, OK __ Tulsa author Clara
Nipper never read mysteries, thrillers or true
crime books, so when - on a dare from her
partner - she set out to write in the genre,
they set the mood and picked up the stylized
approach by camping out in their home.
lowering the air conditioning and watching
classic noir films such as Double Indemnity,
Laura and the more-modern Body Heat.
"They were terrific," said Nipper. "I took
some inspiration from them."
Nine months in the writing, Nipper
completed her first novel, the stylish Femme
Noi~; a tide that aptly describes both the book
and the innovative genre of lesbian literature.
"I was writing "chick stories’ and my
partner told me that since that wasn’t ,going
an?~vhere I should try something new,
Nipper said.
So, Nipper crafted a character that was
the "total opposite" of her. "She is tall and
lean, black and bald, and a total womanizer
- a slut. I wondered if I could wrire an entire
book about her. And, I thought, yes I could."
The rest is now history. Femme Noir is
being published by Bold Stroke Books.
In the book, Nora Delaney is Nipper’s
protagonist. The hard-boiled, hypersexualized
womanizing college basketball
coach chases the case of her murdered exlover
from LA to Tulsa only to be waylayed
by a gorgeous, gin-swilling skirt who has
information as well as an appetite for women
like Nora.
The book contains classic noir elements
and Nora is cut from the same cloth as many
classic, troubled genre protagonists - except
that she is a woman. Hailed by maw for its
unique and interesting voice, the book is also
sexually graphic and unapologetic.
"’gq~en my father got a copy of the book.
I wrote in it ’please don’t read this’." Nipper
said. "I hope he hasn’t.
Tulsa native Nipper is veU much unlike
her lead character.
"I was straight most of my life," said the
Tulsa CountT Courthouse clerk. "I was always
open with sexuality and thought that if it felt
good, do it. I’ve only had t-wo girlfriends in
nay life. My first girlfriend was the one who
said "you should try this’ and I said ’sure, let’s
give ir a try.’ It was tumultuous except for the
sex tbr the next two years. I have been with
nay current partner for 13 years."
Nipper had been "spiritually" a writer her
entire life, from the time she xvrote a short
story in grade school that a teacher insisted
on turning into a slide show.
"The best advice I ever got was to write
one page a day and after a year, you ~voutd
have 365 pages," Nipper said. "qhe road
to publishing has been rocky, but my
publisher now is terrific. They do so much to
support authors and offer opportunities and
guidance."
Femme Noir’s sequel, I4dss of Noir,
is already under contract. It’s set in New
Orleans and will continue to stretch the
parameters ofsexuat representation.
"I’ve already shocke,~,! and appalled some
lesbmns, N~pper stud. I th~nk that means
am on the right track."
For more information on Nipper and
Femme Noir, visit www.claranipper.com.
"Most people waited for the parade at
[Centennial Park], and it was packed there".
A shuttle system taking parade-path
spectators to the park might be one thing
added for future Pride festivals. For the most
part, though, the new event structure was
very much a success.
"The fireworks, the ferris wheel and the
concert were all huge successes." Jenkins said.
Jenkins noticed a few things in particular
this year. Employees of Spaghetti Warehouse
on Brady Street came out to cheer ~or the
parade. At Centennial Park. the crowd
included a notable number of straight couples
and individuals, including maW attending
their first-ever Pride event with or without a
GBLT relative or friend.
"I thought, ’Wo~v. ~vhen did it become
cool to go to Pride?" "-We also had a tot
of seniors there. One mother said she
was impressed at how family-friendly the
environment was. I wish I could say that was
something we tried to do. but it’s just a sign
of the evolution of the community."
Police commented on how busy the Kid
Zone was with approximately 700 children of
GLBT families and straight participants.
This year’s n~w policy against ice chests
and bringing in outside food and beverages
also worked out. Jenkins said no one had to
go to the hospital and police told him that
for the first time there was no one who they
considered acting publicly drunk to the point
of being a nuisance.
Vendors also told Jenkins they had done
well at the event. Jenkins hopes that means it
will be possible to continue expansion of the
event in the future with more participants.
Although the parade route saw the typical
number of protestors, there was only one
notable at the festival itself.
Annie Bryce drove an hour to attend her
first Tulsa Pride event.
"I was very impressed at how nice it was
and, really, how nice the people were - men,
women, gay and straight even," she said.
Cashen" Stewart attended the Pride
Festival, largely for the parade, He thinks the
eve,n,t could still be improved.
I think there should be a bit more things
to do at Pnde that are more mteracuve, he
said.
lenkins said that other smaller cities
aro{md Oldahoma also having Pride events,
such as Enid for the first time ever in July, is
evidence of empowerment.
"People are feeling safe enough to have
festivals - that’s a good sign."
No matter who you are o
are on life’s iourney,
-Reverend ~r. K~hy
Meet Woodstock. He’s a 9 yr old
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stcd
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July 2009
6
So, ust What is the True
Definition-ofMarriage ?
by James Nimmo
OY._LM-IOMA CITY. OK As a semiprofessional
musician I provided music at the
same-gender marriage recently of two friends
of mine, the latest ceremony of uncountable
services I’ve played, t’rn also a committed
atheist and rather hard-boiled when it comes
to asking [or divine intervention, as well
as the invention of skT-oriented deities for
whatever reason. I support everyone’s private
pursuit of their interests in accordance with
the First Amendment as long as infringement
of my own legally supported rights isn’t
involved.
There was no doubt of the sincerity of the
participants in this religious ceremony. There
were prayers, vestments, and liturgy common
to any other Christian denomination
marriage ceremony. Had you been
blindfolded and dropped into this touchingly
simple outdoor service, uncoached and
uninformed, you would not have been able to
distinguish this wedding from the thousands
being conducted in the rest of the country on
any Saturday afternoon.
Jaded as I am about religion, I did get a
little misty-eyed when the minister spoke-of
the hands being held by the two grooms. As
these ceremonies of commitment go the hope
is always for a devoted and determined future
of mutual and exclusive support through a
lifetime of as many years o?iife as our genetic
desdny wil1 give us. He described these hands
as they are now. young and strong brushing
away ~ears of joy and sorrow, touching in
moments of intimacy, and when old and
wrinkled they’ will sti!l be the hands we want
touching us in times of need.
~ view myself as a married man wittl a
partner of 32 years, and 1 can identi~! with
the sentiments and intentions the minister
outlined in his .;ermon. By what fiat of
bigoted ignorance can anyone deny me and
millions of other gay and Lesbian Americans
this legaI right of marriage just because
the gender of the two people is the same,
choosing to share their bounty and their
concerns for as long as they’re able, be it one
year or hopefully- a long lifetime? How is that
any different from what opposite-gendered
people choose to do?
To answer my own title, I think marriage
is the ability of two responsible people
committed to each othm; with a seriousness
of purpose, for as long as they are able to
hones@ maintain the relationship, with or
without the imprimatur of religion.
At one time I was a proponent of
going nicker the recognition of our gay/
Iesbian equality one right at a time. But
at approximately 1,400 indMdual rights
bestowed with a completed marriage
license, there arefft enough years for
even Methuselah to see the success of the
movement. I now see that only a dedicated
Federal lawsuit, such as the one being
brought by Ted Olson and David Boles (
http://tiwurl.com/q6hvip ), will give us
the trne definition of marriage we gay and
Lesbian citizens need to live our lives with the
choice so casually enjoyed by straights.
~.metrostamews.com
Politics M es for
Strange Bedfellows
by James Nimmo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s pretty
exciting to be a gay/lesbian activist these days.
Our civil rights movement has been focused
on California which has been performing
a line dance with basically the lovers of
romance and civil rights in one line and the
haters of diversity and inclusion in another.
With the survival of Prop-Hate in
California in late May there are now thirty
states that prohibit same-gender marriage
by constitutional amendment; thirty-seven
prohibit it by statute. Some states even went
double-dipping in their vehemence against
gays and lesbians with both.
But on the sunny side, as of this writing,
there are five states that allow same-sex
marriage with three states promoting samegender
unions. ( http:lhinyurt.comlmq8fev )
I’m not too hot with arithmetic but even
I can tell there is some overlapping of statutes
and amendments with a minority of states
still sitting on the sidelines, waiting and
waiting.
Waiting for what? Maybe the same thing
I’ve been waiting for. A team of lawyers,
financial supporters, and plaintiffs willing
to put this momentous issue into it’s proper
frame: Shall the United States continue
with this jurisprudence crazy, quilt of rich
progressive action and tawdry, shortsighted
discrimination or blanket the country with
one legal rtding that allows all adults to make
their own decisions for their future regardless
of gender, religion, or geographic location?
That’s where the odd bedfellows Ted
Olson and David Boles come in. These two
lawyers, fmnous for being on opposing sides
of the Bush v. Gore Supreme Court case that
by a one-vote margin put the Bush/Cheney
ticket in the White House have filed a
Federal lawsuit to place an injunction on the
California Supreme Court decision upholding
the anti-marriage equality amendment lmown
as Proposition 8.7heir plan is to carry this
lawsuit up the chain of Federal courts to
the US Supreme Court if necessary in order
to have a definitive ruling as to whether
or not same-gendered people are covered
under the 14th Amendment of the Federal
Constitution, specifically the clause that all
citizens are entided to the full protection of
the laws. ( http://tinyurt.com/dypxfp )
Many of the main stream civil rights and
gay/lesbian advocacy organizations ( The
American Civi! Liberties Union, Lambda
Legal, the National Center for Lesbian
Rights, Freedom to Marry, Gay & Lesbian
Advocates & Defenders, the Human Rights
Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian
Task Force, the Equality Federation, and the
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
are aghast at the audacity of this plan
sponsored by the American Foundation for
Equal Rights. ( http:/Itinyurl.comlld6a2w )
I’m no legal eagle but I’m literate, folio~w
the news, and can reason, tn addition, my
partner and I were among 12 other plaintiffs
in the attempt by Oklahoma’s chapter of the
ACLU to derail the 2004 Okie version of
Prop. 8, known as State Question 71 ! that
passed with a 70+% majority vote.
The legal strategy being used by the
As t see it, ~here are two important
precedents (an important aspect of
jurisprudence? from the Supremes that
recognize our gay/lesbian citizenship. They
are: Lawrence v. Texas ( http://tinyurl.
com/br2tj t that eliminated sodomy laws
by overturning Bowers v. Hardwick (http://
tinyurl.com/jus3e ), and the Romer v. Evans
decision overturning Colorado’s infamous
Amendment 2 dewing gay/lesbian citizens
protection of state laws( http://tinyurl.
com/49m9er ) wherein Justice Kennedy
famously wrote that "[Amendment 2] is at
once too narrow and too broad. It identifies
persons by a single trait and then denies them
protection across the board. The resulting
disqualification of a class of persons from die
right to seek specific protection from the law
is unprecedented in our iurisprudence."
Let me add that Justice Kennedy is
the famous "swing vote" on many Court
decisions that are decided by a single vote.
Though there have been changes in the names
of the j ustices over the years, the legal balance
of the Court is still the same: four living in
the 18th century, four in the 21st century,
with one bridge between them.
If politics makes for strange bedfellows
and change is die buzz word for this political
season, then I think it’s time to change
the sheets. As these two well experienced
attorneys have wedded dlemselves to marriage
equality, I wish them a happy honeymoon.
Live long and prosper, Olson and Boles!
Joplin First Pride in
over ten years
JOPHN. MO (PR) In January of this
year Rev. Steve Urie of Spirit of Christ MCC
asked for volunteers to h~ad up a committee
commissioned with the task of planning and
bringing together Joplin’s first Pride Event in
over ten years. Out of that was born Joplin:
Out & About, a collaborative committee
made up of people from Spirit of Christ
MCC, AT&T and other GLBT groups and
members from the community. A target date
was set and the planning began.
¯homas, Joanna, Darrell, Jeff, Heath,
Shauna and Shea with the intermittent help
of others handled the tough iob of keeping it
all together.
Tne final result was several events through
the week including a Karaoke Night, Movie
Night and finally Joplin’s Out & About Event
in the park.
Just ten years ago you would find law
enforcement setting traps to catch men in the
park cruising. This year with la~v enforcement
patrols protecting the event; the community
celebrated with groups from Springfield,
Galena, Tulsa, the greater Joplin area and as
far away as NWArkansa~s, Weir and Topetca,
Kansas taking pride and respect to a new
high level for the community. Private and
non-profit vendors started signing on as did
other local groups including UCC Family
Fellowship, Joplin Gays Yahoo Group, Joplin’s
GLBT Corporate Center, the support group
fi-om AT&T, Planned Parenthood, PROMO,
the Pla-Mor Lounge and APO’s local and
Springfield’s offices. The Metro Star played
an important part in providing sponsorship
and coverage of the event. The Topet~
Transgendered Alliance was represented by
Steve/Lila & spouse Joy also members of
MCC Topeka. Entertainment was provided
by a band as well drag queens from Joplin
and Springfield. The Gto Center from
Springfield, MO showed up in support of
the Event, helped with Sponsorship and
provided information about their services. We
thank everyone who sponsored, supported,
participated and just plain attended this
event.
Rev. Steve Urie &long time partner Heath with
festival voluntee~ Staffphoto
Held in Joplin’s McClellan Park June 13th
and with over 250 people from the GLBTQ
community this was a success for our
community. Friends, family supporters and
the straight community including children
and some well behaved canines came together
to show that we can be one community that
we can work together, play together and
respect each other. From Gay Bingo to the
sale of Pride Jewelry, entertainment ro fbod.
free HIV testing to information, and with
MC Brandon everyone had a great time. In
addition several boxes of food were donated
t~br APO clients through the Angel Food
Ministries program.
Lots ofentertainment, & good lookingguys and
gab atjoplin Pide Yestiva~ Staffphoto
We would like to thank Naomas for
his dedication and tenacity in keeping it
together; Joanna for gathering equipment,
supplies, support mad being one foot soldier
you couldn’t top, Darrell for writing the
first GLBT Joplin History Booklet, Jeff
for putting the boolde.t togethm; Heath
for cooking his heart out and all the
volunteers that brought it together. With the
encouragement of the community at large
already pouring in this may have been Joplin’s
first Pride event in recent history but clearly
won’t be its last.
Wockner News Service
New Hampshire legalizes
same-sex marriage
New Hampshire legalized same-sex
marriage June 3 when Gov. John Lynch
signed three bills, including one that had
cleared the Legislature just an hour eadier.
3-he bills open marriage to same-sex
couples starting Jan. 1 and protect certain
rights of religious organizations, associations
and societies that oppose gay marriage.
"Today is a historic day for all Granite
Staters," said Mo B~ley, executive director
of the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry
Coalition. "We applaud Gov. Lynch, (House)
Speaker (Terie) Norelli, (Senate) President
(Sylvia) Larsen and the leadership of the
General Court (legislature) for making sure
that all loving, committed couples have the
freedom to marry. Today, our shared values of
individual liberty, freedom and fairness have
been upheld:"
The final bill, tsveaking religious
protections, passed the Senate 14-10 and
th.e House 198-I76. Lynch had required
tile additional language as a condition of his
agreeing to let gays marry.
In announcing his support for same-sex
marriage on May 14, Lynch said: "At its
core, (this bill) simply changes the term ’civil
union’ to ’civil marriage.’ Given the cultural,
historical and religious significance of the
word marriage, this is a rneaningfu! change.
I have heard, and I understand, the very real
feelings of same-sex couples that a separate
system is not an equal system. That a civiI law
that differentiates between their committed
relationships and those of heterosexual
couples undermines both their dignity and
the legitimacy of their families."
Tl~e measures signed into law will repea!
the state’s civil-union law effective Jan. 1,
2011, and prohibit any new civil unions after
Jan. 1, 2010.
Same-sex marriage is legal in five other
U.S. states: Massachusetts, Connecticut,
Iowa, Vermont (starting in September)
and Maine (starting in Septembe0. Nlere
also are 18,000 same-sex couples legally
married nnder California law, though no
more will be allowed to marry until voters
repeal Proposition 8, the state constitutional
amendment passed last November, or until
the U.S. Supreme Court strikes it down Or it
is blocked by comx injunction. Gay groups
are planning a ballot initiative to delete
Prop 8, and a federal lawsuit has been filed
charging that Prop 8 violates the due-process
and equal-protection clauses of the U.S.
Constitution. The lawsuit also says Prop 8
relegates gays and lesbians to second-class
citizenship and discriminates based on gender
and sexual orientation. It further seeks an
injunction allowing same-sex marriage to
resttme in California pending resolution of
the case.
Hi ary Clinton issues
pride month statement
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a
Gay Pride month statement June 1.
She wrote: "Forty years ago this month,
the gay rights movement began with the
Stonewall riots in New York City; as gays and
lesbians demanded an end to the persecution
they had long endured. Now, after decades
of hard work, the fight has grown into a
global movement to achieve a world in which
al! people live free from violence and fear,
regardless of their sexual orientation or gender
identity.
"In honor of Gay and Lesbian
Pride Month and on behalf of the State
Department, I extend our appreciation to the
global LGBT community for its coui’age and
determination during the past 40 years, and I
offer our support for the significant work that
still lies ahead.
"At the State Department and throughout
the Administration, we are grateflal for
our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
employees in Washington and around
the world. They and their families make
many sacrifices to serve our nation. Wneir
contributions are vital to our efforts to
establish stability, prosperity and peace
worldwide.
"Human rights arc_- at the heart of those
efforts. Gays and lesbians in many parts of
the world live under constant threat of arrest,
violence, even torture. The persecution of
gays and lesbians is a violation ofhuman
rights and an affront to human decency,
and it must end. As Secretary of State, I
will advance a comprehensive human rights
agenda that includes the elimination of
violence and discrimination against people
based on sexual orientation or gender
identity.
"N~ough the road to full equality ibr
LGBT Aalaericans is long, the example set by
those fighting for equal rights in the United
States gives hope to men and women around
the world who yearn for a better future for
themselves and their loved ones[
"This June, let us recommit ourselves to
achieving a world in ~vhich all people can live
in safety and freedom, no matter who they
are or ~vhom they love."
Clinton also is preparing to grant spousal
benefits and protections to diplomats’ gay
partners, she said in a recent letter to the
group Gays and Lesbians in Foreign ~aqZairs
Agencies.
The pack,age will include medical and
emergency evacuation, travel reimbursement,
shipment of household effects, use of U.S.
government medical facilities abroad, isstlance
of diplomatic passports, visa assistance, and
security and language training.
Not included are health insurance,
retirement benefits and certain other perks.
Nevada Legislat e
overrides governor’s veto
ofpartnership bill
Nevada’s Senate and Assembly on May 30
and 31 overrode Gov. Jim Gibbons’ May 25
veto of a domestic-partnership bill.
Tne new la~¢ extends to same- and
opposite-sex registered domestic parmers
nearly all state-level rights and obligations of
marriage.
The override came without a vote to spare
in both the Senate (14-7) and the Assembly
(28-!4). In the Senate, 10 Democrats and
four Republicans voted for tile override, and
five Republicans and two Democrats voted
against it.
Gibbons had claimed the bill ran afoul
of a 2002 state constitutional amendment
that defines marriage as between a man and
a woman. He also argued that gay couples
could go sign private contracts if they
desired the protections of marriage for their
relationship.
"The significance here is it literally equates
’domestic partner’ with ’spouse’ under
Nevada state la**;" Michael Ginsburg of the
Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada
told Las Vegas correspondent Steve Friess.
"You have the flail force of the law behind you
nox~: When you’re in the hospital, forced to
ma~e decisions for your partner, all you have
to say is, ’This is nay spouse,’ and that carries
tremendous weight."
.am Lambert
Photo: American Idol runner up Adam Lambert
Who kalew? American Idol sensation and first
runner-up Adam Lambert is a homosexual.
"I don’t think it should be a surprise for
anyone to hear that I’m gay," Lambert told
Rolling Stone June 9. "I’ve been living in Los
Angeles for eight years as a gay man. I’ve been
at clubs drunk malting out with somebody in
the corner."
"Right after the finale, I almost started talldng
about it to the reporters, but I thought, ’I’m
going to wait for Rolling Stone, that wil!
be cooler,’" he said. "I didfft want tile Clay ’
Aiken thing and the celebrity-magazine
bullshit. I need to be able to explain myself in
context.
’Tin proud ofmy sexuality. I embrace it. It’s
just another part of me."
Lambert noted, however: "I’m trying to be a
singer, not a civil rights leader."
July 2009
State Dept. to give gay
couples spousal benefits
U.S. Secreta,y of&am HillaO, Clinton
is prepari,g to grant spousal ben~ts and
protections m diglomau’gay gartne,s. Photo by
Rex l)~ckner
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
is preparing to grant spousal benefits and
protections to diplomats’ gay partners, she
said in a recent letter to the group Gays and
Lesbians in Foreign M~airs Agencies.
"Like all families, our Foreign Service
t~milies come in different configurations; all
are part of the common fiabric of our post
communities abroad," Clinton wrote. "The
department will provide these benefits for
both opposite-sex and same-sex partners
because it is the righ~ thing to do’
~Ihe benefits will indude medical and
emergency evacuation, travel reimbursement,
shipment ofhousehoid effects, use of U.S.
government medical facilities abroad, issuance
of diplomatic passports, visa assistance, and
security and ,language training.
NOt induded in the package are health
insurance, retirement benefits and certain
other perks.
"This is a remedy that is long overdue,"
said Human Rights Campaign President
Joe Solmonese, "For too many years, LGBT
Foreign Service officers have been forced to
choose between serving their country and
protecting their families."
Dick Cheney endorses
same-sex marriage
Former Vice President Dick Cheney came
out in support of same-sex marriage June 1
more clearly than he has in the past.
Asked about the issue at the National
Press Club, Cheney responded: "I think
freedom means freedom for everyone. And,
as many ofyou know, one ofmy daughters is
gay, and it’s something that we’ve lived with
for a long time in our family. I think people
ought to be free to enter into any kind of
union they wish, any kind of arrangement
they wish. The question of~vhether or not
there ought to be a federal statute that
governs this, I don’t support. I do believe
that historically the way marriage has been
regulated is at the state level -- ~his has always
been a state issue -- and ~ think that’s the
way ff ough~ to be handled ~oday, that is.
on a state-by-aa~c basis. D~ffbrem ;tares
make d~ff~t’ren~ decision But [ don’t haw
prob{cm with that ~ think people ought to
get a shot at d~at. And they do a~ present."
Cheney has made very similar comments
before, but they did not go quite as far.
In 2004, for example, he said: "I believe
today that freedom does mean freedom for
everybody. People ought to be free to choose
any arrangement they want. It’s really no
one else’s business. ~nat’s a separate question
from the issue of whether or not government
should sanction or approve or give some
sort of authorization, if you will, to these
relationships. Traditionally, that’s been an
issue for the states. States have regulated
marriage, ifyou will. That would be my
preference. In effect, what’s happened is that
in recent months, especially in Massachusetts,
but also in California, but in Massachusetts
we had the Massachusetts Supreme Court
direct the state of-- the legislature of
Massachusetts to modify their constitution to
allow gay marriage. And the fact is that the
president felt that it was important to make
it clear that that’s the wrong ~vay to go, as
far as he’s concerned. Now, he sets the policy
for this administration, and I support the
president."
Americans do not
support ’Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell’
Americans overwhelmingly want to see
the military’s "Don’t Ask, Do~t Tell" ban on
open gays repealed, a new Gallup poll has
found.
Sixty-nine percent told pollsters it’s time
for the ban to go -- including 58 percent of
Republicans, 58 percent of self-described
co~iservatives and 60 percent 0fwee~y
churchgoers.
Eighty-sLx percent of liberals oppose the
DADT policy, along with 82 percent of
Democrats and 78 percent of people between
age 18 and 29.
Even people over age 65 (60 percent),
Southerners (57 percent) and people who
didn’t finish high school (57 percent) said it’s
time to dump the ban.
Said Gallup: "President Barack Obama
will be well-positioned to forge ahead with his
campaign promise to end the military ban on
openly gay service members."
Gallup polled 1,105 adults nationwide
between May 7 and 10. The organization
said it was 95 percent confident that the
maximum margin of sampling error was plus
or minus 3 percentage points.
CALIFORNIA HIV EMERGENCY
Schwarzenegger, Legislature may slash HIV funding
Gay and HIVadvocates rallied at *~e state Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., on time i 0 against
draconian cuts in HIVfi~ndingproposed by Gov. Arnold Schwar~enegger and under consideration
by the Legislature. Wockner Newsphoto by Charlie Peer/Ou~vord Magazine
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
has proposed, and the California Legislature
is considering, draconian cuts to all types of
HIV-related funding in the nea>bankrupt
state.
In the worst-case scenario, which is still
not off the table, slashes to the AIDS Drug
Assistance Program could result in thousands
of Californians who make less than $41,600
per year losing access to the statelprovided
drugs that suppress HIV and keep them dive.
In the apparent best,case scenario, not all
HIV drugs would be available via ADAP and
patients would have to pay part of the cost 0f
the ones they could geta That is problematic
because some HIVvposirive people have
developed resistance to some HIV drugs, and
need access to the full arsenal of therapies to
stay alive.
Further, the current plan apparendy
completely eliminates state funding for the
tests that determine if a patient is responding
to treatment -- such tests as CD4 counts,
viral-load measurement and drug-resistance
monitoring.
These tests are essentially mandatory in -
HIV treatmm~t. Doctors use them so they
can change a nonresponsive patient’s drug
combination to another combo that works in
that patient -- before the patient’s immune
system breaks down further and the patient
develops a life-threatening opportunistic
infection............
The current plan apparently also
dramatically ~lashes handing for education,
prevention, counseling and testing programs.
Some 35,000 working- and middleclass
Californians who don’t make enough
money to pay for their own treatment could
be adversely or dangerously affected by the
possible cuts to ADAP and elimination of
monitoring testing.
Gay and HIV advocates have strongly
denounced the budget proposals, and a
large rally was held at the state Capitol in
Sacramento on June 10.
Lesbian couple marries
on Indian reservation
A lesbian couple married on the Coquille
Indian reservation in Coos Bay, Ore., May
24. It was believed to be the first such
marriage in the U.S.
~ae Coqui!te tribe passed a la~v legalizing
same-sex marriage more than a year ago, but
it just now took effect.
Kitzen Branting, 26, and Jeni Branting,
28, tied the knot in the tribe’s meeting hall.
Their marriage will not be recognized by
the state of Oregon, but will be legal on the
property of the tribe, which is a sovereign ~
nation.
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N
Wockner News Service
50,000 at EuroPride
Some 50,000people ~rned outfor the EuroPrideparade, hem in Zurich this year on June
~ Photo by Nikolai Alekseev, GayRussta.ru
Some 50,000 people turned out for the
EuroPrkle parade, hdd in Zurich this year
on June 6.
Openly lesbian Zurich Mayor Corine
Mauch joined in.
Next year, the parade ventures behind
the former Iron Curtain to Warsaw -- a city
that as recently- as 2005 tried to ban pride,
only to be later rebuffed by the European
Court of Human Pdghts.
Meanwhile, Rom& gay pride parade
dr~ more than 100,000 participants June
13~ with a demand fbr legalization of
same-sex marriage and equa! rights for gay
couples.
Some 1,500 people marched in Warsaw
on June 13, also demanding legalization
of same-sex partnerships. "l-he parade, on
central Marszalkowska Street, attracted fewer
than !00 counterprotesters, who shouted
anti-gay vitriol.
Five hundred people marched in Zagreb,
Croatia, on June t3. Police kept about
50 snarling anti-gays from disrupting the
parade.
20,000 march
Tel Av v
Around 20,000 people joined Tel Aviv’s
! lth gay pride parade June 12.
The march ended with a beach ’~edding"
of five gay" couples. Same-sex marriage is not
legal in Israel.
Some top rabbis had urged Prime
Minister Beniamin Netanydau m try to ban
the parade. They called it an abomination.
A few religious right-wingers picketed
the march, which was paid for by the city
government.
’Tel Aviv is more secular than Jerusalem,
where the pride parade routinely leads large
numbers of religious folks ~o wail and gnash.
Last year’s parade in Jerusalem featured
3,000 naarchers and 2,000 cops to protect
them. They walked al! of @ur blocks.
~n 2007, the Jerusalem parade traveled
about 500 meters before ultra-Orthodox
protesters shut it down, despite the presence
orS,000 police o@cers. Prior to the parade,
police arrested a man with a bomb. The postparade
rally was canceled because striking
firefighters refused to provide a required
firetruck.
In 2005, a counterdemontrator stabbed
three marchers at Jerusalem’s marcia and later
was convicted of attempted murder. ~ae
victims’ iniuries were not serious.
Moscow gays want to
picket Obama
Moscow Pride founder Nikolai Mekseev
says members of his group will attempt to
stage a picket in favor of same-sex marriage at
the U.S. Embassy on July 7 during President
Bara& Obama’s visit.
It is unlikely the activists will receive city
permission to do so. Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has
banned pride parades for the past four years
and sent riot police to aggressively arrest those
who ignored the bans.
Luzl~ov has called gay parades
"demonic," "satanic" and "weapons of mass
destruction." He also has said the bans are for
gays own good so that "radical Christians"
don’t have a chance to "kill them."
Mekseev is hopet~fl that he’ll be able to
pull off the picket regardless because "the
presidential media pack wilt be in town."
Mayor Luz ov lashes
out at gays
Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has again
lashed out at gays, calling them "homos" and
calling gay pride parades "demonic."
Appearing on a TV program June 2,
Luzhkov reportedly said: "Niere are two
reasons gay pride parades are unacceptable in
Moscow: First and foremost, public morality
.does not accept such parades, public morality
does nor accept those homos."
Secondly, he said: "If they gather together,
assuming they are allowed to hold a parade,
other people will simply kill them. ~here
are radical Christians in Moscow who stand
strongly against such demonic manifestations,
as they say.
"There were attempts made (in May’) to
hold the gay parade during the Eurovision
Song Contest in Moscova We had to isolate
about 19 radical Christians who intended to
attack those homos.’
On May, 16, riot police broke up an
attempt to stage the fourth annual gay
pride parade in Moscov~; arresting up to 80
participants, including gay leader N@olai
Ale~eev, British gay leader Peter %tchell and
Chicago gay activist Andy Thayen
Luzhkov previously has called gay pride
parades "satanic" and "weapons of mass
destruction," and has o@cially banned them
each ),ear.
Lithuanian Parliament
votes ’no promo
homo’ law
Lithuania’s parliament, the Seimas,
approved a measure on first reading June
4 that bans references to homosexuality in
schools and in public information that can be
visible to children. Tne bill still has to dear a
final vote.
The tally was 57-2 with 8 abstentions.
Many MPs missed the vote.
Amnesty International said the "Law
on the Protection of Minors Against the
Detrimental Effect of Public Information’~
would classify "homosexuality alongside
issues such as ... the display of a dead or
cruelly mutilated body of a person, and
information that arouses fear or horror, or
encourages self-mutilatisn or suicide."
Nicola Duckworth, Amnesty’s Europe
and Central Asia program director, said the
proposed law "denies the right to freedom of
expression and deprives students’ access to the
support and protection they may need."
China sees its first gay
pride week
China saw" its first-ever gay pride week
June 7-14 in Shanghai.
Events included movies, plays, art
exhibits, panel discussions, swimming and
badminton competitions, and a big party,
thouglx at least one play" and one film were
ordered canceled by authorities.
Some 500 people attended a barbecue/
drag shiny/fashion show/hot-body contest on
June 13.
Organizers decided against holding a
parade, saying it iust didn’t seem to be legally
possible, according to China Daily:
"Shanghai Pride is a community-building
exercise," co-organizer Tiffany Lemay told
the English-lang~aage paper. "We hope
to raise awareness of issues surrounding
homosexuality, raise the visibility of the
gay community, help people within our
community to come out, and build bridges
between the gay and straight communities."
Northern Irish LGBs
report high level ofhate
Twenty-one percent of gay and bisexual
men and I8 percent of lesbian and bisexual
women iri Northern Ireland say they\,e been
the victim of a homophobic hate crime or
incident in the past three years.
The figure comes fi’om a survey of I,t43
LGB people catrried out by the Rainbow
Project with funding from the Police Service
of Northern Ireland.
Tne study found that 64 percent of such
incidents were not reported to police and 30
percent resulted in physical injui3:
ebec to 1attach
strategy against
homophobia
Quebec Justice Minister Kathleen Well
has announced the Canadian province will
implement a comprehensive strategy against
homophobia before the end of the year.
She broke the news at a May I7 rally
marking the International Day Against
Homophobia (IDAHO).
"We see it as a major step forward here
since doing so, Quebec will ackmowledge
officially that homophobia -- and not
homosexuality -- is a social problem and
take action, instead of passively banning
discrimination, said Magazine ]~tre Editor
Andrd Gagnon.
"As far as I know, it will be the first
government in the world to adopt such
a strategy that will cover all its spheres of
intervention," he said.
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i t÷matie
Ruling: English adoption agencies
cannot discriminate
The Charities Commission of England and Wales ruled
June 2 that adoption agencies cannot discriminate against gay
couples.
The commission cited the Equality Act (Sexual
Orientationl Regulations 2007, which ban discrimination
based on sexual orientation.
Violation of the law would lead to a loss of charity status
and public funding.
The ruling came in a case involving the Catholic Care
charity in Leeds, which wanted to amend its official statement
of objectives with the commission to exclude consideration of
gay couples.
Denmark is not gay nirvana
Denmarlq the first nation in the world to legalize gay
partnerships, in 1989, still has a problem with homophobia.
Eighteen percent of GLBT people in Copenhagen and
8 percent in other parts of the country say they’ve been
discriminated against based on their sexual orientation in
the past year, according to a report from the Center for
Alternative Social Analysis.
GLBT people between ages 16 and 29 reported more
problems than older people.
A total of 3,400 homophobic incidents were reported to
police in 2008, the study said.
A report in the Politiken newspaper said gay businesses
also have been targeted.
Copenhageds oldest gay ba~; Centralhiornet. had rocks
thrown through its windows six times in 2008. Patrons also
have been bombed with eggs through the bar’s open door.
Australian prison OKs gay
con}ugal visits
Xhe Alexander Maconochie prison in Australia’s Capital
Territory has decided to let gay inmates receive conjugal visits
six times a year.
The policy applies to prisoners who are ~vell-behaved and
whose partner is not also incarcerated at the facility.
Reports said that the state of Victoria. where Melbourne is
located, is the only other place in Australia where gay inmates
can have sex dates with their partners.
Bosnian churches oppose antidiscrimination
bill
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Interreligious Council is
opposing a.bill to ban discrimination based on sexual
orientation, claiming it will lead to legalization of same-sex
marriage.
The measure has passed first reading in the House of
Representatives.
A national law banning discrimination based on sexual
orientation is a requirement for any nation that wants its
citizens to be able to travel within the European Union
without obtaining a visa.
Nae Interreligious Council is composed of representatives
of the nation’s Roman Catholics, Muslims, Jews and
Orthodox Christians.
Balkanlnsight.com said it is unttsual for the council "to
agree on any concrete actions and (it) often has been blocked
by internal boycotts."
.Gay marriage campaign launched
m Portugal
The Movement for Equality in Access to Civil Marriage
launched on May 31 in Lisbon, Portugal.
More than 1,000 people signed onto the campaign,
including politicians, well-known actors, pop singers and
businesspeople, and Nobel Prize winner Josd Saramago, who
was honored for literature in 1998.
The campaign’s manifesto, which nmv can be signed by
anyone in Portugal, states, in part: "Equal access to civil
marriage is a matter of justice that deserves the support of all
people who oppose homophobia and discrimination.... We
citizens who believe in equal rights, dignity and recognition
for all of us -- for our families, friends and colleagues -- join
our voices to express our support for equality.
"We call this change necessary, fair and urgent because we
know that the current situation of inequality divides society
between those who are included and those who are excluded,
between persons who are inside and marginalized persons....
We now have an opportunity to end one of the last unjustified
(instances of) discrimination written in our law."
Peru gay police ban less stringent
than reported
Peruvian Interior Minister Mercedes Cabanillas says recent
news reports that gays have been banned from being police
officers were not quite right.
Mid-May reports said cops who have sex with people of
the same sex would be banned because they cause scandal and
denigrate the police’s image.
But Cabanillas says the new law, which took effect May
12, will only ban gay cops if their gay-related public behavior
is scandalous or damages the image of the institution.
She said the ministry has no desire to "get in anyone’s bed"
and that officials only wish to target unseemly, embarrassing
or scandalous occurrences or attitudes related to sexual
orientation that happen in the public sphere.
Gay groups said the taw is problematic and discriminatory
either way because ir seems to suggest that certain public
expressions of homosexuality are more likely ro run afoul of
the law than similar public expressions of heterosexuality.
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights
Commission and Movimiento Homosexual de Lima have
launched a letter-~vriting campaign to Peru’s public defender,
=’asldng her to file an Action of Unconstitutionality with the
Constitutional Court to cl!allenge the so-called ’offense’ of
same-sex relations and its associated penalty."
"We write to express our concern over Law 29356, vchich
establishes a new disciplinary code for the Peruvian police,
and stipulates in Article 34 that it is a serious offense to ’have
sex with people of the same gender that causes scandal or
undermines corporate image,’" a sample letter says in part.
"This law is a clear violation of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and the Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights -- both of which have been signed by Peru. This
regressive law also violates the Andean Charter, a regional
treaty ratified by Peru in 2002.... Finally, Law 29356
is inconsistent with human rights principles that are
already, codified in Peruvian law. On December 1, 2004,
a new Constitutional Procedures Code, approved by
Parliament, modified constitutional procedures to recognize
discrimination based on sexual orientation."
Australian benefits agency
recognizes gay de facto couples
Centrelink, the Australian government’s social-benefits
agency, will treat gay de facto couples as married for benefits
purposes starting July 1.
While the move increases equality, it also will result in
a loss of benefits for some coupled gays, who previously
qualified based on their individual income.
Centrelink assistance encompasses such things as health
care, prescription drugs., unemployment payments, disaster
aid,,rent subsidies, aid to single parents and a wide range of
other benefits and welfare programs.
"From 1 July 2009 changes to legislation wilt mean that
customers who are in a same-sex de facto relationship will be
recognised as partnered for Centrelink and Family Assistance
Office purposes," says the agenc)?s Web site. "All customers
who are assessed as being a member of a couple will have their
rate of payment calculated iri the same way."
Colombian policeman added to
partner’s health insurance
The Board of Health of Colombia’s National Police
granted health-insurance benefits to the partner of a gay
officer May 14.
The extension of coverage to Fabifin Mauricio
Chibcha Romero followed a January ruling by the nation’s
Constitutional Court that granted marital rights to commonlaw
same-sex couples in areas that indude civil service,
contracts ~vith the government, housing protection and
assistance, immigration, social security, death indemnification,
and criminal noninctimination.
~Pne activist group Colombia Diversa said the ruling
encompassed all the "civil, political, social, economic, criminal
and immigration rights ... of a common-law union, minus
adoption."
Chibcha also gained access to police housing subsidies and
vacation dubs.
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w,,~w.rnetrostarnews.com ~,tr®STAR 11
Viognier [vee-oh-nay]
For those who haven’t experienced
Viognier, the first glass is quite a revelation.
This wine will embody al! Or some of the
following: honeysuckle, citrus blossoms,
t~,chee, ripe melon, freshly picked.peaches
6r apricots and ripe pear. Winemaker Craig
Williams, from Josep~ ~nhe~s Vin~;a,~s, s~s
Viognier contains floral compounds called
~Terpens. Tl~ey are also found in Muscat and
Pdesling. So, think of the most aromatic
Muscat or Riesling you’ve ever encountered,
then concentrate it and you have Viognier.
The majoriV of French Viogniers are
sold as Vin de Pays in the Languedoc. In the
Rl~one wine region, the grape is o~en blended
with Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache
blanc. In the Northern part of Rhone, the
grape is sometimes blended with Chardonnay.
Since the late 1980s, plantings ofViognier
in the United States and Cagada have
increased dramat,ically. The Rhone R~angers
of the mid 1980 s help spark the increased
interest in Viognier in California and now
Californigs Central Coast is the leading
producer.
Looking some good summerwtt te wines. > ~ Marcheregiono~:~yand~ to
monm, we are art a ou- < fthe}lord
most widet l~ted white
wpicNly Sauvignon blanc ~ Macab~o. Xg Mar&etti~07 it~~ ~" *~ ,~.
,..... ?~ P ~ , [, desiunated "Rueda V?rdejo must contaifi Fazi,B; t~gli~ ~007 Italy >::~
wine grape, veraemo is cl~slHeo as a noble o - ....
or classic grape. On the PortuDtese mainland,
85% Verdejo, and are oAen 100% Verde’o....... *..........
it is recommended in the DAO region and
Verdejo winm are aromatic, often ~oA . ~d[as ~wws, Isay go to your favorite wing/~
and Rdl-bodied. %ey can be somewhat ~k questions ~d purchase a bottle or
with the production of white port. Some
Portuguese locales call this Gouveio. The
Godello grape grown in northwest Spain is
believed to be the same variety as Verdelho.
%e grape has been successful in the vineyards
ofAustralia, particularly the Hunter \~lley
region, Langhorne Creek and the Swan
Xga!le?: Australian versions of Verdelho are
noted for their intense flavors vdth hints of
lime and honeysuclde. California is producing
more of this varietal as ,sell.
St. Amant 2006 California
Marquis Philips 2007 Australia
Verdejo [ver-day-ho]
This is a variety of wine grape that has long
been grown in the Rueda winegrowing region
of Spain. The grape originated in North
Africa, and was spread to Rueda in about
the 1 lth Century. For most of this time
Verdejo was generally used to make a strongly
oxidized, Sherry-like wine, In the 1970s the
reminiscent of Sauvignon blanc
warm climate.
Gar~i Grande 2007 Spain
Marquis de Riscal 2007 Spain
: Share some food& wine with friendd
a~d ehe~k this out for yourself.
,Vouv~ay[vooh-~ay]
’,Wines fi’om the French
to the east ofTours are made in
range of styles fi-om the Chenin
Vintages in the Loire are variable,
best years Vouvray can produce
very long-lived white wines.
It turns out that most chenin blanc
1970s what most
generic, alcoholic" "
by corporations
consumed in
rather than wine
chenin blanc is
exhibiting a nutty,
Pichot 2007
Nais writer is one ofthe managers at the Grand
Vin wine shop at Utica Square. He also bar tends
and hosts wine & food events around town known
as the Wine Enthusiasts ofTulsa.
indude:
/ www. la~neSpecta-
Verdicchio
months recipe courtesy of:
Crab
Ingredients
1 Cup Mayonnaise
4 Eggs
1 V2 Cup Japanese Breadcrumbs
2 T Granulated Garlic
2 T Onion Powder
2 - I lb Cans Jumbo Lump Crab Meat
(Indonesian or Philippine)
2 - 1 lb Cans Bacldin Crab Meat
(indonesian or Philippine)
Preparation:
Mix first 5 ingredients together by hand.
Drain Crab meat cans ofwater. Fold in
Baclcfin crab meat first and then gently fold
in jumbo lump crab meat being careful
not to break up the lumps. If mixrure
is too wet. add 1A cup more ofJapanese
Breadcrumbs. Mixture should barely
hold together. DO NOT PU/T .~NY
ADDITIONAL SEASONINGS OR TOO
MUCH BRREADCRUMBS IN! The
drizzle on top of the crab cakes will give ir
all of the seasoning it will need.
Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat
with half an 20 inch of corn oil. Once the
mixture is made, take a 4 ounce scoop and
pack in the crab cake mixture. Carefully
place the flat side of the crab cake down
in the oil for approximately ! - 2 minutes
until golden brmvn. Place the crab cake on
a pre-greased baking sheet, fried side up.
These can now be held for up to 5 days in
the refrigerator or finished offin the oven
immediately;
DRIZZLE INGREDIENTS (BAY MAYO)
1 Cup Mayonnaise
2 T Old Bay
Dash ofGranulated Garlic
% Cup Heavy Cream
the ba~
12 July 2009
Big-screen beckons Nell Patrick Harris
xYvq~ite hosting this year’s Tony Axvards, Nell Patrick Harris
joked about his second-class status as a "TV guy." But he’s
atready proven he’s hilarious on the big screen in the Harold
& Kumar movies, so now that second-tier status is about to
change with two new film projects on the horizon. Harris
has joined the cast of Beastly, the new film from gay director
Daniel Barnz (Phoebe in Wonderland) that Romeo’s already
reported on here, but the How I Met Your Mother star wilt
also be playing a lead role in The Best and the Brightest.
Harris plays a husband - way to break that gay-actor-curse
NPH - from Ddaware whose wife goes bananas about social
status when they move to New York City and try to get their
kid into an elite kindergarten. Amy Sedaris, John ~
and Kate Mulgrew al~0 star in ~he latter;
hit theaters before the end of 20!0.
How to make a monster musicaJ
More and more movies are being made from poptflar
childhood toys, from dolls (Kit Kittredge: An American
Girl) to action figures (Transformers) tO even board games
(Clue). But now we’re getting a movie musical based on a toy
that doesn’t even exist yet and will presumably be marketed
alongside the film itself. Gay super-producers Craig Zadan
and Nell Meron are reuniting with Hairspray composerlyricist
Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott gc’ittman to make
an original screen musical around an as-yet-unnamed Mattel
monster toy. Every~daing’s being kept very much on the
hush-hush, but the one thing that’s been revealed is that the
property will "add a fresh twist to monster lore." No word
yet on when this new musical will go into production, but
Romeo bets five bucks that if the movie and the toy do well,
an eventual Broadway adaptation is inevitable. And TV
show. And more toys. And sequels. And ...
Jake Gyllenhaal andAnne Hathaway Focus Features photo
Brokeback spouses reunite
Granted, the romance between Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway in
Brokeback Mountain was a tragic one involving the closet and deception and
death, but these actors are determined to give it another go in a movie where he
won’t be playing a gay cowboy. Love and Other Drugs will feature Gyllenhaal
as a pharmaceutical sales rep for Pfizer during the time when a revolutionary
litde blue pill was hitting the market (the film is based on the book Hard Sell:
Tne Evolution ofa Viagra Salesman) while Hathaway will play a woman with
Parldnson’s with whom he begins a relationship after they meet on a sales
call. Ed Zwick (Glor~ Defiance) is set to direct, with Shooting set to happen
possibly as early as this fall. A movie about Viagra may make audiences stand at
attention, but if the film lasts more than four hours, please, call your doctor.
Romeo San PTcente hopes the monster-toy musical will be like the Dra~dapuppet rock operaj~om
_ForgettingSarah Marshall_, complete withfull-fl’ontal male nudity. He can be reached care of
thispublication or at DeeplnsideHollywOod@qsyndicate.com.
~LSA, 0g (PR). Continuing
the m0fithl9 ShOwcase of local artists a
the Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in
Downtown Tulsa ~ right next to Living Arts
(Ok )
will feature Tulsa Artist Michael Cooper with
an opening show and reception on Thursday,
July 2nd from 6-gpm and continuing
throughout the month ofJuly.
Michael Cooper is an emerging artist
in the Oldahoma scene, specializing
in journalistic art, music, and portrait
photography. In 2008 he joined Urban Tulsa
Weekly as a staff photographer and has seen
his work published in notable other Okie
publications, induding Oklahoma Gazzette
and Oklahoma Today Magazine. In his own
words, "I have two eyes and one lens, and
they battle each other for experiences daily.
The way I see it - few people get to live their
passion, and being an artist is mine. I’m just
trying this road of exploration out, and I
hope you’re there along for the ride".
www.metrostarnews.corn gg{<~{:a~oSTA,R 13
MCC United ~°~"-~~o’~°" 918-838-171~
Metropolitan Community Chu~h
put tb
Chr°
y Church
14 ;~÷troSTAR July 2009
www.metrostamews.com ~÷troSTAR 15
PHILADELPHIA, PA
"As in one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the country"
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
[)how: Gables Bed andBreakfizst
Visiting Philadelphia for the first time
-was certainly, a very exciting and interesting
time for us. We knew ahead of time al!
about the historical things to see and do but
had no idea what else to expect. We first
checked into The Gables Bed and Break~st
which has been owned for the past 16 years
by ~rren Cederholm and Don Caskey.
Located in the University part of the city, it is
a grand old Victoria home full of wonderful
antiques from top to bottom. ~e house has
a "wrap around" porch for guests to sit and
have drinlcs and snacks or just to view the
sights and sounds of the area. Each room is
beautifully decorated in antiques. A full, and
we do mean FULL sit down breakfast in the
~orma! dining room is served each morning.
XYge are not talking doughnuts and coflree but
a fail sit down brealNast. This was a perfect
way to talk with the other guests to find out
what others did the day" be~bre or were going
to do that day. "While there we met guests
from California, Alabama and all over. Many
of the guests alwws stay there when visiting
Philadelphia. Warren and Don are graciotts
hosts and. al%r 16 years of taking guests into
their lovely home, they seem to have been
able to do it the right way< Another great
thing about staying at The Gables is that the
trolley system runs right in front of their
house and you can take it downtown in just
minutes, and it runs about every 20 minutes
a!l day 10ng. The), have ample off-street
parking behind their house which is a big
plus.
To begin your day, take the trolley
downtown. From that point you can take
another bus or ,valk south to the famous
historical district of Philadelphia and visit
all the places there. No trip to Philadelphia
would be complete without visiting the
Liberty Bell and the other historical places
that are located within a few blocks of there.
Philadelphia is proud of their art museums as
well they, should be. ~-he Philadelphia
Museum of Art is a first class museum and
is a MUST for anyon& visit to the cits: A
few blocks away is the Rodin Museum which
houses more Rodin sculptors any~vhere except
for Paris. There are maW other museums to
visit also.
Ofcourse every visitor to Philadelphia
must try one of their famous Philly
Cheesesteak sandwiches for lunch. There
are a lot of gay bars in the ’~gayborhood"
area of the city which is iust a few blocks
west of downtmvn and easily ~vithin ~valking
distance from the public transportation.
Knock was our very favorite bar there. It is
what a gay bar should be all about....... A
clean bar where the owner/management/staff
is super friendly; wl~ere the customers are
super friendl> where you can walk in and
really enioy yourself, located righ~ on the
corner of Locust St. and I2th Street. They
also have an excellent res~urant located in
the bar. ~Pnis is one of the finest restaurants
in the city ~vith fine white linen tablecloths
and napkins on every table. Jim the Maitre
’d is extremely professional. The servers are
very professional. They have a huge menu
offering the very finest of cuisine. Owned by
Bill Wood, this bar/restaurant is extremely
popular with both people ~vho live in the city
as ~vell as travelers.
We were fortunate during our stay to
see the Broadway pla}~ Grey Gardens which
is about the life of the aunt and cousin of
Jackie Kennedy- Onassis. They lived in a 24
room house in the Hamptons on Long Island
but were extremely poor and let their house
run down something horrible. Mother and
daughter loved (and hated) each other but
were bound to live with each other until the
mother finally died. There was a movie made
about their lives and HBO came out with
another movie a couple of months ago. Both
live theatre as well as the visua! arts are a huge
makeup in Philadelphia.
You could easily spend a whole ~veek
in this beautiful city and still not see
everything. The architecture is unbelievably
tremendous. On weekends, the Penn Landing
downtown is full of vendors and local
artists. Philadelphia is certainly a city that is
welcoming gay travelers with open arms.
There are just a handful of cities that you
must visit in the country and Philadelphia is
certainly" on our short list. Most cities you
still need a car to travel around however not
in this city. They have such a great public
transportation system and is extremely safe
and clean. Why can’t all cities do this?
For more information on Philadelphia,
visit: www.gablesbb.com and they are
located at 4520 Chester Avenue. Phone:
215.662. ! 918. ?dso visit w~v<ka~ockphilly.
COLT1
Another great website to visit
is: http://www.gophita.com/c/your_
philadelphia/14/diverse_philadelphia/287/
gay~friendly_philadelphia/4.html and wwcw.
gayphiladelphia.com
On a personal note, we want to thank
Bruce Yelk, Director of Human Resources
& Gay Marketing, Greater Philadelphia
Tourism marketing Corportation and to our
friend Buster Stevens who hosted a wonderful
dinner for us xvhile we were visiting.
Photo: Famous Liber~_y Bell Philadelphia, PA
Always remember to have fun when traveling,
meet new people and talk to everyone!
Wayne Fuller reported on gossipboy.com, an
Oklahoma internet news service focused on
the GLBT community, that Mr. Chiles had
been convicted of Obtaining Money by False
Pretenses in McClain County in 2006, for
which he received a 2 year deferred sentence
now completed. Since then a warrant for
his arrest was issued for the same offense
in Pontotoc County, which was in effect
when he was elected to his Democratic Party
position.
Robert Chiles, Director &Founder ofPrject
Pride Foundation ofOklahoma. Gorin photo
On June 8, represented by attorney Gordon
Melson, he appeared in court in Pontotoc
Count-5: An agreement was reached ~vith
the warrant withdrawn, and Robert ~vould
have until August 27 to make restitution to
the parties involved.
On June 3, when cast members from the
national tour of "The Drowsy Chaperone"
did a benefit at Tulsa’s Renegades Club for
Until There’s a Cure, an organization helping
those with HIV. Mr. Chiles presented them
with a large check payable to that organization.
It likewise would not clear his bank.
Mr. Chiles had been contacted by that
organization and he promised them a cashier~
check which was not received as of press time.
Following this, Mr. Chiles had asked the
Red Ribbon Revue, a monthly benefit show
performed at Renegades, to do a benefit for
his Foundation. In a statement to gossipboy.
corn Renegades entertainer Tabitha Taylor
stated, "I’m glad this was caught before we
did a fundraiser with the name attached."
www.metrostamews.com ~÷{~oSTAR 17
18 July 2009
,~.metrostarnews.com ~®~°~STAR t9
By Camper English
Crafting the Cosmopolitan
~he Cosmopolitan is one tasty
cocktail and probably most popular drink
created in the last 30 years, but it is not
magically original. The recipe calls for lemon
vodka, lime iuice, orange liqueur, and a splash
of cranberry for color. Minus the cranberry,
the drink follows the formula of spirit plus
lime plus orange liqueur. If that spirit is
tequila, that’s a Margarita. If it’s unflavored
vodka, that’s a Kamikaze.
In fact. the prevailing theory on the
creation of the Cosmopolitan is that it ,vas a
spin-offofthe Kamikaze created by a Miami
bartender
named Cheryl
Cook in 1985
or !986.
She said the
Cosmo is. ~
"Merely a ~
Kamikaze
with Absolut
Citron and
a splash of
cranberry
juice."
But her
version called
for Rose’s lime
juice, a bottled
lime juice
that’s a poor
substimte
for freshsqueezed,
and triple
sec, which
usually refers to the low-end orange liqueurs
that are poor substitutes for Cointreau. These
items are often served at high-volume bars
that want to save money on (admittedly
pricey) orange liqueur and don’t want their
bartenders taldng the time to squeeze limes
for each drink.
But I find the Cosmo-to be intolerable
~vithout them. So too did Toby Cecchini, a
New York bartender credited with finessing
the drink into its best form. Someone told
Cecchini about the drink, but in their version
it was made with unflavored vodka, Rose’s
lime, and the red-colored syrup grenadine.
He liked the look of the drink - soft pink and
served in a Martini glass - and experinaented
~vith ingredients to make the flavor match the
fashion. In the end, his version came out just
like Cheryl Cook’s version, but with better
ingredients.
This version caught on like wildfire
in New York. causing Cecchini and other
bartenders to make them by the thousands.
In the era of bottled sour mix and vermouthflee
Martinis. this drink seerned highmaintenance
enough for Cecchini to call
them "labor-intensive pink monstrosities."
~e trick to making a good pink
monstrosity; even if you have the proper
ingredients, is getting the ratio of them. right.
Apparently this is a problem for bartenders
~oo - i’ve had Cosmopolitans i~ every shade
from c!¢ar to deep red. When I make them at
borne, I’m ~o~- laz/to Ioot up ~[~e recipe so I
}ust ake ir ,,~ ingredient ar a vitae: ~ couo~e
ounces of Charon a smat~ splash of Cointreau.
and a large quantity of’lime.
(I like them tart.) I make mine in keeping
,vith Cheryl Cook’s original instructions
of ~jttst enough cranberry to make it oh so
pretty in pink."
That’s my starting point, anyway. One
thing I’ve learned making this drink is that
cranberry juice, like slimming black clothing,
hides many sins. Even if you get the initial
ratios of liquor and juice all wrong, or have to
resort to bottled lime )uice and bottom-shelf
triple sec, you can always make a drinkable
version of this drink. Just keep adding
cranberry until it’s good.
Vodka, Now Available in Juniper Flavor
I like to think of"bathtub gift" as
"Martinis by the poo!." but that’s not where
the expression originated. It came about
during Prohibition xvhen people would
"make" their own gin by adding mail-order
juniper flavoring to lowquality
alcohol to help mask its
awfulness. 2the weird tiring is, gin
cocktails were awfully popular
back then.
Today it is still legal to make
gin this way- not in the bathtub.
but by adding juniper oil and
other flavors to a neutral spirit
like vodka. Thankftdly, most of
the gins with which we’re familiar
don’t do it like that. Gin usually
starts with high-proof neutral
spirit made from grains like corn,
wheat, and rye. The gin distiller
then selects a range of botanicals
or botanical oils to infuse into the
spirit, then redistills everything
together.
There are many different
distilling methods gin makers
employ, but this is probably only
interesting to folks like me ~vho
spend our spare time hanging out
in distilleries on vacation. More interesting
are the types of botanicals that go in to gin.
Traditional brands like Beefeater, Plymouth,
and Tanqueray contain many ingredients like
citrus peels, coriander, cinnamon, and cassia
bark. Newer gins on the market like Bombay
Sapphire, Hendrick’s, and Martin Miller’s also
include things like lavender, ginseng, rose,
and green tea. All gins, by definition, must
contain jtmiper (berries that smell like pine
trees) as a dominant flavor, but the newer
ones tend to put less of it in.
While vodka lovers and gin lovers are
usually different sorts of people (though
I find versatility provides more options in
the bedroom and the liquor cabinet)~ when
it comes right down to it gin is really just
juniper-flavored vodka. Ifyou’ve got vodka
drinkers over for cocktails and you only
have gin left, just tell them their drinks are
made with "botanical vodka." If you’re in
the opposite situation, tell them the vodka is
"diet gin." Lying to your guests is the most
entertaining part of entertaining them.
The combination and concentration
of the juniper, spices, citrus, and other
botanicals is what gives each gin its unique
flavor and makes it a better or worse fit for
different cocktails. Some modern gins are
so very citrusy and floral that they can be
too perfumey for a Martini. (Hey, this drink
smells like grandma!} On the other hand.
when you add an intensely juniper-heaW
gin ro a Gimlet or other mild cockt ills.
s~metimes all you ~aste b rhe juniper. (Hey,
this drink smells like where ~ ~andma is
buried!~
2O
The trick is finding the right fit for each
gin fqr your mouth. I prefer the old-style
gins in a Martini, Aviation, Pink Gin, and
Negroni. With the more-floral, less-juniper
gins I like the Salty Dog, Gimlet, White Lady,
and Vesper.
But I find that no matter what kind of gin
you have in the house you can always add it
to tonic water and it will taste just fine. Tonic
is the mixer that swings both ways.
Camper English is a cocktails andspirits
writer andpublisher ofAlcademics.com.
Miss Gay Oklahoma
2009 Crowned in OKC
By Victor Gorin
Left: 2008 Miss Gay Oklahoma Adrienne
Fischer, 1st altetmam Samantha West, Shantd
l~£andalay &Miss Gay America Victoria
DePaula. Gorin Photo
worked their hearts out, hoping to be the next
Miss Gay Oklahoma. Emceed by former Miss
Gay America 2006 Nicole Dubois & former
Miss Gay Oklahoma 2005 Pure Chocolate
(as Steven), it got wild Saturday night as it
wound down to 5 finalists with their friends
cheering on their favorites.
That fun fabulous contest came to a
conclusion on Saturday night June 13 when
Shantel Mandalay finally won the title of Miss
Gay Oklahoma America after many years
of pursuing that dream. A proud 3rd grade
teacher who also coaches Special Olympics,
Miss Mandalay and her entourage wowed the
audience with a fast stepping dance routine
to the C&W classic "The Devi! went down to
Georgia" that brought the house down.
It was also an emotional time for the
current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma
Adrienne Fischer when she passed on her
tide, joining many other former Miss Gay
Oklahomas who were there for the occasion.
Together with 1st alternate Samantha \Vest.
Shantel will be eligible to compete in the
national Miss Gay America competition to
be held this year in St.Louis October 28.-
November 1.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It was a
festive weekend June 11-13 at Angles in
Oklahoma City when once again the girls
lIGHT
BILENT AUCTION- AND RAFFLES
Dd. IKEY TURNS UP THE WITH OlSDg ALL NIGHT
~:mSTAR July 2009
~’#~W.metrostamews.com
@ Angles, Oklahoma City
@ OGRA Pool Party, OKC
@Club Majestic, Tulsa
@Club 209, Tulsa
Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G.
@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ The Copa Oklahoma City
@ The Ledo, Oklahoma City
@ Finishlinel Oklahoma City
@ OGRA Rodeo, OKC
Tulsa Pride 09 Parade
@ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa
@ Tulsa Pride 09 Parade
www.metrostarnews.com , <,STAR 23
Oban~a administration defending DOMA
is shocking and unsetding. Clearly, our selfdescribed
’fierce advocate’ needs significant
additional pushing and pressure from all of
US."
Popular blogger John Aravosis: "A
Democratic president of the United States of
i~erica, in the year 2009. and an African-
B~nerican child of inter-racial parents no less,
gave his la~wers the go ahead ro compare
our marriages to incest on the same day that
42 years ago the Supreme Court ruled in
[ais parents’ favor in Loving v. Virginia....
We demand our rights, and we expect this
president, who promised them in exchange
[or millions of our votes and millions of
our donations, to deliver. And so help me
God, we will continue to hold this president
accountable for his broken promises and his
betrayals]"
Lambda Lega!’s Legal Director Jon
Davidson: "X~at they need to be asked
is why they gratuitously went out of their
-way ~o make the outrageous arguments
they unnecessarily included such as that
DOM2~ does not discriminate based on
sexual orientation or that the right ar issue
is not marriage but an unestablished rigi~t
~o ’same-sex marriage or
that DOMA is somehow
iustified in order to protect
taxpayers ~;ho don’t want
their tax do!lars used
ro suppor~ lesbian and
gay couples iwhile it~
apparently fine to make
lesbians and gay men pay
the same rm,:es but be
&nied the benefits provided
heterosexual couples) .... I
am seething mad."
Top Clinton aide
R5chard Socarides: "It had
such a buckshot approach
ro it, a veritable kitchen
sink of anti-gay legal theories, that it seemed
expressly designed to inflict maximal damage
ro our rights. Instead of malting nuanced
arguments which took into account the
president’s oi?-stated support for repealing
DO1VLA -- a law he has called ’abhorrent’ --
the brief seemed to embrace DOMA and all
its horrific consequences,"
Equality California Executive Director
Geoff Kors: "We ... call on President Obama
m order the Justice Department ro file a
supplemental brief reversing its position and
instead urging the repeal of DOMA."
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Executive Director Rea Carey: "The malicious
and outrageous arguments and language
used in the Department ofJustice’s marriage
brief is only serving to inflame and malign
the humanity of same-sex couples and our
families."
Gay writer Dan Savage: "If this shit is
’fierce advocacy,’ Mr. President, we’ll take
benign neglect.7
CBS News: "The anger from gay rights
advocates toward President Obama is starting
to boil over."
~!~e Wall Street Journal called Sotmonese’s
letter to Obama "scathing."
The New York Times editorialized: "The
Obama administration, which came to office
promising to protect gay rights but so far has
nor done much, actually struck a blow" for the
other side last week.... If the administration
does feel compelled to defend (DOMA), it
should do so in a less hurtful wa~: ... There
writer Dan
/ Savage: "If ’\
dais shit is ’fierce
advocacy; Mr.
President, we’ll
take benign /
\... neglect."
was no need to resort to specious arguments
and inflammatory language to impugn samesex
marriage as an institution."
Plans apparently are shaping up for a
gay March on Washington in October,
spearheaded, it appears, by veteran activist
Cleve Jones, the man who created the
NAMES Proiect AIDS Memorial O~ilt."The
President is in serious danger of motivating
a huge mass of gay people to stream into
\Ygashington for the simple ioy of standing in
front of the White House and giving him a
piece of their minds," wrote syndicated gay
columnist \gayne Besen.
"For what seemed Iike forever, Democrats
told us that when the big bad Republicans
went away, our lives would improve," Besen
said. "XN~ell, the Republican nightmare is over,
so why do I still feel like I’m in the middle of
a political Friday the 13th movie? ... As far
as I’m concerned, if the donkeys can’t detiv(r
now, they can Idss my ass."
On June 17, when Obama "delivered"
to federal employees a smattering of spousal
benefits, via issuance of a "memorandum," he
did again denounce DOblA.
"I think we all have to acknowledge this
is only one step," the president said.
the steps we have not yet t~en is to repeal the
Defense of Marriage Act. I
believe it’s discriminatory,
I think it interferes ,vith
states’ rights, and we will
work with Congress ro
overturn it. \rUe’re gor more
work to do to ensure that
government treats all its
citizens equally, to figh~
iniustice and intolerance in
all its forms, and to bring
about that more perfect
union. I’m committed
to these efforts, and I
pledge to work tirelessly
on behalf of these issues in
the months and years to
come.-
Obama also expressed support for the
Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations
Act.
"Under current law, we cannot provide
same-sex couples with the full range of
benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married
couples," he said. "That’s why I’m proud
to announce rny support for the Domestic
Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, crucial
legislation that will guarantee these rights
for all federal employees. I want to thank
Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who is behind me
somewhere -- there she is, right there -- for
her tireless leadership on this bill and in the
broader struggle for equality. I want to thank
Sen. Joe Lieberman -- Joe is here -- as well
as Susan Collins for championing this bill
in the Senate, and Rep. Barney Frank for his
leadership on this and so many other issues."
Sounds good, but gay activists ~veren’t
impressed. They want action.
"We commend President Obama ana his
administration for taking this beginning step
to level the playing field but we look forward
to working with him to repeal the Defense of
Marriage Act, overturn ’Dofft Ask, Don’t Tell’
and guarantee the entire American worl6brce
is free from discrimination," said HRC’s
Solmonese.
The Associated Press said, "His (Obama’s)
critics -- and there were many -- saw
Wednesday’s incremental move to expand gay
rights as litde more than pandering to a
reliably Democratic voting bloc."
Lamb& Legal Executive Director
Kevin Cathcart: "While ending any of
the discrimination against gay and lesbian
federal employees is a welcome step, today’s
... announcement falls far short of our hopes
and expectations. President Obama dearly
understands how important it is for people
to have health insurance coverage ro protect
their loved ones and this plan does not
provide that. Lambda Legal is representing
Karen Golinsldi, a federal employee who
works for the judicial branch and who is
seeking health insurance coverage for her
same-sex spouse. A federal judge has already
issued an administrative decision in that
matter, concluding that, within the existing
roles, the federal government can choose
to provide health insurance for same-sex
partners. Vie think they should.... The day is
long past for incomplete, piecemeal fixes that
leave hard-worldng families uninsured and
struggling."
People For the American W’ay President
Michael B. Keegan: "Today’s presidential
memorandum is a very small step in the right
direction, but it’s a token, and tokens are no
longer enough. DOMA stands in the way of
real progress for same-sex couples nmv denied
federal recognition and protection, and its
repeal is tong overdue. President Obama has a
unique ability to provide the moral leadership
to ensure that all Americans are treated
equally under the law. but so far he has failed
to exercise it. We urge the president to live
up to his own rhetoric about being a ’fierce
advocate’ fbr gay and lesbian Americans.
Taking action on his pledge to repeal DOMA
would be ~vorthy of the vision that he held
out to Americans during his campaign
NGLTF’s Carey: "This presidential
memorandum today will extend some
selected protections to the same-sex partners
and families of federal employees.... This
memo is one building block toward full
equality, and much more remains to be done
in order for the administration to live up to
the promises of equality the president made
as a candidate on the campaign trail.... We
also call on the president to take additional
steps that will have a positive impact on our
health, our livelihoods and our families’ safety
that do not require legislative action. These
include reversing the standing policy of the
U.S. Census Bureau to manually un-marry
any same-sex couple who lawfully states they
are married on the 2010 census, extending
employment protections to federal employees
based on gender identity, and reversing the
regulations that continue to throw roadblocks
in the way of HIV-positive individuals who
want to travel to this country."
NCLR’s Kendell: "The policy announced
today by the president committing to a
federal ~vorkplace free from discrimination is
a step in the right direction but inadequate
and long overdue. It leaves out millions
ofAmerieans who do not work for the
federal government and fails to include key
benefits including health insurance. When
running for office, then candidate Obama
called equality for LGBT people a ’moral
imperative.’ We will continue to demand
this administration live up to the president’s
promise of achieving ’full equality for the
millions ofLGBT people in this country.’"
The language is strong and the front is
unified. Nae White House clearly is listening,
but when will our "fierce advocate" act?
Writing on his house.gov Web site June
16, gay U.S. Rep. Jared Polls, D-Colo., said:
"I am a proud Democrat, as are many in the
LGBT community, and I believe we must
hold our leaders accountable. The Obama
Administration made a HUGE mistalte in the
DOMA brief. If they keep malting mistakes
like this. they risktosing the support of the
GLBT community forever, although I do
not believe we are at that point yet. President
Obama needs to honor his promise ro repeal
this ... hateful and divisive law. As the New
York Times editorialized yesterday, ’busy
calendars and political expediency are no
excuse for malting one group of Americans
wait any longer for equal rights.’"
labor of love really," said Arbuckle. "We ate
like a family here." The organization serves
men, women and children. "XWe have about
30-40 children who may be infected or have
parents who are," adds Arbuclde.
Recently, Arbuckle submitted a grant
application to the }v’La,C-AIDS Fund which
is an organization established in 1994 that
globally supports all persons lMng with
HIV/AIDS. "It is a passion for our company
and our staff," said Armando Ortiz, MAC
Retail Manager at Penn Square Mall. "We
refer to this as the heart and soul ofMAC
Cosmetics. MAC stands for Make-up, Art
and Cosmetics.
"Our Viva-Glam program is where the
monies come from," adds Ortiz. "We give
back 100% of the selling price back to the
community. This program is really something
we embrace in our company." MAC
Cosmetics has been in business since I984
and has donated over $t35 million dollars to
date through the MAC-AIDS Fund.
Other Options has changed some over
the years and now focuses primarily on their
Friends Food Pantry. "The other services are
provided so well by other organizations in the
city that we focus on the nutritional program
now," said Mary Arbuckle, Director of the
Other Options organization. "\ge work well
together with RAIN Oklahoma, the OU
Infectious Disease Clinic, and other local
organizations so our clients can ger all the
hdp they need and so there is less duplication
of services."
Friends Food Pantry is exclusive to the
HIV and MDS community. Clients come to
the srore to shop each week. "We give them
a shopping cart and let them select their own
items, which is different than most food
banks," adds Arbuckle. "We want to empower
their mind; we don’t want them to feel like
it’s a charity." Arbuckle says they plan ro
spend the majority of the MAC-AIDS grant
on their Boost program, which provides the
high-prorein Boost drink to those in most
need of the nutritional supplement.
Donations to Other Options are always
~velcomed and appreciated. For more
information about Other Options or the
Friends Food Pantry, please call (405) 946-
8577.
by Jack Fertig July 2009
"Pay attention, Cancer!"
Saturn square Mercury would normally
bring out everyone’s inner critic, but
with Saturn in Virgo and Mercury in
Gemini, bitchy outbursts are to be
expected. If you’re feeling brilliant, write
it down and think twice before saying
it aloud. Take a long view and look for
opportunities for self-improvement,
ARIES (March 20 - Apri~ 19): Stay
focused on work. Any personal remarks,
especially about colleagues, are sure
to get you into trouble. Your critical
analyses and recommendations for
improvement are probably a bit off the
mark, but at least they show you’re
paying attention.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Avoid
gambling and investments in any
game play strictly for funsies. Focus on
developing skill at your sport or hobby.
That’s an uphill slog, too, but something
that’s just fun now can have practical
value down the road.
GEMiNi {May 21- June 20): If you get
any criticism from family or roommates,
thank them for sharing and think about
what they say. There may be something
to it. Responding in kind will only start
an a~ui argument.
CANCER (June 21~- July 22): Pay
attention where you’re walking or
driving. Distractions inside your own
head can cause awful accidents. Be
aware of your surroundings, and you
can find better ways to bang up against
someone.
LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): You’re
inclined to be very critical of someone’s
political values, so why not focus on
your own? In this era of diminishing
resources, we all need to step back
and re-think things. Brainstorming
with friends will help you update your
perspective.
VlRGO (August 23 - September 22)
The sharp edge of your wit is very
much in evidence. Keep it focused
on practical matters and attention to
your own health and well-being. When
tempted to speak of others, make extra
effort to keep it kind and constructive.
L~B~ (September 23 - October
22): There’s always room for selfimprovement,
but don’t beat yourself up
with your faults, which you’re now likely
to exaggerate anyway. A creative focus
for your inner critic could help you to be
more realistic.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November
21): As your brain races around sex,
you may want to look beyond simple
gratification. That has its time and
place, but think seriously about your
relationships and what you’d want to be
doing - and with whom - in 20 years.
SAG!TTARIUS (November 22
- December 20): You will get into
arguments. Stay focused, principled
and respectful. The way you press
your point can earn you a great deal
of respect. Stay clear on details and
graciously accept correction when it’s
appropriate.
CAPRICORN (December 21
- January 19): Take it slow and easy.
Pay attention to details and you’ll have
fewer accidents and arguments at
work. Sex seems a great release for
stress, but is it really? Focus on what’s
important at work and at play.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): You may be losing yourself helping
others, and fun may feel more like work.
An analytic approach to techniques of
craft, sport and/or pleasure reconciles
the latter. Being ruthless and selfish for
a bit is now good for you.
PISCES (February 19 - March
19): Domestic criticisms are nearly
inevitable. Being self-critical will help
keep you out of arguments, but give
yourself credit as well as blame. Your
partner’s shortcomings on that score
are highlighted because of your focus.
If you must say something, be kind and
gentle!
Community for
People iving
with
H R/!A DS
A 50’f c (3) Non t rofit Or~nizadon
Our House, Too offers a variety of
activities for people who are HIV+ and
or living with AIDS to help combat the
social isolation that many of our
people live through each and everyda~:
We provide a Toiletry and Household
Pantry for those "who are HIV+
and or living with AIDS who cannot
afford to purchase these items for
themselves. We invite anyone who
would like to volunteer or provide financial
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobat.net
112 3 4
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14
~ 15
17 18 19
66 67 68
69 70 7I
43 Ausmas capital( to Aust ~ans
~ ’Watcha~Liberg~ game h~re
18 Irritating : ,
50 of Seventeefi :
52 :l~i~---~"s home Stat~ (abgr:};
~3 cone Out ~nthe b~a~h
5~ ~Evbr~tt S Monkey Zetterland
58 E~d of the a~eadline ~
52 Adult filly
69 %v0some
70 Second name in cross-dressing
7! Doest" own
31
33 Prefix with
35 In the sack
38 "Lead into temptation"
39 Casey J0n~s, e.g.
40 GOt excited ,
41 Hollinghurst s 7~e Swimming~Pool
42 Edmontons province
45 Many a place near Aspen
46 Ball {vh£ckers, in Ping-Pong
47 U-turn from SSW ~9 Gate design,
1 C. Marlowes tongue
55 Golfer Sam
57 Overhand stroke, for Mauresmo
59 It gets spilled at wild parties
60 Beat it
61 Peruvian native
65 Quit, with "out"
Solution page 26
We :welcome ~[etters fro ers. Shorter letters are more likely to be printed, as are those
that addreks ohly a Singte topiC, Letters are subject to editing for lefigt|i and clarity. In-
ClYde your hO~ addr~s} an~ ~,~time phone fiumber fo~-~;efifidatiDm Send l{~rs to the
4ditor~ pFe ly:~ ii (~iam£ws@sl;cglobal.ndt)~ Le{ters als~ may be mailed (Metro
Stem P~ Box 5~i 7’18, TulSa, IOK 7~ 158)
~wcw.metrostarnews.com ;~8÷troSTAR 25
Stage Performance To
Benefit C arron Alliance
OK~AI-IOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ lheatre
lovers are invited to attend an upcoming
performance of a Carpenter Square Theatre
production with proceeds benefiting the Cimarron
Alliance Foundation.
Carpenter Square’s Thursday, July 2, production
of"The Little Dog Laughed" will benefit Cimarron
and cimarronAP,TS! The show begins at 7:30
p.m. Tickets, at a discount, are $15 and can be
purchased £nline at: CAF
Carpenter Square provides the following
synopsis of tl~e show: Mitchell Green is a handsome
young movie actor who is on the verge of major
stardom. His agent can’t seem to keep him in
the closet due to his "slight recurring case of
homosexuality." And as if that’s not enough, he falls
in love with his most recent "rent boy" and wants
to announce it to the world. Helping him navigate
Holl.~;~vood’s choppy waters, his shark of an agent
Diane does everything she can to keep him away
~?om the rent boy and the rent boy’s girlfriend
(wait, the rent boy has a girlfriend?), but it’s not
smooth sailing.
Ticket sales are limited to 200, so buy )!our
rickets early!
Jamie Fo~
Jul 9, 2009 at BOK Center
Ticket Prices: $69.75 and $59.75
"l~is summer heats tip with a tour from one of the
Imrtest artists to move fi:om the big screen to the
stage. Jamie Foxx begins a summer tour in July and
makes Tulsa one of the first stops.
eridm Idols Live
Jul 24, 2009 at BOK Center Tulsa
Tickets Prices: $69.50, $55.50, $40.50
Fans ofAmerica’s #1 show will once again have the
chance to catch their favorite "Idols" performing
live in concert, as the top 10 contestants from
American Idol season 8 hit the road in the highly
anticipated summer tour.
Aerosmith
Ju130, 2009 at BOK Center
AEROSMITH
with ZZ TOP
July 30 @ 7:30pro
Ticket Prices: $129.50, $89.50, $49.50
~EROSMITH--STEVEN TYLER (vocals), JOE
PERRY (guitar), BP4\D ~WHITFORD (guitar),
TOM HAMILTON (bass) and JOEY KP,a~_MER
(drums)--made history last year when Activision
released Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, marldng the
first music-based game built around the legendary
music of Aerosraith.
Kdth Urban
Aug 7, 2009 at BOK Center @ 8:00pm
Keith Urban with Sugarland
Ticket Prices: $77, $47 and $20
Grammy Award winner Keith Urban, one of the
industry’s raost explosive and critic~dly hailed live
acts, will be stopping at the BOK Center on Friday,
August 7th fi~r his "Escape Together ~otld Tour"
together with KC Masterpiece° and Kings~rd°
featuring multi-platinum superstars Sugarland.
Webs#e- www.kylecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aol,com
bi~er gir!
2{3 @~:{:~oSTAR July 2009
Support those who support us. Their
A
HABANA INN
2200 NW 39TH ~KESSWAY
Oldakoma City, OK
405-528-2221
wsvw.habanainn.com
KELLY KIRBY, CPA
48 I5 S. I-DYRVARD, SUITE 424
Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466
Certified Public Accountant
ROUTE 66 ANTIQUE MALL
4624 E. ! lth Street
Tulsa OK
918-836-3838
VALERIE WILLIFORD
625 N.W. 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK
405-226-8585
CONFIDENTIAL CAP~ &
CONSULTATION-OKC
405-326-9652
NATIa~q BLACK
PRIMEP£CA 10820 E. 45th #305
Tulsa. OK
918-615-8177
nblack.rn#39@primerica.com
OKC MORTUARY
2415-C N. "WALNUT AVE.
Olda~oma City, OK
80B-9!3-t310
GARY CORNETT
FUTUPJTY FIRST IN S.
Tulsa. OK
918-688-!360
ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you.
THE LEDO
2200 NW 39TH E~RESSWAY
Oklalloma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
TULSA EAGLE
1338 E. 3RD
Tulsa, OK
918-592-1188
Open 7days week 2pm to 2am
CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS
3131 N. PENN,
OKC, OK 405-525-9555
Service Sunday 10:45 AM
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Sunday 6pm
MCC UNITED
1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK
918-838-1715
www.nlcctulsa.org
RFAL:ESTATE:
ARMANDO AMOR
Keller Williams Realty
1624 SW !22nd
Oklahoma City, OK 73170
405-473-6870
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 IxYgg EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
www.c21 goldcasde.com
CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE
Keller Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
CINDY LOLLIS
Castle Finders Realty
Owasso, OK 74055
918-697-7406
OKZAHOMANS for EQUALITY
621 E. 4th Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
918-743-4297
www.okeq.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N: Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
~NG OF MASSAGE
In or Out Calls
Oklahoma City, OK
405-882-6127
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
In Calls Only, N\V OKC
405-822-7378
nwokcmassageguy@aol.cim
ANGLES
2 ! 17 N~V 39th St.
Oklahoma City, OK JUDY G. PHOTO’S
wvw:angtesdub.com Tulsa. OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
BAMBOO LOUNGE 918-743-8636
7204 E. PINE
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 N~V 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oldahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
THE KITCHEN
2218 NW 39th
Oklahoma City; OK 73112
Located inside the BOOM
THE MARKET PLACE ON 39th
2235 N.W. 39th
Oklah0maCity. OK
405-528-5555
TRA
EURE~ SPRINGS CVB
Eureka Springs, AR
www.eurekasprings.org
Cindy Lolli~
Castle Finders, LLC
Real Estate & Property Management
Owasso, OK 74055
918-697-7406
Armando Amor
Phone: 405-473-6870
Fax: 405-691-2708
BUY GI Joe Action Figures
(12" size Only)
THE
KITCHEN
2218 NW 39th
Oklahoma City, OKC 73112
(405) 801-7200
Open Tues.-Sun 12
Noon ~o 11PM. Featuring
Chef Susie Lopez.
Located inside the "BOOM"
Call
Therapeutic
By licensed professional for Physical
Rehabilitation.
NW OKO near Penn Square
In-Calls only
(405) 822#378
nwokcmassageguy@aol.corn
Tulsa. OK
918-836-8700
~a~vw.bambooloungetulsa.com
CLUB 209
209 N. BOULDER
%lsa, OK
918-584-9944
CLUB MAJESTIC
!24 N. BOSTON
Tulsa, OK
9!8-584-9494
FINISHLINE
~oo NW 59TH EXPreSSWaY
Oklahoma Civ, OK
405-525-2900
~l=,v.habanainn.cona
THE COPA
2200 NW 39TH E~SSWAY
O~om~ Cit~ OK
405-525-0730
x~m,w.habanainn.com
Start building a business
today to supplement your"
income in case of layoff.
High potential commissions.
Excellent instruction.
Set your own hours.
Call NATHAN BLACK
Chuck Breckenridge
Whether buying or selling
I’ll work hard for you.
www.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 27
28 July 2009
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2009] Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 7
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media, Ltd
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
July 1, 2009
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
Online text
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Chaz Ward
Victor Gorin
Greg Steele
James Nimmo
Jeanne Flanigan
Rex Wockner
Gerald Libonati
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Jack Fertig
Devre Jackson
Judy G.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Metro Star Magazine, April 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 4
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/128
The Metro Star Magazine, August 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 8
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/129
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/133
Adam Lambert
adoption
California HIV
church
Clara Nipper
cocktail chatter
Comics
commentary
crossword puzzle
Dick Cheney
dining
discrimination
Diversity Business Association
domestic-partnership bill
Don't Ask
Don't Tell
First Thursday
gay police ban
Hillary Clinton
homophobia
international news
Joplin pride
June 2009
Keith Kimmel
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
legalization of same sex marriage
lesbian Noir
License Plate
MAC cosmetics
Michael Cooper
Miss Gay
National news
Obama
Oklahoma City Rodeo
Oklahoma News
Other Options
Pride Month
pride Parade
Qscopes
R.A.I.N.
Robin Dorner
snap shots
spousal benefits and protection
stage
Star Scene
The Metro Star
travel
Tulsa
Tulsa Pride's Diversity Festival
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/e208ae2467acdf8f6091484385748583.jpg
15bd0403ba57fe81147c641b3d6966f7
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/fda9c945eb7918511e42f653a03c29c1.pdf
c00b651bb5318db03236e698530267db
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] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), 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.
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)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
Gift Guide
THE
VOLUME 6 ISSUE 12 Twitter.com/MetroStad~ews
Other Options; 20 years and going strong
Celebrating with an open house for everyone
By Robin Townsend
Contributing Viriter
PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA
® MetroStarNews.com
Fed partner benefits
bill advances in House
By Lisa Keen
Keen News Service
Other Options andFriends Food Pantry’s board President Robert Painter with Executive Director
Mary Arbuckle. The organization won an award thisyear at the National Philanthropy Day event
hosted by the Association ofFundraising Professionals, Oklahoma Chapte~ The award reads, "Spirit
ofPhilanthropy awards; For unmatched dedication to thepeople who are living with HIVAIDS. "
but homosexuality was the primary
commonality."
During the early days of Other Options
there was a great need for the social services
part of HIV/AIDS care. "Back then the
patients rarely lived long enough to get
their Social Security benefits. When we
told a person they were HIV positive we
explained things, but they knew their life
expectancy w~s very limited even with AZT.
As drug combinations have improved and
there is more research, life expectancies are
longer. "Our services are now more geared to
improving lives, allowing people to live more
productive lives. Now we see them living full
lives."
Today some needs are the same while
some have changed "One of our methods of
assistance is to give people the nutritional
values they [clients] need to help them lead
a more productive life, and that is what we
are able to do with the Friends Food Pantry,"
adds Arbuckle. "We also added the HOPWA
last June and service 125 [clients] there."
(HOPWA- Housing Options for People
Living With AIDS). Charla Stevenson is the
Housing Case Manager at Other Options
who manages that part of the organization.
OY-A_Ak-IOMA CITY, OK__ Since
1989 Other Options in Oldahoma City has
provided professional, consistent services to
PLWA’s and disabled individuals, focusing
on the impact HIV/MDS has had in the
lives of those they serve. The organization
was founded by Cookie Arbuclde who was a
Social Worker (MSW) at ChildreNs Hospital
and Oklahoma Memorial Hospital (now OU
Medical Center).
"In 1988 morn was asked by an
Oklahoma Governors Task Force who saw a
need for a guide book for people living with
HIV/_AADS and medical professionals," said
Mary Arbuclde, Other Options Executive
Director. "They hired Cookie to do this
because of her background and because she
was one of the founders of the ASP [AIDS
Support Program] organization. "That was
where the first book, t/kids for HIV/AIDS’
came from."
The second edition gray paperback is the
most popular and is four times larger. "The
reason she [Cookie] started Other Options
in 1989, was due to a generous grant by the
Sarkey’s foundation. We realized the need
for a non-profit to continue our services to
the HIV/MDS community. Back then the
A House committee on Wednesday
evening approved a bill to provide equal
benefits to gay federal employees with
domestic partners, but not without a political
slugfest first over whether the legislation is
an attempt to undermind the Defense of
Marriage Act (DOMA).
The clash November 18 occured in
the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform over the Domestic
Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of
2009 (HR 2517). The bill seeks to provide
all federal employees with the same benefits
whether they are married to a person of the
opposite sex or are in a long-term intimate
relationship with a person of the same sex.
It was sponsored by openly gay Rep. Tammy
Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and had the spoken
support of President Obama.
All speakers for the bill were Democrats;
all speakers against it were Republ~,can.s.
:~mocrats emphasized the bill s aim to
end discrimination against LGBT federal
employees by providing them with equal pay
for equal work.
Republicans emphasized their concern
that the bill is trying to circumvent DOMA
and widespread public sentiment as illustrated
by 31 states voting to ban same-sex marriage.
The proceedings were web-streamed live
on the Committee’s website but are no longer
available there.
The debate was a classic discourse between
pro and anti-gay forces. Pro-gay legislators
talked about fighting discrimination and
protecting equal rights. Anti-gay forces talked
about opposing special rights and protecting
traditional marriage.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), hunched over
his papers during much of the proceeding and
often turning away whenever an opposing
legislator responded to him, offered an
amendment to stipulate that nothing in the
bill would modify, supersede, or otherwise
affect DOMA.
Rep. Edolphus To~vns (D-NY), chairman
of the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, spoke forcefully against
the Jordan Amendment saying "same-sex
domestic partnership laws to do not affect
DOMAY
Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) opposed it,
too, saying the purpose was clearly intended
"to nt~ify the entirety of the effort here
today."
The amendment eventually failed on a
vote of 22 to 12.
Republicans lodged a number of
contradictory complaints about the
legislation. For instance, Rep. Darrell Issa
1,2009
patients were about 90% gay men. There were
some other cases such as hemophilia,
......Continued See AWARD Page-14 .......
Continued See FED BENEFITS Page-4
(R-San Diego) complained that the bill would
enable "any two individuals" to qualify for
benefits, while Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.)
complained that any two individuals would
not be able to qualify.
’~klthough this legislation purports
to stand on a foundation of nondiscrimination,"
said Fortenberry, "it appears
to diminish the standing of federal employees
who may share the same dwelling and
collaborate intimately with an immediate or
extended family member of the opposite sex
in a nonsexual relationship to meet their basic
financial needs."
His example was a nephew caring for an
aunt with cancer. Then he continued.
"What about those who are in
nurturing relationships neither marked by
physical intimacy nor qualifying for married
dependent status but share a specialness of
bond based on a commitment to duty or to
friendship," said Fortenberry. His example
for this was "a friend helping a friend of the
opposite sex if they were unemployed."
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah)
repeatedly stated that he was "standing tall
for traditional marriage." He offered two
amendments: one to require the president
to certify that the bill does not increase
premiums for existing federal employees
before the bill can go into effect; the other
to require the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) to study the impact on
premiums.
T~ATS W~AT ~APS $ WILL COST THE AVE~AG~
OKLAhOmA ~I~ ~SIDENT IN SAL~S TAX
A $280
CONVENTION CENTER
AN AQUATIC CENTER
DOWNTOWN PARK
DEVON ENERGY
WE
GIVE
’T AFFORD TO
THE CITY A BLANK
CHECK.
Paid for by Concerned Citizens
2 ~tet~’oSTAR
What’s new £or the
Diversity Business
Association in 2010?
By Robin Townsend
Contributing Writer
Current DBA board members at the 2009
Oklahoma Ci(y Prideparade this summer;
Money Milbu~w, President, Gina Love,
member-at-large and Leslie Blab; l~ce
President. Dornerphoto
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma
City’s premier business organization for the
LGBT community will have an overhaul
soon. Plans for a new website, a rate increase
and new board members appear to be in store
for the Oklahoma City based gay and lesbian
business and professional group.
So what else is new for DBA for 20!0?
Looks like there will be a new President with
~h~ f~mlt resigfiation ofM0n~ Milbur~
Tnere has been at least one members
identified who may fill the roll, but at the
time of this story board members have not yet
been voted on.
"I am resigning effective Dec. 3t, 2009.
As of right now, rates will be increasing
as some point in 2010 and the projected
new membership will be $149.00/yr,"
said Milburn in his last interviev¢ to the
Metro Star as DBA board president, q]ae
current membership rate is $49 for a single
membership. "A brand new dynamite
website will be included as well as some great
advertising opportunities and such. There will
also be members only activities."
Ti~e goal of DBA is to be a positive
organization in the LGBT community and
the Oklahoma City community as a whole.
This includes businesses in the area that are
gay or gay-friendly that can benefit from likeminded
people seeking to do business with
this diverse group. DBA also has a presence
each year with Pride events and, for the first
time, had a group who walked in the parade.
There are also plans underway to hire a
staff member to help the organization run
more smoothly. ’%Ve just realized that we
have to hire someone to make this machine
run and we need to do it sooner than later,"
adds Milburn. "I’m not thinking that this will
happen as ofJanuary 1 due to getting bids for
the site and finding a DBA staff member but
it is happening or DBA wil! just go away and
become a social thing that requires no dues
no planning, etc."
For more information about DBA, please
email them at contact@dbametro.org or visit
~w,vw.dbametro.org.
Sooner State Rodeo
Association presents the
Festival ofTrees Auction
TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tulsa based Sooner
State Rodeo Association (SSRA) will host
their Annual Holiday Festival ofTrees,
Saturday October 28th from 7:30-11PM at
the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E.
4th Street in Downtown Tulsa. The SSRA
fundraising event will benefit SSRA and
their 2009 charitable partners.
The event will feature Cocktails and
Hors D’oeuvres plus a Live Auction of 7
Fully Decorated Christmas Trees beginning
at 8:30PM. The trees have been decorated
by local interior designers, organizations,
and individuals from the Tulsa GLBT
Community.
Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) is
Tulsa and Northeastern Oklahoma’s gay rodeo
association, and is a recognized member of
the International Gay Rodeo Association.
SSRA was founded in 2000 and is a legal 501
3(c) and is dedicated to the promotion of the
western lifestyle throughout Tulsa and Eastern
Oklahoma. www.soonerstaterodeo.com
Picket Organized to
Protest Sarah Pa~in’s
Book Signing
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ When
Republican past vice presidential candidate
and 2012 presidential hopeful Sarah Palin
holds her booksigning in Norman she may
encounter more than she bargained for.
On a national tour to promote her new
book, "Going Rogue" she is making her
only Oklahoma stop at Hasting’s Bookstore,
located in Norman at 2300 W. Main from 7
p.m. until 8 p.m on Thursday, December 3.
Organized by OKC gay activist Keith
Kimmel, he gives his reasons for the protest.
" I’m organizing this event because I don’t
want Palin to be my next president. I find
her homophobic views to be repugnant and
I think my sentiment is shared by many. I’m
compelled to say something and I hope others
will join me." Those who share his views
are welcome to join this event. For more
information contact Keith Kimmel, http://
vrww.facebook.com/1/cee43; 405 886 5095.
Oklahoma Weather Forecast for December 2009
.... : Dec 1-5: Rain, then sunny, mild;
Dec 6-8: Shmvers, then sunny,
cold;
Dec 9-13: R~in and snow, then
sunny, cold;
Dec 14-18: Rain, then sunny;
mild;
~Dec 19-20: Showers, then colder;
Dec 21-25: Sunny, then rain, warm;
Dec 26’28: Rain, then colder;
~. Dec 29-31: Sunn)~ warm.
Avg. temperature 520 (40 above avg.);
precipitation -.5 (avg.);
December 2009
Memoriam
Heather Harp Howland
September 9th, 1968 - November 4th, 2009
TULSA, OK Heather Harp Howland
was born in Oklalloma. City on September
9th, 1968 and transitioned from this life
on November 4th, 2009. Her early years
were spent in San Antonio Texas. Her
family moved to Tulsa when she was 14.
She attended Kemper Military Academy
in Boonville Missouri, almamater ofWill
Rogers, and graduated from Tulsa Memorial
High School. She majored in journalism/
marketing a the University of Oklahoma.
She is preceded in death by her Mother,
Sharon. She is survived by her father John
Howland of San Antonio Texas, and her
brother Patrick Howland and his wife Patrice
Pratt ofTulsa, and her nieces Arie! Pratt
of Pennsylvania, Sierra Pratt ofTulsa and
nephews, Rick Pratt of Pennsylvania, Shay
Howland ofTulsa and Seth Howland of
Tulsa.
Heather lived in San Antonio in her
young adult years and then in 1995 she
returned to Tulsa to care for her mother. She
opened England & Harp, a successfu! antique
and design store on Cherry Street in 1997.
Her eye for design was impeccable.
As a member of the Tulsa LGBTQ
community, Heather snpported the mission
of Oldahomans for Equality- (Old’q) formerly
tmown as Tnlsa Oklahomans for Human
Rights (TOHR). She volunteered her time
and efforts at the Pride Store, co-directed the
Pride Events and supported other fundraising
events.
Heather had lots ofinterests and talents.
She loved softball and played catcher while at
OU and would gladly tell you that her knees
haven’t been the same since. She could belt
out a song, deliver a sermon and demonstrate
an Academy Award winning speech upon
request. She was a founding member of
\%Zomen of Council Oak in 2003 and a
supporting member of Sisters in Song.
Heather developed liver disease in 2008
and was on the liver transplant waitint list.
Carol Brown and friends hosted a fundraising
effort in September 2009 at Club 209
to assist with current medical bills and future
transplant costs.
A memorial service was held on
November 7th. 2009 at the Dennis R. Neill
Equality- Center located at 621 East 4th
Street, Tulsa Oklahoma. She will be missed.
She will forever be remembered.
Counci Oak Mens
Chorale Presents:
Some Enchanted Season
December 1st, 4th, & 5th, 2009: 8pro
TULSA, OK (PR) Fresh sounds of
celebration and traditional favorites will
once again fill Trinit~;s beautiful sancruary
as Council Oak Mens Chorale presens their
2009 holiday concert. This specially selected
blend of both timeless and soon-to-be
classics is sure to leave you feeling warm and
~’estive... some might even say enchanted! The
concert will be held at the Trinity Episcopal
Church located at 5th & Cincinnati Avenue.
Tickets are ~15. for more information call
918.748.3888 or visit counciloalcorg.
~¢.metrostarnews.com
MISS BAMBOO 2010
CROWNED
By Staff Reporter
Miss Bamboo 2009 L~y Katheryn andMiss
Bamboo 2010 Dominique LaRue. StaffPhoto
TULSA, OK __ No prelim, no registration
fees, not known for glamour, but an absolute
cdebration of campy fun with a big heart.
That is the Miss Bamboo Pageant. Although
this year’s contestants did break with tradition
and were quite stylish. Dominique LaRue had
the crowd in uncontrollable laughter with her
Old W-,man on a Walker comedy routine.
Dominique LaRueperfbrming her comedy skit.
Staffphoto
Votes for each contestant were determined
by the amount of money each was given by
the audience for their performance.
HOPE Clinic ofTulsa was the r4cipient
of this year’s proceeds of $633.00. HOPE
offers a variety of services for people with
HIV/STD. For confidential information or
referrals call the statewide HIV/STD resource
hotline operated by trained HOPE staff 1-
800-535-2437.
The MC’s for the show were Kris Kohl
and Earlina Derrick, two well known divas
ofTulsa. Flowers were provided by Glenpool
Flmvers and Gifts. First runner up for the
Miss Bamboo 2010 title was Serina Ashley
who’s interpretation of a drunken platinum
blonde slut was very convincing, but she
showed way too much skin, nasty!
Conspicuously absent from this years entertainment
line-up was self proclaimed Empress
of the Bamboo, Miss Mona Lott who
some suspect has been committed to Laureate
for observation by her now legal husband.
Christmas Eve Candlelig
Thursday December 24, 8
3131 N. Pennsylvania,Oklaho! 405.525.9555
8an ’uptcy o Civil Rights *Criminal
Empl ,ment * Family Law * Litigation
N.W 13th Street
ahoma city, oK 7s 0s
¢~I<>t~oSTAR 3
Prop 8 repeal petitions
begin circ ation
Tt~e state of California on Nov. 16
approved the start of signature-gathering
for a voter initiative to repeal Proposition 8
in November 2010, the group Love Honor
Cherish reported.
The initiative ~vould remove from the
California Constitution the sentence, "Only
marriage between a man and a woman is valid
or recognized in California," and replace it
with, "Marriage is between only two persons
and shall not be restricted on the basis of race,
color, creed, ancestr)~ national origin, sex,
gendm; sexual orientation, or religion."
The measure further states: "To protect
religious freedom, no court shall interpret
this measure to require any priest, minister,
pastor, rabbi, or other person authorized
to perform marriages by any religious
denomination, church, or other non-profit
religious institution to perform any marriage
in violation of his or her religious beliefs.
~e refusal to perform a marriage under this
provision shall not be the basis for lawsuit or
liability, and shall not affect the tax-exempt
status of any religious denomination, church
or other religious institution."
Repeal advocates must collect 694,354
valid voter signatures by April 12. To be safe,
that means collecting around 1 million total
signatures.
~e 2010 repeal can~paign is a grassroots
effort that does not have support from large
GLBT groups, many ofxvhich have said or
suggested they want to wait until 2012 to
attempt to undo Prop 8.
The Courage Campaign had earlier
supported the 2010 effort but later
complained of deficiencies in governing
structure, expertise, research and funding.
For more information, see
SignForEquality.com.
Gay Euro MPs denounce
Ugandan bill
Members of the European Parliament’s
Intergroup on LGBT Rights have strongly
denounced the "Anti-Homosexuality Bill
2009" pending in Uganda’s Parliament.
"The proposed legislation includes
provisions to punish those alleged to
be lesbian; gay or bisexual with life
imprisonment and, in some cases, the death
penalty; any parent or teacher failing to
report their LGBT children or pupils to the
authorities.~zcith a fine eqtiivalent to $2,650
or three years’ imprisonment; and landowners
providing shelter to LGBT people with seven
years’ imprisonment," the MEPs said Nov. 9.
Co-President Ulrike Lunacek said: "I
strongly appeal to Ugandan politicians
to be as courageous as they were when
overthrowing the Idi Amin regimel and not
to ban Ugandan citizens from being free to
love whomever they wish. Homosexuality is
nothing un-African; it has existed at all times
and in all cultures."
In the U.S., lesbian U.S. Rep. Tammy
Baldwin, D-Wis., and three other members of
Congress have sent a letter to U.S. Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton urging her to use the
full force of her o~ce to condemn the bill.
Brazilian man barred
from living in U.S. with
American husband
~ne Obama administration let the clock
run out Oct. 23 on helping a Brazilian man
who wants to return to Massachusetts to live
with his U.S. husband.
Tim Coco and Brazilian Gen&io Oliveira
married in Massachusetts in 2005 and own a
home together in a Boston suburb. Oliveira
was sent home in August 2007 after losing
an asylum case based on anti-gay persecution
he said he experienced in Brazil. He later also
lost a case in which he sought to return to
the U~S. based on his marriage to Coco. U.S.
Attorney General Eric Holder had until Oct.
23 to overrule that decision on humanitarian
grounds. He had been urged to do so by U,S.
Sen. John Kei~ry, D-Mass.
The anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act,
passed during Bill Clinton’s presidency,
prevents the U.S. government from
recognizing same-sex spouses for any reason.
President Obaa~aa has said repeatedly
that he supports DOMA’s repeal and the
extension to same-sex couples of every right
and obligation of marriage -- but he has taken
no concrete steps to achieve his stated goals.
Coco and Oliveira have said they may sue
the federal government over DOMA in hopes
of being reunited.
Bill Clinton said that
he had been "wrong"
in opposing same-sex
marriage.
Spealdng to CNN’s Anderson Cooper,
Clinton said: "I realized that I was, you
know, over 60 years old, I grew Up at a
different time, and I was hung up about the
word (marriage). I had all these gay friends;
I had all these gay couple friends, and I
~vas hung up about it. Aud I decided I was
wrong. That our society has an interest in
coherence and strength and commitment
and mutually reinforcing loyalties, then
if gay couples want to call their union
marriage and a state agrees, and several have
no,a, or a religious body will sanction it --
and I don’t think the state should be able to
stop the religious bodies from saying it -- I
don’t think the rest of us should get in the
way of that. I think it’s a good thing, not a
bad thing."
"I just realized that I was, probably for,
maybe just because of my age and the way
I’ve grown up, I ~vas wrong about that,"
he continued. "I just had too many gay
friends. I saw their relationships. I just
decided I couldu’t, I had an untenable
position."
As~ president, Clinton signed into
law the Defense of Marriage Act, which
prohibits the federal government fi’om
recognizing s~xrne-sex marriages and a~rms
that states don’t have to recognize other
states’ same-sex marriages.
The first amendment failed. And Rep.
Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) amended the
latter to have the GAO study the effect of
extending benefits to domestic partners on
the government’s ability to recruit and retain
employees.
In response to GOP complaints that two
people of the same sex might pretend to be
in a domestic partnership in order to gain
benefits, Rep. Steve Lynch (D-Mass.) said:
"I dofft think there’s a ,vhole lot of people
out there, given the discrimination ,ve have
against gays and lesbians in our society, trying
to pretend that they’re gay or that they’re
lesbian so they can get favorable treatment.
That’s not the reality of today’s world."
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC),
an African American, also rebuffed such
arguments, saying "I know discrimination
when I see it. This is the opposite. ~is is a
civil rights bill."
Norton noted, with some irony, that
some years ago Republicans refused to allow
a domestic partnership bill in Washington,
D.C., because the bill attempted to include
domestic partners and other family members
living together.
Chairman Towns rebutted Republican
concerns that the bill would cost too much,
noting that only about 15,000 to 30,000 new
enrollees are expected to join federal health
insurance rolls~as a results of the legislation -
representing 0.3 percent. Howevere Issa came
back claiming that the LGBT community
frequently cites a figure of 10 percent for its
representation in the population. (In fact, the
community hasn’t used a figure like that since
the 1970s. More recent scientific surveys,
according to gay statistical expert Gary Gates
have been very consistent in showing that
something like 2-4% of adults identify as
LGB.
The bill now goes to the floor in the
House.
Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and
Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced a version
of the bill into the Senate.
In a related development, a judge for
the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled
November 18 that the federal government
violated the constitutional ~ights of a gay
federal attorney when it denied him health
coverage for his same-sex spouse. The two
men were married in California during a
period of five months last year when same-sex
couples could obtain marriage licenses.
Gay cop gay-bashed in
Liverpool, England
A 22-year-old off-duty trainee police
officer was seriously gay-bashed outside the
gay bar Superstar Boudoir in Liverpool,
England, on Oct. 25.
James Parkes was set upon by a gang of 20
youths and suffered multiple skull fractures
and a broken cheek bone and eye socket. He
was hospitalized in critical condition before
being released Oct. 30 to recuperate at home.
Citing language used by the bashers,
police have deemed the assault a homophobic
hate crime.
Twelve of the alleged assailants, some of
whom are ~s young as 13, have been arrested.
4 l:~;~ot oSTAR December 2009
love the Democratic
Party but Will I Respect
Mysd£in the Morning?
by James Nimrod
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As we
GLBTs emerge sweaty and disheveled
fi’om our post-coital ruckus in Maine, I’m
reminded that this is America and everything
is for sale, including our gay/lesbian equality-
-that’s the American way. You want to lmow
how we’re going m sell it?
In 1764 an Italian nobleman named
Cesare Beccaria wrote, "Ifwe glance at the
pages of history, we will find that laws, which
surely are or ought to be compacts of free
men, have been for the most part a mere tool
for the passions of some."
I’m referring to the heartbreakingly close,
yet lost Maine election early in November
where we gays/lesbians thought we had a
better-than-good chance of winning through
the ballot box the recognition of our civil
equality under the law.
Unfortunately; the Religious Right has
used the referendum petition process in 31
states ro turn our citizenship into raffle tickets
for discrimination where the prize is our
continued lack of full equality under the law.
Our civil rights canse has been de-railed 31
times at the bal!ot box by the usual degeption
of the Biblically-dduded using the prejudiced
superstitions that gays recruit and stalk
children and teenagers.
Nor only are gays/lesbians still secondclass
raxpayers, all of the residents of those
31 states, regardless of sexual orientation,
are also honorary members of the Mormon,
Roman Catholic, and Southern Baptist
denominations, to name only three of the
biggest religious oppressors in the USA. I
say this because its the oppressor’s anti-gay
religious POVs that have become encoded
into civil law. ~e United Church of Christ
(UCC), Unitarian, and Reform Judaism
adherents have 1Sassed guidelines allowing
their clergy to perform their mvn versions of
same-gender marriage without recognition
from the resident state. Their First
Amendment religious freedom is blocked by
the actions and money of the theocrats ~vhose
dogma trumps all attempts at fairness and
fulfillment of our lives. Justice guaranteed by
the Constitution is thwarted by ignorance
and prejudice.
Only Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, and Connecticut have
legislatively passed marriage equality for
same-gendered Americans. T’ne state of
Washington earlier this month rejected the
homo-haters attempt to overturn a law called,
"Everything but Marriage."
Since the ballgt box/clvil rights rathe
process is spent and flaccid, activists John
Aravosis and Joe Sudbay are calling for a
boycott or a withholding of contributions
-- Don’t Ask, Don’t Give -- to the Democratic
Party until ~ve get the results they’ve promised
us for years, like passage of employment
protection (ENDA), removal of marriage
discrimination (DO!vIA), and the privilege to
serve in the military (DADT),
.......Continued see VIEW" POINT page
vw,~v.metrostarnews.com
Good news as LGBT’s
grow o der
By Robin Townsend
Contributing X~Triter
LGBTactivist and communi{y leader, Rob
Howard ofOklahoma City. Dorn’erphoto
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __In October,
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary
Kathleen Sebelius announced plans to
establish the nation’s first national resource
center to assist communities across the
country in their efforts to provide services
and supports for older lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender (LGBT) individuals. It is
estimated that as many as 1.5 to 4 million
LGBT individuals are age 60 and older.
"I’m glad that Health and Human
Services is beginning to realize that the plight
ofLGBT elders needs to be addressed," Rob
Howard of Oklahoma City told the Metro
Star. "Although their current estimate is that
there are tip ro 4 million gay and lesbian
seniors, in the next 10 to 15 years, as the
baby boomer generation reaches retirement
age, there will be twice as many - from 6 to 8
million."
Howard has served in many roles helping
LGBT citizens. Hie is a past Vice President
of Prime Timers Worldwide and now serves
as their treasure. Prime Timers Worldwide
is an educational and social organization for
mature gay and bisexual men. They have 72
chapters, mostly in the US and Canada, but
also in Australia and Sweden. Membership is
nearly 7,000.
"Organizations serving the broader aging
community need to develop policies and
sensitivity to this issue, and work with LGBT
organizations to educate the medical care
and long term care communities about our
issues," he adds. "It is time for mainstream
LGBT organizations to recognize the need,
and to partner with seniors on these issues as
~vell."
HHS reports that many agencies that
provide services to older individuals may be
unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the needs
of this group of individuals. The center for
LGBT Elders will provide information,
assistance and resources for both LGBT
organizations and mainstream aging services
providers at the state and community level to
assist them in education and development.
The LGBT Center will also be available to
educate the LGBT community about the
importance of planning ahead for future long
term care needs.
"~ae most significant problem
facing LGBT elders is sensitive medical
care and housing," adds Howard. "Most
are desperately afraid that they will be
discriminated against in these settings and
worse, abused by staff and other residents in
long term care. This is a generation that for
the most part has lived their lives in the open.
They aren’t about to tolerate discrimination or
abuse in their golden years."
The LBGT Resource Center plans
to help community-based organizations
understand the unique needs and concerns
of older LGBT individuals and assist them
in implementing programs for local service
providers, including providing help to LGBT
caregivers who are providing care for an
older partner with h~alth or other challenges.
Funding is pending but projected to be
approximately $250,000 per year.
"I applaud the development of this
resource center at HHS. However, the
proposed $250,000 sirigle grant is woefully
short ofwhat is needed to address this
problem, furthers Howard, who is an activist
and well versed in these issues. "To make only
a single grant to establish a resource center
falls far short of the effort that will be needed
across our country in this area."
p e g y
Ch
Eddy Sarfaty treats OKC
to his Mental Hilarity
By Victor Gorin
State Representative AI A4cA~ey with Eddie
Sa,~t): Godn phom
OYJ_AHOMA CITY, OK __On
October 26, an othervdse normal Monday
night leading up to the Halloween
celebrations, the night was interestingly
hilarious for the audience at the 51st Street
Speakeasy, a small intimate eatery & watering
hole not widely known in the metroplex
except to their faithful clientele. This was
where nationally known gay comic Eddie
Sarfaty made a stop on his Mental Tour of the
country.
His audience was warmed up for his act
by !ocal comics Bradchad Porter and Spencer
Hicks before Eddie cut loose with his own
brand of humor. Lampooning political issues
including our military’s "Don’t ask Don’t
tell Polici’ and the joys of his Jewish family
ba&ground, he made fun of numerous other
aspects of gay life and living for everybody.
The audience had many regulars, along
with gays and their friends including DBA
President Monty Milburn and Oklahoma
State Representative A1 McAffrey.
His act also promoted his new book,
"Mental:Funny in the Head," and benefitted
the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. He
left behind his insights and ideas along with
memories of a fun filled evening.
Art Opening and E ibit
w-ith Photographs
from the Robert Giard
Collection
TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for
Equality (Old,q) will showcase and exhibit
local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality
Center, 621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa.
The exhibit will feature works from world
renmvned photographer Robert Giard (1939-
2002). The show begins with a reception
on Thursday, December 3rd from 6-9pm
and continuing throughout the mofith of
December and throughout January of 2010.
Robert Girad’s subject matter for his
photography is legion and includes landscapes
from his travels and home, nudes and most
significantly, portraits of noted gay and
lesbian literary lights such as Edward Albee,
Allen Ginsberg, Adrienne Rich, David Leavitt
and Michael Cunningham. This unique
archive of photographic portraits of gay and
lesbian writers by the late Robert Giard is on
loan from the Yale University’s Beinecke Rare
Book and Manuscript Libraty.s prestigious
American Collection, and will be on display
through December 2009 and January 2010.
K.C. Chiefs dump player who
called reporters faggots
The Kansas City Chiefs football team
released running back Larry Johnson from the
team Nov. 9 after he called reporters faggots
and called a fellow Twitter user a fag.
In the locker room Oct. 26, Johnson
muttered to reporters, "Get your faggot ass
out of here." The remark was captured on
tape.
A day earlier, he used his Twitter account
to call another ~¢¢itter user a "fag." He also
reportedly tweeted: "Make me regret it.
Lmao. U don’t stop my checks. Lmao. So
’tweet’ away."
Johnson lat,er apologized for the outbursts,
saying he hadn t intended to be offensive and
had not been "a good role modal (for) the
kids who view athletes as role models."
December 2009
www.metrostarnews.com ~%,t~oSTAR 7
~9gith flavor infusions like
Chocolate, Tomato aud Triple
Three Olives Vodka is quickly gaining a
reputation as the gourmand’s drink of choice.
But that doesn’t mean you have to be a food
and beverage snob to get your hands on a
bottle. For less than a Jackson (Andrew, not
Tito), you can snag 750 ml of the smooth
stuffto give as a gift to the host of your next
holiday party. Extra points for playing guest
bartender with this Ho-Ho-Hojito recipe:
Muddle !0 mint leaves and halfa lime in a
tall cocktail glass. Pour in two tablespoons of
simple syrup and fill the glass with ice. Add
two ounces of N~ree Olives Pomegranate
Vodka (and a dash more for good measure)
and top it offwith dub soda. Garnish with a
mint sprig and lime, and voila! Just don’t over
do it, OK. Remember what happened last
),ear? ($19.99; wwvy’~ ~r~:~ >~ c~.~m)
"Suckin" It For the Holidays," Grammynominated,
gay-lovin" colnedienne Kathy
Grifl~n delivers some of her best stand-up ever
on an album that was recorded live from the
Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.
SKIES
Like you need a reason to jet offto a faraway
land - but at least this is a good one. Now
through the end of the year, when you
purchase an American Airlines gift card you’ll
join the fight against breast cancer. For every
$50 you spend in travel gift cards, American
Airlines will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen
for the Cure. You can purchase physical cards
for yourself (to enjoy a guilt-free getaway), or
choose virtual cards to be delivered by e-mail
with a personal message attached. Just enter
code "Komen" in the tracking box when
ordering online. ($50; >~:~:~%#;~A!~O
Mikey Rox is an award-winningjournalist/writer
and thepHncipal ofPaper Rox Scissors, a copywriting
and creative consulting company in New York City.
nd him at ~’~,~,~<l:~,~r?’~;~’~:" ~,~ co~~.
2006 ± is packaged with two concert tapings
A HIGHER ’SCORE’
In season two of "Keeping Score"
- the national project of the San Francisco
Symphony to make classical music more
accessible to the masses - three new programs
explore the music and stories behind Hector
Berlioz’s symphonic love letter "Symphonie
fantastique"; Charles Ives’ sonic portrait of
New England with "Holidays Symphony’;
and Dmitri Shostakovich’s "Symphony No.
5," a work that may have saved the composer’s
life. This high-&f, three-disc documentary
program - a follow-up to season one of the
series, which premiered on PBS in November
and available on Blu-Ray. ($24.99 each;
CALENDARS
’STRiDA’ RITE
Give your hooves a rest with the STPdDA
collapsible bike, the first completely new
bicycle geometry in 95 years. Inside a foldable
triangular frame of light~veight aluminum,
power is transferred to the rear wheel via a
silent Kevlar belt (no oily gears or chains!)
while horizontally mounted handlebars allow
the rider to sit comfortably upright for an
excellent view of the road. When you’re ready
to hop off, just fold STRiDA up and wheel
it to your next destination. In compact form,
the bike stows easily in a car, on the train,
or in the closet. Just like you used to. ($800;
MAIq UP
sweat. Or
maybe it is. Cover up your
natural repellent with
Masculinity by Intense, a
new fragrance from N10Z
formulated ~vith
a unique male-to-male
pheromone. Featuring a
refined composition of
exotic spices, aromatic herbs
and crisp citrus, Masculinity
opens with notes of French basil, West Indian
clove, Asian mandarin and Sicilian bergamot
followed by hints of amber, cedarwood, black
pepper and leather. Holy Hugh Jackman!
Designed to stimulate the vomeronasal organ
(among other "organs"), this sensual scent
also is said to help improve self-confidence.
Whatever works. ($55; v,~ w~#:, I
Out bodybuilder and former Colt
supermodel Bo Dixon releases his first selftitled
calendar, BO DIXON: Reinvented
2010. Celebrating the power of perseverance,
this muscle-worship date keeper features
the hirsute powerhouse in fourteen all-new
photos and comes with a "making-of" DVD.
($16.95; w>,~,i
"Money can’t buy you love, but the rest
is negotiable..." That’s the tagline ofTne
Working Men of Rentboy.com 2010, the
Web site’s third-annual calendar honoring
its hottest porn stars, escorts and boyfriends
for hire. This year’s eye candy includes Nick
Capra, Josh Hart, Arpad Miklos and Tommy
Defendi. ($15.95; W~A~:~I:D~#)¢~;:: ~)~)~)
BRIEF BELIEFS
Piss &Vinegar - the provocative new brand
of underwear from Ginch Gonch founder
Jason Sutherland - has a heart on. For Jesus.
Yes, that Jesus. Made from breathable, bodp
conforming
stretch fabric,
the first release
from this caustic
collection is
the "I Love..."
line, which
features the
controversial "I
Love Jesus" and
"I Love Buddha"
briefs, boxer
briefs, lowrise
briefs and
jockstraps. Of
course, if you’re
not feeling so
sacrilegious this
holiday season,
Piss & Vinegar
- which borrows
its name from
British slang for
living young
at heart - will also introduce "I Love Boys"
and "I Love Girls" briefs. Redeeming, sure.
But you’re still on the shortlist for eternal
damnation. ($25; www4:Asvr~:’g~r.co~rO
SONIC COLOR
Built on the concept of technology meeting
style, DEOS introduces two collections of
innovative iPod earphone covers available at
all price levels. The first, DEOS DIAMOND
- for those who have more cash than they can
shake a peppermint stick at - consists of three
distinct earphone cover styles specifically
named for the number of individual
diamonds imbedded in each traditional or
black titanium design. DEOS CRVZ - for
more budget-conscious consumers - boasts
three collections: Crystal, featuring Swarovski
bedazzlements; Aluminum, available in
an array of metallic colors; and Silicone,
designed with active lifestyles in mind. ($9.99
and up; ~:,~,~w d~:,~v~l; ~ :~ ~:: ~)
8 I¢I÷’IroSTAR December 2009
www.metrostarnews.com
10 ~#%t~"oSTAR December 2009
Photo’s bT Victor G. & Judy G.
@ The Copa, Oklahoma City
@Club Majestic, Tulsa
@The End U); Tulsa
@ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa
@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ Angles, Oklahoma City
West), and the cocktail that helped popularize
vodka in the U.S., the MosCow Muie (;odka
and ~
new. Polish
@Club 209, Tulsa
By Keith Orr
Vodka 101: ~-he Spirit ofChoice
What better way to start out my
assignment as the host of "Cocktail Chatter"
than to write about my favorite liquor, Vodka.
And I am not alone. Vodka is the best-selling
liquor in America, accounting for over 26%
of all spirit sales. A glance around any gay
bar tells you that in the U.S. gay market that
number is probably higher.
It was not always so. Until tlxe late 1950’s
vodka :was considered an exotic Russian
import. As always, marketing drove the
expansion. Vodka was advertised as "White
¯ Whiskey - no taste, no smefl." Its popularity
skTrocketed as imbibers believed that there
would be no alcohol on their breath and they
would avoid hangovers. It quickly replaced
@ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ Ledo, Oklahoma City
other spirits in highballs and cocktails. Most
famously it usurped gin as the spirit of
choice in a martini.
Vodka can be made from many base
ingredients: rye, wheat, potatoes, beets,
grapes or grapeseed, molasses, and more.
The ingredients are first fermented, then
distilled. In most ~vestern vodkas the
distillation process produces something
fairly close ro pure alcohol, and water is
added back in. Most high-end vodkas also
filter the spirit as well. All of this distilling
and filtering is the source of the dean taste
that makes vodka so mixable and popular.
Rye and wheat are the most common
sources in well-known brands, with a
smattering of potato vodkas. Molasses is
l~’gely used for mass-producing vodka for
mass market brands. Naough all vodka is
highly distilled, each vodka has a unique
flavor profile as a result of the }esidual
components of the original distillation, as
well as the various methods and materials
used for filtering.
The super premium brands
such as Grey Goose, Belvedere,
or Chopin each have subtle
flavors best appreciated in the
cocktail which features vodka
in a starring role, the martini.
(Martini preparation is anotlxer
column!) My personal favorite
is Absolut’s entry in the
super premium line, Level by
Absolut. Not only do I like the
flavor, I choose it for political
reasons. I support the vodka
that supports me. Absolut
has been a leading supporter
of many gay organizations and events for 30
years.
While martinis feature vodka in a starring
role. the overwhehning popularity of the
beverage is its ability to act in a supporting
role. No other spirit plays so well with others.
Vodka and tonic, vodka and cranberry, vodka
and coke, vodka and diet coke (dubbed dae
"skinny bitch" by the drag queens of Key
pepper
vodkas at least
200 years ago.
Russian and
Scandinavian
vodkas used
herbs and nuts
for flavoring
even earlier.
Today vodkas
are infused
with dozens
of flavors:
lemon, lime,
cranber~
pomegranate,
acai berry,
chocolate,
grapefruit,
peach, and
even bacon.
I like sipping
infused or
flavored
vodkas on the
rocks. They
also can create
new variations
to martinis, cosmos, and a variety of shots.
The beauty of vodka lies in versatility:
Vc~hetl~er you are enjoying the refined and
subtle flavors in a classic martini, or partying
hard with an alcohol that plays well with your
favorite mixer, vodka is the spirit of choice.
www.metrostarnews.com ~÷t~oSTAR 11
~÷~STAR 12 December 2009
by Jack Fertig December 2009
"Put your waRet away, SagRtariusI"
Off and on through the next year Saturn
is square to Pluto, signaling profound
Changes in society and government. As
faster planets aspect them both we will
see opportunities in this crisis. Venus
in Sagittarius shows how to apply new
philosophical values to greater practical
benefit.
ARIES (March 28-Apri~ 19): Work
can be overwhelming, and the demands
of relationships don’t help. The stars
call for an exotic, artistic holiday.
A foreign film or art show can offer
enough escapism, and perhaps~a
new insight to put the pressures into
perspective.
TAURUS (Apri~ 28 - May 20):
intellectual and technical demands can
make it feel as if the world is conspiring
to make you feel brutish and inept. Sex
remains an excellent release of tension.
Explore new techniques - or just lie
back and ask your partner to take care
of you.
GEMiNi {May 21-June 20): Relaxing
and having fun may seem more trouble
than it’s worth, but it is absolutely
necessary. Let your sweetheart do all
the work. Leaving yourself open to
surprises and adventures will do you a
world of good.
CANCER (June 2% July 22): The only
solution to domestic stress involves
real labor. Some exotic tchotchke
from a rummage sale could become the
centerpiece of a new look, providing the
fun and motivation for otherwise dreary
housework.
LEO (July 23 - August 22): Obsessing
too hard on details can detract from the
big picture and distract you from normal
safety precautions. There is a difference
between focus (good!) and obsession
(bad!). Some playful diversion will help
you keep perspective.
WRGO (August 23 - September 22):
Everyone’s worried about money these
days; try to keep your own wordes in
perspective. Taking time out with your
family (or origin or of choice)can help
you relax and appreciate what you
have.
MBRA (September 23 - October 22):
Knowing your place in your family and
community is important, but probably
not as much as you make it out to be.
What’s bugging you? Talk it over with a
sibling or a "sister" over an exotic lunch.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November
21): Step away from the plastic! Do
not go near that cash register! At least
stop and think before spending. When
you get worried and dithery, focus on
your philosophical values. Remember
what’s important. "Retail therapy" is not
therapeutic!
SAGITTARIUS (November 22
- December 20): Put your wallet away.
It’s generosity of the spirit that counts.
Friends who want your money.are not
really your friends. Long philosophical
chats around a coffee table can be
much better than expensive nights out.
CAPRICORN (December 2t - January
t9): It’s a good time to forge ahead in
your career and make big chan.ges, but
you can be much too demanding and
aggressive, undermining your own best
efforts. Pay attention to that little voice
inside. Mediation will help.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): In Greek myth, Cassandra’s curse
was to see the future - and nobody
believed her. Your forebodings may
be excessive, but they’re not entirely
wrong. Discuss them with friends you
can count on to help you make better
sense of them.
PISCES (February 19 - March 19):
Your capacity as a mover and shaker
among your friends is sure to get
noticed, but is it the sort of moving and
shaking you want to get noticed? Be
bold in politics and work, discreet in the
bedroom, and always keep your senseof
humor.
Community for
People iving
with
H V/A DS
A 50’! c (3) Non Profit Org~zadon
Our House, Too offers a variety of
activities for people who are HIV+ and
or living withAIDS to help combat the
social isolation that many of ou?
people live through each and everyday.
We provide a Toiletry and Household
Pantry for those who are HlV+
an£t or !lying v¢ith AIDS who cannot
afford to purchase these items for
themselves. We invite anyone who
would like to volunteer or provide financial
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal net
Stevenson has also successfially assisted seven
clients out of the HOPXNrA where they now are
able to live on their own since being them with
employment and other aids to independence from
the progrmn.
We work very., hard to make sure that when
one of our clients’ walks in, they pay nothing;
everything is free," adds Arbudde~ "We have food
supplements, clothing, misc furniture and other
items and even some medical equipment." Other
Options also has arranged for a commission of
sales from Thrift City at 26th and MacArthur to
be donated to Other Options.
"Our success is because I built a great board
and an advisory board," Arbuckle humbly added.
"Our board president is Robert Painter owner
of the Iguana and he has been a tremendous
support." The two met when Painter turned to
Other Options to help meet the immediate needs
of a close friend.
Other Options is inviting everyone over
to their place to celebrate! A~er serving the
community these 20 years, Other Options and
Friends Food Pantry (open for 10 years) is opening
their doors for a Holiday and anniversary Open
House Dec. 1 lth from 4-8 pm. Everyone is
welcome and encouraged to attend the event at the
organization headquarters located at 3003 N. May
in Oldachoma City.
For more information about Other Options
and Friends Food Pantry, please call (405) 605-
8020 or visit www.aidscommunity.org.
In our American two-party political syste~
laws have been made the passionate tools to be
used against us as Beccaria observed centuries ago.
N~e GOP couldn’t care less if GLBTs lived
or died. Did you see Mary Cheney at the
October March on Washington? So that leaves
the Democratic Part3, as the only game in town,
politically spealdng, and they think they have
a monopoly on our aaCfections but with their
repeated stalling and inaction on important gay
issues I’m through believing them. Remember,
it took ELEVEN years for Congress to pass the
Shepard/Byrd Hate Crimes Law, and only two
months for Congress to pass the AMBERAlert in
2002.
The Victorian novelist George Meredith said,
"It’s a terrific decree in life that one must act who
would prevai!." If our GLBT cause is just then we
must act to accomplish it; no one will give it to us
freely.
Until we have a sustained, visible, assertive,
yet peaceful action to justify our equality and
citizenship, we gays/lesbians will continue to be
looked at as just limp-wristed targets for abuse,
politically and physically.
What’s it going to be: always the bridesmaid,
never the bride; always the best man, never the
groom?
& by Greg Fox
A
NOT l-OOKIlq~ FOR: A
N~IA! MAN~ YObl NIAT
AND TtA ~N, A’T
YObl WEF~I::=
OWN "F.V.
Webs~te- w~v.kylecomics.eom F-Mail- KylesBnB@aol.eom
www.thegaycartoonsite.com ema~ ~.not ~, |/~"}/,,~~.g~
~4 December 2009
Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you.
HABANA INN
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-528-2221
www.habanainn.com
FELLY FARBY, CPA
4815 So HARVARD, SUITE 424
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Certified Public Accountant
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MASSAGE:
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BAMBOO LOUNGE
7204 E. PINE
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CLUB 209
209 N. BOULDER
Tulsa, OK
918-584-9944
CLUB MAJESTIC
124 N. BOSTON
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FINISHLINE
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-2900
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THE COPA
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oldahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
HIDEAW~AY LOUNGE
11730 E. I 1TH
Tulsa, OK
918-437-0449
Open Sun d~ru Sat 2pm to 2am
THE END UP
5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE
Tulsa, OK
918-836-0915
Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am
THE LEDO
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
v~vw.habanainn.com
TULSA EAGLE
t338 E. 3RD
Tulsa, OK
918-592-1188
Open 7days week 2pm to 2am
CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS
3131 N. PENN, .
OKC, OK 405-525-9555
Service Sunday 10:45 AM
DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN
FELLOxNrSHIP
637 S. 131st East Ave
Tulsa, OK
www.realacceptance.com
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Sunday 6pm
MCC UNITED
1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK
918-838-1715
www.mcctulsa.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N. Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
CK"
MORTGAGE CO.
JUDY G. PHOTO’S
Tulsa, OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
918-743-8636
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 NV¢ EXPRESSXX~AY
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
www.c2 tgoldcastle.com
CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE
Keller \Villiams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSVC’AY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
EUREKA SPRINGS CVB
Eureka Springs, AR
~wvw.eurekasprings.org
~s ~ssues Solunon. Gender Benders
IUINIPIS
IGIAILIA
IOIRtEIL
AIT
HIE
INIEIAIT
IJIAIYIE
IOITIEIR
IWIIlLIL
Ell
IClEIDIE
N S
A ~
N G
A N
B U
~ N
u ~
H
U
N
O
U
R
METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
Rev Steve T. Urie
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Sunday 6:00 PM
Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
www.socmcc.org
Chuck Breckenridge
Whether buying or sdling
I’lt work hard for you.
sales
required.
based.
send resume to:
Metro Star
PC Box 581718
Tulsa, OK 74158
starnews@sbcglobal.com
www.metrostarnews.com ~{~troSTAR 15
its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative.
movement has been thoroughly repudiated tbo@ reali~,."
"What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do,
it’s what we can and must do."
Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the
Oklahoma and national Democratic Pa~.
Working to educate voters and politicians about issaes of the GLBT
community, we are working to make change and shape history.
1"
STATE
~ st Tuesday ofevery month at the
EMOCRAT~C PARTY HEADQUARTERS
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2009] Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 12
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media, Ltd
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Dec. 1, 2009
Format
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Image
Online text
PDF
Language
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English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Chaz Ward
Victor Gorin
Greg Steele
James Nimmo
Jeanne Flanigan
Rex Wockner
Gerald Libonati
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Jack Fertig
Lisa Keen
Devre Jackson
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Relation
A related resource
The Metro Star Magazine, August 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 8
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/129
The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2009; Volume 7, Issue 1
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189
adoption
art
Bill Clinton
book signing
Brazil
cocktail chatter
Comics
Council Oak Mens
crossword puzzle
Defense of Marriage Act
Diversity Business Association
DOMA
Eddy Sarfaty
football
Heather Harp Howland
K.C. Chiefs
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
Metro scene
Miss Bamboo
National news
Oklahoma News
Other Options
petition
Proposition 8
protest
Qscopes
religion
Robert Giard
Sarah Palin
Sooner State Rodeo Association
Stonewall Democrats
Ugandan bill