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https://history.okeq.org/files/original/463403ddfb9dfdee3122589cd21bc856.pdf
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Title
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
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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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English
Type
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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
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Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
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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
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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
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THE PREMIER SO,URCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA
VOLUME 7 ISSUE 6 Twi~er,com/MetroStarNews ® MetroStarNews,com JUNE 1, 2010
Coast to Coast, Border to Borde,; fi’om Enid, Oklahoma Cil)
"Simply Proud" the eme ofOklahoma City
Pride Parade t val° this year
By Victor Gorin
Contributing wrker
OKLAHObvL& CITY. OK Oldahoma
Ci@ Pride Festival and Parade is coming
together again this year a’; always, uniting the
GLBT communi~" of the OKC metroplex
and their friends for a }Sbulons weekend of
tim, fellowship, and fi_~r some fond reflection.
Going with it all this year are the Pride
Banners of Cimarron ~Nliance, which will fly
fi’om Oldahoma City lampposts of Classen
Boulevard fi’om June 8 to July 8 to highlight
the festivities.
It all begins with a Block Party
Friday June 25 on the N.W. 39th Street
Strip (beginning at NT~ 39th Street &
Pennsylvania Avenue), this time beginning at
8 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m.
The Festival itself will take place again this
year in Memorial Park, located at N.W. 36th
& Classen Boulevard, opening on Saturday
June 26 at 10 a.m. and dosing at 10 p.m.
It will reopen the next day on Sunday June
27 at 10 a.m., closing down at 3 p.m. as the
Parade lineup begins. N~e festival will
feature a varietT of live entertainment, events,
vendors, and informational booths.
The Pride Parade will step off that Sunday
at 5 p.m. at Memorial Park, concluding
with the Grand Finale over the Hill past
Peunsylvania through the N.W. 39th Street
Strip. For 2010 this event was renamed the
Paul Thompson Memorial OKC Pride Parade
to honor his memory as one of Oklalaoma’s
most renowned activists for GLBT equality
and human rights in general. Mr.~-hompson
had also served for many years as the Male
Co-Chair ofOKC Pride, and had passed
away March 4 of this year.
The Festival and Parade commemorates
Gay Pride Week, which marks the Stonewall
Riots of 1969. Itwas June 28 of that year
when patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar
in New York City, fought baek against the
police after enduring endless harassment. This
was an event unprecedented in American
history where the police were forced to
barricade themselves in the very bar they
came to raid, and the rioting that followed
changed America forever. Straight people
were forced to deal with a gay community
that would no longer accept discrimination,
and the GLBT community was awakened to
........Continued See OKC PRIDE Page-8
Rev Lavanhar took long path to Tulsa Pride Grand
Marshal
By Michael W. Sasser
Contributing gZriter
Reverend Marlin Lavanba~ Pressphoto
TULSA, OK__ Although Reverend
Marlin Lavanhar was surprised and honored
to be named Grand Marshal ofJune’s Tulsa
Pride Parade and Festival, he has his sights set
beyond on a larger objective.
"For me it will be especially worthwhile if
the role allows me the platform to speak on
for the inclusion of all people, regardless of
orientation," said Lavanhar, senior pastor at
All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa.
Lavanhar has been a high-profile advocate
for the GLBT community in a state notably
light on supporters from the clergy for many
years. He has been a tireless supporter of
the local community during his 10 years at
All Souls and has made the inclusion of the
GLBT world key to his ministry.
"I realized early on that this wotdd be the
major civil rights issue over tl~e era of my
ministry," Lavanhar said.
Stil!, l,avanhar’s most recent high profile
effort was a rislo! one even for a clergyman
with a long history of championing human
rights. Just months ago, Lavanhar accepted
an invitation to speak at a conference in
Uganda that was a rallying point against
efforts by that African nation to approve
capital punishment as the sentence for
homosexuality.
"We have a sister church in Uganda
and my colleague there was the conference
organizer," Lavanhar said. "The purpose is to
build grassroots resistance to the anti-GLBT
bil!. They asked me to speak. Honestly I had
to think about it."
There was real danger for the conference
organizers and those who attended.
........Continued See LAVANHAR Page-8
:
A LBT Comm ity Center
opens in Enid; Oklahoma!
773e Cenmr Enid, Oklahoma. Gorin photo
On Saturday April 24 the Center held their first
Stand Awards Ceremony ~br various Oldahoma groups
and individuals who have advanced the cause ofGLBT
equality. Among them was Pastor J,E Wickey’(pa~tor of
Crosswalk United Church of Christ), the M~t~ ~{~r ( m~dia
represent~ti0n ~fthe year)Victor Gorin (journalist oi~ the
year) and ,p,oetess Lisa Herald for her verses entitled "Sally
Sally Ket~ which was a bittersweet lament to that Oklahoma
legislator (to see her read it ~on youtube, type in Lisa Herald
Sally KemP. As an endorsement from beyond, the sky featured
a double rainbow as the ceremonies began.
rl~e Center is almost totally funded by loCal gay and gay
friendly indiViduals and organizations,, arid is appropriately
decorated with gay[icons tl~roughout history. Exi~ansion plans
are already being discussed, including possibly a homeless
shelter. Everyone and their talents are welcomed, so for more
information contact 800-878 5298.
Hate Crime victim leaves State
By Michael x~ Sasser
Contributing writer
TULSA, OK A young gay man who was beaten and
ENID. OK The town of Enid, Oklahoma lies 70 robbed in Claremore and then claimed to have been further
miles north of Oklahoma City, is the county seat of Ga~eld victimized in the subsequent weeks, has left Oklahoma for
County and thehome ofVance Air Force Base. Founded in another state.
1893. Enid has been nicknamed Queen Wheat City because
it has the third largest grain storage capacity in the world.
~I~aeir high school football team. the Enid Plainsmen, has a
longstanding powerful reputation, and the city at present
hasn’t a single gay bar.
Yet amid this setting of Conservatism, a gay scene has
"I just didn’t feel safe anymore," said Phillip Nelson; 24. "I
didn’t feel safe leaving my home. Things are better noxv."
Nelsons story captured local hgadlmes m M~rch when
he was assaulted outside his’Clm~em0re apartment by several
unknown assailants, and when his apartment was broken into
and vandalized. Prior to the more violent incidents, Nelson
Representative - Dis ric 88
Oklahoma Ci,y
Paid for by Committee to. Re’-Elect AI McAffrey 2010,
P.O. Box 60668, OKC 73148.
Recognizing ~he need fbr a welcoming place for the various
At 77~e Center: TJ Re),nolds, Nate Bowen, Bill), Igalke~ Brandon
Bidtve~!, Brandon Ratclifl;" Brandon Lopez, Lisa Heral~ Gorin
ohoao
~5cets ofEnid’s GLBT community, members of the local
P-Flag chapter discovered a vacant site at ! 319 S. Van Buren.
v~qth the group’s determination and a willing landlord, it xvas
leased Mar& !0 and plans went full speed ahead to make it
alt happen.
~,lready several support groups meet at the Center
including no~ only Enid’s P-Flag but alsoa youth group, a
~ransgender support group, a group for bisexuals, and one
~or GLBT parents and &ildren. CoUnseling services are also
cond ucred tixere, with plans for a legal clinic, employmen~
assistance, and health services including HIV testing.
It’s aires@ a place where GLBT and friendly groups can
distribute their literature, and it i)atures a lot more than just
serious activity. Friday nights are dedicated to social activities
such as dances, open mic nights, & karaoke. Social clubs
meet there that are too numerous to mention that include a
chess club, a book club, a gardening club, etc to give some
perspecrive.
"There is something not right there," Nelson said. "They’re
not there to protect people from hate crimes. They are iust
there to hide it under the carpet and to wait fbr it to go awa3~"
Nelson said he finds it most curious that there has been
no progress on the Claremore case because he was able to
provide an obvious, distinct clue as to the identity of one of
his attackers.
N~ings did not improve for Nelson after the story broke.
N~e former Rogers State University student found himself the
target of verbal abuse and hostility in school and around his
apartment complex.
Less than a month after the attack in Ctaremore, Nelson
said that he and a female friend were assaulted in a Tulsa
karaoke bar.
"A bunch of bikers got very- aggressive and hostile ~vith us,"
Nelson said. He said that he believed that the ,alleged harassers
recognized him from television news reports and that they
hurled antiagay epithets at he and his friend.
"\Ve’d been in there before and it wasn’t a problem,"
Nelson said.
This time, Nelson said, it was a problem. He claims that
he and his friend "barely escaped" when the bar management
sided with the aggressors and Nelson and his friend were
instructed to leave.
Nelson said Tulsa Police would not respond to his calls. He
said they did initially respond to his friend’s calls, but he was
not sure if anything ever came of it. His friend Could not be
reached for comment.
rrhe final straw for Nelson was when management asked
him to vacate his apartment iust weeks ago. Nelson believes
he was asked to leave because of his orientation and said that
management representatives had previously made anti-gay
comments to him.
slide."
Toby Jenkins, President of Oklahomans for Equality, said
that everyone xvho comes forward after an assault is a hero
and that he understands Nelson’s frustration with Claremore
Police.
"We admire his tenacity in staying after police to be
vigilant," Jenkins said; "All crime victims have to stay after
police."
Nelson said he does not lmo,v if his move is permanent.
Interfaith Pride Memorial Service
Planned
By Victor Gorin
Contributing Writer
OIC&&HOMA CITY, OK __ Plans are underway for a
community wide service ofremembrance on tl~e evening of
Wednesday, June 16 at 7 p.m., right in the middle of GLBT
Pride Month. This service will be held at Epworth United
Methodist Church, located ar 1901 N. Douglas Avenue in
Oklahoma City.
The purpose of the service is to provide comfort ro those
experiencing grief, and to celebrate those who have touched
our lives, promising to be an uplifting occasion for everyone
who attends.
If you have lost a loved one--partner, relative, or friend
in the past year and want them remembered in this memorial
service, please e-mail their name to scott@cimarronalliance.
org.
www.metrostarnews.com
Bigger and better as
cdebrates 25
years
Grand Marshalls; fonnding members
ofOGRA
By By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing Writer
OKLAHOMA CIT~; OK __ As OGRA
(Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) codirectors,
Klint Wieden and Paul Boyd have
had a busy year. Taking the responsibility on
to produce this annual event means planning
and implementing the entire event; taking
care setting the dates, securing the venue,
contracts, scheduling, securing sponsors,
appointing committees and so much more.
After all this work, the culmination of their
efforts are enjoyed when they direct the rodeo
itself during the entire weekend of the event,
which is each Memorial Day weekend at the
State Fairgrounds (Barn 8).
"Our goals for this year, our 25th
Anniversary Great Plains Rodeo is to make
it a memorable event ~vhile commemorating
our founding members and board," said
Wieden. "We want to increase both contest
participation as well as spectator attendance.
We have planned more entertainment during
rodeo weekend, more parties, and more
things leading up to the rodeo."
Mmualty OGRA is held in Oklahoma
City over the Memorial Day holiday, May 28-
30 for 20!0. Here is the lineup of events;
Thursday, May 27th, 6-8pro VIP
Reception pool side at ~e Habana Inn for all
of our rodeo sponsors and officials. After that,
The Finishline will be hosting a stick horse
rodeo with plenty of events using stick horses.
A stick horse decorating contest ~vill be on
display during rodeo registration and then
all day Saturday at the OGRA booth at the
rodeo-$1 per vote for the best decorated stick
horse with the proceeds going to charity.
Friday, May 28, 10am Board of
Directors Meeting; from 6pm - 9pm is
Rodeo Registration for contestants at
the fairgrounds, Barn #9 in the vendor
area. 7pm - OGP,~k Royalty Team will
be hosting "A Night of Royalty Nikki &
Mark" entertainment during registration, at
the Fairgrounds, Barn #8.10pm - OGRA
Royalty Team will be hosting "A Night of
Royalty Nikki & Mark" at PhoenLx Rising.
Saturday, May 29th, 8am Rodeo begins
with Calf Roping on Foot, Steer Deco, Break
Away Roping, Team Roping, Steer Riding,
Pole Bending. At high-noon is the Grand
EntD" witb~Bronc Riding, Chute Dogging,
Goat Dressing, Barrel Racing, Flag Race,
Wild Drag Race, Bull Riding and the Rodeo
will finish up around 5pm.
Texas Gay Rodeo Association will be
hosting the Texas Tea Party at the Copa
with entertainment and drink specials that
evening. OGP,ak and Angles will be hosting
a LIVE concert performance at Angles
from 9pro til! who knows when! Live vocal
performers are lined up featuring James
Allen Clark, a new Nashville recording artist,
along vdth several popular 16cal performers.
Winners of the Stick Horse Decorating
Contest and then auction offthe stick horses
to the highest bidder to help raise more
money for charity. ~
Sunday, May 30th; OGRA day 2 begins
with, Calf Roping on Foot, Steer Deco, Break
Away Roping, Team Roping, Steer Riding,
Pole Bending, and high-noon again brings the
Grand Entry with more Bronc Riding, Chute
Dogging, Goat Dressing, Barrel Racing, Flag
Race, Wild Drag Race & Bull Riding. At
5pm the Rodeo wraps up and we move to
the Finish line for a BBQ Dinner put on by
Head Country BB% and at 7pro, the Rodeo
Awards CeremoW at the Copa where they
~vill be awardingbucldes, saddles and cash
prizes to all of the winners of the Rodeo.
Monday, May 31st at noon will be a
Rodeo Wind-Down Party at Phoenix Rising
where the), will be serving hamburgers and
hotdogs along with drink specials, relaxing
and recounting all of the fun times of the
weekend.
This year’ charity partners are Other
Options/Friends Food Pantry, Be The
Change, and Expressions Community
Service. "Several months prior to our rodeo, ’
usually in November we request letters from
qualifi/ing 501 (c)3 non-profit charities
stating vchy they want to be considered as one
of our charity partners," adds Wieden. "Then,
as a group, we discuss each organization and
look at their merits and what they do for the
community. We consider their financials and
the services they offer to our community, and
then vote on the ones we want to support."
The amount donated to these charities varies
each year based on participation, events and
overall donations.
"I just want to stress what a vital service
we provide for people in our community to
participate in a sport that they enjoy (rodeo)
while at the same time giving back to our
community in volunteer services as well as
financially," concludes Wieden. "Our local
charities that we support rely heavily on
donations from our local community and we
provide that link through a fun event such
as rodeo. We also help provide a positive
outlook to our city, and state as well by
our conduct and actions, hdping the gay
community at large to be more accepted by
everyday citizens."
The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association,
Inc. (OGRA) is a nonprofit organization
and member of the International Gay Rodeo
Association, Inc. (IGRA) which is comprised
of 28 state/provincial associations throughout
the United States and Canada. OGRA is
proud to be the first association seated at
the first ever IGRA Convention in 1985
For more information check out the OGRA
website at www.ogra.net
Feast to Gain Funds for
HIV/AIDS
TULSA, OK__Tulsa CARgS, a 50!(c)3
nonprofit organization is planning its first
"Feast with Friends®" fundraiser for Saturday,
July 24.
"Feast with Friends°" is an at-home
fundraiser where individuals and groups host
dinner parties in their homes, workplaces and
faith communities on Saturday evening, July
24. In exchange, their guests make a donation
to Tulsa CARES whose mission is "Delivering
social services to people affected by HIV/
MDS" in northeastern Oklahoma. After
dinner, all hosts and their guests are invited to
the fabulous "Dessert Extravaganza" from
8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Central Community
Center, 1028 E. Sixth St. Non-alcoholic
beverages and dessert are provided to guests.
~ose not attending a dinner may participate
in the dessert event for a $10 donation at the
door.
Tulsa CARES’ Executive Director, Sharon
Thoele hopes Feast with Friends ’\vill hdp us
bring to light the fact that the AIDS epidemic
is far from over, and ~ve need everyone’s help
to meet the enormous need that exists in our
community."
"Old friends, ne~v friends, everyone and
anyone who wishes to support Tulsa CARES
is invited to participate in this event - it’s fun
and it’s a great excuse to gather with your
favorite people and help out a worthwhile
cause all at the same time," Thoelesaid.
"Tulsa CARES will use the proceeds to
support our programs as we assist people who
are living with this disease."
In-kind sponsors for the event are: Hla’s
Dell, QuikTrip, Tulsa Parks and Starbucks
Coffee Compan3a
For more information about hosting a
party or about the dessert event, contact
Ally McGinnis, Tulsa CARES resource
development coordinator by calling 834-4194
or by e-mail, allym@tulsacares.org.
Founded in !991, Tulsa CARES, a United
Way Member Agency, delivers services
to low-income people living with HIV/
AIDS. Services include case management
by professional social workers, access to
physicians and prescription assistance,
counseling services, housing assistance, a food
pantry with access to our registered dietician,
and many other forms of support. Tulsa
CARES’ mission is "Delivering social services
to people affected by HIV/AIDS." For more
information about Tulsa CARES, visit ww~v.
tulsacares.org.
Tulsa couple
marry in
By Staff Editors
TULSA, OK__ Erin Taylor McClanahan
and Scott Andre Harper were married
on Friday, May 7th at the Polk County
Courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa at 10:30
AM. The Honorable Judge Robert Hanson
performed the ceremony. Witnesses were
Linda and Jamie Harper, brother and sister-
Erin McClanahan and Scott Harper at their
wed~ing reception May 8, 2010 at the Bamboo
Lounge ~dsa. Stajfphoto
in-law to Scott. The happy couple left Tulsa
on May 6 and made a rest stop in Osceola at
a casino called Terribles.
Following the nuptials on Friday, they
were offto Kansas City were they spent their
wedding night at Harrah’s Hotel Casino.
Then they went back to Tulsa for a rousing
reception at the Bamboo Lounge. The
beautifully planned reception including the
wedding cake, champagne, flowers and all the
trimmings was organized by Philip Simmons
and Tammy Randell.
It was a family affair with Scott’s mother
Evelyn, his brother and sister-in-law, Erin’s
sister Kristen and over 100 friends there to
congratulate and wish the couple a long and
happy marriage.
Although Erin and Scott’s Iowa marriage is
not legal in the State of Oldahoma, same sex
marriages are legal in five states, Connecticut,
Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Three states
recognize same sex marriage, New York,
Rhode Island, and Maryland.
Couples must first apply for a license
to marry in Iowa. You can download
an application at www.polkrecorde,:com/
marriages.htm or call 515-286-3160 in Des
Moines to request the documen~ be mailed
to you. Instructional handouts are available
from county officials, who also serve as
County Recorders in county courthouses.
No matter who
are on life’s jourm
Reeerend Ur. Kathy
3131 N. Pennsylvania,Oklah0 405.525.9555
4 June 1, 2010
Obama selects Supreme
Court nominee
The Human Rights Campaign "hailed"
President Barack Obama’s May 10 selection
of U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan as his
nominee to replace retiring Justice John Paul
Ste,,v.ens on the U.S. Supreme Court.
We are confident that Elena Kagan
has a demonstrated understanding and
cormnitment to protecting the liberty
and equality of all kanericans, including
LGBT Americans," said HRC President Joe
Solmonese.
Gay cases that could come before the court
in the near future include the Proposition 8
federal case by famed lawyers David Boles
and Ted Olson and other same-sex marriage
cases, challenges to the anti-gay federal
Defense of Marriage Act andto the military’s
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on gays who do not
stay in the closet, and cases targeting the new
federal hate-crimes law that is inclusive of
sexual orientation.
.As dean of Harvard Law School, ~C~gan
opposed the Solomon Amendment, a 1996
federal law that allows the secretary of defense
to deny federal grants -- including rmearch
grants -- to universities and colleges that
prohibit military recruiting on campfis.
Some schools banned military recruiters
because Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell amounts to
employment discrimination based on sexual
orientation, which violates the schools’
policies.
At Harvard, Kagan partially blocked
the recruiters in 2004 a~er a federal court
struck dmvn the Solomon Amendment, then
unblocked them after the U.S. Supreme
Court upheld tt~e amendment in 2005.
"~Ihis action (the arrival of military
r~cruiters on campus) causes me deep
distress," Kagan wrote in October 2003.
"I abhor the military’s discriminatory
recruitment policy. (It is) a profound wrong
-- a moral injustice Of the first order."
HRC’s Solmonese said, ’Sg[e applaud Elena
Kagan’s vocal opposition to the Solomon
Amendment andthe discriminatory Don’t
Ask, Dofft Tell law."
In April, CBSNews.com mistakenly called
Kagan "openlygay" and, in,,an addendum
to that post, also called her apparently
still closeted." ~e network later deleted
the column because of its "irresponsible
speculation."
The ~gashington Post reported April 16
that an unnamed Obama administration
oi~cial said "ICxgan is not a lesbian." On May
13, Politico.corn reported that it had talked to
some of Kagan’s friends and they confirmed
that she is "not gay."
Richard Socarides, former President Bill
Clinton’s gay White House special assistant,
told CNN on May 10 that Kagan is "a
brilliant, pragmatic progressive xvho is intent
on hearing all sides to fashion a solution that
works for the most amount of people."
California Assembly calls
£or DADT repeal
The California Assernbly passed a
resolution 51-17 on May 13 urging repeal of
the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on open gays in
the military.
The measure asps Congress to pass, and
President Barack Obama to sign, the Military
Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which
Wockner News Service
would dear the way for LGB service members
to come out of the closet.
"\Ve are proud of our state’s leadership
for championing fairness and equality in the
military," said Equality California Executive
Director Geoff Kors.
EQCA said Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has
led to the discharge ofsome t3,500 service
members, including some 800 specialists
serving in critical operations. More
than 300 language specialists have been
discharged under the policy, "resulting in a
critical shortage of qualified translators in
intelligence-gathering posts," the group said.
The California resolution now goes to the
state Senate, which had passed it last year, for
a concurrence vote.
Christian right leader
went to Europe with
’rentboy’
Prop 8 £ederal trial likely
to conclude in June
~giiami New 7~mes’photo ofanti-gay activist
George Rekers and a rentboycom escort
returning together to _Miami International
Ai,portfi’om a European vacation.
Proposition8 is likely tofinal~ wr~p up in U.S.
Dist~ct Court in San ]~)ancisco on June i~ ~d
Olson, left; and David Boles are lead counsel~r
the gay side. Phow @ z~’x ~ckner
The trial in the federal lawsuit against
Proposition 8is likely to finally xvrap up
in U.S. District Court in San Francisco on
June 16, when Judge Vaughn \Valker has
tentatively scheduled closing arguments.
~ae trial has been paused since testimony
concluded on Jan. 27 because Walker said he
wanted to study the record before hearing the
attorneys’ final statements.
~lhe hiatus dragged on longer than expected
because of sldrmishes between the anti-samesex-
marriage side and the gay groups that ran
the campaign against Prop 8, who are not
parties to the case.
The same-sex-marriage opponents
demanded that Equality California and the
American Civil Liberties Union produce
various documents and e-mails from the
campaign period. EQ~A and the ACLU
fought the demand at length before relenting
on April 27.
Lawyers for the two groups said they
turned over 4,500 documents and "thousands
of e-mails" that seemed to fal! within the
purvie~v of an order Walker had issued.
The opponents also are attempting to strike
from the trial record some of the testimony
of one of their defendant-intervenors, Hak-
Shing William Tam. Walker told the antisame-
sex-marriage side to submit its motion
by May 6 and told the gay" side to respond to
it by May 10.
Appearing on the wimess stand Jan. 21,
Tam said: "I believe that if the term ’rnarriage’
.....Continued see PROP 8 - page 6
www.metrostarnews.com ~IET~OSTAR 5
George Alan Rekers, who co-founded
the anti-gay Fatally Research Council, was
photographed at Miami International Airport
On April 13 returning from a European
vacation xvith a male escort who says the two
met via rentboy.com, Miami New Times
reported May 4.
The escort, who has been called "Lucien,"
"Geo" and "Jo-vanni" in news reports, also
told various media outlets that he gave Rekers
daily massages in the nude during the trip,.
which included genital tonching. Lucien
showed CNN a travel contract between
the two men that mandated daily hourlong
massages, and told the network that Rekers
"basically got excited" during the massage
sessions.
Rekers, 61, has used his professorgeorge.
com website and other online resources to
fight back against the "slanderous" reports,
saying he’s not gay and that nothing "illegal
or sexual" took place during his trip with
Lucien, 20. Rekers told multiple media .
outlets that he will acquire or has acquired a
lawyer and may or will sue for "defamation."
"I have been advised to retain the services
of a defamation attorney in this matter,
because the fact is that I am.not gay and
never have been," he told the Washington
Post on May 6.
On his website, Rekers wrote: "A recent
article in an alternative newspaper cleverly
gave false impressions of inappropriate
behavior because of its misleading innuendo,
incorrectly implying that Professor George
Rekers used the Rentboy website to hire a
prostitute to accompany him on a recent trip.
Contrary to Internet stories based on this
slanderous article, fo!lowing medical advice
Professor George Rekers requires an assistant
to lift his luggage in his travels becanse of an
ongoing condition following surger): ... Dr.
Rekers found his recent travel assistant by
interviewing different people who might be
able to’help, and did not even find out about
his travd assistants Internet advertisements
offering prostitution activity until after the
trip was in progress. ~ere was nothing
inappropriate with this relationship. Professor
.....Continued see RENT BOY - page 6
Pelosi promises votes on
both DADT and ENDA
this year
By Lisa Keen
Keen News Service
House ’Speaker Nancy Pelosi reassured
representatives of several LGBT organizations
this week that the Employment Non-
Discrimination Act (ENDA) and a measure
to repeal Dofft Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) will
get votes this year.
Pelosi made her comments in an
hour-long telephone conference call with
representatives of six LGBT groups on
Monday.
One of those representatives, Kate
Kendell, executive director of the National
Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), said
Pelosi, "in no uncertain terms, without any
equivocation or evasion, stated several times
that ENDA was her priority and that it
would move in this Congress --and there was
no question."
Concern that ENDA might not get a
vote this Congress has been intensifying
for the past several weeks, as the number of
voting days in the House dwindles during
the last months of the 111 th Congress. Some
activists said the 2 I8 votes to pass the bill
are there but that the House !eadership had
not scheduled the bill for a vote. And many
were alarmed that the momentum to pass
a measure to repeal DADT rnay have been
seriously hobbled by missives from Defiense
Secretary Robert Gates and the Vc~nite House
year, on how repeal could be implemented.
But Kendell and others said Pelosi
committed to passing ENDA and repealing
DADT this year.
"St~e seems absolutely committed to
getting that done," said Mara Keisling,
executive director of the National Center
for Transgender Equali*T. Keisling, who
has been a key organizer of support for this
term’s ENDA, which includes a prohibition
of"gender identitT" discrimination, was
another one of the participants in Monday’s
conference call.
Keisling, who said the phone call took
place at about 1:30 p.m. eastern time, noted
that Pelosi talked about there being a "limited
amount of time" and many other things that
have to happen on the House floor before the
end of this session.
"While Pelosi "did not commit to a specific
datg’ for a vote on ENDA, said Keisling,
she lea the impression it could move in
committee as early as this week.
And Kendell said Pelosi reassured the
group leaders that, while a measure to repeal
DADT may move first, "she stated in no
uncertain terms that ENDA is moving and it
will move under her watch and it will move
in this Congress."
DADT could coine up as early as
next ~nursday, when the House begins
consideration of an annual bill on Defense
spending.
Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill
confirmed the call took place and said that,
in addition to Kendell and Keisling, the
participants included several Pelosi staff
members, Joe Solmonese, president of the
Human Rights Campaign; Geoff Kors of
Equality California; Toni Broaddus, executive
director of the national Equality Federation;
and Masen Davis, executive director of the
Transgender Law Center, a California legal
group.
HRC spokesman Fred Sainz said
Solmonese was traveling Tuesday and could
not return a reporter’s call, but Sainz, too,
confirmed that Pelosi made a commitment
to vote on both ENDA and DADT repeal.
He noted this was the first time the Speaker
had had a conference call specifically xvith
representatives of LGBT organizations on this
issue.
Broaddus of the Equality Federation said
Pelosi "didn’t give us any dates" but "assured
us both bills are moving and that she’s very
committed to getting them through."
Several participants in the phone call said
Pelosi expressed concern about the likelihood
that Republicans will exercise their option,
as the minority party, to ask for a vote on a
"motion to recommit" "the bill to committee.
Such motions, which Republicans
have used recently ~to thwart Democratic
legislation, can force votes on whether to send
a bill back to committee with instructions
to either kill or amend it. The amendments
proposed on recent legislation have been
designed to both delete essential language
from the underlying bill and propose
language that could cause embarrassment for
any legislator to oppose. Such was the case
last on a bill to create more jobs. The raotion
to recommit sought to insert language
to prohibit paying any federal employee
"officially disciplined for violations regarding
the viewing, downloading, or exchanging of
pornography, including child pornograph>
6n ~ federai~mpute~ or whil~ ~erf0rmin~
official government duties." Democratic
leaders pulled the jobs bill when they saw that
a sufficient number of Democrats were voting
for the motion to recommit.
"I’m sure they’ll tiT that with ENDA,"
said Keisling, "but they’re going to try that
with every bill that comes along frorn now
on."
So, supporters ofENDA and the DADT
repeal must ensure they have 2 ! 8 votes in
the House, not only to pass each measure
but also to defeat any such hostile motion
to recolnmit. A spokesman for Rep. Barney
Frank (DvMass.), who introduced ENDA,
said last week that Frank was urging LGBT
activists to continue and step up the lobby
effort to secure those votes. Frank was not
available for comment Tuesday, and Rep.
Tammy Baldwin’s office did not respond to a
request for comment.
But several participants in Monday’s
phone call said Pe!osi assured them she has
"no intention of losing either" ENDA or
DADT repeal.
Keisling and others said Pelosi was "very
clear" that one of the bills -but not both--
would see action before Memorial Day.
The House is slated to take up its annual
bill on Defense funding on Thursday and
Friday, May 27 and 28. Frank and others
have said that DADT repeal, like the hate
crimes measure that passed last yea,; would
come up during consideration of the DOD -
authorization bill.
Activists held a rally outside the Speaker’s
office in San Francisco and a press conference
in Washin~on, D.C., on Tuesday to keep the
pressure on for a vote. At the National Press
Club press conference, National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea
Carey said LGBT activists are "at the end of
our patience."
"We have done our work," saidCarey.
"We have provided the numbers and the
stories; and we have endured as we\’e watched
thousands of LGBT workers lose their
foothold in a struggling economy-- not
because of downsizing, or poor performance
or closed businesses but -- because of
prejudice ....
"So today, Congress must step up to its
responsibility, to fully accept its charge to
serve its constituents," said Carey. "To step
up to its moral obligation to preserve the
integrity of the very fabric of our nation
by providing an accessible workplace to all
Americans- regardless of sexual orientation
or gender identity."
Noting that activists have been trying
for 36 years to pass some form of federal
protection against discrimination against gay
workers, Carey demanded Congress pass the
bill "without delay."
Rekers was not involved in any illegal or
sexual behavior with his travel assistant."
As the story unfolded, Lucien learned of
Rekers’ history of anti-gay activism and then
decided to tell media outlets about the trip’s
alleged sexual component.
"It’s a situation where he’s going against
homosexuality when he is a homosexual,"
Lucien told New Times.
Gay activist XX~ayne Besen, whose Truth
\Vins Out group battles the anti-gay
movement, told New Times that Rekers’
"fingerprints are on almost every anti-gay
effort to demean and dehumanize LGBT
people."
"His work is ubiquitously cited by lobby
groups that work to deny equality to LGBT
Americans," Besen said. "Rekers has caused
a great deal of harm to gay and lesbian
individuals."
Reports said Rekers also is a member of the
board of the anti-gay National Association for
Research and Therapy of Homosexuality. He
also recently was paid tens of thousands of
dollars by the state of Florida to be an expert
witness against gay adoption. Florida is the
only state that bans gay people from adopting
across the board.
After Rekers testified in that case, Miami-
Dade County Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman
wrote: "Dr. Rekers’ beliefs are motivated
by his strong ideological and theological
convictions that are not consistent with
the science. Based on his testimony and
demeanor at trial, the court cannot consider
his testimony to be credible a0r worthy of
forming the basis of public policy."
Lucien told The Miami Herald he became
an escort to pay for college, but that he might
have to drop out now. He said Rekers paid
him $75 per day during the trip, which is less
than the $300-$500 he would have charged
for sex. He told CNN there Was no sexual
contact other than the massages.
In a message to the Joe.My.God. blog,
Rekers said no one should be surprised he was
found in the company of a male escort.
"Like Jesus Christ, I deliberately spend
time with sinners with the loving goal to try
to help them," Rekers wrote. "Like John the
Baptist and Jesus, I have a loving Christian
ministry to homosexuals and prostitutes in
which I share the Good News of Jesus Christ
with them.... If you talk with my trave!
assistant that the story called ’Lucien,’ you
will find I spent a great deal of time sharing
scientific information on the desirability of
abandoning homosexual intercourse, and I
shared the Gospel ofJesus Christ with him in
great detail."
Not everyone in the media bought that
explanation.
"Here’s the basic idea about cases like this,"
MSNBC’s IL-tchel Maddow said May 7. "N~e
miserable denial and lying in your own sex
lives is your mvn miserable, in-denial, lying
business -- unless you make it the whole
country’s business by crusading against the
thing that is true about yourself that you hate
so much. Being gay cannot be cured. Being
a contemptible, pathetic hypocrite can be
cured.... Congratulations, you?ve made the
ne~,vs."
can be used beyond one man and one
woman, then any two person of any age or of
any relationships can use the same argument
and colne and ask for the term ’marriage.’
That would lead to incest. That would lead to
polygamy."
Tam said he had learned "in the Internet"
that af,er the Netherlands legalized same-sex
marriage in 2001, it went on to legalize incest
and polygamy. ~
"Another person in the organization found
it and he showed me that," Tam said. "I look
at the document and I think that was true."
~e gay side is represented by famous
lawyers Ted Olson and David Bole), who
attempted to prove that Prop 8 violates the
U.S. Constitutiol~’s guarantees of due process
and equal protection under the law.
Mindfu! of severa! precise legal
considerations or constructs, they tried to
show" that there’s no coherent reason for
the government to ban same-sex marriage,
that Prop 8 passed primarily because
California voters are prejudiced, that gays and
lesbians need government help to fight the
discrimination and persecution that continue
to harm them, that being gay is usually not
a choice and sexual orientation is usually
immutable, that gay couples’ children fare
as well as straight couples’ children, and that
so-called traditional marriage has undergone
transformations throughout history.
Passed by voters in November 2008, Prop
8 amended the California Constitution to
re-ban same-sex marriage just 4 1/2 months
after the state Suprelne Court legalized it.
Olson and Boies’ lawsuit is ultimately
aimeO at the U.S. Supreme Court, where it
could end up as soon as next year, af,er a stop
at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court ofAppeals. If
successful, the lawsuit could bring about the
legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide.
If unsuccessful, it could have the effect of
stopping the movement for same-sex marriage
-- which now is legal in five states and~
Washington, D.C. -- dead in its tracks for
possibly a generation.
The suit is without doubt a high-stakes
gamble, so much so that the gay rights legal
establishment initially opposed it and was,
as a result, blocked by Olson and Boles from
intervening once it became clear the case was
going to happen and was going to be a big
deal.
June 1,2010
Sooner State SoAball Association Games promise an
exciting S~mer
Contributing "~;qiter
Oklahoma Chaos Team ofOklahoma City. Godn photo
pu fhe °’
Sunday Services @ 11:00 AN
CC United 918-8~8-171~
A Metropolitan CommuNb/Church WWWom~et~saoorg
Ot~J_~!OMA CITY, OK __ Sunday
May 9 proved to be a beautiful spring day for
the Sooner State Softball Association ~raes as
they competed at Edmond’s Bickham Field.
Currently comprised of 16 teams, the alliance
provide~ a great opportunity to play ball for
serious or recreational softball players of the
GLBT community in the Oldahoma City
are~. The.Association has joined the North
Lm=bda Leag~e &~mmer
TULSA, OK (PR) __ Lambda League
Summer Bowling Started May t7th and
goes tlwoug}~ August %h. Games are each
Monday 7pro at Andy B~ Riverlm~es, 871 !
South Lewis ~Asa. No gaflae on Memorial
Day. %e Summer league is open to anyone.
~t’s a great way to make ftiends and have fun.
Cost is $14.00 each Monday and a one time
summer league membership fee of $20.00
For more information call 918-637-0889; or
emaiI: bubuinok@yahoo.com or beads4me@
cox.net.
Openarms Youth Center
Hosts Prom, Las Vegas
By Judy Gabbard
Contributing xg~’riter
TULSA, OK__ April 24, 20!0, Openarms
~k>uth Project hosted another successful
Prom Night. ~e theme was Las V%as S@e.
Tim GilIean and Ken Drape1; once again
achieved a successful night of food, dance and
entertainment riot area GLBT youth.
Approximately 80 yom-h were in
a~tendance, dressed in their own unique
finer> Parents and volunteers attended as
chaperones.
~ae highlight of every prom is to cast
American Gay Amateur Athletic Association.
Tulsais in the process of forming a league
as well, although a competition planned
between the two cities, the Turnpike
Challenge scheduled for May 15, was
rained out. For more information or game
schedules check out soonerstatesoftball.
com. or contact Recruitment Director Chad
Previ& at soonerstatesoftbalt@hotmail,Com.
Brenda "Grandma" Bolen and Kim
Whisenhunt. Judy G. Photo
votes and to crown the annual Prom King
and Queen. Openarms selected Royaltywas
beyond special. The 2010 Prom King is
Kim Whisenhunt and Prom Queen Brenda
Bolen. Brenda Bolen is the oldest volunteer
at Openarms Youth Centre: Brenda is a
youthful and loving individual who reaches
out to evewone who comes to the center and
is repectfully called "Grandma". King Kim
~/hisenhunt brings class to the King Crown,
and is highly respected by her peers.
Openarms Youth Center operates on
private donations, and is located at 2015-
B S. Lakewood in ~alsa, OK. For more
information or for donations contact Tim or
Ken, 918-838-7104
;uptcv o ~iVil Rights °Criminal
’ment o Family Law o Litigation
625 N.W. lSth Street
Citg, OK 73103
www.metrostarnews.corn ~ETROSTAR 7:
Month:
By D’~mne Witkowstd
Say you’ve had surgery that renders you
unable to carry luggage and you’re about to
go on a European vacation. What’s a person
to do? Wall, if you’re Family Research Council
co4Ounder and ex-gay therapy champion
George R~ekers, you look no fnrther than
RentBoy.com for a "travel assistant."
And then you get caught at the airport
with this hot young stud while pushing your
own luggage cart. Whoops.
~at’s right, yet another anti-gay so-called
Christian has been caught gay-handed.
Rekers doesfft seem to think so, however.
He’S stiddng very hard to his "travel assistant"
story. According to a statement on his
website, "Following medical advice (Rekers)
requires an assistant to lift his luggage in
his tra:zels because of an ongoing condition
follovdng surgery. His family, local friends,
and even another university professor
colleague have offered to accompany him on
trips to assist him in his travel."
Wow. It looks like he had a lot of people
he could have asked to accompany him on his
trip, and yet he still went with the prostitute
from RentBoy. Maybe his family, friends and
that mysterious other university" professor
don’t give good enough hand jobs.
"Rekers found his recent travel assistant by
intep4ewing different people who might be
able to help, and did not even find out about
his travel assistant’s tntemet advertisements
offering prostitution activiV until after the
trip was in progress," his website’s message
continues.
i reckon "interviewing different people"
means "I looked at lots of hot naked dudes
on RentBoy befi~re deciding on the one I now
refer to as my "travel assistant." It~ kind of
hard to believe that Rekers found out about
the RentBoy profile while the two were in
Europe together, unless of
George
course his so-called assistant said, "Oh, by the
way, want to see pictures of my penis online?"
Rekers claims that there "was nothing
inappropriate with this relationship" and
that he "was not involved in any illegal or
sexual behavior with his travel assistant." He
even went as far as comparing himself to
Jesus and John the Baptist saying he ,vas just
ministering to his sinner of a travel assistant
and trying to save his soul.
Needless to say, it’s all ldnd of hard to
swallow. Rekers can claim all he wants that
he isn’t gay has never been gay and just
wants to save the real gays from their evil gay
selves, but he is definitely one confused and
hypocritical little man.
Rekers has made a career out of
demonizing LGBT folks and doing
everything he can to mal(e this country less
safe for anyone who isn’t heterosexual. For
example, Rekers was paid real taxpayer dollars
to testify for the state in favor of Florida’s
anti-gay adoption ban.
It’s really not a surprise that so many folks
who are rabidly anti-gay have turned out to
be closeted and suffering even as they fight
to keep discrimination against LGBT people
written in this countr)?s laws. It’s as if they’re
thinking, "Gosh, this had better stay illegal
otherwise I’m going to do it al! day long."
You know what, Rekers? You don’t end
up at RentBoy.com by accident and you sure
as hell don’t hire a guy whose credentials
include a "large" and "uncut" cock as a "travel
assistant." I’m not a doctol; but I don’t think
foreskin is usually involved in carrying a
suitcase.
D’Anne Witkowski has been gayforpay dnce
2003. She’s a~eelance writer andpoet (believe
it:9. When she’s not l:aking on the creeps ofthe
worm she reviwws rock and roll shows in Detroit
with her twin sister.
MOREcolor 2010
E ibi ion to Benefit
OkIahomans for
Equality
Contours H by Laine Godsq
TULSA, OK (PR) __ 33he annual
MOREcolor fine art eydfibition organized by
Oklahomans for Equality (Ok~q) was one
of the first art shows in the state featuring
contemporary, and often edgy, art work.
Begun nearly 30 years ago, the show is still
one of the largest of its Idnd in Oklahoma, _
offering work by more than sixty artists.
MO~olor 2010 begins Thursday, May
27 with a free public opening reception
from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Dennis R.
Neill Equality Centre; 621 East 4th Street
in downtown Tulsa, The show runs through
June 5 during the Equality Center’s hours,
3:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday through
Saturday.
A unique feature of the MOREcolor event
is the way in which it works with artists.
Zhere are two categories; an Invitational
categoEr; in which established artists are
explicitly invited to exhibit, and a Juried
category, designed as a way for new artists to
join the exhibition. An uncommon aspect
of the show is that the organization gives
the artist 70% of the price of sold work,
compared with much lower percentages - or
nothing - in other area charitable art sales
and auctions. Audiences find works under
some of Oldahoma’s best-loved signatures, as
well as a number of exciting new works ftom
names they don’t yet kmmv.
"I-his year’s event features dance and
musical performances at various moments
during the opening on May 27~ featuring the
contemporary dance team Ari&:Nina:TuMM.
The exhibition is held in the Equality Center’s
3,000 square toot event center. For event
information, visit vaa~w.OkEq.org.
a sense of pride that could never be turned
back. In June of 1999 the site became a
National Historical Landmark, and reopened
as a bar in 2007.
That consciousness eventually reached
Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City held their
first Pride Parade in 1987. It was a humble
beginning when about a dozen brave souls
put it together not knowing if anyone would
show up, and around 400 marchers actually
did. Now a raajor event marking 23 years of
celebration and an OkJal~oma City tradition,
the celebrating is pulling together. For more
information contact their ,vebsite www.
okcpride.com.
Homosexuality is already punishable by
imprisonment and the Ugandan government
shows little interest in human rights.
Lavanhar, tho@, said he felt like it was a
call he had to accept.
"I’m 4! years old and I’ve never been
called upon to go overseas to risk my life for
freedom," he said. "In some ways this was
that kind of call."
After discussing it with his family,
Lavanhar made the trip to Uganda, spoke at
the conference and avoided any trouble.
"It was about being an ally - using my
power and privilege as an American and as
a minister to try to help," I.avanhar said. "It
was an amazing experience."
Lavanhar said that he has never seen
people living with such persecution and feat:
"it was a profound experience and the
people were so wonderful, so beautiful, so
kind," Lavanhar said. ~
Uganda, facing international attention,
has yet to pass the proposed law: Lavanhar
said there has been some evidence that the
government might instead pass a slightly
watered down version of the legislation.
The capital punishment component, for
example, might be dropped to acquiesce to
external pressure. But the core goal of the bill
- to assail a tiny portion of the population
- remains in play.
Lavanhar said that the Ugandan
government has scapegoated homosexuals
in a t~ical effort to draw attention from its
own failures elsewhere. The government has
characterized in{ernal homosexuality as some
sort of colonialist import from the west, and
ironically lined up behind Christianity which
is also a colonial import from the west to use
scripture as it s battering rmn against gays.
"It seems like they are waiting for
international attention to die down before
they vote," Lavanhm" said.
Lavanhar was lauded by Oklahomans
for Equality for his effort in Uganda, and
subsequently named Grand Marshal for Pride
2010.
"We wanted to honor this wonderfxil
man, and to let people know that they had
this straight minister from Oldahoma as
one of only two ministers who attended the
conference in Uganda," said Oklahomans for
Equality President Toby Jenkins.
For more information on Tulsa Pride or
Oklahomans for Equality, visit mvw.okeq.
org.
OMahomans £or Equality celebrates 30th
By Michael W. Sasser
Contributing writer
TULSA, OK __ Oklahomans for Equality
(OkEq) continues its celebration of 30 years
in existence with several events throughout
the summer.
Future Anniversary Celebration events
include a tribute concert with Eric Himan
at Tulsa Pride 2010 honoring the founders
of Oldahomans for Equality. On July
31st Oldahomans for Equality will host
a regional summit bringing together the
heartland LGBT groups for an afternoon of
networking and a rdationship building party.
On September 15, they will have a daylong
celebration for the
National LGBT
Center Awareness
Day and its 30th
anniversary,
O~q
President Toby
Jenkins said
that the latter
event should
be particularly
improved over
previous years.
"We’re in
a lot better
position this year,"
Jenkins said. "We
spent the entire
year building,,
rdati6n~hips.
Jenkins said
that the goal is to
have every- elected
officiat in the area
to at least visit the
EqualitT Center
for the occasion.
Ot’~q has
expanded and
thrived despite numerous challenges in a state
~;ar behind many others when it comes to
recognition of equal human rights.
Otdahomans for Equality was originally a
chapter of Oklahomans for Human Riglv;s,
based in OKC. Founder Dennis Neill learned
of OHR through his work with the ACLU.
He developed a friendship with Bill Rogers,
one of the [bunders ofOHR. Additional early
organizers were Bob Inglish, Mike Green and
Gary Durst. OHR amended their by-laws
in !979 to allow for chapters and beginning
in 1980 Nalsans began meeting in homes for
recruitment.The first newsletter was published
and the first public general meeting Was in
the basement of Harwelden M~sion on Jan
19, I981 which featured a lecture by a noted
psychiatrist from OU.
In 1985 the Tulsa chapter of Oklahomans
for Human Rights became independent
mad autonomous. They reorganized under
the name Tulsa Oldahomans for Human
Rights (TOHR). ~l-he organizatioffs monthly
membership meetings routinely attracted
100s of participants as the community saw
TOHR as the principal source of information
and support. TOHR hosted man}, nationally
known GLBT spokespersons. The Chicago
Resource Center gave TOHR two grants
which was the first time an Oklahoma GLBT
organization received out-of-state funding
and recognition.
TobyJenkins, President, OhZahomansfor Equali~ and
Ohlahoma State Rel~resenmtive AIMcA~ey at the 30th
Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo by Lia Ingersoll, Mia Bella
In October 1996 TOHR opened
Tulsa’s first Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and
Transgendered Community Center at
1338 East 38th Street in the Brookside
neighboFhood ofTulsa. Vandalism was
common and landlords began to be
increasingly apprehensive about renting to
the gay community, In June 1997 TOHR
organized Tulsa’s first Gay Pride march with
60 participants. Year after year the Tulsa
City Council refused to grant the Tulsa Gay
community a parade permit. Finally in 1999
Tulsa’s first Diversity Parade was held on
Peoria Avenue in the Brookside neighborlmod
ofTulsa and
featured
Rep. Barney
Frank, DMassachusetts,
as its first
Grand Marshal[
The parade
cuhninated
with the
Diversity
Festival at
Tulsa’s Veteran’s
Park.
On
October 31 st
2005 TOHR
purchased the
Property at 621
E~t 4th Street
in downtown
Tulsa
,joining the
revitalization
of the urban
core ofTulsa
County. In
September
2006 the
membership ofTulsa Oklahomans for
Equality approved the most recent name
change and became Oklahomans for Equality.
With the help ofTulsgs top architects and
designers 275 volunteers donated 7000 hours
to renovate an 18,000 square foot facility
now known as the Dennis R. Neill Equality
Center.
In June 2007 Oldahomans for Equality
(OlcEq) moved the Tulsa Pride Festival and
Parade to the premiere dmvntown venue
Centennial Park just 2 blocks south of the
Equality Center, solidifying the organization’s
commitment to the arts and entertainment
district ofTulsa.
In 2009 Oklahomans for Equality had
over 40,000 visitors utilizing the services and
programs at the Dennis R. Neill Equality
Center.
Through batdes with institutions, public
and private, through vandalism and threats
of violence, OkEq persevered to reach this
landmark anniversary. Several events this year
have already commemorated the occasion.
"When I realize hmv heroic and faithful
our founders and members have been for
three decades I am humbled to be at the helm
serving such a great organization," Jenkins
said.
For more info~ation on OKEq, the Equality
Center or 30th anniversary events, visit www.okeq.
Nle David Bohnett Foundation _Awards ’Refresh’
Grants Totalling $500,000 To David Bohnett
CyberCenters Nationwide
Paul Moore, Program Manager at the DavM
Bohnett Foundation. Pressphoto
TULSA, OK (PR) __ In February
2010 Tne David Bohnett Foundation
announced they had selected the Dennis
R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa to be
among the 24 LGBT Centers across the
United States to be recipients of the "Refresh
Grant"~ In establishing the CyberCenters,
technology entreprdneur and ~hilanthropist
David Bohnett’s vision was to provide
LGBT communities with a %Ared" hub
through which its members could network,
communicate, and explore educational,
professional and recreational opportunities.
To keep the CyberCenters up-to-date, in
2004, the "refi’esh" program was started,
where each CyberCenter is supplied with
brand new state-of-the-art equipment on a
consistent basis (approximately every three to
four years).
David Bohnett serves as Chair of the
David Bohnett Foundation, the head of the
private equity firm Baroda Ventures and was
the founder of GeoCities2com, an Internet
based media and e-commerce company in
1994. GeoCities was acquired by Yahoo!
in 1999. His goals are improving lives,
empowering indMduals and building viable
communities by connecting like-minded
people in meaningful ways. Also central
to Bohnett’s vision is his call to action to
aspiring philanthropists to begin their giving
by getting personally involved with causes
with which they identify so that they can
experience service first-hand.
"The Centers provide a safe environment
for members of the LGBT community 2_
from youth who may find themselves without
a support system--to seniors, who may have
little or no familiarity with computers," said
Michael Fleming, Excecutive Director for the
Bohnett Foundation. "In today’s increasingly
Internet-driven world, the David Bohnett
Cyber Centers have proven to be a lifeline for
people of all ages. We are happy to provide
regular ’refresh’ grants enabling groups
to keep pace with the many advances in
computer hardware and software."
Paul Moore, Program Manager at the
Foundation, who oversees the CyberCenter
program will be in Tulsa for the Grand
Opening of the newly refreshed David
Bohnett CyberCenter. The reception and
ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled
for Thursday May 27th at 6:30 pro. The
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located
at 621 East 4th Street in downtown Tul~a
Oklahoma.
The Dennis R Neill Equality Center’s
Technology Team Eric Vogelpohl and Don
Satterthwaite have installed the equipment
upgrades which include Lenovo al!-inone
A70z PCs customized bundle with
Microsoft Office software, Windows Pro
7 - 19" XWidescreen Monitors in addition
to Documate 5!0 Flatbed Scanners and
IBM Infoptint color laser printers. The
Equality Center serves as the headquarters
for Oklahomans for Equality and received a
David Bohnett CyberCenter Grant in 2003.
Dennis R. Neill with Sampson donated 10
new chairs for the computer stations. Over
39,000 visits were made to the Equality
Center in 2009 and more than 53% of
those individuals utilized the CyberCenter.
The CyberCenter is free and open to public
Monday through Friday 3pm to 9pm.
Tulsa 2010 Pride Events
Tulsa More Color Pride Art Show
May 27th - June 5th
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
More info at www.morecolorart.com
Equality Day at the Zoo
Saturday, May 29th :10am - 2pro
PFLAG Night at Circle Cinema
Tuesday, June 1st : 7pm
Pride Night at The LibraIT
Thursday, June 3rd: 7pm
Council Oak Men’s Chorale
Tulsa Downtown City-County Library
PFLAG Spaghetti Dim,er
Friday, June 4th: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Centennial Park- Community Building
Tulsa Pride OYP Youth Night
Friday, June 4th: 5pm -1 lpm
Centennial Park (6th &: Peoria)
Tulsa Pride Festival & Parade
Saturday June 5th:lOam- lOpm
Centennial Park (6th & Peoria)
Equality Night at Light Opera Oklahoma
Friday, June 1 lth: 8pm
Tulsa PAC
Pride Night At theWNBA
Saturday, June 19th: 7pm
Tulsa Shock At the BOK Center
Equality Night At the Philbrook
Tuesday, June 22nd
Philbrook Museum ofArt
w~gv.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 9
be Best Time
To Start
By Ronald Blake
Co~ributing ~rker
When should you start an exercise
program? ~xere are many choices: Saturday
the 22nd, Sunday the 30th, or Tuesday the
18th. Maybe you could aim for next year
in February or April. Time for a powwow
to decide the best time to begin the blood,
sweat, and tears program. We’ll write down
the possibilities and then pick a winner.
The first up for consideration is now. The
good part about starting now is that you will
actually start. The bad part about starting
now is that the holidays are here. You have
the Christmas shopping to do for five aunts,
four brothers, three best friends, two parents,
and that boyfriend in a pear tree. Then there’s
the office party, the hanging of the holiday
lights, and the ~xanksgiving vacation at
,grandma’s house in Indianapolis.
The secondoption is January. The good
part about starting in January is that you will
actually start. The bad part about January is
that you have those two classes you will be
taking at the community college. You need
those classes to finish the Masters Degree
program so you are eligible for a promotion.
Between a 40 hour work week and six credit
hours of business courses there Ittst ~snt t~me.
~ne third option is April. The good part
~bout starting in April is that you will actually
start. The bad part about April is that you are
taking that two week cruise in the Caribbean,
your morn is visiting from Michigan, and
your best friend from Indiana University’s
class of 1991 is making his way west to see
you.
~ae fourth option is June. The good
part about starting in June is that you will
actually start. The bad part about June is that
you are attending your nephew’s graduation
in Evansville and your niece’s graduation in
South Bend. There are also the life insurance
. sales conventions in Schenectady, New York;
Eugene, Oregon; and Joplin, Missouri during
his upcoming summer.
The fiiih Option moves us to September.
7he good part about starting in September
s that you will actually start. The bad
~art about starting in September is that
~ou will travel to Texas for your college
roommate’s wedding, to Chicago for your
iister’s wedding, and to Savannah for the
commitment ceremony for the first guy you
~ad sexual relations with and become such
est friends With after the breakup.
Vghat’s a person to do? N~ere are five
options and none of them work. We are right
back to this time next year and I would bet
that your options ~hen will look just as bleak.
The answer is quite simply to just start now;
There is never a good dine to s~ar~ any fitness
Fb~d a way m ic~corporare fitness into your
daity rourbae. Make some changes, rearra~g¢
difl)rence between ~tarboaM and port. ~lhat
gw is Ron Blake and you can u~uallv find
hira &iAing aimlessly about On somebody
of water. Feel fi’ee to guide him back to
shore by e-mailing him on his sloop at www.
myblakefimess.com.
Controversial OKC
School Board Member
Gail Vines will run for
State House District 85
OKIAHOMA CITY, OK __ Gall
Vines, who currently represents District 2
on the Oklahoma City School Board has
announced that she is running to be a State
Representative for District 85, which is in
north~vest Oklahoma City and extends into
the suburban municipality of Nichols Hills.
The seat is currently held by Republican
David Dank, who was first elected in 2006.
Ms. Vines was first elected to her school
board position in 2005, re-elected without
opposition in 2009, and her actions later that
year stirred controversy when the Oklahoma
City School Board voted to fire openly gay
teacher Joe Quigley. She is well known not
only for her school board position, but also as
the co-owner of Flips’s Wine Bar & Trattoria,
a longtime Oklahoma City eatery and
nightspot.
Gall Vines abstained from voting on the
Quigley firing, stating that she didn’t have
enough information about the situation. After
Joe Quigley was ordered reinstated August
26 by the District Court, the Oldahoma
City School Board appealed that decision,
then voted September 14 not to reinstate
Mr.Quigley pending the appeal despite
the court order, and to stop his salary and
benefits. That vote was 6-2, this time with
Gall Vines voting for his termination.
In Memoriam
Chuck Nugent 1970-2010
TULSA, OK Chuck Nugent, a former
Yale and Cushing resident, passed away on
Monda); April 12, 2010, at his home in
Broken Arrow, OK at the age of 39 years.
The son of Charles L. Nugent and Leora
J. Johnson Barrows. Chuck was born on
May 20, 1970 in Upland, C_&. He came ro
Cusliing as a small child, later moving to Yale,
where he was raised and educated, graduating
from Yale High School.
Chuck was currently a volunteer for the
Dennis R. Neill Equali.ty Center in Tulsa,
where he enjoyed counseling individuals in
a crisis situation. Chuck was th£ Committee
Chair 0fthe Center Cinema program on
Friday evening. His hobbies included cars,
Survivors include his mother, Leora
Barrows of CUshi~; two sisters, Deanna
Couch and her husband Janaes ofYale and
Kristal Kuelll and her husband ToWof
Stillwater; four nephews; three nieces; a half
brother Steve Nugent; a half sister Pamela
Rogers, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father,
Charles Nugent and a half sister, Deborah
Nugent.
A memorial services was held Saturday
May 1 st at the Dennis R. Neill Equality
Center in Tulsa Oklahoma.
Memorial contributions may be made to
Oklal~omans for Equality; EO.’ Box 2687,
Tulsa, OK 74101
10 ~OSTAR June 1, 2010
For
.... lress,com
:
Larry Bourne & David Stevens
Come see us a~d check out
that gets 31 mpg!
www.metrostarnews.com ~TROSTAR 11
Major Sponsom:
12 P~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010
heart-time
flaytime
discovery
breath
.sa~E
"~ have~i ~ever
www.metmstarnews.com ~ETROSTAR 13
UNEocom Celebrating a month of Pride in No~hwest Arkansas
facebook.com/ailoutjune
twitter.com/alloutjune
bON T DUCK AESPONSIBIL 7/
14 ~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010
a~ks of~he So~
By Andrew Collins
{:umacecrcekresort.com) [br tru
Steakhouse ~
w~.metrostarnews.com #~TROSTAR 15
16 ~ET~©STAR June 1, 2010
www.metrostamews.com #~ETROSTAR 17
Photo~ by,Victor G.
@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ The Copa, Oklahoma City
Kelly Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement Award presented by
Nancy McDonald @ the 30 Anniversary Equality Gala,Tulsa.
Photo Metro Star Staff
@ Ledo, Oklahoma City
@ Alibis, Oklahoma City
@ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa
John Southard (Equality Gala Co Chair), Ann Hampton Callawa);
Dennis Neill (Equality Gala Co-Chair) I~_ri Strand @ the Equality
Gala Tulsa, Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella Images
Toby Jenkins President O!~q, Tulsa County Toby Jenkins President OkEq, Tulsa City
Commissioner Karen Keith District 2 @ the Councilor Maria Barnes District 4. @ the
Equality Gala ~ialsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Equality Gala Tulsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia
Images Belta Images
@ The End Up, Tulsa
@ Finishline, Oklahoma City
18 %~÷troSTAR June 1, 2010
By EI Sikov
The "I Dodt Care~at .~uyone
Says" Classic Martini
"It’s early AJzheimer’s," I whined. I’d left
the duck breasts I’d planned to grill at home.
I’d have to rush to the grocery and buy some
more. And th~,’d have no time to marinat!!
"A]zheimer’s jokes arefft funny," Dan
scolded.
"Chipotle-Grapefruit Duck is no .joke
either."
"You k_now what I mean. And it’s not
funny. I know 2dzheimer’s. You don’t have
Alzheimer’s. So stop it." As Director of
Research at CogniTech, a pharmaceutical
company that developed new ~zheimer’s
treatments, Dau didn’t find fake whimpering
about forgotten duck amusing. "I’ll go get
more duck. You start the rest of the stuff."
Just as Dan was leaving, Chipper burst in.
Fie dropped his backpack on the floor and
spouted off. "That train was late - again! So,
I missed the 6:30 ferry and had to wait at
that bar in Sayville, with their watered-down
drinks, and.... Martini! Now!"
’TII make you one," I offered.
"Hell no!" Chipper snapped.. "Yours are
lousy."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Your proportions suck." He stripped off
his sweaV T-shirt and sprinted to the liquor
cabinet. I admired his moist, wide, delightful
lats while resenting his stupid opinion as he
reached t:or the Beefeater.
"They da no~U I make the classic ma~tinL’:
I was
"If~u like a little gin With your
vermouth."
I watched Chipper in speechless rage as
he grabbed the cocktail shakm; filled it with
ice, poured in a full martini glass full of
Beefieater, then added precisely five drops of
d® vermouth and stirred wildly.
"If you want straight gin," I said coldl>
%vhy bother with that silly nod to tradition
and just go the W. C. Fields route? I’m sure
some perv in the Pines gets off on guys with
gin blossoms."
?Jag-off," Chipper muttered as he leR the
room clutching his martini. Chipper had
lived in New York for 20 years but reverted to
Pittsburgh slang when he got mad.
I was still stewing when Dm~ returned
vdth the duck and a botde of Sancerre. He
was accompanied by Paolo, who had stopped
at BarHarbor, right off the dock, for - yes - a
martini, the dregs of which he carried in a
red plastic cup. I offered to make him a real
martini in a real martini glass.
"Thanks, no," Paola said. ’Tll make my
OWD
"W/~? Aren’t mine good enough for you?"
"Good that you brought that up," he
said with business school tact. "I prefer my
proportions."
"Here we go again," I snarled, then told
him about Chipper, who had shut himself
inside the room he shared with Paolo.
"It’s actually quite the reverse," Paolo
explained. "You should taste the vermouth
clearly. Otherwise there’s no point in adding
it." I watched in piqued fascination as Paolo
made a distinctly wet martini.
"Well," I huffed, ,if you want to drink
straight vermouth..." vchereupon Dan
swatted my behind, then shoved the paper
bag full of duck breasts into my ribs. "ShUt
up and grill."
This is a Cla~ssic Martini; Paolo aa~d
Chipper cm~ write their o,w damn columns:
4 parts Beet~ater gin (If you want to
use Absolut, fine; just don’t call it a Classic
Martini.)
1 part dry vermout!~
Fill shaker with ice. Pour liquors in. Just
let it sit on the counter to chill - no need
to shake. Stir just once, put the lid on, and
strain your Classic Martini into the proper
glass. Add an olive or a lemon twist; a cocktail
onion turns it into a Gibson.
w~¢.metrostarnews.com ~4{E°HgOSTAR 19
Chuck Breckenridge
Whcthcr buyin~ or scllin~
I’H work hard for you.
~nsas~ Bxc1~sive
........ 597 Magnetic Road
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
www.magneticvalleyresort.com
info@magneticvalleyresort.com
800-210-8401 479-244-6821
email: bitterglrl@qsyndicate.com www.joanhilty.net ’ .~14
20 I~?~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010
By Jack Fertig
JUne 2010
"Be careful with your money, Pisces!"
Mars in Leo is triggering crises,
mostly in the form of fights and misunderstandings
that show where we
need to wrap things up and move on.
Clear away worries and doubts. Analyze
problems realistically to find novel
solutions.
ARIES (March 28 - Apri~ 19): Asserting
yourself too forcefully can show people
not what you want them to see, but
things you’d rather they didn’t. Working
to be more truly yourself can be very
humbling. That humility will win you
great respect.
TAURUS (April 20 - Nay 20): Can a
person have too many friends? You
may find too much quantity and not
enough quality in your social circles.
Take some time alone to sort out in your
mind who are the ones you really want
in your tribe.
GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Examining
the provocations to arguments and
staying silent (one can dream!) can
prove more educational than actually
arguing. Review goals that have
recently been accomplished and think
carefully about your next steps.
CANCER (June 21- July 22): Are
your priorities and ideals proving
dysfunctional? Be willing to grow and
adapt. The time for planning career
moves is endiing. Make big, bold
choices or events will force difficult
changes. Even in those there may be
great opportunities. Maybe.
LEO (July 23 -August 22): Pressuring
your partner to make a decision will
backfire. Physical play - maybe, but
not necessarily sexual - will help work
off frustration. Be careful with the
rough stuff and keep your head clear.
Accidents. are looking to happen.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22):
You can meet somebody very hot and
sexy while doing charity work. Not a
mercy date, but another volunteer.
That milieu will also get you out of
your own head, which is a dangerous
place. Worry only undermines your own
health.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22):
What do you want tonight? What do
you want in 14 years? Answer the latter
question; then think hard about the first.
Somewhere in there is a clue about
your next big relationship, or necessary
changes in your current one.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November
21): Demands at work are keeping you
from home and family. If that sounds
like a good thing, you need to make
changes around the house. Whatever
work offers that home doesn’t suggests
the changes you need to make.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22
- December 20): The best way to avoid
arguments is to think twice about what
you’re hearing and about how others
might hear what you’re saying. Or
maybe you’d rather not avoid them. The
interchange can open you up to new
perspectives.
CAPRICORN (December 21
- January 19): Sex and money are the
biggest sources of domestic disputes.
Work on money issues first and be
willing to bend on sex. Take the initiative
on flexibility. Clearing the air can be
rough, but is necessary for a happy
home.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): With a little help from your partner
or a counselor, your money troubles
should alleviate soon. (Given the times,
that’s relative!). Acting spacey and lost
and trying to deny it could upset your
partner. Admitting to being vulnerable
and a bit confused will help.
PISCES (February 19 - March 19):
Worrying about your health only makes
it worse. Take positive steps. Moderate
exercise is good; overdoing it is not.
Your ~nances should be going up, but
like that first rise on a roller coaster. Be
careful with mone
Creating
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A 501 c (3) Non ~ofit Organization
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people live through each and everyday.
VVe provide a Toiletry and Household
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and or living with AIDS who cannot
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would like to volunteer or provide financial
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
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ww~v.metrostarnews.com
~ET~OSTAR 21
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www.metrostarnews.com ~4ETI~©STAR 23
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2010] Metro Star Magazine, June 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 6
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
June 01, 2010
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media, Ltd; Tulsa, OK
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Nimmo
Victor Gorin
Rex Wockner
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Judy Garland
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Jack Fertig
Lisa Keen
Ed Sikov
Keith Orr
Chris Azzopardi
Victor Gorin
Judy G.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
PDF
Online text
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
East Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Metro Star Magazine, May 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 5
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/194
The Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 7
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/191
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/192
anti gay activist
Barack
Bitter Girl
cocktail chatter
DADT Repeal
David Bohnett Foundation
Don't Ask Don't Tell
Don't shop-Adopt
employment non-discrimination act (ENDA)
Enid-GLBT community center
Fitness-Exercise: The Best time to start
Gail Vines
George Rekers
Hate Crime-victim
HIV/AIDs fundraisers
HOPE
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
Lambda League Summer Bowling
legal marriage-Iowa
Marlin Lavanhar
Metro scene
MOREcolor exhibition
National news
Nightclub and Bars
Obama
Obituaries
Oklahoma City Pride
Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association (OGRA)
Oklahoma News
Oklahomans for Equality-30th anniversary
Openarms Youth Center
Pride Parade and festival
Prop 8
QPuzzle
Qscopes
religion
Sooner State Softball Association
Supreme Court
travel
Tulsa Pride Events
Tulsa Pride-30 year celebration
-
https://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
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2004-2011
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English
Type
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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
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Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
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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
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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
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."
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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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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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July 2009
i t÷matie
Ruling: English adoption agencies
cannot discriminate
The Charities Commission of England and Wales ruled
June 2 that adoption agencies cannot discriminate against gay
couples.
The commission cited the Equality Act (Sexual
Orientationl Regulations 2007, which ban discrimination
based on sexual orientation.
Violation of the law would lead to a loss of charity status
and public funding.
The ruling came in a case involving the Catholic Care
charity in Leeds, which wanted to amend its official statement
of objectives with the commission to exclude consideration of
gay couples.
Denmark is not gay nirvana
Denmarlq the first nation in the world to legalize gay
partnerships, in 1989, still has a problem with homophobia.
Eighteen percent of GLBT people in Copenhagen and
8 percent in other parts of the country say they’ve been
discriminated against based on their sexual orientation in
the past year, according to a report from the Center for
Alternative Social Analysis.
GLBT people between ages 16 and 29 reported more
problems than older people.
A total of 3,400 homophobic incidents were reported to
police in 2008, the study said.
A report in the Politiken newspaper said gay businesses
also have been targeted.
Copenhageds oldest gay ba~; Centralhiornet. had rocks
thrown through its windows six times in 2008. Patrons also
have been bombed with eggs through the bar’s open door.
Australian prison OKs gay
con}ugal visits
Xhe Alexander Maconochie prison in Australia’s Capital
Territory has decided to let gay inmates receive conjugal visits
six times a year.
The policy applies to prisoners who are ~vell-behaved and
whose partner is not also incarcerated at the facility.
Reports said that the state of Victoria. where Melbourne is
located, is the only other place in Australia where gay inmates
can have sex dates with their partners.
Bosnian churches oppose antidiscrimination
bill
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Interreligious Council is
opposing a.bill to ban discrimination based on sexual
orientation, claiming it will lead to legalization of same-sex
marriage.
The measure has passed first reading in the House of
Representatives.
A national law banning discrimination based on sexual
orientation is a requirement for any nation that wants its
citizens to be able to travel within the European Union
without obtaining a visa.
Nae Interreligious Council is composed of representatives
of the nation’s Roman Catholics, Muslims, Jews and
Orthodox Christians.
Balkanlnsight.com said it is unttsual for the council "to
agree on any concrete actions and (it) often has been blocked
by internal boycotts."
.Gay marriage campaign launched
m Portugal
The Movement for Equality in Access to Civil Marriage
launched on May 31 in Lisbon, Portugal.
More than 1,000 people signed onto the campaign,
including politicians, well-known actors, pop singers and
businesspeople, and Nobel Prize winner Josd Saramago, who
was honored for literature in 1998.
The campaign’s manifesto, which nmv can be signed by
anyone in Portugal, states, in part: "Equal access to civil
marriage is a matter of justice that deserves the support of all
people who oppose homophobia and discrimination.... We
citizens who believe in equal rights, dignity and recognition
for all of us -- for our families, friends and colleagues -- join
our voices to express our support for equality.
"We call this change necessary, fair and urgent because we
know that the current situation of inequality divides society
between those who are included and those who are excluded,
between persons who are inside and marginalized persons....
We now have an opportunity to end one of the last unjustified
(instances of) discrimination written in our law."
Peru gay police ban less stringent
than reported
Peruvian Interior Minister Mercedes Cabanillas says recent
news reports that gays have been banned from being police
officers were not quite right.
Mid-May reports said cops who have sex with people of
the same sex would be banned because they cause scandal and
denigrate the police’s image.
But Cabanillas says the new law, which took effect May
12, will only ban gay cops if their gay-related public behavior
is scandalous or damages the image of the institution.
She said the ministry has no desire to "get in anyone’s bed"
and that officials only wish to target unseemly, embarrassing
or scandalous occurrences or attitudes related to sexual
orientation that happen in the public sphere.
Gay groups said the taw is problematic and discriminatory
either way because ir seems to suggest that certain public
expressions of homosexuality are more likely ro run afoul of
the law than similar public expressions of heterosexuality.
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights
Commission and Movimiento Homosexual de Lima have
launched a letter-~vriting campaign to Peru’s public defender,
=’asldng her to file an Action of Unconstitutionality with the
Constitutional Court to cl!allenge the so-called ’offense’ of
same-sex relations and its associated penalty."
"We write to express our concern over Law 29356, vchich
establishes a new disciplinary code for the Peruvian police,
and stipulates in Article 34 that it is a serious offense to ’have
sex with people of the same gender that causes scandal or
undermines corporate image,’" a sample letter says in part.
"This law is a clear violation of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and the Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights -- both of which have been signed by Peru. This
regressive law also violates the Andean Charter, a regional
treaty ratified by Peru in 2002.... Finally, Law 29356
is inconsistent with human rights principles that are
already, codified in Peruvian law. On December 1, 2004,
a new Constitutional Procedures Code, approved by
Parliament, modified constitutional procedures to recognize
discrimination based on sexual orientation."
Australian benefits agency
recognizes gay de facto couples
Centrelink, the Australian government’s social-benefits
agency, will treat gay de facto couples as married for benefits
purposes starting July 1.
While the move increases equality, it also will result in
a loss of benefits for some coupled gays, who previously
qualified based on their individual income.
Centrelink assistance encompasses such things as health
care, prescription drugs., unemployment payments, disaster
aid,,rent subsidies, aid to single parents and a wide range of
other benefits and welfare programs.
"From 1 July 2009 changes to legislation wilt mean that
customers who are in a same-sex de facto relationship will be
recognised as partnered for Centrelink and Family Assistance
Office purposes," says the agenc)?s Web site. "All customers
who are assessed as being a member of a couple will have their
rate of payment calculated iri the same way."
Colombian policeman added to
partner’s health insurance
The Board of Health of Colombia’s National Police
granted health-insurance benefits to the partner of a gay
officer May 14.
The extension of coverage to Fabifin Mauricio
Chibcha Romero followed a January ruling by the nation’s
Constitutional Court that granted marital rights to commonlaw
same-sex couples in areas that indude civil service,
contracts ~vith the government, housing protection and
assistance, immigration, social security, death indemnification,
and criminal noninctimination.
~Pne activist group Colombia Diversa said the ruling
encompassed all the "civil, political, social, economic, criminal
and immigration rights ... of a common-law union, minus
adoption."
Chibcha also gained access to police housing subsidies and
vacation dubs.
METROPOL!TAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
Rev Steve ~. Urie
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Sunday 6:00 PM
Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
WWg~¢.S0cmcc.
Have a God filled and BleSSed Day!
w,,~w.rnetrostarnews.com ~,tr®STAR 11
Viognier [vee-oh-nay]
For those who haven’t experienced
Viognier, the first glass is quite a revelation.
This wine will embody al! Or some of the
following: honeysuckle, citrus blossoms,
t~,chee, ripe melon, freshly picked.peaches
6r apricots and ripe pear. Winemaker Craig
Williams, from Josep~ ~nhe~s Vin~;a,~s, s~s
Viognier contains floral compounds called
~Terpens. Tl~ey are also found in Muscat and
Pdesling. So, think of the most aromatic
Muscat or Riesling you’ve ever encountered,
then concentrate it and you have Viognier.
The majoriV of French Viogniers are
sold as Vin de Pays in the Languedoc. In the
Rl~one wine region, the grape is o~en blended
with Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache
blanc. In the Northern part of Rhone, the
grape is sometimes blended with Chardonnay.
Since the late 1980s, plantings ofViognier
in the United States and Cagada have
increased dramat,ically. The Rhone R~angers
of the mid 1980 s help spark the increased
interest in Viognier in California and now
Californigs Central Coast is the leading
producer.
Looking some good summerwtt te wines. > ~ Marcheregiono~:~yand~ to
monm, we are art a ou- < fthe}lord
most widet l~ted white
wpicNly Sauvignon blanc ~ Macab~o. Xg Mar&etti~07 it~~ ~" *~ ,~.
,..... ?~ P ~ , [, desiunated "Rueda V?rdejo must contaifi Fazi,B; t~gli~ ~007 Italy >::~
wine grape, veraemo is cl~slHeo as a noble o - ....
or classic grape. On the PortuDtese mainland,
85% Verdejo, and are oAen 100% Verde’o....... *..........
it is recommended in the DAO region and
Verdejo winm are aromatic, often ~oA . ~d[as ~wws, Isay go to your favorite wing/~
and Rdl-bodied. %ey can be somewhat ~k questions ~d purchase a bottle or
with the production of white port. Some
Portuguese locales call this Gouveio. The
Godello grape grown in northwest Spain is
believed to be the same variety as Verdelho.
%e grape has been successful in the vineyards
ofAustralia, particularly the Hunter \~lley
region, Langhorne Creek and the Swan
Xga!le?: Australian versions of Verdelho are
noted for their intense flavors vdth hints of
lime and honeysuclde. California is producing
more of this varietal as ,sell.
St. Amant 2006 California
Marquis Philips 2007 Australia
Verdejo [ver-day-ho]
This is a variety of wine grape that has long
been grown in the Rueda winegrowing region
of Spain. The grape originated in North
Africa, and was spread to Rueda in about
the 1 lth Century. For most of this time
Verdejo was generally used to make a strongly
oxidized, Sherry-like wine, In the 1970s the
reminiscent of Sauvignon blanc
warm climate.
Gar~i Grande 2007 Spain
Marquis de Riscal 2007 Spain
: Share some food& wine with friendd
a~d ehe~k this out for yourself.
,Vouv~ay[vooh-~ay]
’,Wines fi’om the French
to the east ofTours are made in
range of styles fi-om the Chenin
Vintages in the Loire are variable,
best years Vouvray can produce
very long-lived white wines.
It turns out that most chenin blanc
1970s what most
generic, alcoholic" "
by corporations
consumed in
rather than wine
chenin blanc is
exhibiting a nutty,
Pichot 2007
Nais writer is one ofthe managers at the Grand
Vin wine shop at Utica Square. He also bar tends
and hosts wine & food events around town known
as the Wine Enthusiasts ofTulsa.
indude:
/ www. la~neSpecta-
Verdicchio
months recipe courtesy of:
Crab
Ingredients
1 Cup Mayonnaise
4 Eggs
1 V2 Cup Japanese Breadcrumbs
2 T Granulated Garlic
2 T Onion Powder
2 - I lb Cans Jumbo Lump Crab Meat
(Indonesian or Philippine)
2 - 1 lb Cans Bacldin Crab Meat
(indonesian or Philippine)
Preparation:
Mix first 5 ingredients together by hand.
Drain Crab meat cans ofwater. Fold in
Baclcfin crab meat first and then gently fold
in jumbo lump crab meat being careful
not to break up the lumps. If mixrure
is too wet. add 1A cup more ofJapanese
Breadcrumbs. Mixture should barely
hold together. DO NOT PU/T .~NY
ADDITIONAL SEASONINGS OR TOO
MUCH BRREADCRUMBS IN! The
drizzle on top of the crab cakes will give ir
all of the seasoning it will need.
Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat
with half an 20 inch of corn oil. Once the
mixture is made, take a 4 ounce scoop and
pack in the crab cake mixture. Carefully
place the flat side of the crab cake down
in the oil for approximately ! - 2 minutes
until golden brmvn. Place the crab cake on
a pre-greased baking sheet, fried side up.
These can now be held for up to 5 days in
the refrigerator or finished offin the oven
immediately;
DRIZZLE INGREDIENTS (BAY MAYO)
1 Cup Mayonnaise
2 T Old Bay
Dash ofGranulated Garlic
% Cup Heavy Cream
the ba~
12 July 2009
Big-screen beckons Nell Patrick Harris
xYvq~ite hosting this year’s Tony Axvards, Nell Patrick Harris
joked about his second-class status as a "TV guy." But he’s
atready proven he’s hilarious on the big screen in the Harold
& Kumar movies, so now that second-tier status is about to
change with two new film projects on the horizon. Harris
has joined the cast of Beastly, the new film from gay director
Daniel Barnz (Phoebe in Wonderland) that Romeo’s already
reported on here, but the How I Met Your Mother star wilt
also be playing a lead role in The Best and the Brightest.
Harris plays a husband - way to break that gay-actor-curse
NPH - from Ddaware whose wife goes bananas about social
status when they move to New York City and try to get their
kid into an elite kindergarten. Amy Sedaris, John ~
and Kate Mulgrew al~0 star in ~he latter;
hit theaters before the end of 20!0.
How to make a monster musicaJ
More and more movies are being made from poptflar
childhood toys, from dolls (Kit Kittredge: An American
Girl) to action figures (Transformers) tO even board games
(Clue). But now we’re getting a movie musical based on a toy
that doesn’t even exist yet and will presumably be marketed
alongside the film itself. Gay super-producers Craig Zadan
and Nell Meron are reuniting with Hairspray composerlyricist
Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott gc’ittman to make
an original screen musical around an as-yet-unnamed Mattel
monster toy. Every~daing’s being kept very much on the
hush-hush, but the one thing that’s been revealed is that the
property will "add a fresh twist to monster lore." No word
yet on when this new musical will go into production, but
Romeo bets five bucks that if the movie and the toy do well,
an eventual Broadway adaptation is inevitable. And TV
show. And more toys. And sequels. And ...
Jake Gyllenhaal andAnne Hathaway Focus Features photo
Brokeback spouses reunite
Granted, the romance between Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway in
Brokeback Mountain was a tragic one involving the closet and deception and
death, but these actors are determined to give it another go in a movie where he
won’t be playing a gay cowboy. Love and Other Drugs will feature Gyllenhaal
as a pharmaceutical sales rep for Pfizer during the time when a revolutionary
litde blue pill was hitting the market (the film is based on the book Hard Sell:
Tne Evolution ofa Viagra Salesman) while Hathaway will play a woman with
Parldnson’s with whom he begins a relationship after they meet on a sales
call. Ed Zwick (Glor~ Defiance) is set to direct, with Shooting set to happen
possibly as early as this fall. A movie about Viagra may make audiences stand at
attention, but if the film lasts more than four hours, please, call your doctor.
Romeo San PTcente hopes the monster-toy musical will be like the Dra~dapuppet rock operaj~om
_ForgettingSarah Marshall_, complete withfull-fl’ontal male nudity. He can be reached care of
thispublication or at DeeplnsideHollywOod@qsyndicate.com.
~LSA, 0g (PR). Continuing
the m0fithl9 ShOwcase of local artists a
the Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in
Downtown Tulsa ~ right next to Living Arts
(Ok )
will feature Tulsa Artist Michael Cooper with
an opening show and reception on Thursday,
July 2nd from 6-gpm and continuing
throughout the month ofJuly.
Michael Cooper is an emerging artist
in the Oldahoma scene, specializing
in journalistic art, music, and portrait
photography. In 2008 he joined Urban Tulsa
Weekly as a staff photographer and has seen
his work published in notable other Okie
publications, induding Oklahoma Gazzette
and Oklahoma Today Magazine. In his own
words, "I have two eyes and one lens, and
they battle each other for experiences daily.
The way I see it - few people get to live their
passion, and being an artist is mine. I’m just
trying this road of exploration out, and I
hope you’re there along for the ride".
www.metrostarnews.corn gg{<~{:a~oSTA,R 13
MCC United ~°~"-~~o’~°" 918-838-171~
Metropolitan Community Chu~h
put tb
Chr°
y Church
14 ;~÷troSTAR July 2009
www.metrostamews.com ~÷troSTAR 15
PHILADELPHIA, PA
"As in one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the country"
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
[)how: Gables Bed andBreakfizst
Visiting Philadelphia for the first time
-was certainly, a very exciting and interesting
time for us. We knew ahead of time al!
about the historical things to see and do but
had no idea what else to expect. We first
checked into The Gables Bed and Break~st
which has been owned for the past 16 years
by ~rren Cederholm and Don Caskey.
Located in the University part of the city, it is
a grand old Victoria home full of wonderful
antiques from top to bottom. ~e house has
a "wrap around" porch for guests to sit and
have drinlcs and snacks or just to view the
sights and sounds of the area. Each room is
beautifully decorated in antiques. A full, and
we do mean FULL sit down breakfast in the
~orma! dining room is served each morning.
XYge are not talking doughnuts and coflree but
a fail sit down brealNast. This was a perfect
way to talk with the other guests to find out
what others did the day" be~bre or were going
to do that day. "While there we met guests
from California, Alabama and all over. Many
of the guests alwws stay there when visiting
Philadelphia. Warren and Don are graciotts
hosts and. al%r 16 years of taking guests into
their lovely home, they seem to have been
able to do it the right way< Another great
thing about staying at The Gables is that the
trolley system runs right in front of their
house and you can take it downtown in just
minutes, and it runs about every 20 minutes
a!l day 10ng. The), have ample off-street
parking behind their house which is a big
plus.
To begin your day, take the trolley
downtown. From that point you can take
another bus or ,valk south to the famous
historical district of Philadelphia and visit
all the places there. No trip to Philadelphia
would be complete without visiting the
Liberty Bell and the other historical places
that are located within a few blocks of there.
Philadelphia is proud of their art museums as
well they, should be. ~-he Philadelphia
Museum of Art is a first class museum and
is a MUST for anyon& visit to the cits: A
few blocks away is the Rodin Museum which
houses more Rodin sculptors any~vhere except
for Paris. There are maW other museums to
visit also.
Ofcourse every visitor to Philadelphia
must try one of their famous Philly
Cheesesteak sandwiches for lunch. There
are a lot of gay bars in the ’~gayborhood"
area of the city which is iust a few blocks
west of downtmvn and easily ~vithin ~valking
distance from the public transportation.
Knock was our very favorite bar there. It is
what a gay bar should be all about....... A
clean bar where the owner/management/staff
is super friendly; wl~ere the customers are
super friendl> where you can walk in and
really enioy yourself, located righ~ on the
corner of Locust St. and I2th Street. They
also have an excellent res~urant located in
the bar. ~Pnis is one of the finest restaurants
in the city ~vith fine white linen tablecloths
and napkins on every table. Jim the Maitre
’d is extremely professional. The servers are
very professional. They have a huge menu
offering the very finest of cuisine. Owned by
Bill Wood, this bar/restaurant is extremely
popular with both people ~vho live in the city
as ~vell as travelers.
We were fortunate during our stay to
see the Broadway pla}~ Grey Gardens which
is about the life of the aunt and cousin of
Jackie Kennedy- Onassis. They lived in a 24
room house in the Hamptons on Long Island
but were extremely poor and let their house
run down something horrible. Mother and
daughter loved (and hated) each other but
were bound to live with each other until the
mother finally died. There was a movie made
about their lives and HBO came out with
another movie a couple of months ago. Both
live theatre as well as the visua! arts are a huge
makeup in Philadelphia.
You could easily spend a whole ~veek
in this beautiful city and still not see
everything. The architecture is unbelievably
tremendous. On weekends, the Penn Landing
downtown is full of vendors and local
artists. Philadelphia is certainly a city that is
welcoming gay travelers with open arms.
There are just a handful of cities that you
must visit in the country and Philadelphia is
certainly" on our short list. Most cities you
still need a car to travel around however not
in this city. They have such a great public
transportation system and is extremely safe
and clean. Why can’t all cities do this?
For more information on Philadelphia,
visit: www.gablesbb.com and they are
located at 4520 Chester Avenue. Phone:
215.662. ! 918. ?dso visit w~v<ka~ockphilly.
COLT1
Another great website to visit
is: http://www.gophita.com/c/your_
philadelphia/14/diverse_philadelphia/287/
gay~friendly_philadelphia/4.html and wwcw.
gayphiladelphia.com
On a personal note, we want to thank
Bruce Yelk, Director of Human Resources
& Gay Marketing, Greater Philadelphia
Tourism marketing Corportation and to our
friend Buster Stevens who hosted a wonderful
dinner for us xvhile we were visiting.
Photo: Famous Liber~_y Bell Philadelphia, PA
Always remember to have fun when traveling,
meet new people and talk to everyone!
Wayne Fuller reported on gossipboy.com, an
Oklahoma internet news service focused on
the GLBT community, that Mr. Chiles had
been convicted of Obtaining Money by False
Pretenses in McClain County in 2006, for
which he received a 2 year deferred sentence
now completed. Since then a warrant for
his arrest was issued for the same offense
in Pontotoc County, which was in effect
when he was elected to his Democratic Party
position.
Robert Chiles, Director &Founder ofPrject
Pride Foundation ofOklahoma. Gorin photo
On June 8, represented by attorney Gordon
Melson, he appeared in court in Pontotoc
Count-5: An agreement was reached ~vith
the warrant withdrawn, and Robert ~vould
have until August 27 to make restitution to
the parties involved.
On June 3, when cast members from the
national tour of "The Drowsy Chaperone"
did a benefit at Tulsa’s Renegades Club for
Until There’s a Cure, an organization helping
those with HIV. Mr. Chiles presented them
with a large check payable to that organization.
It likewise would not clear his bank.
Mr. Chiles had been contacted by that
organization and he promised them a cashier~
check which was not received as of press time.
Following this, Mr. Chiles had asked the
Red Ribbon Revue, a monthly benefit show
performed at Renegades, to do a benefit for
his Foundation. In a statement to gossipboy.
corn Renegades entertainer Tabitha Taylor
stated, "I’m glad this was caught before we
did a fundraiser with the name attached."
www.metrostamews.com ~÷{~oSTAR 17
18 July 2009
,~.metrostarnews.com ~®~°~STAR t9
By Camper English
Crafting the Cosmopolitan
~he Cosmopolitan is one tasty
cocktail and probably most popular drink
created in the last 30 years, but it is not
magically original. The recipe calls for lemon
vodka, lime iuice, orange liqueur, and a splash
of cranberry for color. Minus the cranberry,
the drink follows the formula of spirit plus
lime plus orange liqueur. If that spirit is
tequila, that’s a Margarita. If it’s unflavored
vodka, that’s a Kamikaze.
In fact. the prevailing theory on the
creation of the Cosmopolitan is that it ,vas a
spin-offofthe Kamikaze created by a Miami
bartender
named Cheryl
Cook in 1985
or !986.
She said the
Cosmo is. ~
"Merely a ~
Kamikaze
with Absolut
Citron and
a splash of
cranberry
juice."
But her
version called
for Rose’s lime
juice, a bottled
lime juice
that’s a poor
substimte
for freshsqueezed,
and triple
sec, which
usually refers to the low-end orange liqueurs
that are poor substitutes for Cointreau. These
items are often served at high-volume bars
that want to save money on (admittedly
pricey) orange liqueur and don’t want their
bartenders taldng the time to squeeze limes
for each drink.
But I find the Cosmo-to be intolerable
~vithout them. So too did Toby Cecchini, a
New York bartender credited with finessing
the drink into its best form. Someone told
Cecchini about the drink, but in their version
it was made with unflavored vodka, Rose’s
lime, and the red-colored syrup grenadine.
He liked the look of the drink - soft pink and
served in a Martini glass - and experinaented
~vith ingredients to make the flavor match the
fashion. In the end, his version came out just
like Cheryl Cook’s version, but with better
ingredients.
This version caught on like wildfire
in New York. causing Cecchini and other
bartenders to make them by the thousands.
In the era of bottled sour mix and vermouthflee
Martinis. this drink seerned highmaintenance
enough for Cecchini to call
them "labor-intensive pink monstrosities."
~e trick to making a good pink
monstrosity; even if you have the proper
ingredients, is getting the ratio of them. right.
Apparently this is a problem for bartenders
~oo - i’ve had Cosmopolitans i~ every shade
from c!¢ar to deep red. When I make them at
borne, I’m ~o~- laz/to Ioot up ~[~e recipe so I
}ust ake ir ,,~ ingredient ar a vitae: ~ couo~e
ounces of Charon a smat~ splash of Cointreau.
and a large quantity of’lime.
(I like them tart.) I make mine in keeping
,vith Cheryl Cook’s original instructions
of ~jttst enough cranberry to make it oh so
pretty in pink."
That’s my starting point, anyway. One
thing I’ve learned making this drink is that
cranberry juice, like slimming black clothing,
hides many sins. Even if you get the initial
ratios of liquor and juice all wrong, or have to
resort to bottled lime )uice and bottom-shelf
triple sec, you can always make a drinkable
version of this drink. Just keep adding
cranberry until it’s good.
Vodka, Now Available in Juniper Flavor
I like to think of"bathtub gift" as
"Martinis by the poo!." but that’s not where
the expression originated. It came about
during Prohibition xvhen people would
"make" their own gin by adding mail-order
juniper flavoring to lowquality
alcohol to help mask its
awfulness. 2the weird tiring is, gin
cocktails were awfully popular
back then.
Today it is still legal to make
gin this way- not in the bathtub.
but by adding juniper oil and
other flavors to a neutral spirit
like vodka. Thankftdly, most of
the gins with which we’re familiar
don’t do it like that. Gin usually
starts with high-proof neutral
spirit made from grains like corn,
wheat, and rye. The gin distiller
then selects a range of botanicals
or botanical oils to infuse into the
spirit, then redistills everything
together.
There are many different
distilling methods gin makers
employ, but this is probably only
interesting to folks like me ~vho
spend our spare time hanging out
in distilleries on vacation. More interesting
are the types of botanicals that go in to gin.
Traditional brands like Beefeater, Plymouth,
and Tanqueray contain many ingredients like
citrus peels, coriander, cinnamon, and cassia
bark. Newer gins on the market like Bombay
Sapphire, Hendrick’s, and Martin Miller’s also
include things like lavender, ginseng, rose,
and green tea. All gins, by definition, must
contain jtmiper (berries that smell like pine
trees) as a dominant flavor, but the newer
ones tend to put less of it in.
While vodka lovers and gin lovers are
usually different sorts of people (though
I find versatility provides more options in
the bedroom and the liquor cabinet)~ when
it comes right down to it gin is really just
juniper-flavored vodka. Ifyou’ve got vodka
drinkers over for cocktails and you only
have gin left, just tell them their drinks are
made with "botanical vodka." If you’re in
the opposite situation, tell them the vodka is
"diet gin." Lying to your guests is the most
entertaining part of entertaining them.
The combination and concentration
of the juniper, spices, citrus, and other
botanicals is what gives each gin its unique
flavor and makes it a better or worse fit for
different cocktails. Some modern gins are
so very citrusy and floral that they can be
too perfumey for a Martini. (Hey, this drink
smells like grandma!} On the other hand.
when you add an intensely juniper-heaW
gin ro a Gimlet or other mild cockt ills.
s~metimes all you ~aste b rhe juniper. (Hey,
this drink smells like where ~ ~andma is
buried!~
2O
The trick is finding the right fit for each
gin fqr your mouth. I prefer the old-style
gins in a Martini, Aviation, Pink Gin, and
Negroni. With the more-floral, less-juniper
gins I like the Salty Dog, Gimlet, White Lady,
and Vesper.
But I find that no matter what kind of gin
you have in the house you can always add it
to tonic water and it will taste just fine. Tonic
is the mixer that swings both ways.
Camper English is a cocktails andspirits
writer andpublisher ofAlcademics.com.
Miss Gay Oklahoma
2009 Crowned in OKC
By Victor Gorin
Left: 2008 Miss Gay Oklahoma Adrienne
Fischer, 1st altetmam Samantha West, Shantd
l~£andalay &Miss Gay America Victoria
DePaula. Gorin Photo
worked their hearts out, hoping to be the next
Miss Gay Oklahoma. Emceed by former Miss
Gay America 2006 Nicole Dubois & former
Miss Gay Oklahoma 2005 Pure Chocolate
(as Steven), it got wild Saturday night as it
wound down to 5 finalists with their friends
cheering on their favorites.
That fun fabulous contest came to a
conclusion on Saturday night June 13 when
Shantel Mandalay finally won the title of Miss
Gay Oklahoma America after many years
of pursuing that dream. A proud 3rd grade
teacher who also coaches Special Olympics,
Miss Mandalay and her entourage wowed the
audience with a fast stepping dance routine
to the C&W classic "The Devi! went down to
Georgia" that brought the house down.
It was also an emotional time for the
current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma
Adrienne Fischer when she passed on her
tide, joining many other former Miss Gay
Oklahomas who were there for the occasion.
Together with 1st alternate Samantha \Vest.
Shantel will be eligible to compete in the
national Miss Gay America competition to
be held this year in St.Louis October 28.-
November 1.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It was a
festive weekend June 11-13 at Angles in
Oklahoma City when once again the girls
lIGHT
BILENT AUCTION- AND RAFFLES
Dd. IKEY TURNS UP THE WITH OlSDg ALL NIGHT
~:mSTAR July 2009
~’#~W.metrostamews.com
@ Angles, Oklahoma City
@ OGRA Pool Party, OKC
@Club Majestic, Tulsa
@Club 209, Tulsa
Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G.
@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ The Copa Oklahoma City
@ The Ledo, Oklahoma City
@ Finishlinel Oklahoma City
@ OGRA Rodeo, OKC
Tulsa Pride 09 Parade
@ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa
@ Tulsa Pride 09 Parade
www.metrostarnews.com , <,STAR 23
Oban~a administration defending DOMA
is shocking and unsetding. Clearly, our selfdescribed
’fierce advocate’ needs significant
additional pushing and pressure from all of
US."
Popular blogger John Aravosis: "A
Democratic president of the United States of
i~erica, in the year 2009. and an African-
B~nerican child of inter-racial parents no less,
gave his la~wers the go ahead ro compare
our marriages to incest on the same day that
42 years ago the Supreme Court ruled in
[ais parents’ favor in Loving v. Virginia....
We demand our rights, and we expect this
president, who promised them in exchange
[or millions of our votes and millions of
our donations, to deliver. And so help me
God, we will continue to hold this president
accountable for his broken promises and his
betrayals]"
Lambda Lega!’s Legal Director Jon
Davidson: "X~at they need to be asked
is why they gratuitously went out of their
-way ~o make the outrageous arguments
they unnecessarily included such as that
DOM2~ does not discriminate based on
sexual orientation or that the right ar issue
is not marriage but an unestablished rigi~t
~o ’same-sex marriage or
that DOMA is somehow
iustified in order to protect
taxpayers ~;ho don’t want
their tax do!lars used
ro suppor~ lesbian and
gay couples iwhile it~
apparently fine to make
lesbians and gay men pay
the same rm,:es but be
&nied the benefits provided
heterosexual couples) .... I
am seething mad."
Top Clinton aide
R5chard Socarides: "It had
such a buckshot approach
ro it, a veritable kitchen
sink of anti-gay legal theories, that it seemed
expressly designed to inflict maximal damage
ro our rights. Instead of malting nuanced
arguments which took into account the
president’s oi?-stated support for repealing
DO1VLA -- a law he has called ’abhorrent’ --
the brief seemed to embrace DOMA and all
its horrific consequences,"
Equality California Executive Director
Geoff Kors: "We ... call on President Obama
m order the Justice Department ro file a
supplemental brief reversing its position and
instead urging the repeal of DOMA."
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Executive Director Rea Carey: "The malicious
and outrageous arguments and language
used in the Department ofJustice’s marriage
brief is only serving to inflame and malign
the humanity of same-sex couples and our
families."
Gay writer Dan Savage: "If this shit is
’fierce advocacy,’ Mr. President, we’ll take
benign neglect.7
CBS News: "The anger from gay rights
advocates toward President Obama is starting
to boil over."
~!~e Wall Street Journal called Sotmonese’s
letter to Obama "scathing."
The New York Times editorialized: "The
Obama administration, which came to office
promising to protect gay rights but so far has
nor done much, actually struck a blow" for the
other side last week.... If the administration
does feel compelled to defend (DOMA), it
should do so in a less hurtful wa~: ... There
writer Dan
/ Savage: "If ’\
dais shit is ’fierce
advocacy; Mr.
President, we’ll
take benign /
\... neglect."
was no need to resort to specious arguments
and inflammatory language to impugn samesex
marriage as an institution."
Plans apparently are shaping up for a
gay March on Washington in October,
spearheaded, it appears, by veteran activist
Cleve Jones, the man who created the
NAMES Proiect AIDS Memorial O~ilt."The
President is in serious danger of motivating
a huge mass of gay people to stream into
\Ygashington for the simple ioy of standing in
front of the White House and giving him a
piece of their minds," wrote syndicated gay
columnist \gayne Besen.
"For what seemed Iike forever, Democrats
told us that when the big bad Republicans
went away, our lives would improve," Besen
said. "XN~ell, the Republican nightmare is over,
so why do I still feel like I’m in the middle of
a political Friday the 13th movie? ... As far
as I’m concerned, if the donkeys can’t detiv(r
now, they can Idss my ass."
On June 17, when Obama "delivered"
to federal employees a smattering of spousal
benefits, via issuance of a "memorandum," he
did again denounce DOblA.
"I think we all have to acknowledge this
is only one step," the president said.
the steps we have not yet t~en is to repeal the
Defense of Marriage Act. I
believe it’s discriminatory,
I think it interferes ,vith
states’ rights, and we will
work with Congress ro
overturn it. \rUe’re gor more
work to do to ensure that
government treats all its
citizens equally, to figh~
iniustice and intolerance in
all its forms, and to bring
about that more perfect
union. I’m committed
to these efforts, and I
pledge to work tirelessly
on behalf of these issues in
the months and years to
come.-
Obama also expressed support for the
Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations
Act.
"Under current law, we cannot provide
same-sex couples with the full range of
benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married
couples," he said. "That’s why I’m proud
to announce rny support for the Domestic
Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, crucial
legislation that will guarantee these rights
for all federal employees. I want to thank
Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who is behind me
somewhere -- there she is, right there -- for
her tireless leadership on this bill and in the
broader struggle for equality. I want to thank
Sen. Joe Lieberman -- Joe is here -- as well
as Susan Collins for championing this bill
in the Senate, and Rep. Barney Frank for his
leadership on this and so many other issues."
Sounds good, but gay activists ~veren’t
impressed. They want action.
"We commend President Obama ana his
administration for taking this beginning step
to level the playing field but we look forward
to working with him to repeal the Defense of
Marriage Act, overturn ’Dofft Ask, Don’t Tell’
and guarantee the entire American worl6brce
is free from discrimination," said HRC’s
Solmonese.
The Associated Press said, "His (Obama’s)
critics -- and there were many -- saw
Wednesday’s incremental move to expand gay
rights as litde more than pandering to a
reliably Democratic voting bloc."
Lamb& Legal Executive Director
Kevin Cathcart: "While ending any of
the discrimination against gay and lesbian
federal employees is a welcome step, today’s
... announcement falls far short of our hopes
and expectations. President Obama dearly
understands how important it is for people
to have health insurance coverage ro protect
their loved ones and this plan does not
provide that. Lambda Legal is representing
Karen Golinsldi, a federal employee who
works for the judicial branch and who is
seeking health insurance coverage for her
same-sex spouse. A federal judge has already
issued an administrative decision in that
matter, concluding that, within the existing
roles, the federal government can choose
to provide health insurance for same-sex
partners. Vie think they should.... The day is
long past for incomplete, piecemeal fixes that
leave hard-worldng families uninsured and
struggling."
People For the American W’ay President
Michael B. Keegan: "Today’s presidential
memorandum is a very small step in the right
direction, but it’s a token, and tokens are no
longer enough. DOMA stands in the way of
real progress for same-sex couples nmv denied
federal recognition and protection, and its
repeal is tong overdue. President Obama has a
unique ability to provide the moral leadership
to ensure that all Americans are treated
equally under the law. but so far he has failed
to exercise it. We urge the president to live
up to his own rhetoric about being a ’fierce
advocate’ fbr gay and lesbian Americans.
Taking action on his pledge to repeal DOMA
would be ~vorthy of the vision that he held
out to Americans during his campaign
NGLTF’s Carey: "This presidential
memorandum today will extend some
selected protections to the same-sex partners
and families of federal employees.... This
memo is one building block toward full
equality, and much more remains to be done
in order for the administration to live up to
the promises of equality the president made
as a candidate on the campaign trail.... We
also call on the president to take additional
steps that will have a positive impact on our
health, our livelihoods and our families’ safety
that do not require legislative action. These
include reversing the standing policy of the
U.S. Census Bureau to manually un-marry
any same-sex couple who lawfully states they
are married on the 2010 census, extending
employment protections to federal employees
based on gender identity, and reversing the
regulations that continue to throw roadblocks
in the way of HIV-positive individuals who
want to travel to this country."
NCLR’s Kendell: "The policy announced
today by the president committing to a
federal ~vorkplace free from discrimination is
a step in the right direction but inadequate
and long overdue. It leaves out millions
ofAmerieans who do not work for the
federal government and fails to include key
benefits including health insurance. When
running for office, then candidate Obama
called equality for LGBT people a ’moral
imperative.’ We will continue to demand
this administration live up to the president’s
promise of achieving ’full equality for the
millions ofLGBT people in this country.’"
The language is strong and the front is
unified. Nae White House clearly is listening,
but when will our "fierce advocate" act?
Writing on his house.gov Web site June
16, gay U.S. Rep. Jared Polls, D-Colo., said:
"I am a proud Democrat, as are many in the
LGBT community, and I believe we must
hold our leaders accountable. The Obama
Administration made a HUGE mistalte in the
DOMA brief. If they keep malting mistakes
like this. they risktosing the support of the
GLBT community forever, although I do
not believe we are at that point yet. President
Obama needs to honor his promise ro repeal
this ... hateful and divisive law. As the New
York Times editorialized yesterday, ’busy
calendars and political expediency are no
excuse for malting one group of Americans
wait any longer for equal rights.’"
labor of love really," said Arbuckle. "We ate
like a family here." The organization serves
men, women and children. "XWe have about
30-40 children who may be infected or have
parents who are," adds Arbuclde.
Recently, Arbuckle submitted a grant
application to the }v’La,C-AIDS Fund which
is an organization established in 1994 that
globally supports all persons lMng with
HIV/AIDS. "It is a passion for our company
and our staff," said Armando Ortiz, MAC
Retail Manager at Penn Square Mall. "We
refer to this as the heart and soul ofMAC
Cosmetics. MAC stands for Make-up, Art
and Cosmetics.
"Our Viva-Glam program is where the
monies come from," adds Ortiz. "We give
back 100% of the selling price back to the
community. This program is really something
we embrace in our company." MAC
Cosmetics has been in business since I984
and has donated over $t35 million dollars to
date through the MAC-AIDS Fund.
Other Options has changed some over
the years and now focuses primarily on their
Friends Food Pantry. "The other services are
provided so well by other organizations in the
city that we focus on the nutritional program
now," said Mary Arbuckle, Director of the
Other Options organization. "\ge work well
together with RAIN Oklahoma, the OU
Infectious Disease Clinic, and other local
organizations so our clients can ger all the
hdp they need and so there is less duplication
of services."
Friends Food Pantry is exclusive to the
HIV and MDS community. Clients come to
the srore to shop each week. "We give them
a shopping cart and let them select their own
items, which is different than most food
banks," adds Arbuckle. "We want to empower
their mind; we don’t want them to feel like
it’s a charity." Arbuckle says they plan ro
spend the majority of the MAC-AIDS grant
on their Boost program, which provides the
high-prorein Boost drink to those in most
need of the nutritional supplement.
Donations to Other Options are always
~velcomed and appreciated. For more
information about Other Options or the
Friends Food Pantry, please call (405) 946-
8577.
by Jack Fertig July 2009
"Pay attention, Cancer!"
Saturn square Mercury would normally
bring out everyone’s inner critic, but
with Saturn in Virgo and Mercury in
Gemini, bitchy outbursts are to be
expected. If you’re feeling brilliant, write
it down and think twice before saying
it aloud. Take a long view and look for
opportunities for self-improvement,
ARIES (March 20 - Apri~ 19): Stay
focused on work. Any personal remarks,
especially about colleagues, are sure
to get you into trouble. Your critical
analyses and recommendations for
improvement are probably a bit off the
mark, but at least they show you’re
paying attention.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Avoid
gambling and investments in any
game play strictly for funsies. Focus on
developing skill at your sport or hobby.
That’s an uphill slog, too, but something
that’s just fun now can have practical
value down the road.
GEMiNi {May 21- June 20): If you get
any criticism from family or roommates,
thank them for sharing and think about
what they say. There may be something
to it. Responding in kind will only start
an a~ui argument.
CANCER (June 21~- July 22): Pay
attention where you’re walking or
driving. Distractions inside your own
head can cause awful accidents. Be
aware of your surroundings, and you
can find better ways to bang up against
someone.
LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): You’re
inclined to be very critical of someone’s
political values, so why not focus on
your own? In this era of diminishing
resources, we all need to step back
and re-think things. Brainstorming
with friends will help you update your
perspective.
VlRGO (August 23 - September 22)
The sharp edge of your wit is very
much in evidence. Keep it focused
on practical matters and attention to
your own health and well-being. When
tempted to speak of others, make extra
effort to keep it kind and constructive.
L~B~ (September 23 - October
22): There’s always room for selfimprovement,
but don’t beat yourself up
with your faults, which you’re now likely
to exaggerate anyway. A creative focus
for your inner critic could help you to be
more realistic.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November
21): As your brain races around sex,
you may want to look beyond simple
gratification. That has its time and
place, but think seriously about your
relationships and what you’d want to be
doing - and with whom - in 20 years.
SAG!TTARIUS (November 22
- December 20): You will get into
arguments. Stay focused, principled
and respectful. The way you press
your point can earn you a great deal
of respect. Stay clear on details and
graciously accept correction when it’s
appropriate.
CAPRICORN (December 21
- January 19): Take it slow and easy.
Pay attention to details and you’ll have
fewer accidents and arguments at
work. Sex seems a great release for
stress, but is it really? Focus on what’s
important at work and at play.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): You may be losing yourself helping
others, and fun may feel more like work.
An analytic approach to techniques of
craft, sport and/or pleasure reconciles
the latter. Being ruthless and selfish for
a bit is now good for you.
PISCES (February 19 - March
19): Domestic criticisms are nearly
inevitable. Being self-critical will help
keep you out of arguments, but give
yourself credit as well as blame. Your
partner’s shortcomings on that score
are highlighted because of your focus.
If you must say something, be kind and
gentle!
Community for
People iving
with
H R/!A DS
A 50’f c (3) Non t rofit Or~nizadon
Our House, Too offers a variety of
activities for people who are HIV+ and
or living with AIDS to help combat the
social isolation that many of our
people live through each and everyda~:
We provide a Toiletry and Household
Pantry for those "who are HIV+
and or living with AIDS who cannot
afford to purchase these items for
themselves. We invite anyone who
would like to volunteer or provide financial
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobat.net
112 3 4
~5 6 7 8 9 ~10111213
14
~ 15
17 18 19
66 67 68
69 70 7I
43 Ausmas capital( to Aust ~ans
~ ’Watcha~Liberg~ game h~re
18 Irritating : ,
50 of Seventeefi :
52 :l~i~---~"s home Stat~ (abgr:};
~3 cone Out ~nthe b~a~h
5~ ~Evbr~tt S Monkey Zetterland
58 E~d of the a~eadline ~
52 Adult filly
69 %v0some
70 Second name in cross-dressing
7! Doest" own
31
33 Prefix with
35 In the sack
38 "Lead into temptation"
39 Casey J0n~s, e.g.
40 GOt excited ,
41 Hollinghurst s 7~e Swimming~Pool
42 Edmontons province
45 Many a place near Aspen
46 Ball {vh£ckers, in Ping-Pong
47 U-turn from SSW ~9 Gate design,
1 C. Marlowes tongue
55 Golfer Sam
57 Overhand stroke, for Mauresmo
59 It gets spilled at wild parties
60 Beat it
61 Peruvian native
65 Quit, with "out"
Solution page 26
We :welcome ~[etters fro ers. Shorter letters are more likely to be printed, as are those
that addreks ohly a Singte topiC, Letters are subject to editing for lefigt|i and clarity. In-
ClYde your hO~ addr~s} an~ ~,~time phone fiumber fo~-~;efifidatiDm Send l{~rs to the
4ditor~ pFe ly:~ ii (~iam£ws@sl;cglobal.ndt)~ Le{ters als~ may be mailed (Metro
Stem P~ Box 5~i 7’18, TulSa, IOK 7~ 158)
~wcw.metrostarnews.com ;~8÷troSTAR 25
Stage Performance To
Benefit C arron Alliance
OK~AI-IOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ lheatre
lovers are invited to attend an upcoming
performance of a Carpenter Square Theatre
production with proceeds benefiting the Cimarron
Alliance Foundation.
Carpenter Square’s Thursday, July 2, production
of"The Little Dog Laughed" will benefit Cimarron
and cimarronAP,TS! The show begins at 7:30
p.m. Tickets, at a discount, are $15 and can be
purchased £nline at: CAF
Carpenter Square provides the following
synopsis of tl~e show: Mitchell Green is a handsome
young movie actor who is on the verge of major
stardom. His agent can’t seem to keep him in
the closet due to his "slight recurring case of
homosexuality." And as if that’s not enough, he falls
in love with his most recent "rent boy" and wants
to announce it to the world. Helping him navigate
Holl.~;~vood’s choppy waters, his shark of an agent
Diane does everything she can to keep him away
~?om the rent boy and the rent boy’s girlfriend
(wait, the rent boy has a girlfriend?), but it’s not
smooth sailing.
Ticket sales are limited to 200, so buy )!our
rickets early!
Jamie Fo~
Jul 9, 2009 at BOK Center
Ticket Prices: $69.75 and $59.75
"l~is summer heats tip with a tour from one of the
Imrtest artists to move fi:om the big screen to the
stage. Jamie Foxx begins a summer tour in July and
makes Tulsa one of the first stops.
eridm Idols Live
Jul 24, 2009 at BOK Center Tulsa
Tickets Prices: $69.50, $55.50, $40.50
Fans ofAmerica’s #1 show will once again have the
chance to catch their favorite "Idols" performing
live in concert, as the top 10 contestants from
American Idol season 8 hit the road in the highly
anticipated summer tour.
Aerosmith
Ju130, 2009 at BOK Center
AEROSMITH
with ZZ TOP
July 30 @ 7:30pro
Ticket Prices: $129.50, $89.50, $49.50
~EROSMITH--STEVEN TYLER (vocals), JOE
PERRY (guitar), BP4\D ~WHITFORD (guitar),
TOM HAMILTON (bass) and JOEY KP,a~_MER
(drums)--made history last year when Activision
released Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, marldng the
first music-based game built around the legendary
music of Aerosraith.
Kdth Urban
Aug 7, 2009 at BOK Center @ 8:00pm
Keith Urban with Sugarland
Ticket Prices: $77, $47 and $20
Grammy Award winner Keith Urban, one of the
industry’s raost explosive and critic~dly hailed live
acts, will be stopping at the BOK Center on Friday,
August 7th fi~r his "Escape Together ~otld Tour"
together with KC Masterpiece° and Kings~rd°
featuring multi-platinum superstars Sugarland.
Webs#e- www.kylecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aol,com
bi~er gir!
2{3 @~:{:~oSTAR July 2009
Support those who support us. Their
A
HABANA INN
2200 NW 39TH ~KESSWAY
Oldakoma City, OK
405-528-2221
wsvw.habanainn.com
KELLY KIRBY, CPA
48 I5 S. I-DYRVARD, SUITE 424
Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466
Certified Public Accountant
ROUTE 66 ANTIQUE MALL
4624 E. ! lth Street
Tulsa OK
918-836-3838
VALERIE WILLIFORD
625 N.W. 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK
405-226-8585
CONFIDENTIAL CAP~ &
CONSULTATION-OKC
405-326-9652
NATIa~q BLACK
PRIMEP£CA 10820 E. 45th #305
Tulsa. OK
918-615-8177
nblack.rn#39@primerica.com
OKC MORTUARY
2415-C N. "WALNUT AVE.
Olda~oma City, OK
80B-9!3-t310
GARY CORNETT
FUTUPJTY FIRST IN S.
Tulsa. OK
918-688-!360
ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you.
THE LEDO
2200 NW 39TH E~RESSWAY
Oklalloma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
TULSA EAGLE
1338 E. 3RD
Tulsa, OK
918-592-1188
Open 7days week 2pm to 2am
CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS
3131 N. PENN,
OKC, OK 405-525-9555
Service Sunday 10:45 AM
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Sunday 6pm
MCC UNITED
1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK
918-838-1715
www.nlcctulsa.org
RFAL:ESTATE:
ARMANDO AMOR
Keller Williams Realty
1624 SW !22nd
Oklahoma City, OK 73170
405-473-6870
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 IxYgg EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
www.c21 goldcasde.com
CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE
Keller Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
CINDY LOLLIS
Castle Finders Realty
Owasso, OK 74055
918-697-7406
OKZAHOMANS for EQUALITY
621 E. 4th Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
918-743-4297
www.okeq.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N: Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
~NG OF MASSAGE
In or Out Calls
Oklahoma City, OK
405-882-6127
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
In Calls Only, N\V OKC
405-822-7378
nwokcmassageguy@aol.cim
ANGLES
2 ! 17 N~V 39th St.
Oklahoma City, OK JUDY G. PHOTO’S
wvw:angtesdub.com Tulsa. OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
BAMBOO LOUNGE 918-743-8636
7204 E. PINE
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 N~V 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oldahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
THE KITCHEN
2218 NW 39th
Oklahoma City; OK 73112
Located inside the BOOM
THE MARKET PLACE ON 39th
2235 N.W. 39th
Oklah0maCity. OK
405-528-5555
TRA
EURE~ SPRINGS CVB
Eureka Springs, AR
www.eurekasprings.org
Cindy Lolli~
Castle Finders, LLC
Real Estate & Property Management
Owasso, OK 74055
918-697-7406
Armando Amor
Phone: 405-473-6870
Fax: 405-691-2708
BUY GI Joe Action Figures
(12" size Only)
THE
KITCHEN
2218 NW 39th
Oklahoma City, OKC 73112
(405) 801-7200
Open Tues.-Sun 12
Noon ~o 11PM. Featuring
Chef Susie Lopez.
Located inside the "BOOM"
Call
Therapeutic
By licensed professional for Physical
Rehabilitation.
NW OKO near Penn Square
In-Calls only
(405) 822#378
nwokcmassageguy@aol.corn
Tulsa. OK
918-836-8700
~a~vw.bambooloungetulsa.com
CLUB 209
209 N. BOULDER
%lsa, OK
918-584-9944
CLUB MAJESTIC
!24 N. BOSTON
Tulsa, OK
9!8-584-9494
FINISHLINE
~oo NW 59TH EXPreSSWaY
Oklahoma Civ, OK
405-525-2900
~l=,v.habanainn.cona
THE COPA
2200 NW 39TH E~SSWAY
O~om~ Cit~ OK
405-525-0730
x~m,w.habanainn.com
Start building a business
today to supplement your"
income in case of layoff.
High potential commissions.
Excellent instruction.
Set your own hours.
Call NATHAN BLACK
Chuck Breckenridge
Whether buying or selling
I’ll work hard for you.
www.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 27
28 July 2009
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2009] Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 7
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media, Ltd
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
July 1, 2009
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
Online text
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Chaz Ward
Victor Gorin
Greg Steele
James Nimmo
Jeanne Flanigan
Rex Wockner
Gerald Libonati
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Jack Fertig
Devre Jackson
Judy G.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Metro Star Magazine, April 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 4
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/128
The Metro Star Magazine, August 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 8
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/129
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/133
Adam Lambert
adoption
California HIV
church
Clara Nipper
cocktail chatter
Comics
commentary
crossword puzzle
Dick Cheney
dining
discrimination
Diversity Business Association
domestic-partnership bill
Don't Ask
Don't Tell
First Thursday
gay police ban
Hillary Clinton
homophobia
international news
Joplin pride
June 2009
Keith Kimmel
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
legalization of same sex marriage
lesbian Noir
License Plate
MAC cosmetics
Michael Cooper
Miss Gay
National news
Obama
Oklahoma City Rodeo
Oklahoma News
Other Options
Pride Month
pride Parade
Qscopes
R.A.I.N.
Robin Dorner
snap shots
spousal benefits and protection
stage
Star Scene
The Metro Star
travel
Tulsa
Tulsa Pride's Diversity Festival
-
https://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.
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405-525-0730
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HIDEAW~AY LOUNGE
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Open Sun d~ru Sat 2pm to 2am
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Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am
THE LEDO
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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
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405-840-2106
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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
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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
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Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
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Star Media, Ltd
Date
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Dec. 1, 2009
Format
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Image
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PDF
Language
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English
Type
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magazine
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Chaz Ward
Victor Gorin
Greg Steele
James Nimmo
Jeanne Flanigan
Rex Wockner
Gerald Libonati
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Jack Fertig
Lisa Keen
Devre Jackson
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Relation
A related resource
The Metro Star Magazine, August 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 8
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/129
The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2009; Volume 7, Issue 1
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189
adoption
art
Bill Clinton
book signing
Brazil
cocktail chatter
Comics
Council Oak Mens
crossword puzzle
Defense of Marriage Act
Diversity Business Association
DOMA
Eddy Sarfaty
football
Heather Harp Howland
K.C. Chiefs
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
Metro scene
Miss Bamboo
National news
Oklahoma News
Other Options
petition
Proposition 8
protest
Qscopes
religion
Robert Giard
Sarah Palin
Sooner State Rodeo Association
Stonewall Democrats
Ugandan bill
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/7b2db3bb0141bb44a9712396e6267fae.jpg
cf428210d5c928a7197cd7ae2588f6a3
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/eb719a5486d2266a7dcabd074e0595c6.pdf
27c2f0c690b852292e4c1f73a22efa73
Dublin Core
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
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Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
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Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
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2004-2011
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Images
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PDF
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
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Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
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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
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
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magazine
Text
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One million
people, including
Sarah Brown, wife
of Prime Minister
Gordon Brown,
took part in
London’s gay pride
parade July 4.
MORE on page 11
THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR G T OKLAHOMA
VOLUME 6 iSSUE 8 MetroStarN÷ws.com AUGUST 1,2009
S 0KLAHOMAAGAIN!
The crowd was about equally divided among those supporting her views
and those opposed. Those in opposition began shouting Shame on you!
repeatedly, alon~-with "Love-thy neighb6r!" -
By Victor Gorin
State Representative Sally Kern, Dis#qct 84 at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Gorin photo
$ 0,000
By Victor Gorin
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK On
Monday July 13 an emergency meeting and
press conference ofOKC Pride was hdd at
Epworth Methodist Church to deal with the
disappearance of a sum estimated to be within
the $10,000 to $15,000 range. This cash,
which was supposed to have been deposited
in the OKC Pride bank account, was derived
from contributions, T shirt sales and purchase
tickets sold on behalf of vendors. Apparendy
assumed to be deposited in OKC Pride’s
Chase Bank account by Treasurer Christine
Plante, OKC Pride Co-Chair Patti Thompson
was surprised to receive word from the bank
the following Wednesday after the Pride
Weekend that the OKC Pride account was
over $4,000 overdrawn, and thus learned that
An emergency meeting about this was
held by the Board of Directors Thursday July
9 at the Boom, and Ms. Plante was allegedly
contacted and asked to be at this meeting,
but she did not show up. Although offidally
scheduled to be at the July 13 meeting as well
Ms. Plante was again not present, and there
was no information as to her wherabouts
or situation, although a widely drculated
rumor was that she had checked herself into a
rehabilitation facility.
In her place, OKC Press Liaison Nathan
Thompson gave a report, stating that OKC
Pride had met with the Oklahoma City police
to report the incident July 10, but had no
further information. Despite the losses, at the
time of the meeting OKC Pride had paid all ~e cash money, which had been obtained their outstanding debts and had cash on hand
om about 3 ago weeks up to and including of around $2500 in 2 separate bank accounts,
the event~ hadn& be~n d~posiled ~er all J3y through assis~~ byd~h0~ from the
that time Christine Ptante had disappeared as commtmity including John Gibbons (owner
well, leaving the community wondering what of the Boom), Dan Johnson, Jack Melisa, and
wen~ wrong and who was r~sponsible. ....... ContinUed See OKC PRIDE Page-4
OYA~ktOMA CITY, OK__ Around
250 people gathered at the Oldahoma State
Capitol for State Representative Sally Kern’s
presentation of her Proclamation of Morality,
about evenly divided between supporters
and those in opposition. The prodamation,
which does not have the force of law, blamed
the economic problems of our nation due
to America "forsaldng the rich Christian
heritage upon which our nation was built"
and because "our nation has become a world
leader in promoting abortion, pornography,
same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce,
illegitimate births, child abuse and many
other forms of debauchery."
It also criticized President Obama for
signing a proclamation recognizing June as
Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Pride
Month while not taking a more active role
in the National Day of Prayer, although
President Obama did issue a proclamation
supporting that event as well on May 7.
Ms.Kern, a Republican who represents
District 84, has garnered international
attention for her outspoken conservative
views, particularly concerning the GLBT
community. In a speech taped at a
Republican gathering last year that later made
Youtube, she stated that the gay community
was a bigger threat "than Islam or terrorism,"
and compared gays to cancer in "one’s big
toe" in their relationship to society,
However, unlike similar gatherings in the
past, the crowd was about equally divided
among those supporting her views and those
opposed. After she had given a short speech
........... Continued See SALLY Page-4
Senate approves hatecrimes
measure
xWASHINGTON, DC (PR) The
U.S. Senate approved a bill to add sexual
orientation, gender identity and other
categories to federal hate-crimes protections.
The final vote came July 20. The bill will
soon be on its way to President Obama’s desk,
where he’ll get a chance to make good on his
promise to sign it.
This vote came on the heels of tremendous
pressure from radical right-wing groups that
used every trick in the book.
They called the bill the "Pedophile
Protection Act," among other outrageous
claims. They dismissed the barbaric hate
crime that took Matthew Shepard’s life as
a "hoax." They flooded the Senate with
hundreds of thousands of letters and calls.
The measure, which passed on a voice
vote, was attached to a defense-spending bill.
A move to remove it from that bill failed
63-28.
The House of Representatives already has
passed a similar bill.
"More than 60 senators support the
Matthew Shepard Act, legislation that will
provide police and sheriffs’ departments with
the tools and resources they need to ensure
that entire communities are not terrorized by
hate violence," said Human Rights Campaign
President Joe Solmonese.
Both Oklahoma senators fel! for the
radical right’s ploy and voted against the hate
crimes bill failing to stand up for equali~
To contact both Oklahoma Senators call
their Washington office, Sen. James ’Jim’ M.
Inhofe (202) 224-4721 and Sen. Tom A.
Coburn (202) 224-5754.
Oklahoma Weather Forecast for August 2009
Aug 1-4: Sunny, hot. Hurricane
threat in Gulf
Aug 5-10: T-storms north, hot south
Aug 11-14: Scattered T-storms,
~ seasonable
Aug 15-21: Sunny, very warm
AUg 27-31: Scattered ~-storms, warm
Avg. Temperature: 83.5° (avg. norda, 3° above south)
Precipitation: 3.5" (1" above avg.)
N~YION
This year’s OKC
Pride Grand
just love being
with my friends
in Oklahoma
City,"
Page-6
L>> BILL (Lt" N"’tON= SJPPORTS~ /AYS
Diversity
Over 150
unique Shops
and galleries,
and many
parties for your
entertainn{ent.
Page 9
WO~ZLD >> ?R~DE 2009 I PLUS -~ LIFES";YLETR~ /EL ~ AR" ~ I
Beating victim
Chad Gibson,
who now has a
life-threatening
blood clot on
his brain goes
home. Gibson
xvants the
officers to be
prosecuted..
Page 8
#INE / SCOPES
a
ease pa
rP
Everyone who completes @e s#rvey by August 31, 2009
P~ease take the survey today, and te~ year
Tremendous strides toward fa~ equality have been achieved by oar tenth,unities ever the past decade. There’s
Power in ear Pride. Power te n~ake a difference:
Gay and [esbiaa su~ey studies have opened doers (and minds) in ~ea~ing corporations aria organizations, which in turn have
rec~gn~ze~ the va~ue of the~r LGBT employees through the es~b~shment of equa~ h~dng po~c~es an~ ~omest[c pa~ner
benefits. Th~s has been a catalyst, ~ea~[ng to sweeping changes ~n pofft~cal an~ social ~nc~usJvi~.
#e~egraph~c reports a~se ~nfluence ~arket~ng ~nvest~ent. V~ua~y absent unt~ recently, we now see a ~rowing variety ef
p[eaacts an~ services represente~ ia gay ~edia, celebrating oar ai~ersity. Aas keep LGBT pubiications an~ websites
~a business, serving their co.manatees with [aaependent news and infermatbn.
~eyen~ s~p~y a@e~s~ng, though, these ce~panies support as ~n ~any ways, ~nc~a~ng sponsoring cow.unity events
Community Marketi ~
@ 200g 8~a~uni~ ~arketing, ~nc., 584 Castro St. #834, San Francisco CA 9~114 L~SA ~.Cen~n~unity~arketing~nc.cen~
August 2009
STATE REPRESENTATIVE AL
MCAFF Y CALLS FORAN
APOLOGY
By Victor Gorin
State Rep. AI~fcA~’ey and Metro Star re oorter Robin Dornet:
Gorin photo
OI~ObcLR CITY, OK __ "I complete identifi/with
the cleep faith that many Oklahomans hold dear, but I’m
appalled that MrS.Kern chose to use a state proclamation to
attack the freedom ofmany Oklahomans xvho do not share
her faith or vices." ..... ....... ......
state Reprdsentative A1 McAffrey
State Representative Al McAffrey (Democrat SHD-88) is
calling upon fellow legislator Sally Kern (Republican-SHD-
84) to rescind her proclamation and apologize for many
discrepancies and misrepresentations of facts. "To blame our
economic woes on a national moral crisis is ludicrous. Our
economic woes are a direct result of bad financial practices
and a lack of regulation on Wall Street."
He pointed out that "Mrs.Kern uses her proclamation to
accuse President Obama of not recognizing the National Day
or Prayer, that is an absolute lie. On May 7~ 2009 President
Obama proclaimed a National Day of Prayer and encouraged
all Americans to ’come together in moments of great challenge
and uncertainty to humble themselves in prayer.’ "
McAffrey stated that he found that vwo of the quotes
used attributed tO James Madison ai~d Patrick Henry were
f-abricated, appearing nowhere in the writings or records of
either man. McAffrey pointed out that anyone knmvledgeable
ofAmerican history would kamw that James Madison and
Thomas Jefferson were avid Supporters of religious freedom,
and that it was Thomas Jefferson who coined the concept
"separation of church and state" traced to a letter he wrote in
1802 to the Danbury Baptists.
McA~}ey further stated " It’s pitiable that with all the
major challenges facing our great state some of our state
leaders are more concerned in mal~ng ne~vs headlines than
making strides toward strengthening our economy, improving
our public schools, and ensuring that all OHahomans have
access to qualig; affordable and sustainable healthcare. She
owes Oklahomans of all faiths a sincere apology:"
Tulsa Bowling Tournament a
Success
By Michael xyZ Sasser
JOLTBowling Tournament group at ~dsa Eagles reception party.
Staffphoto
TULSA, OK__ GLBT sports are already on the minds
of many in the community in anticipation of the Gay Games
2010 in Cologne.
In Oklahoma, sporting gay men and women have
numerous opportunities and it seems many are taking
advantage of them.
The Tulsa Lambda Bowling League’s second annual
weekend-long July Oklahoma Lambda Tournament (JOLT)
attracted some 120 participants from around the region to
the tourney, at Andy B Riverlanes and ldcked things offwith a
registration party at the Tulsa Eagle on July 17th.
. "Most of the people xvere from Oklahoma and Texas, but
we also had people from Kansas and Missouri," said Lambda
League President Rich Blankenship. "We consider it a big
success."
Blankenship said that there were 88 participants in last
year’s tournament and that it took most of the year to raise the
funds necessary to host this year’s. Included in the fundraising
was approximately $6,000 for charity.
"gC’e really need sponsors for next year since we are
growing so much," Blankenship said.
The Lambda League’s regular season runs from Labor Day
to April, with a 12-Week summer league also available, and
the July tournament. As a member of the International Gay
Bowling Organization (South Plains Region), the Lambda
League schedules its annual national tournament so as to not
conflict with other member’s tournaments. IGBO sponsors a
national tournament every Memorial Day weekend.
"Every city about Tulsa’s size or larger with a league has a
tournament," Blankenship said.
The success ofJOLT would have been unimaginable
just a few years ago, when, Blankenship said; the group had
dwindled down to around two dozen members. Today there
are around 67 members. Some teams rotate players so that
more people can play in the Tuesday night league. Already
there is a waiting list for next year, although Blankenship said
the,,League is, trying to negotiate, for,, more. lanes.,,
We dont want to be exclusive, he sa~d. We want
everyone to get involved to be able to play."
Blankenship attributes the growth of the Lambda Leagt,ie
to the recruitment efforts of former president and this years
JOLT Director, Rick Cox.
Other sports oriented community groups are lively around
the state also. Oklahoma City supports two bowling teams,
the Sunday Twisters and Tuesday Twisters. Oklahoma City
and Tulsa support GLBT softballs leagues. Both the Sooner
State Rodeo Association (SSRA) and the Oldahoma Gay
Rodeo Association (OGRA) are members of the International
Gay Rodeo Association (tGRA). The IGRA National Finals in
Albuquerque, New Mexico are expected to draw’participation
and large spectator support from OHahoma.
For more information on the Tulsa Lambda Bowling
League, visit w~w<lambdaleague.com.
Dale Gross ~ Randy Winrow
email: route66malf@att.net
8.836.3838
METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
Rev Steve T. Uric
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Sunday 6:00 PM
Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
Have a God filled and Blessed DaV!
www.rnetrostarnews.corn #~>t~"oSTAR 3
others not named at the meeting. Nathan
stated that the investigation is still ongoing,
and there is a possibility the money or parr
of it may be recovered. It was also brought
up that according to the bylaws. OKC Pride
Board members could not be held liable for
this type of loss. Inquiries as to why nobody
knew why the cash had not been deposited,
or why, the bank account had not had more
oversight were not answered. Mr. Thompson
did promise that information would be put
on the OKC Pride website along with press
releases as soon as it was available
Guy Peters did suggest that in the future
that background checks be obtained for those
responsible for OKC Pride money. Male Co-
Chair Paul Thompson had suggested in the
past that these members be bonded, which
would cover losses caused by dishonest acts.
Mthough Chris Plante has not been
charged with any crime related to this
incident at this time. she was removed ftom
her Treasurer position for dereliction of duty,
the motion to do so made by Scott Jaggers
and passed unanimously. Until there is a new
Treasurer on duty- the duties of that oi~ce
would be handled by the co-chairs, currently
Paul Thompson and Latricia Olmstead.
The next meeting xvould be August 3, the
first Monday of August. During that meeting
membership in OKC Pride. which is required
to be eligible to vote in the upcoming election
~’or new o~cers and board members, could be
begun or renewed. Co-Chairs Paul Thompson
and Latricia Ohnstead announced that the7
will not be seeking re-election, nor will
Festival Coordinator T.J Mc~nsey.
A press confbrence was held following
the meeting attended by the Metro Star,
Oldahoma Gazette reporter Joe Wertz,
and Patricia Millel; the treasurer preceding
Ms.Plante,Ms. Miller, who resigned in protest
at the May" 4 meeting over what she stated
were lax and dishonest financial practices
ofOKC Pride had this to say," They are all
fteaking out over this, which I can agree, they
should be freaked out, but we slid the last
one about Miles Tompkins* under the rug. I
want to make sure this does not get slid under
the rug too. Whoever is responsible for this
should go to prison. My question is, will this
be treated like the last time?"
*Referring to a bounced check wdtten
by Miles Tompkim to Lee Burrusfor a Gala
Dinner on beha~%fOKCPride in 200g. Mr
Bu~us was reimbursed by OKCPride and
M~ Tompkim, thru an agreement with OKC
Pride, made restitution.
Drag een Bingo 2009
Bingo like your mother never played...
TULSA, OK (PRy __ This annual event
and fundraiser for Our House Too will be
held Friday, August 7th at Tulsa’s Cain’s
Ballroom. Female impersonators will welcome
you aboard the USS DQB cruise ship
for this, the fifth year, beginning at 8p.m.
and ending at t 1. There will be glamorous
costumes and prizes, a silent auction and,
of course, bingo! Female impersonators will
perform glittering numbers from cruise ship
showrooms to entertain the crowd.
isolation of people living with HIV and AIDS
in the Tulsa area. In addition to providing
monthly activities and holiday celebrations.
Our House Too offers food baskets, a toiletry
and household pantry and weeldy lunches.
Tickets for Drag Queen Bingo 2009 are $20
per person and can be purchased ar Reasor’s,
Cain’s Ballroom, Ida Red and Starship
Records.
Gay Man E]ec ed
Oklahoma County
Democratic Par v
Secretary’s O ce
By Victor Gorin
Tom Guild with well wishingfi’iend Esther
Bahierra. Gorin photo
OKLAHOMA CITY; OK__ Dr. Tom
Guild, a soon to be professor emeritus at the
University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond,
was elected July 14 to be Oklahoma Count~fis
Democratic Party Secretary. This was a special
election to fill that ot~ce which was vacated
with the resignation of the previous oI~ce
holder, Rosanne Jenny. A longtime human
¯ rights activist, Tom was a professor at UCO
for 27 years, where he taught political science
for 10 years and legal studies in the College
of Business for 17 years. He registered as
aDemocrat 5 years ago, and has since been
very active in the part), by hosting the weekly
Oklahoma County Democratic Party’s
Speakers Lunch at the Boulevard Cafeteria,
as well as other party activities. Along with
Dr. Joan Luxemburg and Keith Smith, he
co-wrote a chapter in the book ’Hn Oklahoma
I’d Never seen Before: Alternative Views of
Oklahoma Histo~ "published in 1994. Their
chapter was "Oklahoma’s Gay, Liberation
Movement," the first academic publication in
this area ever published.
Working with the Democratic Party he
will work to achieve full collective bargaining
rights and better wages and conditions for
Oklahoma’s workers, currently working on
passage of the Employee Free Choice Act,
which ,#could make it easier for workers
to unionize. He would also work for
GLBT rights and human rights in general,
working for passage of the Employment
Nondiscrimination Act ( proposed Federal
law prohibiting employment discrimination
against GLBTs) and repeal for the "Don’t ask
Don’t Tell" policy of the U.S. military.
W AT
those in opposition began shouting "Shame
on you!" repeatedly, along with "Love thy
neighbor!’while the other side simultaneously
began singing God Bless America, and later
both sides sang the national anthem. As
feelings ran high the event got very loud but
stayed peaceful. Ms.Kern did express her
view that "The people who preach tolerance
are not willing ro extend the same thing to
someone who disagrees with them. So ladies
and gentlemen, we are seeing a wonderful
illustration of intolerance."
Among those signing the petition was
Paul Blair of Edmond’s Fairview Baptist
Church, who also spoke at the rally. In spite
of the mention of divorce as being part of
our moral decline, it was likewise signed by
former State Representative Kevin Calvey, a
conservative Christian who is divorced. It was
also signed by Oklahoma City Councilman J.
Brian Waiters ( Ward 5), the lone OKC City
Council member who voted against a parade
permit for the OKC Pride Parade.
The constitutionality of the event was
questionable. As activist attorney Brittany
Novomy pointed out, "They used Capitol
grounds for this and that is an advancement
of a particular religious agenda that is
not necessarily representative of al! the
other religions or even al! the branches of
Christianity in Oklahoma. q£he LGBT caucus
of the Young Democrats canae out to stand
side by side with the ACLU to uphold the
Oklahoma Constitution (Article 2 Section
5) that clearly prohibits the use of public
property towards any sect, denomination or
system of religion." .
Brittany also gave,her angle about the
proclamation as well. q-his proclamation
suggests that the problems of our society are
bdfig caused somehow by GLBT people.
Frankly as a Young Democrat I believe
most of ourproblems are being caused by
economic problems, people not able to have
healthcare for their kids or themselves, people
filing bankruptcy because they lack healthcare
coverage. There are a host of prob!ems facing
every day Oldahomans, and I dont believe
demonizing a whole subset of Oklahomans
really accomplishes the goals of real working
Oldahomans who want to be able to feed
their families, have good healthcare, who
just want the opportunity to live their lives
in peace, and who believe in loving their
neighbor."
C.S. Thornton of the ACLU lamented,
"She ( Representative Kern) blames all
these things upon a great moral crisis, yet
nowhere does she mention greedy V&ll Street
executives or government regulators who
were asleep at the switch. The most alarming
thing about this proclamation is the level of
scapegoating that it promotes."
However, the Republican speaker of the
House, Chris Benge, does not plan to sign
the document, and State Representative Ryan
Keisel, a Democrat called the proclamation a
"divisive political stunt." State Representative
A1 McAffrey, the only openly gay member of
the legislature ( Democrat-District 88) has
asked for an apology.
There were otl-mrs that disagreed with Ms.
Kern as well. The Reverend Loyce Newton
Edwards, associate pastor of the Church of
the Open Arms UCC stated that she felt
Sally Kern was "one of the most hateful and
divisive persons in America. The right thing
is to respect people regardless ofwho they
choose to love. Homophobia is wrong, it’s
unGodlike."
300 ATTEND ENID’S
FIRST PRIDE
CELEBRATION
By Nate Bowen
Enid held their first Pride event Saturday
July 18, which was a fabtdous picnic &
festival at Meadowlake Park. Drawing over
300 people, the number in attendance set
a record for aW Oklahoma first time Pride
event. Starting offwith the Reverend J.E
Wickey of Crosswalk United Church (Enid’s
only open and affirming church), he spoke
about being gay and Christian followed by
a Q&A session. The band Blackwings gave
a great performance, followed by Stephen
Dillard-Carroll. This was followed by an
OKC speaker and activist from the Young
Democrats, Brittany Novotny.
Around 6:30 p.ra. the crowd was treated
to a drag show starring Raven Angel, Nikki
Star and Colby Richards. Booths and
vendors at the park ranged from Fulton’s
BBQ to the Garfield County Democrats.
Our House Too is a nonprofit
organization serving to elirainate the social .........Continued see ENID PRIDE page 6
4 August 2009
HoOoPoEo to Host 8th
A ual DIVAS Benefit
Concert
for people to learn their HIV status and can
connect clients to a variety of medical and
social support services. For more information
about HIV or sexually transmitted infections,
call 1-800-535-MDS (2437).
Openarms 4th Annual
Fashion Show
By Judy Gabbard
TULSA, OK (PR) __ On Sept. !2-13,
2009, Health Outreach Prevention Education
(H.O.E E.) will host DWAS 2009. at the
Tulsa Zoo. This year’s theme is DIVAS
Gone \.gild. Proceeds from the event will
help support H.O.EE. programs, such as
prevention education about HIV/AIDS,
hepatitis and other sexually transmitted
infections, the only statewide 24-hour
HIV/STD resource hotline, and the only free,
anonymous testing and counseling facility in
Oklahoma.
This year’s concert is produced by Rebecca
Ungerman, a popular Tulsa-based performer
who has graced numerous venues and events
in Tulsa, including the Oklal~oma Centennial
Celebration and the Tulsa Perfornaing Art
Center SummerStage series. The evening,
celebrated in the new H.A. Chapman Event
Lodge at the Tulsa Zoo, highlights Tulsds
diverse musical talent with local artists
covering dassic favorites. ~[hese acts come
together for this annual "one time onl~#
shm,~ and bring out their collective fans: This
year S performei:S ind~id~ Pxeb~c~ ung~rman,
Cindy Cain, Christy E. ofThe Red Alert,
Pare Wan Dyke, ~nie Ellicotr. Fiawna Forte,
John Sawyer, Darrell Christopher, Kelly
Morrison. and Janet Rutland. N~e combined
talent includes experience on Broadway,
national and international cabaret tours, and
!ocal Spot Music Awards. ~II~e evening will
also include a live and silenvauction, dancing,
hors d’oeuvres, and beverages.
The evening gala will take place on
Saturday, September 12. 7:30pm and a
no frills Sund~y matinee will take.place
September ! 3 at 4pro. Tickets may be
purchased, beginning August 1, by contacting
H.O.RE. a 918-749-TEST (8378). Tickets
are $25 and $40 for general admission
seats and $100 for individual table seats.
A table for ten is available for $1,000.
Cabaret table seats include: priority seating,
publicity, auction sneak preview, and private
reception with the performers which includes
complimentary wine and hors d’ oeuvres.
The matinee -will include the same show
and champagne, with tickets ranging from
$15-$50. Emcee for the event will be Mia
Fleming from Fox 23.
Supporters of DIVAS 2009 include
Williams, F & M Bank. The Metro Star and
The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa.
Raising awareness of HIV and other
sexually transmitted infections remains vitally
important. Young people and minorities are
disproportionately affected, but HIV does not
discriminate. By Imowing your status, you
are better able to protect yourself and others.
Prevention education and testing are keys to
decreasing the stigma and infection rate of
HIV. H.O.EE. provides a comfortable place
"First l ursday" Art
Opening and ey ibit
with Creations from
Local Artist - Nicholas
K. Clark
TULSA, OK (PR) __ Continuing
the monthly showcase of local artists at
the Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in
downtown Tulsa), Oldahomans for Equality
(OkEq) will feature Tulsa Artist Nicholas K.
Clark with an opening show and reception
on Thursday, August 6th from 6-9pm and
continuing throughout the month ofAugust.
Nicholas’ work is a direct reflection of his
optimistic personality. From vivid oranges to
metallic silvers highlighted by passionate reds,
his art displays a mastery of color that cannot
be taught. His mediums vary from acrylics
to oils and focus on creating depth through
layering and application of rich texture. Nic’s
~vorks fall into three categories: contemporary
figure studies, pop art and expressionistic
co!or studies. "I pull nay inspiration from
fashion and music and I love working with
figures because they are al~vays so challenging
- the detail of a hand. the curves of a body
and the. capturing of natural movement and
expresslolt.
7~rn GilA.an Former Channd23 Reporter
Marianly Mendez andMiss OYP 2009: Alizay
Kardashian Judy G. photo
TULSA, OK Openarms Youth Project
Center, located at 2015 Sm,th Lakewood
Ave., Tulsa, OK, presented their 4th Annual
fashion show fund raiser on July 10 and was
a great success. Organizers Tim Gillean and
Jerrid Horton reported that the proceeds will
help continue the support of local GLBT
youth ofTulsa and surrounding area.
The nights title was ReFashionista.
Sports and formal wear were purchased and
redesigned for a splendid runway show.
The evenings host, xvas Kristin Dickerson
from KTUL, channel 8. Area talent added
spice to the evening along with tasty hors
d’oeuvres, wine and soft drinks. "Ihe silent
auction ~vas an exciting array ofitems that
were purchased by those in attendance.
Funds are still needed to support the
youth needs at Openarms. An), donation is
appreciated.
For more infbrmation call 918.838.7104.
www.metrostarnews.com ~®t~’oSTAR 5
AtJeanne Ma6e~ Champs
French connection
~sampled wines3~om all over the world.
I’m in this photo with nay partner
Lamont. For my birthday present, he
sent for me to join him in France where
he was a visiting professor in Marseille at
the University of Provence¯ ! was really
impressed with the wines of Provence, Cotes
du Rhone. Languedoc and Bordeauex.
The trip took on a different focus when
we traveled to Bordeaux for VinExpo, the "
international wine tasting event. We’re in
this photo with long time wine colleague
Gary Vance who caught a £1st train from
Paris to meet up with us. This was a huge 5
day/40 thousand people wine tasting event
with hundreds of wine makers & marketing
reps. ~aere was just no way to meet all
the wine raakers and taste as much as we
wanted.In this article, I’m highlighting some
of the grape varietals from the parts of
Atxendees included not just the GLBT
community, but fiunilies as well coming to
enjoy the fun and fellowship. The following
Sunday there was a forum held to discuss the
France that we visited. These are affordable
finds and the wines are in Oklahoma.
Brief history of the grapes
grown in these regions
Malbec grapes tend to have an inky
dark color and robust tannins. Long
known as one ofthe six grapes allowed
in the blend of red Bordeaux wine, the
French plantations~ofMalbec are now
found primarily in Cahors where the
Appellation Control4e regulations for
C~hors require a minimtiin content of
70% It is increasin ly ~elebrated as an
Argentine varietal wine and is being
gr~vn around the world.
The northern part of the Rh6ne
Valley; in France, remains one of the
undisputed reference points for the
~;rOdUction of wines made with the
ah grape. ~-he best examples of
varietal Syrah, are the ones produced with
the appellations Hermitage, C6te-R6tie,
Comas, St-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage.
\Vgines produced in these areas have strong
fruit aromas, a good acidity, dry body and an
appreciable mineral taste.
Grenache is the dominant variety in
most Southern Rh6ne wines, especially in
Chfiteauneuf-du-Pape where it is typically
over 80% of the blend. It is generally spicy,
berry-flavoured and soft on the palate. In
Australia it is typically blended in "GSM"
blends with Syrah and Mourv~dre. Grenache
is also used .to make ros~ wines in France and
grmvn. The majority" of French Viogniers
are sold as Vin de Pays in the Languedoc. In
the Rhone wine region, the grape is often
blended with Roussanne, Marsanne and
Grenache blanc.
Mr. D’s 1/2 case
Red Bicyclette Syrah/Granche Rose ’07
(Languedoc)
Black Beret Grenache/Syrah Rouge ’05
(Languedoc)
Coussergues Viognier ’08 (Languedoc)
Beauv~gnac Sauv,gnon Blanc 08
(Languedoc)
Chateau Trocard Montrepos Merlot ’06
(Bordeaux)
Jean-Luc Colombo L~s Abeilles Cotes
du Rhone Blanc ’07/Viognier & Grenache
Blanc
Clos la Coutale Malbec (Cahors) ’06
And as always, I say go to your favorite wine
shop, ask questions and purcha~se a bottle or
t~vo. Share some food & wine with friends
and check this out for yourself¯
This writer is one ofthe managers at the Grand
Vin wine shop at Utica Square. He also bar tends
and hosts wine & food events around town known
as the Wine Enthusiasts ofTulsa.
Viognier [vee-oh-nay] wines are well-known
for their floral aromas, due to terpenes, which
are also found in Muscat and Riesling wines.
There are also many other powerful flower
and fruit aromas which can be perceived in
these wines depending on where they were
&affVohmteets Top Row Ka~e, John, Jesse, Brandon DJ Star, TJ, Kathy,
Angd A4ishalle,Bmndon "KoolAid’; bottom rowJamie Lisa Nate
future goals of Enid’s GLBTQA community,
but most of the discussion centered on
how great the Enid Pride Festival was and
the fun they had. That evening Crosswalk
United Church
hosted a showing
of "Prayers
for Bobby", a
landmark film
portraying
the true story
of a mother
who could not
accept her sods
homosexuality,
who became an
activist for gay
rights following
his suicide.
General consensus
was that the event
was not just a
historic first,
but a wonderful
occasion to be
celebrated every
year from now
on.
www.Foodand~Hne.com
ww~:~ikioedia.or~
www.2he~’VorldI4q~eI~ne.com
ww~:Epicurious.com
TULSA BALLET TO
PERFORM IN NEWYORK
CITY
Oklal~oma Governor Brad Henry and Tulsa Mayor
Kathy Taylor will attend Tulsa Ballet’s debut at the
Joyce Theater August 10 - 15. Special Big Apple
Preview Night in Tulsa on August 6 at Studio K
TULSA, OK (PR) It has been 25 years
since the Tulsa Ballet has performed in New
York City. This summer the company will
make its long awaited return to the Big Apple
for its debut at the Joyce Theater August 10
-15.
Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, Governor Brad
Henry and First Lady Kim Henry are among
local and national dignitaries who will attend
the opening night performance and Patron
Gala on Monday, August 10 at the Joyce
Theater, located in the heart of Manhattads
Chelsea neighborhood. Tulsa Ballet will
give seven performances with special events
planned throughout the week fbr patrons and
supporters ofTulsa Ballet.
The company will present a program.
featuring Elite Syncopations by Kenneth
MacMillan, Por vos Muero by Nacho Duato
and This is Your Life by Young Soon Hue.
This is Your Life was commissioned by Tulsa
Ballet in 2008 and has since been performed
by the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany and
the National Ballet of Ankara, Turkey.
....Continued see BALLET page 22
OKC Pride 2009: You be
the change
By Robin Dorner
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The end of
June brought proud celebration to Oklahoma
City with the annual gay pride event.
year’s event was a huge success with more
than ! 5,000 people attending the festivities.
The party began on Friday evening at the
NW 39th Street Strip near Penn with the
first annual "Friday Night Block Part’);’.
The festival began Saturday morning and
continued through Sunday, the parade began
around 5 pm.
This year the OKC Pride Grand Marshal
was attthor andTV personality Ruby Ann
Boxcar. "I just love being with my friends
in Oklahoma City," Boxcar told the Metro
Star. "Anywhere there is a trailer park I feel
like I’ve got family!" Boxcar is known as the
Diva of the Double-Wide, a highly successful
entertainer and author who got her start in
Oklahoma City and is recognized in the US
and abroad.
Guests from across the city and state
came to join in the festivities in Midtown
Oklahoma City. "I am here because I am
bisexual, proud and I like the scene," said
18 year old Ruth Leila Blailock. "It’s a
celebration of diversity really."
"We are here today because we are
members of the Diversity Business
Association (DBA)," said Shawn Adkison,
JD of the Fortune Law Center in Midtown.
Adkison and his firm have been members of
DBA, the Oklahoma City LGBT business
organization, for more than three years. "We
think it is important ~o ne~ork together;
promote our business organizations as ~vell
as diversity in general," adds Adkison. "It is
a good thing to show our support for DBA,
Oklahoma and the U.S. You know, these
kinds of events are not permitted in every
country."
The mission ofOKC Pride, Inc. is
to stage a highly visible forum for the
organizations which serve the community
both nationally, regionally, and locally;
decrease external homophobia by generating
maximum media coverage to the reality
of our community; and diminish internal
homophobia by presenting organizational
and individual role models. Additionally, the
Board of Directors believe that as a civil rights
movement, gays and lesbians need an annual
forum where individually and collectively
they can consider where they have been,
where they are now and what direction they
need to set.
Several large corporations p,,articipated
in the festival and the parade. I think it is
just important that we embrace people with
different backgrounds and, quite frankly, it
helps our company," said Wesley Seymour
frown the Frito-Lay company. "We have a
philosophy; bring your whole self to work
and that is one reason I like working for
Fnto-Lay; Seymour has worked for the
company as a District Sales Manager for three
years.
National and local companies supt~orted
the event as corporate sponsors as well as
many local sponsors. There were also several
local churches represented, bike riding
clubs, entertainers, The Oklahoma City
Peace House and much more. For more
information about Pride OKC, contact www.
okcpride.org.
August2009
6
www,metrostarnews.com 7
Wockner News Service
Fort Worth beating
victim, Chad Gibson
goes home
Fort Worth police and agentsfi’om the Texas
Alcoholic Beverage Commission raided a gay
barJune 28 -- the 40th anniversary ofthe
Stonewall Riots -- and roughed up several
patrons, inckding Chad Gibson, who now
has a life-threatening blood clot on his brain.
Gibson wants the officers m beprose~ted. Photo
WFAA-TVscreen capmre
Chad Gibson has been released from the
hospital but still is in danger from a blood
clot on his brain that reportedly could break
loose and kill him.
Gibson allegedly was beat up by cops
during a June 28 raid of the Rainbow Lounge
in Fort Worth, Tex; Wimesses say officers
stami:ned his head into a ~vall, then into the
floor. ~¢¢o Other patrons ~dso were injured in
the raid -- one has broken ribs and one has a
broken thumb.
June 28 was the 40th anniversary of the
Stonewall Riots that kickstarted the modern
gay-rights movement.
¯ne violent raid -- purported to be merely
one of the state’s routine checks of bars to be
sure no one is too drunk -- brought heaW
condemnation from gay leaders, newspaper
columnists, bloggers, politicians and others.
It also received extensive national news
not lip service. I will meet with you
wherever you want to meet. I will go to your
restaurants, your house, we can eat barbecue,
whatever you want to do. But ~ve’ve got to
talk."
Gibson, for his part, wants the raiding
officers to be,~rosecuted and the city to halt
its "cover-up.
"You used excessive force and that’s why
I got hurt," Gibson told \~rFAA-TV. "~ey
have blamed it on me, that I was drunk,
(that) I fell and hit my head, I groped the
officer, I did this, I did that. You know ,vhat?
No. Accept responsibility."
In an interview with KTVT Gibson
added: "I was rubbed into the concrete.... I’m
just appalled that they took it to the level that
they did.... They need to accept responsibility
for what they did."
Obama invites 300
GLBT leaders to White
House for Stonewa 140
President Barack Obama -- under heavy
fire for talking the talk but not walking the
walk on numerous gay-rights promises -- had
300 GLBT leaders over to the White House
on June 29 to celebrate the 40th anniversary
of the Stonevcall Riots, which, in 1969, jumpstarted
the modern gay-rights movement.
"I know that many in this room don’t
believe that progress has come fast enough,
and I understand that," Obama said. "It’s not
for me to tell you to be patient, any more
than it was for othem to counsel patience to
African Americans who were petitioning for
equal rights a half-c~ntury ago. But I say this:
We have made progress and we will make
more. And I want you to know that I expect
and hope to be judged not by words, not by
promises I’ve made, but by the promises that
nay administration keeps."
Obama also defended his decision not
to issue an order stopping the military’s
expulsions of openly gay members,
suggesting, again, that such an approach
wouldu’t work out in the long run.
"As commander in chief in a time of war,
I do have a responsibility to see that this
change is adnainistered in a practical way
and a way that takes over the long term,"
he said. "That’s why I’ve asked the secretary
of defense and the chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staffto develop a plan for how to
thoroughly implement a repeal. I know that
every day that passes without a resolution
is a deep disappointment to those men and
women who continue to be discharged under
this policy -- patriots who often possess
critical language skills and years of training
and who’ve served this country well. But
what I hope is that these cases underscore
the urgency of reversing this policy not just
because it’s the right thing to do, but because
it is essential for our national security."
coverage.
. Both the Fort Worth Police Department
and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage
Commission, which joined in the raid,
have launched interna! investigations of
the incident. The results of the city police’s
investigation will be reviewed by federal
authorities, Mayor Mike Moncrief has
promised.
Apart from the raid itselfl the most
controvers!al aspect Of the incident has
been Police ChiefJeff Halstead’s assertions
that Gibson groped one of the officers
and that other patrons made what the
Police Department called "sexually explicit
movements" toward uniformed officers --
claims that bar patrons and gay leaders have
called preposterous and "lies."
"You’re touched and advanced in
certain ways by people inside the bar, that’s
offensive," Ha!stead said shortly after the raid.
"I’m happy with the restraint used when they
were contacted like that."
After facing ridicule for those improbable
assertions, Halstead has since adopted a more
conciliatory tone, telling gay people at a
public meeting: "We’ve got to work together.
Be patient, and you wil! see that this is just
8 August 2009
77 members o£ Congress
ask Obama to suspend
As national gay leaders continue to beat
up on President Barack Obama for moving
too slowly- on his myriad campaign promises
to tile GLBT community, 77 members of
Congress have written to the president asldng
him ro immediately suspend en[brcement of
the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy pending its
repe,,a~! by Congress.
Tile letter outlines a new, two-step repeal
plan which begins with a request that the
president ’direct the Armed Services nor to
initiate any invesrigarion of service personnel
to determine their sexual orientation, and
that [he] instruct them to disregard thirdparty
accusations that do not allege violations
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice,’"
said the Palm Center, a think tank at the
University of California, Santa Barbara, that
has focused extensively on the militaw’s ban
on open gays.
~°The letter signals renewed efforts to
stop gay discharges immediately while repeal
legislation moves through Congress at a
slower pace," the center said.
On June 23, Obama rejected the proposal.
The White House said: "President Obama
remains committed to a legislative repeal of
Don’t Ask, Dofft Tel!, xvhich he believes will
provide a durable and lasting solution to this
issue. He welcomes the commitment of these
members to seeing Congress take action."
Episcopal Church OKs
gay- clergy, bishops
7he Anglican Communion has been deeply
mired in gay angst since the Episcopal Diocese
oflVew Hampshire consecrated openly gay and
partnered V. Gene Robinson as its bishop in
2003. GLAADphoto
The Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops
and House of Deputies declared in mid-July
that open gays and lesbians --celibate or
not -- call serve as priests and bishops in the
church.
At thee church’s triennial general
convention, held in Ana~heim, Calif., July
8-17, bishops voted for the policy 99-45 and
deputies voted for it 155-40. Deputies who
are clergy voted 77-19 and lay deputies voted
78-21.
The move may well lead to a full rupture
between the Episcopal Church and the
worldwide Anglican Communion, which
has been deeply mired in gay angst since
the Episcopal Diocese ofNew Hampshire
V. Gene Robinson as its bishop in 2003.
Tile Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of
Anglicanism.
"The Anaheim move was seen as. in
essence, a flip-off by the Americans of the
Anglican hierarchy and Anglican provinces
in Africa and South America that strongly
opposed Robinson’s consecration.
De facto international Anglican leader
Rowan Williams, archbishop of Canterbury,
England, had urged delegates,to the U.S.
convention not to make any decisions in
the co,~ing days that could push us further
apart. He later said he regretted that the
convention had done just that with its gayclergy
decision.
Delegates also voted to allow local
dioceses to bless same-sex marriages and civil
unions if they want to, and launched a project
m creare official liturgies for the blessings.
Gay Pordand mayor
cleared in Breedlove
affair
There is no credible evidence that Sam
Adams, the gay mayor of Portland, Ore.,
had inappropriate sexual contact with Beau
Breedlove before Breedlove turned 18,
Oregon Attorney General John Kroger said
June 22.
Adams, 45, and Breedlove, 22, have
acknowledged having sex in 2005 after
Breedlove’s 18th birthday, but Breedlove
also had claimed the pair passionately made
our prior to his reaching file age of consent,
which Adams denied.
"There are serious questions about the
credibility of Breedlove’s account, dueto
his prior inconsistent statements, the lack
of corroborating witnesses or evidence, his
attempt to gain personally from matters
related to his involvement with Adams and
his prior criminal record," Kroger concluded.
"There is insufficient evidence to charge,
let alone convict, Adams with illegal sexual
contact with a minor."
The attorney general’s office interviewed
57 people and sifted through Adams’ and
Breedlove’s e-mails and text messages in
arriving at its conclusion.
Breedlove later posed for the gay porn
magazine Unzippea~ In 2006, he pleaded
guilty to felony 2nd degree theft in a case that
involved $750 worth of clothes ftom a Macy’s
store in Haxvaii.
The revelation of the brief affair nearly
ended Adams’ career earlier this year, in part
because he had lied about it when asked
about it during the mayoral campaign, stating
that it never happened.
Summer Diversi y ’09
Eureka Springs.
Augus 7-9
~ DOMESTICATE
Say "I DO" and register your love with a
Domestic Partner Certificate
One day these certificates will be highly
sought after collector items on E-bay.
Tile Courthouse is closed Saturday and
Sunday...City Clerk’s office is in the City
Hall, lower level of the Western Carrol
Count), Courthouse, 44 S. Main.
Office hours are 9:30 AM - 12 Noon and
1:30 to 4:40 PM.
® YARDS AND YARDS OF YARD SALES
Money Tight? Pennies on the dollar: Tile
Eureka yards sales are a top stop for the
bargain hunter and antique queens. Tile 15~n
annual Eureka Yards and Yards ofYard Sales.
Friday and Saturday 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Find locator maps at shops and restaurants.
Sponsored by the Greater Eureka Springs
Chamber of Commerce.
~ HEY GIRLS... LET’S iVlAKE
HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE SMORES!
THEN GO SNIPE HUNTING!
Camping for Summer Diversity has become
an annual event for many. Stay dose to title
City and book your weekend with the gay
friendly Kettle Campground. (479) 253-
9100, 4119 E. Van Buren.
° DIVA SHOP!
Over 150 unique shops and galleries. Be sure
and shop the Sponsors of Eureka Pride--aBens
Door, Mountain Eclectic, Fusion Squared,
Byrds Eye View, Antique Affaire, Tile Tourist
Shop, the Inn Convenience Store, Eureka
Scents. Avery and Special DW DISCOUNT
from Tinmaker & Glitz, 69 S. Main.
~ MIX & MINGLE
The Pizza Sluts are hosting their second
Diversity Welcome Mixer. The Pizza Bar, 13
N. Main, Friday, 6-8 PM. $5.95 pizza buffet.
Beer specials. All ages admitted. Come feel
the ~varmth...feel, touch, hug, squeeze, grope,
claw, whip...Mix and mingle with the locals
and visitors from around the globe. Free City
p~arking after 6 PM.
ERIC HIMAN DISCOVERS EUREKA
Henri’s Just One More. 19 1A Spring Street.
Friday Night Only! 9 PM. Eric goes solo with
his first Eureka acoustical performance.
® CHER SOME TIKI LOVE
~e always popular Glam-aphonic,
E lectronic, Disco Babee, Tiki Torch Dance
Party! 75 S. Main Street. Homo to the
exotic, diverse crowd of celebrities, beauties,
rock stars, dance divas, and some good ole
fashioned Str8t Bait! Cher and Cher Alike to
perform LIVE on Saturday. Shmv times will
be posted.
MORTUARY SERVICE, =¢
o SPEED DIAL YOUR GAY SPIRITS
~Exrot Speed reads with Mistress Lynne. Yes,
speed readings --Lynne will do a 10 card
reading for 10 buclcs. Just takes a few minutes
as opposed to the full deck 30 minute
reading. Lynne uses Gay, and Lesbian ~Tarot
cards for amazing GAY readings. DaBen’s
Door, 45 1/2 Spring Street, across from Jack’s
Place.
~ NEW DELHI
Friday & Saturday live music 6:30 9:30
PM. 2 North Main. Al! ages are welcome at
the New Delhi. Atmosphere aplenty. If you
never dined at the New Delhi, you really
should.
~ START YOUR ENGINES: SUMMER
DRAG RACES
Eureka Live’s Duck Tape Divas will host
Drag Racing Friday & Saturday 9PM. Special
Guest performer Drag King Billy Badass and
the Amazing Magic of the Tinman. 34 North
Main, Underground
FATZ 59 CLASSIC ROCK AT JACK’S
PLACE
37 Spring Street, Friday and Saturday, 9 PM
Midnight. High Octane Jell-O-Shots for a
Buck!!!Legendary ’HANDSOME LEE’ On
The Door. It’s all happenin’ between Center
and Spring.
o HARDWARE AT THE YARD
Lumberyard, 105 East Van Buren, The Yard
has yet to disclose what they have in store.
Whatever it is, they always find some way to
celebrate!!
EXORCISE THE HANGOVER
DEMONS
You want crazy? We’ll give ya crazy! A
Diversity Breakfast you will never forget.
Play" Name That Tung’ With Sandy at the
Smokehouse Cafd, 580 West Van Buren,
Saturday & Sunday, 8:30 A.M tol l:30ish,
biscuits as big as your head. WIN Fabulous
Prizes. Highly Recomended.
o RAMPANT STREET SEX!
Not really: Just some amusement for the
tourist and to annoy the fundies.
The Summer Diversity Public Display Of
Affection Photo Shoot..12 noon, Basin
Park band shell, downtown. A G-rated
opportunity to smooch your sweetie-or the
perfect stranger-for posterity. Eureka Pride
has treats to pass out for the first to come,
first to get. Park Music Stylings, ! 2 - 2 PM
Jones Van Jones, 2-4 PM 2 - 4 Cletus Got
Shot, 4-6PM 4 - 6 The HillBenders.
OPEN ARMS SPIRITUALITY
Saturday.Discussion on the spiritual path
of the Sufis with Sufi Master: Don Kitz at
Eureka Springs Library Annex 2 - 4 PM
Sunday Discussion on the spiritual path of
Wicca with Wiccan Priest: Tymythy Aieran at
Eureka Springs Library Annex 1 - 3PM
...... Continued See EUREY,~k Page-20
~wcvv.metrostarnews.com #~®t~°oSTAR 9
N
Wockner News Service
gay sex ban struck down
GLBTs decriminalized
17% of
Following an @t-year court battle, India’s Delhi High Court legalizedgay sextidy 2 in aforcefid
andpoetic ruling that had GLBTactivists ~ying in the courtroom. Marchersprotested the sodomy
ban at lastyear’s Delhi gay prideparade. Wockner Newsphoto by Sonali Gulati
Following an eight-year court battle,
India’s Delhi High Court legalized gay sex
July 2 in a forceful and poetic ruling that had
GLBT activists crying in the courtroom.
The ruling took effect immediately --
nationally -- and will remain in effect unless
the Supreme Court reverses it. Several major
Western media outlets erroneously reported
July 2 that the ruling only applied in New
Delhi.
The court decision "read dowff’ Section
377 of the Indian Pena! Code so that it no
longer applies to the activities of consenting
adults. The section bans "carnal intercourse
against the order of nature ,vith any man,
woman or animal" under penalty of 10 years
to life in prison.
The court smashed 377’s application
to gay people in myriad ways, finding
it violated a constitutional guarantee of
equality under the law, a constitutional
ban on discrimination based on sex, and
constitutional promises of personal liberty
and protection of life.
The ruling is chock-full of soaring
statements in support of India’s GLBT
population, including:
* "The critninalisation of homosexuality
condemns in perpetuity a sizable section of
society and forces them to live their lives
in {he shadow of harassment, exploitation,
humiliation, cruel and degrading treatment at
the hands of the law enforcement machinery.
... Section 377 IPC grossly violates their right
to privacy and liberty embodied in Article
21 insofar as it criminalises consensual sexual
acts between adults in private."
* "Section 377 IPC targets the
homosexual community as a class and
is motivated by an animus towards this
vulnerable class of people.... It has no
other purpose than to criminalise conduct
which fails to conform vdth the moral or
religious views of a section of society. Tile
discrimination severely affects the rights and
interests of homosexuals and deeply impairs
their dignity."
* "When everything associated with
homosexuality is treated as bent, queer,
repugnant, the whole gay and lesbian
community is marked with deviance and
perversity.... The result is that a significant
group of the population is, because of
its sexual non-conformity, persecuted,
marginalised and turned in on itself."
* "We hold that sexual orientation
is a ground analogous to sex and that
discrimination on the basis of sexual
orientation is not permitted by Article 15 ....
A provision of law branding one section of
people as criminal based wholly on the State’s
moral disapproval of that class goes counter
to the equality guaranteed under Articles 14
and 15 under any standard of review."
.... [R]ight to personal liberty’ and ’right
to equality’ are fundamental human rights.
which belong to individuals simply by virtue
of their humanity: ... A Bill of Rights does
not ’confer’ fundamental human rights. It
confirms their existence and accords them
protection."
"~ "Indian Constitutional laxv does not
permit the statutory criminal law to be held
captive by the popular misconceptions ofwho
the LGBTs are. It cannot be forgotten that
discrimination is antithesis of equality and
that it is the recognition of equality which
will foster the dignity of every individual....
We declare that Section 377 IPC, insofar it
criminalises consensual sexual acts of adults in
private, is violative of Articles 21, 14 and t5
of the Constitution."
What happens next?
The national government could appeal
the ruling to India’s Supreme Court, though
that is considered unlikely; the national
government could both accept the ruling
and use it as ammo to introduce a bill in
Parliament to duplicate the ruling in national
law; and/or anti-gay parties to the lawsuit
could appeal to the Supreme Court.
But until such time as the Supreme Court
overturns the Delhi ruling, India’s GLBTs
-- who comprise more than 17 percent of all
GLBT people on the planet -- are no longer
criminals. India has a population of nearly
1.2 billion people.
The erroneous reports that the ruling did
not apply outside ofNew Delhi appeared in
The New York Times, The Washington Post,
the Los Angeles Times, on the Associated
Press ~vire and elsewhere. (For correct
information, see bit.ly/WeX,vO and bit.
ly/7su4o.)
"Every major media outlet in the ~vorld
got this wrong because they don’t understand
how the Indian courts work," said journalist
Vikram Doctor of India’s Queer Media
Collective. "It will apply nationally until
somebody challenges that at the Supreme
Court, which is where this case is going to
end up anyway."
In most common-law court systems,
including India’s in this case, the decision of
an appellate court binds lower courts within
its territorial iurisdiction and also is the ’last’
word on the subject nationally unless a court
of equa! authority elsewhere makes a contrary
decision or the supreme court reverses the
decision. An appellate decision also binds the
parties in the case (which include the Indian
government in this case) r~gardless ofwhere
they are in the country.
Meanwhile, gay pride parades were
staged in four Indian cities June 27-28
-- New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and
Bhubaneshwar.
At least 2,000 people marched in New
Delhi. Marches are still to come in Mumbai
and Kolkata.
300 march in Sofia
Around 300 people marched in the
second gay pride parade in Sofia, Bulgaria, on
June 27, twice as many as last year.
Police and private security officers, hired
by pride organizers, protected the marchers
to prevent a recurrence of last year’s violence,
when sldnheads and right-wing extremists
attacked the parade with bottles, rocks, eggs,
firecrackers, smoke bombs and Molotov
cocktails, resulting in 80 arrests.
This ),ear’s march, which traveled from the
National Palace of Culture~to the Red House
debate club, encountered nothing more
serious than some booing.
Organizers called for a law to bail anti-gay
discrimination in employment.
Liza does Paris Pride
Singer andgay icon Liza Minnelli danced on a
float in Paris’gayprideparadeflme 2Z To her
left.: Gay Paris Mayor Bertrand DelanM. Photo
by Nikolai Alekseev
Singer and gay icon Liza Minnelli danced
on a float in Paris’ gay pride parade June 27.
Minnelli is the daughter of gay icon Judy
Garland, whose death five days before the
Stonewall Riots 40 years ago is thought to
have contributed to the foul mood of the gays
who decided to fight back against the police
raid of the Stonewall Inn.
"Freedom," Minnelli shouted from the
float. About 700,000 people took part in the
festivities.
"We knew that she (Minnelli) had a
concert this evening in Paris but when
her agent told us that she could come, we
thought it was a joke," Pride spokesman
Philippe Castel mid Agence France-Presse.
Berlin also held Pride on June 27. About
550,000 people turned out, reports said.
Gay pride goes well in
Jerusalem, for a change
About 2,000 people marched in
Jerusalem’s gay pride parade June 25 without
incident, but for one tossed egg.
Previous years’ marches have been met
with violent protests, stabbings and the arrest
of a man carrying a bomb.
Police protection was reduced this year, to
a mere 1,600 officers.
No matter who you are o
are on life’s journey,
-Re~ere~d Dr. K~hy
3131 hi. Pennsylvania,Oklaho 405.525.9555
10 ~>{~’oSTAR August 2009
New group forms to help
gay refugees
A new organization in San Francisco aims
to help GLBT refugees ~vho are fleeing sexual
or gender-based violence in their native lands.
Only through raising consdousness of
LGBT refugee issues to governments, refugee
organizations, communities and the media,
will help come to these individuals, who are
among the most persecuted people in the
world today," the Organization for Refuge,
Asylum & Migration said in a statement.
The group provides free legal counsel
for GLBT refugees who have escaped their
home countries, and it will conduct ’\videranging
international advocacy to advance the
protection of all LGBT refugees and asylum
seekers."
"LGBT refugees often fall through the
cracks of the international refugee regime,"
said Executive Director Neil Grungras.
"They have escaped systematic hatred and
violence at home, and their LGBT identity
brings serious new threats to their safety
and protection in countries of first asylum.
MaW live in a toxic mix of destitution and
desperation.
"The recent surge in homophobic violence
in Iraq has shone a spodight on the painful
truths we’re dealing with first-hand in the
Middle East. LGBTs are the most persecuted
people in many regions of the world today.
For every reported execution, there are
likely tens of judicially or family-sanctioned
murders."
In recent months, several Iraqigays have
been shot to death by militias and anti-~ay
family or tribe members; Some have h~dtheir
anuses glued shut by deah squadsi arid there
have been allegaions of executions by the
government.
Reports in April said gay men were being
captured and their anuses superglued with
something called "American gum," after
which they were being forced to ingest a
diarrhea-causing substance and sometimes
died.
Scott Long, director of Human Rights
Watch’s LGBT Rights Division, visited Iraq
in April and "collected several accounts" of
the practice, which reportedly can be seen in
mobile-phone videos that have been passed
around inside the country.
Massive abuses are taking ~lace ~
Baghdad, and apparently in other cities in
the center and south," Long said. "XWe may
never know the full sweep and scope of the
killings so far, amid a pervasive insecurity
that brutalizes innumerable people and
devastates multiple communities, but we ate
,d°ing everything we,.,.can to,, determine and
ctocument accountability.
Poles hate same-sex
Seventy-five percent of Poles oppose
legalization of same-sex marriage and 87
percent say gay couples shouldn’t be allowed
{o adopt chi]’dren, a Gt~ Polonia poll has
found.
~e poll is the latest example of the wide
gulf on _~ay acceptance that separates Western
Europe ~rom the European nations that used
to be part of the Communist bloc.
Same-sex marriage is legal in Europe in
Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and
Sweden -- and most other Western European
nations have civil-union laws for gay couples.
Saudis arrest 67 crossdressers
Police arrested 67 mostly Filipino men for
wearing women’s clothing June 13 in Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia.
The roundup took place at a private
residence during a Philippines Independence
Day party.
The men were charged with imitating
women and possessing alcohol.
Similar arrests in the past have led to
imprisonment and floggings.
"If the police in Saudi Arabia can arrest
people simply because they don’t like their
clothes, no one is safe," said Human Rights
Watch researcher Rasha Moumneh. "Arresting
and charging people simply because the police
decide that their appearance is unacceptable
strikes at the heart of human freedom."
Ukraine bans Briino
Sacha Baron Cohen’s new gay flick Br~ino
has been banned in Ukraine for alleged
immorality, obscenity and impropriety.
The Culture Ministry said it was
displeased with the movie’s "artistically
unjustified" gay-sex scenes, obscene language,
nudity, graphic homosexuality, sadisra and
anti-soc.ial behavior.
In the U.S., the Gay & Lesbian Alliance
Against Defamation also has dissed the film.
"The filmmakers wanted to use satire to
highlight and challenge homophobia," said
GLAM) President Jarrett Barrios. "But their
film also reinforces troubling attitudes about
gay people in ways that run counter to the
intentions ofthe filmmal~ers.
"The movie repeatedly builds entire scenes
around stock stereotypes and situations that
make gay people and families the butt of
crude jokes. I can’t help but think of all the
teenage kids already getting bullied, beat
up and ridiculed for being -- or for being
thought to be -- gay. For these kids, this
movie will give their tormentors one more
word in the anti-gay lexicon of slurs: Br~no."
Some gay bloggers and Facebook users
who have seen the film say GLAAD is
humorless and needs to find its funnybone
-- a charge the group occasionally has
encountered before.
Group says GLBT
activists targeted after
Honduran coup
~he International Gay and Lesbian
Human Rights Commission on July 17
condemned "the recent murder and arbitrary
arrests of... LGBT activists in Honduras."
"IGLHRC has learned that these human
rights abuses have occurred as a direct result
of the military coup on June 28 ... which
ousted that country’s democratically elected
government," the group said.
A transgender activist xvas shot dead June
29 a block from the gay community center in
the city of San Pedro Sula, IGLHRC said.
"Local activists in Honduras claim she
was killed by military police patrolling the
streets," the organization reported.
Five other GLBT activists -- Hdctor
Licona, Donny Reyes, Patrick Pav6n, Claudia
......Continued see HONDURAS page 20
I million & prime minister’s wife at London Pride
One million people, including Sarah Brown, wife of
Prime Mimster Gordon Brown, took part m Londons
gaypridepamdeJuly 4. ScotsGayph~to
One million people and Sarah Brown,
xvife of Prime Minister Gordon BroWn, took
part in Londoffs gay pride parade Jnly 4.
Mrs. Brown carried a red, white and pink
Union Jack flag.
Members of the military marched in
uniform, as did firefighters and a contingent
from British Airways.
Prior to the march, Mr. Brown met with
organizers at his residence and said theUnited
Kingdom has made "massive strides"
in the march toward gay equality.
Marriage is almost the last thing on the
agenda for British GLBTs. An existing civilpartnership
law grants registered same-sex
couples all the rights of marriage.
Noted gay activist Peter Tatchell carried
a sign in the parade that read: "Gordon &
Sarah can marry, gays can’t. End the ban on
gay marriage." He wore a T-shirt that said
"Homo Libertd, Egatitd, Sexualit&"
1 million at Madrid Pride, 35,000 at Barcelona
Pride
About 35,000people marched in Barcelona’sfirst large-scale gayprideparadeJune 28. Photo by Yves Bohic
A million people turned out for Madrid’s
gay pride parade July 4.
With same-sex marriage already legal and
little left to fight for, organizers put forth the
theme of greater freedom for GLBT young
people in schools.
In Barcelona, about 35,000 people
marched June 28. It was the city’s first largescale
pride parade. The procession began at
Plaga de la Universitat and ended at Plaga
d’Espanya.
www.metrostarnews.com ~®t~oSTAR 11
p t the °°gay"
in Christian,
12 ~;~STAR August 2009
AUGUST TH 2009
H O M A
~ENTER TO WIN
BANTA
www.metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 13
14 #~troSTAR August 2009
We have found Heaven and it is
BOOTHBA¥ HARBOR, MAINE
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
Photo: From a room with a viw~ Topside Inn
Onour recent 4 week driving trip to
the east coast we visited a lot of cities, towns
and villages and had a wonderful time at
each of them. All were fun, interesting and
exciting to visit however our stay in Boothbay
Harbor, Maine was "beyond fabulous"! We
first checked into the Topside Inn. It is
located on the tallest hill in the city and was
a 19th century sea captain’s home. They also
have guest cottages to the side of the main
house. They have a total of 21 guest rooms.
The owners, Brian Lamb and Ed McDermott
have mvned the Inn for several years and they
certainly know how to do everything PJGHT
!!!!! The views of the harbol; ships, seals,
birds and the flora and fauna from the Inn
are absolutely incredible! ~le view from our
room looking out into the harbor was just
like a movie set! This truly was Heaven! All
guest rooms have their own private in-suite
bathrooms, cable TV and dial-out telephone.
King, queen, or two beds are available. All
rooms include hair dryers, irons and ironing
boards.
Brealdqast is something that is a "DO
NOT MISS". A fabulously scruraptious si~-
down breal’~ast is served every morning in the
breakfast room which overloolcs the bay.
It iust doesn’t get any better! We me~ a lot
of wonderful gnests from all over the country
while staying there. Many guests return
time and time again because of the great way
that Brian and Ed makes all of their guests
feel a~ home. Everything about this Inn is
perfect! The owners should open a school for
innkeepers on the right w~ay to run an hm.
And did we mention the incredible views that
we had from our room at the Iun? There’s the
sunrise and the famous footbridge over the
inner harbor, to the lighthouses, islands, out
to sea, aud the western sunset. Their website
is: http://www.topsideinn.com/and their toll
free phone is 1-888-633-5404 or you can
emait them at info@topsideinn.com.
Downtown Boothbay is just a couple
of blocks down the hill and it is filled ~vith
quaint restaurants, galleries, shops and the
the waterfront piers. You can take excursion
boat trips ranging from an hour cruise to a
full day at sea. Visit the Historical Society
in Boothbay Harbor and the Museum in
Southport to learn about ice cutting and ship
building in days gone by. See the handiwork
of local boat yards, which continue the
tradition in
state-of-the art
materials, and keep
aliv~ their heritage
ofworld-class boat
builders. Watch
the lobstermen
tend their traps,
or put to sea for
a close enconnter
with a barnacleencrusted
whale.
Actually, Boothbay
Harbor has been
around since the
1700’S when it was
a fishing village
and shipbuilding
center. By 1900
over 500 vessels
had been built in
the region.
Tl~e first morning we visited the Botanical
Gardens which was a real treat. Check it
out at va*av.mainegardens.org. It is New
England’s largest botanical garden on 248
waterfront acres with beautiful gardens,
waterfront trails, sculpture and much, more.
Enjoy collections of roses, native plants,
rhododendrons and thousands of other
perennials, ornamental trees, shrubs and
spring bulbs. It is a ,vonderful walldng tour
and you can either take a guided tour on visit
it by yourself. They are open 9 to 5 everyday
and all year long.
No trip to Boothbay Harbor would
be complete without taking a Schooner
Eastwind cruise. Herb and Doris Smith have
built six schooners and have sailed around the
world t~vice with their children. They
offer a 2 V2 hour cruise in the harbor where
you can visit several small islands, birds,
seals and other sea life and a lighthouse.
They have 3 or 4 cruises everyday. Call
207.633.6598 to make a reservation. This
is the finest Schooner cruise that we have
ever taken. Herb and Doris really enjoy
telling people about their travels and explains
everything about the Schooner. This is the
only cruise to take!
And now, the best of the best when it
comes to dining. In our travels from coast
to coast we have never had such a fabulous
dining experience as we had our last night in
-Boothbay Harbor. Ports of Italy is a family
owned and operated restaurant. Chef Davide
Rossi and his wife Christa are the owners.
We used taste buds that we have not used in
years! We are NOT talking spaghetti and
meatballs here, but a full range of northern
Italian cuisine that is mouth-watering
tasty. Between courses be sure and try their
Intermezzo to cleanse your palette with the
fabulously, delicious Lemon Sorbet and Vodka
Slush. Just be sure and save room for some
of the wonderful desserts. Their website is
www.portsofitaly.com. As we said, in all of
our travels, this is the finest dining experience
that we have ever had! We had a 7 course
meal that night and everything that we had
was "beyond" fabulous and we know that we
will never, ever have a dining experience so
grand as this one. That is, until we return to
Boothbay Harbor again. Boothbay Harbor
is a wonderful place to spend a week or two
and just relax, enjoy the sights and sounds
of the area. Forget going to the Red Door
for a complete rejuvenation ofyourself.
Instead iusr go to Boothbay Harbor, and
don’t forget to stay at the wonderful Topside
Inn. Owners Brian and Ed are the best of
the best. For more information go to ,vww.
boothbayharbor.com.
Always remember to have fun ,vhen
traveling, meet new people and talk to
everyone!
UCAN, INC TO
FOCUS ON HIV/
AIDS PR£VENTION
By Victor Gorin
Reverend Loyce Newton Edwards ofChurch of
the Open Arms UCC. Gorin photo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK In 2008
UCAN Inc. ( United Church of Christ
MDS/HIV Network) was formed under the
Health and Wholeness Ministry of the United
Church of Christ to establish a program
for people of faith to address the issues of
HIV/MDS. This will feature a special focus
on HIV prevention.
Among 8 members of UCAN’s Board
of Directors, one is the Reverend Loyce
Newton-Edwards of UCC’s Church of the
Open Arms in Oklahoma City, and another
is the Reverend Leslie Penrose ofTulsa’s
Community of Hope UCC Church. States
Reverend Loyce, " I’m excited about this
new ministry because through the United
Church of Christ we can work vdth local
community partners to develop HIVIMDS
programs, including a focus on prevention.
\Ve want to do something positive, to expand
our territory of ministry to include a specific
outreach to those infected and affected by
HIV/MDS. "
UCAN has applied for a grant from
the Federal Center for Disease Control which
would be over 2 million dollars, but as of
press time it has nor yet been approved. This
outreach would bring needed services to
people in need wherever UCC churches are
located, throughout the United States and
abroad.
www.metrostarnews.com }~®{~’oSTAR 15
@Club 209, Tulsa @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa
@ Finishline, Oklahoma City @Angles, Oklahoma City @ The End Up, Tulsa
18, August 2009
ARE YOU WONDERIN WHEI
EVERYONE ItAS BEEN LATELY?
Open Every Day 4pro to 2am
836 - 09q 5
Monda.y
Friends and Family @ 6pm
Dancers @ 10pm
Tuesday
$0.50 Draught Beer Night
Dancers @ 10pm
Wednesday
Pool Tournament @ 8pm
Dancers @ 10pm
Thursday
Bin" Bingo with E-Lyra St. James @ 7pm
Dancers @ 10pm
Friday
Dancers @ 10pm
Saturday
Dancers@ 10pm
Sunday
Free Pool All Day
DanCers
Open Every Day at 2pro
{9"!8} 437 -0449
Monday
Movie Madness - Showtimes 7pm and lOpm
Tuesday
Drama Lite- All the Gay, Half the Drama
Wednesday
A Night in Vegas Drag Show @ 10pm
Thursday
$0.50 Draught Beer Night
Friday
Cabaret Night @ 8pm
Saturday
Big Gay Dating Game w/Daphne Rio @ 10pm
Sunday
Disco Night @ 9pm
The Hideaway Tropical Lounge becomes
the World’s Smallest Disco
ww~v.metrostarnews.com @etroSTAR 19
By Camper English
q-he Mixer Mix-up
Much as I love the name, I can’t bring
myself to consume what the kids today are
calling the Skinny Bitch. This cocktail is
usually made with a flavored vodka, Diet
Coke. and a squeeze of lime. My issue with
the drink doesfft involve the liquor, but with
the artificially flavored and sweetened soda.
But the Skinny Bitch is not really a drink
focused on the Coke: it’s a drink focused
on the Diet. Also focusing on the diet is a
really they may as well be swilling cola.
Now that I’m a fully functioning cocktail
snob, I don’t drink the tonic water, sodas and
juices that come out of the cocktail squirter
in bars at all. I like fresh juices and mixers
without artificial sweeteners - and it turns out
these typically have less calories than do the
sugared-up cranberry juice and sodas you’ll
get in most bars anyway. At home. you can
buy high quality mixers with natural and
organic sweeteners for your cocktails: Out at
the clubs though, you probably won’t have
that option, so you can opt for diet soda or
soda water as mixers. Or better yet, opt for
that sugar-laden Apple-Cosmo-Choco~Tini at
the bar. and then spend the night worldng off
writer named
Teresa Marie
Howes, who
wrote a whole
book on diet
drinks this year
called Skinnydnis.
Most of the
recipes in the
book cut calories
in cocktails by
adjusting the
amounts of
liqueurs and
mixers. ,as distilled
spirits like gin and
vodka all have
about the same -~
number of calories
per volume. Her
drinks call for
light or diet iuices
and sodas, and
flavored water
and other mixers
instead of sugar- ~ ~:~ ~
laden liqueurs in ~_o~
recipes. She makes
crab/placements
like swapping out the orange liqueur in a
Margarita with light orange juice and Sweet
’N Low.
those calories on the dancefloor.
Camper English is a cacktails and spirits
writer andImblisher ofAlc~mics.com
Census Bureau will
count married gay
couples as married
The U.S Census Bureau said June
19 it will count married gay couples as
married in the 2010 census.
The prior plan had been to retabulate
such couples as "unmarried partners," an
existing census-form category, because of
the federal ban on recognition of samesex
marriages.
Gay activists, as part of their recent
broadside against President Barack
Obama’s inaction on gay issues, had
srepped up their criticism of the plan to
skew the data.
Gay marriage is legal in three states
and wil! be legal in five, six or raore by
the time of the census.
One set of mixers that are often mixed
tip are soda water and tonic water. They,
both have water in the name so you can
understand the confusion, but the two
are vastly different liquids. Soda water is
carbonated water, and mixes well with
vodka. (Gin not so much.l Tonic water pairs
well with more spirits, and is consumed in
different countries with vodka, gin, rum.
tequila, and even Port wine.
But tonic began as a tonic - a medicine
used to prevent and cure malaria. It gets its
flavor from the very bitter quinine that was
once harvested from the bark of the cinchona
tree, niclmamed the "fever tree" as it cured
the malarial fever. To make the powdered
bark palatable, explorers and soldiers in
mosquito-intense countries around the world
added sugar to the solution. Later, gin was
added and the G&T was born. Hooray for
medicine!
The important thing to note in that last
paragraph is the use of sugar. Its presence
(or more commonly, the presence of high
fi’ucmse corn syrup) in drinks means it has
those calories you’ve been trying to avoid.
Many people think they’re sipping a diet
drink when they choose tonic water, but
TABC says Texas bar
raid was a big mistake
By Rex Wockner
The head of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage
Commission told the gay newspaper Dallas
Voice on July 16 that his officers committed
multiple "clear violations" of agency policy
when they and local police raided the gay bar
Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth on June 28,
the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
The violent raid put patron Chad Gibson
in a hospital intensive-care unit with bleeding
on his brain. Two other patrons sustained
lesser injuries and several patrons were
arrested for the crime of having drunk too
much.
"I don’t think you have to dig very deep to
figure out that TABC has violated some of
their policies," Alan Steen said. "XTqe know
that and I apologize for that.... It’s real dear
that however it is that ~ve were doing business
that night is not the typical TABC."
"You can read (our) policy and you can
figure out really quickly, TABC shotfldn’t have
even been there," he said. "If our guys would
have followed the damn policy, we wouldn’t
even have been there.... We don’t participate
in those kinds of inspections when there’s
not probable cause or reasonable suspicion or
some public safety matter to be inspected."
* THREE IMPROMPTU POOL PARTEAZE
ON TAP FOR SATURDA~
The guests of the TRADEWINDS, home of
the "HIDDEN POOL" are welcome to host
their own s~vim party. Invite your friends
over for an impromptu after dark ........dip
in the pool Reserve your Tradewinds themed
room nmv by calling David or Terry (479)
253-9774, request the Summer Diversity
Weekend rate.
Land O Nod aka:The Pink Palace, POOL
PART~. Guests are welcorne to invite their
new friends, old friends, and even the Xfriends
over for a swim... No glass...Plenty of
towels...Pool honrs will be extended until 12
midnight... Toll Free: 1-800-526-3263 Local
Phone: (479) 253-6262. Rooms as low as
59.00 a night...mffst request DW rate.
Alvin & Charlie are hosting a PRIVATE
MEN ONLY POOL PARTY at their private
residence. MUST drop by the Byrds Eye
View, 36 North Main or Contact EurekaPride
Sponsors Alvin & Charlie for an invitation
and details. Toll Free: 888 210-8401
° STRADDLE THIS...
For those who enjoy the thrill of wrapping
your legs around a tornado of pounding
pistons, THE DIVERITY BIKER’S
OZARKS FUN RUN’ Sat. August 8, 11 AM,
Planers Parking Lot Hwy 23 N. (Main St.)
and Hwy. 62. This ride will require a helmet.
Also, bring a bathing suit, ifyou want to take
a dip. There will be a lunch stop during the
ride.
~ NOWWE’RE HUNGR~q
FREE GOURMET BUFFET & ARTIST
RECEPTION at the new Dreamweaver
Gallery, 184 N. Main. Gallery owners David
artd Melanie go top chef with a full dinner
buffet. Drop by for a culinary adventure,
art, and meet their featured guest, art
photographer Matt Johnson. Check out all
the Eureka art during the "2ND Saturday
~Gallery Stroll~,’ on Saturday from 3-8 PM.
SHAYdN NOT STIRRED!
Henri’s Just One More. 19 V2 Spring Street.
Saturday Night Karaoke Dance Party with
DJ’S Shakin" not Stirred.
IMPORTA_NT REMINDER- BE
COOL, BE SEEN, BE SAFE: avoid those
Diversity buzz-killers like getting a DUI or
trying to find a parking place downtown.
Eureka Springs Limousine. $5.00 point to
point. Call 479-363-6055 for your PICK-UP!
Cervantes and Lizeth iivila -- were arrested,
detained and beaten June 29 in Tegucigalpa,
the capital, IGLHRC said.
"Nae arrests occurred while the activists
were participating in a demonstration
in support of the democratically elected
government," the group said.
The five activists are well-known GLBT
leaders.
"The recent coup in Honduras is an illegal
assault on democracy that violates the rights
of all Honduran citizens, including those ,vho
identify as LGBT," said IGLHRC Executive
Director Cary Alan Johnson. "We especially
deplore the vicious murder and arbitrary
arrests ofLGBT people in the wake of this
crisis."
20 August2009
by Jack Fertig August 2009
"Keep it light, Sagittarius"
Mercury in Leo trine to Eris provokes
bold partisan assertions. There’s
healthy room for that, but it can go
overboard. Mercury then opposes
Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron in
Aquarius. leading through confusion,
perhaps to improvement in ideals and
philosophy. "You stand a better chance
of improving yourself, not othe rs.
ARIES (Narch 20-Apri~ 19): Culture
clash can give you a better sense of
who you are and who you’re not, but
that will be challenged again when you
reassess political ideals. Confusion and
change are necessary steps to growth.
Just walk through it.
TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20): Pride
in home and family can clash with
honesty about sameness. Ask yourself
the hard questions that have never
been answered. "Your insights could
lead to reconsidering career goals. New
answers there would also be helpful!
GEN~NI~ (Nay 21- June 20): Your
brilliant ideas can be very helpful in
political long-range planning, but they
wil~ start up arguments over principles,
A real world approach may be needed
to get idealist notions down to earth, but
grounding will not come easily.
CANCER (June 21o Ju~y 22): Know
your worth and hang out with the
right people in your profession, those
whose level you should be at. Strutting
you~ Stuff in the Sack - maybe some
exhibitionism?, can open up new
channels for fantasy and exploration.
LEO (July 23 -August 22): The
simplest observation can quickly
become an ideological or academic
thesis. That could be good, clarifying
your own sense of where you stand. In
relationships, however, your position
may baffle you. Enjoy the mystery; it
won’t last long.
V~RGO (August 23 - September
22): That buzz in your brain, perhaps
about mortality or sexual identity, could
prove enlightening. See where it leads.
Worries about health should motivate
you to better exercise and hygiene.
(There’s always room for improvement!)
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22):
Playful banter with friends can lead you
into a situation, pushing you to take
sides, or you mig ht be able to negotiate
a common ground between opposing
camps. Solutions may defy logic.
Creativity and intuition serve much
better!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November
21}: You can make an effective gobetween
for colleagues and bosses.
Being clear about which side you’re
on will make you more effective. Your
focus on career can be a distraction
from problems at home. Your distraction
could even be the problem.
SAGITTAR~US (November 22
- December 20): You need a forum for
your opinion. Keep it light and playful
and more people will listen. Appeal to
emotions more than logic. Sticking to
ideals and principles may be safer than
citations that you’re "reasonably sure"
of.
CAPRICORN (December 21 -
January 19): Leaning on your
own ethnic identity, or your ethnic
preferences, can help you strut your hot
stuff. Sexual preference for a certain
skin color may be racist, or not. It’s all in
the context and attitude. Checking your
own couldn’t hurt.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): Arguments with your partner are
inflamed by a sense of competition.
Remember, you’re on the same side!
Together you can be unbeatable. Selfdoubt
can be a good thing if it leads you
to better answers.
HSCES (February 19 - Narch 19): If
you must argue with colleagues, make
sure it’s about something important;
remember you’re ultimately on the
same team. Is it really something at
work that’s bothering you? Take time
out, and meditate to find the real
problem.
Community for
People living
HW/A DS
A 50’! c (3) Non Profit Organization
Our House, Too offers a variety of
activities for people who are HIV+ and
or living with AIDS to help combat the
social isolation that many of our
people live through each and everyday.
We provide a Toiletry and Household
Pantry for those who are HIV+
and or living with AIDS who cannot
afford to purchase these items for
themselves. We invite anyone who
would like to volunteer or provide financial
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-rnail
ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net
Across
1
12 3
4
33
58 }59 60
Island of Diamond Head Beach
Come-on after following a gay guy?
6 7 8
~
9 10 11
’12 !13
15 !
~
16
~ 39 40
~
DovTI3
t Figure skater Doug
2 Nuts 0fa tall one
3 It’s deep in a movie title
4 Hall ’Universi~
5 ~tflavor for gin
6 Shining examples
7 Prefix with physics
8 ~]ite~ A Boys Own
9 Frank of the House
10 Jaclde~ designer
1t Liza, to Lorna
12 Sept. follower
13 Month in Madrid
2l Dish nanie
22 Not in the pink
25 Antigay prejudice, e.g.
26 Phil of folk music
27 Home ofth~ Buckeyes
30 Be under the weather
32 Yellow-bri& way
nd_
45 Day before saying "~GIF"
~7 Halfofa pair 0fballs
Solution page 23
evidence
59 Way cool
60 Hydrocarbon su~x
w~vw.metrostarnews.com ~’ ~troSTAR 21
Another artistic aspect ofTulsa Ballet is its
commitment to create art in Oklahoma and export
it to the world. With this concept in mind, the
compaW built Studio K: a 300 seat, $6 million
theater, dedicated to the creation of new art.
This Is Your Life vcas among the first works to be
presented in the new theater. Created loosely on
the concept of the 1950’s television show that bore
the same name, this work merges drama, humor,
acting and stunning dancing to tell the stoW of its
characters.
Tulsa Ballet will perform according to the
fi~llowing schedule at The Joyce ~neater in
New’~%rk City from August 10 - 15: Monday
- \Vednesday at 7:30 pro, Tnursday- Saturday
at 8pm and Sunday- at 2pro. Tickets for these
performances are $19; $29; $39 and can be
arranged by calling JoyceCharge a 212-242-0800 "
or online at "~mv.joyce.org. NOTE: Ticket prices
are subject to change. %e Joyce Theater is located
at 175 Eighth Avenue at I9th Street in Chelsea.
If you can’t make the trip to see the company
in New York, Tulsa Ballet is hosting a Big Apple
Preview- Night in Tulsa on N~ursday, August 6 at
Studio K, 1212 East 45th Place. Tickets are still
available for this special event featuring a wine
and hor d’ouevres reception at 6:30 pm followed
by the performance at 7:00 pm. Tne evening will
culminate with champagne and desserts on stage
with the compan> Tickets can be purchased by
contacting Amy Miller, Director of Development
at (918) 392-5933.
The 2009-20 I0 Tulsa Ballet Season begins
in October with the Oklahoma premiere of Ben
Stevensoffs spectacular production of Dracula
that will be performed in Tulsa and Oklahoma
City during the Halloween season. Subscription
packages are on sale now and can be ordered by
calling the Tulsa Ballet box office at (918) 749-
6407. For more information about Tulsa Ballet,
please visit ~.~xvw.tutsaballetaorg.
New Rainbow Sweater
............................................................................w~,w~thega)mar{oonsite.corn
by Greg Fox
SCANDINAVIAN
Webs#e - wvs~c.kylecornics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@~ol.com
22 fi%t~"oSTAR August 2009
t-LABANA INN
2200 iNg/39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-528-2221
www.habanainn.com
KELLY IGRBY, CPA
4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424
Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466
Certified Public Accountant
ROUTE 66 ANTIQUE MALL
4624 E. 1 lth Street
Tulsa OK
918-836-3838
VALERIE W]LLIFORD
625 N.W. 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK
405-226-8585
NATH_AN BLACK
PRIMERICA 10820 E. 45th #305
Tulsa, OK
918-615-8177
nblack.rnv39@prinaerica.com
OKC MORTUARY
2415-C N. WALNUT AVE.
Oklahoma City, OK
800-913:1310
A2qGLES
21 st
Oklahoma
vr~#.anglesclub.com ..............
BAMBOO LOUNGE
7204 E. PINE
Tt~sa, OK
918-836-8700
www.bambooloungetulsa.com
CLUB 209
209 N. BOULDER
Tulsa, OK
918-584-9944
CLUB MAJESTIC
124 N. BOSTON
Tulsa, OK
918-584-9494
www.ctubmajestictulsa.com
FINISHLINE
2200 >FW 39TH EXPRESSX~TAY
Oldahoma City, OK
405-525-2900
wvcw.habanainn.com
THE COPA
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
w~w.habanainn.com
HIDEAWAY LOUNGE
11730 E. 11TH
~I~Isa, OK
918-437-0449
Open Sun thru Sat 2pro to 2am
THE END UP
5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE
~Asa, OK
918-836-0915
Open 7 days a week 2pro to 2am
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
w#w.habanainn.com
TULSA EAGLE
1338 E. 3RD
Tulsa, OK
918-592-1188
Open 7days week 2pm to 2am
CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS
3131 N. PENN,
OKC, OK 405-525-9555
Service Sunday 10:45 AM
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oldahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Sunday 6pro
MCC UNITED
1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK
918-838-1715
www.mcctulsa.org
OY~AEIOMANS for EQUALITY
621 Ei 4d~ Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
918-743-4297
wv~aokeq.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N. Negates Ave
Tulsa, OK741~7 :
918-585-9552
IGRA
Aurora, CO
www.igra.com
202-957-6187
JUDY G. PHOTO’S
Tulsa, OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
918-743-8636
ARMANDO AMOR
Keller Williams Realty
1624 SW 122nd
Oldahoma City, OK 73170
405-473-6870
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 NWEXPRESS\gAy"
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
vc~w¢.c21 goldcastle.com
CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE
Keller Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW 39TH FA’~PRESSW’AY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
THE KITCHEN
2218 NW" 39th
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Located inside the BOOM
THE MARI~ET PLACE ON 39th
2235 N.W. 39th
°
oming Out
Armando Amor
Phone: 405-473-6870
Fax: 405-691.2708
THE
K~TCHEIN
2218 NW 39th
, : Oklahoma City, OKC 7311’,~
Open Tues.-Sun 12
Noon to 11PM. Featuring
Chef Susie Lopez.
BUY GI Joe Action Figures
(12" size Only)
Located inside the "BOOM"
Oklahoma City, OK
405-528-5555
NOW OPEN !!in iae
Marketplace on 39th
Eureka Springs, AR
www.eurelcasprings.org
KING OF MASSAGE
In or Out Calls
Oklahoma City, OK
405-882-6127
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
In Calls Only, NWOKC
405-822-7378
nwokcmassageguy@aol.cim
nformation
Ca[[ 8-549-8090
based.
send resume
t~etro Star
PO Box 581718
Tulsa, OK 74158
Start building a business
today to supplement your
income in case of layoff.
High potential commissions.
A
S
S
P
H
E
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Me ro Star Classfieds
2" square for as little as 539 per
~ issue.
Email: srarnews@
sbcglobal.net
Call Robin @
405-590-2871
Excellent instruction.
Set your own hours.
Call NATHAN BLACK
918-615-8177
SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY
WWW.METROSTARNEWS.COM
Chuck 8reckenridge
Wl~ether buying or selling
1’11 work hard for you.
w4w~.metrostarnews.com ~letroSTAR 23
300 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque
for ~n
The Demented
Divas
in Totally Plowed
From Truckers to
Nascar, from Trailer
Parks to Dollywood,
the Divas Poke Fun
at the Most
Famous Country
Western Divas.
Sandy Vee Anderson
in a Tribute to
Dolly Parton
See the Award Winning,
Top Dolly Impersonator
from Las "Vegas legends
in Concert and CMT,
MTV, and VHI.
vvww.mypromoreei.com/
sandy_anderson.html
Sheraton A~buquerque Uptown
Call 800-252-7772 ~onday - Friday, 8 a.~. - 5 p.m. (MS~
for the ~ntem~t~on~ Gay Ro~eo ~ssoc~t~o~ R~te of $85/n~g~t
August2009
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
[2009] Metro Star Magazine, August 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 8
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media. Ltd
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
August 1, 2009
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
Online text
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Greg Steele
James Nimmo
Jeane Flanigan
Victor Gorin
Rex Wockner
Gerald Libonati
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner,-Townsend
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Jack Fertig
Devre Jackson
Victor Gorin
Judy G.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 7
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/133
The Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 12
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/130
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/129
adoption
Al McAffrey
art
ballet
bar raid
Bingo
bowling tournament
Christine Plante
church
cocktail chatter
Comics
cross dressers
DADT
Democratic party
dining
Dr. Tom Guild
Drag Queen
Enid
Eureka Springs
fashion
First Thursday
gay sex ban
H.O.P.E
hate crimes
India
international news
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
Metro scene
National news
Nicholas K. Clark
Obama
OKC pride
Oklahoma News
Portland
Pride celebration
Qscopes
Sally Kern
same sex marriage
snap shots
stage
Stonewall
TABC
travel
Ukraine
violence
World Gay Rodeo finals