1 20 8 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/fc6ce7fde110868192d3176b1cc77399.jpg 0073f98a3f824930f28fa00cbc9435d7 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/af5f35328c408e87c6986e74ecc57ecf.pdf 142bc4a71e09dc72b5ee60074b261368 PDF Text Text oR.] NDONEBROOKSIDE CENTER OCT. 4TH Sept, 15 - Oct. 14, 1996, vol. 3, no. 10 Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans Communities ¯ Officer ’ - ..... about to Bisexual Brookside Rights (TOHR) and foot center open in October. A spokesperson for the organization noted that The Pride Centeris theculminabeen the dream o~" lion of the work of several TOHR boards and longtime many community supporters. Tim Gillean, former president of the organization, was recognizedin particular for his leadership. ’‘This project has been the dream of many but without Tim Gillean, we would not be where we are today," noted pres. Debbie Starnes. The Pride Center will be open to all community orgaStarnes ni zations andindividtmls who share its goals which include ending discrimination and oppression based on sexual orientation. Officials stated that The Pride Center opens with a modest budget and will be supported by individual and organizational mem.berships, as well as by individual pledges. Membership is $20/year for individuals and $35/year for couples. Pledges range from $3-5/month up to $100/month with most at about $15 to $25 Statues added, ’"dais is a way for each and every member of the community to make a difference. We appreciate those individuals who can pledge hundreds but the support of those who can just help with a few dollars a month are equally important. This is a center for all." but without T;m G;llean, [former pres.], ENDA DOMA we would not be where we are today," - Deb Pride Ctr. Pres. WASHINGTON- The U.S. Senate voted on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), two key pieces of legislation affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. The Senate passed the anitGay DOMA bill, 85-14, as was expected. The Senate then voted 49 to 50 to defeat ENDA. Oklahoma’s senators, Don Nickles and Jim Inhofe, both noted for their hostility to their Lesbian & Gay constituents, voted against ENDA and for DOMA. Nickles was the Senate sponsor of DOMA and Inhofe an original co-sponsor. Tulsa Oklahomans for H~_~man Rights (TOHR) issued a statement strongly condemning their votes, particularly criticizing Inhofe for his refusal to meet with Lesbian and Gay constituents, community leaders or ¯ Gay press. Sen. Nieldes sent a letter to colleagues ¯ calling for a vote against ENDA because it would ¯ "promote sexual promiscuity". He also equated homo- ¯ sexuality and bisexuality with bestiality, pedophilia and adultery, and suggested that local school boards should ¯ be able to fire or not hire staff who express opinions ¯¯ advocating homosexual or bisexual relationships. ¯ The measures had became hopelessly entangled in a series of political moves, counter-moves, and counter- ¯¯ counter-moves. DOMA, which has already cleared a ¯ House vote, would define marriage as a legal commit¯ ment between one man and one woman. The effect would be to deny any federal benefits to married same- : ¯ sex couples. No state currently recognizes such marriages, but a _" Many community organizations have eni dorsed this project. Prime Timers has donated Business Guild, The Black & White Charities, Inc., PFLAG leaders, Bill & Kathy Hinkle and pastors of the churches that reach out to the community support The Pride Center. " Part of the 3,500 s. f. of The Pride Center "i will provide offices for HOPE, HIV Outreach, ¯ $1,000 for The Pride Center and Rainbow Prevention, Education which are the preven¯ tion programs of TOHR. HOPE’s director, ¯ Claudette Peterson, was estatic at finally hay¯ ing adequate space for her staff. The highly " successful programs now have seven staff ¯ members and additional volunteers who can : not fit.into the current spaces near the HIV ¯ Resource Consortium (HIVRC). Peterson ¯ notes, however, that HOPE will continue its : HIV antibody testing program at ’the HIVRC ¯ with which it works closely. ¯ A workroom and a conference room of The ". Pride Center will be available for community ¯ organizations that do not have their own of. rices. The site has adequate parking at the ¯ building which is unusual for Brookside with : even more overflow parking nearby. The Cen¯ ter will be accessible to those with mobility ¯ disabilities. ¯ Additionally, The Pride Center will be home ¯ to The Pride Store. The Pride Store will serve ¯ community needs ranging from greeting cards, ¯ rainbow stickers, flags and other Pride items, ¯ news magazines, t-shirts, etc. Gay business : owner Tom Neal is volunteering as a consult: ant and is donating merchandise from his store ¯ tomfoolery] see Pride Center, page 3 Fellowship Congregational ¯ Community Leader Lost i Welcomes Lesbians & Gays Another Tulsa "mainline" Protestant church has become an offi- case pending in Hawaii see ENDA/DOMA, p. 3 ComingSoon " : ¯ ¯ : : ¯ ." ¯ i ¯ ¯ Safe Haven, RBG Dinner Gay Comedy Jam, IAM Street Carnival, Lesbian Comedian, AIDS Mastery Workshop, Leatherstuff, ¯ Bible + Homosexu, a, lity Study Group, Two Splrlted Mens’ Group + TU/BLGTA ¯ National Coming Out Day ¯ see Community Notes, page 9 : cially welcoming congregation to Lesbians and Gay men. Fellowship Congregational Church joins a number of "open and affirming" churches that are part of the United Church of Christ (UCC) denomination. The leaders of this church of about 200 near 31st and Harvard characterized the year and 1/2 process of becoming a welcoming congregation as both stressful and as exciting. The issue first seemed to rise about 3 or 4 years ago. The church which as a tradition of being involvedin socialjusticeissues realized that they had a certain amount of ignorance about homosexuality. Over the year and 1/2, at a series of events, the congregation had the opporttmity to personalize the issues. A divinity student who had ties to the congregation came back : to preac.h and also came out as Gay. see Fellowship, page 3 Oklahoma’s ’96 Anti-Gay Murders OKLAHOMA CITY- Oklahoma’s Gay community is in shock from repo~tsofabrutalkillingofagaymaninthesmalltownofWoodward, near the Oklahoma Panl~mdle, by two men whom witnesses say later bragged they had ’~ust killed that queer." It is the second vicious antigay murder in the state this year. Police say Albert J. Bixler was apparently beaten to death with a car fire jack and his body dumped inatrashbinby Shannon Lee Jones, 23, and Mark Jones,30. Bothmen live in Woodward but are not related to each other. One witness at an apartment building where the two suspects were staying told police she overheard Shannon Lee Jones say, "The queer son of a bitch got what he deserved." Shannon Jones is being sought by police on murder charges. Mark Jones, 30, is being held on murdei charges. Authorities have also issued amaterial witness warrant for a third man whom they identified as Clifford Green, who sometimes goes by the name of Clifford Beard. Only a week earlier, two Guthrie, Okla., teenagers, identified by police as skinheads, appeared in court in Oklahoma City to face charges of murdering Charles Meers earlier this year. Alexis N. Perryman, 18, and Nicholas J. Karlin, 15, have been charged with brutally beating Meers, stabbing him, shooting him, and then dousing his body and home with gasoline and setting them on fire in an effort to cover up the killing. ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ " Robert Fitzgerald Renfro, known as RF or just as Renfro, one of Tnlsa’s most respected community leaders and HIV/AIDS educators died at St. Francis Hospital on August 23 after a brief, though severe, illness. A Celebration of Eternal Life was held at ¯ Shiloh Baptist Church with the Rev. Eddie ¯ Cook preaching and the Rev. Melvin Bailey, : host pastor, see Renfro, page 3 INSIDE EDITORIAIJLETrERS/DIRECTORY P. 2 NEWS BRIEFS P. 4 HEALTH BRIEFS P, 6 CALENDAR P. 9 EUREKA HAPPENINGS P. 11 BOOK REVIEW/ENTERTAINMENT P. 12 RESTAURANT REVIEW P. 13 CLASSIFIEDS P. 15 �Opposes School Tax Increase Tulsans who pay property taxes just fax: 583.4615 felt a significant bump this spring, and if POB 4140 the October 8 bond issue passes, we’ 11 get Tulsa, Oklahoma a jolt. Renters, you won’ t escape either74159-0140 .your landlord will have to pass on the cost increase to tenants. But isn’t the bond TuisaNews@aol.com issue for a worthy cause - Tulsa schools? The school district’ s demanding $94.5 million for a district with about half as -" many students as it had 20 years ago. Last ¯ year they said they needed $89 million : from us, but they have "upped the ante" ¯ because they claim buildings have deteby G. Miller, M,A. by Phyl Boler-Schmidt -" riorated that much since last year. Yet Last month I gave some simple advice on dealing with the A number of months ago, I reported on a rather suspicious they have sold two of their 18 unused outside forces in your life. The aim of that little treatise was to get ¯¯ death that occurred here in Eureka Springs. It was a death that properties in the meantime- where are you thinking positively about ways to improve you daily exist- ¯ struck terror in the hearts and minds of many lesbigay cidzens the millions from those? They also claim ence byhandling the external forces you confront This month I because the victim was known to be a Gay man, and he was killed that they need chairs and textbooks, but ¯ want to spend a little time on how to get your personal force into by a teenager who suggested tO police that he did the deed in self." many parents tell me the P.T.A.’s have the positive mode. defense againstacts the description of whichI Would probably ¯ provided those since last year in various This will sound way too simple but the truth usually is simple¯ incite major homophobic responses from the police. It.appeared school~. They made dire predictions, that You can either choose to see your life as positive or negative. You .. at that time that investigation of the.death was being permanently our property taxes would fall if we didn’ t . make that choice every morning of every day, When you head to swept under the rug. "support our schools"- but values are up. work, understand what it is you are doing. If you’ re lucky you go How ever, I am happy to report that the death of Chris Klein will And does each classroom really need teleto a job that challenges and fulfills you, or you are going to a job not go unpunished, or at least untried. Anthony Fleetwood was ¯ communications and a telephone as rewhich permits you to earn a living. The income from that job arrested in August .and charged with 2rid degree homicide, some , quested? I’ think not, We all want our provides the where with all.which allows you to do the things you seven months after the slaying. Bond was set at $30,000, and if schools to be fine ones. But each person want to get enjoyment out of life. So while the job itself may not ¯ the bond is raised, Fleetwood risks losing the services of the has to ask, "What benefit will I see from be the most enjoyable thing in the world, it is the springboard to ," yet another tax hike?" Vote NO Oct. 8. Public Defender appointed by the court. DNA and serum test enjoying the other areas of your life. If you can make that logic results were finally completed and failed to back up Fleetwood’ s - Leah Farish stream work in your favor then you can stop bitchin’ about your story, a story that said, in part, that after polishing off a 12 pack Editor’s note: TFN neither endorses nor see Justice, page .3 job and start making each day mean see Life, page 3 ¯ Opposes this vote. We encourage readers tb consider carefully and to vote. ¯ We applaud those represented by the ¯ letter above [or reaching out to Lesbian ¯ Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities Tulsa Clubs-& Restaurants ¯ and Gay voters. This community is usu579-9593 ¯ ally simply ignored though we are af832-1269 ¯¯ AIDS Walk Tulsa; POB 1071,74101-1071 *Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine 583-7314 ¯ fected- as parents, as teachers, as 744-0896 Black & White, InC.-POB 14001,Tulsa74159 *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria ¯ *Bless The Lord... Christian Center, 262To E. 11 628-0594 ¯ homeowners and tenants. In a tight race, 749-1563 *Lola’s, 2630 E.. 15th 583-9780 ¯ minority communities can make a differ*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st 745-9998 ¯ *B/L/G Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa Canterbury Ctr. *Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th Pl.. & Florence 834-4234 *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan ¯ *CommunityofHopeUnitedMethodist, 1703 E. 2rid 585-1800 "~ ence. The writer sees that. The supporters 585-222.1-, *Samson & Delilah, 10 E. Fifth :. of the bond vote have made no effort to 749-0595 ¯ reach out to this community. 585-3405 ~..Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main ... 660-0856- : Dignity/IntegrityrLesbian!Gay Catholics/Episcopal. 298-4648 ¯ *TNT’ s, 2114 S. Memorial Carbon Copy - Full Text 622-1441 ¯ 584-1308. ¯ .*Fmnily of Faith MCC; 5451-E So. Mingo *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd Editors, The Tulsa World 585-3134 ¯¯ *Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777 ~ *Interurban Restaurant, 717 S. Houston Why are we afraid of same-sex mar*Free SpiritWomens Center, call forlocation &info: 587-4669 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals ¯ Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827 "¯ riage? Is it change? Without change, we Dennis C. Arnold, Realtor 7464620 can not grow. Why are we afraid of any*Assoc. in Med.& Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000 . Friends in Unity Social Org. (African-American mens group) one or anything that is different from us or ¯ POB 8542, 74101, call c/o TOHR @ 742-2927 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & -Life Insurance 747-9506 : 584 4983 ¯ our views? What would the world be like 250:5034 ¯ Indian Health Care, Save the Nation *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E: 71 if we were all the same? 438:2437, 800-284-2437 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 743-5272 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria ~ Marriageis a commitment between two ¯ 838-1715 592-1521 ¯ ~MCCbfGreaterTulsa, 1623 N:Maplew0od *Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 - ¯ 7494194 ¯ people who love one another. Single-par*I-IiV Resource Ctr., 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 748-3111 " ent homes, illegitimate children, abusive :. NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H’-I 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 584-7960 : spouses, alcoholism, joblessness and : *Our House, 1114 S. Quaker 352-9504, 800-742-9468 Tim Daniel, Attorney ¯ PFLAG ,POB 52800, 74152 7494901 : multiple marriages are aspects that are .749-3620 *Deco to Disco, 3212 E. lSth 587-7674 ¯ tearing the family and marriage apart. *Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria ¯ 665-6595 Don Carlton Mitsubishi; 46th & Memorial Please tell me where same-sex marriage 74104 622-3636 ." Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 Don Carlton Honda, 4i41 S.’Memorial." will destroy the institutions of marriage 7494195 : *R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 838-8503 *Elite Books. & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 665-5174 _. and family. And is it wrong for a married 743-9994 .~ Rainbow B, usiness Guild, POB 4106, 74159 " Express Pools & Spas, 6310 S..Peoria 646-7116 ¯ couple not to have children and go against "" St.Jerome s Catholic Church, 3841 S. Peoria, 690-2974 Foxlinx, Computer-Consultationthe marriage is for.pro-creation theory? 749-7898 744-0102 ," .~Shand Hotline & HIV/AIDS Services Leanne M. Gross, Financial Planning : Heterosexual couples enjoy the right to ¯ Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, (TOHR) ¯ tax breaks, spousal benefits, and hospital *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 7434297 ¯ POB 52729, 74152 .584-4606 Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria visitations. Same-sexcouples donot. Isn’ t 584-1308 ! Technicians, 1338 E. 3rd 341-6866 *International Tours ¯ T.U.L.S:A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 ." this discrimination? Have we forgotten 621-5597 JD Images, Photography ~ about the Constitution? Doesn’t it give ¯ *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor 599-8070 Kerfs Flowers, 1635 E. 15 ¯ every American the same basic rights? 747-5466 ¯ *Tulsa Community College, Metro & NE Campuses Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 ." When will the politicians realize they : *University Center at Tulsa 742-1992 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 ." are not supporting every American? When 671-2010 : EUREKA SPRINGS Lean Ann Macomber, Realtor Associate ¯ will they realize they are teaching hate ¯ 584-311-2 501-253-7734 ~ and discrimination? Where is the love *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 Autumn Breeze Restaurant, Hwy 23 South 663-5934 ¯ Beaver Dam Store, 1/2 mi.N, of Dam Hwy. 187 501-253-6154 ¯ they supposedlyhavefor Americaandit’ s Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31st 664-2951 501-253-7457 ¯ people?Whyhas the government decided *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Pl : *Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 747-6711 ¯ DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-6807 ¯ it should dictate what our morals will be *Novel Idea Bookstore, 51st & Harvard ¯ 747-7672 501-253-5445 ¯ and how we will define marriage and *Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St. David A. Paddock, CPA, 4308 S. Peoria, Ste. 633 838-7626 ¯ Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, POB 429 Puppy Pause II, 1 lth & Mingo 501-253-2776 ¯ family? 584-0337 : King’sHi-Way,96KingsHighway,Hwy.62W 800-231-1442 ." *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston We are all human beings. The hatred 749-6301 ¯ MCC of the Living Spring 501-253-9337 ¯ and discriminationhas to stop. I urge each *Scribner’ s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square ¯ ¯ 501-253-9682 Scott Robison’ s Prescriptions, see ad for 3 locations 743-2351 McClung Realtors of you to please look deep into your soles 747-3322 ¯ Positive Idea Marketing Plans 501-253-2401 ¯ and bring out the love God intended us to Southwest Viatical 742-8868 ¯ Rock Cottage Gardens 501-253-8659 800-624-6646 ¯ share with one another and bury the hate. Thomas Chiropractic, 4138 S. Harvard, Ste C-1 493-1959 Kellie J. Watts, attorney 501-253-6001 ¯ America will be a much better place. Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East 743:1733 ¯ The Woods, 50 Wall St. 501-253-8281 " Fred Welch, LCSW; Counseling - Lance Brittain. Collinsville 918.583.1248 Publisher + Editor, Tom Neal Asst. Editor + Mac Guru, James Christjohn, Writers + contributors: Phyl Boler-Schmidt, Barry Hensley Jean-Pierre Legrandbouche Leanne Gross Steven Scott Gerald Miller, Lance Brittain Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the entire contents of this publication are protected by US copyright 1996 by Tulsa Family News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without written permission from the punisher. Publication of a name or photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248. �something in terms of what else it is you want to ¯ accomplish. " The same thing is true of your personal rdationship. If you spend all your time finding fault with ", your companion, then each day will be a trial. If on ¯ the other hand you recognize what good things come from the relationship, and understand how " important that contributionis,thenyour daily inter- " action will become more positive and enjoyable. : Don’t forget the reverse of that statement is also ¯ "_ true. If you are doing some trivial thing which ¯ : obviously makes your co.mpanion nuts, quit doing it! Making a concession m a triviality is nothing ¯ compared.to slowly poisoning a rdationship over ¯ sbmething which is probably of little meaning to " Organizers and featured speaker at the recent fundraisin~g you anyway. dinner are: Martin Newman, Mark Goldman, and [3ill Stoskopf Sit down in a quiet moment and start looking at of Black & White Charities, Nancy McDonald, of PFLAG, your reactions to the things you experience each speaker Elizabeth Birch, executive director of the Human day. If you are spending most of your time being Rights Campaign, Kristie Suttee, Steve Wright, and Mark angry or upset or unhappy, figure out why. Is it that Wright, also of Black & White Charities. someone is purposefully trying to make your life This year PFLAG beganits SWAN awards to recognize those miserable, or are you doing it to yourself? There in Tulsa who have stood up for fairness and for justice. The was a time when the slightest suggestion that I was recipients are the Rev. Russell Bennett, pastor of Fellowship not competent enough, or smarL or clever or handCongregational Church. His congregation has recently become some or whatever would send me into a black funk. an officially wdcoming one for Lesbians and Gay men. Eddie Finally I ~at down and took stock of what was rea~_ly Faye Gates, a wall respected educator &writer is honored for going on. her leadership on the Human Rights Commission. Dennis Neill, No I am not the smartest person in the world, but an attorney, also served on the Human Rights Commission and I’m smart enough: Yes there are some things at with the ACLU and was founding president of TOHR. Lisa which I am totally incompetent. No, I am not the Pottorf of Youth Services was recognized for her heroic work most handsome person, but then neither am I Franwith and for Lesbian and Gay young adults. Sharon Thoele, kenstein. What I lack in smarts, I make up for in director of the HIV Resource Consortium, is known for her common sense. What I am incompetent at, I make commitment to HIV/AIDS issues & THE NAMES PROJECT. up for by being very competent in other areas. While I may not be Porno Star material, I have an excellent dry wit! Make your own inveiitory of all the positive things about yourself and recognize that everyone is deficient in some area. is expected to lead to the legalization of gay marriages in that You don’t have to become a Saint, but if you will state in the next year or two. Civil libertarians have argued that start to be reasonable about who and what you really are and quit trying to be something else, then " DOMA is highly questionable because marriage has always life gets much less complicated and much more : been a state issue that Congress has never before touched. The fun. Better than that, you will begin to feel better ¯ Constitution’s "full faith and credit" clause makes it questionabout yourself and life in general. Then you can ¯¯ able whether federal legislation can impose such restrictions. Activists and several members of Congress were quick to start doing the things in your everyday world which ¯ criticize DOMA as election-year political maneuveringaimed actually make things better for yourself and others ¯ at embarrassing President Clinton, noting that one of the origiaround you. Now here is the biggest secret about how to make ¯ hal Senate co-sponsors of the measure was Bob Dole, the : Republican presidential candidate. Clinton drew fire from your life more fulfilling and enjoyable. Learn to say, ’I was wrong!, sorry. My mistake, sorry!" : rights activists when he quickly said he would sign DOMA - at When you screw up,just admit you screwed UP and ¯ least as it was introducedin the House earlier this year. But since get down to work correcting the screw up. Fixin.g a : then, the measure has gone through several changes in the form mistake is much less time and energy consmmng : of a bewildering set of amendments. The capper in all this, of than trying to cover up that you made a mistake. ¯ course, was ENDA, the anti-discrimination amendment that Admit that everyone screws up from time to time. ¯ was supposed to be tacked on to DOMA by Seas. Edward M. Quit trying to cover up your mistake, or bludgeon : Kennedy (D-Mass.), James Jeffords (R-Vt.), and Joseph someone rise for their mistake. If you fall into the : Lieberman (D-Conn.). Inan 1 lth-hour mm of events, Senate Majority Leader Trent trap of the one-upmanship game, you will regret it ¯ ¯ Lott of Mississippi announced that ENDA would be voted on in the end. There is nothing hard about finding the enjoy- : separately from DOMA. The eomplex political mish-mash the meat in Life. It is only when.we set unreasonable : Republicans and Democrats had made of DOMA and ENDA expectations of ourselves and others that we make ¯ had created so many objections from both sides of the aisle that life hard. I had some very wise people try to get this : Lott moved to extricate the two measures from each other. Richard Tafel, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans across to me years ago, but I couldn’t grasp the ¯ concept then~ Perhaps it is only with lime that we ¯ noted of the close vote on ENDA, "I’his sends the message that come to these realizations. Or maybe it’s because : the 105th Congress will be ready to pass some form of nonwe are so ego-centered that we can’t see the simple : discriminationlaw to protectgays andlesbians." said. ’q’he real truths in front of us. I don’t know, maybe I’m not ¯ surprise is we now have 8 Republicans who support ending smart enough to figure that one out. But I have : discnnnnalaonagamstgays m the workplace. We rebegium g figured out how to be more positive about myself, ¯ to see what happens when the gay community works with both about my place in the word and about how to get : parties. I’m sure we can bring on more Republicans in the next the most out of enjoying the word as it exists ¯ Congress, we had a couple on the fence on this vote. This vote ¯ proves working with Republicans instead of writing them off around me. I remember a short quote from a 19th Century ¯ benefits the entire gay and lesbian community." Melinda Paras, executive director, National Gay and Lesbian American poet, possibly Stephen Crane or Stephen ¯ ¯ Task Force commented, ’~foday is a historic moment for Foster, I could be wrong about the name. I may have the exact quote a little wrong, but don’t miss ¯ lesbian and gay people, despite the outcome of the Senate votes. the point. A man said to the Universe, "Sir I exist." : In spite of the intolerance of many Republican and Democrat and the Universe replied, "Sir, that fact does not _" lawmakers, we know wehave finally broken the legislative log; jam that has blocked Congress from even discussing our civil create m me a sense of Obllgatton . Your exlsten is up to you to make of it something. You can make ¯ rights in aserious manner. We know we will have tolose a few votes.before we win the battle. We lost ENDA by only two it negative, combative and endlessly hard, or you votes. We know that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender can make it something else. What you make it is up ¯ equal rights have taken center stage in American politics, and to you. Copyright © 1996 Gerald Miller ¯ we can never go back to the days of silence." i That business successfully served the community for two years from a space leased from The Silver Star. The Pride Store will-benefit The Pride Center and HOPE prevention programs~ Director Peterson anticipates that the Store will be staffed by volunteers but that The Pride Store possibly also may be able to provide appropriate work opportunties for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Other office space will be available for seminars, video showings and exhibits. While not all details have been resolved, it’s hoped that part of the space can be used for Lesbian and Gay young adults who have few other safe places to go. Pride Center organizers note that volunteers are needed for clean-up, painting, minor repairs to get the Center ready to open. Later, those with strong backs and a few vans and pick-up trucks will be asked to help move the prevention program offices. To volunteer or for more infolmation, call 743-GAYS (743-4297). Renfro was a founder and leader of FUSO, Friends in Unity Social Organization, Inc. a non-profit that seeks to educate African-American men of diverse sexual orientation about HIV/AIDS. He also served with many groups, including Tulsa AIDS Walk, AIDS Coalition, TOHR, the Community Planning Group, Tulsa Pride Picnic and more. He was an ordained minister, active in his congregation, Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center. Friends and family expressed shock and sorrow at his sudden death. Most did not know RF had been living with HIV/AIDS for 10 years. Donations in honor of his memory may be made to FUSO, c/o TOHR, POB 2687, 74101. At other events, they had the chance to meet parents of Lesbians and Gays. The task force for this issue lauded the leadership of their pastor, Russell Bennett. They praised, in particular, his balancing the need to push the church forward but without getting too far ahead of it as wall. The group noted also that Pastor Bennett had performed, with their knowledge, a couple of holy unions, or blessings of same gender couples. The United Church of Christ is the only mainline Protestant denomination that ordains openly Lesbian and Gay persons as amatter of policy, and therefore should be expected to be friendly to Lesbians and Gay men. However, in the Congregationalist tradition, it is up to the individual congregations to implement these policies and to call individuals to ministry. Fellowship is the only UCC church in Tulsa though there are some others in the staie_. Some members of Fellowship Congregational asked why it was necessary to adopt an official policy of being open and affirming since they felt that that was what they’d practiced all along. Other noted that in these days when politics and religion are so mixed togeth,, r, that their congregation needed to stand up and be counted. That is since so many ugly thingswere being presented in the name of religion, they hope to counter that ugliness. They hope that their actions will inspire others to have the courage to do something similar. Services are at 10:30 am. Info: 747-7777 of beer with Klein and falling asleep on the couch, Fleetwood awoke to find Klein ejaculating on his face and tee shirt. This was his motivation, he said, for pointing a .410 shotgun at Klein’s face and pulling the trigger. Tests showed that sperm found on Fleetwood’s tee shirt, confiscated the night of Klein’s violent death, "...could not have been that of the victim but instead was consistent with the blood" of Fleetwood. Newly appointed Eureka Springs Police Chief Earl Hyatt was aninvestigator with the Carroll County Sheriff’ s Office at the time of the slaying and worked with Eureka Springs Investigator Morris Pate at the crime scene. If convicted, Fleetwood faces a five- to 20-year prison term for the Class B felony. �Lesbian Loses hav~ been discriminated against. Law- ¯ "Or will our gift to them be ever-narrowyers for the state and attorneys for the " ing horizons of thought and speech?" three lesbian couples who filed a lawsuit ] on the issue say they believe the ruling ~s ¯ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Aug. 30) - The MEDFORD, Ore, (Aug. 20)- Rol~rt J. the first of its kind in the nation. Florida Court of Appeals has upheld a ¯ Acrement, the California man who is State Rep. George Eighmey, who is " lower court ruling that ordered Cassey charged with the December 1995 execu: ¯ gay, praised the decision, saying "it’s a SANTA ANA,~ Calif. (Sept. 5) - At a tion-style killings of lesbian activists ¯ Ward, age 12, removed from the home of ¯ big step in the fight direction." But Lon " public hearing, the state department of Mary Ward,~her lesbian morn, and handed Roxanne Ellis and Michelle Ab’dill, told "¯ ¯ Mabon, the leader of the anti-gay-fights " social services listened to testimony on over to the custody of her father, John ¯ the San Francisco Chronicle in a prison : group the Oregon Citizens Alliance ira- ¯ Tire 22, a proposed regulation that would Ward. interview that he killed the two women ¯ mediately said the judge is "flat Out prorecommend adoptions in California only . The father called the court .ruling a because they were lesbians, not in a homosexual" and was trying to destroy for married coul~les. Despite the ob_vio.us "victory for my daughter and every other botched robbery attempt as he had first child in this nation ffho may be faced with ¯ the notion of family. The state has 30 days ¯ restrictions on gay and lesbian couples the claimed. to decide whether to appeal. proposed regulation would impose, state ~ being raised in a household in whichho¯ Acrement also sent aletter to the StockOfficials denied it was anti-gay. "We’re ¯ mosexual role modeling distorts.and perton (Calif.) Record telling the paper in the not talking about sexual orientation," said " verts, or is like to distort or pervert,.socicity where he was arrested that he had Janice Ploeger of the state health and ¯ etal norms that have been established and earlier in the year killed Scott George ¯ welfare departme.n,t. "This has to do with recognized from the beginning of eivilibecause the man had made a sexual pass at ¯ : -WASHINGTON.(Sept. 4).-According to marriage andwhat s in the best interest of zation." him. In his letter, Aerement, 27, said he ¯ had invented the robbery .motive in the ~ : Mr: Ward was convicted of killing his ¯ the 14tk annual report on school, censor- " the child." But rights advocates strongly disagreed. slayings Of Ellis arid Abdilli who were ¯ fir~twffein 1974;firing.12bullets,during ¯ ship; People for the American Way says Tara Rose,31, testified at the hearings on ,f,_0und shot througla tile head, b~.cau~e he : aright over their daughter. He-pleaded ¯ there were a record 475 attempts last year the regulations that she was raised by two ¯ was nervtus about inmate reacti0n~ to. : guiity to.sec0nd degree~urd~r an~] ~erved ¯ to restrict books, classes or educational " mothers’, but adoption was impossible proced_ures that opponents claimed were ¯ my reason fbrkilling~’ whiehhe said was - ¯ .eightlyears.in.prison. - ~ . .. ~ . while she wasgrowing up and she sees the a "hate crime." i ~ ,= ~ ~ " The~thr~e-judge appeals_ panel ins~stexl .. too sexually explicit, too violent,too raregulation as abig step backward in CallAcrem~nt wen’t ori in th~ letter to say, " that its =decigionwasn"t based on mother ciM,. anti-religious,, an,ti-family, ¯ Mary Ward’s- sexual, orientation, but on ¯ .unAmerican. ~ or all these things. - fornia. "ff we’re talking about-marriages however, that now he doesn tcare wha ¯ ¯ the"best interes~ts of thelchild ’: Activists . A~cording to.the report, the things~b- -. only.that’s one issue/’ said Rose. "But .anyone thinks - :inclbdingthe’ji~ that this is’ discriminating agaiast gay and les: -were quick ’.to point ,out,-howe~er, that Will decid,,e his-fate~ "They can kilt me for- ] Judge Joseph Tarbuck, whosetower court ¯ jected, to last year ranged from accep.ted ¯ bian parents." classics inliterature to Halloween partles. ¯ all !care,. the letter:s~y~i ":/i" :) The new rule could go into effect next ¯ ruli~gwas beittg revie~ved by the appeals " _In-.41% .of the,cases, .th6 rep0rt~ .says, :. cour~,.clearly istated in hivcustody deci- : -school officials bowed to Objections and -- October around the time partners Lisa sion.that he wanted the gift taken fromher ¯ rembved matelials or restricted activities. "" Pratt and Julie Thompson .will be adopt. " .morn and handed over to her i convicted- ¯ The" report, "Attacks on the Freedom to, "¯ ing a second child, six-month-old Katy. ¯ kiil~r dad to give bet a chance to live in."a They told the hearing that they’re con¯¯ _ Learn~" cites-conservative Christians mid HOUSTON (Aug: 29) = After deliberat- ¯ non-lesbian world.’" especially members of the Christian Coa- - cerned the child won’t get the same benJohn~ .Ward ctiallenged the mother’s ¯ lition as chief objectors in mostof the " efits as. their daughter Elizabeth. Even if ing fortess than 3 hours; a jury has found ¯ the regulation goes into effect, the final Daniel C. Bean, 19, guilty.of the January ¯ custody after.she applied for anii~crease ¯ . cases it reported on. 4 kilting of Frederick Mangi0n~ merry ¯ in child support. Attorneys representing California, which has the largest num- ¯ decision will be made by thejudgein each because he was gay.~Bean, who pblice MrS. Ward have Said slle Will pr~obably " ber of public school students of any state ¯ adoption case, state officials say. There ¯ said belongs to a neo-Nazi group known appeal the ruling to the state supreme ¯¯ in the country, also led in the number of ¯ were some6,000 adoptions in the state in 1995 according to state officials, and about as the German Peace Corps in Washing- ¯ court. ¯ attempts to restrict materials or classes, a fourtli of them were by single parents, ton state, was found guiltt of stabbing with 56 incidents reported by the group. ¯ ¯ straight and gay. Mangione 35 times with a large knife Carole Shields, president of People for outside a suburban bar where they met. ¯ . the American Way, noted that many of the Evidence given during the trial indicated ¯ school.materials objected to mirrored hathat Bean and his stepbrother, Ronald H. ¯. tional debates on issues, such as racism PORTLAND, Ore. (Aug. 9) - An Oregon Gauthier, 21, both bragged to patrons in poverty, homosexuality, crime, drug and the bar that they were going to assault ". state judge has given the gay rights movealcohol abuse, and AIDS. someone who was gay. Police also told ¯ ment a surprising victory in partnership : "We must analyze this report and de- : SAN FRANCISCO (Aug. 12) - The San the court that the two men later boasted of ¯ benefits. The judge has ruled that Oregon " cide as a nation: Will we bequeath to our ¯ Francisco board of supervisors voted must offer insurance benefits to gay do- ¯ children the tools and information they brutally stabbing Mangione. Bean faces a : unanimously to lay out $1.2 million in maximum life sentence for the killing. ¯ mestic partners of state employees. In ¯ need to address these complex issues as ~ city funds to buy property for a 5-story issuing the ruling, the judge said it was ¯ they growinto adulthood?" Shields asked. Gauthier is still awaiting trail. ¯ proposed Lesbian & Gay Center. The ~ "beyond debate" that gays and lesbians Lesbians’ Killer: It" Was ’Hate Crime’¯ Child to Killer Dad California to Ban Gay Adoptions? ¯ SchOol Censorship i=. EffortsContinue : Neo-Nazi" -Judged Guilty of Murder ¯ D.P.’ Benefits Come ¯ From Court Ruling :City OK’s $1.2 m for Gay Center P AlrERSON REALTORS~ LEA ANN MACOMBER MCC of Greater Tulsa Realtor Associate Mobile: 671-2010 "Where God Uplifts All People" 2642 E. 21st Street ¯ Suite 170 . Tulsa. Oklahoma 74114 Off: 918-749-8374 ¯ Res: 918-582-7672 ¯ Fax: 918-747-1795 Community Cleaning A Residential and Commerical Cleaning Service Kerby B aker (918) 622- 0700 Call for Free Estimate 1623 N. Maplewood Tulsa, Oklahoma 838-1715 BROOKSIDE JEWELRY 4649 South Peoria 743-5272 Comer of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Mon. - Fri. �board approved the funds to purchase a ¯ rambling Victorian house in the city that : center backers will renovate to house the ¯ community facility. Total costs for the . proposed center, which is planned to hav e ¯ a book store, gift shop, meeting rooms, :¯ and a 200-seat auditorium, are expected ¯ to run about $7.3 million. The religious group charged that Disney had abandoned its "commitment to strong moral values" and was promoting gaythemed books and films. Walt Disney Company officials declined to comment on the group’ s call for a boycott. Earlier this year, the Southern Baptist Convention called for a boycott of Disney be- ¯ cause the firm has recently extended do- City Distributing Inc. River City Distributing was targeted for the boycott, bar owners and activists said, because of Mrs. Shedd’s involvement in Kentucky’s Eagle Forum, the anti-gay group headed by Phyllis Schlafly. They also noted that Mrs. Shedd served on the state Republican Party’s executive committee the year before when it unanimously passed a resolution in favor of reeriminalizing homosexuality in the state. In addition to the popular bars and res¯ taurants involved in the protest, the boy: cott was also being supported by DENVER (Aug. 28) - Will Perkins, the Kentucky’s Fairness Campaign, the Proused-car dealer and head of Colorado for . Choice Coalition, the Metropolitan ComFamily Values which backed the state’s munity Church and the Louisville Chapter unconstitutional Amendment 2, told : of Parents-Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Denver’s city council that they shouldn’t ¯ Organizers said at the time that the extend health benefits to the partners of , boycott could cost the distribution comgay and lesbian city workers, calling the pany as much as $15,000 per week in lost move an "economic jihad." ¯ sales. Just months after the River City Perkins brought with him Paul Cameron, ¯ boycott was announced, Miller Brewing the discredited psychologist who was re- : severed its relationship with Shedd, who moved from the American Psychological ¯ has also sued Miller. The boycott itself Assn. for fudging statistical data. Even so, ¯ was ended earlier this year after the orgaCameron insisted studies he did using : nizers declared it had been a success. obituaries indicates gay~ and lesbians are : Now the Shedd family has filed a widehigh health and violence risks. ¯ ranging suit, charging the bars, restauA spokesperson for Equality Colorado, rants, and organizations with conspiracy, a gay rights organization, said Perkins’ interference with contractual relations, group is a "fringe anti-gay organization" criminal harassment, defamation of charand said Cameron offers nothing but ’*ooacter, and other aetious that the family is gus anti-gay statistics." The council will seeking unspecified damages for. take up the question in a vote in September. ’tion to its anti-bias protections, the council has now voted by 6-1 to undertake the issue once again. The council voted to create a committee of 3 council members and 10 city residents to discuss including sexual orientation in its anti-bias protections and to report back to the council. Anti-Gay CO Org. Opposes Partners’ i Health Benefits Calif. County OKs ". mestiClesbian workers.Partnerbenefits to its gay and Dom. Partnerships Intel Offers Benefits SAN JOSE, Calif. (Aug. 14) - Following a tense, prolonged and sharply divided : SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Aug. 16)- Intel late-night debate, the Santa Clara County ¯ Corporation, the computer chipmanufacboard of supervisors refused to bow to : turer whose Pentium processors run railorganized conservative religious opposi- ¯¯ lions of computers throughout the world, ’tion andunanimously approved setting up has announced that starting in 1997 the a county-wide domestic partners registry. : same-sex parmers of its workers in this Religious opponents lined up to speak : country will be eligible for the same mediout against the proposed registry during ¯ cal, dental and other employees benefits the nearly 6 hours of public testimony, : that the spouses of its workers have access charging that it would undermine the tra- : to through the giant computer firm. ditional family, and said immediately af- ¯¯ The company said it had jbined with ter the board vote that they would launch ¯ scores of other U.S. high-tech firms in a petition drive to put the issue before the extending thebenefits package to thepartvoters this November. Nearly 2,000 people : hers of its gay andlesbian workers to help attended the packed board chambers, an ¯ "attract top talent and retain key performadjoining auditorium, and spilled onto the " ers" in the very competitive industry. sidewalks outside the county government building. Santa Clara County, with some 1.4 million residents, is the home of many high- : DURHAM, N.C. (Aug. 24) - The Washteclmology firms that already extend ben- " ington, D.C.-based lobbying group Huefits to the same-sex partners of their ¯ man Rights Campaign has launched a employees. Approval of the measure : campaign in North Carolina to persuade makes Santa Clara County the largest ¯ undecided voters in the state’ s U.S. Sengovernment entity in the state to OK a ." ate race this November to dump Jesse parmership registry. "" : Helms. HRC says it will be operating phonebanks and direct mail campaigns to convince swing voters in the state to vote ¯ : ¯ ¯ " ¯ : ¯ ¯ i HRC Fights Helms Lawsuit. Follows " PBS/NPR Extend "Partner Benefits ¯ Sucessful Boycott : WASHINGTON(Aug.20)-Without.any : ¯ : : " lently anti-gay member of Congress. HRC ¯ xs expecting to spend some $220,000 on : though it’ s best known for its wholesome " the anti-Helms campaign in North Carofamily films like Aladdin, the Walt Disney ¯ lina. ¯ Company is facing another threatened : ¯ boycott by a conservative religious orga- . nization. : The Assemblies ofGodis urgingits 2.5 : million members to stop going to Disney ¯ films, buying Disney products and going " SAUGATUCK, Mich. (Aug. 26)-Months to the company’s popular theme parks. ¯ after the city council tabled a proposed ordinance that would add sexual orienta- 2nd Church Calls ! for Disnev BOVe_ott Town Reconsiders Rights Measure ....... Clinton laas ~,o~a,~athe ~.,,,¢;to to Administration the same-sex oart LOUISVILLE, Ky. ~Aug. ~u)-Aecord- :" fanfare, ing to a report in The Letter, a Kentucky ¯ ~_.~?,,~;.~’~ o,,.~,,,,,~ ...........~-,-~--~:----~..... :y~,~_,,_.,,n~ v,~v~.,.m~- ,~yu,,~,,, : casting Svstem(PBS) and National Pubthe state s most prominent conservauves . licRa~io~NPR),thefirstfedemllyfunded has filed a massive and complex lawsuit ¯ agencies to offer such benefits. againstnearly every gay andlesbianbusiDonald Wildmon, president of the far¯ hess and organization in the Louisville right anti-gay American Family Assn., area over a 1995 boycott launched against : immediately denounced the move by the a firm co-owned by the family with the : two public broadcasters as a "misuse of Miller Brewing Company of Milwaukee. ¯ tax money". "Bill Clintonis willing to use Nine local gay bars and restaurants ." tax dollars to support the radical homolaunched the boycott in August 1995 be- . sexual agenda and promote homosexual cause of what activists called the "right Wildmon said in a press statewing activities"of Donna Shedd, whose ¯. marriage," ment condemning the PBS-NPR move. husband David was president of River St. Jerome An Affirming Liturgical Church "QUALITY WORK UNBELIEVABLE PRICE" meeting at 7fie Garden Chapel FOR APPOINTMENT 384J S. Teoria if" "flu[so., Oklaf/unna ~fass Saturday eveni~s at 6pro ¯ OUICK SERVE 743-7141 ¯ PATIO BAR 7he ~,v. :Talfier Rick Ho~ngsworth, Pastor Ehe :Xev. Deacon Debbie Starnes (918) 742-6227 Traci.Huntsman Owner 3225 S. Yale Tulsa, OK 74135 Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant a professional corporation Sun. 9:15 am Christian Education ¯ Sun. Service 11:00 am Wed. Service 6:30 pm ¯ Wed. 7:30 pm Choir Practice Thurs. 7:30 pm Codependency Support Group Rev. Nancy J. Horvath M. Div., Pastor 4021 South Harvard, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135 To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly zoith our God... Micah 6:8 747-5466 5451-E South ~ 74146 " (918) 622-144~ �HIV May Be Eliminated CHICAGO (Aug. 10) - A report in the Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that HIV could eventually be "flushed out" of its hiding places in the body’s lymph nodes] Researchers at the Chalucet Hospital in France reported that after intensive treatment with antiviral drugs, the amount of HIV identified in blood and lymph nodes of patients had decreased significantly. The French scientists said that ff HIV replication in the body can be halted entirely through medical therapies, they believe infected lymph .node and other body cells will eventually be replaced by new, uninfected cells. The finding, if substantiated by other research, could be important because one concern AIDS experts have expressed recently is that even with powerful new anti-HIV drugs that appear to dramatically reduce infection, continual drug treatment might be needed if the virus cannot be entirdy eliminated from the body.. HIV Infects More Blood Cells LONDON (Sept. 6) -According to a report in the medical journal Lancet, researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland have confirmed that a second set of blood cells - CD8 cells - is also vulnerable to infection by HIV and may play a crucial role in how the virus develops. It has for some time been know that HIV progressivdy destroys CD4 T-lymphocytes, the cells that the body produces to fight off infections. But scientists had previously believed that CD8 cells were immune from HIV infection,,,possibly because of structural differences in the cell itself. The Scottish researchers re¯-,~r+ however, that 5 of 16 people with AIDS that they studied had CD8 cells infected with HIV at high levels. The researchers said the next step is to discover whether the virus destroys the body’ s CD8 cells or simply invades them until they become active later. British Rights Group Wants Aversion Therapy Ended in UK LONDON (Aug. 9) -The British say rights organization OutRage has formally asked the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Home Ministry’s health secretary to issue guidelines barfing the use of aversion therapy, to set up a board of inquiry into how extensive the treatment has been and continues to be as an attempt to "cure" homosexuals, and to offer a public apology and compensation for individuals who have been harmed by such treatment, either physically or psychologically. The continuing use of aversion therapy, often involving electro-shock treatment and psychrtropic drugs, was the recent subject of a BBC-TV program and shocked many in the country who were unaware that such attempts to "cure" homosexuals were still being used, at least occasionally. In a letter to the health secretary, OutRage called the government sanctioned use of aversion therapy "scandalous" and "barbari c pseudo-medi cine" that had "caused untold suffering and harm to ual~own numbers of gay and bisexual people." Twins Studies Suggests Genetic Factors in Sexual Orientation TORONTO (Aug. 12) - Researchers reported at the annual convention of the American Psychological Assn. that a new, large-scale study of twins in Australia adds further suggestive indications that sexual orientation among gay men is in fact a hereditary factor, although it failed to find a similar pattern among lesbians. The findings were based on a study of some 4,500 sets of twins, fraternal and identical, in Australia. Lead researcher Dr. J. Michael Bailey of Northwestern University reported that about 20% of the twins studied identified their sexual orientation as other than "strictly heterosexual." Of the 312 sets of men who were identical twins, who are formed from a single egg, nearly half had the same sextml orientations. Among fraternal twins, who are from 2 separate fertilized eggs, having the same sexual orientation was significantly less likely, Bailey reported, saying that the f’mdings were "consistent with the idea that there is a male gene for sexual orientation." Although the study was one of the few that have included women, the researchers reported that they could not find enough identical twin lesbian sisters to indicate a statistical relationship between possible genetic factors and lesbianism. Oral Sex Riskier Than Previously Believed PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 14) - According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, University of Washington researcher Timothy Schacker reports that even people who are engaging in lower-risk sexual behavior are continuing to become infected with HIV. The 3year study of 46 people found that while nearly half had had sex with just 1 partner during the month prior to infection, oral sex, which has been generally considered lower risk for transmission, was the most common form of sexual contact among the patients in the research. Schacker and his ~olleagues in fact were abi~ ~6 ;~3,~’~[~.cally pinpoint 4 cases in which oral sex was the only possible route of transmission. The report is the 2nd recently to indicate that oral sex appears to be a higher-risk behavior than has been previous believed. NJ Offers 3 Protease Inhibitors Free TRENTON, N.J. (Sept. 4) - New Jersey state health officials have announced that the state will make3 important new AIDS drugs available without charge to patients who earn lessthan $30,000 a year and are either tmiusured or do not have policies that will cover the costs of the new drugs. The drugs include 3 of the new protease inhibitors: saquinavir (Invirase by Hoffmann-LaRoche),indinavir (Crixivan by Merck & "Co.), and 3TC (Epivir by Glaxo Wellcome). The drugs have been shown to be able to reduce detectable levels of HIV dramatically in many people infected with the virus. State health officials warned, however, that if demand for the new drugs outstrips the state’s ability to underwrite the giveaway program, some restrictions - such as co-payments or deductibles - may be added later. The free rug plan is being paid for from the state’ s 9 million AIDS Drug Distribution Program. About 1,700 state residents currently get AIDS drugs without cost through the program. ~ More Women Being Tested ATLANTA (Aug. 3 i)-The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the number of women in the U.S. who are being tested for HIV has been rising dramatically for the past few years. Between 1991 and 1993, the CDC reports, the percentage of women 18 to 44 Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method By &for, but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. Monday & Thursday evenings, 7-9 pm Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. HOPE HIV Outreach, Prevention & Education formerly TOHR HIV Prevention Programs 742-2927 4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights. SCOTT ROBISON’S PRESCRIPTIONS Serving Tulsan’s Since 1947 Major credit cards In-store charges or Direct .insurance billing for your convenience! 3 locations to serve you: Hillcrest Physician’s Building 1145 So. Utica 582-7144 Utica Sq uare Area 1560 East 21st, Ste. 104 743-2351 The Plaza 8146-D South Lewis 299-1790 �~,ears of age who had been tested for the virus increased some 60% overall. The agency reported that a 1993 survey of more than 6,000 women indicated that 31.8% said they had been tested. A similar surveyin 1991 of 13,000 women found .that just 18.8% said they had been tested at the time. Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Specialized in HIV Care Providing Comprehensiv e Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services We have many insurance provider affiliations - if you belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 2325 South Harvard, Suite 600, TulsaF/4114 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pm, 743-1000 Art Show & Sale 10 am- 7 pm, Sept¯ 28 & 29 0 UR HO USE 1114 South Quaker Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy beautiful works donated by local and nationally recognized artists to help friends living with HIV/AIDS. All proceeds from the sale go to helping our friends living with HIV/AIDS. For further information, call 665"-1339 / herry Street Psychotherapy Associates N 1515 S. Lewis (918)-743-4117 Serving a Diverse Community : ¯ ¯ ’Playboy’ Surveys College Students Attitudes on AIDS CHICAGO (Aug. 25)- A Haybo.y maga: zine survey reports that 9 out of 10 college ¯ students are sexually active, that sligh.tly : more than half say their sexual behavior : wouldn’t change if the AIDS epidemic : disappeared, and that just over a third say ¯ they’ve been tested for HIV. HIV Programs Widespread in : The survey, published in the October Schools, but Often Don’t : issue of the magazine, reports that 66% of ¯ women and 49% of men in the more than Teach About Condoms ATLANTA (Sept. 5) - According to a ¯. 1,000 students surveyed say they wouldn’t survey by the federal Centers for Disease : change their sex lives much if the epiControl and Prevention, some 85% of the : demic wasn’t a factor. The magazine also nation’s public middle and high schools ¯ reports that 39% of the males and 35% of teach required HIV prevention classes in : the females in the survey said they had 39 states plus the District of Columbia. ¯ been tested for HIV, and that 27% of the That’s the goodnews from the CDC study. : men and 19% of the women said they The less-than-good news was that only ¯ knew someone with the disease. Some about 61% of the school districts provided : 63% of the males and 79% of the females in-service training for teachers; about 54% : surveyed also said they believe their said they taught students the "basic facts ¯ chances of contracting HIV/AIDS was about HIV/AIDS"; only about a third of ". either unlikely or barely likely. The surall the teachers involved in school AIDS :¯ vey also reported that 57% of men and 71% of women said they had only one education programs said they had any training about HIV prevention during the ¯¯ sexual partner during the previous year. The magazine also found that condom 2-year period before the survey; and only ¯ 37.1% of the instructors said they taught ¯ use appears very highly corrdated with a steady relationship. While 41% of the their students the "correct use of ¯ males and 54% of the females reported condoms." In issuing the report, the CDC said one : being in a steady, monogamous rdationobvious and important area that needs ¯ ship,40% of these students also said they improving in the country’s HIV/AIDS : do not use condoms. Only 6% of the school education programs is increasing ¯¯ students surveyed who are not in a toonogamous relationship said they don’t the percentage of teachers who both teach preventionin health education classes and : use condoms. who regularly receive in-service training Psychologists Delve Further on the subject. : into Sex & Biology ¯" Younger Inner-City Women at TORONTO (Aug. 13)-Dr. James Dabbs, ¯ a psychology professor at Georgia State High Risk for HIV Infection CHICAGO (Aug. 15) - Two just-pub- ¯ ~Uuiversity, reported at the annual Amerilished studies in the American Journal of : can Psychological Assn. convention that Public Health report that younger urban ¯ in studying testosterone levels of 28. leswomen are at very high risk of HIV infec- ; bian couples,it was the sdf-definedbutch tion. A Medical College of Wisconsin ¯¯ partner in the relationship who consisstudy estimated that about a third of all ¯ tently had the higher levels of testosterone, the "male" hormone that all women younger inner-city women are at high risk of HIV infection, mainly because of risky ¯ also have in smaller amounts. Dabbs rebehavior like IV drug use by their sexual : ported, however, that despite the higher partners. The researchers also reported : levels when compared to their partners, that while most of the women had a fairly : none of the women in the study had siggood knowledge of HIV transmission ¯ uificandy higher testosterone levels than risks, they were poorly informed about : women in general. In another study presented at the APA the correct use of condoms and lubricants ¯ during sex. Another study of younger ; conventionby Ray Blanchardof the Clarke urban women in the same issue said that ¯ Institute of Psychiatry inToronto, aniden~ tifiable group of men are predominately high rates of syphilis among these women ¯ or exclusively attracted to genital males who are drug users is an indication of the ¯ who dress and act like women- transveshigh-risk sexual behavior they are also engaging in. Both groups of researchers :¯ rites or pre-operative transsexuals. A1said HIV prevention programs aimed at ¯ though Blanchard said that these "gynadromorphile" men he studied were these inner-city women are needed to help ." sexually attracted to cross-dressers, they reduce growing infection rates. ¯ were not attracted to post-operative trans¯ sexuals - men who have been surgically AIDS FederalHousing Grants. ] and hormonally changed into genital feWASHINGTON (Aug. 24) - The U.S. ¯ males - and considered themselves "betDept. of Housing & Urban Devdopment : erosexuals of some stripe." (HUD) has announced some $7.8 million in housing grants to non-profit agencies in Ex-Boxing Champ Says HIV communities in 9 states that offer housing Not ’That Big a Deal’ assistance for low-income people with AIDS. Community-based non-profits in : KANSAS C1TY, Mo. (Aug. 26) - In an Baltimore, West Hollywood, Calif., San ¯ interview with the Kansas City Star, Francisco, Savannah, Ga~, SantaFe,N.M., "¯ former heavyweight boxer Tommy Tucson, Ariz., New York, Philaddphia, ¯ Morrison said being infected with HIV Burlington, Vt., and Seattle are expected "doesn’ t seem like that big a deal" and to receive HUD grants of various sizes : that he is not taking drugs his doctor has The federal funding was established in ¯ prescribed to combat the virus. Morrison, 1992 as part of HUD’ s Housing Opportu- ¯ who has also appeared in a few films nities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) ; including "Rocky V" where he played a program to help agencies that provide ~ featured role as a boxer, announced that housing assistance and related support ; he is HIV-positive earlier this year. service to people with HIV/AIDS. �Clinton Wows ’Em The AIDS Legal Resource Project by Darlene Shadid Being HIV positive means facing new challenges and new issues. In addition to the personal, medical, and other quality of life issues, you may face extraordinary (or even mundane) legal demands for the first time. The AIDS Legal Resource Project may offer a solution. The AIDS Legal Resource Project was created more than three years ago to empower people with HIV/AIDS with the knowledge and assistance needed to maintain control over their lives. The Project offers free and effective legal assistance to those who qualify by connecting them to one of the more than 150 attorneys statewiad wh6 have agreed to serve on a Pro Bona Panel. Attorneys on the Project’s Panel offer help in several critical areas. Perhaps one of the most important (yet one of the easiest) is estate planning. For example, a Power of Attorney can be drawn up which allows you to choose exactly who can make decisions about almost any matter related to your care. Other documents include an Advance Directive For Health Care (Living Will), a Final Will and Testament, and Disposition of Bodily Remains. ff you have been de~ed Social’Security benefits, an attorney can l~elp collect the necessary documentation for the Administrative Hearing. In fact, havin an attar- hey present at the Hearing increases the chances of being awarded benefits by more than 50%. We also give advice regarding other state and federal entitle- In the past three ¯ : :¯ i ¯ years, the AIDS Legal Resource Project has provided legal assistance to more than 584 ellents with attorneys from around the state. i i : One of the recent successes is a preeedent-setting ldwsuit i in .which a FtIV n.ega- ¯ : ¯i txve man sued former employer after being fired because his partner was HIV+. ment programs. We also assist clients who have been unfairly denied health, life or disability insurance. Informationis available on how to keep and extend insurance coverage ¯ after work is no longer possible. ¯ If you are fired from a job, denied ." housing or equal access to health care ¯ because of your HIV status, an attorney ¯ can file a Complaint with the appropriate ," authorities. If necessary, the representa¯ don-will continue through the various ¯ stages of the process, including litigation ¯_ and settlement negotiations. Family law matters such as adoptions ¯ and child custody can be handled by an ¯ attorney in that area when HIV/AIDS is ¯ directly involved. Finally, we can help ¯ end harassment by creditors. ¯ In the past three years, the AIDS Legal : Resource Project has provided legal as¯ sistance to more than 584 clients with ¯ attorneys from around the state. One of ." the recent successes is a precedent-setting ." lawsnitin which a HIV negative man sued ¯ his former employer after being fired be" cause his partner was HIV positive. ." If you are HIV positive or have AIDS ~ and you have a legal problem you may ¯ qualify for free legal assistance from an ¯ attorney on the pro bona panel of the ¯ AIDS Legal Resource Project. Call the ¯ project collect at 405-524-4611 for more ¯ information. ", This is thefirst column in a series writ: ten to help Oklahomans with HIV/AIDS ¯ know and understand their legal rights. ¯ Starting next month, each column will ¯ deal with a legal issue related to HIW ¯ AIDS and will be written by a local attar¯ ney who is on the Pro Bona Panel of the " AIDS Legal Resource Project. CHICAGO - This year’s politicking got underway in Chicago with the Aug. 16-18 OutVote ’96. The Human Rights Campaign, sponsor of the gathering, called it the "first lesbian and gay national political convention." Just a week before the Democrats held their convention in Chicago, the President addressed the some 500 OutVote in a pre-taped video speech. "l’mproud of the accomplishments we’ve made," Clinton said. Tacidy acknowledging the sometimes strained relationship between Clinton and the gay and lesbian community, he said: "All Americans face a critical choice this Nov. I believe we must put aside our differences and focus on what unites us, on our common ground....in 1992, I told you about my vision for America - a vision you were and are very much a part of. I’m especially proud to be the first president ever to endorse a civil rights bill that specifically includes gay and lesbian Americans." Community Events BAPC Quilt Performance If you missed this highly acclaimed performance as part of the Summer Stage Festival, you can see it on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2pm at the Tulsa Community College, Southeast Campus Performing Arts Center on 81st St. near Hi. 169. Tickets are $S/adults, $5/students. Info: 595-7182. Wro~tling Enthusiasts Sought A wrestling enthusiast seeks similar individuals interested in forming a wresfling club for recreational matches. He is also seeking an experienced coach. Call Keith at 918-438-8340. ALL blEW SHOW! IN CONCERT ONE NIGHT ONLY! SATURDAY OCT. S 8 PM 5how And ticket Information: (91 8) $96-71 1 1 Advance Ticket Purchase Is Strongly Recommended Tickets Available At: The Tulsa Performing Arts Center Box Office Location And Al! Direct From Her HBO Special ,On Tour Fro,u Her Sold-Out P-Town Su,u,reer Shows! 110 East second St. Carson Attractions Locations TULSA A Portion Of The Proceeds Benefit Black & White Charities, Inc. �TULS FAMILY NEWS COMMUNITY CALENDAr, SUNDAYS Agape Christian Fellowship Services, 10:30 am 6540H East 21th pager: 594-9692 MONDAYS TUESDAYS WED NESDAYS HIV Testing Clinic THURSDAYS I-HV+ Support Group ¯ : SATURDAYS Agape’ Christian : Free & anonymous testing " HIV Resource Consortium " Co-Dependency ¯ St. Jerome’s Church : Fellowship using fingerstick method. ¯ Support Group 1:30 pm ¯ Mass, 6 pm Service, 7 pm . 7:30, Family of Faith MC( ’" WalkN°appointment required.in testing: 7-8:30 rm :: 41 54 S. Harvard, Ste. H_I Garden Chapel Sheridan Center, Suite H ¯ 5451-ES. Mingo,622-1441 ¯ Info: Wanda @ 749-4194 21st & Sheridan, 747-2482 " 3841 S. Peoria : Results hours: 7-9 pm ¯ ¯ Bless the Lord At All ¯ Info: Father Rick Info: 742-2927 ¯ HOPE Shanti-Tulsa, Inc. ¯ Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center ." at 742-7122 ¯ : HIV Outreach, ¯ HtV/AIDS Support Group " Times Christian Center " Prevention, Education Sunday School, 9:45 am " ¯ Mixed Volleyball for ¯ ¯ & Worship Service, 11 am ¯ . Prayer & Bible Study " Anonymous HIV Testing ¯ Narcotics Anonymous Fun & Competition Friends &Family 262T0 East 1 lth 583-7815 " Helmerich Park, 6:30 pm ¯ Meets weekly at 11 pm " 7:30pm 2627-B East llth ¯ Walk in testing: 7-8:30pm ¯ Confidential support for Call 583-7815 for info. 71st & Riverside " " HITV/AIDSpm, callSupp°rtfor location:Gr°up ¯ Results hours: 7 - 9 pm ¯ recovering addicts. Community of Hope ." ¯ ¯ Info: 587-6557 Info: 742-2927 749-7898 (United Methodist) Community of Hope Family Of Faith MCC : .. ¯ 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 Worship Service, 6 pm ¯ PFLAG Family AIDS Praise & Prayer 6:30 pm " Tulsa Family Chorale Alternative Skating 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 ." Choir Practice 7:30 pm : Support Group Weekly practice, 9:30 pm 8:30 - 11 pm, 241-2282 NAMES Project 5451-E South Mingo. . ¯ 2nd Mon. of month Lola’s 2630 E. 15th $4, Sand Springs Skate AIDS Memorial Quilt Family of Faith Call 622-1441 forinfo. : : 6:30 pm, 4154 S. Harvard : Sewing Bees Metro. Comm. Church ¯ Info: 749-4901 PFLAG Family AIDS : 3rd Sat. of each month Grief Group Adult Sunday School, 9:15 TNAAPP Support Gl:oup : ¯ Buder/Stumpff Info: 748-3111 Worship Service, 11 am -" Tulsa Native American ¯ 1st & 3rd Thursdays OTHER GROUPS Funeral Home 5451-E S. Mingo, 622-1441 AIDS Prevention Project ¯ 4154 S. Harvard, 749-4901 2103 E 3rd St. ¯ The Technicians, Leather Support group Call for time: 587-7000 Metro. Comm. Church ¯¯ org., Info c/o 621-5597 for Gay & Bi Native Alternatives ¯ T.U.L.S~4. Tulsa Uniform of Greater Tulsa American Men, 6 pm ¯ Weekly social events for ¯ Worship Service, 10:45am & Leather Seekers Assoc. at Community of Hope ¯ LGBT men & women, 7 pm ¯ Info: 838-1222 1623 N. Maplewood ¯ 1703 E. 2nd Info: 646-5503 Gay & Lesbian Student Info: 838-1715 582-7225 or 584-4983 Association Substance Abuse Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay . TJC Southeast Campus, Support Group Alliance. Univ. of Tulsa " : for persons wi th HIV/AIDS I~..o: 631-7632 SWAN2"Single Women , s 6:30 pm at Canterbury . 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. G Activity Network 5th & Evanston, 583-9780 ¯ 3-4:30 pm Call 832-2121 : Info: 749-4194 Community Events i I~v~i~.g-heal.~y lives. Tommy Chesbro, " ~aaCh" le~,,der, w_ith special guest Duncan " rows, tools for application, the power of ¯ ~xx~ coordmatoreforindianHealthCare ¯ Resources Center of Tulsa, notes that the , acLacman, Leatherman 1996. As GuyMr. Baldwin, author Toronto of Ties ¯ positive thinking, how to avoid the pit: group helps provide peer suport forliving falls (New Age and otherwise), and more. : a life in balance physically, mentally, " That Bin.d, states ’~f you try to find your The workshop will include meditation, way in the SM/leather scene by yourself, ." emotionally and spiritually. The group is ritual, storytelling, group exercises, and you are doing it the wrong way--there is ¯ open to men living with HIV/AIDS as opportunities for sharing. no need". ¯ well as those not infected. It is specific to ¯ The suggested offering is $5.00 for men but Indian Health Care would like to ¯ Thisw.workshop is for wtmen men ¯ rials, each workshop to cover workshop mate~ike ho are interested in orand curious information, and future workshops, , work with women also if there’s interest¯ but no one will be turned away for lack of Rural Men’s Group ¯ The Two Spirit Mens Group meets on " anout leather/SM. "It’s an educational oppormmty you will not want to miss. ¯ funds. It is suggested that the participants H.OPE, H1V Outreach, Preven’tion, Edu_ ~W~ednesdays at 6:30 pm at Commtmity of _bring a cushion for comfortable seating. cation, is sponsoring social/discnssion ¯ r~ope Church at 2rid & Utica¯ Info: " Whether it’s your cup of tea or not, the group for men who have sex with men and ¯ Tommy, 918-582-7225, or write, ¯ information will be valuable for under- ¯ Juice, coffee, and water will be provided. who live-outside Tulsa. The group will ¯ TNAAPP,915 S. Cincinnati,Tulsa74119. ¯ standingthediversityofourcommunity,,, . Please free to bring a snack, pencil, or heralds Larry Everett, International Mr 7pa~p,er.t~F_or more information please call meet the 2nd & 4th Saturdays each month, ¯ Bible & Homosexuality Study Leather 1995 ¯ "So co~ ....... 7-gpm at the Gathering Place, 4154 So. ¯ ~,u out and ex-" " ’+~-zv2/, 371-0496, Community of Hope will pilot a new plore with us", sa s lan or e-mail Harvard, Suite E-3. Upcoming dates are Y ce" " mrac194@aol.com. interdenominational Bible seminar, on . S unday, " .O,c,t. 20, Duncan Ma~c,,La,chlan 9/28, 10/12, 10/26, 11/9, 11/23, 12/14 & Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 for4 weeks Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa 12/28. Call Brian or Jeremy at 918-742will present ’Healing The Spirit ,. It will beginning on Sept. 18. The study has been be held 1-5pro. Duncan states, ’Native D/I, agroupforLesbianandGayCatho_ 2927 or 1-800-282-8165.. developed by the United Methodists Rec- ¯ American teachings and other spiritual lies and Episcopalians will meet on Oct. Tulsa AIDS Mastery Project onciling Congregation Program with " 12, and then on Nov. 9th at 5 pm at St. ¯ This group will present Tulsa’s 1st .Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, DiglearnreS°urceStolivehaVebettermUChwitht° offerHiV. USspiritualaS we Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 5633 E. 71 st Mastery workshop on Friday, Sept. 20 - " nity/Integrity (Catholic & Episcopali~t~), " traditions teach us that the source of all " TO National Coming Out Week Sunday, Sept. 22. This is anintense week- " GLAD (Disciples of Christ), Reconciled ¯ h.ealin.g.is spiritual." He also asks, "What ¯ Oct. 8: A Roundtable discussion of end experience designed to assist those ¯ in Christ (Lutheran), Supportive Congredoes t!us mean? How can this knowledge "Sexuality: Nature vs. Nuture" 7:00 pm in individiduals who have been affected’by " gation Network (Mennonite), and More ¯ be applied in practical ways?" ¯ the Chouteau Room of Allen Chapmafi ¯ HW/AIDS to come to terns with theimapct " Light (Presbytwerian). Duncan is a workshop leader, group ¯ Activity Center fafl~c!..flae virus has radon theirlives. Trained " Leather and Healing Workshops facilitator, counselor, and educatorliving ¯ ,Oct. _9: Panel discussion concerning ac~lltators welcome individuais living ¯ in Toronto. He describes his living with aoout Gay Marriage, 7:00 pm in the The weekend of October 19 and 20 will with ,HIV/AIDS, family, loved ones, ¯ be a busy one in Tulsa as lance brittain, ~IV. since 1983.,asahealingandamiracle. " President’s Lounge, Cha man friends, earegivers, and HIV/AIDS pro,-, P Mr. Alameda County Leather 1994; r~e is very enthusiastic about passing on uct. 10 (National Coming Out Day): fessionals. The weekend is free because ¯ H.O.P.E., formerly TOHR, and the Silver ¯ what he as learned and likes to make the Unity Party on Sharp Chapel Plaza, TU this event is sponsoredby a grant from the ¯ Star, .Sal~oon combine community spun- " ~work,s,hop a safe and nurturing experience " Campus. All campus groups are invited to Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership Ior ml participants with his warm and .a,tt.end and will receiv.e letters concerning (TCAP) but donations of food, beverages ,s°rsmp Ior two,,and very,,different, workshops,. inclusive style. He does ask that all par’~’Le.ather 101 Heahng The Spirit" are needed. Info: Melissa @ 584-2325. /~oth workshops will be held at 4f58 SI ~m~ event. 3:00 pm w~th speakers at 5:00 .ticipants wear loose, comfortable clothTwo Spirited Mens Group : .Harvard, suite E-3 in ’The Gath~,q,, mg and to please bring a small obj~t of " During Naffonal Coming Out Week, The Tulsa Native American AIDS Pre- " Place" at the H.O.P.E. and R-e~o~r’~C~’~a~_ " pers, o.hal significance. Duncan adds, ’This " BLGTA will be taking donations in supvention Project is sponsoring a group of " womshop will be useful for people who ¯ port of Breast ~2ancer Awareness Month, sortium building. Gay, Bisexual or Two Spirited men f-or a in October. Info: BLGTA at the Canter~ ’Teather 101" will .be held Saturday, are affected by HIV includi,n~’.caregivers weekly group to explore their roles in health care professionals oct. 19, 12-6pm and will be facilitated by " and bury Center for United Ministry at 583traditional Native American culture and ¯ Duncan will be offering the teachings " 9780 and leave a message for Maureen lance, Brian Jackson, a H.O.P.E. out- . of the medicine wheel and the seven ar- ¯ Curtin or Rob Crenshaw. Interfaith AIDS Ministries Old Fashioned Street Carnival I_AM will hold the 2nd of these fun events on .Sat. Sept. 21 from 10 am to 6pro .at Southminster Presbyterian Church parkmg lot (near Concessions) at 3500 So. Peoria. Join IAM for this day of fun for all ages. Info: 438-2437. �WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viaticafion is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness canreceive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an ~hdividual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and your unique medical situation. Not every policy is suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. HOW DOES A SETTLE- MENT WORK? HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT ? With your written pernfission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to determine your policy’s Today, many companies offer viatical settlements, doing business only by bulk advertising and 1-800 numbers. They transfer your insurance and medical records value. Then, a settlenmt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatso- by mail, and do business from another state. ever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made directly to you. You pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE. FOR ME? At Southwest Viatical, we believe you should be assured of complete confidentiality and the best poss~le service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local community. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available Many factors influence whether viaticating your life today. And because of our established resources, we can insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days. you and your family in person, in detail and can recommend an experienced Certified Financial P1 anner to assist ~¢Ve’ll do what it takes you in planuing the best outcome from your unique financial situation. Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative 4021 South Harvard, Suite 210 Tulsa, OK 74135 918-747-3320 to find the best solution for you. �by Phyl Boler-Schmidt " able, or you can bring your own. The Gay It’s Jazz Festival timein Eureka Springs, ¯ Family Reunion is always a fun event, a and the excitement is building as the 12th great way to meet and greet new folks and annual event approaches. This year’ s dates ¯ to spend lime with family toward the end are September 19th - 22nd, and both big ¯ ofthehectictouristseason. Plan toattend. name and local talent will be performing , For those of you looking for complete all over town. hair styling and other saFeatured artists for Ion services, we have a JazzFest include Stanley new family cutterin town. Turrentine & Band, time in Tymythy Aieran is affiliAllmad Aladeen & The ated with the Holiday IsDeans of Swing, Emie land Hair Salon at 92 Durawa & Los Jazz year s dates are Woodsdale Drive and Vatos, and Grady Nichols performs the full range of & Moment’s Notice. All salon services - haircuts will be performing at the 9.2nd .... AnOther & styles, perms, color, Historic Eureka Springs manicures, pedicures, City Auditorium musical hot w.axin.g, facials, and ear Small clubs will host a ticket hits town piercing. To contact number of local and big Tymythy, call 501-253name performers as well, 9712. and nightly there will be a Another musical hot post-performance party at ticket hits town the weekthe top of the Basin Park end following JazzFest. Hotel in the ballroom. The 49th Annual Ozark These events are hosted Folk Festival comes to by the Eureka Springs Eureka Springs from SepJazz Society and will featember 26th - 29th. A full ture performers from the board of performers is JazzFest ticket. scheduled, including: PeThere is still time to get ter Rowan, Townes Van tickets for the scheduled Zandt, Joe Cart & Alan events though JazzFest is Munde, Crow Jolmson, always one of the hottest Still on the Hill, the Jones tickets to behad during the Eureka Springs season. For reservations and information, : Brothers, Charles C. Hammer, Doe Brothcall the Jazz Festival Hotline at 501-253- . ers, Jim & Kim Lansford, and Richard 6258.-The Jazz Festival can also be reached ¯ Johnson & Doug Reid. For more information on the 49th Anvia e-mail at jazz @nwark.com. Complete : nual Ozark Folk Festival, call the Eureka information about the 12th Annual Eu.--_~bo q.,qn.~ t.~’~’7 Festival is available ¯ Springs Chamber of Commerce at 501¯ 253-8737. online at: http://www.eureka-usa.com/ ]ae season IX wlaum~ u,,,,u, ..... events/creative/index.html biggest Ozark attraction of them all is yet Also coming up fast is the annual Eu- ¯¯ to come. Plan to visit our Victorian utopia reka Springs Gay Family Retmion, to be ¯ held this year on Sunday, October 6th ¯ in October to watch Mother Nature show off in all her spendor. There’ s nothing to starting at 2 pm at Beaver Dam Site Park. " compare with the autumn colors in the A canoeing event will be held that morn¯ Ozarks. ing beginning at 11. Rentals will be avail: See you in Eureka! It’s Jazz Festival Eureka t .... September 19th - ¯ 0 ¯ ¯ ¯ 0 ¯ ¯ ¯ A Friendly Place to Stay ¯ KING’S HI-WAY INN ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ MCC of the Living Spring ...a community of friends... ¯ ¯ 0 ¯ 0 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ o ¯ 0 ¯ ¯ 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62 W Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (501) 253-7311 1-800-231-1442 Jerry A. Wilson, owner ¯ We welcome you to attend! Services held Sunday evenings at 7 o’clock ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 17 Elk Street (at the Unitarian Church) Eureka Springs, AR 72632 501-253-9337 ¯ The PC Specialist, 501.253.2776 Phyl Boler-Schrnidt followina JazzFe t. The ¯ 0 the weekend a r rr~rz’xrrt~ FRESH 1TALIAN RAINBOW C USII~E TROUT Systems & Software Specialist POB 429, Eureka Springs 72632 ~gth Annual Ozark Folk Festival comes to Eureka SprlnCs from September 96th- 99th. Books, Incense, Candles and Rainbows! Plus lots more! (501) 253-5445 45&1/2 Spring Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 emrain@rog.arispnet.com of Eureka Springs. Recommended by The New York Times (501) 253-680Z Closed Wednesday Center Street, Eureka Springs, AR 7263Z. Exciting Reaching OUT to all People Gay Mecca. of the Ozarks Rev. Clay Cody 6540-H East 21st . Sunday Services, 10:30 am pager: 594-9692 �The fime nas come to marriage._D~.et . .: tivities of me rtawan Supreme¯ Court, samesex mam:a_ge may soon be legal m that state. The backlash against_ this, the Defense of ~ or ~onduct such cer- ]~e ~ree to take posl¯ "1.1 ¯ tlon$ on issues . . l~ke same-sex marrxa~e~ ~ " itspositiononotherre" " li"gi ons or on cmzens followingnoorganized religion." :,, trom"tally there is a and the state cannot portion of the Lesbian and Gay community require religions to MarriageAct, willsoon that also is against the become law and will approve of or idea of same-sex marprevent other states riage, though not for from having to recogthe above reasons. nize same-sex marThey feel that theimtieeremonles. riages from Hawaii. The tution of marriage is a can one flawed, patriarchal sysdebate, however, will not end there. tem that Gay and Lesreligion force its Author William bian couples should Eskridge, a Washingavoid. Eskridge gives pos~.tlo.n on other ton DC professor and a good overview of relldions or on lawyer, has addressed these positions, explorthe issue as aproponent ing not only the ,marof same-sex marriage. riage-is-rotten" arguHis book examines conment, but also the "alstitufional issues, court ternatives to marriage" decisions, the history of view (domesti e partnerships) and the antiassimilation perspective which suggests Lesbian and Oay commumty ~ .-.reranthat formal marriage would "dedaw the stream" objections to same-sex mamages. ~radieafism of the gay liberation moveEskridge discredits many of the standard arguments agains__t. same-s.ex fiages, including one ot- me most popmar viewpoints which concerns the ihability and has an appendix tiffed "Letters from of same-sex couples to conceive children. the Faithful on the Legal Recognition of It is hard,to, dispute the author’s logic in Same-Sex Marriage." It includes selected this area: A state could and, to be consistent, should prohibit mamages in which__..,"................. letter.~ £r.~.~.m..l,~.~ r~X-.V-~,~-d-o-~,~m~,u~, ~Or:bo~p~~r~~-t~rii~ qr-impo~ " inducting those representing Catholics, tent. If procreation is the essential goat ot Methodists, Presbyterians and the Jew.ish marriage, why should postmenopausal ; faith.Theselettersdefendsame-sexumons women be allowed to marry? Surely, dis- : by citing avariety of religious doc.u~ent.s. ¯ The battle over same-sex mamage ~ crimination against sterile, impotent or : sure to continue for years to come an aged couples would be lmaeceptable to : Eskridge’s book is an informative and citizens of many different perspectives." ¯ interesting addition to the debate. Check The often used religious argument i.s : for ’q’he Case for Same-Sex Marriage" at also addressed. Eskfidge’s reasomng is ~ the Readers Services dept. of the Central that "state espousal of one religion’s be: Library (596-7966) or at thelocallibrary. liefs risks state supression of another I " [ | | | / | "/ " eo~duet such Butnelther clt e following no organized ren~on. by James Christjohn " SUZANNE WESTENHOEFFER brings her umque brand of queer comedy to Tulsa 10/5 at 8pm in the Williams Theatre, PAC. An outspoken (no pun intended) Lesbian, her humor has a broad appeal (sorry, that one really w.as un~conscions). Her resume is ~mpress~ve, irqm her own ground breaking HBO show (nominated for an ACE award, the l~,mmies of cable), ’Out there on Comedy Central", ’mainstream’ shows such as "evening at ~,e Improv" & ’X~aroline’s Comedy hour , and more. She is hilarious, so this is the must-see for October! Info. call the PAC at 596-7111. CAROL CHANNING will be appearing in Hello Dolly! at the PAC 9/27-29, and trust me, this is a show that must not be n~,’_ssed! Forget all the disp..~g~ng things, you. ve ever heard about tins snow, ana completely disregard any other version. Ms. Channing is the real thing, and this show is magic! I was surprised at how effective it was when Ms. Channing took the stage. Only one lady has the charm and charism~a to pull it off, and this is a chance that shouldn’t be missed. Tickets: 596-7111. And Ms. Channing is as gracious & charming offstage as she is on! CAROL BURNEIff comes to town October 13 for a question and answer session at the PAC. I’m sure I’m not alone in claiming that her show was a bright spot in an otherwise dark childhood/adolescenee. It was the Carol Burnett Show that fueled in me a fire to perform, and to take people out of their troubles, even if only for an hour or two, and make them laugh and think. Thank you, Carol, for the inspiration, the dream, and the laughter. GUYS & DOLLS will be presented by the University of Tulsa’s theatre department October 17 -27 at the Chapman Theatre. For ticket info, call’. 631-2567. BACP presents ’ffhe Taffetas" a 50’s girl-group musical revue, 9/13 - 22. Info: 258-0077 And they have a web site: http/. / WWW.Geocities.com]Broadway/1646 TheatreTulsapresents ’q’heTorchBearers" starting 9/20. Info: 596~7111. (Got that number memorized by now? I do.) An Attorney who will fight for justice & Equality for Gays & Lesbians Domestic Partnership Planning, Personal Injury, Criminal Law & Bankruptcy 1-800-742-.9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. "96. . . .Model Close O.ut! ,96 3000GT, auto, aphrodiasiac to everyday drivi g. Nough said~ $25,930, over $6,200 discount. ’96 Eclipse RS, airconditioning, AM/FM cassette, alloy wheels, $0 down, $239 per month*, *MSRP $16,950, 47 payments of $239.98, last mayment of $7,456 or walk away. Disposition fee $350, 48,000 miles free, 15 cents thereafter, W.A.C, �ere pets are treated like people * Bakery Treats * Bed & Breakfast (boarding) * Salon * Pet Supplies: Science Diet, IAMS, Nutro Dog Food THE DOG HOUSE BROOKSIDE 3311 S. Peoria, 744-5556 TO -DISCO by Jean-Pierre, TFNFood Critic Nested ataprimecomer ofUticaSquare next door to the Polo Shop is a long time popular restaurant site, in this declension known as Capistrano. Previous on-site eateries have included Santa Fe, French, and Italian cuisines, and ¯ ¯ ¯ " ¯ pet peeves is a kitchen staff too lazy to remove the entire shell from the shrimp. How is one expected to gracefully eat a dish with a thick sauce and an incom- plet,ely shelled shellfish? Does one dip one s fingers into the hot sauce to grasp the shrimp by the tail and those ghosts continue to convey it dripping to the haunt the current menu. mouth? Or does-one use Capistrano It’s hard to categorize one’ s fork, risking mouth Capistrano, though, since lacerations from sharp Rotisserie it bills itself as a rotisserie bits of tail shell, and then .(a restaurant specializing later gracefully and elin roasted or .broiled egantly spit out the ofmeats), but only has one 171~8 Utlca Square fending bits ? rotisserie item on the This .wasn’t the first menu. It bears-a passing time we’d been to allegian.ce to F~en~h foods ¯ Hours: Capistrano, so we passed due to its close a~sociaLunel,, 11 to 2:30 up the signature Santa Fe tions with its Owner’s Blue Corn Plato ($9.95), other Tulsa restaurant, Dinner 5 to 9:30 the rotisserie chicken The.FTe.nch Hen, but the ($10.95), the pan grilled preparattons are certainly brooktrout ($12.95), and not, French (of course, .Cuisine: the loin of lamb daily spewe’ ve also made that obcial ($21.95). We wish servation about the we hadn’t. Instead, we French ’HEn, but that is Dress: tried the Guthrie pan fried the subject of another resteak ($15.95), which is view).. We can 6nly call the Capistrano answer to Capistrano eclectiC. Prices: traditional Oklahoma Ecldcfic might also dechicken fried steak. This Expensive scribe the service here, "dish" was a piece of too, though esoteric also Pa~ent: round steak served with fits. Certain customers new potatoes and sliced and tables seem to get a mushrooms, absolutely lot of attention, while othdrowned in the most ofers are left to flounder unfensive brown gravy attended. The al fresco we’ve ever tasted. Flatables are particularly a vored with Worcesterservice wilderness. Some shire sauce, the gravy was Section: of the staff is definitely overpowering with the friendlier than others, and anchovy-vinegar all of them seem to be Worcestershire flavor, lacking in training in the and the taste would not finer points of service. leave the mouth, even Our waitress was also toafter numerous washings tally ignorant as to the Ratln~: with the $6.50 a glass .preparation technique and wine. Our companion Ingredients of the menu tried the toumedos au items. Nevertheless, poivre ($17.95), ordered Capistrano remains a busy restaurant ¯ medium rare and received medium and filled with upseale Utica Square shop- ¯ almost cold. It was a small piece of dead pets. ¯ cow with pepper on it. closed S.nd~ys Eclectic ’C~uM A~ ~o~ No~-Smo~ Alcohol: Tulsa roundtrip to." - San Francisco, $16s - Los Angeles, $188 - New Orleans, $164 - Chicago, $18o - Phoenix/Scottsdale, $138 - San Antonio, $158 All prices subject to change. Call 341. 686,6 International Tours for more information. IGTA member. Enjoy POPS LIVE! with the Tulsa Philharmonic on October 4-5, beginning at 8 p.m. at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. The concert features Maureen MeGovern. Hear this legendary singer with the five-octave range! Call 747-PI-IIL for tickets and information! Where to start? Try to think of every Our dessert was a bread pudding in a cuisine and every culinary fad item, and : Jack Daniels sauce, which our waitress then expect it to appear on the Capistrano menu. Soups include a limed chicken tor- .- announced was a Jack Daniels "bourbon" ¯ sauce, even though our table all knew that tilla, a clam chowder, and a soup du jour, ." only Bourbon County, Kentucky, prowhich on the evening of our visit was a . duces bourbon - Jack Daniels is Tennesspicy tomato, which we found rather thin ¯ see whiskey. But, good whiskey notwithand tart. Appetizers include baked brie ¯ standing, thebreadpuddingwas dry, bland, with sun-dried tomatoes, snails, and a and rubbery. We also tried the creme ¯ brick oven pizza. Salads include the Caebrulee. Creme brulee is a milky custard sar, a broiled mozzarella, nicoise, oriental ¯ with a sugar crust that is caramelized and duck, and alderwood smoked salmon, plus ¯ toasted under the broiler immediately bea vegetarian medley presented on a bed of - fore serving. Our sugar crust was burned greens. The nicoise, duck, and salmon ¯ black. But, the underlying custard was salads come in two sizes, small for $8.95, ¯ smooth and very tasty. and large for $14.95. ¯ Ah, the sacrifices we make for our Pastas are important menu items, in- ¯ readers! This simple little dinner for two ¯ cluding fettucine ticino, a pesto, and an ended up costing us $76. We were shocked angel hair with salmon. We chose to split and appalled. Shocked and appalled not the fettucine Riviera ($12.95) as an appetizer course, and were generally pleased ¯" only because of the price, but because of the quality of food we received on the with the result. The fettucine was cooked ¯ night of the review. We’ ve never been so to the proper degree of al dente doneness ¯ disappointed with their food before. and was sauced in a rich and delicious If one is shol~ping and hunga3, while on lobster cream, redolent with parmesan ¯¯ the west side o[ Utica Square, stop in at ¯ cheese, and sprinkled with bits of lobster Capistrano for a bite to eat. The outside meat, scallops, and three whole shrimps. ¯ eafe seating can be pleasant. Just hope The dish was marred only by the presence ¯ that those legendary birds drop by laden of the tail shell on the shrimps. One of our : with cash. �Do you live in a small town World War II seems to be when Black boots,jeans, black belt, tank top ." leathermen emerged. The men, coming and armband, i am ready to go and the,¯ back from war, were used to strict orders nerves are setting in. Will i be accepted? What will it be like walking into a leather " of rank and respect; the camaraderie, and ¯ ¯ bar?Will ~ be m over my head.9" These are ° the man-to-man bonding in the absence of a few of the thoughts that raced through ¯ women. Some were able to adjust while my head as i embarked onmy first venture ¯ others yearned for the unspeakable. The men began hanging out at the shipto a leather bar. i knew i had to fulfill this " ping yards, loading docks, and the bars of yearning that was growing deep in my " the larger port cities. Soon, groups of men soul. Little did i know that i was about to ", begin the journey of my life with no , began coming together and "hanging their colors" in their "home bar". Motorcycles turning back. Upon arriving at The SF Eagle, i saw a : came onto the scene largely due to the line of huge, beautifnl motorcycles, i never ; appreciation the American soldier~ devdoped while serving’in Europe. rBike knew a sight, such as this[could get my heart to racing so. i made iny way to the : clubs emerged and the followers came patio and all i could see was a sea of ] from far and wide. Uniforms had their leatherdad.men. The day was hot and the ¯ beginning when the men wore them out to air smdled of sweat, leather and cigars, i " display their rank for those who underwas in heaven. But then reality set in. : stood their insignia and would give them What was i supposed to do? Look? Ap- : the respect they called for. Between the 1960’ s and 1980’ s organiproach someone?i waslost. Thisis where ¯ zation, less secrecy, and the leather netmy training began, i had found my home. ~ My family. ¯ work helped increase the growing numbers of leatherpeople. From the 1980’ s to Basic training taught me that not every- : one inleather w as into SM and vice-versa. ¯ the present the Old Guard, which is well Leather relationships ran’the gamut from " defined, and the New Guard have been monogamous with leathersex only, to " combining the two philosophies resulting in a stronger leather community. Fetishes Daddy/boy or Mistress, Master/slav.e and : and the educating of others have grown that these relationships did not always involve pain..Leather involves scenes " and brought about a more diverse and which Race Bannon, author of1~earning " stronger tribe. SM stands for sadomasochism or the the Ropes, says, a scene is a comblnatton ¯ deriving of enjoyment from the infliction of mental, physical and/or environmental ~ components, with an exchange of power .¯ and/or receiving of pain. SM encompasses many forms. Pain is not the key clement as a key element, that mix in such a way as ¯ here, but the exchange of power is. This. to produce a satisfying experience for all ¯ exchange is totally voluntary. It defines participants. Scenes can happen anywhere ¯ the roles and the relationship. The bottom as the focus in SM is the mind. Sex may or may not be part of a Scene. SM has been : relies on trust then expresses his desires and finally gives up his power to the Top. defmed as theater, where you create your This exchange continues throughout the own fantasy and as music, where you ~ scene as the Top watches the reactions of ..... create your own score". ¯ the bottom. The bottom is controlling with i learned about networking, negotiat- ". his/her actions. ing and feedback. Networking is about ¯ Are you now asking yourself how I take finding out who is safe and who is not, : building a circle of friends and acquain- : action with my curiosity? Joseph Bean, tances to help you and attending parties, : author of Leathersex, describes it as: Taking action is like lowering yourself into a workshops and club events. Educating tub of hot water, one timid body part at a oneself is important and no question is ~ ridiculous. Negotiating a scene helps " time, only to discover it Wash’ t all that hot after all. S o just go for it. Leather lifestyles both parties get what they want, feel each celebrate and affirm sexuality. Be honest other out and not get in over their head. and listen until you understand the image! Feedback, such as safe words, helps evreality, fantasy/foreplay give-take flows. eryone involved to know how thin.gs are Also realize that you are play~ng a ro!e going. Safe words such as red, yellow, or and wearing a costume. Leatlaerpeopie green can be used for checking out the are playing their roles for themselves, for scene, halting the momentum for a while, something powerful within and are lookor stopping the scene all together. ing for aproper counterpart. Please do not "Safe, Sane and Consensual" is the wear cologne, loud colors, use a loud leather creed. Safety is of utmost imporvoice, or disturb a scene. It is not proper tance in leather and includes not exchangetiquette. ing body fluids, getting to know your Dressing for Action is not all that inpartner and not trying anything you are volved. A tight fitting t-shirt, jeans, black not ready for. Sane means trusting your belt, and black boots will suffice. Leather gut instinct and not involving alcohol or and accessories are expensive so play by ..... drugs as they can impair your.j.ud,gment, the motto "Perform now, reward yourself cause harm and increase your risk oI sexulater". Do not be afraid to ask questions ally transmitted disease. Consensual stems about what is appropriate for you and from all parties involved should consent your role. Collars are worn to imply that to everything that is transpiring. Commuyou are owned or taken. If you are not nication is the key. But most of all, have ¯ owned, but would like to be, thread the fun. Through my experien~s, i came to ¯ collar under the right epaulet of your realize leather is lovemaking. It is safe ¯¯ jacket. Communicating with clothing can be and non-demeaning as it is a carefully ¯ misinterpreted. Please take the time to .... negotiated, safe, and caring exchange be¯ learn thehankie colors and their meaning. tween partners. Leather is not about pain, ¯ Do not mistake interests for requirements but sensation. Leather has helped me be" and don’ t assume that your messages have come a stronger person and to understand : notbeen misread. Take all these things as the true meanings of trust, honor and love. to be considered and discussed Lastly, leather h,a,s taken me to a heigh,t,. ¯ points see lance, Mind Space, no. two, page 15 see lance, Mina ~pace, no. one, page 1~ or rural area? Are you attracted to other men? Do you feel like you. are the only one? And if you’d like to meet others, come to our rural mens discussion group every 2nd & 4th Saturday, 7,9 pm For more info,, contact Jeremy or Brian 742-2927 or 800-282-8165 Bttt[er-Stumpff Fttrtera Home Cemetery - Funeral Home - Crematory At Butler-Stumpff Funeral Home, you and your family will be treated with dignity, compassion, and pride. Whether it is your given or chosen family who needs our services, you can be who and what you are, and you will not be discriminated against. We offer our exclusive $2820. complete funeral plan, no added costs. If you have a policy some-where else, you can transfer your policy to us, and may be due a cash refund if you paid more for what you have now. Our journey through life should be done with pride; shouldn’t our journey through death be done with pride as well? For more information, please call 918-587-7000 for all of your pre-need arrangements. (insurance policies are available with no health questions asked) 2103 East Third Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104 918-587-7000 �¯ by Stephen W. Scott, PME We all want to look our best. If not just for our health, looking our best can make ¯ an incredible difference in our own self- ¯ esteem and how we view others around : us...in short, Gay or not, it’ s a must. ¯ Maybe you have never wanted to be a ¯ competitive body builder, but you may ¯ still want to feel better about yourself. , There are a variety of ways to do that but ¯ this month, I am discussing one I truly ¯ have passion for- weight training. Maybe ¯ FUNERALS JUST NEVER SEEMED RIGHT FOR MY FAMILY... THE CREMATION SOCIETY WAS CREATED FOR PEOPLE LIKE ME. We enjoy being ourselves. A funeral seems ostentatious and can cost a lot of money. A simple, dignified cremation just seems to fit our lifestyle. Cremation Society® of Oklahoma 2103 East Third, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-1842 918-599-7337 or toll-free, 800-994-7337 or visit us on the Internet at http ://www. cremation, org/oklahoma/oklahoma, html For Free Literature, Without Cost or Obligation, Mail this coupon today! Please contact me. I would like to learn more about your special final expense program. Name: Address: City, St. & Zip: Telephone: Age: work hard, stress muscle tissue and then recuperate. The trick is finding out the right amount that suits you. For some, working out 2-3 per week is best. For the more advanced, 5 per week is optimum. 3. Inconsistency. You must commit YOurself to working out on aregular basis. If you make working out a priority, putling it ahead of social engagements, you will make progress. And if you’re only working out three times a week (5 max.) that lives plenty of time for other things. _y.ou already life weights but you can’t ¯. 4. Too much time on "shaping" exerfigure out why you don t looklike that hot cises. Unless you’re a professi- on~l bodyguy (or girl) dancing next to you on a Sat. " builder, there’s little need to concentrate night. Many times the difference can be ¯ on various parts of the body. Stick with narrowed down to a few basic points. ¯ the power movements like bench presses, 1. Lackofintensity. Too often, many of ¯ squats, leg presses, etc. These are exerus just go through the motions of exercise ¯ cises that build size andstrength overall. without fully understanding the impor- ¯ 5. Inadequate rest and/or nutrition. If tance of intensity. I’m sorry to break it to ¯ you follow all these tips yet fail to get ¯ you but weight lifting hurts. You must enough sleep or you eat poorly, what work out hard and consistently, pushing ¯ you’re doing is equivalent to swimming .yourself to add more weight while keep- ¯ in a cement overcoat. You must sleep an mg a perfect a form as possible. Intensity ¯ amount that’s right for you. Eat lots of is simply trying hard enough. ¯ whole-grain foods, vegetables, fruits, and 2. Too much intensity & not enough ¯ low-fat protein sources. rest. The number that fall into this cat- ¯ 6. Rottenform and time in between sets. egory is significantly smaller than the ¯ There are various ways to make an exer¯ previous one. Unless you’re juiced to the cise easier. Almost all of them constitute gills (steroids) or on supplements, you’re ¯ cheating and waiting too long in between not going to be able to work out every day ¯ sets. Swinging a barbell up, using your of the week. Normal guys and gals need to ¯ body weight, momentum and maybe a ¯ ¯ eatapnlt may make curling a weight easier, but it will do absolutely nothing to make ¯ your muscles grow. Wait more than 30 ¯ seconds (45 max.) in between sets and ¯ you lose your fatigue/tension and your Mind Space, no. one : muscles can cool down to where you’re at ened awareness of my inner self and has : the starting point all over again. allowed me to stand tall and be proud of ¯ There are plenty-of other pitfalls to ¯ whoi am. achieving your best physical shape, but i would like to here your comments, ¯ ~we’vecoveredthemostimportantofthem..~. .any questions you may have, or any sub- : Despite the image that weight-lifters ofjects you would like me to talk about. You tenhave, they’re involved in a science, can e-mail me at mrac194@aol.com or and if you treat it as such, you’ re likely to write to me in care of Tulsa Family News. get the results you want. Mark your calendars for September 20. Stephen W. Scott, PME is a native of Ron Greenwood produces ’q"he Mr. Tnlsa Tulsa. He is president and founder of l_xather Contest" at The Silver Star SaFace Beautiful and FB for Men, a Euroloon. Until next time ...... clinical day spa specializing in treatments Author’s note: in the leather commu- ¯ for the skin, body, hair and nails, located ¯ nity Tops are recognized in upper case in OKC. He is also certified in Fitness, ¯ and bottoms as lower case. Nutrition, and Massage. Info: 405-840¯ 3223. Mind Space, no. two with a possible partner. Here is a tip to remember: A Top flags left and a bottom flags right. You do not have to be all dressed and ." How To Do It have no place to go. There are the bars, ." First 30 words are $10. Each additional dubs, events, dub runs and more. There ¯ word is 25 cents. You may bdng additional attention to your ad: are many national events that happen anBold Headline - $1 nually and local events you can find out Ad in capital letters - $1 about through the local papers, the comAd in bold capital letters - $2 munity, leather magazines, and the Ad in box - $2 Ad reversed - $3 intemet. Always ask. The information is Tear sheet mailed - $2 there for your disposal. Blind Post Office Box - $5 The world is for your ialdng. Don’ t be Please type or print your ad. Count the afraid. Take one step at a time until you ao. of words. (A word is a group of letters or numbers separated by a space.) Send feel comfortable and remember, the leather your ad & payment to POB 4140, Tulsa, community is there for you with open OK 74159 with your name, address, tel. arms. This .tribe will help you with your numbers (for us only). Ads will run in the journey. After all, we are all on this journext issue after received. TFN reserves the ney together. right to edit or, refuse any ad. No refunds. i aminterestedin your comments, questions, or topics you would like to see Seeks Similar discussed. Please e-mail me at GWM, I am Christian, 39, like movies, mrac194@aol.com or write to me in care family, friends, ’quiet evenings, warm, of Tulsa Family News. In October i will be considerate, friendly ,always happy. Seekdiscussing leather relationships. Until ing lifemate for monogamous relationthen...Play Safe, Play Sane, Play Conship with similar interests. Let’ s meet to sensually, but most of all Have Fun! talk. Rt. 8 Box 796, Tulsa, OK 74126 �, Lifestyl Fgo S24,900 S400 Health & Fitness Center . Lush ~dscaping M~ble ~bby ¯ Jogging Track 8400 ¯ Valet ParNng The Hying Begins Now. 4-10 West 7th (7th and Denver) 584-8400 1-800-327-0555 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Text Any textual data included in the document Sept, 15 - Oct. 14, 1996, vol. 3, no. 10 Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans Communities ENDA DOMA WASHINGTON- The U.S. Senate voted on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), two key pieces of legislation affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. The Senate passed the anit- Gay DOMA bill, 85-14, as was expected. The Senate then voted 49 to 50 to defeat ENDA. Oklahoma’s senators, Don Nickles and Jim Inhofe, both noted for their hostility to their Lesbian & Gay constituents, voted against ENDA and for DOMA. Nickles was the Senate sponsor of DOMA and Inhofe an original co-sponsor. TulsaOklahomans for H~_~man Rights (TOHR) issued a statement strongly condemning their votes, particularly criticizing Inhofe for his refusal to meet with Lesbian and Gay constituents, community leaders or Gay press. Sen. Nieldes sent a letter to colleagues calling for a vote against ENDA because it would "promote sexual promiscuity". He also equated homosexuality and bisexuality with bestiality, pedophiliaand adultery, and suggested that local school boards should be able to fire or not hire staff who express opinions advocating homosexual or bisexual relationships. The measures had became hopelessly entangled in a series of political moves, counter-moves, and countercounter- moves. DOMA, which has already cleared a House vote, would define marriage as a legal commitment between one man and one woman. The effect would be to deny any federal benefits to married samesex couples. No state currently recognizes such marriages, but a lion of the work of several TOHR boards and longtime community supporters. Tim Gillean, former president of the organization, was recognizedinparticularforhis leadership. ’‘This project has been the dream of many but without Tim Gillean, we would not be where we are today," noted pres. Debbie Starnes. The Pride Center will be open to all community organi zations andindividtmls who share its goals which include ending discrimination and oppression based on sexual orimany but without oR.]DE CENTER N ON BROOKSIDE OCT. 4TH ¯ Officer ’ - ..... _" Many community organizations have enabout to i dorsed this project. Prime Timers has donated Bisexual i $1,000 for The Pride Center and Rainbow Brookside Business Guild, The Black &White Charities, Rights (TOHR) and Inc., PFLAGleaders, Bill &Kathy Hinkle and foot center open in October. pastors of the churches that reach out to the A spokesperson for the or- community support The Pride Center. ganization noted that The " Part of the 3,500 s. f. of The Pride Center Pride Centeris theculmina- been the dream o~" " will provide offices for HOPE, HIV Outreach, ¯ Prevention, Education which are the preven- ¯ tion programs of TOHR. HOPE’s director, T;m G;llean, [former pres.], we would not be where we are today," - Deb Starnes Pride Ctr. Pres. entation. Officials stated that The Pride Center opens with a modest budget and will be supported by individual and organizational mem- .berships, as well as byindividual pledges. Membership is $20/yearfor individuals and $35/year for couples. Pledges range from $3-5/month up to $100/month with most at about $15 to $25 Statues added, ’"dais is a way for each and every member of the community to make a difference. We appreciate those individuals who can pledge hundreds but the support of those who can just help with a few dollars a month are equally important. This is a center for all." Fellowship Congregational i Welcomes Lesbians & Gays ¯ Another Tulsa "mainline" Protestant church has become an offi- ¯ cially welcoming congregation to Lesbians and Gay men. Fellowship ¯ Congregational Church joins a number of "open and affirming" ¯ churches that are part of the United Church of Christ (UCC) denomi- ¯ nation. ¯ The leaders of this church of about 200 near 31st and Harvard ¯ characterized the year and 1/2 process of becoming a welcoming ¯ congregation as both stressful and as exciting. The issue first seemed ¯ to rise about 3 or 4 years ago. The church which as a tradition ofbeing ¯ involvedin socialjusticeissues realized that they had a certainamount ¯ of ignorance about homosexuality. Over the year and 1/2, at a series ¯ of events, the congregation had the opporttmity to personalize the : issues. A divinity student who had ties to the congregation came back ¯ to preac.h and also came out as Gay. see Fellowship, page 3 ¯ Claudette Peterson, was estatic at finally hay- ¯ ing adequate space for her staff. The highly " successful programs now have seven staff ¯ members and additional volunteers who can : not fit.into the current spaces near the HIV ¯ Resource Consortium (HIVRC). Peterson ¯ notes, however, that HOPE will continue its : HIV antibody testing program at ’the HIVRC ¯ with which it works closely. ¯ A workroom and a conference room of The ". Pride Center will be available for community ¯ organizations that do not have their own of- . rices. The site has adequate parking at the ¯ building which is unusual for Brookside with : even more overflow parking nearby. The Cen- ¯ ter will be accessible to those with mobility ¯ disabilities. ¯ Additionally, ThePride Center will behome ¯ to The Pride Store. The Pride Store will serve ¯ community needs rangingfromgreeting cards, ¯ rainbow stickers, flags and other Pride items, ¯ news magazines, t-shirts, etc. Gay business : owner Tom Neal is volunteering as a consult- : ant and is donating merchandise from his store ¯ tomfoolery] see Pride Center, page 3 ¯ Community Leader Lost : see Community Notes, page 9 National Coming Out Day Workshop, Leatherstuff, Bible + Homosexu,a,lity Study Group, Two Splrlted Mens’ Group + TU/BLGTA Safe Haven, RBG Dinner Gay Comedy Jam, IAM Street Carnival, Lesbian Comedian, AIDS Mastery ComingSoon : OKLAHOMA CITY- Oklahoma’s Gay community is in shock from ¯ repo~tsofabrutalkillingofagaymaninthesmalltownofWoodward, ¯ near the Oklahoma Panl~mdle, by two men whom witnesses say later : bragged they had ’~ust killed that queer." It is the second vicious anti- : gay murder in the state this year. Police say Albert J. Bixler was ¯ apparently beaten to death with a car fire jack and his body dumped ." inatrashbinby Shannon LeeJones, 23, and MarkJones,30. Bothmen ¯ live in Woodward but are not related to each other. One witness at an i apartment building where the two suspects were staying told police ¯ she overheard Shannon Lee Jones say, "The queer son of a bitch got ¯ what he deserved." Shannon Jones is being sought by police on murder charges. Mark Jones, 30, is being held on murdei charges. ¯ Authorities have also issued amaterial witness warrant for a thirdman whom they identified as Clifford Green, who sometimes goes by the name of Clifford Beard. Only a week earlier, two Guthrie, Okla., teenagers, identified by police as skinheads, appeared in court in Oklahoma City to face ¯ charges of murdering Charles Meers earlier this year. Alexis N. Perryman, 18, and Nicholas J. Karlin, 15, have been charged with ¯ brutally beating Meers, stabbing him, shooting him, and then dousing his body and home with gasoline and setting them on fire in an effort : to cover up the killing. case pending in Hawaii see ENDA/DOMA, p. 3 " Oklahoma’s ’96 Anti-Gay Murders INSIDE EDITORIAIJLETrERS/DIRECTORY P. 2 NEWS BRIEFS P. 4 HEALTH BRIEFS P, 6 CALENDAR P. 9 EUREKA HAPPENINGS P. 11 BOOK REVIEW/ENTERTAINMENT P. 12 RESTAURANT REVIEW P. 13 CLASSIFIEDS P. 15 ¯ " Robert Fitzgerald Renfro, known as RF or ¯ just as Renfro, one of Tnlsa’s most respected ¯ community leaders and HIV/AIDS educators ¯ died at St. Francis Hospital on August 23 after ¯ a brief, though severe, illness. ¯ A Celebration of Eternal Life was held at Shiloh Baptist Church with the Rev. Eddie ¯ Cook preaching and the Rev. Melvin Bailey, : host pastor, see Renfro, page 3 918.583.1248 fax: 583.4615 POB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TuisaNews@aol.com Publisher + Editor, Tom Neal Asst. Editor + Mac Guru, James Christjohn, Writers + contributors: Phyl Boler-Schmidt, Barry Hensley Jean-Pierre Legrandbouche Leanne Gross Steven Scott Gerald Miller, Lance Brittain Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the entire contents of this publication are protected by US copyright 1996 by Tulsa Family News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without written permission from the punisher. Publication of a name or photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248. by Phyl Boler-Schmidt A number of months ago, I reported on a rather suspicious death that occurred here in Eureka Springs. It was a death that struck terror in the hearts and minds of many lesbigay cidzens because the victim was known to be aGay man, andhe was killed by a teenager who suggested tO police that he did the deed in selfdefense againstacts the description of whichI Would probably incite major homophobic responses from the police. It.appeared at that time that investigation of the.death was being permanently swept under the rug. However, Iamhappy to reportthat the death ofChris Klein will not go unpunished, or at least untried. Anthony Fleetwood was arrested in August .and charged with 2rid degree homicide, some seven months after the slaying. Bond was set at $30,000, and if the bond is raised, Fleetwood risks losing the services of the Public Defender appointed by the court. DNA and serum test results were finally completed and failed to back up Fleetwood’ s story, a story that said, in part, that after polishing off a 12 pack see Justice, page .3 by G. Miller, M,A. Last month I gave some simple advice on dealing with the outside forces in your life. The aim of that little treatise was to get you thinking positively about ways to improve you daily existence byhandling the external forces you confront This month I want to spend a little time on how to get your personal force into the positive mode. This will sound way too simple but the truth usually is simple¯ Youcan either choose to see your life as positive or negative. You . make that choice every morning of every day, When you head to work, understand what it is you are doing. If you’ re lucky you go to ajob that challenges and fulfills you, or you are going to ajob which permits you to earn a living. The income from that job provides the where with all.which allows you to do the things you want to get enjoyment out of life. So while thejob itselfmay not be the most enjoyable thing in the world, it is the springboard to enjoying the other areas of your life. If you can make that logic stream work in your favor then you can stop bitchin’ about your job and start making each day mean see Life, page 3 Tulsa Clubs-& Restaurants *Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine 832-1269 *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria 744-0896 *Lola’s, 2630 E.. 15th 749-1563 *St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st 745-9998 *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 *Samson & Delilah, 10 E. Fifth 585-222.1-, *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main ... 585-3405 *TNT’ s, 2114 S. Memorial 660-0856- *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308. *Interurban Restaurant, 717 S. Houston 585-3134 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Dennis C. Arnold, Realtor 7464620 *Assoc. in Med.& Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & -Life Insurance 747-9506 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E: 71 250:5034 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272 *Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 - ¯ - 592-1521 Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 *Deco to Disco, 3212 E. lSth - .749-3620 Don Carlton Mitsubishi; 46th & Memorial 665-6595 Don Carlton Honda, 4i41 S.’Memorial- 622-3636 *Elite Books. & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 Express Pools & Spas, 6310 S..Peoria 743-9994 Foxlinx, Computer-Consultation- 690-2974 Leanne M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria .584-4606 *International Tours 341-6866 JD Images, Photography 621-5597 Kerfs Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Lean Ann Macomber, Realtor Associate 671-2010 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-311-2 Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31st 663-5934 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Pl 664-2951 *Novel Idea Bookstore, 51st & Harvard 747-6711 David A. Paddock, CPA, 4308 S. Peoria, Ste. 633 747-7672 Puppy Pause II, 1 lth & Mingo 838-7626 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’ s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Scott Robison’ s Prescriptions, see ad for 3 locations 743-2351 Southwest Viatical 747-3322 Thomas Chiropractic, 4138 S. Harvard, Ste C-1 742-8868 Kellie J. Watts, attorney 493-1959 Fred Welch, LCSW; Counseling 743:1733 ¯ Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities ¯¯ AIDS Walk Tulsa; POB 1071,74101-1071 579-9593 Black & White, InC.-POB 14001,Tulsa74159 583-7314 ¯ *Bless The Lord... Christian Center, 262To E. 11 628-0594 ¯ *B/L/G Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa Canterbury Ctr. 583-9780 *Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th Pl.. & Florence ¯ *CommunityofHopeUnitedMethodist, 1703 E. 2rid 585-1800 ~..Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595 : Dignity/IntegrityrLesbian!Gay Catholics/Episcopal. 298-4648 ¯ .*Fmnily of Faith MCC; 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 ¯ *Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777 ¯ *Free SpiritWomens Center, call forlocation &info: 587-4669 ¯ Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827 . Friends in Unity Social Org. (African-American mens group) : POB 8542, 74101, call c/o TOHR @ 742-2927 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584 4983 ¯ Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438:2437, 800-284-2437 ¯ ~MCCbfGreaterTulsa, 1623 N:Maplew0od 838-1715 ¯ *I-IiV Resource Ctr., 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 7494194 :. NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H’-I 748-3111 : *Our House, 1114 S. Quaker 584-7960 ¯ PFLAG ,POB 52800, 74152 7494901 ¯ *Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674 ." Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74104 : *R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 7494195 .~ Rainbow B,usiness Guild, POB 4106, 74159 " 665-5174 "" St.Jerome s Catholic Church, 3841 S. Peoria, 646-7116 ," .~Shand Hotline & HIV/AIDS Services 749-7898 ¯ Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729, 74152 7434297 ! Technicians, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 ¯ T.U.L.S:A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 ¯ *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor ¯ *Tulsa Community College, Metro & NE Campuses : *University Center at Tulsa : EUREKA SPRINGS ¯ Autumn Breeze Restaurant, Hwy 23 South 501-253-7734 ¯ Beaver Dam Store, 1/2 mi.N, of Dam Hwy. 187 501-253-6154 : *Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-7457 ¯ DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-6807 ¯ *Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445 ¯ Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, POB 429 501-253-2776 : King’sHi-Way,96KingsHighway,Hwy.62W 800-231-1442 ¯ MCC of the Living Spring 501-253-9337 ¯ McClung Realtors 501-253-9682 ¯ Positive Idea Marketing Plans 501-253-2401 ¯ Rock Cottage Gardens 501-253-8659 800-624-6646 ¯ Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East 501-253-6001 The Woods, 50 Wall St. 501-253-8281 Opposes School Tax Increase Tulsans who pay property taxes just felt a significant bump this spring, and if the October 8 bond issue passes, we’ 11 get ajolt. Renters, you won’ t escape either- .your landlord will have to pass on the cost increase to tenants. But isn’t the bond issue for a worthy cause - Tulsa schools? The school district’ s demanding $94.5 million for a district with about half as -" many students as ithad 20 years ago. Last ¯ year they said they needed $89 million : from us, but they have "upped the ante" ¯ because they claim buildings have dete- -" riorated that much since last year. Yet ¯ they have sold two of their 18 unused ¯ properties in the meantime- where are ¯ the millions from those? They also claim ¯ that they need chairs and textbooks, but ." many parents tell me the P.T.A.’s have ¯ provided those since last year in various .. school~. They made dire predictions, that our property taxes would fall if we didn’ t "support our schools"- but values are up. And does each classroom really need tele- ¯ communications and a telephone as re- , quested? I’ think not, We all want our ¯ schools to be fine ones. But each person has to ask, "What benefit will I see from ," yet another tax hike?" Vote NO Oct. 8. - Leah Farish Editor’s note: TFN neither endorses nor ¯ Opposes this vote. We encourage readers tb consider carefully and to vote. ¯ We applaud those represented by the ¯ letter above [or reaching out to Lesbian ¯ and Gay voters. This community is usu- ¯ ally simply ignored though we are af- ¯ fected- as parents, as teachers, as ¯ homeowners and tenants. In a tight race, ¯ minority communities can make a differ- "~ ence. The writersees that. Thesupporters :. of the bond vote have made no effort to ¯ reach out to this community. ¯ Carbon Copy - Full Text ¯ Editors, The Tulsa World ~ Why are we afraid of same-sex mar- " riage? Is it change? Without change, we ¯ can not grow. Why are we afraid of any¯ one or anything that is different fromus or our views? What would the world be like ¯ if we were all the same? ~ Marriageis acommitmentbetweentwo ¯ people who love one another. Single-par- " ent homes, illegitimate children, abusive : spouses, alcoholism, joblessness and : multiple marriages are aspects that are ¯ tearing the family and marriage apart. Please tell me where same-sex marriage ." will destroy the institutions of marriage _. and family. And is it wrong for a married ¯ couple not to have children and go against the marriage is for.pro-creation theory? : Heterosexual couples enjoy the right to ¯ tax breaks, spousal benefits, and hospital ¯ visitations. Same-sexcouples donot. Isn’ t ." this discrimination? Have we forgotten ~ about the Constitution? Doesn’t it give ¯ every American the same basic rights? ." When will the politicians realize they ." arenotsupporting every American?When ¯ will they realize they are teaching hate ~ and discrimination? Where is the love ¯ they supposedlyhavefor Americaandit’ s ¯ people?Whyhas the government decided ¯ it should dictate what our morals will be ¯ and how we will define marriage and ¯ family? ." We are all human beings. The hatred ¯ and discriminationhas to stop. I urge each ¯ of you to please look deep into your soles ¯ and bring out the love God intended us to ¯ share with one another and bury the hate. ¯ America will be a much better place. " - Lance Brittain. Collinsville something in terms of what else it is you want to ¯ accomplish. " The same thing is true of your personal rdationship. If you spend all your time finding fault with ", your companion, then each day will be a trial. If on ¯ the other hand you recognize what good things come from the relationship, and understand how " important that contributionis,thenyour daily inter- " action will become more positive and enjoyable. Don’t forget the reverse of that statement is also ¯ true. If you are doing some trivial thing which ¯ obviously makes your co.mpanion nuts, quit doing it! Making a concession m a triviality is nothing ¯ compared.to slowly poisoning a rdationship over ¯ sbmething which is probably of little meaning to " you anyway. Sit down in a quiet moment and start looking at your reactions to the things you experience each day. If you are spending most of your time being angry or upset or unhappy, figure out why. Is it that someone is purposefully trying to make your life miserable, or are you doing it to yourself? There was a time when the slightest suggestion that I was not competent enough, or smarL or clever or handsome or whateverwould sendmeinto ablack funk. Finally I ~at down and took stock ofwhat was rea~_ly going on. No I am not the smartest person in the world, but I’m smart enough: Yes there are some things at which I am totally incompetent. No, I am not the most handsome person, but then neither am I Frankenstein. What I lack in smarts, I make up for in common sense. What I am incompetent at, I make up for by being very competent in other areas. While I may not be Porno Star material, I have an excellent dry wit! Make your own inveiitory of all the positive things about yourself and recognize that everyone is deficient in some area. You don’t have to become a Saint, but if you will start to be reasonable about who and what you really are and quit trying to be something else, then life gets much less complicated and much more fun. Better than that, you will begin to feel better about yourself and life in general. Then you can start doing the things in your everyday world which actually make things better for yourself and others around you. Now here is the biggest secret abouthow to make your life more fulfilling and enjoyable. Learn to say, ’I was wrong!, sorry. My mistake, sorry!" Whenyou screw up,just admityou screwedUP and get down to work correcting the screw up. Fixin.g a mistake is much less time and energy consmmng than trying to cover up that you made a mistake. Admit that everyone screws up from time to time. Quit trying to cover up your mistake, or bludgeon someone rise for their mistake. If you fall into the trap of the one-upmanship game, you will regret it in the end. There is nothing hard about finding the enjoymeat in Life. It is only when.we set unreasonable expectations of ourselves and others that we make life hard. I had some very wise people try to get this across to me years ago, but I couldn’t grasp the concept then~ Perhaps it is only with lime that we come to these realizations. Or maybe it’s because we are so ego-centered that we can’t see the simple truths in front of us. I don’t know, maybe I’m not smart enough to figure that one out. But I have figured out how to be more positive about myself, about my place in the word and about how to get the most out of enjoying the word as it exists around me. I remember a short quote from a 19th Century Americanpoet, possibly Stephen Crane or Stephen Foster, I could be wrong about the name. I may have the exact quote a little wrong, but don’t miss the point. A man said to the Universe, "Sir I exist." and the Universe replied, "Sir, that fact does not createmmea sense of Obllgatton . Your exlsten is up to you to make ofit something. Youcanmake it negative, combative and endlessly hard, or you can make it something else. What you make it is up to you. Copyright © 1996 Gerald Miller Organizers and featured speaker at the recent fundraisin~g dinner are: Martin Newman, MarkGoldman, and[3ill Stoskopf of Black & White Charities, Nancy McDonald, of PFLAG, speaker Elizabeth Birch, executive director of the Human Rights Campaign, Kristie Suttee, Steve Wright, and Mark Wright, also ofBlack & White Charities. This yearPFLAGbeganitsSWANawards to recognize those in Tulsa who have stood up for fairness and for justice. The recipients are the Rev. Russell Bennett, pastor of Fellowship Congregational Church. His congregation has recently become an officially wdcoming one for Lesbians and Gay men. Eddie Faye Gates, a wall respected educator &writer is honored for herleadership ontheHumanRights Commission. Dennis Neill, an attorney, also served on the Human Rights Commission and with the ACLU and was founding president of TOHR. Lisa Pottorf of Youth Services was recognized for her heroic work with and for Lesbian and Gay young adults. Sharon Thoele, director of the HIV Resource Consortium, is known for her commitment to HIV/AIDS issues &THE NAMES PROJECT. That business successfully served the community for two years from a space leased from The Silver Star. The Pride Store will-benefit The Pride Center and HOPE prevention programs~ Director Peterson anticipates that the Store will be staffed by volunteers but that The Pride Store possibly also may be able to provide appropriate work opportunties for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Other office space will be available for seminars, video showings and exhibits. While not all details have been : resolved, it’s hoped that part of the space can be used for "_ Lesbian and Gay young adults who have few other safe : places to go. Pride Center organizers note that volunteers are needed for clean-up, painting, minor repairs to get the Center ready to open. Later, those with strong backs and a few vans and pick-up trucks will be asked to help move the prevention program offices. To volunteer or for more infolmation, call 743-GAYS (743-4297). is expected to lead to the legalization of gay marriages in that state in the next year or two. Civil libertarians have argued that " DOMA is highly questionable because marriage has always : been a state issue that Congress has never before touched. The ¯ Constitution’s "full faith and credit" clause makes it question- ¯ able whether federal legislation can impose such restrictions. ¯ Activists and several members of Congress were quick to ¯ criticize DOMA as election-year political maneuveringaimed ¯ at embarrassing President Clinton, noting that one of the origi- ¯ hal Senate co-sponsors of the measure was Bob Dole, the : Republican presidential candidate. Clinton drew fire from : rights activists when he quickly said he would sign DOMA - at ¯ leastas itwas introducedin theHouseearlier this year. But since : then, the measure has gone through several changes in the form : of a bewildering set of amendments. The capper in all this, of ¯ course, was ENDA, the anti-discrimination amendment that ¯ was supposed to be tacked on to DOMA by Seas. Edward M. : Kennedy (D-Mass.), James Jeffords (R-Vt.), and Joseph : Lieberman (D-Conn.). ¯ Inan 1 lth-hourmmof events, Senate Majority Leader Trent ¯ Lott of Mississippi announced that ENDA would be voted on : separately from DOMA. The eomplex political mish-mash the : Republicans and Democrats had made of DOMA and ENDA ¯ had created so many objections from both sides of the aisle that : Lott moved to extricate the two measures from each other. ¯ Richard Tafel, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans ¯ noted of the close vote onENDA, "I’his sends the message that : the 105th Congress will be ready to pass some form of non- : discriminationlaw to protectgays andlesbians." said. ’q’he real ¯ surprise is we now have 8 Republicans who support ending : discnnnnalaonagamstgays mthe workplace. We rebegium g ¯ to see what happens when the gay community works with both : parties. I’m sure we can bring on more Republicans in the next ¯ Congress, we had a couple on the fence on this vote. This vote ¯ proves working with Republicans instead of writing them off ¯ benefits the entire gay and lesbian community." ¯ MelindaParas, executive director, National Gay and Lesbian ¯ Task Force commented, ’~foday is a historic moment for ¯ lesbian and gay people, despite the outcome of the Senate votes. : In spite of the intolerance of many Republican and Democrat _" lawmakers, weknow wehavefinally broken the legislative log- ; jam that has blocked Congress from even discussing our civil ¯ rights in aserious manner. Weknow we will have tolose a few i votes.before we win the battle. We lost ENDA by only two votes. We know that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender ¯ equal rights have taken center stage in American politics, and ¯ we can never go back to the days of silence." Renfro was a founder and leader of FUSO, Friends in Unity Social Organization, Inc. a non-profit that seeks to educate African-American men of diverse sexual orientation aboutHIV/AIDS. Healso served withmany groups, including TulsaAIDS Walk, AIDS Coalition,TOHR, the Community Planning Group, Tulsa Pride Picnic and more. He was an ordained minister, active in his congregation, Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center. Friends and family expressed shock and sorrow at his sudden death. Most did not know RFhad been living with HIV/AIDS for 10 years. Donations inhonor ofhis memory may be made to FUSO, c/o TOHR, POB 2687, 74101. At other events, they had the chance to meet parents of Lesbians and Gays. The task force for this issue lauded the leadership of their pastor, Russell Bennett. They praised, in particular, his balancing the need to push the church forward but without getting too far ahead of it as wall. The group noted also that Pastor Bennett had performed, with their knowledge, a couple of holy unions, or blessings of same gender couples. The United Church of Christ is the only mainline Protestant denomination that ordains openly Lesbian and Gay persons as amatter ofpolicy, and therefore shouldbe expected to be friendly to Lesbians and Gay men. However, in the Congregationalist tradition, it is up to the individual congregations to implement these policies and to call individuals to ministry. Fellowship is the only UCC church in Tulsa though there are some others in the staie_. Some members of Fellowship Congregational asked why it was necessary to adopt an official policy of being open and affirming since they felt that that was what they’d practiced all along. Other noted that in these days when politics and religion are so mixed togeth,, r, that their congregation needed to stand up and be counted. That is since so many ugly thingswere being presented in the name of religion, they hope to counter that ugliness. They hope that their actions will inspire others to have the courage to do something similar. Services are at 10:30 am. Info: 747-7777 of beer with Klein and falling asleep on the couch, Fleetwood awoke to find Klein ejaculating on his face and tee shirt. This was his motivation, he said, for pointing a .410 shotgun at Klein’s face and pulling the trigger. Tests showed that sperm found on Fleetwood’s tee shirt, confiscated the night of Klein’s violent death, "...could not have been that of the victim but instead was consistent with the blood" of Fleetwood. Newly appointed Eureka Springs Police Chief Earl Hyattwas aninvestigator withthe Carroll County Sheriff’ s Office at the time of the slaying and worked with Eureka Springs Investigator Morris Pate at the crime scene. If convicted, Fleetwood faces a five- to 20-year prison term for the Class B felony. Lesbians’ Killer: It" Was ’Hate Crime’¯ MEDFORD, Ore, (Aug. 20)- Rol~rt J. Acrement, the California man who is charged with the December 1995 execu: tion-style killings of lesbian activists ¯ Roxanne Ellis and Michelle Ab’dill, told " the San Francisco Chronicle in a prison interview that he killed the two women because they were lesbians, not in a botched robbery attempt as he had first claimed. Acrement also sent aletter to the Stockton (Calif.) Record telling the paper in the city where he was arrested that he had earlier in the year killed Scott George because themanhadmadea sexual pass at him. In his letter, Aerement, 27, said he Lesbian Loses Child to Killer Dad TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Aug. 30) - The Florida Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court ruling that ordered Cassey Ward, age 12, removed from the home of Mary Ward,~her lesbian morn, andhanded ¯¯ over to the custody of her father, John Ward. . The father called the court .ruling a "victory for my daughter and every other child in this nation ffho may be faced with ~ being raised in a household in whichho- ¯ mosexual role modeling distorts.and per- " verts, or is like to distort or pervert,.soci- ¯ etal norms thathave been established and ¯ recognized from the beginning of eivili- ¯ zation." had invented the robbery .motive in the ~ : Mr: Ward was convicted of killing his slayings Of Ellis arid Abdilli who were ¯ fir~twffein 1974;firing.12bullets,during ,f,_0und shot througla tile head, b~.cau~e he : aright over their daughter. He-pleaded ¯ was nervtus about inmate reacti0n~ to. : guiity to.sec0nd degree~urd~ran~] ~erved my reason fbrkilling~’ whiehhe said was - ¯ .eightlyears.in.prison. - ~ . .. ~ . a "hate crime." - i ~ , = ~ ~ " The~thr~e-judge appeals_ panel ins~stexl Acrem~nt wen’t ori in th~ letter to say, " that its =decigionwasn"t based on mother however, that now he doesn tcare wha .anyone thinks - :inclbdingthe’ji~ that Will decid,,e his-fate~ "They cankilt me forall !care,. the letter:s~y~i ":/i" :) Neo-Nazi" -Judged Guilty of Murder HOUSTON (Aug: 29) = After deliberating fortess than 3 hours; a jury has found Daniel C. Bean, 19, guilty.of the January 4 kilting of Frederick Mangi0n~ merry because he was gay.~Bean, who pblice said belongs to a neo-Nazi group known as the German Peace Corps in Washington state, was found guiltt of stabbing Mangione 35 times with a large knife outside a suburban bar where they met. Evidence given during the trial indicated that Bean and his stepbrother, Ronald H. Gauthier, 21, both bragged to patrons in the bar that they were going to assault someone who was gay. Police also told the court that the two menlater boasted of brutally stabbing Mangione. Beanfaces a maximum life sentence for the killing. Gauthier is still awaiting trail. ¯ Mary Ward’s- sexual, orientation, but on ¯ the"best interes~ts of thelchild ’: Activists : -were quick ’.to point ,out,-howe~er, that ] Judge Joseph Tarbuck, whosetowercourt ¯ ruli~gwas beittg revie~ved by the appeals :. cour~,.clearly istated in hivcustody decision. thathe wanted the gift takenfromher . " .morn and handed over to heri convicted- ¯ kiil~r dad to give bet a chance to live in."a ¯ non-lesbian world.’" John~ .Ward ctiallenged the mother’s ¯ custody after.she applied for anii~crease ¯ in child support. Attorneys representing MrS. Ward have Said slle Will pr~obably ¯ appeal the ruling to the state supreme ¯ court. ¯ D.P.’ Benefits Come ¯ From Court Ruling PORTLAND, Ore. (Aug. 9) - AnOregon ". statejudge has given the gay rights movement a surprising victory in partnership ¯ benefits. Thejudge has ruled that Oregon ¯ must offer insurance benefits to gay domestic partners of state employees. In ¯ issuing the ruling, the judge said it was ~ "beyond debate" that gays and lesbians hav~ been discriminated against. Law- ¯ yers for the state and attorneys for the " three lesbian couples who filed a lawsuit ] on the issue say they believe the ruling ~s ¯ the first of its kind in the nation. ¯ State Rep. George Eighmey, who is " ¯ gay, praised the decision, saying "it’s a ¯ big step in the fight direction." But Lon " ¯ Mabon, the leader of the anti-gay-fights " : group the Oregon Citizens Alliance ira- ¯ ¯ mediately said the judge is "flat Out prohomosexual" and was trying to destroy ¯ the notion of family. The statehas 30 days to decide whether to appeal. ¯ SchOol Censorship i=. EffortsContinue : : -WASHINGTON.(Sept. 4).-According to ¯ ¯ the 14tk annual report on school, censor- " ship; People for the American Way says ¯ there were a record 475 attempts last year ¯ ¯ to restrict books, classes or educational " proced_ures that opponents claimed were .. too sexually explicit, too violent,too raciM,. anti-religious,, an,ti-family, ¯¯ .unAmerican. ~ or all these things. . A~cording to.the report, the things~bjected, to last year ranged from accep.ted ¯ classics inliterature to Halloween partles. " _In-.41% .of the,cases, .th6 rep0rt~ .says, : -school officials bowed to Objections and ¯ rembved matelials or restricted activities. ¯ The" report, "Attacks on the Freedom to, ¯¯ _ Learn~" cites-conservative Christians mid especially members of the Christian Coa- ¯ lition as chief objectors in mostof the ¯ . cases it reported on. California, which has the largest num- " ber of public school students of any state ¯ in the country, also led in the number of ¯ ¯ attempts to restrict materials or classes, with 56 incidents reported by the group. ¯ Carole Shields, president of People for ¯ . theAmericanWay, noted thatmany ofthe ¯ school.materials objected to mirrored ha- ¯. tional debates on issues, such as racism poverty, homosexuality, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and AIDS. : "We must analyze this report and de- " cide as a nation: Will we bequeath to our ¯ children the tools and information they ¯ need to address these complex issues as ¯ they growinto adulthood?" Shields asked. "Or will our gift to them be ever-narrowing horizons of thought and speech?" California to Ban Gay Adoptions? SANTA ANA,~ Calif. (Sept. 5) - At a public hearing, the state department of social services listened to testimony on Tire 22, aproposed regulationthat would recommend adoptions in California only for married coul~les. Despite the ob_vio.us ¯ restrictions ongay andlesbiancouples the ¯ proposed regulation would impose, state Officials denied it was anti-gay. "We’re not talking about sexual orientation," said Janice Ploeger of the state health and welfare departme.n,t. "This has to do with marriage andwhat s in the best interest of the child." Butrights advocates strongly disagreed. Tara Rose,31, testified at the hearings on the regulations that she was raised by two ¯ mothers’, but adoption was impossible while shewasgrowingupand she sees the regulation as abig step backward in Call- - fornia. "ff we’re talking about-marriages -. only.that’s one issue/’ said Rose. "But this is’ discriminating agaiast gay and les- ¯ bian parents." ¯ The new rule could go into effect next -- October around the time partners Lisa "" Pratt and Julie Thompson .will be adopt- " ing a second child, six-month-old Katy. ¯ They told the hearing that they’re con- - cerned the child won’t get the same ben- " efits as. their daughter Elizabeth. Even if ¯ the regulation goes into effect, the final ¯ decision will bemadeby thejudgein each ¯ adoption case, state officials say. There were some6,000 adoptions in the state in ¯ 1995 according to state officials,andabout a fourtli of them were by single parents, ¯ straight and gay. :City OK’s $1.2 m for Gay Center : SAN FRANCISCO (Aug. 12) - The San ¯ Francisco board of supervisors voted : unanimously to lay out $1.2 million in ~ city funds to buy property for a 5-story ¯ proposed Lesbian & Gay Center. The P AlrERSON REALTORS~ LEA ANN MACOMBER Realtor Associate Mobile: 671-2010 2642 E. 21st Street ¯ Suite 170 . Tulsa. Oklahoma 74114 Off: 918-749-8374 ¯ Res: 918-582-7672 ¯ Fax: 918-747-1795 MCC of Greater Tulsa "Where God Uplifts All People" 1623 N. Maplewood Tulsa, Oklahoma 838-1715 Community Cleaning A Residential and Commerical Cleaning Service Kerby Baker (918) 622-0700 Call for Free Estimate BROOKSIDE JEWELRY 4649 South Peoria 743-5272 Comer of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Mon. - Fri. board approved the funds to purchase a rambling Victorian house in the city that center backers will renovate to house the community facility. Total costs for the proposed center, whichis planned to have a book store, gift shop, meeting rooms, and a 200-seat auditorium, are expected to run about $7.3 million. ¯ The religious group charged that Disney : had abandonedits "commitment to strong ¯ moral values" and was promoting gay- . themed books and films. Walt Disney ¯ Company officials declined to comment : on the group’ s call for a boycott. Earlier ¯ this year, the Southern Baptist Conven- ¯ tion called for a boycott of Disney be- ¯ cause the firm has recently extended do- Calif. County OKs ". mestiClesbian workers.Partnerbenefits to its gay and Intel Offers Benefits : SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Aug. 16)- Intel ¯ Corporation, the computer chipmanufac- : turer whose Pentium processors run rail- ¯¯ lions of computers throughout the world, has announced that starting in 1997 the : same-sex parmers of its workers in this : country will be eligibleforthesamemedi- ¯ cal, dental and other employees benefits : thatthe spouses ofits workers have access : to through the giant computer firm. ¯ The company said it had jbined with ¯ ¯ scores of other U.S. high-tech firms in extending thebenefits package to thepart- : hers ofits gay andlesbian workers to help ¯ "attract top talent and retainkey perform- " ers" in the very competitive industry. i HRC Fights Helms : DURHAM, N.C. (Aug. 24) - The Wash- " ington, D.C.-based lobbying group Hu- ¯ man Rights Campaign has launched a : campaign in North Carolina to persuade ¯ undecided voters in the state’ s U.S. Senate race this November to dump Jesse Helms. HRC says it will be operating phonebanks and direct mail campaigns to convince swing voters in the state to vote lently anti-gay memberofCongress. HRC xs expecting to spend some $220,000 on the anti-Helms campaign in North Carolina. Town Reconsiders Rights Measure SAUGATUCK,Mich. (Aug. 26)-Months after the city council tabled a proposed ordinance that would add sexual orienta- Dom. Partnerships SAN JOSE, Calif. (Aug. 14) - Following a tense, prolonged and sharply divided late-night debate, the Santa Clara County board of supervisors refused to bow to organized conservative religious opposi- ’tion andunanimously approved settingup a county-wide domestic partners registry. Religious opponents lined up to speak out against the proposed registry during the nearly 6 hours of public testimony, charging that it would undermine the traditional family, and said immediately after the board vote that they would launch a petition drive to put the issue before the voters this November. Nearly 2,000 people attended the packed board chambers, an adjoining auditorium, and spilled onto the sidewalks outside the county government building. SantaClara County, with some 1.4 million residents, is the home of many highteclmology firms that already extendbenefits to the same-sex partners of their employees. Approval of the measure makes Santa Clara County the largest government entity in the state to OK a ." parmership registry. "" : 2nd Church Calls ! for Disnev BOVe_ott though it’ s best known for its wholesome " family films likeAladdin, theWaltDisney ¯ Company is facing another threatened : boycott by a conservative religious orga- . nization. : The Assemblies ofGodis urgingits 2.5 : million members to stop going to Disney ¯ films, buying Disney products and going " to the company’s popular theme parks. ¯ ’tion to its anti-bias protections, the council has now voted by 6-1 to undertake the issue once again. The council voted to create a committee of 3 council members and 10 city residents to discuss including sexual orientation in its anti-bias protections and to report back to the council. Anti-Gay CO Org. Opposes Partners’ Health Benefits DENVER (Aug. 28) - Will Perkins, the used-car dealer and head of Colorado for Family Values which backed the state’s unconstitutional Amendment 2, told Denver’s city council that they shouldn’t extend health benefits to the partners of gay and lesbian city workers, calling the move an "economic jihad." Perkins broughtwithhim Paul Cameron, the discredited psychologist who was removed from the American Psychological Assn. forfudging statistical data. Even so, Cameron insisted studies he did using obituaries indicates gay~ and lesbians are high health and violence risks. A spokesperson for Equality Colorado, a gay rights organization, said Perkins’ group is a "fringe anti-gay organization" and said Cameron offers nothing but ’*oogus anti-gay statistics." The council will take up the question in a vote in September. Lawsuit. Follows " PBS/NPR Extend "Partner Benefits ¯ City Distributing Inc. : River City Distributing was targeted ¯ for the boycott, bar owners and activists ¯ said, because of Mrs. Shedd’s involve- " ment in Kentucky’s Eagle Forum, the ¯ anti-gay groupheadedby Phyllis Schlafly. : They also noted that Mrs. Shedd served ¯ on the state Republican Party’s executive ¯ committee the year before when it unanii mously passed a resolution in favor of reeriminalizinghomosexuality inthe state. In addition to the popular bars and res- ¯ taurants involved in the protest, the boy- : cott was also being supported by Kentucky’s Fairness Campaign, the Pro- . Choice Coalition, the Metropolitan Community Church and the Louisville Chapter : of Parents-Friends of Lesbians and Gays. ¯ Organizers said at the time that the , boycott could cost the distribution company as much as $15,000 per week in lost ¯ sales. Just months after the River City ¯ boycott was announced, Miller Brewing : severed its relationship with Shedd, who ¯ has also sued Miller. The boycott itself ¯ was ended earlier this year after the orga- : nizers declared it had been a success. : Now the Shedd family has filed a wide- ¯ ranging suit, charging the bars, restaurants, and organizations with conspiracy, interference with contractual relations, criminal harassment, defamation of character, and other aetious that the family is seeking unspecified damages for. ¯ Sucessful Boycott : WASHINGTON(Aug.20)-Without.any : ....... ¯ LOUISVILLE, Ky. ~Aug. ~u)-Aecord- ": f~a,nof~aar,e~,ath~e.,,C,¢li;ntototnoAthdemsianmisetr-asteixonoalarats : ing to a report in The Letter, a Kentucky ¯ ~_.~?,,~;.~’~ o,,.~,,,,,~ ...........~-,-~--~:----~..... : :y~,~_,,_.,,n~ v,~v~.,.m~- ,~yu,,~,,, : casting Svstem(PBS) and National Pub- " the state s most prominent conservauves . licRa~io~NPR),thefirstfedemllyfunded ¯ has filed a massive and complex lawsuit : againstnearly every gay andlesbianbusihess and organization in the Louisville ¯ areaover a 1995 boycott launched against ¯ a firm co-owned by the family with the Miller Brewing Company of Milwaukee. Nine local gay bars and restaurants launched the boycott in August 1995 because of what activists called the "right wing activities"of Donna Shedd, whose husband David was president of River ¯ agencies to offer such benefits. ¯ Donald Wildmon, president of the farright anti-gay American Family Assn., : immediately denounced the move by the : two public broadcasters as a "misuse of ¯ tax money". "Bill Clintonis willing to use ." tax dollars to support the radical homo- . sexual agenda and promote homosexual ¯ marriage," Wildmon said in a press state- . ment condemning the PBS-NPR move. St. Jerome An Affirming Liturgical Church meeting at 7fie Garden Chapel 384J S. Teoria if" "flu[so., Oklaf/unna ~fass Saturday eveni~s at 6pro 7he ~,v. :Talfier Rick Ho~ngsworth, Pastor Ehe :Xev. Deacon Debbie Starnes (918) 742-6227 ¯ OUICK SERVE ¯ PATIO BAR Traci.Huntsman Owner "QUALITY WORK UNBELIEVABLE PRICE" FOR APPOINTMENT 743-7141 3225 S. Yale Tulsa, OK 74135 Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant a professional corporation 4021 South Harvard, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135 747-5466 Sun. 9:15 am Christian Education ¯ Sun. Service 11:00 am Wed. Service 6:30 pm ¯ Wed. 7:30 pm Choir Practice Thurs. 7:30 pm Codependency Support Group Rev. Nancy J. Horvath M. Div., Pastor To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly zoith our God... Micah 6:8 5451-E South~74146 " (918) 622-144~ HIV May Be Eliminated CHICAGO (Aug. 10) - A report in the Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that HIV could eventually be "flushed out" of its hiding places in the body’s lymph nodes] Researchers at the Chalucet Hospital in France reported that after intensive treatment with antiviral drugs, the amount of HIV identified in blood and lymph nodes of patients had decreased significantly. The French scientists said that ff HIV replication in the body can be halted entirely through medical therapies, they believe infected lymph .node and other body cells will eventually be replaced by new, uninfected cells. The finding, if substantiated by other research, could be important because one concern AIDS experts have expressed recently is that even with powerful new anti-HIV drugs that appear to dramatically reduce infection, continual drug treatment might be needed if the virus cannot be entirdy eliminated from the body.. HIV Infects More Blood Cells LONDON (Sept. 6) -According to a report in the medical journal Lancet, researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland have confirmed that a second set of blood cells - CD8 cells - is also vulnerable to infection by HIV and may play a crucial role in how the virus develops. It has for some time been know that HIV progressivdy destroys CD4 T-lymphocytes, the cells that the body produces to fight off infections. But scientists had previously believed that CD8 cells were immune from HIV infection,,,possibly because of structural differences in the cell itself. The Scottish researchers re- ¯-,~r+ however, that 5 of 16 people with AIDS that they studied had CD8 cells infected with HIV at high levels. The researchers said the next step is to discover whether the virus destroys thebody’ s CD8 cells or simply invades them until they become active later. British Rights Group Wants Aversion Therapy Ended in UK LONDON (Aug. 9) -The British say rights organization OutRagehas formally asked the Royal College of Psychiatrists and theHome Ministry’s health secretary to issue guidelines barfing the use of aversion therapy, to set up a board of inquiry into how extensive the treatment has been and continues to be as an attempt to "cure" homosexuals, and to offer a public apologyandcompensationforindividuals who have been harmed by such treatment, either physically or psychologically. The continuing use ofaversion therapy, often involving electro-shock treatment and psychrtropic drugs, was the recent subjectofaBBC-TVprogram and shocked many in the country who were unaware that such attempts to "cure" homosexuals were still being used, at least occasionally. In a letter to the health secretary, OutRage called the government sanctioned use of aversion therapy "scandalous" and"barbaricpseudo-medicine" that had "caused untold suffering and harm to ual~own numbers of gay and bisexual people." Twins Studies Suggests Genetic Factors in Sexual Orientation TORONTO (Aug. 12) - Researchers reported at the annual convention of the AmericanPsychological Assn. thata new, large-scale study of twins in Australia adds further suggestive indications that sexual orientation among gay men is in fact a hereditary factor, although it failed to find a similar pattern among lesbians. The findings were based on a study of some 4,500 sets of twins, fraternal and identical, in Australia. Lead researcher Dr. J. Michael Bailey of Northwestern University reported that about 20% of the twins studied identified their sexual orientation as other than "strictly heterosexual." Of the 312 sets of men who were identical twins, who are formed from a single egg, nearly half had the same sextml orientations. Among fraternal twins, who are from 2 separate fertilized eggs, having the same sexual orientation was significantly less likely, Bailey reported, saying that the f’mdings were "consistent with the idea that there is a male gene for sexual orientation." Although the study was one of the few that have included women, the researchers reported that they could not find enough identical twin lesbian sisters to indicate a statistical relationship between possible genetic factors and lesbianism. Oral Sex Riskier Than Previously Believed PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 14) - According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, University of Washington researcher Timothy Schacker reports that even people who are engaging in lower-risk sexual behavior are continuing to become infected with HIV. The 3- year study of 46 people found that while nearly halfhad had sex withjust 1 partner during the month prior to infection, oral sex, which has been generally considered lower risk for transmission, was the most common form of sexual contact among the patients in the research. Schacker and his ~olleagues in fact were abi~ ~6 ;~3,~’~[~.- cally pinpoint 4 cases in which oral sex was the only possible route of transmission. The report is the 2nd recently to indicate that oral sex appears to be a higher-risk behavior than has been previous believed. NJ Offers 3 Protease Inhibitors Free TRENTON, N.J. (Sept. 4) - New Jersey state health officials have announced that the state will make3 importantnew AIDS drugs available withoutcharge to patients who earn lessthan $30,000 a year and are either tmiusured or do not have policies that will cover the costs of the new drugs. The drugs include 3 of the new protease inhibitors: saquinavir (Invirase by Hoffmann-LaRoche),indinavir (Crixivan by Merck & "Co.), and 3TC (Epivir by Glaxo Wellcome). The drugs have been shown to be able to reduce detectable levels ofHIV dramatically inmanypeople infected with the virus. State health officials warned, however, that ifdemand for the new drugs outstrips the state’s ability tounderwrite the giveawayprogram, some restrictions - such as co-payments or deductibles - may be added later. The free ~rug plan is being paid forfrom the state’ s 9 million AIDS Drug Distribution Program. About 1,700 state residents currently getAIDS drugs withoutcostthrough the program. More Women Being Tested ATLANTA (Aug. 3 i)-The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the number of women in the U.S. who are being tested for HIV has been rising dramatically for the past few years. Between 1991 and 1993, the CDC reports, the percentage ofwomen 18 to 44 Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method By &for, but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. Monday & Thursday evenings, 7-9 pm Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. HOPE HIV Outreach, Prevention & Education formerly TOHR HIV Prevention Programs 742-2927 4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights. SCOTT ROBISON’S PRESCRIPTIONS Serving Tulsan’s Since 1947 Major credit cards In-store charges or Direct .insurance billing for your convenience! 3 locations to serve you: Hillcrest Physician’s Building 1145 So. Utica 582-7144 Utica Sq uare Area 1560 East 21st, Ste. 104 743-2351 The Plaza 8146-D South Lewis 299-1790 Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Specialized in HIV Care Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services We have many insurance provider affiliations - ifyou belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 2325 South Harvard, Suite 600, TulsaF/4114 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pm, 743-1000 Art Show & Sale 10 am- 7 pm, Sept¯ 28 & 29 0UR HOUSE 1114 South Quaker Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy beautiful works donated by local and nationally recognized artists to help friends living with HIV/AIDS. All proceeds from the sale go to helping our friends living with HIV/AIDS. Forfurther information, call 665"-1339 / herry Street Psychotherapy Associates N 1515 S. Lewis (918)-743-4117 ~,ears of age who had been tested for the virus increased some 60% overall. The agency reported that a 1993 survey of more than 6,000 women indicated that 31.8% said they had been tested. A similar surveyin 1991 of 13,000womenfound .that just 18.8% said they had been tested at the time. HIV Programs Widespread in Schools, but Often Don’t Teach About Condoms ATLANTA (Sept. 5) - According to a survey by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 85% of the nation’s public middle and high schools teach required HIV prevention classes in 39 states plus the District of Columbia. That’s the goodnews fromtheCDCstudy. The less-than-good news was that only about61%ofthe school districts provided in-service training for teachers; about54% said they taught students the "basic facts about HIV/AIDS"; only about a third of all the teachers involved in school AIDS education programs said they had any training about HIV prevention during the 2-year period before the survey; and only 37.1% of the instructors said they taught their students the "correct use of condoms." In issuing the report, the CDC said one obvious and important area that needs improving in the country’s HIV/AIDS school education programs is increasing the percentage of teachers who both teach preventioninhealth education classes and who regularly receive in-service training on the subject. Younger Inner-City Women at High Risk for HIV Infection CHICAGO (Aug. 15) - Two just-published studies in the American Journal of Public Health report that younger urban women are at very high risk ofHIV infection. A Medical College of Wisconsin study estimated that about a third of all younger inner-city womenare at high risk ofHIV infection, mainly because of risky behavior like IV drug use by their sexual partners. The researchers also reported that while most of the women had a fairly good knowledge of HIV transmission risks, they were poorly informed about the correct use of condoms and lubricants during sex. Another study of younger urban women in the same issue said that high rates of syphilis among thesewomen who are drug users is an indication of the high-risk sexual behavior they are also engaging in. Both groups of researchers said HIV prevention programs aimed at theseinner-city womenare needed tohelp reduce growing infection rates. : ’Playboy’ Surveys College ¯ Students Attitudes on AIDS ¯ CHICAGO (Aug. 25)-A Haybo.y maga- : zine survey reports that 9 out of 10 college ¯ students are sexually active, that sligh.tly : more than half say their sexual behavior : wouldn’t change if the AIDS epidemic : disappeared, and thatjust over a third say ¯ they’ve been tested for HIV. : The survey, published in the October : issue of the magazine, reports that 66% of ¯ women and 49% of men in the more than ¯. 1,000 students surveyed say they wouldn’t : change their sex lives much if the epi- : demic wasn’t a factor. The magazine also ¯ reports that 39% of the males and 35% of : the females in the survey said they had ¯ been tested for HIV, and that 27% of the : men and 19% of the women said they ¯ knew someone with the disease. Some : 63% of the males and 79% of the females : surveyed also said they believe their ¯ chances of contracting HIV/AIDS was ". either unlikely or barely likely. The sur- : vey also reported that 57% of men and ¯ 71% of women said they had only one ¯¯ sexual partner during the previous year. ¯ The magazine also found that condom use appears very highly corrdated with a ¯ steady relationship. While 41% of the ¯ males and 54% of the females reported : being in a steady, monogamous rdation- ¯ ship,40% of these students also said they : do not use condoms. Only 6% of the ¯ students surveyed who are not in a too- ¯ nogamous relationship said they don’t : use condoms. : Psychologists Delve Further ¯" into Sex & Biology TORONTO (Aug. 13)-Dr. James Dabbs, ¯ a psychology professor at Georgia State ¯ ~Uuiversity, reported at the annual Ameri- : can Psychological Assn. convention that ¯ in studying testosterone levels of 28. les- ; bian couples,it was the sdf-definedbutch ¯ partner in the relationship who consis- ¯ tently had the higher levels of testoster- ¯ one, the "male" hormone that all women ¯ also have in smaller amounts. Dabbs re- : ported, however, that despite the higher : levels when compared to their partners, : none of the women in the study had sig- ¯ uificandy higher testosterone levels than : women in general. ¯ In another study presented at the APA ; conventionby RayBlanchardofthe Clarke ¯ Institute ofPsychiatry inToronto, aniden- ~ tifiable group of men are predominately ¯ or exclusively attracted to genital males ¯ who dress and act like women- transves- : rites or pre-operative transsexuals. A1- ¯ though Blanchard said that these ¯ "gynadromorphile" men he studied were ." sexually attracted to cross-dressers, they ¯ were not attracted to post-operative trans- ¯ sexuals - men who have been surgically ] and hormonally changed into genital fe- ¯ males - and considered themselves "bet- : erosexuals of some stripe." Ex-Boxing Champ Says HIV Not ’That Big a Deal’ : KANSAS C1TY, Mo. (Aug. 26) - In an ¯ interview with the Kansas City Star, "¯ former heavyweight boxer Tommy ¯ Morrison said being infected with HIV "doesn’ t seem like that big a deal" and : that he is not taking drugs his doctor has ¯ prescribed to combat the virus. Morrison, ¯ who has also appeared in a few films ; including "Rocky V" where he played a ~ featured role as a boxer, announced that Serving a Diverse Community ; he is HIV-positive earlier this year. AIDS FederalHousing Grants. WASHINGTON (Aug. 24) - The U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Devdopment (HUD) has announced some $7.8 million inhousing grants to non-profitagencies in communities in9 states that offer housing assistance for low-income people with AIDS. Community-based non-profits in Baltimore, West Hollywood, Calif., San Francisco, Savannah, Ga~, SantaFe,N.M., Tucson, Ariz., New York, Philaddphia, Burlington, Vt., and Seattle are expected to receive HUD grants of various sizes The federal funding was established in 1992 as part ofHUD’ s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program to help agencies that provide housing assistance and related support service to people with HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Legal Resource Project by Darlene Shadid Being HIV positive means facing new challenges and new issues. In addition to the personal, medical, and other quality of life issues, youmay face extraordinary (or evenmundane) legal demands for the first time. The AIDS Legal Resource Project may offer a solution. The AIDS Legal Resource Project was created more than three years ago to empower people with HIV/AIDS with the knowledgeand assistance needed to maintain control over their lives. The Project offers free and effective legal assistance to those who qualify by connecting them to one of the more than 150 attorneys statewiad wh6 have agreed to serve on a Pro Bona Panel. Attorneys on the Project’s Panel offer help in several critical areas. Perhaps one of the most important (yet one of the easiest) is estate planning. For example, a Power ofAttorney can be drawn up which allows you to choose exactly who can make decisions about almost any matter related to your care. Other documents include an Advance Directive For Health Care (Living Will), a Final Will and Testament, and Disposition of Bodily Remains. ffyou have been de~ed Social’Security benefits, an attorney can l~elp collect the necessary documentation for the Administrative Hearing. In fact, havin an attarhey present at the Hearing increases the chances of being awarded benefits by more than 50%. We also give advice regarding other state and federal entitle- In the past three years, the AIDS ¯ Legal Resource : Project has provided : legal assistance to ¯ more than 584 ellents i with attorneys from ¯ around the state. i One of the recent i successes is a preee- : dent-setting ldwsuit ¯i in .which a FtIV n.ega- txve man sued : former employer after i being fired because ¯ his partner was HIV+. ment programs. We also assist clients who have been unfairly denied health, life or disability insurance. Informationis available onhow to keep and extend insurance coverage ¯ after work is no longer possible. ¯ If you are fired from a job, denied ." housing or equal access to health care ¯ because of your HIV status, an attorney ¯ can file a Complaint with the appropriate ," authorities. If necessary, the representa- ¯ don-will continue through the various ¯ stages of the process, including litigation ¯ and settlement negotiations. ¯ Family law matters such as adoptions and child custody can be handled by an ¯ attorney in that area when HIV/AIDS is ¯ directly involved. Finally, we can help ¯ end harassment by creditors. ¯ In the past three years, the AIDS Legal : Resource Project has provided legal as- ¯ sistance to more than 584 clients with ¯ attorneys from around the state. One of ." the recent successes isaprecedent-setting ." lawsnitinwhich aHIVnegativeman sued ¯ his former employer after being fired be- " cause his partner was HIV positive. ." If you are HIV positive or have AIDS ~ and you have a legal problem you may ¯ qualify for free legal assistance from an ¯ attorney on the pro bona panel of the ¯ AIDS Legal Resource Project. Call the ¯ project collect at 405-524-4611 for more ¯ information. ", This is thefirst column in a series writ- : ten to help Oklahomans with HIV/AIDS ¯ know and understand their legal rights. ¯ Starting next month, each column will ¯ deal with a legal issue related to HIW ¯ AIDS and will be written by a local attar- ¯ ney who is on the Pro Bona Panel of the " AIDS Legal Resource Project. Clinton Wows ’Em CHICAGO - This year’s politicking got underway in Chicago with theAug. 16-18 OutVote ’96. The Human Rights Campaign, sponsor of the gathering, called it the "first lesbian and gay national political convention." Just a week before the Democrats held their convention in Chicago, the President addressed the some 500 OutVote in a pre-taped video speech. "l’mproud ofthe accomplishments we’ve made," Clinton said. Tacidy acknowledging the sometimes strained relationship between Clinton and the gay and lesbian community, he said: "All Americans face a critical choice this Nov. I believe we must put aside our differences and focus on what unites us, on our common ground....in 1992, I told you about my vision forAmerica - a vision you were and are verymuchapart of. I’m especially proud to be the first president ever to endorse a civil rights bill that specifically includes gay and lesbian Americans." Community Events BAPC Quilt Performance If you missed this highly acclaimed performance as part of the Summer Stage Festival, you can see it on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2pm at the Tulsa Community College, Southeast Campus Performing Arts Center on 81st St. near Hi. 169. Tickets are $S/adults, $5/students. Info: 595-7182. Wro~tling Enthusiasts Sought A wrestling enthusiast seeks similar individuals interested in forming a wresfling club for recreational matches. He is also seeking an experienced coach. Call Keith at 918-438-8340. Direct From Her HBO Special ,On Tour Fro,u Her Sold-Out P-Town Su,u,reer Shows! ALL blEW SHOW! IN CONCERT ONE NIGHT ONLY! SATURDAY OCT. S 8 PM 110 East second St. TULSA 5howAnd ticket Information: (91 8) $96-71 1 1 Advance Ticket Purchase Is Strongly Recommended Tickets Available At: The Tulsa Performing Arts Center Box Office Location And Al! Carson Attractions Locations A Portion Of The Proceeds Benefit Black & White Charities, Inc. TULS FAMILY NEWS COMMUNITY CALENDAr, SUNDAYS Agape Christian Fellowship Services, 10:30 am 6540H East 21th pager: 594-9692 Bless the Lord At All ¯ Times Christian Center ." Sunday School, 9:45 am " Worship Service, 11 am ¯ 262T0 East 1 lth 583-7815 " Community of Hope ." (United Methodist) Worship Service, 6 pm .. ¯ 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 ." Family of Faith Metro. Comm. Church Adult Sunday School, 9:15 Worship Service, 11 am 5451-E S. Mingo, 622-1441 Metro. Comm. Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 HIVMTOeNstDinAgYCSlinic TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS I-HV+ Support Group ¯ Agape’ Christian : Free & anonymous testing " HIV Resource Consortium " ¯ using fingerstick method. Fellowship 1:30 pm . Service, 7 pm ’" WalkNa°prpeoteiqnsttiumngei:nrt7e-8d:3.0inrm :: 41 54 S. Harvard, Ste. H_I Sheridan Center, Suite H ¯ Results hours: 7-9 pm Info: 742-2927 Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay . Alliance. Univ. of Tulsa " 6:30 pm at Canterbury . 5th & Evanston, 583-9780 Mixed Volleyball for Fun & Competition Helmerich Park, 6:30 pm 71st & Riverside Info: 587-6557 PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 2nd Mon. of month : 6:30 pm, 4154 S. Harvard ¯ Info: 749-4901 -" OTHER GROUPS ¯ The Technicians, Leather ¯ org., Info c/o 621-5597 ¯ T.U.L.S~4. Tulsa Uniform ¯ & Leather Seekers Assoc. ¯ Info: 838-1222 ¯ Gay & Lesbian Student Association TJC Southeast Campus, SWANI~2.."oS:in6g3l1e-7W6o3m2 en,s Activity Network Call 832-2121 THURSDAYS Co-Dependency ¯ Support Group 7:30, Family of Faith MC( Info: Wanda @ 749-4194 ¯ ¯ 5451-ES.Mingo,622-1441 21st & Sheridan, 747-2482 " ¯ HOPE ¯ Shanti-Tulsa, Inc. ¯ Bless The Lord At All ¯ HtV/AIDS Support Group " Times Christian Center " PrevHeInVtioOnu, tErdeauccha,tion ¯ & .¯ Prayer & Bible Study " Anonymous HIV Testing ¯ Friends &Family " 7:30pm 2627-B East llth ¯ Walk in testing: 7-8:30pm " " HITV/AIDScpaml,lSupp°lrotfcoatrion:Gr°up Call 583-7815 for info. ¯ Results hours: 7 - 9 pm 749-7898 ¯ Info: 742-2927 Alternative Skating 8:30 - 11 pm, 241-2282 $4, Sand Springs Skate Grief Group Buder/Stumpff Funeral Home 2103 E 3rd St. Call for time: 587-7000 Family Of Faith MCC : Praise & Prayer 6:30 pm " Choir Practice 7:30 pm : 5451-E South Mingo. . Call 622-1441 forinfo. : TNAAPP Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project Support group for Gay & Bi Native American Men, 6 pm at Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd 582-7225 or 584-4983 Tulsa Family Chorale Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th PFLAG Family AIDS : Support Gl:oup ¯ 1st & 3rd Thursdays ¯ 4154 S. Harvard, 749-4901 ¯ Alternatives ¯ Weekly social events for ¯ LGBT men & women, 7pm Info: 646-5503 Substance Abuse Support Group : for persons wi th HIV/AIDS 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. G ¯ 3-4:30 pm : Info: 749-4194 : SATURDAYS : St. Jerome’s Church ¯ Mass, 6 pm Garden Chapel : 3841 S. Peoria ¯ Info: Father Rick : at 742-7122 ¯ Narcotics Anonymous ¯ Meets weekly at 11 pm ¯ Confidential support for ¯ recovering addicts. ¯ Community of Hope ¯ 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 ¯ NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt : Sewing Bees : 3rd Sat. of each month ¯ Info: 748-3111 Community Events Interfaith AIDS Ministries Old Fashioned Street Carnival I_AM will hold the 2nd of these fun events on .Sat. Sept. 21 from 10 am to 6pro .at SouthminsterPresbyterian Churchparkmg lot (near Concessions) at 3500 So. Peoria. JoinIAMfor this day offun for all ages. Info: 438-2437. Rural Men’s Group H.OPE,H1V Outreach, Preven’tion, Edu_ cation, is sponsoring social/discnssion group formen whohave sex withmenand who live-outside Tulsa. The group will meet the2nd&4th Saturdays each month, 7-gpm at the Gathering Place, 4154 So. Harvard, Suite E-3. Upcoming dates are 9/28, 10/12, 10/26, 11/9, 11/23, 12/14 & 12/28. Call Brian or Jeremy at 918-742- 2927 or 1-800-282-8165.. Tulsa AIDS Mastery Project This group will present Tulsa’s 1st Mastery workshop on Friday, Sept. 20 - Sunday, Sept. 22. This is anintense week- " end experience designed to assist those ¯ individiduals who have been affected’by " HW/AIDS tocome to terns withtheimapct " faaflc~c~!.l.flltaaetvoirrsuswhaeslcroamdoenitnhdeiivrliidvueasi.sTrlaivininegd ¯" with ,HIV/AIDS, family, loved ones, ¯ friends, earegivers, and HIV/AIDS professionals. The weekend is free because ¯ this event is sponsoredby a grantfrom the ¯ Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership (TCAP) but donations offood, beverages are needed. Info: Melissa @ 584-2325. Two Spirited Mens Group : The Tulsa Native American AIDS Pre- " vention Project is sponsoring a group of Gay, Bisexual or Two Spirited men f-or a weekly group to explore their roles in traditional Native American culture and i I~v~i~.g-heal.~y lives. Tommy Chesbro, " ¯ ~xx~ coordmatoreforindianHealthCare ¯ Resources Center of Tulsa, notes that the , : group helps provide peer suport forliving : a life in balance physically, mentally, " ." emotionally and spiritually. The group is ¯ open to men living with HIV/AIDS as ¯ well as those not infected. It is specific to men but Indian Health Care would like to , work with women also if there’s interest¯ ¯ The Two Spirit Mens Group meets on " ¯ ~W~ednesdays at 6:30 pmat Commtmity of r~ope Church at 2rid & Utica¯ Info: " ¯ Tommy, 918-582-7225, or write, ¯ ¯ TNAAPP,915 S. Cincinnati,Tulsa74119. ¯ ¯ Bible & Homosexuality Study ¯ Community of Hope will pilot a new interdenominational Bible seminar, on . Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30for4weeks beginning on Sept. 18. The study has been developed by the United Methodists Rec- ¯ onciling Congregation Program with " .Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, Dig- " nity/Integrity (Catholic & Episcopali~t~), " GLAD (Disciples of Christ), Reconciled in Christ (Lutheran), Supportive Congregation Network (Mennonite), and More Light (Presbytwerian). Leather and Healing Workshops The weekend of October 19 and 20 will be a busy one in Tulsa as lance brittain, Mr. Alameda County Leather 1994; H.O.P.E., formerly TOHR, and the Silver ~aaCh" le~,,der, w_ith special guest Duncan " rows, tools for application, the power of 19a9c6L. aAcms aGnu, yMBr.aldLweainth,earmutahnorToofroTnietos ¯ positive thinking, how to avoid the pitThat Bin.d, states ’~f you try to find your falls (New Age and otherwise), andmore. way in the SM/leather scene by yourself, The workshop will include meditation, you are doing it the wrong way--there is ritual, storytelling, group exercises, and opportunities for sharing. no need". ¯ ¯ The suggested offering is $5.00 for ~ikTehisw.whoorkasrehoipntiesrefostrewd timneonrancudrmioeuns ¯ reiaaclsh, winoforkrmshaotpiotno, caonvdefruwtuorerkwshoorkpsmhoaptes-, anout leather/SM. "It’s an educational but no one will be turned away for lack of oppormmty you will not want to miss. ¯ funds. It is suggested that the participants Whether it’s your cup of tea or not, the _bring a cushion for comfortable seating. information will be valuable for under- ¯ Juice, coffee, and water will be provided. standingthediversityofourcommunity,,, . Please free to bring a snack, pencil, or heralds Larry Everett, International Mr 7pa~p,er.t~F_or more information please call Leather 1995¯ "So co.~.~.,u.o.ut.an.d ex-" " plore with us", sa s lan ’+~-zv2/, 371-0496, or e-mail S " Y ce" " mrac194@aol.com. unday, .O,c,t. 20, Duncan Ma~c,,La,chlan will present ’Healing The Spirit ,. It will Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa be held 1-5pro. Duncan states, ’Native D/I, agroupforLesbianandGayCatho_ American teachings and other spiritual lies and Episcopalians will meet on Oct. 12, and then on Nov. 9th at 5 pm at St. learnreS°urceStolivehaVebettermUChwitht° offerHiV. USspirituawlaeS ¯ Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 5633 E. 71 st traditions teach us that the source of all " TO National Coming Out Week ¯ h.ealin.g.is spiritual." He also asks, "What ¯ Oct. 8: A Roundtable discussion of does t!us mean? How can this knowledge "Sexuality: Nature vs. Nuture" 7:00 pmin ¯ be applied in practical ways?" ¯ the Chouteau Room of Allen Chapmafi ¯ Duncan is a workshop leader, group ¯ Activity Center facilitator, counselor, and educatorliving ¯ ,Oct. _9: Panel discussion concerning in Toronto. He describes his living with aoout Gay Marriage, 7:00 pm in the ~IV. since 1983.,asahealingandamiracle. " President’s Loun e, Cha man ,-, g P r~e is very enthusiastic about passing on uct. 10 (National Coming Out Day): ¯ what he as learned and likes to make the Unity Party on Sharp Chapel Plaza, TU Star, .Sal~oon combine community spun- " ~work,s,hop a safe andnurturing experience " Campus. All campus groups are invited to ,s°rsmp Ior two,, very,,different, workshops,. Ior ml participants with his warm and .a,tt.end and will receiv.e letters concerning ’~’Le.ather 101 and Heahng The Spirit" inclusive style. He does ask that all par- /~oth workshops will be held at 4f58 SI .ticipants wear loose, comfortable cloth- ~m~ event. 3:00 pm w~th speakers at 5:00 .Harvard, suite E-3 in ’The Gath~,q,, " mg and to please bring a small obj~t of " During Naffonal Coming Out Week, Place" at the H.O.P.E. and R-e~o~r’~C~’~a~_ pers,o.hal significance. Duncanadds, ’This " BLGTA will be taking donations in supsortium building. " womshop will be useful for people who ¯ port of Breast ~2ancer Awareness Month, ~ ’Teather 101" will .be held Saturday, " are affected by HIV includi,n~ caregivers in October. Info: BLGTA at the Canteroct. 19, 12-6pm and will be facilitated by and health care professionals ’. bury Center for United Ministry at 583- ¯ Duncan will be offering the teachings " 9780 and leave a message for Maureen lance, Brian Jackson, a H.O.P.E. out- . of the medicine wheel and the seven ar- ¯ Curtin or Rob Crenshaw. WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viaticafion is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness canreceive a cashpayment from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FORA VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an ~hdividual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and your unique medical situation. Not every policy is suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically rangefrom 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? With your written pernfission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then, a settlenmt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made directly to you. Youpay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE.FOR ME? Many factors influence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and your family in person, in detail and can recommend an experienced Certified Financial P1anner to assist you in planuing the best outcome from your unique financial situation. HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT? Today, many companies offer viatical settlements, doing business only by bulk advertising and 1-800 numbers. They transfer your insurance and medical records by mail, and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical, we believe you should be assured of complete confidentiality and the best poss~le service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local community. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And because of our established resources, we can deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days. ~¢Ve’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative 4021 South Harvard, Suite 210 Tulsa, OK 74135 918-747-3320 ¯ 0 ¯ ¯ ¯ 0 ¯ ¯ ¯ 0 0 0 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ o ¯ 0 ¯ ¯ ¯ A Friendly Place to Stay KING’S HI-WAY INN 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62 W Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (501) 253-7311 1-800-231-1442 Jerry A. Wilson, owner ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ MCC of the Living Spring ...a community of friends... We welcome you to attend! Services held Sunday evenings at 7 o’clock 17 Elk Street (at the Unitarian Church) Eureka Springs, AR 72632 501-253-9337 The PC Specialist, 501.253.2776 Phyl Boler-Schrnidt Systems & Software Specialist POB 429, Eureka Springs 72632 Books, Incense, Candles and Rainbows! Plus lots more! (501) 253-5445 45&1/2 Spring Street - Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 emrain@rog.arispnet.com a r rr~rz’xrrt~ FRESH 1TALIAN RAINBOW CUSII~E TROUT ofEureka Springs. Recommended by The New York Times (501) 253-680Z Closed Wednesday Center Street, Eureka Springs, AR 7263Z. Gay Mecca. ofthe Ozarks by Phyl Boler-Schmidt " able, or you can bring your own. The Gay It’s Jazz Festival timein Eureka Springs, ¯ Family Reunion is always a fun event, a and the excitement is building as the 12th great way to meet and greet new folks and annual event approaches. This year’ s dates ¯ to spend lime with family toward the end are September 19th - 22nd, and both big ¯ ofthehectictouristseason. Plan toattend. name and local talent will be performing , For those of you looking for complete all over town. hair styling and other sa- Featured artists for JazzFest include Stanley Turrentine & Band, Allmad Aladeen & The Deans of Swing, Emie Durawa & Los Jazz Vatos, andGrady Nichols & Moment’s Notice. All will be performing at the Historic Eureka Springs City Auditorium Small clubs will host a number of local and big name performers as well, and nightly there will be a post-performanceparty at the top of the Basin Park Hotel in the ballroom. These events are hosted by the Eureka Springs Jazz Society and will feature performers from the JazzFest ticket. There is still time to get tickets for the scheduled events though JazzFest is always one of the hottest tickets tobehadduring the Eureka Springs season. For reservations and information, call the Jazz Festival Hotline at 501-253- 6258.-TheJazz Festival canalso bereached via e-mail atjazz@nwark.com. Complete information about the 12th Annual Eu- .--_~bo q.,qn.~ t.~’~’7 Festival is available online at: http://www.eureka-usa.com/ events/creative/index.html Also coming up fast is the annual Eureka Springs Gay Family Retmion, to be held this year on Sunday, October 6th starting at 2 pm at Beaver Dam Site Park. A canoeing event will be held that morning beginning at 11. Rentals will be avail- It’s Jazz Festival time in Eureka t.... year s dates are September 19th - 9.2nd....AnOther musical hot ticket hits town the weekend followina JazzFe t. The ~gth Annual Ozark Folk Festival comes to Eureka SprlnCs from September 96th- 99th. Ion services, we have a new family cutterin town. Tymythy Aieran is affiliated with the Holiday Island Hair Salon at 92 Woodsdale Drive and performs the full range of salon services - haircuts & styles, perms, color, manicures, pedicures, w.axin.g, facials, and ear piercing. To contact Tymythy, call 501-253- 9712. Another musical hot ticket hits townthe weekend following JazzFest. The 49th Annual Ozark Folk Festival comes to EurekaSpringsfrom September 26th - 29th. A full board of performers is scheduled, including: Peter Rowan, Townes Van Zandt, Joe Cart & Alan Munde, Crow Jolmson, Still on the Hill, the Jones : Brothers, Charles C. Hammer, Doe Broth- . ers, Jim & Kim Lansford, and Richard ¯ Johnson & Doug Reid. For more information on the 49th An- : nual Ozark Folk Festival, call the Eureka ¯ Springs Chamber of Commerce at 501- ¯ 253-8737. ]ae season IX wlaum~ u,,,,u, ..... ¯ biggest Ozark attraction of them all is yet ¯¯ to come. Plan to visit ourVictorian utopia in October to watch Mother Nature show ¯ off in all her spendor. There’ s nothing to " compare with the autumn colors in the ¯ Ozarks. : See you in Eureka! Exciting Reaching OUT to all People Rev. Clay Cody Sunday Services, 10:30 am 6540-H East 21st . pager: 594-9692 The fime nas come to ~ or ~onduct such cer- I " [ marriage._D~.et . .: ]~e ~ree to take posl- itspositiononotherre- | | tivities of me rtawan ¯ ¯ "1.1 li ons or on cmzens Supreme Court, same- tlon$ on issues l~ke "gi " " | " ¯ soon . . - followingnoorganized | / sex mam:a_ge may same-sex marrxa e~ religion." / be legal m that state. " ~ ~ :,, "tally there is a " The backlash against_ and the state cannot trom this, the Defense of portion of the Lesbian MarriageAct, willsoon require religions to and Gay community approve of or eo~duet such become law and will prevent other states from having to recognize same-sex marriages fromHawaii.The debate, however, will not end there. Author William Eskridge, a Washington DC professor and lawyer, has addressed the issue as aproponent of same-sex marriage. Hisbookexamines constitufional issues, court eeremonles. Butnelther can one religion force its pos~.tlo.n on other relldions or on clt e following no organized ren~on. decisions, the history of Lesbian and Oay commumty~ .-.reranstream" objections to same-sexmamages. Eskridge discredits many of the standard arguments agains__t. same-s.ex fiages, including one ot- me most popmar viewpoints which concerns the ihability of same-sex couples to conceive children. It is hard,to, dispute the author’s logic in this area: A state could and, to be consisthat also is against the idea of same-sex marriage, though not for the above reasons. They feel thattheimtitution of marriage is a flawed,patriarchal system that Gay and Lesbian couples should avoid. Eskridge gives a good overview of thesepositions, exploring not only the ,marriage- is-rotten" argument, but also the "alternatives tomarriage" view (domestiepartnerships) andthe antiassimilation perspective which suggests that formal marriage would "dedaw the ~radieafism of the gay liberation moveand has an appendix tiffed "Letters from the Faithful on the Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage." It includes selected tent, should prohibit mamages in which__..,"..le.t.te.r..~..£.r..~..~...m....l.,.~.~ r~X-.V-~,~-d-o-~,~m~,u~, ~Or:bo~p~~r~~-t~rii~ qr-impo~ " inducting those representing Catholics, tent. If procreation is the essential goat ot Methodists, Presbyterians and the Jew.ish marriage, why should postmenopausal ; faith.Theselettersdefendsame-sexumons women be allowed to marry? Surely, discrimination against sterile, impotent or aged couples would be lmaeceptable to citizens of many different perspectives." The often used religious argument i.s also addressed. Eskfidge’s reasomng is that "state espousal of one religion’s beliefs risks state supression of another : by citing avariety ofreligious doc.u~ent.s. ¯ The battle over same-sex mamage ~ : sure to continue for years to come an : Eskridge’s book is an informative and ¯ interesting addition to the debate. Check : for ’q’he Case for Same-Sex Marriage" at ~ the Readers Services dept. of the Central : Library (596-7966) or at thelocallibrary. by James Christjohn " SUZANNE WESTENHOEFFER brings her umque brand of queer comedy to Tulsa 10/5 at 8pm in the Williams Theatre, PAC. An outspoken (no pun intended) Lesbian, her humor has a broad appeal (sorry, that one really w.as un~conscions). Her resume is ~mpress~ve, irqm her own ground breaking HBO show (nominatedfor anACEaward, thel~,mmies of cable), ’Out there on Comedy Central", ’mainstream’ shows such as "evening at ~,e Improv" & ’X~aroline’s Comedy hour , and more. She is hilarious, so this is the must-see for October! Info. call the PAC at 596-7111. CAROL CHANNING will be appearing in Hello Dolly! at the PAC 9/27-29, and trust me, this is a show that must not ben~,’_ssed! Forgetall the disp..~g~ng things, you. ve ever heard about tins snow, ana completely disregard any other version. Ms. Channing is the real thing, and this show is magic! I was surprised at how effective it was when Ms. Channing took the stage. Only one lady has the charm and charism~a to pull it off, and this is a chance that shouldn’tbe missed. Tickets: 596-7111. And Ms. Channing is as gracious & charming offstage as she is on! CAROL BURNEIff comes to town October 13 for a question and answer session at thePAC. I’m sure I’mnot alone in claiming that her show was a bright spot in an otherwise dark childhood/adolescenee. It was the Carol Burnett Show that fueled in me a fire to perform, and to take people out of their troubles, even if only for an hour or two, and make them laugh and think. Thank you, Carol, for the inspiration, the dream, and the laughter. GUYS & DOLLS will be presented by the University of Tulsa’s theatre department October 17 -27 at the Chapman Theatre. For ticket info, call’. 631-2567. BACP presents ’ffhe Taffetas" a 50’s girl-group musical revue, 9/13 - 22. Info: 258-0077 Andthey have a web site: http/. / WWW.Geocities.com]Broadway/1646 TheatreTulsapresents ’q’heTorchBearers" starting 9/20. Info: 596~7111. (Got that number memorized by now? I do.) An Attorney who will fight for justice & Equality for Gays & Lesbians Domestic Partnership Planning, Personal Injury, Criminal Law & Bankruptcy 1-800-742-.9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. "96.......Model Close O.ut! ,96 3000GT, auto, aphrodiasiac to everyday drivi g. Nough said~ $25,930, over $6,200 discount. ’96 Eclipse RS, airconditioning, AM/FM cassette, alloy wheels, $0 down, $239 per month*, *MSRP $16,950, 47 payments of $239.98, last mayment of $7,456 or walk away. Disposition fee $350, 48,000 miles free, 15 cents thereafter, W.A.C, ere pets are treated like people * Bakery Treats * Bed & Breakfast (boarding) * Salon * Pet Supplies: Science Diet, IAMS, Nutro Dog Food THE DOG HOUSE BROOKSIDE 3311 S. Peoria, 744-5556 TO -DISCO Tulsa roundtrip to." - San Francisco, $16s - New Orleans, $164 - Phoenix/Scottsdale, $138 - Los Angeles, $188 - Chicago, $18o - San Antonio, $158 All prices subject to change. Call 341. 686,6 International Tours for more information. IGTA member. Enjoy POPS LIVE! with the Tulsa Philharmonic on October 4-5, beginning at 8 p.m. at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. The concert features Maureen MeGovern. Hear this legendary singer with the five-octave range! Call 747-PI-IIL for tickets and information! by Jean-Pierre, TFNFood Critic ¯ pet peeves is a kitchen staff too lazy to Nested ataprimecomer ofUticaSquare ¯ remove the entire shell from the shrimp. next door to the Polo Shop is a long time ¯ How is one expected to gracefully eat a popular restaurant site, in this declension " dish with a thick sauce and an incomknown as Capistrano. Previous on-site ¯ eateries have included Santa Fe, French, plet,ely shelled shellfish? Does one dip one s fingers into the hot sauce to grasp and Italian cuisines, and those ghosts continue to the shrimp by the tail and haunt the current menu. It’s hard to categorize Capistrano, though, since it bills itselfas arotisserie .(a restaurant specializing in roasted or .broiled meats), but only has one rotisserie item on the menu. It bears-a passing allegian.ce to F~en~hfoods due to its close a~sociations with its Owner’s other Tulsa restaurant, The.FTe.nch Hen, but the preparattons are certainly not, French (of course, we’ ve also made that observation about the French ’HEn, but that is the subject of another review).. We can 6nly call Capistrano eclectiC. Ecldcfic might also describe the service here, too, though esoteric also fits. Certain customers and tables seem to get a lot ofattention, while others are left to flounder unattended. The al fresco tables are particularly a service wilderness. Some of the staff is definitely friendlier than others,and all of them seem to be lacking in training in the finer points of service. Our waitress was also totally ignorant as to the .preparation technique and Ingredients of the menu items. Nevertheless, Capistrano remains a busy restaurant filled with upseale Utica Square shoppets. Where to start? Try to think of every cuisine and every culinary fad item, and then expect it to appear on the Capistrano menu. Soups include a limed chicken tortilla, a clam chowder, and a soup du jour, which on the evening of our visit was a spicy tomato, which we found rather thin and tart. Appetizers include baked brie with sun-dried tomatoes, snails, and a brick oven pizza. Salads include the Caesar, a broiledmozzarella, nicoise, oriental duck, andalderwoodsmokedsalmon, plus a vegetarian medley presented on a bed of greens. The nicoise, duck, and salmon salads come in two sizes, small for $8.95, and large for $14.95. Pastas are important menu items, including fettucine ticino, a pesto, and an angel hair with salmon. We chose to split the fettucine Riviera ($12.95) as an appetizer course, and were generally pleased with the result. The fettucine was cooked to the proper degree of al dente doneness and was sauced in a rich and delicious lobster cream, redolent with parmesan cheese, and sprinkled with bits of lobster meat, scallops, and three whole shrimps. The dish was marred only by the presence of the tail shell on the shrimps. One of our Capistrano Rotisserie 171~8Utlca Square ¯ Hours: Lunel,, 11 to 2:30 Dinner 5 to 9:30 closed S.nd~ys .Cuisine: Eclectic Dress: ’C~uM Prices: Expensive Pa~ent: A~ ~o~ No~-Smo~ Section: Alcohol: Ratln~: convey it dripping to the mouth? Or does-one use one’ s fork, riskingmouth lacerations from sharp bits of tail shell, and then later gracefully and elegantly spit out the offending bits? This .wasn’t the first time we’d been to Capistrano, so we passed up the signature Santa Fe Blue Corn Plato ($9.95), the rotisserie chicken ($10.95), the pan grilled brooktrout ($12.95), and theloin oflamb daily special ($21.95). We wish we hadn’t. Instead, we tried theGuthriepanfried steak ($15.95), which is the Capistrano answer to traditional Oklahoma chicken fried steak. This "dish" was a piece of round steak served with new potatoes and sliced mushrooms, absolutely drowned in the most offensive brown gravy we’ve ever tasted. Flavored with Worcestershire sauce, the gravywas overpowering with the anchovy-vinegar Worcestershire flavor, and the taste would not leave the mouth, even afternumerous washings with the $6.50 a glass wine. Our companion tried the toumedos au ¯ poivre ($17.95), ordered medium rare and received medium and ¯ almost cold. It was a small piece of dead ¯ cow with pepper on it. Our dessert was a bread pudding in a : Jack Daniels sauce, which our waitress .- announced was a Jack Daniels "bourbon" ¯ sauce, even though our table all knew that ." only Bourbon County, Kentucky, pro- . duces bourbon - Jack Daniels is Tennes- ¯ see whiskey. But, good whiskey notwith- ¯ standing, thebreadpuddingwas dry, bland, ¯ and rubbery. We also tried the creme ¯ brulee. Creme brulee is a milky custard with a sugar crust that is caramelized and ¯ toasted under the broiler immediately be- ¯- fore serving. Our sugar crust was burned ¯ black. But, the underlying custard was smooth and very tasty. ¯ Ah, the sacrifices we make for our ¯ readers! This simple little dinner for two ¯ endedupcosting us $76. Wewere shocked and appalled. Shocked and appalled not ¯" only because of the price, but because of ¯ the quality of food we received on the night of the review. We’ ve never been so ¯ disappointed with their food before. ¯ If one is shol~ping and hunga3, while on ¯ the west side o[ Utica Square, stop in at ¯ Capistrano for a bite to eat. The outside ¯ eafe seating can be pleasant. Just hope ¯ that those legendary birds drop by laden : with cash. Black boots,jeans, black belt, tank top ." and armband, i am ready to go and the,¯ nerves are setting in. Will i be accepted? What will it be like walking into a leather " ¯ ¯ bar?Will ~bemovermy head.9"These are ° a few of the thoughts that raced through ¯ myhead as i embarkedonmy first venture ¯ to a leather bar. i knew i had to fulfill this " yearning that was growing deep in my " soul. Little did i know that i was about to ", begin the journey of my life with no , turning back. Upon arriving at The SF Eagle, i saw a : line ofhuge,beautifnl motorcycles, i never ; knew a sight, such as this[could get my heart to racing so. i made iny way to the : patio and all i could see was a sea of ] leatherdad.men. The day was hot and the ¯ air smdled of sweat, leather and cigars, i " was in heaven. But then reality set in. : What was i supposed to do? Look? Ap- : proach someone?i waslost. Thisis where ¯ my training began, i had foundmy home. ~ My family. ¯ Basic training taughtmethat not every- : oneinleatherwas intoSMand vice-versa. ¯ Leather relationships ran’the gamut from " monogamous with leathersex only, to " Daddy/boy or Mistress, Master/slav.e and : that these relationships did not always involve pain..Leather involves scenes " which Race Bannon, author of1~earning " the Ropes, says, a scene is a comblnatton ¯ of mental, physical and/or environmental ~ components, with an exchange of power . as a key element, thatmix in such away as to produce a satisfying experience for all participants. Scenes canhappen anywhere as the focus inSMis the mind. Sexmay or may not be part of a Scene. SM has been : defmed as theater, where you create your own fantasy and as music, where you ~ ..... create your own score". ¯ i learned about networking, negotiat- ". ing and feedback. Networking is about ¯ finding out who is safe and who is not, : building a circle of friends and acquain- : tances to help you and attending parties, : workshops and club events. Educating oneself is important and no question is ~ ridiculous. Negotiating a scene helps " both parties get what they want, feel each other out and not get in over their head. Feedback, such as safe words, helps everyone involved to know how thin.gs are going. Safe words such as red, yellow, or green can be used for checking out the scene, halting the momentum for a while, or stopping the scene all together. "Safe, Sane and Consensual" is the leather creed. Safety is of utmost importance inleather and includes not exchanging body fluids, getting to know your partner and not trying anything you are not ready for. Sane means trusting your gut instinct and not involving alcohol or ..... drugs as they can impair your.j.ud,gment, causeharmandincrease yourriskoI sexually transmitted disease. Consensual stems from all parties involved should consent to everything that is transpiring. Communication is the key. But most of all, have fun. Through my experien~s, i came to realize leather is lovemaking. It is safe and non-demeaning as it is a carefully ....negotiated, safe, and caring exchange between partners. Leather is not about pain, but sensation. Leather has helped me become a stronger person and to understand the true meanings of trust, honor and love. Lastly, leather h,a,s taken me to a heigh,t,. see lance, Mina ~pace, no. one, page 1~ World War II seems to be when leathermen emerged. The men, coming back from war, were used to strict orders of rank and respect; the camaraderie, and theman-to-manbonding in the absence of women. Some were able to adjust while others yearned for the unspeakable. Themenbeganhanging out at the shipping yards, loading docks, and the bars of the larger port cities. Soon, groups of men begancoming together and "hanging their colors" in their "home bar". Motorcycles came onto the scene largely due to the appreciation the American soldier~ devdoped while serving’in Europe. rBike clubs emerged and the followers came from far and wide. Uniforms had their beginning when themenwore them out to display their rank for those who understood their insignia and would give them the respect they called for. Between the 1960’ s and 1980’ s organization, less secrecy, and the leather network helped increase the growing numbers of leatherpeople. From the 1980’ s to the present the Old Guard, which is well defined, and the New Guard have been combining the two philosophies resulting in a stronger leather community. Fetishes and the educating of others have grown and brought about a more diverse and stronger tribe. SM stands for sadomasochism or the deriving of enjoyment from the infliction and/orreceiving ofpain. SMencompasses ¯ many forms. Pain is not the key clement ¯ here, but the exchange of power is. This. ¯ exchange is totally voluntary. It defines ¯ the roles and the relationship. The bottom relies on trust then expresses his desires and finally gives up his power to the Top. This exchange continues throughout the scene as the Top watches the reactions of the bottom. The bottomis controlling with his/her actions. Areyounow asking yourselfhow I take action with my curiosity? Joseph Bean, author ofLeathersex, describes it as: Taking action is like lowering yourself into a tub of hot water, one timid body part at a time, only to discover it Wash’ t all that hot after all. Sojustgoforit. Leatherlifestyles celebrate and affirm sexuality. Be honest andlisten until youunderstand the image! reality, fantasy/foreplay give-take flows. Also realize that you are play~ng a ro!e and wearing a costume. Leatlaerpeopie are playing their roles for themselves, for something powerful within and are looking for aproper counterpart. Please donot wear cologne, loud colors, use a loud voice, or disturb a scene. It is not proper etiquette. Dressing for Action is not all that involved. A tight fitting t-shirt, jeans, black belt, and black boots will suffice. Leather and accessories are expensive so play by the motto "Performnow, reward yourself later". Do not be afraid to ask questions about what is appropriate for you and your role. Collars are worn to imply that you are owned or taken. If you are not ¯ owned, but would like to be, thread the ¯ collar under the right epaulet of your ¯ jacket. ¯ Communicating with clothing can be ¯ misinterpreted. Please take the time to ¯ learn thehankie colors and their meaning. ¯ Do not mistake interests for requirements " and don’ tassume that yourmessages have : notbeen misread. Take all these things as ¯ points to be considered and discussed see lance, Mind Space, no. two, page 15 Do you live in a small town or rural area? Are you attracted to other men? Do you feel like you. are the only one? And if you’d like to meet others, come to our rural mens discussion group every 2nd & 4th Saturday, 7,9 pm For more info,, contact Jeremy or Brian 742-2927 or 800-282-8165 Bttt[er-Stumpff Fttrtera Home Cemetery - Funeral Home - Crematory At Butler-Stumpff Funeral Home, you and your family will be treated with dignity, compassion, and pride. Whether it is your given or chosen family who needs our services, you can be who and what you are, and you will not be discriminated against. We offer our exclusive $2820. complete funeral plan, no added costs. If you have a policy some-where else, you can transfer your policy to us, and may be due a cash refund if you paid more for what you have now. Our journey through life should be done with pride; shouldn’t our journey through death be done with pride as well? For more information, please call 918-587-7000 for all of your pre-need arrangements. (insurance policies are available with no health questions asked) 2103 East Third Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104 918-587-7000 by Stephen W. Scott, PME ¯ work hard, stress muscle tissue and then FUNERALS JUST NEVER SEEMED RIGHT FOR MY FAMILY... THE CREMATION SOCIETY WAS CREATED FOR PEOPLE LIKE ME. We enjoy being ourselves. A funeral seems ostentatious and can cost a lot of money. A simple, dignified cremation just seems to fit our lifestyle. Cremation Society® of Oklahoma 2103 East Third, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-1842 918-599-7337 or toll-free, 800-994-7337 or visit us on the Internet at http ://www. cremation, org/oklahoma/oklahoma,html For Free Literature, Without Cost or Obligation, Mail this coupon today! Please contact me. I would like to learn more about your special final expense program. Name: Age: Address: City, St. &Zip: Telephone: We all want to look our best. If notjust for our health, looking our best can make an incredible difference in our own selfesteem and how we view others around us...in short, Gay or not, it’ s a must. Maybe you have never wanted to be a competitive body builder, but you may still want to feel better about yourself. There are a variety of ways to do that but this month, I am discussing one I truly have passionfor- weight training. Maybe _y.ou already life weights but you can’t figure out why you don t looklike that hot guy (or girl) dancing next to you on a Sat. night. Many times the difference can be narrowed down to a few basic points. 1. Lackofintensity. Too often, many of us just go through the motions of exercise without fully understanding the importance of intensity. I’m sorry to break it to you but weight lifting hurts. You must work out hard and consistently, pushing .yourself to add more weight while keepmg a perfect a form as possible. Intensity is simply trying hard enough. 2. Too much intensity & not enough rest. The number that fall into this category is significantly smaller than the previous one. Unless you’rejuiced to the gills (steroids) or on supplements, you’re not going to be able to work out every day of the week. Normal guys and gals need to Mind Space, no. one ¯ recuperate. The trick is finding out the right amount that suits you. For some, ¯ working out 2-3 per week is best. For the : more advanced, 5 per week is optimum. ¯ 3. Inconsistency. You must commit ¯ ¯ YOurself toworkingout on aregularbasis. If you make working out a priority, put- ¯, ling it ahead of social engagements, you ¯ will make progress. And if you’re only working out three times a week (5 max.) ¯ that lives plenty of time for other things. ¯. 4. Too much time on "shaping" exercises. Unless you’re a professi-on~l body- " builder, there’s little need to concentrate ¯ on various parts of the body. Stick with ¯ the powermovements like bench presses, ¯ squats, leg presses, etc. These are exer- ¯ cises that build size andstrength overall. ¯ 5. Inadequate rest and/or nutrition. If ¯ you follow all these tips yet fail to get ¯ ¯ enough sleep or you eat poorly, what you’re doing is equivalent to swimming ¯ in a cement overcoat. You must sleep an ¯ amount that’s right for you. Eat lots of ¯ whole-grainfoods, vegetables, fruits, and ¯ low-fat protein sources. ¯ 6. Rottenform and time in between sets. ¯ There are various ways to make an exer- ¯ cise easier. Almost all of them constitute ¯ cheating and waiting too long in between ¯ sets. Swinging a barbell up, using your ¯ body weight, momentum and maybe a ¯ ¯ eatapnltmaymakecurling aweight easier, but it will do absolutely nothing to make ¯ your muscles grow. Wait more than 30 ¯ seconds (45 max.) in between sets and ¯ you lose your fatigue/tension and your : muscles can cool down to where you’re at : the starting point all over again. ¯ There are plenty-of other pitfalls to ¯ achieving your best physical shape, but ¯ ~we’vecoveredthemostimportantofthem..~. : Despite the image that weight-lifters ofened awareness of my inner self and has allowed me to stand tall and be proud of whoi am. i would like to here your comments, .any questions you may have, or any subjects you wouldlikeme to talk about. You can e-mail me at mrac194@aol.com or write tomein care of Tulsa Family News. Mark your calendars for September 20. RonGreenwoodproduces ’q"he Mr. Tnlsa l_xather Contest" at The Silver Star Saloon. Until next time...... Author’s note: in the leather community Tops are recognized in upper case and bottoms as lower case. Mind Space, no. two with a possible partner. Here is a tip to remember: A Top flags left and a bottom flags right. You do not have to be all dressed and ." have no place to go. There are the bars, ." dubs, events, dub runs and more. There ¯ are many national events that happen annually and local events you can find out about through the local papers, the community, leather magazines, and the intemet. Always ask. The information is there for your disposal. The world is for your ialdng. Don’ t be afraid. Take one step at a time until you feel comfortableandremember, theleather community is there for you with open arms. This .tribe will help you with your journey. After all, we are all on this journey together. i aminterestedin yourcomments, questions, or topics you would like to see discussed. Please e-mail me at mrac194@aol.com or write to me in care of Tulsa Family News. In October i will be discussing leather relationships. Until then...Play Safe, Play Sane, Play Consensually, but most of all Have Fun! tenhave, they’re involved in a science, and if you treat it as such, you’ re likely to get the results you want. Stephen W. Scott, PME is a native of Tulsa. He is president and founder of Face Beautiful and FBfor Men, a Euroclinicaldayspaspecializing in treatments ¯¯ for the skin, body, hair and nails, located in OKC. He is also certified in Fitness, ¯ Nutrition, and Massage. Info: 405-840- ¯ 3223. How To Do It First 30 words are $10. Each additional word is 25 cents. You may bdng additional attention to your ad: Bold Headline - $1 Ad in capital letters - $1 Ad in bold capital letters - $2 Ad in box - $2 Ad reversed - $3 Tear sheet mailed - $2 Blind Post Office Box - $5 Please type or print your ad. Count the ao. of words. (A word is a group of letters or numbers separated by a space.) Send your ad & payment to POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 with your name, address, tel. numbers (for us only). Ads will run in the next issue after received. TFN reserves the right to edit or, refuse any ad. No refunds. Seeks Similar GWM, I am Christian, 39, like movies, family, friends, ’quiet evenings, warm, considerate, friendly,always happy. Seeking lifemate for monogamous relationship with similar interests. Let’ s meet to talk. Rt. 8 Box 796, Tulsa, OK 74126 , Lifestyl Fgo S24,900 S400 8400 Health & Fitness Center ¯ Jogging Track . Lush ~dscaping ¯ Valet ParNng M~ble ~bby The Hying Begins Now. 4-10 West 7th (7th and Denver) 584-8400 1-800-327-0555 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 [1996] Tulsa Family News, September 15-October 14, 1996; Volume 3, Issue 10 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neal Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 15-October 14, 1996 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Mac Guru James Christjohn Phyl Boler-Schmidt Barry Hensley Jean-Pierre Legrandbouche Leanne Gross Steven Scott Gerald Miller Lance Brittain Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News 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 newspaper periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/527 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, August 15-September 14, 1996; Volume 3, Issue 9 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 adoption African Americans AIDS Legal Research Project AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV drugs AIDS/HIV education AIDS/HIV research AIDS/HIV testing anti-bias law arts and entertainment attorneys Barry Hensley Bars Bill Clinton businesses censorship churches civil rights conversion therapy Darlene Shadid Dave Fleischer Defense of Marriage Act Disney Domestic Partnership Employment Non Discrimination Act estate planning Eureka Happenings Eureka Springs Fellowship Congregational Church fitness FUSO hate crimes HIV/AIDS and the Law homophobia housing Human Rights Campaign James Christjohn Jean-Pierre Legrandbouche lance brittain Leather Meant to be Fit Mind Space Murder murder 1996 neo-nazis Partner Benefits performing arts PFLAG Phyl Boler-Schmidt Pride Center Read All About It restaurants Robert Renfro schools Stephen W. Scott Tom Neal Tulsa Family News viatication William N. Eskridge https://history.okeq.org/files/original/88073056f2827072b9870be931b101d0.jpg d8fdc9557c15ac479efc121424369e84 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/7c13f359888fb68a2427eb6a06bac2ad.pdf 37679881844b513e2d8f1434a2e90b8b PDF Text Text ESTABLISHED 2003 www.ozarksstar.com MAY 2008 An Exclusive Interview With OGRA’s 4 Term President, Klint Wieden One of the longest running and largest of Gay Rodeo Organizations in the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) system, Oklahoma’s Great Plains Rodeo will kick off it’s 23rd year. A fun filled weekend May 23 through May 25th 2008. The event will be held in Oklahoma City at State Fair Park, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd. Photo: Klint Wieden with his horse Cherokee. "I grew up in the small northwest Oklahoma town ofArnett. I rode horses and worked cattle my whole life, so that’s really who I am." Klint told the Star. PAGE-12 Newly revamped drag-free Tulsa Pride 2008 unveiled By Joey De OKLAHOMA CITY, OK ~The fun begins with the Great Plains Rodeo Kickoff Party hosted at the Finishline Thursday, May 22 featuring the current reigning OGRA Royalty. This is a great chance to meet and greet, dance and party, and ready yourself for the weekend to come. State Fairgrounds on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25, beginning at 8 a.m. both days. To keep the weekend wild the Texas Gay Rodeo Association will host their Texas T Party on that Saturday in the Copa from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. featuring fantastic food and fun. The host hotel for the Rodeo is the Hilton Garden Inn, and there is a block of rooms available at a special rate from May 22-26 that will be available until May 16 or until they sell out, whichever comes first. Registration for the event happens Friday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tickets are available from OGRA members for $10 or $15 at the gate. 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. The Rodeo takes place at the Oklahoma TULSA, OK __ Organizers of this year’s Tulsa Pride Celebration are promising the public that this year’s events will be anything but boring. "We have made a lot of changes to the entire celebration," says Nate Black, one of the co-chairs. Black says the changes are intended to breathe a new sense of excitement into the pride observance and to help promote the revitalization of downtown. "People don’t kno,v downtown. They don’t know how to get here, they don’t know where to park, they don’t know how many things are down here and growing," Black says. "We have moved the events to ................ Continued Page 5 ��i 7 West 7th Street (corner 7th & ~3oulder Ave) e Tulsa, Ok 74ii9 www.ozarksstar.com �1:800o535oAtDS (2437) PROTECT YOURSELF PROTKOT YOUR PAR www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 �Join us for our biggest issue of the year! PRIDE 2008. Be a part of RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW Deadline Thursday l~ay t 5f.h Serving the Oklahoma GLBT community since 2003. �Mr OkAahoma Continentall Benefits OYP Tulsao By Judy G. Charles Frederick Mr Oklahoma Continental 2008 TULSA, OK __ March 28th, Singer and entertainer Chades Frederick, Mr. Oklahoma Continental, began one of the many benefits planned to support Openarms Youth Project in Tulsa to a standing room only crowd. Many parents and grandparents of the entertainers were in attendance. David Dees, owner of Club Majestic, 124 N. Boston, Tulsa, donated the use of the dub for this worthy benefit. ~he event raised $770 for OYE. Entertainers were Sabastyn Croft, Tazia Kennedy, Cort, Brooke Kennedy-Miss OK National Queen, Mindy Bartlett, KC Morgan, Kordylia Kennedy, Alex Kennedy, Iman Scott-Miss Goddess 2007, Daphne Rio and Nicole Poverty-Miss OYE. Donations to benefit the GLBT youth group, many who are or were homeless just because they are gay, can be made to Openarms Youth Project, 2015-B S. Lakewood, Tulsa, Ok. 74112, or contact Tim or Ken at 918838-7104. TULSA PRIDE: give people a reason to check it (downtown) out, but also to come enjoy our new center and see how many resources are available." The first big change this year that Black notes is the separation of the Pride Festival from the Pride Parade. This year, the parade will occur June 7 and the festival will occur June 14. For the latest updates on the Tulsa Pride Celebration, visit their web site at www. tulsapride.org. 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit OKC Following a national trend, the Pride Parade will be held in the evening, escaping the oppressive summer sun. The parade will fol!ow a new route, taking it from the Brady Arts District through downtown to the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Saturday, May 10, 9am-5pm, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City When the parade ends at 4th and Kenosha, the new Pride Block Party will kick off: "There will be 2 stages of entertainment, beer tents, vendors and all kinds of activities," says Black, who also notes that national music sensation Eric Himan will be performing. Black also says that for those with children, the second floor of the equality center will be open to provide licensed babysitters for a small fee. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Cimarron Alliance Foundation wil! host the 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit a one-day event with four sessions of workshops. This year’s summit features more extensive workshops about our state legislature - by far the most attended session last year - and programs appealing to college students and young adults. There will also be two community forums. A week later, the Diversity Festival will kick off in Centennial Park just west of6th & Peoria. Black says that the newly revamped festival will feature two stages of entertainment with a multi-ethnic array of performers, an international food court, children’s area, local vendors and more. The 2007 LGBT Leadership Summit was successful beyond expectations. LGBT and LGBT-friendly persons and organizations acquired tools and guidance to more effectively manage themselves and, more importantly, better collaborate with others to accomplish common goals. According to Black, including other faith and ethnic communities is not an attempt to "de-gay" Pride, but to help create community allies. "We have to realize our commitment to justice can not be for the gay community only. We have to speak out against racism and against bigotry. "The GLBT community is in every population," "By increasing our alliances we strengthen our own commitment for our people." Workshops The 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit is a one-day event with four sessions of up to five workshops per session. Workshops will address five topics: ’This is still a gay pride event," Black emphasizes. There will be a leather fashion show, there will be drag queens, and there xvill be rainbows. It’s still very gay, but it is also more professional and more inclusive." The final major change that Black says will be occurring is the moving of the www.ozarksstar.com Diversity Gala to the historic Cain’s Ballroom. Black says that not only does this help to create an emphasis on downtown, but it also provides much needed space for the event to grow. Leadership Development O Organization Development - non-profits, fundraising, etc. o Government- politics and the legislative process ® Personal Development - spirituality, equality, etc. o Anti-violence - anti-bullying, hate crimes, etc. For more information go to: wvcw.cimarronalliance.org the STAR 5 �Loving the Hater Wlaile Hating the Hate The writer gives some specific examples of public, peaceful protest that we can engage in to show that LGBTs are neither the doormats nor the monsters our enemies make us By James Nimmo to be. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ I found a link recently to a blog (vavw.bilerico.com) that contains a comment (http://tinyurl. com/4qdbph) written in reaction to reading the main story about the Oklahoma City chapter of PFLAG and their recording of Rep. Sally Kern (http://tinyurl.com/2zbpgn) that catches Kern in her spider web of hubris and cant. It’s odd that our suppressors are either afraid to be in the same room with us, fearing for their own bodily integrity, keeping their knees close together; or they, dismiss us as dippy airheads, frivolous and irresponsible. How can we be both at the same time? Like the author, I too am very disappointed with the approach of "loving the hater while hating the hate." Of course, I respect our supporters who use their close relationship with Jesus to try and gain support for LGBT citizens and other minorities who are used for verbal target practice in the ~var for suppression of civil rights. I’m delighted the Oklahoma City PFLAG chapter was able to document the duplicity of Sally Kern and record with her permission the lies she later reported as irresponsibility on the part of PFLAG. This single incident should show you the arrogance and madness that is being passed offas legislative Republican leadership. Not one elected official in Oklahoma from either major party has come strongly to the defense and support of the LGBT taxpayers living in Oklahoma. Had Kern used race, skin color, or ethnic origin as her subject I bet the rent she would be rene~ving her teaching certificate and looking for a school that would hire her. The First Amendment guarantees both sides the freedom to practice their respective religious viewpoints and the market place in which to talk about them. However, this same First Amendment does NOT give either side permission to encode their religious viewpoints into CIVIL law. I feel this is where we miss the boat in establishing our birthright to equal treatment under judicial law, and not the ten laws of Deuteronomy. There will always be a Bible verse to trump the opposing Bible verse resulting in a version of ping-pong skirmishes with Jesus as the referee. 6 the STAR Their response shows more about the fiction in their minds then about the truth of our lives. Until we get out of the religious justification business the more we’ll be dragged into its historical quagmire. Look at the present wars being fought around the world and you’ll see religious intolerance at the root. Our LGBT equality will have to be established in the legislatures and the courthouses in all fifty states without religious prejudice tipping the scales of justice. �www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �e Comling o~ Age 8 the STAR w-ww.ozarksstar.com �©irecYed bs/Davd Geligan Oklahoma OiV June 8~ 2008 at 8pnq Brot~-~e~ Boy www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 �by Liz Highleyman What is the history o£GLAAD ?? For more than two decades, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has served as the queer community’s watchdog against biased portrayals of lesbian, ga); bisexual, and transgender people in the media. Up until the final decades of the 20th century, representations of LGBT people in l{lms, television, popular music, and mainstream publications - if present at all - typically focused on scandal or ridicule. The burst of gay activism and visibility in the late 1960s spurred a conservative backlash, and by the mid-1980s, the community was staggering under the weight of the AIDS epidemic, as people with HIV faced stigma exacerbated by media portrayals depicting them as a danger to the "general population." In 1985, the New York LGBT community was embroiled in a debate about closure of the .city’s gay bathhouses and grew- increasingly alarmed about sensationalistic AIDS coverage in the New York Post. That November, a group of long-time activists including Vito Russo, Arnie Kantrowitz, Jim Owles, and Darrell Yates Rist called a town meeting that drew more than 700 participants. Heeding the exhortation of author Jewetle Gomez to "take responsibility for what is being said about us," they formed the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). The group began as a grassroots effort, using phone trees and monthly newsletters to issue alerts about offensive media portrayals of LGBT people. Among its earliest victories, in 1987 GLAAD persuaded the New York Times to finally use the word "gay" rather than "homosexual." Ti~e following year, the New York group hired its first full-time executive director, Craig Davidson. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Richard Jennings and others started a new chapter focused on the Hollywood entertainment industry. The bicoastal organization’s clout continued to grow, enabling it to secure an apology from comedian Johnny Carson for saying "fag" on the air, followed by the suspension ofAndy Rooney by CBS for homophobic and racist comments. In 1992, Entertainment Weekly named GLAAD one of the 100 most powerful entities in Hollywood. Before long, new GLAAD chapters arose in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. But in 1995, the local groups merged into a centralized national organization with a single board, and a staff based in New York and Los Angeles; two years later, former Showtime executive Joan Garry took the helm. Over the next decade, GLAAD initiated projects focusing on communities of color (including Spanish and Chinese language media), sports media, faith-based groups, and youth. GLAAD continued to exert insider pressure, and, when needed, to organize larger public protests against biased portrayals - like Sharon Stone’s murderous bisexual temptress in the film Basic Instinct (1992) - or the omission of queer content, such as excising 10 the STAR a male-male kiss from the television show Melrose Place. Homophobic song lyrics by rapper Eminem and Jamaican dancehall artists Beenie Man and Buju Banton were other targets. GLAAD also reacted to current events, such as the murders of Matthew Shepard and transgender teen Gwen Araujo, as well as homophobic outbursts by the likes of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell and Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. But in keeping with its mission of promoting "fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation," GLAAD also sought to shape positive portrayals. It consulted on television and movie scripts featuring LGBT characters and themes, pitched sympathetic stories to mainstream publications, provided spokespersons for talk shows, and trained queer individuals and groups in how to effectively use the media. In addition to wielding the "stick" of protest, the organization also dangled the "carrot" of praise, introducing the GLAAD Media Awards in 1990 to recognize favorable representations of the community and its issues. After considerable pressure from LGBT media, the organization agreed in 2007 to honor them along with nongay outlets. By 2005, when Garry turned over leadership to Neil Giuliano - the openly gay former Republican mayor of Tempe, Ariz. - the organization had a budget approaching $7.5 million and a staff of more than 40. Yet GLAAD’s explosive growth, insider strategy, and increased emphasis on star-studded events did not sit well with some activists who felt the organization had moved too far from its grassroots origins. Further, some were unhappy with tactics they regarded as censorship, such as the successful pressure campaign to cancel conservative commentator Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s television show. GLAAD has "a political agenda that is murky at best - at worst, it is dangerous to free speech, artistic expression, and the interests of LGBT people," wrote activist Michae! Bronski. "Judging the accuracy of a news report is much different than judging art. GLAAD can deal with these issues by getting out of show business and back into watchdog media commentary." Despite the criticism, GLAAD continues with its goal of"changing people’s hearts and minds through what they see in the media." According to the organization, "What people see at the movies or read in the newspaper shapes how they view and treat the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people around them, and we have a responsibility to make sure those images foster awareness, understanding and respect." For further reading: Bronski, Michael. 2005. ~Not So GLAAD Anymore." Z Magazine (May 1). Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. www.glaad.org. Gross, Larry: 2002. Up From Invisibility: Lesbians, Gay Men and the Media in America (Columbia University Press). www.ozarksstar.com �OkEq Announces Anrmat Equality Gala Saturday, May 3t, 6pm, Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main Ave TULSA, OK__ (ENEWS) Oklahomans for Equality is excited to announce its annual Equality Gala, held this year at the legendary Cain’s Ballroom. Benefiting OkEq, the Gala honors Lifetime Achievement Axvard xvinner Charles Faudree, Community Heroes George Kaiser Family Foundation and Carol Crawford, and Russ Bennett Spiritual Inclusion Award winner Nancy Day: The program features a champagne and hors d’oeuvre reception, live entertainment by Jared Tyler and Valerie Eskridge accompanied by Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, dinner by Taste Catering and wine donated by Loring Wine Company. Don’t miss the black tie event of the season, celebrating Tulsa’s rich diversity. Sponsorship information and tickets are available at: wxvw.okeq.org Co ° munity for People iving with H P !iA1D 8 A 501 c (3) Non Profit O~:gan:izatlon Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. VVe provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrism mj r@yahoo.com. www.0zarksstar.c0m New exhibit featuring artist Ann Marie Distefano at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Emmy Award Winner Leslie Jordan (Brother Boy) In Oklahoma City. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, May 1, 2008, for the opening of it’s May exhibit, paintings by Ann Marie Distefano. Ann Marie’s paintings emerge from an aspiration to reclaim the spiritual dignity of art. "I want to make art that might open for the receptive viewer the window onto eternity," states Distefano. She continues, "My paintings are ’plugged into’ an inner source within myself that is very deep and sometimes unknown. What I seek to achieve is independence of artistic and philosophical fashions. My goal as an artist is to reveal an ineffable presence, the contemplation of which can lead the viewer towards an intuitive recognition of his or her own inherent radiance." OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Leslie Jordan famed "Sordid Lives" star, will bring his one man show, "My Trip Down The Pink Carpet" to OKC June 8th at the Tolbert Theater @ Stage Center. "In 1982, Leslie Jordan jumped offa Greyhound bus from the hills of Tennessee, said ’hello’ to Hollywood and has never looked back. With hundreds of television and film roles to his credit, he is probably best remembered for ’Kyle’ hapless ex-con on Muphey Brown, ’Resplendent Man’ entrepreneurial super hero on Lois and Clark, and can currently be seen recurring as ’Mr. Beverly Leslie’ on the hit series, \Vgill & Grace. Mr. Jordan just finished a stint on the two hit series, Ally McBeal and Boston Public as ’Dr. Benjamin Harris’ cloning expert turned new-age reverend turned science teacher turned drama coach. Mr. Jordan has also had a successful stage career. He played ’Brother Boy’ a Tammy Wynette fixated drag queen, in Del Shores hit play Sordid Lives and went on to star in the film adaptation of that play. He also has won every award for best supporting actor LA gives in theatre (Back Stage West Garlands, LA Weekly, LA Drama Critics Circle) for his portrayal of’Peanut Leroy’ a sodden aging homosexual in the runaway hit, Southern Baptist Sissies. Distefano, a native Bostonian, has been living in Tulsa for the past four years. She is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston. The reception will be generously catered by donation by Baxter’s Interurban Grill. The exhibit will remain up through the month of May, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq. org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq)_. OkEq seeks the STAR 11 �By Victor Gorin ooking forward to the upcoming Great Plains Rodeo, O.G.R.A. President Klint Wieden shares his thoughts and hopes not only for this event but for OGRA and the gay cowboys and cowgirls of Oklahoma. Originally from the small Oklahoma community of Arnett, he grew up as a typical Oklahoma cowboy, belonging to both 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. He went on to OSU where he majored in animal science and business, and now resides in OFdahoma City with his current career of copier sales while enjoying being a cowboy on the side. We appreciate him sharing his time with us. Victor: How many years has the Great Plains Regional Rodeo been in Oklahoma City? Klint: This is our 23rd year, and it has been held for the last 15 years at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. It began with a group of people looking for an avenue where they could have friendly competition, socialize together and work together. It was a place for people who had something in common, a love of rodeo. They were gay cowboys who didn’t really feel that they fit into the gay scene at that time. The I.G.R.A. ( International Gay Rodeo Association) was formed, and O.G.R.A ( Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) was among the first state organizations. At the same time, the founders felt that they could also help the community by being a major fundraiser for charities of the community. Victor: A tradition that continues to this day. Klint: Besides the competition and fun involved, fundraising is truly what the rodeo all over the country. It was also read by my parents, who I had not been out with, who accepted me for the gay cowboy I was. Victor: Gay just happens, but cowboys are made. So how did it happen that you are a cowboy? Photo: Klint Wieden President OGRA Klint: I grew in the small northwest Oklahoma town of Arnett, 18 people in my graduating class. Arnett is a farming and ranching community, I rode horses and worked cattle my whole life, so that’s really who I am. Like many straight people, I thought you had to be flamboyant and feminine to be gay, and that wasn’t me. Once I learned there were country gay bars with cowboys, and gay rodeos, I thought" wow!" I fit in. That was great to kno~v. is all about. \Ve raise money all year long to put it on, and then take the proceeds from that to give back to local charities. Victor: Is it still a regional rodeo? Klint: It had formerly been the Great Plains Regional Rodeo, representing other states as well. Today it is the Great Plains Rodeo, an event solely of OGRA. There is another organization in Tulsa, the Sooner State Rodeo Association, who also has their own rodeo. Victor: Of course the situation is much better than it was over 25 years ago. There were probably a lot of gay cowboys who felt they couldn’t be themselves and fit into what they perceived the gay community to be at that time. But even today straight people are astounded that there are gay cowboys, much less a rodeo. Klint: A couple a years ago the Daily Oklahoman wrote about our rodeo. \Vhat was to be a small paragraph turned into a front page story, hit the AP wires and was read Victor: Of course the movie Brokeback Mountain had an enormous impact on America as a whole. I’m sure it had a special effect for the gay rodeo scene. Klint: It made people aware, both gay and straight, that there were people in that lifestyle who happened to be gay. So many gay cowboys could really relate to it, felt we had to hide for fear of not being accepted by our families, friends, bosses, or even the gay communir): Victor: So how rewarding has your hard work been with OGRA? Klint: \Veil this is my 4th term as the President of OGRA, I’ve been the rodeo director. I’m very out and very proud of what I’m doing. I have no problem telling businesses, like my dry cleaners, my dentist, my veterinarian that I support them, I’m a gay cowboy, and I’d like their support for our ............ Continued PAGE 23 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Wockner News Service Foreman eaves Task Force National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman quit his job April 15 and moved to San Francisco to head up the Gay & Lesbian Rights Program at the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. The fund provides more grant support to GLBT organizations than aW other nongay foundation in the U.S. Foreman was at the Task Force for five years and is credited with grmving the staff to 54 full-timers and doubling the organizanon’s budget to $10 million. "I’m incredibly privileged to have had this job for the last five years, and to have been paid to be gay for the last 18," Foreman said in an interview. "There are so many people who give their hearts and souls to our movement without any compensation or for ridiculously low salaries, and that certainly includes LGBT journalists. ’Tm also overwhelmed with pride in our people," he said. "One thing I hear a lot in my travels is: ’There’s no such thing as a gay community. No one’s on the same page. In a few years we’ll all be assimilated, etc., etc.’ I couldn’t disagree more. "Name me one community -- or family, for that matter -- where everyone agrees and everyone gets along. That’s not community, but banality.... No, there’s no monolithic gay community, but there are dozens and dozens of communities within our larger movement and they’re accomplishing amazing things every day. There’s community everywhere I go -- some purely social, others religious, others political, others professional. "While we do have a very, very long way to go, the fact that we’ve made so much progress while being such a tiny minority and against such mighty opponents is, to me, proof positive that we do indeed have a vibrant people and community." www.ozarksstar.com PlanetOut to selll Advocate, Out, Myson, porn mags PlanetOut Inc. is selling The Advocate and Out magazines -- as well as The Out Traveler, HIVPlus, three porn magazines and book publisher Alyson Publications -- to an affiliate of the gay TV network here! for $6 million. The sale price is far !ess than the $31.1 million PlanetOut Inc. paid for the magazines and book compaW when it bought LPI Media Inc. and SpecPub Inc. in 2005. PlanetOut Inc. reported a loss of $51.2 million last year. The company xvill continue to own and operate Gay.com and PlanetOut.com. In January, PlanetOut Inc. "retained Allen & Company, LLC to assist the company in evaluating strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company," a press release said. The corporation also announced in January "that it will no longer be providing quarterly or annual earnings guidance and will not hold quarterly earnings calls." The porn magazines included in the sale to Regent Releasing and Unzipped. A fourth SpecPub Inc. porn magazine, known as [2], has ceased publication, but the sale will include the trademark "[2]," PlanetOut Inc. CEO Karen Magee said via e-mail. Obama grants interview to Advocate Under fire for not speaking with local and regional gay cations, presidential candidate Barack Obama sat down for an interviexv with Advocate.corn on April 10. "The gay press may feel like I’m not giving them enough love. But basically, all press feels that xvay at times;’ Obama said. "Obviously, when you’ve got limited amount of time, you’ve got so many oudets. We tend not to do a whole bunch of specialized press .... But I haven’t been silent on gay issues. What’s happened is, I speak oftentimes to gay issues to a public general audience" Obama said he supports passage of a federal law protecting transgender people from discrimination but he’s not sure there’s support in Congress for the move. A bill outlawing job discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals has passed the House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate. "I have been clear about my interest in including gender identity in legislation, but I’ve also been honest ~vith the groups that I’ve met with that it is a heavy lift through Congress," he said. "\Ve’ve got some Democrats who are willing to vote for a non-inclusive bill but we lose them on an inclusive bill, and we just may not be able to generate the votes" Obama said he understands gay people’s frustration with candidates such as himself(and Hillary Clinton) who support, civil-union but not marriage for same-sex couples,’ I strongly respect the right of samesex couples to insist that even if we got complete equality in benefits, it still wouldn’t be equal because the same ~vord, marriage, assigned to it; he said. "I understand that, 3ective is also the broader ,olitical and ’ historical context in which I’m opera ing" MORE PAGE 27 the STAR 13 �Rata Esparza Slays ’Era in 2518 Eventually, all the Broadway stars try their tuck in Hollywood. And it Was just ~ matter of time before Raul Esparza, the han&ome Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner (both for _Company_ and TabooL wandered west. Xhe bisexual actor has already fom~.d success on the small screen, cast m a recurring ro!e on A C s h,t Pushing Daisies. BUt n~w he ma.v be s,tepping wlay outside the feel-good box he ~ been in - hes in t~ to play a s~riaI killer in Wes Craven~ latest ~een-horror fihm, 2518. Concerning a group 0fkids being stalked by a killer believed to have died on the birthday they share in common, the film will co’star teenage collies Shareeka epps (Half-Nelson). No production or release dates yet, but the scary stuffis due to shoot soon. 0 pe ) and Cosby Gay Cast Populates C vas Shifting the Canvass. an indie drama due m rackJe the complicated lives of a group of BrooMyn friends aAer 9/11. has cast several ~:aces fan~iliar to queer audiences. notably up-and-coming gay actor Cheyem~e Ja4k~on. t~t seen on film as rugby player M~k Bingha~n in United 93, and cur~endy on Broadway in the hit music~ 3~adu, Jackson will star as a heterosexuN W~ Srree~ executive involved with a group of gay ffien&. Rounding out the c~st is ~& in ~e HNI alum Scott "~,ompson, ~ well as John Paul Pimc (best remembered ~ the hotW go-go boy in N’icD and Gedde Watanabe (last seen reD,lart~ as a gay nurse on ER, but forever kmown as ’Long D~ Dong" from SNteen CanNes). ~le film rolls in June and promises ~meos ~- several ~-yevunn~ed New ~brk ni~tti~e personalties. Goes to Jail Moore kmows how hard it is for an ; a break from the business so lately she~ been a low-risk comeback? Get on indie-film bus. And that’s exacdy what he’s been doing, recently starring in the .’ist drama Flawless with Michael Caine. nd now set to shoot gay writer-director d~tchell Llchtenste~ns (Teeth) latest film. Happy Tears. She’s i~ good compan> ~oo, ~ih~e-fitm veteran P~ker Posey has signed ,n toplay lvloore’s youn get sibling. ~2ne kama focuses on the two estranged sisters me selfLaggrandizing, the other bitter and ~dn~) as they re-establish their relationlip and deal with their elderly father’s progressive dementia. Shooting now in i~hiiadelphia, look for the happiness sometim~ in 2009. who finds herself from a mate taste, 2010. Notably up-and-coming gay actor Cheyenne Jack, on. Photo: By Ben Strothmann 14 the STAR wv~,.ozarksstar.com �Brief history from around the There is a lot to learn about this versatile wine. There are plenty of good Rieslings to taste. Let~ start with Australian offerings. They are noted fbr their oily- texture and citrus fruit flavors in their youth and a smooth balance of freshness and acid as they age. New Zealand Riesling was first planted in the 1970s and has flourished in the relatively cool climate of the Marlborough area. In comparison to Australian Riesting, New Zealand produces lighter and more delicate wines that range from sweet to dry. New York, particularly in ~e Finger Lakes region, was one of the eaMiest U.S, producers of Pdesling. Plantings started to appear in California by 1857 and fbllowed in xNSshington State in 1871. New ~tbrk Riesling generally has a characteristic effervescent light body with a similarly light, mellow flavor, The wine can be dynamic though rarely robust, and ranges from dry to sweet. New York is also a notable producer of Riesling based Ice Wine, although a large majority of New ~%rk ke Wine is made from Vidal Blanc and Vigno~es. In the Pacific Northwest there is a stark contrast in Riesling production. ~Ihe grape is currently on the rise in ~VZ~shington State but on the decline in neighboring Oregon. Pdesling from this area ranges from dr?" to sweet, m~d has a crisp lighmess that bodes well for e~sy drin~ng. Often there will be an easily detectable peach and mineral complex. Some Washington State winemakers, such as Chateau Ste. Michelle, are adapting Germau-style Rieslingproduction methods, and even parmering with well&~own German vinmers like Dr. Ernest Loosen to create specialty wines such as the Eroig~ Riesling, www.ozarksstar.com ][n Cati~brnia, Riesling lags far behind in popularity to Chardonnay ~d is not as commonly planted. A notable exception is opment of high quality Late Harvest So i]~r, the Late Harvest wines produced are in the Anderson Valleys (north of Santa Rosa) where is more likely to encourage dte needed botutis develop. ~ae Riesling that does ~ fornia tends to be softer, fuller, a diverse flavors than a "tTpical" ~ smoked meats, ofBonW Doon, F Mountain A~v~& with dedicated completely to With high acidity and peach has deveto area is re t facility . white sausages, crab cakes gouda & grwere~ :this wine can be paired as an cake, apples/pears, caramel/ wmilla ice creaan, [, citric, With German Riesling, ,nit of ~vin e Pr~dikat (QmP) PRAY-dee-kahq. It is the defined by the 1971. There are six subcategories categor?; ranked from determine various levels .are: K)~BINE~, SP/&TLESE BEEI?J);NAUSLESE, EISWEIN, ENBEERENAUSLESE. Each care fined by a minimum sugar content of the which varies {::rotn region to region. The focus sugar content embodies the theoW that grapes with bdgher sugar levels are riper and therefore yield richer wines with deep colors and intense flavors. Schm~ Sohne Relax ’06 Job JOS P~Urn/Spatlese ’04 Jakob Dem~er/Kabinett ’06 ~ ’06 Pacific Rim CaliforSeries Australia ’06 And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Although Riesling is best known from GermaW’s Mosel-Saa>Rmver, Pfalz, Rheinhessen and Rheingau m:eas, wines from Alsace and Austria attain equal greatness. France’ Alsace’s are coveted for their high sugar levels and endless aging abili9~. Food Paring Riesling is a versatile wine for pairing with food because of its balance of sugar and acidity: tt can ~ paired with Thai and Chinese cuisine and various . types of dishes prepared more on the spicy side. One can also enjoy this wine with spicy ham, pork with pineapple chutney, stir-fried snow peas with spicy shrimp, crab, turkey, barbequed or Vlr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/vcww.Win eS pectator.com ,#~,~v. FoodandWin e.co m www.Wikipedia.org the STAR 15 �HOST HOTEL OVER FLOW HOTEL 801 South Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 1511 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 ¯35-9~2-1400 ¯ 1-877-STAY-HGI 405-840-5557 ��by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Campbell Street, Springfield, MO Early 1900’s ~or many years, Springfield, Missouri has gotten a bad rap fi’om the gay and lesbian community all over the country. Even many of our straight friends have been hesitant about visiting Springfield. Like many cities in the "Bible Belt", Springfield has had in the past a reputation for being extremely conservative and even homophobic. Well, readers, things have CHANGED and for the better ! At the invitation of the Springfield, Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau we visited Springfield last month. They showed us their beautiful city, their museums, attractions, galleries, dining options and we must admit that we are now in love with Springfield, Missouri and we lmow that all of our gay and lesbian readers from coast to coast will also be. Springfield, Mo. is a very "vibrant and alive" city and everybody is welcome. As our readers kmow, we are a "very out’ gay couple and we were shown the highest respect everywhere we went in Springfield. There are gays and lesbians working in every field of employment in Springfield and nearly all of them are "out". MaW of the large National companies at first were hesitant to move their offices and headquarters to Springfield but things have changed and for a variety of reasons. We want to thank so many of the younger gays and lesbians that we met while we were in Springfield for their honesty and hard work that to made this happen. Now with that being said, let us tell you about the "new and improved" Springfield, Missouri. With a population of over 420,000 for metropolitan Springfield, it is the third largest city in the State and offers an unbelievable array of surprises for any traveler. When so many cities in the country are down-sizing and doing nothing to improve their cities, the 18 theSTAR Springfield, Mo. community has grown in every ~vay imaginable in their arts, business, sports, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Their "new and improved" downtown area is something that most cities can only dream about. All within walking distance you can admire the works of local and regional artists in more than 15 galleries, artist’s studios and other venues where you can encounter sculpture, pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography and hand blown glass demonstrations. In addition you have a choice of wonderful restaurants, coffee shops and cafes to dine. In Springfield, they MADE it happen! Springfield has over 6,000 hotel/motel rooms and over 600 dining options. So whatever you are into, you will find it in Springfield! Metropolitan Springfield has so much to offer in the way of attractions, historical places to visit and things to see. FANTASTIC CAVERNS is a must see for any first time visitor to Springfield. They open daily at 8 AM until dusk. You ride thru this ancient underground cave that has massive formations. The tour is 50 minutes and your driver will explain the entire history of the cave to you. THE SPRINGFIELD ART MUSEUM is the permanent home for some 8,500 art objects representing thousands of years of culture. They are open Tuesday thru Sunday and are located at 111 E. Brookside Dr. The SPRINGFIELD LITTLE THEATRE at the historic Landers Theatre is Missouri’s oldest and largest civic theatre. This season includes Gypsy, A Tuna Christmas, the Miracle Worker and Seussical to name just a few of their productions. "WILD BILL" HICKOK SHOOTOUT SITE in Park Central Square, right downtown is the site of the nations first recorded shootout and helped solidify the reputation of Wild Bill. Look for the marker on www.ozarksstar.com �Stage coach terra cotta on Springfidd garage. East. Markers are also located in the street showing where each man stood during the shoot out. The RAILROAD HISTORICAL Museum, 1300 No. Grant Ave. is dedicated to the preservation of railroading and you can step into a locomotive, commuter car and caboose. The MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME, 3861 E. Stan Musial Drive includes thousands of sports memorabilia, exhibits and displays and of course the Springfield Cardinals Baseball team which is the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and plays at Hammonds Field. Bass Pro has their big store at !935 South Campbell Ave with everything imaginable in the sports line. Tired of seeing everything yet? Well, Springfield offers a lot more things to see! The AIR AND MILITARY Museum of the Ozarks is a "hands-on" museum of military history. They are located at 2305 E. Kearney St. The Brown Derby Store at 2023 S. Glenstone offers a world-class wine selection unmatched in the Midwest. The Commercial Street Historical District (between \Vashington Ave. and Lyon Ave. is a self-guided tour which is a 6 block adventure. With a seasonal farmers market, chocolate factory, the city’s oldest tavern, new micro-brewery, antiques/art galleries, this is a great walking tour. DICKERSON PARK ZOO, 1401 W. Norton Road allows visitors to get up dose with hundreds of animals. DISCOVERY CENTER is an interactive hands-on science center and is located downtown at 438 E. St. Louis St. The TENT THEATRE is celebrating their 45th season this summer. www.ozarksstar.com This summer’s productions include Cyrano de Bergerac, June 11-14 and June 16-21, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, June 25-28, June 30-July 3, and our favorite, Anything Goes with lyrics and music by Cole Porter, July 9-12, July 14-20. The Theatre and Dance Department at Missouri State University in Sprinbffield offers a wide range of theatre and dance programs. The Gay and Lesbian Center of the Ozarks, 518 E. CommerciaI Street in Springfield supports the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in the greater Springfield, Missouri region by organizing and sponso> ing community activities and by increasing public understanding and appreciation of LGBT citizens. Josh Comp is the President and is doing a magnificent job. Their phone number is 417-869-3978. They organize Pridefest and help organize the annual variety show, the Queen City Cabaret. They are close partners with FOCUS - LGBT professionals group and with APO, Blossom women’s group, the First Sunday Community Potluck. They provide free professional counseling through the Forest Institute. They have an Individual and Community Services Advocate who provides services to the community and have a youth group program for LGBT youth which meets once a week and every fourth Friday. They provide an outlet for many social and support groups. They have been operating since !996 and are one of the oldest Gay and Lesbian Centers in the State. Volunteers are always needed so give them a call and donate a couple hours a week. For nightlife, they have the new CLUB 821 that is getting a lot of attention throughout the entire Midwest. ~xey are located at 821 West College, just 8 blocks West of the downtown area and NEVER A COVER ! (vavw.club821.corn) and phone (417) 866-4821 Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 4 PM to 1 AM. and happy hour is daily 4 PM to 7 PM. This bar just But the most important time we had in Springfield during our recent visit there was the "DOWNTOWN AREA". The "new:" dmvntmvn area is FABULOUS !!!!! Check out their wonderful website at www.itsalldowntown.corn \re particularly enjoyed having breakfast at Galley’s Breal’~ast Care downtown at 220 East Walnut. The setting is a wonderful old nostalgic care of the past but yet has new and innovative delicious food with service to match. The owners and staff are doing it EXACTLY RIGHT! This is the only place to have breakfast in Springfiel!! Nonna’s Italian American Care, 306 South Avenue is wonderful. Although they offer non-Italian choices, why bother? Their Italian menu is what it is all about. And it is GOOD! Our best dining experience for dinner was at the Kai Restaurant, 306 South Campbell. This new downtown Photo: Donald Pie, Rob Bel (owner Club 821) & restaurant is one of the finest in Ray Williams at Club 821, Springfield, ~Ossouri the country with great atmosphere, great service and extremely great food. Continued page 27 {HeSTAR 19 �of Town By Andrew Collins Bakimore, Maryland dozens of shops. Also che& out the Baltimore Maritime Museum, National Aquarium, and World Trade Center (which offers fine views from its 27th-floor observation decD. A regal grassy knoll south of the harbor, Federal Hill Park rises majestically above downtox~qa, and the Inner Harbor. It’s an ideal spot to laze under the sun on warm afternoons. The surrounding eponymous neighborhood has loads of inviting cafes and bars, and the neighborhood’s American Visionary Art Museum ingeniously blends two historic -warehouses within a striking contemporary structure. East of the Inner Harbor, Fells Point may be America’s best-preserved Cx3lonial waterfront, with its perfectly maintained Federa!-sryle town houses, Baltimore’s gay epicenter ties north of downtown in historic Mount Vernon, which you reach by strolling north from the Inner Harbor up the city’s backbone, Charles Street. The neighbothood is anchored by Mount Vernon Square and its 178-foot-high Washington /vlonument. Nearby are the outstanding Waiters Art Museum and the Peabody Conservatory of Music, the oldest and one of the most prestigious classical music schools in the country. kbffll need to drive or take a bus up Charles Street to reach the leaf), 140-acre campus of Johns Hopkins University, which is ideal for strolling and is next to the state’s largest museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art. West of Johns Hopkins, Hampden is a good oldfashioned "Ba~vl’mer" neighborhood, a former mill-workers’ community that has more recently developed a bounty of hip boutiques, galleries, and cafes. (John Waters, who lives nearby, occasionally strolls these parts and set his movie _Pecker_ here.) Baltimore’s mostpopular lesbian bar, Sapphos, is ])art ofthe bustling Grand Central *lu~ in the heart ofthe Mount Vernon neighborhood. (Photo by Andrew Collins) If you haven’t been to Baltimore in a while, you owe yourself a visit. This friendly, unassuming city has experienced a virtual rebi,~h over the past 15 years, rehabilitating its handsome Inner Harbor by converting dilapidated piers and ,vharves into museums, shops, restaurants, hotels, and condominiums. Often featured in the movies of camp filmmaker and native son John \V-aters, Baltimore has also developed increased cachet as a welcoming gay and lesbian destination, with its many GLBT-ffiendly businesses. Fortunately, the ci.ty’s success hasn’t gone to its head. It’s hard to find a more genuine and down-to-earth breed of urbanites than the residents of Baltimore, who retain a special affection for their hometown. You may be lured to Baltirnore by the many highly publicized ’ Inner Harbo, r and indeed most attractions set around downtowns of these museums and entertainment centers live up to their billing. But be sure to save rime to explore the man), quirky- residential neighborhoods, a few of which - Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Fells Point - are within easy walking distance of downtown. The Inner Harbor thrived for years as a shipping crossroads before falling into a state of blight. Its conversion into an entertainment and museum district has made it one of the most engaging and picturesque harbors in America. Popular attractions include the glassenc!osed Harborplace pavilions, where you can browse through 20 t~®STAR \Vhen you’re craving a memorable meal, remember that Baltimore’s cooking is full of flavor - the city- even has its o,vn spice, Old Bay Seasoning, a feisty, concoction of 16 seasonings sprinkled mostly on shellfish but required by some locals on seemingly everything but ice cream. If you’re on the run, iust wander through the copious food stalls in the Harborplace pavilions. It may look like a zoo of tourists, but yoffd be surprised how many locals graze here. Many of these places offer top-notch local seafood - particularly oysters, clams, and Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. Walk a bit south ro Federal Hill, along South Charles or Light streets, and you’ll find dozens of appealing eateries, including one of the best little restaurants in the city~ the Bicycle Bistro, where you might dine on grilled rack of lamb with a pineapple-poblano-pepper chutney, or porcini-crusted sea scallops. East of the harbor, there’s superb dining in the city’s Little Italy (Boccaccio, with such seasonal delights as local clams and mussels in a pernod-tomato broth, is a particular standout), and in nearby Fells Point, talented chef Nancy Longo helms the kitchen at Pierpoint, which is known for such inventive contemporary regional fare as smoked crab cakes, and ftied Maryland chicken breast with parmesan grits. Mount Vernon has dozens of excellent, gay-popular restaurants. At nile high end, opulently decorated Ixia scores high marks for its wellchosen wine list and superbly rendered cuisine, including grilled baby octopus with lemon-fennel confit, and lobster-crab mac-andcheese with a creamy Fontina sauce. Across the street, Sacha’s is a great spot for toothsome grazing - the many "small plates" include crisp french fries in a cone with Old Bay-seasoned creme fraiche, www.ozarksstar.com �and fried green tomatoes topped vdth lump crab meat. Continue up Charles Street and yoff!l come to trendy Donna’s, a cheerful and modern space where an arts)- crowd mingles over light salads, roasted veggie sandwiches, fresh coffee, and fantastic tiramisu. %e Hdmand has become renowned }br its spics; well-prepared kd~han food (it’s owned by the brother of A~hanistan’s president, Harold Kharzai), and Motmt Vernon Stable and Saloon is a perfect late-night venue for chicken wings, sandwiches, burgers, ribs, and similarly comforting pub standar~Is. Finally, don’t miss City Care. an airy and inviting iava joint that also serves food and wine. Make the trip a bit north toward Johns Hopkins to reach Ixia’s sister restaurant, the lovably kitschy Paper Moon Diner, which is open choice. Near here in the Hampden neighborhood is the notable for the massive pink flamingo dangling from the front of the btfilding (not to mention tasty comfort fare like Belgian wanes topped with fresh berries, and famously good meatlo~). There’s als0 great coffee to be sipped nearby at Common Ground coffeehouse, and delicious Mexican food served within the funky confines of Holy Frijoles. property" ~ns kudos ~br its helpful service, romantically decorated roo~s, ~d afternoon tea and refreshments. In Mount Vernon, the historic 1924 Clarion Peabody Court, with its 104 handsomely outfitted rooms, enthusiastically welcomes gay and lesbian travelers. You’ll ~e ~ town house bars. Other esteemed in DyCanton. This stunner appreciate one of the ci~’s Baltimore gay-bar-goers congregate mostly at a handful of mainstays. Yuppies and stand-and-model types flock almost religiously to Gr~d Ceiatral, a large, multi-level complex that consists of a video lounge, dance bar, billiards room, and outdoor deck. Also on-site is the s[vanky lesbian bar, Sapphos, with its comfy living-room-esque decor and soft lighting. ~£ other major club i~i the n’eighborhood is Club Hippo, whose r~putation for gr~at music draws a wide mix of revelers, ga34 straight, old, and young. It’s a great place to cut loose, especially on Thursday and Saturday nights. When it gets late, the party moves to Club 1722, an 18-and-over ~er-hours club open on Fridays and Saturdays into the ~ee- hours. The,tiki-themed Coconuts Caf~ is another Mr. Vernon hangout thats popular xvith lesbians, while Club Bunns caters heavil~ to Baltimore’s sizable African-kanerican gay community and has a legendary happy hour. Leather aficionados head a few blocks up Charles to the Eagle, which, though lacking any serious back-room action, nevertheless cultivates as racy, an atmosphere as any bar in town. A classic dive that’s been serving the gay community for more than 60 years (longer, say" some, than [my bar in America), Leon’s is especially popular late on weekend evenings. Nearby Jay’s on Read is ~ das~ i~ia~o bar, and Club Phoenix is a laid-back neighborhodd hangout with a small dance area and some highly entertaining drag sho~s. In Federal Hill, the Rowan Tree is a friendly neighbor~iood spot with an eclectic crowd, and over in the up-and-coming Canton section of Baltimore, The Quest caters to fans of go-go dancers. Baltimore hotels have become slightly more expensive over the years, as the city has become a serious tourist and convention destination, but rates are still much lower than in nearby Washington, D.C. Most visitors choose properties near the Inner Harbor, dose to great restaurants and attractions. An excellent option here is the Pier 5 Hotel, a hip and lively boutique property with whimsically decorated, spacious rooms, many directly facing the Inner Harbor. The same owners run the elegant, historic (and allegedly haunted) Admiral Fells Inn in nearby Fells Harbor - this charming old-world www.ozarksstar.com heSTAR 21 �KAI REffAURANT & AFTER DARK LOUNGE Missouri For an absolutely fabtflous dining experience we highly suggest you try the new KAI RESTAURANT. It is located in the new and revitalized downtown area at 306 South Campbell. From the moment you walk thru the front door you will KNOW that you are in for a very special treat. Downstairs they have the KAI After Dark Lounge which has a very eclectic modern decor. Xhey have terrific bartenders who know how to serve every kind of drink imaginable. But the real treat is going upstairs to the KAI Restaurant where they serve "Modern Japanese Cuisine" in an unbelievable setting. ~he restaurant is dark, sexy, exciting, exotic and absolutely spectacular! Go to their website’s gallery to see for yourself. We haven’t been anywhere in the Midwest that can possibly compare to our dining experience there. Our server was extremely knowledgeable as to what was on the menu and offered good suggestions. He was a true professional. We started offwith the "Hot Rock" which is one of the restaurant’s specialties. It came with thinly sliced rare top sirloin woked on a hot stone presentation. You put one slice at a time on the sizzling hot stone and it cooks in seconds. Dip it into the sauce and you have some of the finest appetizers that we have ever had. Other Kai specialities included their Kuslyaki Filet, Kobe Beef Carpaccio and their Spicy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. ~hey offer a full range of soups and salads including their Kai salad, Ika Sansai Salad, Seaweed Salad, Tri Tuna Salad and their Honey Walnut Mango Chicken Salad. For their entrees they offer everything from Teriyaki to black cod, sea bass to New York Strip, Filet Mignon and Kai Surf and Turf. Other entrees included Seven Samurai with seven kinds of fish on top of a California Roll, Drunken Tiger which is spicy tuna with asparagus wrapped with grilled tuna, Fantastic Four, with shrimp tempura, crab, spice tuna with fried eel on top. For desserts they offer a wide choice for any pallet including Irish chocolate cake, banana chocolate spring rolls, creme brulee, tiramisu and cheesecake. Xhe table next to us had been coming back almost every week since they opened. They get a lot of diners who came back again and again and again just because this restaurant knows how to do things the right way! It is just that simple! Kai Restaurant is in an old downtown building that they completely remodeled to perfection. We know that with all their professionalism that they will be in business for many years. When traveling around the country we find that so many restaurants try to copy each other and the Kai Restaurant is itself and it’s own creation and that is what makes it so special. By the way, their prices are extremely reasonable. No trip to Springfield, Mo. would be complete if you don’t have a wonderful dining experience at the Kai Restaurant. Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 5:00 PM to 1:15 AM. For reservations call 417-8320077 and check out their website, www.kaiafterdark.com. People go to a restaurant not only to dine but to have a fabtflous dining experience and trust us on this one, you will have a "beyond fabulous" dining experience. When you get the best and innovative decor, great food and great service, you know you have found the perfect place! Congratulations to the owners and stafffor making the KAI Restaurant so special. 22 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �"While we beat our chests and proclaim ourselves the xvorld’s largest superpower, it is foolish to expect that we Americans, with only 6 percent of the world’s population, can automatically impose our xv~ll on everyone else." [p. 25] "... [~he...war in Iraq has led to a devastaring drop in world approval of the United States and sharp divisions between Muslim and Non-Muslim communities. It has provided more recruits for anti-American terrorist organizations, cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, and above all, caused loss of human life on a tragically large scale. A failure to understand the culture and history of other parts of the world has exacted a great price." ~. 28] "We cannot afford the toll that multiple Iraq-like mistakes would take on America, especially as we deal xvith emerging nations whose power and influence will become great as time passes." [p. 29] "Preemptive military engagements in the absence of an act of war against us have not proven successful. Vietnam and Iraq are dramatic examples." [p. 41] Source: David Boren, A Letter to America (2008). Norman, OK : University of Okla. Press. "Forty other countries now have a higher life expectancy than the United States, in no small part because 45 million Americans have no health insurance. When ~vill we act?" [p. 7] "... [I]t is morally imperative that we provide universal health coverage for all Ameficans...We must not rule out considering a new approach that moves away from the current rodeo. Very often they do. It’s a lot of hard work, it is very rewarding, but every year right after the Rodeo ends we start planning for the next one. Victor: Do straight people still sometimes get thrown by the idea of a gay cowboy? Klint: They don’t associate what they perceive to be a masculine lifestyle to be a part of how they perceive the gay lifestyle. So in part we are educating the public as a whole, and even still some parts of the gay community, that we come from every facet of life. Victor: So what’s in store for this year? Klint: We have a great reputation, one of the largest rodeos of the IGRA system. We have a new rodeo director from Florida, Jim Mitchell and Assistant directors Travis Parker ofOGRA & Michael Fontenot of Florida. We’re doing all kinds of promotions not only in Oklahoma but also surrounding states, and we expect people from all parts of the country. This year we are hosting the I.G.R.A.’s Board of Directors Meeting, so trustees from all of their rodeo associations throughout the United States and Canada will be here. As with tradition, all we donate stays in Oklahoma. This year we are helping out two major charities, Other Options and Rain Oklahoma. Victor: So who should join OGRA? Does one have to be a rancher or cowboy? Klint: We have many members who have never ridden a horse or worked with cattle. We welcome people who many walks of life who embrace cowboys and western heritage. As we raise money for our community, we need talented people who want to help us make a difference. employer-based system...Those who have health insurance are already paying the costs for the uninsured, who often end up in hospital emergency rooms...The uninsured wait to get help until they reach a medical crisis. This drives costs higher. There is no excuse for another presidential term to end without implementing universal health insurance." [p.p. 84-5] Source: David Boren, A Letter to America (2008). Norman, OK : University of Okla. Press. www.ozarksstar.com Victor: I think that’s an invitation. Thanks for all you and OGRA do for gay Oklahoroans, including our cowboys and cowgirls, and we can look forward to another great event. VOTER I~GISTRATION Voter registration applications may be submitted at any time. However, a valid application must be received at a motor license agency or a designated voter registration agency, or postmarked (if submitted by mail), more than 24 days prior to an election in order for the applicant to participate in that election. Deadlines for submitting valid voter registration applications prior to the 2008 statewide elections are as follows: Primary Election Friday, July 4 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, July 29 - Election Runoff Primary Election Friday, August 1 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, August 26 - Election General Election Friday, October 10 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, November 4 - Hection CHANGES IN POLITICAL AFFILIATION Changes in political affiliation may not be made during the period from June 1 through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year. The last day on which a change in political affiliation can be made before the closed period is May 31; the first day on which a change in political affiliation can be made after the closed period is September 1. OTHER IMPORTANT DATES Last day to request absentee ballot for July 29 Primary Hection Wednesday, July 23 Vote early at your County Hection Board office Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday, July 26, 8 AM - 1 PM Monday, July 28, 8 AM - 6 PM Candidate Filing for federal, state, legislative and county offices June 2 - 4 wvcw.ok, gov/-elections/index.html theSTAR 23 �Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa 24 @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City �By Greg Steele on the prowl ~e 84 & Robin Dorner with The City S~Ni~i atthe fundraiser for State Senator Andrew Rice! Marlett is runn ng aga nst the nfamous sai ~ I(em. Democratic U£. senate candidate (currently State Senator) Andrew Rice with Richard Ogden Chairperson Cimarron Alliance Foundation at a fantastic fundraiser at Ogden’s home. victor G06~ ~e~nt~ O~l~h;ma C0rpora~ tion Commissioner Jim R6tha plaque with a 45 of one is his favodte inspirations, Dion’s "Abraham Martin & Johi~2 www.ozarksstar.com State Representative A! McAffrey with Oklahbrna County Democratic Party co-chair Elle~ Ste~SS at Oklahoma City fundraiser for McAffrey. : �By Ronald Blake ho wants to see you achieve health, fitness, and overall well-being? It seems like everyone wants to see you fit into that smaller size of pants or cut back on your smoking. We live in a soci.ety where it is horrible to think that people die. You need to take advantage of this munificence of the masses. Government agencies are always watching out for you. The FDA is monitoring what medications are safe for your consumption. The FAA will not let you fly with Joe Camel smoke swirling aimlessly around the cabin. The CDC monitors the incidences of West Nile virus outbreaks in all the 50 states. Your local agency on aging center will even see to it that you have a fan or air conditioner to place in your window if you can’t afford to buy one. Your taxes are ~vorking to help you after all. Restaurants and fast food establishments are even seeking to give you healthier food. Subway leads the pack of retailers by offering you groovy grinders and showcasing the slimmed down Jared as proof of eating right. Numerous restaurants are shrinking their portion sizes and now only offering enough to satisfy one hippopotamus’ appetite. Applebee’s is one example of this sensible change. They even charge a little less for this good idea. Gosh, even Hamburglar and Grimace are putting apple slices in Happy Meals. smoking cessation classes. The Cancer Society will tell you when you should get a pap smear, colorectal check, skin screening, and breast exam. There are support groups for autism, anger management, gambling addictions, mental illnesses, and many more. If you can Google it, it is out there waiting to be uncovered by you. Even money-hungry Hollywood types have your best interests in mind. "Supersize Me" was that documentary about McDonalds and the Big Mac that put the fast-food giant into a Dow Jones suicide watch. The behemoth hamburger franchiser changed their menu in response to this fat-laden epiphany. Michael Moore took on the health care industry and all the cigar-chomping politicos inside the Beltway in his documentary "Sicko". He exposed the Swiss cheese health coverage we have for the denizens of this great land. There have even been movies like a "Beautiful Mind" and "Rain Man" that have shown a superb story but have also given us a better understanding of health issues like mental illnesses. Finally, we even have philanthropists like Bill Gates, Oprah, Bono, and numerous others who are giving money to charities to improve the lives of others. These methods include education and training. Education is one of the greatest factors affecting poor health. More educated individuals are less likely to smoke, drink, or engage in drug activity than those individuals who lack a proper education. If you want to achieve it, you must seek it. It should not be difficult; there is assistance around every corner. Excuses are around every corner too. Choose your corner care- fully. This health and fitness coltunn is brought to you by that guy who has an analog mind in a digital world. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be shaken from his reverie at w~wv.goblakefitness.com. There are not-for-profit agencies out there that are a website away from accessing information for better health. The American Lung Association will tell you where to find 26 t~÷STAR w~vw.ozarksstar.com �SPRINGFIELD, MO. NATIONAL NEV S opened last October and has quickly become extremely popular. Why? Because of the owner and staff. Rob knows how to treat customers and has hired a very professional staff. Michelte, the bar manager is the kind of bartender that everybody wants. She is fun, funny, lively, interesting, professional and you can tell that she really enjoys her job. Why can’t all bartenders across the country be like this? The other bartenders there are great also. We found everybody in this bar to be extremely friendly. How many times have you walked into a bar only to be sitting at the bar all by yourself and no one talks to you. Trust us, it won’t happen in this bar! NoY. governor .snpports Another fun place is JR’s Nightclub, 504 E. Commercial, (417) 864-2823. This is the bar "where men are comfortable, but everyone is welcome". They are open Monday thru Saturday, 5 to 1:30 AM and Sunday, 2 PM to midnight. When you walk in, people either know you or they don’t and if they don’t know you, they will shortly. Everyone is friendly. The bartenders and owner are friendly. After a couple of drinks you will know everybody in the bar. And isn’t that the idea of going to a bar, to meet other people? JR’s is the only bar in Springfield that is open on Sundays. Other places to visit are Martha’s Vineyard and Latin Vibes which features special gay shows on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. If your needing to get around the city, contact Fisk Limousines, www.fisklimo.com or give them a call at 417.862.2900. They give the best service in the entire Midwest. Springfield, Missouri is indeed a city with a great future. They want EVERYONE to visit their beautiful city. We did and we certainly enjoyed our stay there as we know that all of our readers will. The Convention & Visitors Bureau has one of the best websites in the nation, www.springfieldadventures.com. Be sure and check it out. Our thanks to Susan Wade, Public Relations Manager, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. She is simply "the Best of the Best" and so professional, and to Mark Templeton of Springfield. same-sex marrmge New York Gov. David Patterson said April 7 that he supports legalization of same-sex marriage. Speaking by video link to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s awards dinner in Manhattan, Patterson said: "We xvill push on and bring full marriage equality to New York state. And when xve have done that, xve’re going to do more. We’re going to protect young people from bullies. We’re going to protect against the discrimination of people in the transgender community, and xve’re going to fight for decent and affordable health care for all citizens in this state." "If you xvill join with me, and if xve xvork hard enough, xve can change the face of Nexv York, which will be the catalyst to changing national policy," he said. Patterson had planned to attend the dinner but was stuck in Albany dealing with budget problems. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! www.ozarksstar.com t~:~ {~.STAR 27 �by Jack Fertig May 2008 "Articulate conflicts, Cancer!" The Sun in Taurus offers the comforts and pleasantries of spring. Now, however, Sol is aspecting asteroid Chiron in Aquarius and new planet Eris, stirring up the question of where to settle down and with whom. Think beyond habits, and be open to surprises! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Individualist though you are, you belong with some tribe - however awkwardly. A clash of values is inevitable, but not catastrophic. Give yourself room to be not at the center of the group, but at the edge - perhaps even the leading edge. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your own personality is both a key and an impediment to success. Meditate and talk with a confidante. Issues of fitting in and reconciling different communities in your world seem like complications, but actually point to a solution. GEMINi (May 21 - June 20): You’re too easily tempted into arguments with others.-Better to look within and resolve your own conflicts. Knocking those around with a friend and establishing a philosophical framework are important. Just know that the real debate is internal. SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 = December 20): Team sports or games - anything from charades to rugby - can help you understand your own thought processes, or perhaps learn how to keep your mouth from getting you into trouble. You’ll never get that one perfect, but you can make progress! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Being a capricious Cappy could get expensive. Entertain members of your family or tribe at home or through some community event, staying ever mindful of your budget. Asking others to contribute can help strengthen your bonds. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Fitting in with your family can be a problem. Imagine that you are adopted and speak a different language. What would you try to say? You wouldn’t want to be just like everyone else, so celebrate your uniqueness, and they’ll love you as you are. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. You may expose a few secrets, but that will probably do some good for you and others concerned. Even if there is a price to pay, you will find greater value in speaking up. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Time to review that famous "gay agenda." How do your goals and ideals fit in with your immediate queer community and your sense of the broader community? Articulating the conflicts and exploring the issues could put you into a position of leadership. LEO (July 23 -August 22): Your ambitions can easily lead to arguments. That’s OK, as long as the point of the argument is to better understand _what’s_ right, not _who’s_ right. To fix a relationship, try seeing it in a different light. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): New ideas, even those that seem to come way out of left field, can help solve problems at work and with your health. (Chiropractic?) Don’t underestimate possibilities, wacky as they may seem, offered by other GLBT folks. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Rethinking group allegiances and community identity should prove helpful in understanding your sexual potential - not just as a lover, but as an erotic healer. Explore new forms of erotic play and perception. You can do this actively and/or academically. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Some housecleaning, literally or metaphorically, is important to improve your relationship or to help you be ready for one. An eccentric older relative or community elder offers an inspirational role model METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 t~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �Support those who support us. DOWNTO\~N PLea of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\rAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NV4 39TH EXPRESS\gAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ~wv.habanainn.com www.ozarksstar.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 vavw.realacceptance.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GREAT PLAINS RODEO E O. BOX 12485 Oklahoma City, OK 73157 www.ogra.net GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.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 Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com OKC PRIDE, INC PO BOX 60296 Oklahoma City, OK 73146 www.okcpride.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lake~vood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1 st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #133 Tulsa, OK 74145 OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 Address: PHOTOGRAPHY." City: JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 St:__.Zip:. Phone: } CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: theSTAR 29 �Keller Willia Chu~ Whether buying or selling I’11~ ............... work hard fo (d,efinitiqn - growing up GAY in OK is not easy) You can he~p our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more info: www. openarrnsproject.org e-mail: ~di~o~alCar~oon@q~;yndica~.co m 30 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �34 Bourbon St. ~04~37!-5450 Torch �TW’s-AFAB Catering G L B T G A Z I N K P �� 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 ESTABLISHED 2003 www.ozarksstar.com MAY 2008 One of the longest running and largest of Gay Rodeo Organizations in the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) system, Oklahoma’s Great Plains Rodeo will kick off it’s 23rd year. A fun filled weekend May 23 through May 25th 2008. The event will be held in Oklahoma City at State Fair Park, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK ~The fun begins with the Great Plains Rodeo Kickoff Party hosted at the Finishline Thursday, May 22 featuring the current reigning OGRA Royalty. This is a great chance to meet and greet, dance and party, and ready yourself for the weekend to come. The host hotel for the Rodeo is the Hilton Garden Inn, and there is a block of rooms available at a special rate from May 22-26 that will be available until May 16 or until they sell out, whichever comes first. Registration for the event happens Friday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tickets are available from OGRA members for $10 or $15 at the gate. The Rodeo takes place at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25, beginning at 8 a.m. both days. To keep the weekend wild the Texas Gay Rodeo Association will host their Texas T Party on that Saturday in the Copa from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. featuring fantastic food and fun. 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. An Exclusive Interview With OGRA’s 4 Term President, Klint Wieden Photo: Klint Wieden with his horse Cherokee. "I grew up in the small northwest Oklahoma town ofArnett. I rode horses and worked cattle my whole life, so that’s really who I am." Klint told the Star. PAGE-12 Newly revamped drag-free Tulsa Pride 2008 unveiled By Joey De TULSA, OK __ Organizers of this year’s Tulsa Pride Celebration are promising the public that this year’s events will be anything but boring. "We have made a lot of changes to the entire celebration," says Nate Black, one of the co-chairs. Black says the changes are intended to breathe a new sense of excitement into the pride observance and to help promote the revitalization of downtown. "People don’t kno,v downtown. They don’t know how to get here, they don’t know where to park, they don’t know how many things are down here and growing," Black says. "We have moved the events to ................ Continued Page 5 i 7 West 7th Street (corner 7th & ~3oulder Ave) e Tulsa, Ok 74ii9 www.ozarksstar.com 1:800o535oAtDS (2437) PROTECT YOURSELF PROTKOT YOUR PAR www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 Join us for our biggest issue of the year! PRIDE 2008. Be a part of RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW Deadline Thursday l~ay t 5f.h Serving the Oklahoma GLBT community since 2003. Mr OkAahoma Continentall Benefits OYP Tulsao By Judy G. Charles Frederick Mr Oklahoma Continental 2008 TULSA, OK __ March 28th, Singer and entertainer Chades Frederick, Mr. Oklahoma Continental, began one of the many benefits planned to support Openarms Youth Project in Tulsa to a standing room only crowd. Many parents and grandparents of the entertainers were in attendance. David Dees, owner of Club Majestic, 124 N. Boston, Tulsa, donated the use of the dub for this worthy benefit. ~he event raised $770 for OYE. Entertainers were Sabastyn Croft, Tazia Kennedy, Cort, Brooke Kennedy-Miss OK National Queen, Mindy Bartlett, KC Morgan, Kordylia Kennedy, Alex Kennedy, Iman Scott-Miss Goddess 2007, Daphne Rio and Nicole Poverty-Miss OYE. Donations to benefit the GLBT youth group, many who are or were homeless just because they are gay, can be made to Openarms Youth Project, 2015-B S. Lakewood, Tulsa, Ok. 74112, or contact Tim or Ken at 918- 838-7104. TULSA PRIDE: give people a reason to check it (downtown) out, but also to come enjoy our new center and see how many resources are available." The first big change this year that Black notes is the separation of the Pride Festival from the Pride Parade. This year, the parade will occur June 7 and the festival will occur June 14. Following a national trend, the Pride Parade will be held in the evening, escaping the oppressive summer sun. The parade will fol!ow a new route, taking it from the Brady Arts District through downtown to the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. When the parade ends at 4th and Kenosha, the new Pride Block Party will kick off: "There will be 2 stages of entertainment, beer tents, vendors and all kinds of activities," says Black, who also notes that national music sensation Eric Himan will be performing. Black also says that for those with children, the second floor of the equality center will be open to provide licensed babysitters for a small fee. A week later, the Diversity Festival will kick off in Centennial Park just west of6th & Peoria. Black says that the newly revamped festival will feature two stages of entertainment with a multi-ethnic array of performers, an international food court, children’s area, local vendors and more. According to Black, including other faith and ethnic communities is not an attempt to "de-gay" Pride, but to help create community allies. "We have to realize our commitment to justice can not be for the gay community only. We have to speak out against racism and against bigotry. "The GLBT community is in every population," "By increasing our alliances we strengthen our own commitment for our people." ’This is still a gay pride event," Black emphasizes. There will be a leather fashion show, there will be drag queens, and there xvill be rainbows. It’s still very gay, but it is also more professional and more inclusive." The final major change that Black says will be occurring is the moving of the Diversity Gala to the historic Cain’s Ballroom. Black says that not only does this help to create an emphasis on downtown, but it also provides much needed space for the event to grow. For the latest updates on the Tulsa Pride Celebration, visit their web site at www. tulsapride.org. 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit OKC Saturday, May 10, 9am-5pm, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Cimarron Alliance Foundation wil! host the 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit a one-day event with four sessions of workshops. This year’s summit features more extensive workshops about our state legislature - by far the most attended session last year - and programs appealing to college students and young adults. There will also be two community forums. The 2007 LGBT Leadership Summit was successful beyond expectations. LGBT and LGBT-friendly persons and organizations acquired tools and guidance to more effectively manage themselves and, more importantly, better collaborate with others to accomplish common goals. Workshops The 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit is a one-day event with four sessions of up to five workshops per session. Workshops will address five topics: Leadership Development O Organization Development - non-profits, fundraising, etc. o Government- politics and the legislative process ® Personal Development - spirituality, equality, etc. o Anti-violence - anti-bullying, hate crimes, etc. For more information go to: wvcw.cimarronalliance.org www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 Loving the Hater Wlaile Hating the Hate By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ I found a link recently to a blog (vavw.bilerico.com) that contains a comment (http://tinyurl. com/4qdbph) written in reaction to reading the main story about the Oklahoma City chapter of PFLAG and their recording of Rep. Sally Kern (http://tinyurl.com/2zbpgn) that catches Kern in her spider web of hubris and cant. Like the author, I too am very disappointed with the approach of "loving the hater while hating the hate." Ofcourse, I respect our supporters who use their close relationship with Jesus to try and gain support for LGBT citizens and other minorities who are used for verbal target practice in the ~var for suppression of civil rights. I’m delighted the Oklahoma City PFLAG chapter was able to document the duplicity of Sally Kern and record with her permission the lies she later reported as irresponsibility on the part of PFLAG. This single incident should show you the arrogance and madness that is being passed offas legislative Republican leadership. Not one elected official in Oklahoma from either major party has come strongly to the defense and support of the LGBT taxpayers living in Oklahoma. Had Kern used race, skin color, or ethnic origin as her subject I bet the rent she would be rene~ving her teaching certificate and looking for a school that would hire her. The First Amendment guarantees both sides the freedom to practice their respective religious viewpoints and the market place in which to talk about them. However, this same First Amendment does NOT give either side permission to encode their religious viewpoints into CIVIL law. I feel this is where we miss the boat in establishing our birthright to equal treatment under judicial law, and not the ten laws of Deuteronomy. There will always be a Bible verse to trump the opposing Bible verse resulting in a version of ping-pong skirmishes with Jesus as the referee. The writer gives some specific examples of public, peaceful protest that we can engage in to show that LGBTs are neither the doormats nor the monsters our enemies make us to be. It’s odd that our suppressors are either afraid to be in the same room with us, fearing for their own bodily integrity, keeping their knees close together; or they, dismiss us as dippy airheads, frivolous and irresponsible. How can we be both at the same time? Their response shows more about the fiction in their minds then about the truth of our lives. Until we get out of the religious justification business the more we’ll be dragged into its historical quagmire. Look at the present wars being fought around the world and you’ll see religious intolerance at the root. Our LGBT equality will have to be established in the legislatures and the courthouses in all fifty states without religious prejudice tipping the scales of justice. 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Comling o~ eAge 8 the STAR w-ww.ozarksstar.com ©irecYed bs/Davd Geligan Oklahoma OiV June 8~ 2008 at 8pnq Brot~-~e~ Boy www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 by Liz Highleyman What is the history o£GLAAD ?? For more than two decades, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has served as the queer community’s watchdog against biased portrayals of lesbian, ga); bisexual, and transgender people in the media. Up until the final decades of the 20th century, representations of LGBT people in l{lms, television, popular music, and mainstream publications - if present at all - typically focused on scandal or ridicule. The burst of gay activism and visibility in the late 1960s spurred a conservative backlash, and by the mid-1980s, the community was staggering under the weight of the AIDS epidemic, as people with HIV faced stigma exacerbated by media portrayals depicting them as a danger to the "general population." In 1985, the New York LGBT community was embroiled in a debate about closure of the .city’s gay bathhouses and grew- increasingly alarmed about sensationalistic AIDS coverage in the New York Post. That November, a group of long-time activists including Vito Russo, Arnie Kantrowitz, Jim Owles, and Darrell Yates Rist called a town meeting that drew more than 700 participants. Heeding the exhortation of author Jewetle Gomez to "take responsibility for what is being said about us," they formed the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). The group began as a grassroots effort, using phone trees and monthly newsletters to issue alerts about offensive media portrayals of LGBT people. Among its earliest victories, in 1987 GLAAD persuaded the New York Times to finally use the word "gay" rather than "homosexual." Ti~e following year, the New York group hired its first full-time executive director, Craig Davidson. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Richard Jennings and others started a new chapter focused on the Hollywood entertainment industry. The bicoastal organization’s clout continued to grow, enabling it to secure an apology from comedian Johnny Carson for saying "fag" on the air, followed by the suspension ofAndy Rooney by CBS for homophobic and racist comments. In 1992, Entertainment Weekly named GLAAD one of the 100 most powerful entities in Hollywood. Before long, new GLAAD chapters arose in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. But in 1995, the local groups merged into a centralized national organization with a single board, and a staff based in New York and Los Angeles; two years later, former Showtime executive Joan Garry took the helm. Over the next decade, GLAAD initiated projects focusing on communities of color (including Spanish and Chinese language media), sports media, faith-based groups, and youth. GLAAD continued to exert insider pressure, and, when needed, to organize larger public protests against biased portrayals - like Sharon Stone’s murderous bisexual temptress in the film Basic Instinct (1992) - or the omission of queer content, such as excising a male-male kiss from the television show Melrose Place. Homophobic song lyrics by rapper Eminem and Jamaican dancehall artists Beenie Man and Buju Banton were other targets. GLAAD also reacted to current events, such as the murders of Matthew Shepard and transgender teen Gwen Araujo, as well as homophobic outbursts by the likes of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell and Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. But in keeping with its mission of promoting "fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation," GLAAD also sought to shape positive portrayals. It consulted on television and movie scripts featuring LGBT characters and themes, pitched sympathetic stories to mainstream publications, provided spokespersons for talk shows, and trained queer individuals and groups in how to effectively use the media. In addition to wielding the "stick" of protest, the organization also dangled the "carrot" of praise, introducing the GLAAD Media Awards in 1990 to recognize favorable representations of the community and its issues. After considerable pressure from LGBT media, the organization agreed in 2007 to honor them along with nongay outlets. By 2005, when Garry turned over leadership to Neil Giuliano - the openly gay former Republican mayor ofTempe, Ariz. - the organization had a budget approaching $7.5 million and a staff of more than 40. Yet GLAAD’s explosive growth, insider strategy, and increased emphasis on star-studded events did not sit well with some activists who felt the organization had moved too far from its grassroots origins. Further, some were unhappy with tactics they regarded as censorship, such as the successful pressure campaign to cancel conservative commentator Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s television show. GLAAD has "a political agenda that is murky at best - at worst, it is dangerous to free speech, artistic expression, and the interests of LGBT people," wrote activist Michae! Bronski. "Judging the accuracy of a news report is much different than judging art. GLAAD can deal with these issues by getting out of show business and back into watchdog media commentary." Despite the criticism, GLAAD continues with its goal of"changing people’s hearts and minds through what they see in the media." According to the organization, "What people see at the movies or read in the newspaper shapes how they view and treat the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people around them, and we have a responsibility to make sure those images foster awareness, understanding and respect." For further reading: Bronski, Michael. 2005. ~Not So GLAAD Anymore." Z Magazine (May 1). Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. www.glaad.org. Gross, Larry: 2002. Up From Invisibility: Lesbians, Gay Men and the Media in America (Columbia University Press). 10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com OkEq Announces Anrmat Equality Gala Saturday, May 3t, 6pm, Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main Ave TULSA, OK__ (ENEWS) Oklahomans for Equality is excited to announce its annual Equality Gala, held this year at the legendary Cain’s Ballroom. Benefiting OkEq, the Gala honors Lifetime Achievement Axvard xvinner Charles Faudree, Community Heroes George Kaiser Family Foundation and Carol Crawford, and Russ Bennett Spiritual Inclusion Award winner Nancy Day: The program features a champagne and hors d’oeuvre reception, live entertainment by Jared Tyler and Valerie Eskridge accompanied by Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, dinner by Taste Catering and wine donated by Loring Wine Company. Don’t miss the black tie event of the season, celebrating Tulsa’s rich diversity. Sponsorship information and tickets are available at: wxvw.okeq.org Co ° munity for People iving with H P !iA1D8 A 501 c (3) Non Profit O~:gan:izatlon Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. VVe provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. www.0zarksstar.c0m New exhibit featuring artist Ann Marie Distefano at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, May 1, 2008, for the opening of it’s May exhibit, paintings by Ann Marie Distefano. Ann Marie’s paintings emerge from an aspiration to reclaim the spiritual dignity of art. "I want to make art that might open for the receptive viewer the window onto eternity," states Distefano. She continues, "My paintings are ’plugged into’ an inner source within myself that is very deep and sometimes unknown. What I seek to achieve is independence of artistic and philosophical fashions. My goal as an artist is to reveal an ineffable presence, the contemplation of which can lead the viewer towards an intuitive recognition of his or her own inherent radiance." Distefano, a native Bostonian, has been living in Tulsa for the past four years. She is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston. The reception will be generously catered by donation by Baxter’s Interurban Grill. The exhibit will remain up through the month of May, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq. org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq)_. OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Emmy Award Winner Leslie Jordan (Brother Boy) In Oklahoma City. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Leslie Jordan famed "Sordid Lives" star, will bring his one man show, "My Trip Down The Pink Carpet" to OKC June 8th at the Tolbert Theater @ Stage Center. "In 1982, Leslie Jordan jumped offa Greyhound bus from the hills ofTennessee, said ’hello’ to Hollywood and has never looked back. With hundreds of television and film roles to his credit, he is probably best remembered for ’Kyle’ hapless ex-con on Muphey Brown, ’Resplendent Man’ entrepreneurial super hero on Lois and Clark, and can currently be seen recurring as ’Mr. Beverly Leslie’ on the hit series, \Vgill & Grace. Mr. Jordan just finished a stint on the two hit series, Ally McBeal and Boston Public as ’Dr. Benjamin Harris’ cloning expert turned new-age reverend turned science teacher turned drama coach. Mr. Jordan has also had a successful stage career. He played ’Brother Boy’ a Tammy Wynette fixated drag queen, in Del Shores hit play Sordid Lives and went on to star in the film adaptation of that play. He also has won every award for best supporting actor LA gives in theatre (Back Stage West Garlands, LA Weekly, LA Drama Critics Circle) for his portrayal of’Peanut Leroy’ a sodden aging homosexual in the runaway hit, Southern Baptist Sissies. the STAR 11 By Victor Gorin ooking forward to the upcoming Great Plains Rodeo, O.G.R.A. President Klint Wieden shares his thoughts and hopes not only for this event but for OGRA and the gay cowboys and cowgirls of Oklahoma. Originally from the small Oklahoma community of Arnett, he grew up as a typical Oklahoma cowboy, belonging to both 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. He went on to OSU where he majored in animal science and business, and now resides in OFdahoma City with his current career of copier sales while enjoying being a cowboy on the side. We appreciate him sharing his time with us. Victor: How many years has the Great Plains Regional Rodeo been in Oklahoma City? Klint: This is our 23rd year, and it has been held for the last 15 years at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. It began with a group of people looking for an avenue where they could have friendly competition, socialize together and work together. It was a place for people who had something in common, a love of rodeo. They were gay cowboys who didn’t really feel that they fit into the gay scene at that time. The I.G.R.A. ( International Gay Rodeo Association) was formed, and O.G.R.A ( Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) was among the first state organizations. At the same time, the founders felt that they could also help the community by being a major fundraiser for charities of the community. Victor: A tradition that continues to this day. Klint: Besides the competition and fun involved, fundraising is truly what the rodeo Photo: Klint Wieden President OGRA is all about. \Ve raise money all year long to put it on, and then take the proceeds from that to give back to local charities. Victor: Is it still a regional rodeo? Klint: It had formerly been the Great Plains Regional Rodeo, representing other states as well. Today it is the Great Plains Rodeo, an event solely of OGRA. There is another organization in Tulsa, the Sooner State Rodeo Association, who also has their own rodeo. Victor: Of course the situation is much better than it was over 25 years ago. There were probably a lot of gay cowboys who felt they couldn’t be themselves and fit into what they perceived the gay community to be at that time. But even today straight people are astounded that there are gay cowboys, much less a rodeo. Klint: A couple a years ago the Daily Oklahoman wrote about our rodeo. \Vhat was to be a small paragraph turned into a front page story, hit the AP wires and was read all over the country. It was also read by my parents, who I had not been out with, who accepted me for the gay cowboy I was. Victor: Gay just happens, but cowboys are made. So how did it happen that you are a cowboy? Klint: I grew in the small northwest Oklahoma town ofArnett, 18 people in my graduating class. Arnett is a farming and ranching community, I rode horses and worked cattle my whole life, so that’s really who I am. Like many straight people, I thought you had to be flamboyant and feminine to be gay, and that wasn’t me. Once I learned there were country gay bars with cowboys, and gay rodeos, I thought" wow!" I fit in. That was great to kno~v. Victor: Of course the movie Brokeback Mountain had an enormous impact on America as a whole. I’m sure it had a special effect for the gay rodeo scene. Klint: It made people aware, both gay and straight, that there were people in that lifestyle who happened to be gay. So many gay cowboys could really relate to it, felt we had to hide for fear of not being accepted by our families, friends, bosses, or even the gay communir): Victor: So how rewarding has your hard work been with OGRA? Klint: \Veil this is my 4th term as the President of OGRA, I’ve been the rodeo director. I’m very out and very proud of what I’m doing. I have no problem telling businesses, like my dry cleaners, my dentist, my veterinarian that I support them, I’m a gay cowboy, and I’d like their support for our ............ Continued PAGE 23 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Foreman eaves Task Force National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman quit his job April 15 and moved to San Francisco to head up the Gay & Lesbian Rights Program at the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. The fund provides more grant support to GLBT organizations than aW other nongay foundation in the U.S. Foreman was at the Task Force for five years and is credited with grmving the staff to 54 full-timers and doubling the organizanon’s budget to $10 million. "I’m incredibly privileged to have had this job for the last five years, and to have been paid to be gay for the last 18," Foreman said in an interview. "There are so many people who give their hearts and souls to our movement without any compensation or for ridiculously low salaries, and that certainly includes LGBT journalists. ’Tm also overwhelmed with pride in our people," he said. "One thing I hear a lot in my travels is: ’There’s no such thing as a gay community. No one’s on the same page. In a few years we’ll all be assimilated, etc., etc.’ I couldn’t disagree more. "Name me one community -- or family, for that matter -- where everyone agrees and everyone gets along. That’s not community, but banality.... No, there’s no monolithic gay community, but there are dozens and dozens of communities within our larger movement and they’re accomplishing amazing things every day. There’s community everywhere I go -- some purely social, others religious, others political, others professional. "While we do have a very, very long way to go, the fact that we’ve made so much progress while being such a tiny minority and against such mighty opponents is, to me, proof positive that we do indeed have a vibrant people and community." Wockner News Service PlanetOut to selll Advocate, Out, Myson, porn mags PlanetOut Inc. is selling The Advocate and Out magazines -- as well as The Out Traveler, HIVPlus, three porn magazines and book publisher Alyson Publications -- to an affiliate of the gay TV network here! for $6 million. The sale price is far !ess than the $31.1 million PlanetOut Inc. paid for the magazines and book compaW when it bought LPI Media Inc. and SpecPub Inc. in 2005. PlanetOut Inc. reported a loss of $51.2 million last year. The company xvill continue to own and operate Gay.com and PlanetOut.com. In January, PlanetOut Inc. "retained Allen & Company, LLC to assist the company in evaluating strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company," a press release said. The corporation also announced in January "that it will no longer be providing quarterly or annual earnings guidance and will not hold quarterly earnings calls." The porn magazines included in the sale to Regent Releasing and Unzipped. A fourth SpecPub Inc. porn magazine, known as [2], has ceased publication, but the sale will include the trademark "[2]," PlanetOut Inc. CEO Karen Magee said via e-mail. Obama grants interview to Advocate Under fire for not speaking with local and regional gay cations, presidential candidate Barack Obama sat down for an interviexv with Advocate.corn on April 10. "The gay press may feel like I’m not giving them enough love. But basically, all press feels that xvay at times;’ Obama said. "Obviously, when you’ve got limited amount of time, you’ve got so many oudets. We tend not to do a whole bunch of specialized press.... But I haven’t been silent on gay issues. What’s happened is, I speak oftentimes to gay issues to a public general audience" Obama said he supports passage of a federal law protecting transgender people from discrimination but he’s not sure there’s support in Congress for the move. A bill outlawing job discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals has passed the House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate. "I have been clear about my interest in including gender identity in legislation, but I’ve also been honest ~vith the groups that I’ve met with that it is a heavy lift through Congress," he said. "\Ve’ve got some Democrats who are willing to vote for a non-inclusive bill but we lose them on an inclusive bill, and we just may not be able to generate the votes" Obama said he understands gay people’s frustration with candidates such as himself(and Hillary Clinton) who support, civil-union but not marriage for same-sex couples,’ I strongly respect the right ofsamesex couples to insist that even ifwe got complete equality in benefits, it still wouldn’t be equal because the same ~vord, marriage, assigned to it; he said. "I understand that, 3ective is also the broader ,olitical and ’ historical context in which I’m opera ing" MORE PAGE 27 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 Rata Esparza Slays ’Era in 2518 Eventually, all the Broadway stars try their tuck in Hollywood. And it Was just ~ matter of time before Raul Esparza, the han&ome Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner (both for _Company_ and TabooL wandered west. Xhe bisexual actor has already fom~.d success on the small screen, cast m a recurring ro!e on A Cs h,t Pushing Daisies. BUt n~w he ma.v be s,tepping wlay outside the feel-good box he ~ been in - hes in t~ to play a s~riaI killer in Wes Craven~ latest ~een-horror fihm, 2518. Concerning a group 0fkids being stalked by a killer believed to have died on the birthday they share in common, the film will co’star teenage collies 0 pe ) and Shareeka epps (Half-Nelson). No production or release dates yet, but the scary stuffis due to shoot soon. Gay Cast Populates C vas Shifting the Canvass. an indie drama due m rackJe the complicated lives of a group of BrooMyn friends aAer 9/11. has cast several ~:aces fan~iliar to queer audiences. notably up-and-coming gay actor Cheyem~e Ja4k~on. t~t seen on film as rugby player M~k Bingha~n in United 93, and cur~endy on Broadway in the hit music~ 3~adu, Jackson will star as a heterosexuN W~ Srree~ executive involved with a group of gay ffien&. Rounding out the c~st is ~& in ~e HNI alum Scott "~,ompson, ~ well as John Paul Pimc (best remembered ~ the hotW go-go boy in N’icD and Gedde Watanabe (last seen reD,lart~ as a gay nurse on ER, but forever kmown as ’Long D~ Dong" from SNteen CanNes). ~le film rolls in June and promises ~meos ~- several ~-yevunn~ed New ~brk ni~tti~e personalties. Cosby Goes to Jail Moore kmows how hard it is for an ; a break from the business so lately she~ been a low-risk comeback? Get on indie-film bus. And that’s exacdy what he’s been doing, recently starring in the .’ist drama Flawless with Michael Caine. nd now set to shoot gay writer-director from a d~tchell Llchtenste~ns (Teeth) latest film. mate Happy Tears. She’s i~ good compan> ~oo, ~ih~e-fitm veteran P~ker Posey has signed taste, ,n toplay lvloore’s younget sibling. ~2ne kama focuses on the two estranged sisters me selfLaggrandizing, the other bitter and ~dn~) as they re-establish their relationlip and deal with their elderly father’s progressive dementia. Shooting now in 2010. i~hiiadelphia, look for the happiness sometim~ in 2009. who finds herself Notably up-and-coming gay actor Cheyenne Jack,on. Photo: By Ben Strothmann 14 the STAR wv~,.ozarksstar.com Brief history from around the There is a lot to learn about this versatile wine. There are plenty ofgood Rieslings to taste. Let~ start with Australian offerings. They are noted fbr their oily- texture and citrus fruit flavors in their youth and a smooth balance of freshness and acid as they age. New Zealand Riesling was first planted in the 1970s and has flourished in the relatively cool climate of the Marlborough area. In comparison to Australian Riesting, New Zealand produces lighter and more delicate wines that range from sweet to dry. ][n Cati~brnia, Riesling lags far behind in popularity to Chardonnay ~d is not as commonly planted. A notable exception is opment ofhigh quality Late Harvest So i]~r, the Late Harvest wines produced are in the Anderson Valleys (north of Santa Rosa) where is more likely to encourage dte needed botutis develop. ~ae Riesling that does ~ fornia tends to be softer, fuller, a diverse flavors than a "tTpical" ~ ofBonW Doon, F Mountain A~v~& with dedicated completely to With high acidity and peach has deveto area is re t facility [, citric, With German Riesling, of ~vine Pr~dikat (QmP) PRAY-dee-kahq. It is the defined by the 1971. ,nit New York, particularly in ~e Finger Lakes region, was one ofthe eaMiest U.S, producers ofPdesling. Plantings started to appear in California by 1857 and fbllowed in xNSshington State in 1871. New ~tbrk Riesling generally has a characteristic effervescent light body with a similarly light, mellow flavor, The wine can be dynamic though rarely robust, and ranges from dry to sweet. New York is also a notable producer ofRiesling based Ice Wine, although a large majority ofNew ~%rk ke Wine is made from Vidal Blanc and Vigno~es. In the Pacific Northwest there is a stark contrast in Riesling production. ~Ihe grape is currently on the rise in ~VZ~shington State but on the decline in neighboring Oregon. Pdesling from this area ranges from dr?" to sweet, m~d has a crisp lighmess that bodes well for e~sy drin~ng. Often there will be an easily detectable peach and mineral complex. Some Washington State winemakers, such as Chateau Ste. Michelle, are adapting Germau-style There are six subcategories categor?; ranked from determine various levels .are: K)~BINE~, SP/&TLESE BEEI?J);NAUSLESE, EISWEIN, ENBEERENAUSLESE. Each care fined by a minimum sugar content of the which varies {::rotn region to region. The focus sugar content embodies the theoW that grapes with bdgher sugar levels are riper and therefore yield richer wines with deep colors and intense flavors. Although Riesling is best known from Germa- W’s Mosel-Saa>Rmver, Pfalz, Rheinhessen and Rheingau m:eas, wines from Alsace and Austria attain equal greatness. France’ Alsace’s are coveted for their high sugar levels and endless aging abili9~. Food Paring Riesling is a versatile wine for pairing with food because ofits balance ofsugar and acidity: tt can ~ paired with Thai and Chinese cuisine and various Rieslingproduction methods, and even parmering . types ofdishes prepared more on the spicy side. with well&~own German vinmers like Dr. Ernest One can also enjoy this wine with spicy ham, Loosen to create specialty wines such as the Eroig~ pork with pineapple chutney, stir-fried snow peas Riesling, with spicy shrimp, crab, turkey, barbequed or www.ozarksstar.com smoked meats, . white sausages, crab cakes gouda & grwere~ :this wine can be paired as an cake, apples/pears, caramel/ wmilla ice creaan, Schm~ Sohne Relax ’06 Job JOS P~Urn/Spatlese ’04 Jakob Dem~er/Kabinett ’06 ~ ’06 Pacific Rim Califor- Series Australia ’06 And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Vlr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/vcww.WineSpectator.com ,#~,~v.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org the STAR 15 HOST HOTEL 801 South Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 ¯35-9~2-1400 ¯ 1-877-STAY-HGI OVER FLOW HOTEL 1511 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-840-5557 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Campbell Street, Springfield, MO Early 1900’s ~ormany years, Springfield, Missouri has gotten a bad rap fi’om the gay and lesbian community all over the country. Even many of our straight friends have been hesitant about visiting Springfield. Like many cities in the "Bible Belt", Springfield has had in the past a reputation for being extremely conservative and even homophobic. Well, readers, things have CHANGED and for the better ! At the invitation of the Springfield, Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau we visited Springfield last month. They showed us their beautiful city, their museums, attractions, galleries, dining options and we must admit that we are now in love with Springfield, Missouri and we lmow that all of our gay and lesbian readers from coast to coast will also be. Springfield, Mo. is a very "vibrant and alive" city and everybody is welcome. As our readers kmow, we are a "very out’ gay couple and we were shown the highest respect everywhere we went in Springfield. There are gays and lesbians working in every field of employment in Springfield and nearly all of them are "out". MaW of the large National companies at first were hesitant to move their offices and headquarters to Springfield but things have changed and for a variety of reasons. We want to thank so many of the younger gays and lesbians that we met while we were in Springfield for their honesty and hard work that to made this happen. Now with that being said, let us tell you about the "new and improved" Springfield, Missouri. With a population of over 420,000 for metropolitan Springfield, it is the third largest city in the State and offers an unbelievable array of surprises for any traveler. When so many cities in the country are down-sizing and doing nothing to improve their cities, the Springfield, Mo. community has grown in every ~vay imaginable in their arts, business, sports, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Their "new and improved" downtown area is something that most cities can only dream about. All within walking distance you can admire the works of local and regional artists in more than 15 galleries, artist’s studios and other venues where you can encounter sculpture, pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography and hand blown glass demonstrations. In addition you have a choice of wonderful restaurants, coffee shops and cafes to dine. In Springfield, they MADE it happen! Springfield has over 6,000 hotel/motel rooms and over 600 dining options. So whatever you are into, you will find it in Springfield! Metropolitan Springfield has so much to offer in the way of attractions, historical places to visit and things to see. FANTASTIC CAVERNS is a must see for any first time visitor to Springfield. They open daily at 8 AM until dusk. You ride thru this ancient underground cave that has massive formations. The tour is 50 minutes and your driver will explain the entire history of the cave to you. THE SPRINGFIELD ART MUSEUM is the permanent home for some 8,500 art objects representing thousands of years of culture. They are open Tuesday thru Sunday and are located at 111 E. Brookside Dr. The SPRINGFIELD LITTLE THEATRE at the historic Landers Theatre is Missouri’s oldest and largest civic theatre. This season includes Gypsy, ATuna Christmas, the Miracle Worker and Seussical to name just a few of their productions. "WILD BILL" HICKOK SHOOTOUT SITE in Park Central Square, right downtown is the site of the nations first recorded shootout and helped solidify the reputation ofWild Bill. Look for the marker on 18 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com Stage coach terra cotta on Springfidd garage. East. Markers are also located in the street showing where each man stood during the shoot out. The RAILROAD HISTORICAL Museum, 1300 No. Grant Ave. is dedicated to the preservation of railroading and you can step into a locomotive, commuter car and caboose. The MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME, 3861 E. Stan Musial Drive includes thousands of sports memorabilia, exhibits and displays and of course the Springfield Cardinals Baseball team which is the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and plays at Hammonds Field. Bass Pro has their big store at !935 South Campbell Ave with everything imaginable in the sports line. Tired of seeing everything yet? Well, Springfield offers a lot more things to see! The AIRAND MILITARY Museum of the Ozarks is a "hands-on" museum of military history. They are located at 2305 E. Kearney St. The Brown Derby Store at 2023 S. Glenstone offers a world-class wine selection unmatched in the Midwest. The Commercial Street Historical District (between \Vashington Ave. and Lyon Ave. is a self-guided tour which is a 6 block adventure. With a seasonal farmers market, chocolate factory, the city’s oldest tavern, new micro-brewery, antiques/art galleries, this is a great walking tour. DICKERSON PARK ZOO, 1401 W. Norton Road allows visitors to get up dose with hundreds of animals. DISCOVERY CENTER is an interactive hands-on science center and is located downtown at 438 E. St. Louis St. The TENT THEATRE is celebrating their 45th season this summer. This summer’s productions include Cyrano de Bergerac, June 11-14 and June 16-21, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, June 25-28, June 30-July 3, and our favorite, Anything Goes with lyrics and music by Cole Porter, July 9-12, July 14-20. The Theatre and Dance Department at Missouri State University in Sprinbffield offers a wide range of theatre and dance programs. But the most important time we had in Springfield during our recent visit there was the "DOWNTOWN AREA". The "new:" dmvntmvn area is FABULOUS !!!!! Check out their wonderful website at www.itsalldowntown. corn \re particularly enjoyed having breakfast at Galley’s Breal’~ast Care downtown at 220 East Walnut. The setting is a wonderful old nostalgic care of the past but yet has new and innovative delicious food with service to match. The owners and staff are doing it EXACTLY RIGHT! This is the only place to have breakfast in Springfiel!! Nonna’s Italian American Care, 306 South Avenue is wonderful. Although they offer non-Italian choices, why bother? Their Italian menu is what it is all about. And it is GOOD! Our best dining experience for dinner was at the Kai Restaurant, 306 South Campbell. This new downtown restaurant is one of the finest in the country with great atmosphere, The Gay and Lesbian Center of the Ozarks, 518 E. CommerciaI Street in Springfield supports the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in the greater Springfield, Missouri region by organizing and sponso> ing community activities and by increasing public understanding and appreciation of LGBT citizens. Josh Comp is the President and is doing a magnificent job. Their phone number is 417-869-3978. They organize Pridefest and help organize the annual variety show, the Queen City Cabaret. They are close partners with FOCUS - LGBT professionals group and with APO, Blossom women’s group, the First Sunday Community Potluck. They provide free professional counseling through the Forest Institute. They have an Individual and Community Services Advocate who provides services to the community and have a youth group program for LGBT youth which meets once a week and every fourth Friday. They provide an outlet for many social and support groups. They have been operating since !996 and are one of the oldest Gay and Lesbian Centers in the State. Volunteers are always needed so give them a call and donate a couple hours a week. For nightlife, they have the new CLUB 821 that is getting a lot of attention throughout the entire Midwest. ~xey are located at 821 West College, just 8 blocks West of the downtown area and NEVER A COVER ! (vavw.club821.corn) and phone (417) 866-4821 Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 4 PM to 1 AM. and happy hour is daily 4 PM to 7 PM. This bar just Photo: Donald Pie, Rob Bel (owner Club 821) & Ray Williams at Club 821, Springfield, ~Ossouri great service and extremely great food. Continuedpage 27 www.ozarksstar.com {HeSTAR 19 of By Andrew Collins Town Bakimore, Maryland Baltimore’s mostpopular lesbian bar, Sapphos, is ])art ofthe bustling Grand Central €*lu~ in the heart ofthe Mount Vernon neighborhood. (Photo by Andrew Collins) If you haven’t been to Baltimore in a while, you owe yourself a visit. This friendly, unassuming city has experienced a virtual rebi,~h over the past 15 years, rehabilitating its handsome Inner Harbor by converting dilapidated piers and ,vharves into museums, shops, restaurants, hotels, and condominiums. Often featured in the movies ofcamp filmmaker and native son John \V-aters, Baltimore has also developed increased cachet as a welcoming gay and lesbian destination, with its many GLBT-ffiendly businesses. Fortunately, the ci.ty’s success hasn’t gone to its head. It’s hard to find a more genuine and down-to-earth breed of urbanites than the residents of Baltimore, who retain a special affection for their hometown. You may be lured to Baltirnore by the many highly publicized attractions set around downtown’s Inner Harbor, and indeed most of these museums and entertainment centers live up to their billing. But be sure to save rime to explore the man), quirky- residential neighborhoods, a few of which - Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Fells Point - are within easy walking distance of downtown. The Inner Harbor thrived for years as a shipping crossroads before falling into a state of blight. Its conversion into an entertainment and museum district has made it one of the most engaging and picturesque harbors in America. Popular attractions include the glassenc! osed Harborplace pavilions, where you can browse through dozens of shops. Also che& out the Baltimore Maritime Museum, National Aquarium, and World Trade Center (which offers fine views from its 27th-floor observation decD. A regal grassy knoll south of the harbor, Federal Hill Park rises majestically above downtox~qa, and the Inner Harbor. It’s an ideal spot to laze under the sun on warm afternoons. The surrounding eponymous neighborhood has loads of inviting cafes and bars, and the neighborhood’s American Visionary Art Museum ingeniously blends two historic -warehouses within a striking contemporary structure. East of the Inner Harbor, Fells Point may be America’s best-preserved Cx3lonial waterfront, with its perfectly maintained Federa!-sryle town houses, Baltimore’s gay epicenter ties north of downtown in historic Mount Vernon, which you reach by strolling north from the Inner Harbor up the city’s backbone, Charles Street. The neighbothood is anchored by Mount Vernon Square and its 178-foot-high Washington /vlonument. Nearby are the outstanding Waiters Art Museum and the Peabody Conservatory of Music, the oldest and one of the most prestigious classical music schools in the country. kbffll need to drive or take a bus up Charles Street to reach the leaf), 140-acre campus ofJohns Hopkins University, which is ideal for strolling and is next to the state’s largest museum, the Baltimore Museum ofArt. West ofJohns Hopkins, Hampden is a good oldfashioned "Ba~vl’mer" neighborhood, a former mill-workers’ community that has more recently developed a bounty of hip boutiques, galleries, and cafes. (John Waters, who lives nearby, occasionally strolls these parts and set his movie _Pecker_ here.) \Vhen you’re craving a memorable meal, remember that Baltimore’s cooking is full of flavor - the city- even has its o,vn spice, Old Bay Seasoning, a feisty, concoction of 16 seasonings sprinkled mostly on shellfish but required by some locals on seemingly everything but ice cream. If you’re on the run, iust wander through the copious food stalls in the Harborplace pavilions. It may look like a zoo of tourists, but yoffd be surprised how many locals graze here. Many of these places offer top-notch local seafood - particularly oysters, clams, and Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. Walk a bit south ro Federal Hill, along South Charles or Light streets, and you’ll find dozens of appealing eateries, including one of the best little restaurants in the city~ the Bicycle Bistro, where you might dine on grilled rack of lamb with a pineapple-poblano-pepper chutney, or porcini-crusted sea scallops. East of the harbor, there’s superb dining in the city’s Little Italy (Boccaccio, with such seasonal delights as local clams and mussels in a pernod-tomato broth, is a particular standout), and in nearby Fells Point, talented chef Nancy Longo helms the kitchen at Pierpoint, which is known for such inventive contemporary regional fare as smoked crab cakes, and ftied Maryland chicken breast with parmesan grits. Mount Vernon has dozens of excellent, gay-popular restaurants. At nile high end, opulently decorated Ixia scores high marks for its wellchosen wine list and superbly rendered cuisine, including grilled baby octopus with lemon-fennel confit, and lobster-crab mac-andcheese with a creamy Fontina sauce. Across the street, Sacha’s is a great spot for toothsome grazing - the many "small plates" include crisp french fries in a cone with Old Bay-seasoned creme fraiche, 20 t~®STAR www.ozarksstar.com and fried green tomatoes topped vdth lump crab meat. Continue up Charles Street and yoff!l come to trendy Donna’s, a cheerful and modern space where an arts)- crowd mingles over light salads, roasted veggie sandwiches, fresh coffee, and fantastic tiramisu. %e Hdmand has become renowned }br its spics; well-prepared kd~han food (it’s owned by the brother ofA~hanistan’s president, Harold Kharzai), and Motmt Vernon Stable and Saloon is a perfect late-night venue for chicken wings, sandwiches, burgers, ribs, and similarly comforting pub standar~Is. Finally, don’t miss City Care. an airy and inviting iava joint that also serves food and wine. property" ~ns kudos ~br its helpful service, romantically decorated roo~s, ~d afternoon tea and refreshments. In Mount Vernon, the historic 1924 Clarion Peabody Court, with its 104 handsomely outfitted rooms, enthusiastically welcomes gay and lesbian travelers. You’ll ~e ~ town house bars. Other esteemed in Dy- Canton. This stunner Make the trip a bit north toward Johns Hopkins to reach Ixia’s sister restaurant, the lovably kitschy Paper Moon Diner, which is open choice. Near here in the Hampden neighborhood is the notable for the massive pink flamingo dangling from the front of the btfilding (not to mention tasty comfort fare like Belgian wanes topped with fresh berries, and famously good meatlo~). There’s als0 great coffee to be sipped nearby at Common Ground coffeehouse, and delicious Mexican food served within the funky confines of Holy Frijoles. appreciate one of the ci~’s Baltimore gay-bar-goers congregate mostly at a handful of mainstays. Yuppies and stand-and-model types flock almost religiously to Gr~d Ceiatral, a large, multi-level complex that consists ofa video lounge, dance bar, billiards room, and outdoor deck. Also on-site is the s[vanky lesbian bar, Sapphos, with its comfy living-room-esque decor and soft lighting. ~£ other major club i~i the n’eighborhood is Club Hippo, whose r~putation for gr~at music draws a wide mix of revelers, ga34 straight, old, and young. It’s a great place to cut loose, especially on Thursday and Saturday nights. When it gets late, the party moves to Club 1722, an 18-and-over ~er-hours club open on Fridays and Saturdays into the ~ee- hours. The,tiki-themed Coconuts Caf~ is another Mr. Vernon hangout thats popular xvith lesbians, while Club Bunns caters heavil~ to Baltimore’s sizable African-kanerican gay community and has a legendary happy hour. Leather aficionados head a few blocks up Charles to the Eagle, which, though lacking any serious back-room action, nevertheless cultivates as racy, an atmosphere as any bar in town. A classic dive that’s been serving the gay community for more than 60 years (longer, say" some, than [my bar in America), Leon’s is especially popular late on weekend evenings. Nearby Jay’s on Read is ~ das~ i~ia~o bar, and Club Phoenix is a laid-back neighborhodd hangout with a small dance area and some highly entertaining drag sho~s. In Federal Hill, the Rowan Tree is a friendly neighbor~iood spot with an eclectic crowd, and over in the up-and-coming Canton section ofBaltimore, The Quest caters to fans of go-go dancers. Baltimore hotels have become slightly more expensive over the years, as the city has become a serious tourist and convention destination, but rates are still much lower than in nearby Washington, D.C. Most visitors choose properties near the Inner Harbor, dose to great restaurants and attractions. An excellent option here is the Pier 5 Hotel, a hip and lively boutique property with whimsically decorated, spacious rooms, many directly facing the Inner Harbor. The same owners run the elegant, historic (and allegedly haunted) Admiral Fells Inn in nearby Fells Harbor - this charming old-world www.ozarksstar.com heSTAR 21 KAI REffAURANT & AFTER DARK LOUNGE Missouri For an absolutely fabtflous dining experience we highly suggest you try the new KAI RESTAURANT. It is located in the new and revitalized downtown area at 306 South Campbell. From the moment you walk thru the front door you will KNOW that you are in for a very special treat. Downstairs they have the KAI After Dark Lounge which has a very eclectic modern decor. Xhey have terrific bartenders who know how to serve every kind of drink imaginable. But the real treat is going upstairs to the KAI Restaurant where they serve "Modern Japanese Cuisine" in an unbelievable setting. ~he restaurant is dark, sexy, exciting, exotic and absolutely spectacular! Go to their website’s gallery to see for yourself. We haven’t been anywhere in the Midwest that can possibly compare to our dining experience there. Our server was extremely knowledgeable as to what was on the menu and offered good suggestions. He was a true professional. We started offwith the "Hot Rock" which is one of the restaurant’s specialties. It came with thinly sliced rare top sirloin woked on a hot stone presentation. You put one slice at a time on the sizzling hot stone and it cooks in seconds. Dip it into the sauce and you have some of the finest appetizers that we have ever had. Other Kai specialities included their Kuslyaki Filet, Kobe Beef Carpaccio and their Spicy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. ~hey offer a full range of soups and salads including their Kai salad, Ika Sansai Salad, Seaweed Salad, Tri Tuna Salad and their Honey Walnut Mango Chicken Salad. For their entrees they offer everything from Teriyaki to black cod, sea bass to New York Strip, Filet Mignon and Kai Surf and Turf. Other entrees included Seven Samurai with seven kinds of fish on top of a California Roll, Drunken Tiger which is spicy tuna with asparagus wrapped with grilled tuna, Fantastic Four, with shrimp tempura, crab, spice tuna with fried eel on top. For desserts they offer a wide choice for any pallet including Irish chocolate cake, banana chocolate spring rolls, creme brulee, tiramisu and cheesecake. Xhe table next to us had been coming back almost every week since they opened. They get a lot of diners who came back again and again and again just because this restaurant knows how to do things the right way! It is just that simple! Kai Restaurant is in an old downtown building that they completely remodeled to perfection. We know that with all their professionalism that they will be in business for many years. When traveling around the country we find that so many restaurants try to copy each other and the Kai Restaurant is itself and it’s own creation and that is what makes it so special. By the way, their prices are extremely reasonable. No trip to Springfield, Mo. would be complete if you don’t have a wonderful dining experience at the Kai Restaurant. Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 5:00 PM to 1:15 AM. For reservations call 417-832- 0077 and check out their website, www.kaiafterdark.com. People go to a restaurant not only to dine but to have a fabtflous dining experience and trust us on this one, you will have a "beyond fabulous" dining experience. When you get the best and innovative decor, great food and great service, you know you have found the perfect place! Congratulations to the owners and stafffor making the KAI Restaurant so special. 22 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com "While we beat our chests and proclaim ourselves the xvorld’s largest superpower, it is foolish to expect that we Americans, with only 6 percent of the world’s population, can automatically impose our xv~ll on everyone else." [p. 25] "... [~he...war in Iraq has led to a devastaring drop in world approval of the United States and sharp divisions between Muslim and Non-Muslim communities. It has provided more recruits for anti-American terrorist organizations, cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, and above all, caused loss of human life on a tragically large scale. A failure to understand the culture and history of other parts of the world has exacted a great price." ~. 28] "We cannot afford the toll that multiple Iraq-like mistakes would take on America, especially as we deal xvith emerging nations whose power and influence will become great as time passes." [p. 29] "Preemptive military engagements in the absence of an act of war against us have not proven successful. Vietnam and Iraq are dramatic examples." [p. 41] Source: David Boren, A Letter to America (2008). Norman, OK : University of Okla. Press. "Forty other countries now have a higher life expectancy than the United States, in no small part because 45 million Americans have no health insurance. When ~vill we act?" [p. 7] "... [I]t is morally imperative that we provide universal health coverage for all Ameficans... We must not rule out considering a new approach that moves away from the current employer-based system...Those who have health insurance are already paying the costs for the uninsured, who often end up in hospital emergency rooms...The uninsured wait to get help until they reach a medical crisis. This drives costs higher. There is no excuse for another presidential term to end without implementing universal health insurance." [p.p. 84-5] Source: David Boren, A Letter to America (2008). Norman, OK : University of Okla. Press. rodeo. Very often they do. It’s a lot of hard work, it is very rewarding, but every year right after the Rodeo ends we start planning for the next one. Victor: Do straight people still sometimes get thrown by the idea of a gay cowboy? Klint: They don’t associate what they perceive to be a masculine lifestyle to be a part of how they perceive the gay lifestyle. So in part we are educating the public as a whole, and even still some parts of the gay community, that we come from every facet of life. Victor: So what’s in store for this year? Klint: We have a great reputation, one of the largest rodeos of the IGRA system. We have a new rodeo director from Florida, Jim Mitchell and Assistant directors Travis Parker ofOGRA & Michael Fontenot of Florida. We’re doing all kinds of promotions not only in Oklahoma but also surrounding states, and we expect people from all parts of the country. This year we are hosting the I.G.R.A.’s Board of Directors Meeting, so trustees from all of their rodeo associations throughout the United States and Canada will be here. As with tradition, all we donate stays in Oklahoma. This year we are helping out two major charities, Other Options and Rain Oklahoma. Victor: So who should join OGRA? Does one have to be a rancher or cowboy? Klint: We have many members who have never ridden a horse or worked with cattle. We welcome people who many walks of life who embrace cowboys and western heritage. As we raise money for our community, we need talented people who want to help us make a difference. Victor: I think that’s an invitation. Thanks for all you and OGRA do for gay Oklahoroans, including our cowboys and cowgirls, and we can look forward to another great event. VOTER I~GISTRATION Voter registration applications may be submitted at any time. However, a valid application must be received at a motor license agency or a designated voter registration agency, or postmarked (if submitted by mail), more than 24 days prior to an election in order for the applicant to participate in that election. Deadlines for submitting valid voter registration applications prior to the 2008 statewide elections are as follows: Primary Election Friday, July 4 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, July 29 - Election Runoff Primary Election Friday, August 1 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, August 26 - Election General Election Friday, October 10 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, November 4 - Hection CHANGES IN POLITICAL AFFILIATION Changes in political affiliation may not be made during the period from June 1 through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year. The last day on which a change in political affiliation can be made before the closed period is May 31; the first day on which a change in political affiliation can be made after the closed period is September 1. OTHER IMPORTANT DATES Last day to request absentee ballot for July 29 Primary Hection Wednesday, July 23 Vote early at your County Hection Board office Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday, July 26, 8 AM - 1 PM Monday, July 28, 8 AM - 6 PM Candidate Filing for federal, state, legislative and county offices June 2 - 4 wvcw.ok, gov/-elections/index.html www.ozarksstar.com theSTAR 23 Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa 24 @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City Democratic U£. senate candidate (currently State Senator) Andrew Rice with Richard Ogden Chairperson Cimarron Alliance Foundation at a fantastic fundraiser at Ogden’s home. By Greg Steele on the prowl victor G06~ ~e~nt~ O~l~h;ma C0rpora~ tion Commissioner Jim R6tha plaque with a 45 of one is his favodte inspirations, Dion’s "Abraham Martin & Johi~2 ~e 84 & Robin Dorner with The City S~Ni~i atthe fundraiser for State Senator Andrew Rice! Marlett is runn ng aga nst the nfamous sai ~ I(em. State Representative A! McAffrey with Oklahbrna County Democratic Party co-chair Elle~ Ste~SS : at Oklahoma City fundraiser for McAffrey. www.ozarksstar.com By Ronald Blake ho wants to see you achieve health, fitness, and overall well-being? It seems like everyone wants to see you fit into that smaller size of pants or cut back on your smoking. We live in a soci.ety where it is horrible to think that people die. You need to take advantage of this munificence of the masses. Government agencies are always watching out for you. The FDA is monitoring what medications are safe for your consumption. The FAA will not let you fly with Joe Camel smoke swirling aimlessly around the cabin. The CDC monitors the incidences ofWest Nile virus outbreaks in all the 50 states. Your local agency on aging center will even see to it that you have a fan or air conditioner to place in your window ifyou can’t afford to buy one. Your taxes are ~vorking to help you after all. Restaurants and fast food establishments are even seeking to give you healthier food. Subway leads the pack of retailers by offering you groovy grinders and showcasing the slimmed down Jared as proof of eating right. Numerous restaurants are shrinking their portion sizes and now only offering enough to satisfy one hippopotamus’ appetite. Applebee’s is one example of this sensible change. They even charge a little less for this good idea. Gosh, even Hamburglar and Grimace are putting apple slices in Happy Meals. There are not-for-profit agencies out there that are a website away from accessing information for better health. The American Lung Association will tell you where to find smoking cessation classes. The Cancer Society will tell you when you should get a pap smear, colorectal check, skin screening, and breast exam. There are support groups for autism, anger management, gambling addictions, mental illnesses, and many more. If you can Google it, it is out there waiting to be uncovered by you. Even money-hungry Hollywood types have your best interests in mind. "Supersize Me" was that documentary about McDonalds and the Big Mac that put the fast-food giant into a Dow Jones suicide watch. The behemoth hamburger franchiser changed their menu in response to this fat-laden epiphany. Michael Moore took on the health care industry and all the cigar-chomping politicos inside the Beltway in his documentary "Sicko". He exposed the Swiss cheese health coverage we have for the denizens of this great land. There have even been movies like a "Beautiful Mind" and "Rain Man" that have shown a superb story but have also given us a better understanding of health issues like mental illnesses. Finally, we even have philanthropists like Bill Gates, Oprah, Bono, and numerous others who are giving money to charities to improve the lives of others. These methods include education and training. Education is one of the greatest factors affecting poor health. More educated individuals are less likely to smoke, drink, or engage in drug activity than those individuals who lack a proper education. If you want to achieve it, you must seek it. It should not be difficult; there is assistance around every corner. Excuses are around every corner too. Choose your corner carefully. This health and fitness coltunn is brought to you by that guy who has an analog mind in a digital world. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be shaken from his reverie at w~wv.goblakefitness.com. 26 t~÷STAR w~vw.ozarksstar.com SPRINGFIELD, MO. opened last October and has quickly become extremely popular. Why? Because of the owner and staff. Rob knows how to treat customers and has hired a very professional staff. Michelte, the bar manager is the kind of bartender that everybody wants. She is fun, funny, lively, interesting, professional and you can tell that she really enjoys her job. Why can’t all bartenders across the country be like this? The other bartenders there are great also. We found everybody in this bar to be extremely friendly. How many times have you walked into a bar only to be sitting at the bar all by yourself and no one talks to you. Trust us, it won’t happen in this bar! Another fun place is JR’s Nightclub, 504 E. Commercial, (417) 864-2823. This is the bar "where men are comfortable, but everyone is welcome". They are open Monday thru Saturday, 5 to 1:30 AM and Sunday, 2 PM to midnight. When you walk in, people either know you or they don’t and if they don’t know you, they will shortly. Everyone is friendly. The bartenders and owner are friendly. After a couple of drinks you will know everybody in the bar. And isn’t that the idea of going to a bar, to meet other people? JR’s is the only bar in Springfield that is open on Sundays. Other places to visit are Martha’s Vineyard and Latin Vibes which features special gay shows on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. If your needing to get around the city, contact Fisk Limousines, www.fisklimo.com or give them a call at 417.862.2900. They give the best service in the entire Midwest. Springfield, Missouri is indeed a city with a great future. They want EVERYONE to visit their beautiful city. We did and we certainly enjoyed our stay there as we know that all of our readers will. The Convention & Visitors Bureau has one of the best websites in the nation, www.springfieldadventures. com. Be sure and check it out. Our thanks to Susan Wade, Public Relations Manager, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. She is simply "the Best of the Best" and so professional, and to Mark Templeton of Springfield. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! NATIONAL NEV S NoY. governor .snpports same-sex marrmge New York Gov. David Patterson said April 7 that he supports legalization of same-sex marriage. Speaking by video link to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s awards dinner in Manhattan, Patterson said: "We xvill push on and bring full marriage equality to New York state. And when xve have done that, xve’re going to do more. We’re going to protect young people from bullies. We’re going to protect against the discrimination of people in the transgender community, and xve’re going to fight for decent and affordable health care for all citizens in this state." "If you xvill join with me, and if xve xvork hard enough, xve can change the face of Nexv York, which will be the catalyst to changing national policy," he said. Patterson had planned to attend the dinner but was stuck in Albany dealing with budget problems. www.ozarksstar.com t~:~{~.STAR 27 by Jack Fertig May 2008 "Articulate conflicts, Cancer!" The Sun in Taurus offers the comforts and pleasantries of spring. Now, however, Sol is aspecting asteroid Chiron in Aquarius and new planet Eris, stirring up the question of where to settle down and with whom. Think beyond habits, and be open to surprises! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Individualist though you are, you belong with some tribe - however awkwardly. A clash of values is inevitable, but not catastrophic. Give yourself room to be not at the center of the group, but at the edge - perhaps even the leading edge. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your own personality is both a key and an impediment to success. Meditate and talk with a confidante. Issues of fitting in and reconciling different communities in your world seem like complications, but actually point to a solution. GEMINi (May 21 - June 20): You’re too easily tempted into arguments with others.-Better to look within and resolve your own conflicts. Knocking those around with a friend and establishing a philosophical framework are important. Just know that the real debate is internal. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Time to review that famous "gay agenda." How do your goals and ideals fit in with your immediate queer community and your sense of the broader community? Articulating the conflicts and exploring the issues could put you into a position of leadership. LEO (July 23 -August 22): Your ambitions can easily lead to arguments. That’s OK, as long as the point of the argument is to better understand _what’s_ right, not _who’s_ right. To fix a relationship, try seeing it in a different light. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): New ideas, even those that seem to come way out of left field, can help solve problems at work and with your health. (Chiropractic?) Don’t underestimate possibilities, wacky as they may seem, offered by other GLBT folks. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Rethinking group allegiances and community identity should prove helpful in understanding your sexual potential - not just as a lover, but as an erotic healer. Explore new forms of erotic play and perception. You can do this actively and/or academically. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Some housecleaning, literally or metaphorically, is important to improve your relationship or to help you be ready for one. An eccentric older relative or community elder offers an inspirational role model 28 t~eSTAR SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 = December 20): Team sports or games - anything from charades to rugby - can help you understand your own thought processes, or perhaps learn how to keep your mouth from getting you into trouble. You’ll never get that one perfect, but you can make progress! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Being a capricious Cappy could get expensive. Entertain members of your family or tribe at home or through some community event, staying ever mindful of your budget. Asking others to contribute can help strengthen your bonds. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Fitting in with your family can be a problem. Imagine that you are adopted and speak a different language. What would you try to say? You wouldn’t want to be just like everyone else, so celebrate your uniqueness, and they’ll love you as you are. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. You may expose a few secrets, but that will probably do some good for you and others concerned. Even if there is a price to pay, you will find greater value in speaking up. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! www.ozarksstar.com Support those who support us. DOWNTO\~N PLea ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\rAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NV4 39TH EXPRESS\gAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ~wv.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE 211 S. Garnett Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 74128 Tulsa, OK vavw.realacceptance.com 918-706-1887 GREAT PLAINS RODEO E O. BOX 12485 Oklahoma City, OK 73157 www.ogra.net GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.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 Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm OKC PRIDE, INC PO BOX 60296 Oklahoma City, OK 73146 www.okcpride.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lake~vood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 PHOTOGRAPHY." JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 } CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1 st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #133 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City: St:__.Zip:. Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.com theSTAR 29 Keller Willia Chu~ Whether buying or selling I’1.....1.....~..... work hard fo (d,efinitiqn - growing up GAYin OK is not easy) You can he~p our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more info: www. openarrnsproject.org e-mail: ~di~o~alCar~oon@q~;yndica~.com 30 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com ~34 Bourbon St. 04~37!-5450 Torch TW’s-AFAB Catering G L B T G A Z I N K P Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] The Star Magazine, May 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 5 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 01, 2008 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Charles (Chaz) Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Higheyman Devre Jackson Judy G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, April 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/244 The Star Magazine, June 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/248 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/250 After Dark Ann Marie Distefano art Bars David Patterson Deep Inside Hollywood dining Equality Gala fitness Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Deformation GLAAD Great Plains Rodeo health horoscopes Leslie Jordan MCC church National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Night club Obama Our House Paparazzi on the Prowl Past Out PlanetOut Inc Q Scopes Quotable Quotes Star Advertisers Star classifieds Star Scene Too travel https://history.okeq.org/files/original/154f2f2fcee03752682bfb546e5c68e8.jpg 2275d17c80c91478905eae575cff8c9a https://history.okeq.org/files/original/bc2b1a7c707215dc99984815b45065a8.pdf b531b2d6733aa47abafe0147ac7624ea PDF Text Text ��2 the STAR wwvv.ozarksstar.com �By Victor Gorin Photo: Nate Borofiky, Doris Muramatsu, Blue Door owner Greg Johnson, & Ty Greenstein OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Valentine’s Day crowd at the Blue Door was trttly treated by the extraordinary innovation and harmonies of Girlyman, a gay band of 3 musicians, Nate Borofsky, Doris Muramatsu and Ty Greenstein, who wowed the house with their awesome harmonies & creative style. As Nate put it, their music has been influenced by "the Indigo Girls, Simon & Garfunkel, the Mamas and Papas, and Bach." Their style, if it could be labeled, is a blend of folk, pop and bluegrass best described by Ty as "alt folk" The full house audience consisted mostly of the Blue Door’s regular folk & innovative music fans, but also featured many "Blue Door virgins", and they were not disappointed. This trio, which has previously graced Oklahoma, once opened for the Indigo Girls here in 2004, and was ready to please a capacity crowd even though they admitted they didn’t know what to expect. Masterminded by their soundperson/tour manager Heather "Turtle" Brooks, they blend their talents and insight in a way that has to be heard to be believed. So far they have recorded 3 CD’s, the latest entitled "Joyful Signs." As for their clever name, it was not inspired by the famous California Governor Schwarzenegger who in fact made that "girlyman" expression famous 2 years after the band was formed, although they do welcome the publicity. As Muramutsu puts it, "It’s playful and fun. The name Girlyman puts that all out there and lets us play with it." That they did, and they’ll win over even more new fans xvhen they play Oklahoma again. www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3 �Art Show by Shawn Wilson.and Merry Schepers. Michael Buble’ in OKC; "It is the ideal portrayal of America," says Jed Resnick, who plays Mark in the touring production. ~ DEE[P INSIDE HO~-t-~OOD Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Madonna and Ian Ziering. GLBT History, Past Out looks at the life of FTM pioneer Lou Sullivan. Devre Jackson reviews Australian Shiraz Bayou Crawfish Etouffee a feature at Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans ~ C~AO "~’R~VS~. Gay Travelers: Entertainers Out of Town: Chelsea, Manhattan Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans lvlen from all over the world converge on Palm Springs for spring break. Surprise performances happening all weekend long! F~T~ESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Cast of "RENT" 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �LGBT Votes Sway Towards Hi11 Clinton Farrell to be best man £or brother’s gay wedding It was announced during the Sundance Film Festival that the Edward Norton/Colin Farrell cop drama "Pride and Glory" has been pushed back till 2009, even though it has been complete since last November. Farrell commented on this during the press junket for "In Bruges," trying to convince everyone that the delay has nothing to do with the quality of the movie. [via HollywoodElsewhere] All Gore Endorses Gay Marriage Photo by: David Gabber LOS ANGELES, CA __Not only is the Democratic presidential primary ticket a historic celebration of diversity, but exit polls from Super Tuesday celebrated history as well. Polling orga,xizations from around the country asked three questions never before found on exit poll surveys: Did voters pick a xvoman? Did voters pick a black man? Did voters identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender? We are part of histor): Resoundingly, voters answered two of the three questions similarly, picking Hillary Clinton as their candidate and identifying as LGBT. In California, of the gay voters (4% of total), 63% voted for Clinton, 29% for Obama and 1% stayed around for E&vards. In New York, 7% of voters identified as LGBT, and out of them 59% voted for Clinton, 36% for Obama and 3% for Edwards. In a recent survey conducted by Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), a leading LGBT market research compan); **tore than 90percent ofgays and lesbians vote in U.S. presidential elections, compared to 64percent ofstraight citizens. Queer folk are twice as likely as s~,’aightfolk to vote in midterm elections. DUBLIN, IRELAND __ Hollywood star Colin Farrell is preparing for his next big role - best man at his brother’s gay wedding. The actor will stand beside his sibling Eamonn when he marries long-term partner Steven Mannion in Provincetown, Massachusetts this spring. Farrell is dose to his brother and helped chose Mannion’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring, when Eamonn proposed last year. A family friend tells the National Enquirer: "Colin is a firm believer in gay rights and he is proud of his brother. "He took Eamonn shopping for rings and intends to pick up the tab for the wedding." "I think that gay men and women ought to have the same rights as heterosexual men and women, to make contracts, to have hospital visiting rights, to join together in marriage," Gore said. ’~d I don’t understand why it is considered by some people to be a threat to heterosexual marriage to allow it by gays and lesbians. Shouldn’t we be promoting that kind of faithfulness and loyalty to one’s partner regardless of sexual orientation? Gore hinted that he would come around to support same-sex marriage as early as 2006, when speaking to a group of gay-rights activists, but his latest comments represent Gore’s first formal endorsement of equal marriage rights. Recognized by Keller Williams gor out~anding achievement 2005 and 2006 RE&LTY Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALTOi~ WbetherbuyingorsellingI’llworkhardfbryou, W~NW.ozarksstar.corn the STAR �Can Larry Craig be Found Guilty in the Court o£Public Opinion? OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ On the facts as argued by the ACLU in a friend of the court filing, and outlined in this story from ~wccw.Bloomberg.com ( http://tinyurl. com/2b7hew ), to me it looks as if the wily and cunning coyote, Larry Craig, will get off again, pardon the pun, by thumbing his nose at the decency he pretends to legislate from the floor of the United States Senate. Just in case you’ve been living under a rock since late last summer, Senator Larry Craig of Idaho, now in his last session of Congress since he’s promised to resign, but will change his mind if enough people beg him to stay was charged with disruptive behavior in the Minneapolis airport when observed by an undercover policeman engaging in what the cop says was sexual solicitation. ¯here is a 1970 precedent in Minnesota that private solicitation of sexual activity in a private place can not be found illegal, as spying by police in a public restroom is an unreasonable search and therefore unconstitutional. The Court has yet to rule on Craig’s appeal of his guilty plea to the charge. Craig has since stated that his guilty plea was entered into in haste and without legal advice as he wanted to keep the charge out of public notice. Craig’s peculiar pantomime with his hands and feet, though laughable, is not illegal which is a good thing for him since his coitus ~vas interrupted by a too-eager cop wanting to score another statistic. Diversity Business Association of Tulsa 6 the STAR Though there was no exposure of body parts or verbal utterances, it’s clear to me that Craig was after an airport quickie, and whether or not his appeal is accepted or rejected his action in the restroom stall refutes his claim that he isn’t gay. - .. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wro9sg~ with being gay but there is something wrong with using your Senate vote to de~rive honest men and women their equality under the law even as they work to contribute to a decent American society. If you listened to the taped interview of the Idaho Senator and the cop you must have noticed that Craig certainly had his battle hardened defense at ful! bore, strengthened as if he had done a few practice runs before. Just how self-assured would YOU be in this situation if you were claiming innocence of the charges and the sign language described? However, in the public court of reasonable opinion, I think Larry Craig would be found guilty with forethought and conspiracy of multiple counts to commit hypocrisy. Unfortunately, this crime is not punished by any jail sentence or fine. Craig’s punishment will have to be the resignation of his office and a return to, can I say, private life as a civilian where he will no doubt write a book describing the pain he’s endured from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and his hounding from office by the Puritans of public decency, the very constituency he claimed to represent? SF~UALITY~VD SPIRITUALITY CONFERENCE ~mosexuality is Neither ness nor Sin ~ ~ Friday March 7, urday March 8 ersity of Central Oklahoma, Edmond Register online at www.PFLAGOKC.org or call Church of the Open Arms (405) 525 9555 www.ozarksstar.com �www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �Proudly serving ~Asa & OKC’s GLBT communities since 1982 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Crooner Comes ByJoey De ~~e’s blonde, he’s beautiful and his new style of classic crooning will be coming to the stage of the Oklahoma City Ford Center Mar. 4. Michael Bubld, the international superstar who has earned himself a place in music history with such hits as "Feelin’ Good," is coming to Oklahoma City as part of his third major US concert tour. All of the shows on the first leg of his 2007-2008 tour sold out in record time. Buble’ brings an irrepressible spirit, engaging humor, and confident charisma to the concert stage, and will perform hits from his current CD "Call me Irresistible and many other classics. 621 E. 4th S~reet Tulsa, OK 74120 OI~NING RECEPTION THURSDAY, iV~RCH 6 6-9PM i%n-Sal 3-gpm through March 29 TULSA, OK__ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, March 6, 2008, for the opening of it’s March exhibit "Now and Zen", featuring local artists Shawn Wilson and Merry Schepers. Shawn Wilson has been a professional artist for 25 years. A native Oklahoman, she moved to New York at 18 years old and within a short time was regularly selling her pen and -ink drawings to New Yorker magazine. She studied sculpture at New York’s famed Art Students’ League, and over the years has shown sculpture in galleries in New York, San Francisco and Atlanta. Shawn also paints-oil on canvas-and most notably, ’sumi-~’, 0apanese inkbrush painting). She studied this ancient art form with one of the few bona fide masters here in the U.S., Koho Yamamoto of NYC. Sumi-6 suits Shawn’s artistic abilities to a ’t’, as her work in all mediums concentrates on the essence of the subject rather than the details. Bubl& new CD, which he calls "my remark on the state of love," contains feeling that ,vill surprise and delight fans and impress those new to his music. "Irresponsible" contains more of Bubl& buoyant, modern interpretations and songs by such greats as Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton and Cy Coleman. Michael won his first Grammy Award this year. The Grammy is for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for "Call Me Irresponsible", which shot to #1, topping the charts around the world. The album included the #1 hit single "Everything", and was the fastest trip to #1 in three years on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. To purchase concert tickets go to www.ticketmaster. corn or visit the Ford Center box office. Visit www. michaelbuble.com for concert schedule. .................. Continued page 27 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 �By Joey De what can be said about "f~nt" that hasfft (and sometimes infamous) rock-opera that changed Br6adway forever ,,,ill be closing its doors on the great ~q~ite Way in Jtm~ but before it dora, the national tour will be making several stops in th~ Midwest. "Rent" is the story, of a colorful collectiot~ of frien& in Manhattan’s East End around the tiim end of the eighties. Surrounded by" povert.>; the onset of the MDS epi&mic and the rise of corporate commercialism, this group of artists defies the norm and redefines the boundaries of love. " says Jed Resnick, who plays Mark in promise ofAmerica is a country of tolerance harmony. just doesn’t l~appen in rea! life, there is so much hatred utopian and unreal ~ bom~daries." ’°Rent" are persona!. "This show was the first shame and that Resnick says he connected with privately as a him want was a major 998, the summer when I first characters rand connected. It became a dream m be in the sho~; and people joked with me in High School about it because I’m so close to Mark." According to the performer, taking on the role of the show’s filmmaking n~xrator was not too much of a srxetch. "Mark and Jed are both slightly neurotic, Jewish N ew Yorkers." he laughs. "I latched on to our surface similarities and then was able to discover this~gs I didn’t realize about b~n. Things like his passion for art and fl~e ~ower it has to affect change." Photo: Jed Resnick �Cathedral of Hope Donates Scarves to Wilson Schoo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ For the fourth year in a row members of the Cathedral of Hope made scarves for Wilson Elementary School; In 2004 the church "adopted" Wilson for a number of service projects, since Wilson was their neighborhood school and included children from homeless shelters and section eight housing. Annual projects include collecting schoo! supplies, donating tissues during cold season, and sewing scarves every winter. This year members worked over two nights creating over 60 scarves. One couple also donated gloves and hats. On Tuesday, February 5, church members delivered the goodies to the school. According to pastor, the Rev. Dr. Scott Jones, "The assistant principal told us that every year the kids look forward to the day the scarves are handed out and that they wear them every day a~er that." Nancy Sanders, who has helped with the project every year said, "It’s always a lot of fun for the kids and fun for us too." the STAR �Love on tb~e Nile Deep b~4de HolI)~ood, reports on n~projects for Madonna and Ian Zierine~ Madonna khad to happen. Madonna mous disdain fbr her acting the camera. The finished product is recently premiered at the Berli~ mttsement. It stars the band Gogol Bordello) in a loose, in common with Madonna’s with her later it a refreshing new path uphill cred mountain to climb, but almost a lock that distribution reinvention will be as an aut~ur. Ian Ziering Move~ from Stretch marks, bloated ankles, ous. At least, that’s xvhat the makers given the success of other new comedy stars as a mar (The Constant Gardener) looks like eyeliner - a good to be starring in a romance set jandro ~Am~ena bar (The will direct the film, about a slave (Oscar in love with his mistress at the dawn of the Christian era, Paradise Now) co-stars as a zea!her statuette for The Constant variety of roles in movies like ~nd Definitel> Maybe, and this a~s-yetStarts shooting this month - promises to eclectic. a!most unani- )..ueer Cinema" in the early of a small miracle when a gay indie movie rea! theaters outside Trevor is one of those movies. Goodman, of unknowns, about queer the suddenly deep waters of adult life, appreciation that the recent "new naturalist" films of upstart directors like Andrew getting from critics and when the fihn gets released in May. © STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Ragged Blade Cor cer City February 29 h Oklahoma Photo by Mike W/site: Ashley Saphian, Isaac Cherry, Jerry Rabushka, Zach Jett ST LOUIS, MO (P/R) __ They are faster! louder! more blues! and more country! Ragged Blade has made four theatrical excursions to the IAO in Oklahoma City and now they’re on tap for a concert of Music worth waiting for. An evening of original pop, country, blues, and ballads by songwriter & playwright Jerry Rabushka. You’ll hear songs from some of the plays that have come to the IAO last year, and some newly hatched music with Rabushka’s trademark deep emotion and beautiful harmonies. Hang out with us for co01 country songs. No Luck At Home, the bluesy and sexually charged, Wrong Side Of Town, and Jerry’s lonely ballad Diner 4 AM. The band: Zach Jett (vocals) has toured with Ragged Blade for over a year and has been to the IAO for Woofl. The Road Show and Love of Last Resort. Ashley Saphian (vocals) has performed in several RB plays and concerts. Isaac Cherry (drums) has toured nationally as a solo drummer and with such bands as Animal 13 on the east coast and the Malibu Minstrels on the west. Jerry Rabushka (keyboard and vocals) has written & produced several musicals, was nominated for a national award for outstanding Instrumental Recording by New York based Outmusic in 2003, and received an award from the St. Louis Arts For Life Foundations for his original score to the musical, The Soviet Tango. IAO Gallery, 811 N. Broadway Oklahoma City 405-232-6060 8:00 EM. $5.00 cover At that price you can bring LOTS of friends!! For more info please visit www.raggedblade.com or www.iaogallery. org March 2008 the STAR 13 �by Liz Highleyman~~ Past Out, which looks at the life 0fFTM pioneer L0u Sullivan. Who was Lou Sullivan ? ouis Graydon Sullivan was a pioneer of the transgender movement - not just as an organizer, but as perhaps the first female-to-male (FTM) transsexual to identify publicly as a gay man. Born in June 1951 and named Sheila Jean, Sullivan grew up in a working-class family in a suburb of Milwaukee, \Vgis. He was educated at Catholic schools and took a secretarial job at the University of Wisconsin after graduating from high school. Though Sullivan later recalled that he had enjoyed "playing boys" as a child, his issues around gender and sexuality came to the fore when he was a teenager. "I look in the mirror and say to myself, ’That’s you, Sheila. That girl over there is you.’ It seems so funny," he wrote in his diary at age 14. Before long he started wearing men’s-style white shirts and ties, eventually adding men’s slacks, shoes, and hairstyle. By the early 1970s, Sullivan self-identified as a "heterosexual female transvestite who was sexually attracted to gay men," and had embarked on a long-term relationship with an effeminate man. Sullivan was active in the nascent gay liberation movement, which embraced gender-bending and favored the androgynous aesthetic of the broader counterculture. He was involved with Milwaukee’s first gay rights group, the Gay People’s Union (GPU), and helped produce its newsletter. Jumping into the controversy over drag within the women’s movement, he wrote "A Transvestite Answers a Feminist" 14 the STAR for GPU News in 1973, followed a year later by "Looking Towards Transvestite Liberation," which was widely reprinted in other gay and lesbian publications. Over the next few years, Sullivan’s gender identity shifted from transvestite to transsexual. In 1975, he and his boyfriend moved to San Francisco; as a parting gift, his supportive family gave him a good suit and an heirloom pocket watch engraved "Go West Young Man." But even amid the city’s queer milieu, Sullivan had difficulty finding others like himselfi "I want to look like what I am," he once wrote, "but don’t know what someone like me looks like." Though still presenting as a woman in his job as a secretary for the Wilson Sporting Goods company, most of the rest of the time Sullivan fully cross-dressed and lived as a gay man, hanging out in gay bars and enjoying an adventurous sex life. Sullivan sought sex-reassignment surgery in the late 1970s, but was repeatedly denied because he openly identified as ~y at a time when people undergoing the procedure were expected to adopt stereotypical heterosexual opposite-sex gender roles. "They were invested in taking sissy gay boys and transforming them into straight women, and taking tomboy women who were socially unacceptable and changing them into straight men," according to fellow FTM Shadow Morton. Sullivan recalled that one gender clinic told him he could not possibly live as a gay man, since gay men were primarily interested in large penises. Sullivan’s frustration led him to campaign for the removal of homosexuality as a contraindication for sex reassignment - an effort that finally succeeded in the late 1980s. At a time when most gender services focused on male-to-female transsexuals, he volunteered as the first FTM peer counselor with San Francisco’s Janus Information Facility (a clearinghouse for information about transsexuality) and wrote the earliest informational booldet for transmen, _Information for the Female to Male Cross-Dresser and Transsexual_ (1980). He later authored a biography of early 20th-century "passing woman" Jack Bee Garland. Sullivan was a co-founder of the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California (now the GLBT Historical Society), helping to ensure that it was inclusive of transgender lives. In 1979, after several refusals from established university-based gender dinics, Sullivan found sympathetic therapists and doctors and began taking testosterone. He had a double mastectomy and started a new technician job where co-workers had never known him as a woman. He finally underwent genital surgery in 1986, but experienced complications and never fully recovered; that same year, he was diagnosed as HIV positive. "I took a certain pleasure," he wrote, "in informing the gender clinic that even though their program told me I could not live as a gay man, it looks like I’m going to die like one." Sullivan devoted his final years to building the network of FTM contacts he had acquired over a decade into an organization, and eventually a visible movement. In 1986, he began holding peer-support get-togethers for people on the male transgender spectrum, which evolved into the present-day FTM International - today the largest and longest-running organization of its kind. Yet he continued to take the time to answer the many letters he received from transmen around the world, hoping to dispel the sense of isolation he had felt. Sullivan died of an AIDS-related illness in March 1991, after malting plans to ensure that the organization he created would continue. "Lou Sullivan left behind a mailing list of about 230 names, a roll of stamps, the model of inclusion in his support group, and the ethic of service to a community he hoped would someday exist," said de facto successor Jamison Green. "Now it almost does. In life and since his death, he has been an inspiration for many transmen, both gay and straight." w~,wv.ozarksstar.corn �1) Langmeil Three Gardens Barossa Valley ’05- Shiraz, Grenache and Mourv~dre. Smooth and round, with raspberry & plum most prominent/lean finish. 2) Yellow Tail Reserve Shiraz ’06- Ripe and aromatic. The past 2 vintages have scored some high points with national wine critics/ worth checking out. 3) Yalumba Y Series Shiraz-Viognier 2006Spicy, but the mix of Viognier makes a presence of lychee and peach. 4) Molly Dooker The Boxer 2006 - Ripe and smoky. A mouthful of raspberry with white pepper. A state allocated wine/very hard to find bottle here in town so if ya see it, get it! 5) Marquis Phillips Sarah’s Blend 2005Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot. Check out the Roogle on the label. It’s cross between an Eagle and a Kangaroo and signifies the friendship between the US and Australia. Great taste/recommended. 6) Lindemans Padthaway Reserve 2005Generous cherry and raspberry flavors. From the Hunter Valley about and hour and a half from Sydney. Also gets rave reviews. And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/www.WineSpectator.com www.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org �By Joey De An Italian-Creole restaurant in New Orleans. Photo: David Barlo,~ a,~d A,,~a,~da Ba/on Copyright Joa*¢ Marcus 2007 TULSA, OK __ One of America’s most beloved musicals, "Annie" is celebrating its 30th anniversary tour, and giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic about never giving up hope. The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is coming to the Tulsa PAC March 4-9. With music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meeban, ’%nhie" is again directed by lyricist Martin Charnin, who directed the original 1977 Broadxvay production. After xvinning seven Tony Axvards in 1977, including Best blusica!, Book and Score the shoxv ran for 2,377 performances and is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadxvay history. With one of Broadxvay’s most memorable scores, including t~ the Hard-Knock Life" and ’"~ tomorrow,""" ~(~n ni e, "is the feel-good shoxv to bring a smile to any, face. Tickets may be purchased at 596-7111, via the internet at wwxv. MyTicketOffice.com or by visiting the PAC box oft{ce. Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Seepage 29for o,’der blank. the ~TA~ Bayou Crawfish Etouffee 1/4 pound butter 4 cups chopped onions 2 cups chopped green peppers 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chopped garlic 4 cups sliced mushrooms 1 1/2 teaspoons flour Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 4 dashes Tabasco sauce 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2 cups whipping cream 1 cup half-and-half 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce Melt butter in large heavy-duty pot. Add onions, peppers, garlic and all seasonings. Saute, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent (15 minutes). Add mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes. Add flour and mix thoroughly for 1 minute, stirring often. Add whipping cream and half-and-half. Cook until cream thickens but does not boil, stirring often. Add tomato sauce and cook for 15 minutes. Add desired meat, seafood or crawfish. Stirring often, cook until meat or vegetables are done. The longer you let the sauce cook, the more flavorful it becomes. More on PASCAL’S MANALE Restaurant see page 22 www.ozarksstar.com �c ONOUES T Join our gay and Imbian group aboard Carnival Cow, quest© ~ we set sail from Galvesm~ and call o~ the beaurifhi ports in Monrego Ba); Grand Cayman and Cx~zumel. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween than aboard a funship with Gayribbean Cruises, We offer: Our fr~ntasdc Halloweml Costume Part),, Nighdy Mixers and SO MUCH MORE ! Book early and save. Ask how m receive $75 shipboard cre<~t! For information & Reservations www.GaydbbeanCruisesocom �by Donald Pile and Ray Williams One of the manygreat things about travelin~ .... is, besides meeting interestin,~,p eople and visitin g beautiful places, sometimes you also get to see FABULOUS ENTERTAINERS. The past few- )mars We were fortunate to be able to see these entertainers in action. They ernb0dy all that is good in a true entertainer. ...... fun, funny; sometimes elegant and they all put on a great show. THE COUNT.S, B&EXIS DEL LAGO of Paris, New York and HollDvood. one of the most remarkable, amazing and elegant pers0nalilties that we have,ever met in our travels. She was the most elegant drag queen ofthe 80 s New York City, she then moved to \Vest Hollywooa and 6pened a wonderful antiques b(~utique shop. She WAS Marlene Dietrich, afI day and every day[ Sh£ is the cla~;iest add best &essed of them all. She *~,-~as (~nd stil! is) a r~al star when everyone else was just pretending. She performed on stage, movies and tete~2ision. She was a bi~ hit at the famous Pyramid Club in New York and with the Andy Wathol group. Her latest "Countess Alexis with Ray Williams" Lypsinka Frank Marino 18 the STAR moade, SUPERSTAR IN A HOUSEDRESS, only proves how classy,she still iS. And always hers,d£ She believed in herself as most people don t. MOst people either dont have the, courage to be themselve~s,o,~ are s,o unsure about wh~ they are that they cant. As the Countess stares, It wasrft that I was so fabulous, it is just that the others were so stupid. \Ve have never seen her when she &dnt look hke a milhon dollars. She ALWAYS makes a grain entrance where ever she goes. And why not? She ~s N~e Countess : Check out http:lt~wv.youtube.com/watch?v=lG2DATQ_dlA to see a fabulous sm,en minute fihn clip. LYPSINKA, whose real name is John Epperson lives in New York City. We caught his act at the AI~ Theatre in San Francisco. His production is entitled "LYPSINKM THE BOX.ED SET" He is one of the most intelligent performers around. He does Gisele MacKenzie, Frances Faye, Conme Franos, Llbby Morns, Dorothy Sqmres and the 50 s musical ,con Delores Gray. He performs all over the United States and gets standing ovations where,)er he performs. It is remarkable the staging and entertaini~ag this entertainer does. You will be dazed by his performance. Unlike marli, performers he stretches the boundaries. ~e H~llDvood Reporter says L smka ~s hke nothing you ve seen before. Theamcat art,stry that ne er seems to slow down" The New York ~mes says "I.ypsinka is a fascinating, ftmny and disturbing spectacle." From the opening scene ro the finale this performer never lets down the audience. He is absolute dynamite. Audiences go back year after year to see him perform. And on top of everything else l~}m just happens to be a very nice person. For a listing of his performances and other information about him go to ww~:lypsinka.corn. FRANK MARINO, who performs at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas , is another performer who puts on a great show. He does his "_Joan River’s’ routine and has been wowing audiences for years and years in I.as Vegas. The straights in the audience really get into his show and why not? He and his cast and crmv put on a class act show. He emcees the’show and introduces the different performers who do Chef. Shirley MacLaine, Tina, and many others. Tlaeir show is sold out almost every night. It is basically a musicallcomedy revie~v with gorgeous gowns, feathers, glitter, etc. Frank changes cosrurnes between every set which gives a grear dimension to the show. When going to Las Vegas next time, be sure and catch the show. His web site is ~x~;frankmarino.com ............................. Continued next page v~w.ozarksstar.com �Creating Community for People ~ivin9 with H~V/AIDS .A 50~. c (3) Non P~ofit O~ganization 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 HIM+ 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 assistanoe to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrism mjr@yahoo.oom. �)ff~rs little in the way of attractions, unless, of course, you count shopping as a form of sightseeing. If you wander along West 20th through West 27th streets in the block west of 10th Avenue, you’ll find storefront after storefront of cutting-edge art galleries - check out www.chelseaartga~leries.com for details on upcoming shows. Fans of dance should note two important neighborhood institutions: the art deco Joyce Theater, which hosts high-quality dance companies throughout the year, and the dramatic Dance Theater Workshop, around the corner, which also presents acclaimed concerts throughout the year. The neighborhood draws plenty of foodies to its Chelsea Market, a bustling concourse of gourmet food stalls in which you’ll find tantalizing Thai food, savory soups, fine wines, heavenly baked goods, and lots more. Neighborhood s recently as the mid-1990s, relatively few visitors spent time in Chelsea, the neighborhood on Manhattan’s west side between Midtown and Greenwich Village. Today, however, Chelsea abounds with gay bars, coo! restaurants, diverting shops, avant-garde galleries, and an increasing number of hotels. It’s become arguably the city’s hottest destination for gay visitors, and a wonderful neighborhood to spend a weekend or short vacation. This part of the city was developed in the 1830s by clergyman Clement Clark Moore, author of"A Visit from St. Nicholas" ("~B~vas the night before Christmas..."), whose family owned most of the area. Well into the mid-20th century, Chelsea was a drab, lower-income neighborhood where workers at nearby garment factories and river docks lived in cheap boardinghouses and rickety, airless tenements. But as gays began moving here in the ’70s and ’80s, gentrification gradually took hold. And in recent years, the neighborhood has developed cachet among both residents and visitors as one of the trendiest areas in the city as well as one of the nation’s most dynamic gay communities. Chelsea comprises roughly the blocks between 5th Avenue and the Hudson River, with 14th Street forming the neighborhood’s southern boundary. Most locals consider 23rd Street to be its northern edge, but others argue the border extends as far north as 28th or even 32nd Street. For all practical purposes - particularly in terms of retail, dining, and clubbing - you’ll find the most intriguing businesses between 14th and 23rd streets. And where gay-popular establishments are concerned, the main drag is 8th Avenue, with 7th Avenue a close runner-up. Additionally, 9th and 10th avenues have witnessed the tide of gentrification in recent years, particularly as top galleries have moved into the western reaches of Chelsea. 20 the STAR In fact, restaurants have become one of the neighborhood’s leading draws. There are the obvious bastions of gay social life, such as Viceroy and Food Bar for rather standard American chow, and campy VYNL, which is known for its eclectic Asian and international dishes, plus outstanding martinis. Gym buffs on high-protein diets favor Better Burger, with its menu of lean, char-grilled burgers and fresh-squeezed juices. Other hot spots include the funky Thai restaurant Room Service, known for such ldcky creations as Thai-spicy tuna salad and chile-rubbed salmon; and Suenos, which serves some of the most innovative regional Mexican fare in the city - be sure to try the duck-confit quesadillas with poached pears and ancho chileso For weekend brunch, don’t miss East of Eighth, which turns out first-rate contemporary American food and offers lively cabaret in the evenings. Few spots are more popular at lunchtime than Dish, a glorified diner of sorts, which is also known for its relaxing Saturday and Sunday brunch. Snackers and noshers will find plenty of toothsome options, including F&B Gudtfood for gourmet hot dogs and European-style street food, Murray’s for some of the city’s finest bagels, and Pinkberry, for the mysterious yogurt-esque frozen-dessert snacks that have taken the city by storm. On the west side of the neighborhood, you can count on the Red Cat for a terrific meal of creative American fare, such as a fantastic paprika-roasted cod with spicy escarole and an anchovy-almond sauce. At cozy Tia Pol, choose from a long list of outstanding Spanish tapas, while the much-hyped Craftsteak is your go-to for superb cuts of beef- it’s part of Tom Colicchio’s (ofTV’s Top Chef) growing restaurant empire. Chelsea has become the epicenter of gay nightlife in New York City (although it’s fair to say that the Hells Kitchen and East Village neighborhoods provide plenty of competition). There are the trendy spots, such as G Lounge, a sea of coiffed and smartly dressed men hobnobbing around a central bar or relaxing in mod lounge chairs; and the long-running Splash, a two-floor temple of chic gay clubbing known for its go-go dancers and throbbing music. Quirky Barracuda cultivates a mixed arty and cruisy bunch, while the bilevel Eagle caters to the usual set of bears, leather men, and ardent porn enthusiasts (old-fashioned blue movies play on the video screens). www.ozarksstar.com �Rawhide is an old-school neighborhood bar with an age-diverse following, and the friendly Gym Sportbar has become the darling of the post-workout crowd. Locals hangouts like View Bar and XES can seem empty or bustling depending on the night, and a couple of pulsing warehouse discos, Rush and Stereo, round out the scene. Chelsea has relatively few hotel rooms compared with other key Manhattan neighborhoods, but it’s a 10- to 20-minute walk (or a short cab or subway ride) from the scads of hotels in Midtown. What you will find in Chelsea, however, are several properties with reasonable rates, most catering heavily to the gay market. A favorite of history buffs is the raffish Hotel Chelsea, the city’s tallest building when it was built in the 1880s. This bohemian hostelry has been the home of all sorts of fascinating characters, from William Burroughs to Jasper Johns to Allen Ginsberg: Just up the street, the modern and rather basic Chelsea Savoy Hotel has a terrific location at the corner of West 23rd Street and 7th Avenue, and rooms here can run as low as $99 nightly. Among the big chains, there’s a Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea on West 25th Street, and the Hampton Inn Chelsea on West 24th Street. Both of these are clean, well-managed, and affordable. This hip neighborhood is rapidly developing, though, and within a few years you’ll find a number of additional hotels to choose from. For instance, the trendy hotel brand Indigo is planning a 122-room property for 127 West 28th Street, to open in early 2009. And, just a short walk east of Chelsea in a similarly vibrant area, you might consider the uber-cool W New York Union Square, a swank stunner that occupies the 1911 beaux-arts Guardian Life building and contains Todd English’s bustling Olives restaurant and Rande Gerber’s see-and-be-seen Underbar. Or check into Ian Schrager’s luxuriously re-imagined Gramercy Park Hotel, a glam boutique hotel overlooking the elegant park of the same name. Among smaller, gay-oriented properties, a reliable pick is the Chelsea Pines Inn, which occupies a charming 1850s town house in the heart of the neighborhood. Rooms with semiprivate bath (sink and shower are in your room, but the toilet is shared with several other rooms on same floor) start at $140, while rooms with private baths begin at $175. An even better value, with rates beginning around $130 for shared-bath units, the Chelsea Lodge is set along handsome West 22nd Street and contains 22 cozy, clean, and pleasantly furnished rooms. When you consider that generic, bland chain properties in Midtown can charge well over $400 per night, these two intimate and friendly Chelsea hideaways are a real bargain. And you can use the money you save to dine well in the neighborhood’s dozens of inviting eateries. 1- 800 - 535-AI DS (2437) Okllahoma’s H V/STD Hot ine PRO TECT YO F PROTECT YOUR PA ° F,¢ee. me~ HIV testify, t~ 20 H.O.P;~. Tes~:~ng C~inic ~ens Oetreach Pr~ram www.ozarksstar.com the STAR :)1 �~ 6, 2008 ItMian’Creole restaurant in New Orleans Fotmded in 1913, this family-run, ItaJian, Creole restaurant is 8) i New Orle~s at baxbecued shrimp. N~is . from the se~,ice to the decor. oyster bar ~nd on ~e hflf shel! and fll ~es of cocktails. We offer Sp~cialfies and delicio~ stea~, ~ i in traddtion; ir ~ s and ~hes it out daily in ~e ~tO lmltate~ !tiNe;Andwhenyou! We&esday thru Friday : thru Saturda); 5 PM to closing ~d cloSed 0h �WHITE PARTY SPRING BREAK 2008 PRESENTS THREE DAYS AND FOUR NIGHTS OF THE BEST PARTIES ON THE PLANET !’~"~ Men from all over the world converge on Palm Springs : April 17.21, 2008. Surprise performances happening aft weekend long! PALM SPRINGS, CA (PR) This is the event that attracts men from all over the world to the desert oasis of Palm Springs, CA ! Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party Spring Break happens at new date in 2008--April 17-21, with an action-packed weekend of non-stop parties, superstar performances and the hottest men from all over the globe. Totally new for 2008: the sexy Boxers and Briefs Underwear Party, happening Friday, will let it all hang out. Saturday’s main event: White Party - Boogie Fever celebrates 30 years of dance music. Not to mention Sunday’s Extreme T Dance, an over-the-top dance event taking the action farther than it’s ever been before. Weekend passes are on sale now at www.CircuitTicket.com. Express Weekend Passes ($350 until Feb. 15) include: Absolute priority access to all weekend events; Access to VIP lounge at the Saturday White Party and Sunday T Dance; Official White Party Spring Break Gift Bag and Unlimited complimentary bottled water at White Party and T Dance. Weekend Passes ($250 until Feb. 15) include: Express Entrance to White Party, T Dance & Closing Party; complementary admission to Thursday Welcome Party, plus a $25 add-on for admission to Boxers and Briefs Underwear Party. For additional information or to purchase passes in advance online, visit: www.jeffreysanker.com or vcww.circuiticket.com. For more information, call (310) 360-6100. The host hotel for White Party 2008 is the fabulous Wyndham Palm Springs, the center of all the poolside action, home to nighttime events and location of the official welcome center. For reservations, call: (760) 322-6000. Mention WP when making reservations to receive a special rate. Back by popular demand: The ultimate VIP treatment lets you experience White Party in the lap of luxury with a range of personalized services right at your fingertips. Again in 2008, White Party Spring Break offers a limited number of luxurious VIP packages to make your weekend truly unforgettable. Packages include a range of options such as premium accommodations, lavish amenities including a personal concierge, private cabanas, security escorts and special upgrades. All packages feature exclusive VIP bottle service at Saturday night’s White Party and the Sunday T Dance. Visit: www. jeffreysanker.com for more details. March 2008 The STAR 23 ��and the �By Ronald Blake esterday was my thirty-ninth birthday. I chose to wake with the roosters and run a five kilometer race to begin my fete of this event. I ruminated on my choice of a celebratory method be.fore, during, and after this competition. I discovered many reasons ~vhy I dragged my partner and our little canine companion along with me to this athletic spectacle. There is not much traffic on an early Saturday morning when you are headed to a physical challenge. I was able to really notice the mountains when I wasn’t beset by droves of angry, chafed, rush-hour motorists. I realized that the mountains were even more majestic with their verdant hue given the recent rains here in the desert. The rising sun added its paintbrush to this mountain landscape with its spangling of yellows and oranges. A good reason to get up and run. We drove past the Phoenix International Raceway on our journey to the starting line. I have lived in the Valley of the Sun for over three years and had never seen this imposing NASCAR edifice. It was quietly assuming its regnant place alongside its panoply of mountains. We also had never been to the location of this gala running affair. It too was nestled next to the mountains and was a magnificent oasis in the ribald desert landscape. I felt a contemporary thrill of a Louis and Clark moment as I gazed upon virgin ground. A good reason to get up and run. There were other people at the race site when I arrived. These people also had running shoes and were stretching. These people also brought friends, family members, and their little dogs too. These people also ran the course, sweated, and finished completely exhausted. I wasn’t the only one early to bed and early to rise. We shared camaraderie and a commonality that morning. A good reason to get up and run. I received a T-shirt, bananas, a medal, an olio of donated sundries, and some friendly discourse through out my experience. It did cost me twentyfive dollars to participate but I am not offering any regrets. I could just as easily have spent that money on a well-earned hangover but I already have plenty of those notched in my craw! of fame. I am pleased with my assortment of newly acquired memorabilia. A good reason to get up and run. There was live music after the race. It was provided by your quintessential three men and a lady cover band. The backdrop was a cupola adorned, ornate clubhouse and a lake begirded with palm trees. I would have settled for anything at that time. I had just felt the intrinsic satisfaction of completing an arduous task and the extrinsic reward of a salvo of cheers for my fait accompli. A very good reason to get up and run. I am thirty-nine today and I wil! be forty next year. I have no control over the passage of time. I will continue to enjoy my flight through the ages and I will continue to augment my reasoning for getting up and running...until the flight ends. ~sis health andfitness column is brought to you by that gvgy who noticed that sex act is followed by sexagenarian in the dictionary. ~at connect the dots guy is Ron Blake and he can be vivified at www.goblakefimess. co~n, www.ozarksstar.com �ART SHOW: Between sumi-d, drawings, oil paintings and sculpture, Shawn’s work has been shown and sold in dozens of one-woman and group showings and through commissioned work. Merry Schepers is also a native Otdahoman whose works in porcelain, clay and multimedia embrace a broad stylistic spectrum from flying porcelain vessels to shamanic, archetypal masks to functional stoneware. She earned her BA from Montclair State University (N.J.) and has worked in clay for over thirteen years. As a member of the Alternative Outsider artists, she participates in that group’s annual show. She also shows in galleries in Tulsa, Ok. and Fayetteville, AR. and participates in Tulsa’s Blue Dome Arts Festival. The exhibit will remain up through the month of March, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. Nae Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. 7his monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for A1 McAffrey To Speak At OK County Democrats Medallion Dinner OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __M is the Representative for House District 88 and will be the Master of Ceremonies for our Medallion Dinner. The Oklahoma County Democrats Medallion Dinner, with Jim Roth and Al McAffrey, will be taking place on March 8, 2008 at the Regal Room (Ned’s Catering), 625 NW Grand Blvd, OKC, 73118. Visit the website for updated information, sponsor & ticket prices, and easy online ticket purchasing. www.okcountydemocrats.org Oklahoma Governor say’s NO to National Real ID Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Ga); Bisexual & Tram’gender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equali~y Center. Oklahoma City mayor challenges citizens to loose 1 million pounds OKLAHOMA CITY - With a button-popping spread of cornbread, sausage and gravy, chicken fried steak and pecan pie designated as Oklahoma’s official state meal, it’s no surprise that Oklahoma City’s mayor wants to put the city on a diet. Mick Cornett has challenged the city to shed 1 million pounds as its New Year’s resolution. (PR) The federal effort to create a national identity card, called the Real ID card, would take us one step closer to a surveillance society, erode our right to privacy and put our personal information at risk. Luckily, governors in five states, including Oklahoma, courageously rejected this invasive law. Now we need these governors to stand their ground so that Congress will be forced to repeal this horrifying program! Real ID would force all states to connect their DMV databases to one single interlinked system -- facilitating government tracking of ordinary Americans. It would also expose our most sensitive personal information to criminal identity theft. Thanks to your Governor, this invasive law -- and the dramatic tax increases required to pay its massive price tag -- was courageously rejected in Oklahoma. Help make sure that no American is forced to use the costly "Big Brother" Real ID card. The national Real ID card will take away our privacy and treat all Americans like enemies of the state! www.ozarksstar.corn "The nature of the questions LGBT human rights defenders were asked, repeatedly trying to link homosexuality and pedophilia, simply shows how far our stubborn opposition is ready to go to put obstacles before LGBT groups on their way to recognition as members of civil society," the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) said in a statement. Just two of many reasons the right wing hates McCain. 1. Same-sex marriage. McCain refuses to support a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. 2. Stem-cell research. McCain would relax restrictions on federal dollars for embryonic stem cell research, which critics consider tantamount to abortion. BERLIN (AP) __ A new Berlin memorial to the Nazis’ gay victims should be ready within months, officials said Thursday. The $890,000 memorial to gay victims will be located in Berlin’s Tiergarten Park, across from the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Culture Minister Bernd Neumann said. Homosexuality was banned under the Nazis. Tens of thousands of people, primarily men, were arrested, and many were sent to concentration camps. BEIJING (AFP) Chinas Ministry of Health is set to implement its first ever national programme to curb the spread of HIV/ AIDS among gay men. "The programme aims to strengthen measures to prevent and control the deadly disease among the homosexual community," the China Daily quoted Wang \greizhen, a senior official with the ministry’s HIWAIDS prevention department, as saying. "By learning more about gay people, we can better protect them against this incurable disease. Studies are under way in several cities to collect information on gay men, such as their.., behavioural patterns." The programme will also deliver special funding and technical support to gay men, Wang said, without giving further details. There are over 700 thousand gay men with HIV/AIDS in China. the STAR 27 �"Be cor~servative with money, Gemini!" As Mars enters Cancer, productive efforts are easily clouded by moods and misunderstandings. While he opposes Pluto, frustrations can gain exaggerated importance. You may feel like you need an oar to propel your craft forward, but what you may really need is a shovel to dig to the root of existing challenges. ARIES (March 20 -Apri~ 19): Yours is the sign of the lone wolf, but you are now aiming for the role of head of the household. The responsibilities and obligations really don’t suit you. Try for the position of "elder statesperson" or dowager instead. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Little domestic arguments can explode way too easily. Are you just being stubborn? How important are those details, anyway? Your arguments may be more aesthetic than logical, but they should still be explainable in a calm, friendly manner. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your sexual appetite is surging, but so is your deeper desire for commitment. One is so much more easily satisfied than the other that you might find any effort frustrating. Try seeing the glass as half full. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Is your partner being too aggressive, or are you just being stubborn? You can do something about the latter. Fights come easily, but so does passion. You really need a struggle. Be nice, and you could get a good one! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): Wanting too much can be a great spur to action, but acting impulsively on excessive desire is a sure path to accidents and illness. Meditate, think ahead, and confide in a friend with a cooler head before acting. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Acting on your playful urges will have far-reaching ramifications. Focus those desires responsibly and creatively. Infuriating people is not a mark of success per se, but be bold enough to risk pissing off the right people for the right reasons. GEMINI (May 21 - Jun~ 20): Be very careful and conservative with your money. Household and proper~ investments or any renegotiation of debt should be checked out very thoroughly. Sexual urges may take an emotional cost, challenging you to think more about your deeper needs. CANCER (June 21 -July 22): Acting on impulse can transform your relationship, and probably not for the better. Channel that energy into thinking ahead and talking about what you want, what your partner wants, and how you can deepen your connection. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Worrying about your health or work only makes problems - real or imagined - worse. Take positive steps, and check out anything that bears watching. Remember the difference between focus and obsession, and stick to the task at hand. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Your political aims are coming from somewhere deep in your gut, which is fine. But sensible strategy should come from your brilliant-butnow-vacationing brain. Artistic, creative expressions will give you the outlet you need. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Courtesy is usually your strongest conviction. Now other deep beliefs provoke you to speak up against authority. Think carefully about mouthing off to the police or your boss. If you want to raise hell, find a public demonstration that suits your politics. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your urge for arguments seems to be coming out of nowhere. Try to focus that energy toward digging into topics that interest you. Take up a good challenge to keep your mind busy and your mouth out of trouble! 28 the STAR METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. UrJe Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM CommUnity Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and Blessed Day! www.ozarksstar.com �DO\VNTOWN PLAZA of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 wvw.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Cig; OK 405-528-2221 wwv.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant RENT the Musical Tulsa PAC 918-596-7111 www.myticketoffice.com SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK w~:anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 w~vw.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklaboma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Tulsa, OK j udygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREE~I; Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn GAYRIBBEAN CRUISES www.gayribbeancruises.com 877-560-8318 www.ozarksstar.com want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: ~he STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm City:. OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: St: Zip: Phone: 29 �Keller Williams Realty \Vihether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. (ng~finitiqn easy) - growing up GAY in OK is You can help our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more Info: WWW. openarmsproject.org 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar, com ��drugs �� 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 2 the STAR wwvv.ozarksstar.com By Victor Gorin Photo: Nate Borofiky, Doris Muramatsu,Blue Door owner Greg Johnson, & Ty Greenstein OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Valentine’s Day crowd at the Blue Door was trttly treated by the extraordinary innovation and harmonies of Girlyman, a gay band of 3 musicians, Nate Borofsky, Doris Muramatsu and Ty Greenstein, who wowed the house with their awesome harmonies & creative style. As Nate put it, their music has been influenced by "the Indigo Girls, Simon & Garfunkel, the Mamas and Papas, and Bach." Their style, if it could be labeled, is a blend of folk, pop and bluegrass best described by Ty as "alt folk" The full house audience consisted mostly of the Blue Door’s regular folk & innovative music fans, but also featured many "Blue Door virgins", and they were not disappointed. This trio, which has previously graced Oklahoma, once opened for the Indigo Girls here in 2004, and was ready to please a capacity crowd even though they admitted they didn’t know what to expect. Masterminded by their soundperson/tour manager Heather "Turtle" Brooks, they blend their talents and insight in a way that has to be heard to be believed. So far they have recorded 3 CD’s, the latest entitled "Joyful Signs." As for their clever name, it was not inspired by the famous California Governor Schwarzenegger who in fact made that "girlyman" expression famous 2 years after the band was formed, although they do welcome the publicity. As Muramutsu puts it, "It’s playful and fun. The name Girlyman puts that all out there and lets us play with it." That they did, and they’ll win over even more new fans xvhen they play Oklahoma again. www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3 Art Show by Shawn Wilson.and Merry Schepers. Michael Buble’ in OKC; "It is the ideal portrayal ofAmerica," says Jed Resnick, who plays Mark in the touring production. ~ DEE[P INSIDE HO~-t-~OOD Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Madonna and Ian Ziering. GLBT History, Past Out looks at the life ofFTM pioneer Lou Sullivan. Devre Jackson reviews Australian Shiraz Bayou Crawfish Etouffee a feature at Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans ~C~AO "~’R~VS~. Gay Travelers: Entertainers Out of Town: Chelsea, Manhattan Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans lvlen from all over the world converge on Palm Springs for spring break. Surprise performances happening all weekend long! F~T~ESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Cast of "RENT" 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com LGBT Votes Sway Towards Hi11 Clinton LOS ANGELES, CA __Not only is the Democratic presidential primary ticket a historic celebration of diversity, but exit polls from Super Tuesday celebrated history as well. Polling orga,xizations from around the country asked three questions never before found on exit poll surveys: Did voters pick a xvoman? Did voters pick a black man? Did voters identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender? We are part of histor): Resoundingly, voters answered two of the three questions similarly, picking Hillary Clinton as their candidate and identifying as LGBT. In California, of the gay voters (4% of total), 63% voted for Clinton, 29% for Obama and 1% stayed around for E&vards. In New York, 7% of voters identified as LGBT, and out of them 59% voted for Clinton, 36% for Obama and 3% for Edwards. In a recent survey conducted by Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), a leading LGBTmarket research compan); **tore than 90percent ofgays and lesbians vote in U.S. presidential elections, compared to 64percent ofstraight citizens. Queerfolk are twice as likely as s~,’aightfolk to vote in midterm elections. Farrell to be best man £or brother’s gay wedding DUBLIN, IRELAND __ Hollywood star Colin Farrell is preparing for his next big role - best man at his brother’s gay wedding. The actor will stand beside his sibling Eamonn when he marries long-term partner Steven Mannion in Provincetown, Massachusetts this spring. Farrell is dose to his brother and helped chose Mannion’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring, when Eamonn proposed last year. A family friend tells the National Enquirer: "Colin is a firm believer in gay rights and he is proud of his brother. "He took Eamonn shopping for rings and intends to pick up the tab for the wedding." It was announced during the Sundance Film Festival that the Edward Norton/Colin Farrell cop drama "Pride and Glory" has been pushed back till 2009, even though it has been complete since last November. Farrell commented on this during the press junket for "In Bruges," trying to convince everyone that the delay has nothing to do with the quality of the movie. [via HollywoodElsewhere] All Gore Endorses Gay Marriage Photo by: David Gabber "I think that gay men and women ought to have the same rights as heterosexual men and women, to make contracts, to have hospital visiting rights, to join together in marriage," Gore said. ’~d I don’t understand why it is considered by some people to be a threat to heterosexual marriage to allow it by gays and lesbians. Shouldn’t we be promoting that kind of faithfulness and loyalty to one’s partner regardless of sexual orientation? Gore hinted that he would come around to support same-sex marriage as early as 2006, when speaking to a group of gay-rights activists, but his latest comments represent Gore’s first formal endorsement of equal marriage rights. Recognized by Keller Williams gor out~anding achievement 2005 and 2006 RE&LTY Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALTOi~ WbetherbuyingorsellingI’llworkhardfbryou, W~NW.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 6 the STAR Diversity Business Association of Tulsa Can Larry Craig be Found Guilty in the Court o£Public Opinion? OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ On the facts as argued by the ACLU in a friend of the court filing, and outlined in this story from ~wccw.Bloomberg.com ( http://tinyurl. com/2b7hew ), to me it looks as if the wily and cunning coyote, Larry Craig, will get off again, pardon the pun, by thumbing his nose at the decency he pretends to legislate from the floor of the United States Senate. Just in case you’ve been living under a rock since late last summer, Senator Larry Craig of Idaho, now in his last session of Congress since he’s promised to resign, but will change his mind if enough people beg him to stay was charged with disruptive behavior in the Minneapolis airport when observed by an undercover policeman engaging in what the cop says was sexual solicitation. ¯here is a 1970 precedent in Minnesota that private solicitation of sexual activity in a private place can not be found illegal, as spying by police in a public restroom is an unreasonable search and therefore unconstitutional. The Court has yet to rule on Craig’s appeal of his guilty plea to the charge. Craig has since stated that his guilty plea was entered into in haste and without legal advice as he wanted to keep the charge out of public notice. Craig’s peculiar pantomime with his hands and feet, though laughable, is not illegal which is a good thing for him since his coitus ~vas interrupted by a too-eager cop wanting to score another statistic. Though there was no exposure of body parts or verbal utterances, it’s clear to me that Craig was after an airport quickie, and whether or not his appeal is accepted or rejected his action in the restroom stall refutes his claim that he isn’t gay. - .. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wro9sg~ with being gay but there is something wrong with using your Senate vote to de~rive honest men and women their equality under the law even as they work to contribute to a decent American society. Ifyou listened to the taped interview of the Idaho Senator and the cop you must have noticed that Craig certainly had his battle hardened defense at ful! bore, strengthened as if he had done a few practice runs before. Just how self-assured would YOU be in this situation if you were claiming innocence of the charges and the sign language described? However, in the public court of reasonable opinion, I think Larry Craig would be found guilty with forethought and conspiracy of multiple counts to commit hypocrisy. Unfortunately, this crime is not punished by any jail sentence or fine. Craig’s punishment will have to be the resignation of his office and a return to, can I say, private life as a civilian where he will no doubt write a book describing the pain he’s endured from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and his hounding from office by the Puritans of public decency, the very constituency he claimed to represent? SF~UALITY~VD SPIRITUALITY CONFERENCE ~mosexuality is Neither ~ness nor Sin ~ Friday March 7, urday March 8 ersity of Central Oklahoma, Edmond Register online at www.PFLAGOKC.org or call Church of the Open Arms (405) 525 9555 www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Proudly serving ~Asa & OKC’s GLBT communities since 1982 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com 621 E. 4th S~reet Tulsa, OK 74120 OI~NING RECEPTION THURSDAY, iV~RCH 6 6-9PM i%n-Sal 3-gpm through March 29 TULSA, OK__ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, March 6, 2008, for the opening of it’s March exhibit "Now and Zen", featuring local artists Shawn Wilson and Merry Schepers. Shawn Wilson has been a professional artist for 25 years. A native Oklahoman, she moved to New York at 18 years old and within a short time was regularly selling her pen and -ink drawings to New Yorker magazine. She studied sculpture at New York’s famed Art Students’ League, and over the years has shown sculpture in galleries in New York, San Francisco and Atlanta. Shawn also paints-oil on canvas-and most notably, ’sumi-~’, 0apanese inkbrush painting). She studied this ancient art form with one of the few bona fide masters here in the U.S., Koho Yamamoto of NYC. Sumi-6 suits Shawn’s artistic abilities to a ’t’, as her work in all mediums concentrates on the essence of the subject rather than the details. ..................Continued page 27 Crooner Comes ByJoey De ~~e’s blonde, he’s beautiful and his new style of classic crooning will be coming to the stage of the Oklahoma City Ford Center Mar. 4. Michael Bubld, the international superstar who has earned himself a place in music history with such hits as "Feelin’ Good," is coming to Oklahoma City as part of his third major US concert tour. All of the shows on the first leg of his 2007-2008 tour sold out in record time. Buble’ brings an irrepressible spirit, engaging humor, and confident charisma to the concert stage, and will perform hits from his current CD "Call me Irresistible and many other classics. Bubl& new CD, which he calls "my remark on the state of love," contains feeling that ,vill surprise and delight fans and impress those new to his music. "Irresponsible" contains more of Bubl& buoyant, modern interpretations and songs by such greats as Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton and Cy Coleman. Michael won his first Grammy Award this year. The Grammy is for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for "Call Me Irresponsible", which shot to #1, topping the charts around the world. The album included the #1 hit single "Everything", and was the fastest trip to #1 in three years on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. To purchase concert tickets go to www.ticketmaster. corn or visit the Ford Center box office. Visit www. michaelbuble.com for concert schedule. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 By Joey De what can be said about "f~nt" that hasfft (and sometimes infamous) rock-opera that changed Br6adway forever ,,,ill be closing its doors on the great ~q~ite Way in Jtm~ but before it dora, the national tour will be making several stops in th~ Midwest. "Rent" is the story, of a colorful collectiot~ of frien& in Manhattan’s East End around the tiim end of the eighties. Surrounded by" povert.>; the onset of the MDS epi&mic and the rise of corporate commercialism, this group of artists defies the norm and redefines the boundaries oflove. " says Jed Resnick, who plays Mark in promise ofAmerica is a country of tolerance harmony. just doesn’t l~appen in rea! life, there is so much hatred utopian and unreal ~ bom~daries." ’°Rent" are persona!. "This show was the first shame and that Resnick says he connected with privately as a him want was a major 998, the summer when I first characters rand connected. It became a dream m be in the sho~; and people joked with me in High School about it because I’m so close to Mark." According to the performer, taking on the role of the show’s filmmaking n~xrator was not too much of a srxetch. "Mark and Jed are both slightly neurotic, Jewish N ew Yorkers." he laughs. "I latched on to our surface similarities and then was able to discover this~gs I didn’t realize about b~n. Things like his passion for art and fl~e ~ower it has to affect change." Photo: Jed Resnick Cathedral ofHope Donates Scarves to Wilson Schoo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ For the fourth year in a row members of the Cathedral of Hope made scarves for Wilson Elementary School; In 2004 the church "adopted" Wilson for a number of service projects, since Wilson was their neighborhood school and included children from homeless shelters and section eight housing. Annual projects include collecting schoo! supplies, donating tissues during cold season, and sewing scarves every winter. This year members worked over two nights creating over 60 scarves. One couple also donated gloves and hats. On Tuesday, February 5, church members delivered the goodies to the school. According to pastor, the Rev. Dr. Scott Jones, "The assistant principal told us that every year the kids look forward to the day the scarves are handed out and that they wear them every day a~er that." Nancy Sanders, who has helped with the project every year said, "It’s always a lot of fun for the kids and fun for us too." the STAR Deep b~4de HolI)~ood, reports on n~projectsfor Madonna and Ian Zierine~ Madonna khad to happen. Madonna mous disdain fbr her acting the camera. The finished product is recently premiered at the Berli~ mttsement. It stars the band Gogol Bordello) in a loose, in common with Madonna’s with her later it a refreshing new path uphill cred mountain to climb, but almost a lock that distribution reinvention will be as an aut~ur. a!most unani- Ian Ziering Move~ from Stretch marks, bloated ankles, ous. At least, that’s xvhat the makers given the success of other new comedy stars as a mar STAR Love on tb~e Nile (The Constant Gardener) looks like eyeliner - a good to be starring in a romance set jandro ~Am~ena bar (The will direct the film, about a slave (Oscar in love with his mistress at the dawn of the Christian era, Paradise Now) co-stars as a zea!- her statuette for The Constant variety of roles in movies like ~nd Definitel> Maybe, and this a~s-yet- Starts shooting this month - promises to eclectic. )..ueer Cinema" in the early ofa small miracle when a gay indie movie rea! theaters outside Trevor is one of those movies. Goodman, of unknowns, about queer the suddenly deep waters of adult life, appreciation that the recent "new naturalist" films of upstart directors like Andrew getting from critics and when the fihn gets released in May. © www.ozarksstar.com Ragged Blade Cor cer Oklahoma City February 29 h Photo by Mike W/site: Ashley Saphian, Isaac Cherry, Jerry Rabushka, ZachJett ST LOUIS, MO (P/R) __ They are faster! louder! more blues! and more country! Ragged Blade has made four theatrical excursions to the IAO in Oklahoma City and now they’re on tap for a concert of Music worth waiting for. An evening of original pop, country, blues, and ballads by songwriter & playwright Jerry Rabushka. You’ll hear songs from some of the plays that have come to the IAO last year, and some newly hatched music with Rabushka’s trademark deep emotion and beautiful harmonies. Hang out with us for co01 country songs. No Luck At Home, the bluesy and sexually charged, Wrong Side OfTown, and Jerry’s lonely ballad Diner 4 AM. The band: Zach Jett (vocals) has toured with Ragged Blade for over a year and has been to the IAO for Woofl. The Road Show and Love of Last Resort. Ashley Saphian (vocals) has performed in several RB plays and concerts. Isaac Cherry (drums) has toured nationally as a solo drummer and with such bands as Animal 13 on the east coast and the Malibu Minstrels on the west. Jerry Rabushka (keyboard and vocals) has written & produced several musicals, was nominated for a national award for outstanding Instrumental Recording by New York based Outmusic in 2003, and received an award from the St. Louis Arts For Life Foundations for his original score to the musical, The Soviet Tango. IAO Gallery, 811 N. Broadway Oklahoma City 405-232-6060 8:00 EM. $5.00 cover At that price you can bring LOTS of friends!! For more info please visit www.raggedblade.com or www.iaogallery. org March 2008 the STAR 13 by Liz Highleyman~~ Past Out, which looks at the life 0fFTM pioneer L0u Sullivan. Who was Lou Sullivan ? ouis Graydon Sullivan was a pioneer of the transgender movement - not just as an organizer, but as perhaps the first female-to-male (FTM) transsexual to identify publicly as a gay man. Born in June 1951 and named Sheila Jean, Sullivan grew up in a working-class family in a suburb of Milwaukee, \Vgis. He was educated at Catholic schools and took a secretarial job at the University ofWisconsin after graduating from high school. Though Sullivan later recalled that he had enjoyed "playing boys" as a child, his issues around gender and sexuality came to the fore when he was a teenager. "I look in the mirror and say to myself, ’That’s you, Sheila. That girl over there is you.’ It seems so funny," he wrote in his diary at age 14. Before long he started wearing men’s-style white shirts and ties, eventually adding men’s slacks, shoes, and hairstyle. By the early 1970s, Sullivan self-identified as a "heterosexual female transvestite who was sexually attracted to gay men," and had embarked on a long-term relationship with an effeminate man. Sullivan was active in the nascent gay liberation movement, which embraced gender-bending and favored the androgynous aesthetic of the broader counterculture. He was involved with Milwaukee’s first gay rights group, the Gay People’s Union (GPU), and helped produce its newsletter. Jumping into the controversy over drag within the women’s movement, he wrote "A Transvestite Answers a Feminist" 14 the STAR for GPU News in 1973, followed a year later by "Looking Towards Transvestite Liberation," which was widely reprinted in other gay and lesbian publications. Over the next few years, Sullivan’s gender identity shifted from transvestite to transsexual. In 1975, he and his boyfriend moved to San Francisco; as a parting gift, his supportive family gave him a good suit and an heirloom pocket watch engraved "Go West Young Man." But even amid the city’s queer milieu, Sullivan had difficulty finding others like himselfi "I want to look like what I am," he once wrote, "but don’t know what someone like me looks like." Though still presenting as a woman in his job as a secretary for the Wilson Sporting Goods company, most of the rest of the time Sullivan fully cross-dressed and lived as a gay man, hanging out in gay bars and enjoying an adventurous sex life. Sullivan sought sex-reassignment surgery in the late 1970s, but was repeatedly denied because he openly identified as ~y at a time when people undergoing the procedure were expected to adopt stereotypical heterosexual opposite-sex gender roles. "They were invested in taking sissy gay boys and transforming them into straight women, and taking tomboy women who were socially unacceptable and changing them into straight men," according to fellow FTM Shadow Morton. Sullivan recalled that one gender clinic told him he could not possibly live as a gay man, since gay men were primarily interested in large penises. Sullivan’s frustration led him to campaign for the removal of homosexuality as a contraindication for sex reassignment - an effort that finally succeeded in the late 1980s. At a time when most gender services focused on male-to-female transsexuals, he volunteered as the first FTM peer counselor with San Francisco’s Janus Information Facility (a clearinghouse for information about transsexuality) and wrote the earliest informational booldet for transmen, _Information for the Female to Male Cross-Dresser and Transsexual_ (1980). He later authored a biography of early 20th-century "passing woman" Jack Bee Garland. Sullivan was a co-founder of the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California (now the GLBT Historical Society), helping to ensure that it was inclusive of transgender lives. In 1979, after several refusals from established university-based gender dinics, Sullivan found sympathetic therapists and doctors and began taking testosterone. He had a double mastectomy and started a new technician job where co-workers had never known him as a woman. He finally underwent genital surgery in 1986, but experienced complications and never fully recovered; that same year, he was diagnosed as HIV positive. "I took a certain pleasure," he wrote, "in informing the gender clinic that even though their program told me I could not live as a gay man, it looks like I’m going to die like one." Sullivan devoted his final years to building the network ofFTM contacts he had acquired over a decade into an organization, and eventually a visible movement. In 1986, he began holding peer-support get-togethers for people on the male transgender spectrum, which evolved into the present-day FTM International - today the largest and longest-running organization of its kind. Yet he continued to take the time to answer the many letters he received from transmen around the world, hoping to dispel the sense of isolation he had felt. Sullivan died of an AIDS-related illness in March 1991, after malting plans to ensure that the organization he created would continue. "Lou Sullivan left behind a mailing list of about 230 names, a roll of stamps, the model of inclusion in his support group, and the ethic of service to a community he hoped would someday exist," said de facto successor Jamison Green. "Now it almost does. In life and since his death, he has been an inspiration for many transmen, both gay and straight." w~,wv.ozarksstar.corn 1) Langmeil Three Gardens Barossa Valley ’05- Shiraz, Grenache and Mourv~dre. Smooth and round, with raspberry & plum most prominent/lean finish. 2) Yellow Tail Reserve Shiraz ’06- Ripe and aromatic. The past 2 vintages have scored some high points with national wine critics/ worth checking out. 3) Yalumba Y Series Shiraz-Viognier 2006- Spicy, but the mix of Viognier makes a presence of lychee and peach. 4) Molly Dooker The Boxer 2006 - Ripe and smoky. A mouthful of raspberry with white pepper. A state allocated wine/very hard to find bottle here in town so if ya see it, get it! 5) Marquis Phillips Sarah’s Blend 2005- Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot. Check out the Roogle on the label. It’s cross between an Eagle and a Kangaroo and signifies the friendship between the US and Australia. Great taste/recommended. 6) Lindemans Padthaway Reserve 2005- Generous cherry and raspberry flavors. From the Hunter Valley about and hour and a half from Sydney. Also gets rave reviews. And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/www.WineSpectator.com www.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org By Joey De Photo: David Barlo,~ a,~d A,,~a,~da Ba/on CopyrightJoa*¢ Marcus 2007 TULSA, OK __ One of America’s most beloved musicals, "Annie" is celebrating its 30th anniversary tour, and giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic about never giving up hope. The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is coming to the Tulsa PAC March 4-9. With music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meeban, ’%nhie" is again directed by lyricist Martin Charnin, who directed the original 1977 Broadxvay production. After xvinning seven Tony Axvards in 1977, including Best blusica!, Book and Score the shoxv ran for 2,377 performances and is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadxvay history. With one of Broadxvay’s most memorable scores, including t~ the Hard-Knock Life" and ’"~tomorrow,""~"(~nnie,"is the feel-good shoxv to bring a smile to any, face. Tickets may be purchased at 596-7111, via the internet at wwxv. MyTicketOffice.com or by visiting the PAC box oft{ce. Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 the ~TA~ Seepage 29for o,’der blank. An Italian-Creole restaurant in New Orleans. Bayou Crawfish Etouffee 1/4 pound butter 4 cups chopped onions 2 cups chopped green peppers 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chopped garlic 4 cups sliced mushrooms 1 1/2 teaspoons flour Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 4 dashes Tabasco sauce 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2 cups whipping cream 1 cup half-and-half 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce Melt butter in large heavy-duty pot. Add onions, peppers, garlic and all seasonings. Saute, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent (15 minutes). Add mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes. Add flour and mix thoroughly for 1 minute, stirring often. Add whipping cream and half-and-half. Cook until cream thickens but does not boil, stirring often. Add tomato sauce and cook for 15 minutes. Add desired meat, seafood or crawfish. Stirring often, cook until meat or vegetables are done. The longer you let the sauce cook, the more flavorful it becomes. More on PASCAL’S MANALE Restaurant see page 22 www.ozarksstar.com cONOUES T Join our gay and Imbian group aboard Carnival Cow,quest© ~ we set sail from Galvesm~ and call o~ the beaurifhi ports in Monrego Ba); Grand Cayman and Cx~zumel. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween than aboard a funship with Gayribbean Cruises, We offer: Our fr~ntasdc Halloweml Costume Part),, Nighdy Mixers and SO MUCH MORE ! Book early and save. Ask how m receive $75 shipboard cre<~t! For information & Reservations www.GaydbbeanCruisesocom by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "Countess Alexis with Ray Williams" Lypsinka Frank Marino One of the manygreat things about travel.in~ is,.besid.es me.eting interestin,~,people and visiting beautiful places, sometimes you also get to see FABULOUS ENTERTAINERS. The past few- )mars We were fortunate to be able to see these entertainers in action. They ernb0dy all that is good in a true entertainer. ...... fun, funny; sometimes elegant and they all put on a great show. THE COUNT.S, B&EXIS DEL LAGO of Paris, New York and HollDvood. one of the most remarkable, amazing and elegant pers0nalilties that we have,ever met in our travels. She was the most elegant drag queen ofthe 80 s New York City, she then moved to \Vest Hollywooa and 6pened a wonderful antiques b(~utique shop. She WAS Marlene Dietrich, afI day and every day[ Sh£ is the cla~;iest add best &essed of them all. She *~,-~as (~nd stil! is) a r~al star when everyone else was just pretending. She performed on stage, movies and tete~2ision. She was a bi~ hit at the famous Pyramid Club in New York and with the Andy Wathol group. Her latest moade, SUPERSTAR IN A HOUSEDRESS, only proves how classy,she still iS. And always hers,d£ She believed in herself as most people don t. MOst people either dont have the, courage to be themselve~s,o,~ are s,o unsure about wh~ they are that they cant. As the Countess stares, It wasrft that I was so fabulous, it is just that the others were so stupid. \Ve have never seen her when she &dnt look hke a milhon dollars. She ALWAYS makes a grain entrance where ever she goes. And why not? She ~s N~e Countess : Check out http:lt~wv.youtube.com/watch?v=lG2DATQ_dlA to see a fabulous sm,en minute fihn clip. LYPSINKA, whose real name is John Epperson lives in New York City. We caught his act at theAI~ Theatre in San Francisco. His production is entitled "LYPSINKM THE BOX.ED SET" He is one of the most intelligent performers around. He does Gisele MacKenzie, Frances Faye, Conme Franos, Llbby Morns, Dorothy Sqmres and the 50 s musical ,con Delores Gray. He performs all over the United States and gets standing ovations where,)er he performs. It is remarkable the staging and entertaini~ag this entertainer does. You will be dazed by his performance. Unlike marli, performers he stretches the boundaries. ~e H~llDvood Reporter says L smka ~s hke nothing you ve seen before. Theamcat art,stry that ne er seems to slow down" The New York~mes says "I.ypsinka is a fascinating, ftmny and disturbing spectacle." From the opening scene ro the finale this performer never lets down the audience. He is absolute dynamite. Audiences go back year after year to see him perform. And on top of everything else l~}m just happens to be a very nice person. For a listing of his performances and other information about him go to ww~:lypsinka.corn. FRANK MARINO, who performs at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas , is another performer who puts on a great show. He does his "_Joan River’s’ routine and has been wowing audiences for years and years in I.as Vegas. The straights in the audience really get into his show and why not? He and his cast and crmv put on a class act show. He emcees the’show and introduces the different performers who do Chef. Shirley MacLaine, Tina, and many others. Tlaeir show is sold out almost every night. It is basically a musicallcomedy revie~v with gorgeous gowns, feathers, glitter, etc. Frank changes cosrurnes between every set which gives a grear dimension to the show. When going to Las Vegas next time, be sure and catch the show. His web site is ~x~;frankmarino.com .............................Continued next page 18 the STAR v~w.ozarksstar.com Creating Community for People ~ivin9 with H~V/AIDS .A 50~. c (3) Non P~ofit O~ganization 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 HIM+ 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 assistanoe to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.oom. Neighborhood s recently as the mid-1990s, relatively few visitors spent time in Chelsea, the neighborhood on Manhattan’s west side between Midtown and Greenwich Village. Today, however, Chelsea abounds with gay bars, coo! restaurants, diverting shops, avant-garde galleries, and an increasing number of hotels. It’s become arguably the city’s hottest destination for gay visitors, and a wonderful neighborhood to spend a weekend or short vacation. This part of the city was developed in the 1830s by clergyman Clement Clark Moore, author of"A Visit from St. Nicholas" ("~B~vas the night before Christmas..."), whose family owned most of the area. Well into the mid-20th century, Chelsea was a drab, lower-income neighborhood where workers at nearby garment factories and river docks lived in cheap boardinghouses and rickety, airless tenements. But as gays began moving here in the ’70s and ’80s, gentrification gradually took hold. And in recent years, the neighborhood has developed cachet among both residents and visitors as one of the trendiest areas in the city as well as one of the nation’s most dynamic gay communities. Chelsea comprises roughly the blocks between 5th Avenue and the Hudson River, with 14th Street forming the neighborhood’s southern boundary. Most locals consider 23rd Street to be its northern edge, but others argue the border extends as far north as 28th or even 32nd Street. For all practical purposes - particularly in terms of retail, dining, and clubbing - you’ll find the most intriguing businesses between 14th and 23rd streets. And where gay-popular establishments are concerned, the main drag is 8th Avenue, with 7th Avenue a close runner-up. Additionally, 9th and 10th avenues have witnessed the tide of gentrification in recent years, particularly as top galleries have moved into the western reaches of Chelsea. 20 the STAR )ff~rs little in the way of attractions, unless, of course, you count shopping as a form of sightseeing. If you wander along West 20th through West 27th streets in the block west of 10th Avenue, you’ll find storefront after storefront of cutting-edge art galleries - check out www.chelseaartga~leries.com for details on upcoming shows. Fans of dance should note two important neighborhood institutions: the art deco Joyce Theater, which hosts high-quality dance companies throughout the year, and the dramatic Dance Theater Workshop, around the corner, which also presents acclaimed concerts throughout the year. The neighborhood draws plenty of foodies to its Chelsea Market, a bustling concourse of gourmet food stalls in which you’ll find tantalizing Thai food, savory soups, fine wines, heavenly baked goods, and lots more. In fact, restaurants have become one of the neighborhood’s leading draws. There are the obvious bastions of gay social life, such as Viceroy and Food Bar for rather standard American chow, and campy VYNL, which is known for its eclectic Asian and international dishes, plus outstanding martinis. Gym buffs on high-protein diets favor Better Burger, with its menu of lean, char-grilled burgers and fresh-squeezed juices. Other hot spots include the funky Thai restaurant Room Service, known for such ldcky creations as Thai-spicy tuna salad and chile-rubbed salmon; and Suenos, which serves some of the most innovative regional Mexican fare in the city - be sure to try the duck-confit quesadillas with poached pears and ancho chileso For weekend brunch, don’t miss East of Eighth, which turns out first-rate contemporary American food and offers lively cabaret in the evenings. Few spots are more popular at lunchtime than Dish, a glorified diner of sorts, which is also known for its relaxing Saturday and Sunday brunch. Snackers and noshers will find plenty of toothsome options, including F&B Gudtfood for gourmet hot dogs and European-style street food, Murray’s for some of the city’s finest bagels, and Pinkberry, for the mysterious yogurt-esque frozen-dessert snacks that have taken the city by storm. On the west side of the neighborhood, you can count on the Red Cat for a terrific meal of creative American fare, such as a fantastic paprika-roasted cod with spicy escarole and an anchovy-almond sauce. At cozy Tia Pol, choose from a long list of outstanding Spanish tapas, while the much-hyped Craftsteak is your go-to for superb cuts of beef- it’s part ofTom Colicchio’s (ofTV’s Top Chef) growing restaurant empire. Chelsea has become the epicenter of gay nightlife in New York City (although it’s fair to say that the Hells Kitchen and East Village neighborhoods provide plenty of competition). There are the trendy spots, such as G Lounge, a sea of coiffed and smartly dressed men hobnobbing around a central bar or relaxing in mod lounge chairs; and the long-running Splash, a two-floor temple of chic gay clubbing known for its go-go dancers and throbbing music. Quirky Barracuda cultivates a mixed arty and cruisy bunch, while the bilevel Eagle caters to the usual set of bears, leather men, and ardent porn enthusiasts (old-fashioned blue movies play on the video screens). www.ozarksstar.com Rawhide is an old-school neighborhood bar with an age-diverse following, and the friendly Gym Sportbar has become the darling of the post-workout crowd. Locals hangouts like View Bar and XES can seem empty or bustling depending on the night, and a couple of pulsing warehouse discos, Rush and Stereo, round out the scene. Chelsea has relatively few hotel rooms compared with other key Manhattan neighborhoods, but it’s a 10- to 20-minute walk (or a short cab or subway ride) from the scads of hotels in Midtown. What you will find in Chelsea, however, are several properties with reasonable rates, most catering heavily to the gay market. A favorite of history buffs is the raffish Hotel Chelsea, the city’s tallest building when it was built in the 1880s. This bohemian hostelry has been the home of all sorts of fascinating characters, from William Burroughs to Jasper Johns to Allen Ginsberg: Just up the street, the modern and rather basic Chelsea Savoy Hotel has a terrific location at the corner ofWest 23rd Street and 7th Avenue, and rooms here can run as low as $99 nightly. Among the big chains, there’s a Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea on West 25th Street, and the Hampton Inn Chelsea on West 24th Street. Both of these are clean, well-managed, and affordable. This hip neighborhood is rapidly developing, though, and within a few years you’ll find a number of additional hotels to choose from. For instance, the trendy hotel brand Indigo is planning a 122-room property for 127 West 28th Street, to open in early 2009. And, just a short walk east of Chelsea in a similarly vibrant area, you might consider the uber-coolWNew York Union Square, a swank stunner that occupies the 1911 beaux-arts Guardian Life building and contains Todd English’s bustling Olives restaurant and Rande Gerber’s see-and-be-seen Underbar. Or check into Ian Schrager’s luxuriously re-imagined Gramercy Park Hotel, a glam boutique hotel overlooking the elegant park of the same name. Among smaller, gay-oriented properties, a reliable pick is the Chelsea Pines Inn, which occupies a charming 1850s town house in the heart of the neighborhood. Rooms with semiprivate bath (sink and shower are in your room, but the toilet is shared with several other rooms on same floor) start at $140, while rooms with private baths begin at $175. An even better value, with rates beginning around $130 for shared-bath units, the Chelsea Lodge is set along handsome West 22nd Street and contains 22 cozy, clean, and pleasantly furnished rooms. When you consider that generic, bland chain properties in Midtown can charge well over $400 per night, these two intimate and friendly Chelsea hideaways are a real bargain. And you can use the money you save to dine well in the neighborhood’s dozens of inviting eateries. 1-800-535-AIDS (2437) Okllahoma’s H V/STD Hot ine PROTECT YO F PROTECT YOUR PA ° F,¢ee. me~HIV testify, t~ 20 H.O.P;~. Tes~:~ng C~inic ~ens Oetreach Pr~ram www.ozarksstar.com the STAR :)1 ~ 6, 2008 ItMian’Creole restaurant in New Orleans Fotmded in 1913, this family-run, ItaJian,Creole restaurant is 8) i New Orle~s at baxbecued shrimp. N~is . from the se~,ice to the decor. oyster bar ~nd on ~e hflf shel! and fll ~es of cocktails. We offer Sp~cialfies and delicio~ stea~, ~ i in traddtion; ir ~ s and ~hes it out daily in ~e ~tO lmltate~ !tiNe;Andwhenyou! We&esday thru Friday : thru Saturda); 5 PM to closing ~d cloSed 0h March 2008 WHITE PARTY SPRING BREAK 2008 PRESENTS THREE DAYS AND FOUR NIGHTS OF THE BEST PARTIES ON THE PLANET !’~"~ Men from all over the world converge on Palm Springs : April 17.21, 2008. Surprise performances happening aft weekend long! PALM SPRINGS, CA (PR) This is the event that attracts men from all over the world to the desert oasis of Palm Springs, CA ! Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party Spring Break happens at new date in 2008--April 17-21, with an action-packed weekend of non-stop parties, superstar performances and the hottest men from all over the globe. Totally new for 2008: the sexy Boxers and Briefs Underwear Party, happening Friday, will let it all hang out. Saturday’s main event: White Party - Boogie Fever celebrates 30 years of dance music. Not to mention Sunday’s Extreme T Dance, an over-the-top dance event taking the action farther than it’s ever been before. Weekend passes are on sale now at www.CircuitTicket.com. Express Weekend Passes ($350 until Feb. 15) include: Absolute priority access to all weekend events; Access to VIP lounge at the Saturday White Party and Sunday T Dance; Official White Party Spring Break Gift Bag and Unlimited complimentary bottled water at White Party and T Dance. Weekend Passes ($250 until Feb. 15) include: Express Entrance to White Party, T Dance & Closing Party; complementary admission to Thursday Welcome Party, plus a $25 add-on for admission to Boxers and Briefs Underwear Party. For additional information or to purchase passes in advance online, visit: www.jeffreysanker.com or vcww.circuiticket.com. For more information, call (310) 360-6100. The host hotel for White Party 2008 is the fabulous Wyndham Palm Springs, the center of all the poolside action, home to nighttime events and location of the official welcome center. For reservations, call: (760) 322-6000. Mention WP when making reservations to receive a special rate. Back by popular demand: The ultimate VIP treatment lets you experience White Party in the lap of luxury with a range of personalized services right at your fingertips. Again in 2008, White Party Spring Break offers a limited number of luxurious VIP packages to make your weekend truly unforgettable. Packages include a range of options such as premium accommodations, lavish amenities including a personal concierge, private cabanas, security escorts and special upgrades. All packages feature exclusive VIP bottle service at Saturday night’s White Party and the SundayT Dance. Visit: www. jeffreysanker.com for more details. The STAR 23 and the By Ronald Blake esterday was my thirty-ninth birthday. I chose to wake with the roosters and run a five kilometer race to begin my fete of this event. I ruminated on my choice of a celebratory method be.fore, during, and after this competition. I discovered many reasons ~vhy I dragged my partner and our little canine companion along with me to this athletic spectacle. There is not much traffic on an early Saturday morning when you are headed to a physical challenge. I was able to really notice the mountains when I wasn’t beset by droves of angry, chafed, rush-hour motorists. I realized that the mountains were even more majestic with their verdant hue given the recent rains here in the desert. The rising sun added its paintbrush to this mountain landscape with its spangling of yellows and oranges. A good reason to get up and run. We drove past the Phoenix International Raceway on our journey to the starting line. I have lived in the Valley of the Sun for over three years and had never seen this imposing NASCAR edifice. It was quietly assuming its regnant place alongside its panoply of mountains. We also had never been to the location of this gala running affair. It too was nestled next to the mountains and was a magnificent oasis in the ribald desert landscape. I felt a contemporary thrill of a Louis and Clark moment as I gazed upon virgin ground. A good reason to get up and run. There were other people at the race site when I arrived. These people also had running shoes and were stretching. These people also brought friends, family members, and their little dogs too. These people also ran the course, sweated, and finished completely exhausted. I wasn’t the only one early to bed and early to rise. We shared camaraderie and a commonality that morning. A good reason to get up and run. I received a T-shirt, bananas, a medal, an olio of donated sundries, and some friendly discourse through out my experience. It did cost me twentyfive dollars to participate but I am not offering any regrets. I could just as easily have spent that money on a well-earned hangover but I already have plenty of those notched in my craw! of fame. I am pleased with my assortment of newly acquired memorabilia. A good reason to get up and run. There was live music after the race. It was provided by your quintessential three men and a lady cover band. The backdrop was a cupola adorned, ornate clubhouse and a lake begirded with palm trees. I would have settled for anything at that time. I had just felt the intrinsic satisfaction of completing an arduous task and the extrinsic reward of a salvo of cheers for my fait accompli. A very good reason to get up and run. I am thirty-nine today and I wil! be forty next year. I have no control over the passage of time. I will continue to enjoy my flight through the ages and I will continue to augment my reasoning for getting up and running...until the flight ends. ~sis health andfitness column is brought to you by that gvgy who noticed that sex act is followed by sexagenarian in the dictionary. ~at connect the dots guy is Ron Blake and he can be vivified at www.goblakefimess. co~n, www.ozarksstar.com ART SHOW: Between sumi-d, drawings, oil paintings and sculpture, Shawn’s work has been shown and sold in dozens of one-woman and group showings and through commissioned work. Merry Schepers is also a native Otdahoman whose works in porcelain, clay and multimedia embrace a broad stylistic spectrum from flying porcelain vessels to shamanic, archetypal masks to functional stoneware. She earned her BA from Montclair State University (N.J.) and has worked in clay for over thirteen years. As a member of the Alternative Outsider artists, she participates in that group’s annual show. She also shows in galleries in Tulsa, Ok. and Fayetteville, AR. and participates in Tulsa’s Blue Dome Arts Festival. The exhibit will remain up through the month of March, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. Nae Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. 7his monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’sfor Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rightsfor Lesbian, Ga); Bisexual & Tram’gender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation ofthe Dennis R. Neill Equali~y Center. Oklahoma City mayor challenges citizens to loose 1 million pounds OKLAHOMA CITY - With a button-popping spread of cornbread, sausage and gravy, chicken fried steak and pecan pie designated as Oklahoma’s official state meal, it’s no surprise that Oklahoma City’s mayor wants to put the city on a diet. Mick Cornett has challenged the city to shed 1 million pounds as its New Year’s resolution. A1 McAffrey To Speak At OK County Democrats Medallion Dinner OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __M is the Representative for House District 88 and will be the Master of Ceremonies for our Medallion Dinner. The Oklahoma County Democrats Medallion Dinner, with Jim Roth and Al McAffrey, will be taking place on March 8, 2008 at the Regal Room (Ned’s Catering), 625 NW Grand Blvd, OKC, 73118. Visit the website for updated information, sponsor & ticket prices, and easy online ticket purchasing. www.okcountydemocrats.org Oklahoma Governor say’s NO to National Real ID (PR) The federal effort to create a national identity card, called the Real ID card, would take us one step closer to a surveillance society, erode our right to privacy and put our personal information at risk. Luckily, governors in five states, including Oklahoma, courageously rejected this invasive law. Now we need these governors to stand their ground so that Congress will be forced to repeal this horrifying program! Real ID would force all states to connect their DMV databases to one single interlinked system -- facilitating government tracking of ordinary Americans. It would also expose our most sensitive personal information to criminal identity theft. Thanks to your Governor, this invasive law -- and the dramatic tax increases required to pay its massive price tag -- was courageously rejected in Oklahoma. Help make sure that no American is forced to use the costly "Big Brother" Real ID card. The national Real ID card will take away our privacy and treat all Americans like enemies of the state! "The nature of the questions LGBT human rights defenders were asked, repeatedly trying to link homosexuality and pedophilia, simply shows how far our stubborn opposition is ready to go to put obstacles before LGBT groups on their way to recognition as members of civil society," the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) said in a statement. Just two of many reasons the right wing hates McCain. 1. Same-sex marriage. McCain refuses to support a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. 2. Stem-cell research. McCain would relax restrictions on federal dollars for embryonic stem cell research, which critics consider tantamount to abortion. BERLIN (AP) __ A new Berlin memorial to the Nazis’ gay victims should be ready within months, officials said Thursday. The $890,000 memorial to gay victims will be located in Berlin’s Tiergarten Park, across from the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Culture Minister Bernd Neumann said. Homosexuality was banned under the Nazis. Tens of thousands of people, primarily men, were arrested, and many were sent to concentration camps. BEIJING (AFP) Chinas Ministry of Health is set to implement its first ever national programme to curb the spread of HIV/ AIDS among gay men. "The programme aims to strengthen measures to prevent and control the deadly disease among the homosexual community," the China Daily quoted Wang \greizhen, a senior official with the ministry’s HIWAIDS prevention department, as saying. "By learning more about gay people, we can better protect them against this incurable disease. Studies are under way in several cities to collect information on gay men, such as their.., behavioural patterns." The programme will also deliver special funding and technical support to gay men, Wang said, without giving further details. There are over 700 thousand gay men with HIV/AIDS in China. www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 27 "Be cor~servative with money, Gemini!" As Mars enters Cancer, productive efforts are easily clouded by moods and misunderstandings. While he opposes Pluto, frustrations can gain exaggerated importance. You may feel like you need an oar to propel your craft forward, but what you may really need is a shovel to dig to the root of existing challenges. ARIES (March 20 -Apri~ 19): Yours is the sign of the lone wolf, but you are now aiming for the role of head of the household. The responsibilities and obligations really don’t suit you. Try for the position of "elder statesperson" or dowager instead. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Little domestic arguments can explode way too easily. Are you just being stubborn? How important are those details, anyway? Your arguments may be more aesthetic than logical, but they should still be explainable in a calm, friendly manner. GEMINI (May 21 - Jun~ 20): Be very careful and conservative with your money. Household and proper~ investments or any renegotiation of debt should be checked out very thoroughly. Sexual urges may take an emotional cost, challenging you to think more about your deeper needs. CANCER (June 21 -July 22): Acting on impulse can transform your relationship, and probably not for the better. Channel that energy into thinking ahead and talking about what you want, what your partner wants, and how you can deepen your connection. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Worrying about your health or work only makes problems - real or imagined - worse. Take positive steps, and check out anything that bears watching. Remember the difference between focus and obsession, and stick to the task at hand. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Your political aims are coming from somewhere deep in your gut, which is fine. But sensible strategy should come from your brilliant-butnow- vacationing brain. Artistic, creative expressions will give you the outlet you need. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Courtesy is usually your strongest conviction. Now other deep beliefs provoke you to speak up against authority. Think carefully about mouthing off to the police or your boss. If you want to raise hell, find a public demonstration that suits your politics. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your urge for arguments seems to be coming out of nowhere. Try to focus that energy toward digging into topics that interest you. Take up a good challenge to keep your mind busy and your mouth out of trouble! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your sexual appetite is surging, but so is your deeper desire for commitment. One is so much more easily satisfied than the other that you might find any effort frustrating. Try seeing the glass as half full. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Is your partner being too aggressive, or are you just being stubborn? You can do something about the latter. Fights come easily, but so does passion. You really need a struggle. Be nice, and you could get a good one! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): Wanting too much can be a great spur to action, but acting impulsively on excessive desire is a sure path to accidents and illness. Meditate, think ahead, and confide in a friend with a cooler head before acting. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Acting on your playful urges will have far-reaching ramifications. Focus those desires responsibly and creatively. Infuriating people is not a mark of success per se, but be bold enough to risk pissing off the right people for the right reasons. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. UrJe Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM CommUnity Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and Blessed Day! 28 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com DO\VNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 wvw.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Cig; OK 405-528-2221 wwv.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant RENT the Musical Tulsa PAC 918-596-7111 www.myticketoffice.com SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK w~:anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 w~vw.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklaboma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn GAYRIBBEAN CRUISES www.gayribbeancruises.com 877-560-8318 DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREE~I; Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: ~he STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City:. St: Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.com 29 Keller Williams Realty \Vihether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. (ng~efiansityiq)n - growing up GAY in OK is You can help our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more Info: WWW. openarmsproject.org 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar,com drugs Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] The Star Magazine, March 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 3 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 01, 2008 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text Image Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Chaz Ward Victor Gorin Judy G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, February 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/245 The Star Magazine, April 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/244 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/249 Al Gore Bars Blue Door cartoons Cathedral of Hope Deep Inside Hollywood entertainers entertainment fitness Gay marriage health Hillary Clinton HIV/AIDs HOPE horoscope Larry Craig MCC church Michael Buble Mick Cornett Night clubs Our House paparazzi Past Out Quotable Quotes Ragged Blade Real ID card recipes Star Advertisers Star classifieds Star Scene Too travel https://history.okeq.org/files/original/be0ae56e7062acd8c024758acee9e450.jpg 45f01a058dc724e3b2f96696dfc13337 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/106bd8d97ee140cad2981c547d629591.pdf 8f8be49a6dcbded09162ea9d9b5d96d5 PDF Text Text l!li!ll!lllllllllilillllll IIII!lllllllllllllllllll I!illillilllli!illllilill IIiiIIIIIIIIIIlillllllll il!l,ll!llllillllillllllill III!1111111!11111111111111 iI!llll!lllllilillllllll lit~ II r ~ I �Royal GreCnCountrg Barony o~: dll Oklahoma pr~ent~s 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.cor~ �www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 �¯he Colors of Living", featuring giclee prints of the digital art of Tulsa artist Dennis R. Scott. ~O ONL~HOMA HATE CRII~flE Gay community outraged over Steven Domer slaying. NEW: Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Sarah Jessica Parker and Dan Butler. November 21,1999 fine last grand Queen) Flamboyant author Quentin Crisp dies in Manchester, England. Tulsa’s Downtown Plaza Hotel openly welcomes GLBT. Gay Travelers: 6,000 Mile Trip Out of Town: Key West Dining In or OUT FIITHESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: 4 the STAR Downtown Tulsa www.ozarksstar.com �"If you are elected President, what concrete steps would you take to overturn ’Don’t As~, Don’t Tell ?’" Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY): I strongly believe that anyone who has the courage, strength, and valor to serve our country should be able to do so. We are at war and our top generals are warning that America’s military is stretched to the breaking point, yet we have a policy that dismisses good people from our ranks. Even service members with critical skills such as Arabic language skills are being discharged because they are gay. Senior retired military officials who can speak freely say this law does not serve our national security interests. These same military leaders are confident that repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell won’t lessen standards of behavior or lower morale. As President, I will work with high-profile military leaders, such as former Joint Chiefs chairman John M. Shalikashviii and Retired Lieutenant General Claffdia Kennedy, the first woman to achieve the rank of three-star general in the Army, who have called for repeal of the law. I will stand with soldiers like retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first American soldier to be seriously wounded in Iraq, and retired Army Sgt. Jose Zuniga, former Army Soldier of the Year, who are shining examples of why this law no longer makes sense. Over the last seven years in the Senate, and as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I have built relationships with members of Congress and senior military officials through my work on the Armed Services Committee. When I am President, I will bring this strength and experience to bear to end this outdated and outmoded policy. w~,-w.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 �Denounces TULSA, OK (P/R) __ Oklahomans for Equality expresses its outrage at the recent murder of Steven Domer. "gge extend condolences to his family and friends. This senseless tragedy highlights the urgent need for federal and state hate crimes legislation protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LBGT) people. On October 26th, Steven Domer, a 62-yearold gay man, was abducted from NW 39th Street near Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City. On November 4th, his body was found in rura! McClain County. His hands were tied with duct tape and a wire hanger was wrapped around his neck. The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner concluded that Domer died of asphyxiation and ruled his death a homicide. On November 28, Darrell Madden, a self-prodaimed white supremacist, was charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in relation to Domer’s death. Prosecutors believe that Madden targeted Domer as part of an initiation rite of the Aryan Brotherhood. Inorder to secure a "patch," the white supremacist group demands that its members commit an act of violence against an African American, Jew, homosexual, or any other person declared "an enemy." Although Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater and other law enforcement officials believe that anti-gay bias was a motivating factor in Domer’s murder, they cannot prosecute Madden under Oklahoma’s hate crimes law because the statute does not cover sexual orientation. Oklahoma is one of only 17 states whose hate crimes laws do not protect LGBT citizens. Most state hate crime laws enhance the penalties for bias-motivated crimes. On December 4, Representative Al McAf’frey (D-Oklahoma City) announced his intention to introduce a bill expanding the state’s hate crime law to include sexual orientation and gender. In May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Local Law Enforcement Hate 6 the STAR Crimes Prevention Act/Matthew Shepard Act giving the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence by providing the department with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. This bill will soon be voted upon in the U.S. Senate. As legislators consider passage of these historic state and national laws, Oklahomans for Equality will be working with its allies in the LGBT and allied community in educational and advocaW efforts. Hate Crimes Amendment Removed rom Dept o£De£ense Con erence Report WASHINGTON, DC (P/R DEC 6TH) __ ~Ibday, House-Senate conferees confirmed that the Matthew Shepard Act, which had passed the Senate as an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill, would be removed from the final version of the bill. This announcement was made after House Leadership’s whipping the vote count on the conference report concluded there were not enough votes for passage of the bill if it included the hate crimes provision. "Today’s decision is deeply disappointing, especially given the historic passage of hate crimes legislation through both Houses of Congress this year. After more than ten years and several successful bipartisan votes, it is heartbreaking to fall short this dose to the finish line," said Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign. "However, we are not giving up on efforts to find another legislative vehicle, in the second half of this Congress, to move the Matthew Shepard Act." The Human Rights Campaign has been a chief advocate of hate crimes legislation for over a decade. On November 14th, HRC sent an e-mail to all Capitol Hill offices urging the retention of hate crimes legislation in the Department of Defense Authorization conference report. Additionally, HRC organized and signed onto a coalition letter www.ozarksstar.com �www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �"At Century 21 Gold Cas#e our BEST properties are our PEOPL~ Gny men and le~btans fac~ many special ta~ situations, whether single or a~ 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Let us help with your TAX Prep! (918) 747-5466 405.840.2t06 www.c21 goldcastie.com Pmu~l~t ~¢r~lng Tulm ~ OKC’s GLBT comm~mitl~ ~lnc~ 1982 Chuck Bmckenddge 918-706~1887 Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Call STAR ADVERTISING today. (918)835-7887 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �eyes ofm~ artist driven to create impressions of the beauty which sttcrounds him. "’l-he Colors of Living’ a digital art exhibit at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center The exhibit w’dl remain up through the month of January and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dermis R. Nedl Equality Center is located at 621 E. dth St., in downtown Tulsa. More info c~a be found on the web at okeq.org. ’Ihis monthly event is hosted by Okiahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexmal & Tra~sgender (LGBT) individuals and f~mihes through advoca~, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis IL Neig Equality Center. Tulsa artist Dennis IL Scotx TULSA, OK~ The Dennis IL Neili Equality Center ar~ gallery wi[[ host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-gpm, ~aursday, January 3, 2008, for the opening oflts January exhibit "The Colors of Living", featu ~mg giclee prints of the digital ~trt of Tulsa ~tist Dermis IL Scott. Scott has been creating his digital art for the list three years. His work is unlike most digital or computer art. His style is unique. His arc is totally his own..., his ovca~ way of seelng life, his own way of depicOng that which he sees. Whether one might call Scott’s art abstract, impressionistic, or surreal is of little concern to Scott. Through his art he invites the viewer, the art lover or even the mere observer, to take a chance, as he has in creating his art. Taking a chance is what ~rtists do. Vie~,Cm g Scott’s art is seeing his subjects as he sees them, through the Art byTulsa artist Dennis IL Scott the STAR 9 �THE ALUES ES SLAY By Victor Gorin recently released convicts, Madden having served time at Jess Dunn Correctional Center for impersonating a police officer and obtaining money by false pretense. Quails had been released from the Dick Conner Correctional facility in Hominy for a 2001 burglary conviction. It was speculated that Mr. Domer’s murder may have been a gang rite of passage. The murder has garnered national attention, somewhat reminiscent of the murder of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming in !998.A press conference was held at Church of the Open Arms December 4, followed by a candlelight vigil in the parking lot of Angles that evening. The press conference and vigil were Photo: Steven Domer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Oklahoma gay community and their allies have been outraged and saddened by the murder of Steven Domer, a 62 },ear old Oklahoma City man believed to have been targeted primarily because he was gay. On October 26, he had driven a friend home from the N.W. 39th street gay bar district, then returned to the area, and was last seen at the car wash there, an area well known for male prostitution. He was seen by a witness to be talking to two young men. His body and burned out car were found near 1-35 and Ladd road north of Purcell November 4. Oklahoma County prosecutors have charged Darrell Madden with Domer’s murder. Madden, a white supremacist who was arrested in McLain County for an attempted carjacking, is also charged in McLain County with the murder of the Brad Qualls, the other man believed to be seen talking with Steven Domer the night he disappeared. Quails was found shot to death November 8 at an Ardmore apartment complex. Madden & Qua.lls have been identified as members of the United Aryan Brotherhood, a xvhite supremacist group which recruits many of their members in prisons. Both were 10 the STAR attended by the Reverend Harry Knox, the Faith Community Director of the Human Rights Campaign, a national GLBT rights political group. As he puts it," Oklahoma is one of only 17 states that do not protect GLBT citizens through hate crimes legislation." Objections to hate crimes legislation have come from religious fundamentalist groups who claim they would not be able to preach against homosexual behavior should this legislation become law. Harry Knox clarified that this type of speech is protected the 1st Amendment of the US. Constitution, and to say otherwise is " to tell a lie unworthy of ministers of the gospe! of Jesus Christ." He pointed out that "people are dying in Oklahoma, and GLBT people are wondering when their pastors will speak out for justice. Steven Domer’s voice cries out for justice, asking pastors for whom do they work, the people or for God?" Richard Ogden, an attorney who chairs the Cimarron Alliance Foundation also spoke, stating that" In Oklahoma and across our nation there is a climate of intolerance, and a tolerance of intolerance. This has to stop. When we in Oklahoma have passed laws that basically say that gays and lesbians are second class citizens, we create an environment that licenses this type of behavior. " Although this was a brutal murder that was obviously motivated because the victim was gay, Darrell Madden could not be charged with a hate crime because Federal and Oklahoma hate crimes laws do not cover sexual orientation. Legislation was introduced this year in Congress to amend Federal Hate Crimes laws to include sexual orientation by Senator Edward Kennedy D-Massachusetts, but was dropped when it became dear that it would not pass the House. On the state level State Representative Al McA_ffrey, Oklahoma’s first and only openly gay legislator, has stated that he will introduce legislation to amend Oklahoma Hate Crimes laws to include sexual orientation and gender. This is supported by both Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater, and Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson. Mr. McAffrey did state that he realized he will probably be facing an uphill battle in the legislature. Clarifying the point that some conservatives make, that Hate Crimes laws elevate gay people to a special status, he affirmed that ifa group of gay men attacked a straight man ,vith baseball bats, targeting him for his sexual orientation, they would also be guilty of a hate crime under this legislation. Reverend Dr. Kathy McCallie, pastor of Church of the Open Arms-United Church of Christ, pointed out that this crime was not an isolated incident, stating that "there xvill be a day when GLBT persons can freely be themselves and enjoy the safety equality and respect that’s due to every member of the human family, but today is not that day. On October 26 when Steve Domer was brutally murdered, we were each violated. " ~w.ozarksstar.com �on the loose Wiads House Providing A Sa£e P lace For 20 By Greg Steele By Victor Gorin Photo Left to Right:Jennifer Bates, Asley Ozan, Linda Duke Miranda Ray will be performing in the Kris Kohl Show New Years Eve At the Jones’n Club Downtown Plasza Hotel. Doxvntoxvn Plaza Hotel Tulsa General Managers Jay Wilks and Debbie McCraw. Miss Gay Tulsa America, Melody Michaels at the BOO. OKLAHO!VIA CITY, OK __ Thanks to a caring community, Winds House of Oklahoma City was able to raise over $2500 at a gala fundraiser December 7th. For over 20 years the Winds have provided a safe place to stay for those living with HIV and their families, serving as transitional housing until they are able to re-enter the general community. The home provides referrals and assistance for disability income, food stamps, Section 8 housing etc. Donatons are always needed and can be sent to \Vinds House OKC, P.O. Box 12185 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73157. Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A 2008, Samantha West at the Copa .... Acid-tongued talk-show host and out lesbian Rosie O’Donnell, who famously dashed with Elisabeth Hasselbeck on "The View," and the big clash with Donald Trump announced on her bloc that talks to give her a prime-time show on MSNBC had fallen apart. New York Songstress Rachael Sage and an adoring fan in Tulsa. www.ozarksstar.com Attorney Richard Ogden, Chair of Cimarron Alliance Foundation, the Reverend Harry KnoxFaith Community Director of the Human Rights Campaign, and the Reverend Loyce Newton-Ed,#cards at Hate Crimes press conference in OKC. the STAR 11 ��DEEP INSIDE HOLLYVc’OOD SAMANTHA CAPTU ,S MISS GAY OKLAHOMA US OF A TITLE Loaves and Fishes Bar uet a Huge By Victor Gorin By Victor Gorin Photo Left to Right: Former Miss Gay Oklahoma Kitty Bob Aimes, Matthew Heath Fitzgerald, Sonja Martinez, John Beebe & Debbie Davie Shades of Rex Lee As Lloyd, Jeremy Piven’s assistant on Entourage, gay actor Rex Lee has carved out a hilarious niche for himself. His character stuck around and gained a higher profile thanks to Lee’s wicked comic timing and popularity with fans. Soon, though, he’ll jump from the small to the big screen, appearing in the independent feature Shades of Ray. A seriocomic romance, Shades stars Chuck main man ZachatT Levi as Ray, a mixedrace, American-born son of a Pakistani father and Caucasian mother. As his parents separate and his father moves in with him, Ray must deal with his own romantic and racial issues. Sounds heartfelt and sincere, but Romeo’s guessing that Lee’s job will be to pop up from time to time with just the right punchline for an awkward moment. As HBO audiences know, he’s an expert at that. Romeo San Vicente is still waiting patiently for the all-musical edition of "The McLaughlin Group. "He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood @qsyndicate.com. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ It was a festive evening at the Habana Inn December 9th xvhen the title for the nexv Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A was passed on to Samantha West, a 26 ),ear old Tulsan among the performers at Nexv Age Renegades, The 1st alternate xvas Londenn Raine, xvith 2nd alternate Jozlyn Welch. The xvinner and I st alternate are eligible to compete in the national competition which will be held in Dallas May 20-23 of next year. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ On December 3-4 the 17th annual Loaves and Fishes Banquet came together at the Copa for a fabulous evening of fundraising for a good cause. Featuring entertainers John Beebe, Sonja Martinez,Debbie Davie, Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald and former Miss Gay Oklahoma Kitty Bob Aimes, the event raised over $7200. Loaves and Fishes, a program of Catholic Charities, provides meals to homebound people living with HIV. Directed by Ms Judy Reilly, once again the community came together for a proud tradition of caring. Passing on the fide was Alexis Nicole Whitney, who made history with the pageant not just with her doe, but living proof that nothing can stand in the xvay of talent and determination. As she puts it, "People should see my blindness the same I do. I don’t see it as a handicap, but as an obstacle I have overcome." That she did, not only capturing the Oklahoma title but also was one of the top 12 finalists at the national competition. Our girls do us proud! Please Join Us Feb. 10, 2008, 10:00 p.m. @ 39th and Penn OKC, OK. For information call Nikki Start @ 580 216 2715 or 1 866 906 1133 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 �by Liz I-Iighleyman November 21, 1999 (%e last grand Queen): Flamboyant author Quentin Crisp dies in Manchester, England. himself with various jobs, induding graphic artist, xvindow dresser, tap-dance instructor, and hustler. He adopted a new moniker and a flamboyant, effeminate style that included flowing scarves, platform shoes, dyed hair, and makeup. He was "not merely a self-confessed homosexual, but a self-evident one," he would later say, describing himself as "a blithe spirit reveling in androgynous anarchy." The death of author and raconteur Quentin Crisp at the end of the 20th century represented the passing of one of the last grand queens of a bygone era. Crisp, originally named Denis Charles Pratt, xvas born on Christmas Day in 1908 in the London suburb of Sutton, the youngest child of a "middle-class, middle-brow" family. Always considered a sissy, he later said he could never remember not being tormented by his father, siblings, and schoolmates. Crisp studied journalism and art in London, and in his early 20s began hanging out with hip young gay men in Soho, supporting 14 the STAR Openly gay and gender-variant at a time when homosexuality was highly stigmatized and sex between men was illegal, Crisp was frequently attacked by strangers in the streets and harassed by police. During World War II, he was exempted from military service due to his homosexuality, and instead embarked upon a career as a nude model at a government-funded art school. Crisp did not gain widespread notoriety until his 60s, with the publication of his autobiography, The Naked Civil Servant (1968), one of the first unapologetic contemporary accounts of gay life. Although the book was well-received, it was the 1975 television movie version starring John Hurt that brought Crisp instant fame. Crisp began appearing on talk shows and created a successful one-man theatrical performance. He took his show to Ne~v York City in 1978, fell in love with America, and decided to immigrate a few years later, settling into a notoriously sloppy one-room apartment in a seedy neighborhood on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Crisp became a fixture of the city’s celebrity scene, growing increasingly famous just for being himself. "If I have a talent for anything," he said, "it is not for doing but for being." He wrote a column for the New York Native newspaper and film criticism for Christopher Street magazine, and published several more books, including How to Become a Virgin (1981) and Manners from Heaven: A Divine Guide to Good Behavior (1984). He also appeared in a number of movies and documentaries, most notably as Queen Elizabeth I in Orlando (1993). Though he socialized in queer social circles, Crisp was unsympathetic to the gay rights movement and held attitudes many younger activists regarded as homophobic. "I don’t think you can really be proud of being gay because it isn’t something you’ve done," he once said. "You can only be proud of not being ashamed." He eschewed identity politics and queer separatism, and thought loud demands only led to backlash. Crisp persisted in referring to homosexuality as an illness, and he caused a furor when he told the London Times in 1997 that he thought it would be acceptable for a woman to abort a fetus carrying a hypothetical gay gene. "You could have children who are naturally suited to society," he later explained. "They would be happy." He also once opined that the gay community’s obsession with AIDS was a fad, and advised, "If you want to be sure you won’t have AIDS, don’t have sex with anyone." .................... Continued page 27 vwvw.ozarksstar.com �The nose can intrigue you or turn off about a wine. Smell is the wine taster. Much is taste comes through you don’t believe it, t or a meal - the next head cold. Aging the wine in oak es of vanilla, almonds. Extended lend a toasty scents as variable as leather to roses The aroma of ~ ! and the closely related Mergrape~for e×ampie, often reminds of cedar wood and pine needles led with a ood fruit smell reminis- 2005 miner call to France: www.wunsch-mann.fr Many grapes aromas: Zinfandel often Pinot Noir, the fine may recall ~ may Chenin and, smell www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 �TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD By Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com Now everything IS okay in Oklahoma! The gay community and gay travelers to Tulsa now have a place where they are made to feel VERY WELCOME! We stayed there a couple of weeks ago and it was wonderfull. "l-he rooms are spacious and the staff is extremely friendly and professional. ~-he renovations are not finished yet, however we know that when it is completed that it will be the finest hotel in Tulsa. We stayed in the Premier Suite which was on a scale of one to ten, a 15 ! It featured a living room with pull out queen sleeper sofa, a 36 inch TV and DVD Player. Ceiling to floor (and wall to wall windows) for a spectacular view of the city. A large King bedroom with extra pillows, a 25 inch TV in the bedroom and dub chair and ottoman. Two full bathrooms and a kitchenette/dining area with coffee maker, fridge/microwave and a snack basket, microwave popcorn and cookies with bottled water. ~he Downtown Plaza Hotel of Tulsa was built in 1966 as the first downtown hotel in Tulsa to offer modern conveniences. Shortly afterwards it was a Holiday Inn, then a Ramada Inn, then as the Great Western Hotel. In July, 2007 it was sold to the Chisholm Properties, Ltd. and they renamed it back to it’s original name, "Downtown Plaza Hotel of Tulsa". The Chisholm Properties Ltd. the STAR owns other fine hotels in Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas. It is located at 17 West 7th Street in the heart of the beautiful historica] financial and entertainment district of Tulsa. They are directly adjacent to the world famous Petroleum Club. It rises 14 stories above the City and is currendy undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. A VERY extensive renovation is now underway however they do have at this time, over 70 rooms for their guests. Their plan is for the renovations to be completed by May, 2008 and have over 200 rooms when completed. The new look for the hotel is based on modern boutique style hotels that are now found across the country and Europe. Queen, Deluxe King, Executive King, Executive King Junior Suite or the Premier King Suite. Each suite has a Fridge/Micro in the kitchenette. Their prices are extremely down to earth and much less than the other dmvntown hotels. The hotel is within a short walking distance to Tulsa’s Convention Center, the New The PAC (Performing Center, Tulsa Tech and many buildings and landmarks. ; the many amenities are: floors, business weddings & receptions, air~ort shuttle free Cherokee Casino [ wireless Internet, covered parking, guest laundry ~n site), fax & copy service. Their service includes 43 channels, 3 4 ESPN channels, i Nick, Food Network and r more. The Downtown Plaza equipped with a Fitness Center their guests, including strength and cardio equipment. Lounge around their outdoor pool and catch some rays, secluded by the urban environment of Tulsa’s rooftops. Just inside the poolside seating area is The Jones’N Club, a full bar with a pool table and live music. Conference, meeting and banquet rooms are available to accommodate groups of 10 to 250 guests. .............. Continued page 27 The hotel has a variety of rooms and suites to choose, from a Deluxe Double w~w~,.ozarksstar.com �More on Camp La Casa Sena - Santa Fe, New Mexico see page 22. ���From the upper sundeck at the Oasis men’s resort, guests enjoy panoramic views ofKey West’s Historic District. (Photo by Andrew Collins) For a seasonal tourist town, Key West has plenty to offer when it comes to dining and nightlife. Few places draw more raves for outstanding food than Alice’s Key West, where chef Alice Weingarten serves some of the most inventive food in town, including delicious smoked-salmon Benedict at breakfast. A departure from Key West’s predominant laid-back tropical look, Square One is a sophisticated restaurant with white table linen and fine china. The regionally inspired Continental cuisine includes escargot baked in a crepe with fresh spinach, garlic, feta, and a tomato beurre blanc. It’s a top choice for a romar~.tic evening. One of the better Italian restaurants in town, and also one of the gayest, La Trattoria has two dining rooms - the smaller one romantic and intimate, the larger better for groups of friends. The straightforward cooking draws high praise for such tasty creations as local shrimp sauteed with garlic, fresh tomatoes, and herbes de Provence in a white wine, lemon, and butter sauce. One of Dural Street’s true places to be seen, Mangoes brims with colorful sorts. The composed salads, pastas, and grills - all with nouvelle Florida touches - are commendable. Consider rib eye steak Caribe (pan-charred with tamarind steak sauce and yucca). Seven Fish, which occupies an old luncheonette and has a sleek, sophisticated interior, serves seafood-oriented bistro fare, such as crab and shiitake mushroom ravioli. The slogan at Mangia Mangia is "pasta to the people," a philosophy reflected by the many varieties of heavenly homemade pasta, all fairly priced. The painstakingly preserved building has a lovely, quiet garden and redbrick patio in back. You’ll need luck and persistence most nights to get a seat at Camille’s, a small storefront bistro, but the friendly vibe and downhome comfort food are worth the trouble. Expect good salads and sandwiches, such as Philly cheese steak, and delicious pancakes for breakfast. Key West: Where To Play, Eat, and Stay famous gay resort towns, Key West has always stood out for its sheer embrace of total relaxation. This laid-back tropical island in the Caribbean, closer to Cuba than to mainland Florida, is without pretensions. People rarely worry about what time it is, dress is casual and colorful, and the party scene is friendly and easygoing. Key West is neither fancy nor especially urbane - it’s just a great place to laze in a deck chair on a bougainvillea-choked lanai, browse for beachwear and souvenirs along the main drag, Duval Street, or relax on a restaurant patio noshing on raw oysters and sipping mango iced tea or mojitos. 20 the STAR For arguably the best sandwiches and wraps on the island, try Lobo’s - the oyster roll with cheddar, bacon, and basil tartar sauce is a stand-out. H Siboney is a zero-atmosphere eatery - _the_ place in town for humble, stick-to-your-ribs Cuban fare. Rickety tables are set with plastic tablecloths and paper napkins. Try such Havana specialties as conch chowder, garlic chicken, stuffed shrimp and crabs, platanos (plantains), and a sweet flan to top it off. As for traditional Cuban sandwiches, tiny 5 Brothers Grocery - on a side street in the historic district - serves the best around. Much of the gay social activity in Key West takes place at resorts, some of which provide refreshments and snacks to guests during the afternoon and early evening. A handful of properties have bars open to the public, among them Pearl’s Rainbow, the town’s only guest house exclusively for women, and the ultra-cruisy, all-male Island House, which also has an excellent restaurant. Most the town’s gay bars are along Duval Street. Here, the La-Te-Da guest house has a poolside bar, an intimate piano bar, and the Treetop Cabaret Lounge upstairs. Down a few blocks, the New Orleansinspired Bourbon Street Pub is a cheery place with a small bar up front with cocktail tables, a larger outdoor bar in back (along with a lively pool area and hot tub), and video screens galore. Many nights you can catch awful (but still entertaining) drag shows on the stage in back. The same owners run the lovably raffish 801 Bar, Key www.ozarksstar.com �West’s definitive neighborhood hangout since the 1970s. There’s almost always a crowd of gossipy locals around the bar. The adjacent One Saloon caters mostly to leather-and-Levi’s types and is reached through 801’s back door. Aqua Nightclub is best lmown for its raucous drag shows, which are headlined by the in-house drag troupe, the Aquanettes. This lively place also has strippers some nights, an impressive dance floor with high-tech laser-and-sound shows,’ and a cozy video bar. Key West has a number of inns that cater either exclusively or predominandy to the gay market. One of the best is Alexander’s, a long-popular gay resort with the relatively unusual policy of being both clothing-optional and welcoming to both women and men. This makes Alexander’s ideal for gay guys traveling with lesbian friends, or for any queer vacationers who enjoy a mixed-gender atmosphere. The effect is that the mood around the pool and hot mb tends to be less cruisy than at single-gender resorts. Aromatic tropical flowers, sundecks, rattan and wicker furnishings, and sparkling tiled bathrooms impart Alexander’s with a classy but casual look. Also welcoming of both women and men but drawing a predominantly male crowd, Big Ruby’s is less than a block from Dural Street, hidden behind high walls from noise and street traffic. The grounds feature towering palm trees and fragrant flowers, and an abundance of sundecks. Rooms are warm, contemporary, spotless, and full of light - all have TVIVCRs, mini-refrigerators, A/C, and ceiling fans. A complimentary full breakfast is included. As for the staff, you won’t find a more professional bunch of guys in Key West. all-male property with a somewhat cruisy vibe is the New Orleans Guest House, an attractive compound that’s above the Bourbon Street Pub, right in the center of the Dural Street action. Rooms are well-outfitted and attractively decorated, and rates moderately priced. Known as the Rainbow House until new owners took over a several years ago, the 38-room Pearl’s Rainbow is Key \Vest’s only resort that’s exclusive to women. Rooms are nicely done, with rattan and wicker furniture, pastel-hued walls, large TVs, and refrigerators. Many different configurations are available, from simple budget-oriented units set away from the noise of the pools and decks, to more spacious rooms doser to the action, some with kitchenettes or separate sitting areas. The resort encompasses several buildings, including some cute cottages that once provided housing for the workers of a cigar factory that formerly occupied the main building. There are two heated pools, spacious sundecks, and lots of opportunity to chat with other guests. This is a wonderful hideaway, whether you’re looking to make new friends or enjoy a litde peace and quiet with your honey. Most of the town’s men’s resorts are along Fleming Street, the Historic District’s main drag. Here you’ll find Equator, which has plush rooms with contemporary Caribbean-influenced furniture. Designer fabrics, feather pillows with comforters, Mediterranean-tile floors, large closets, and excellent sound insulation add to the comfort of each unit. The tradeoff is that the Equator’s grounds, although nicely landscaped, are smaller than at some of its competitors; there’s a compact pool and an oversize Jacuzzi tub. For years the sprawling Island House - a former cigar factory on the eastern edge of the Historic District - was synonymous with sex, sleaze, and shabbiness. It’s still synonymous with sex. But, happily, new owners have completely rebuilt the place, hired friendly and competent staff, and created lovely rooms with high-quality furnishings (all have VCR/TVs, refrigerators, safes, and plttsh linens). If you’re seeking a steamy ambience but also first-rate accommodations and a safe, friendly environment, the Island House is your dream come true. Amenities, all of them available 24 hours, include heated pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, gym, sauna, steam room, and erotic-male-video lounge. The largest gay resort in town comprises three distinct properties - the Oasis, Coral Tree Inn, and Coconut Grove - operated by the same management. This highly social, all-male compound has rooms available in a variety of configurations and prices. The Coconut Grove is the fanciest of the three, having been completely gutted and redone following a fire in 2006 - it now has some of the cushiest accommodations in town. Next door, the Oasis has less pricey but still attractive rooms and beautiful grounds. Across the street, the Coral Tree has simpler but more affordable rooms. Guests are free to enjoy the grounds of all three properties. Another www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 �by Donald Pile & Ray Williams Featuring Cuisine From Coast to Coast La Casa Sena - Santa Fe, New Mexico W’e have been dining at La Casa Sena in Santa Fe for over 25 years and it just keeps getting better. Located right downtown, it is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed restaurants in the Southwest. Not only is the food some of the most delicious you’ll ever taste, the wine list is among the finest in the country. Whether dining inside or out on the patio, you are in for a real treat! "l-he ambiance, the food, the setting ...... everything is fabulous! La Casa Sena occupies a fine old haciendastyle adobe complex and means "the Sena House." q-he Sena family was one of the oldest and most notable in Santa Fe. q-he founder of the family, Bernadino de Sena, was an orphan from Mexico City who traveled to Santa Fe in 1693. In the early 1980% the ravages of rime finally began to take a toll on the hacienda. Art dealer, Gerald Peters purchased the historic building and extensively renovated it without making any architectural changes. The restoration succeeded in keeping the historic ambiance and integrity of the Sena Plaza intact. 22 the STAR Th-he Southwestern cuisine served at La Casa Sena draws on the rich history of the region. Th-heir distinctive red chile is grown for the restaurant near Dixon, on the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico. The harsh weather there means that this local product is not plentifi~ and, because the restaurant purchases virtually the entire crop, it is unlikely that this chile will be tasted anywhere else in the world. They are located right off the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe at 125 East Palace. q-heir dinner hours are Sunday thru Thursday: 5:30 - 10:00 PM and Friday & Saturday: 5:30 - 10:00 PM. Lunch: 11:30 _A!vl - 3:00 PM Monday thru Saturday and 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Sundays www.ozarksstar.com �People Wi h A D$ City Resident Ray Prewitt aooept New I ovie SANTA FE, NM (P/R) __ Oklahoma City resident, Ray Prewitt, will take on the role of"Owen" in the Jim Sheridan helmed "Brothers" for Relativity Media. The film stars Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Tobey Macguire. LITTLE ROCK, ARK __ Republican Presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee once advocated isolating AIDS patients from the general public, opposed increased federal funding in the search for a cure and said homosexuality could "pose a dangerous public health risk." As a candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in 1992, Huckabee answered 229 questions submitted to him by The Associated Press. Besides a quarantine, Huckabee suggested that Hollywood celebrities fund AIDS research from their own pockets, rather than federal health agencies. "If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague," Huckabee wrote. Shooting began last week on this remake of Susanne Bier’s Danish-language war drama which centers on a man, (Maguire) who is sent to fight in Afghanistan while his black-sheep brother (Gyllenhaal) cares for his wife (Portman) and child. Prewitt, who recently appeared in Carpenter Square’s "Sordid Lives", is best known as the producer of "Call Us Crazy: The Anne Heche Monologues" which achieved theatrical cult status in Los Angeles featuring stars like Edie McClurg, Alex Borstein, Megyn Price, and Scott Thompson. This is Prewitt’s second time to share the screen with Portman since " 2000. "Where the Heart Is" .in "I think the government’s role should not be involved in personal habits. When you defend freedom, you defend freedom of choice, and you can’t be picking and choosing how people use those freedoms...whether it’s personal behavior or economic behavior, I want people to have freedom of choice," Paul asserted. He believes the constitution says such issues should be left to the states to decide, and ira state chooses to legalize marijuana, cocaine, heroin and/or prostitution, so be it. Presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul, R-Tex www.ozarksstar.com The STAR 23 �Chaz & Victor ��Twenty-eight retired generals and admirals released a letter Friday urging Congress to overturn the ban on gays serving openly in the military, according to "l-he New York Times. The letter cites information showing that 65,000 gay men and lesbians are currently serving in the military and that there are more than 1 million gay and lesbian veterans who have "served our nation honorably." By Ronald Blake ~have been indulging myself lately with the finer aspects of food and beverage. I have acquiesced with my body’s cravings for rectangular chocolate delights that are known to the masses as Snickers, Three Musketeers, and Whatchamacallits. I have given in to the luscious temptations of the all-powerful supreme pizza with its smothering array of toppings and guilt. I have even fallen prey to the hypnotic sexual commercial suggestions of the beer and booze barons of this fair land. Yes, I have been greedily imbibing the works of the great fermentation experts such as Adolph Coors and August Busch. How can I possibly engage in such extreme epicurean behavior and still manage to put on my jeans without a forced smile? Of course I will disclose the many and varied means by which I make this feasible. Each day I lace up my sneakers and head out on a seven mile romp through my neighborhood streets and enjoy the festively adorned homes. This provides me the opportunity to dear my mind and breathe in all those particulates from city living. It also affords me the chance to count the expanse of calories I burn off: in the process. I usually get credit for 800 calories each day from this physical activity mode. I am that guy who finds the parking space on the periphery of the mall parking lot. ~llais is not a forced choice in response to all the holiday shoppers. I actively seek out the spot that is closer to the frontage road than the stores’ entrances. This gives me the excellent opportunity to partake in the lost art of walking somewhere. Chalk up another couple hundred calories burned in a week’s time. Every other day I don my favorite ripped Guns N Roses T-shirt and my faded periwinkle Russell Athletic shorts and ease into 26 the STAR my workout roudne. I set my bicep, quadriceps, and triceps muscles into a sweet synergistic syncopation. I dedicate thirty minutes for every session and I am proudly able to record several hundred singed calories for that day’s effort. Some of my other calorie consuming moments has involved the firm scolding of my car and leaving him alone in the garage while I set out down the block to get the mail. I have often abandoned the comforts of my plush settee and even ignored the puppy dog eyes from my cuddly ottoman so that I could walk around the living room while discoursing with the likes of my Aunt Chilada on the telephone. Friends have even chided me for spending disproportionate time with the steps and hand railings of building stairwells than with the numbered buttons and "The Girl from Ipanema" music from elevators. Thankfully for me, these mundane activities afford me a cornucopia of numerous extra burned calories. I am able to consume more of the Food Network creations than the average Punch and Judy because of my lifestyle. My gourmand way of life would soon dissipate if I would slink into the slothful practices of most of my fellow brethren. Free will gives you that chance to change it all starting today. I could certainly use some company on those lonely stairwells! This health and fitness column is brought to you by that guy who likes to count the times people say the phrase "you know" in their conversations. That gny is Ron Blake and he can be unwrapped at www.goblakefitness.com Creating Community for People living with H V/A1DS A 501 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 HtV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. ~wtw.ozarksstar.com �Q~UENTIN CRISP DOWn, TOWN PLAZA DERAILED HATE CRIMES Indeed, Crisp was celibate for the latter half of his life. When sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer asked him what he thought about sex, he said he thought it was a mistake. He was also cynical about love, saying he didfft really understand it, and he never had an enduring romantic relationship. ~e hotel is the ONLY Tulsa hotel that is openly caters to everybody! The Lounge at the Downtown Plaza will start in January hosting Ms. Kris Kohl and will present a drag show every other Friday. They will also be hosting a Broadway touring company during the summer of 2008. Chisholm Properties, Ltd. has a complete non-discrimination policy to cover, Age, Religion, Nationality, Race, SF~VUAL ORIENTATION, Disability, Veteran Status and other individuals as protected by Federal, State and Locals Laws. sent to the Chairman and Ranking Members of the Armed Services Committees urging them to retain the Hate Crimes amendment as part of the conference report. Timed to correspond with Members returning from the Thanksgiving recess, on November 28th, HRC launched a nationwide action alert to all of its members urging immediate grassroots action to Members of Congress. Had he lived in a different era, Crisp might have identified as transgender rather than gay. "I believe I was born unfit for the world not because of anything to do with sex, but because of gender," he told one interviewer. "I have always felt like a woman born into a man’s body. Had I the money or the opportunity early in life, I would certainly have had a sex change." Though his work brought in a fair amount of money, Crisp lived a spartan existence, subsisting on hors d’oeuvres and champagne at parties. With a "lust for small talk," he held court at a local diner and devoted time to answering phone calls, letters, and e-mails from friends and strangers alike. He loved being the center of attention, and rarely turned down an opportunity to be interviewed or photographed. In his final years, though beset by health problems, he nevertheless continued to travel and perform. Crisp died of a heart attack in Manchester, England, in November 1999, just a month shy of his 91st birthday. The General Manager, Jay Wilks is a former flight attendant instructor and former owner of a small specialized aircraft charter tour company, award winning fit and art shop and an upscale gay magazine that was distributed in 7 States in the Southeast. The Assistant General Manager, Debbie McCraw is a former schoolteacher, Texas ranch foreman, homemaker and mother. With all of their combined hidden talents we KNOW that they will make a success in this new venture. Both Jay and Debbie are two of the nicest, friendliest and professional people that you would ever want to meet. They truly care about their guests and want them to have a very pleasant time while staying at the hotel. The front desk staff as well as the housekeeping staff are very friendly and professional. While some may find his flamboyant style and effeminate mannerisms embarrassingly stereotypical today, Crisp is remembered for being himself- and paying the price - at a time when few others dared to do so. Though he avoided organized LGBT activism, his entire life was a demonstration of gay and transgender empowerment. Next time you are going to be in Tulsa be sure to check out their website at www. downtownplazatulsa.com or give them a call at 800.585.5101 for reservations. Their local number is 918.585.5898. Or for those people living in Tulsa who are wanting to rent a conference or party site, give them a call. For further reading: Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Bailey, Paul, ed. 2000. The Stately Homo: A Celebration of the Life of Quentin Crisp (Bantam). Crisp, Quentin. 1996. Resident Alien: The New York Diaries (HarperCollins). www, ozarksstar.corn TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www.hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers The House of Representatives passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1592) in May with a strong bipartisan vote of 237-180. The Senate approved the nearly identical Matthew Shepard Act (S. 1105) as an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill on a voice vote after a 60-39 cloture vote. Inclusion of the hate crimes provision in the final version of the bill fell victim in the House to challenges from opponents of hate crimes as well as unrelated concerns regarding Iraq-related provisions of the bill. The hate crimes veto threat issued by the White House and organized opposition by House Republican Leadership cost significant numbers of votes on the right. Iraq-related provisions that many progressive Democrats opposed cost votes on the left. Moderate Democrats, many of whom voted for the hate crimes bill in May, did not want to test the President’s veto threat and risk a delay in increased pay for military personnel. ’All of these factors resulted in insufficient votes to secure passage of the bill with the hate crimes provision. 2~he Matthew Shepard Act gives the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias motivated violence by providing the Department with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. The legislation also provides the Justice Department ,vith the ability to aid state and local jurisdictions either by lending assistance or, where local authorities are unwilling or unable, by taking the lead in investigations and prosecutions of violent crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury that were motivated by bias. The Act also makes grants available to state and local communities to combat violent crimes committed by juveniles, train law enforcement officers, or to assist in state and !ocal investigations and prosecutions of bias motivated crimes. the STAR 27 �Just as the sun spends a month of every year in each sign, Jupiter, in his 12-year cycle, spends about a full year in each sign. Fresh into Capricorn, he will help to build up organizations and bureaucracy. The coming year will be a big one for the mature look, leather, and bondage. This week’s horoscope will be valid through the year! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Socialize with important folks. Those doors are wide open to you. Looking respectable and conservative will help you get ahead. Even in the most buttoned-up crowd, people know the power of appearance. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): If you have unfinished school business or want to go for a degree, sign up for those classes! Otherwise, delve into ancient philosophies or go traveling to historical, even archaeological places on your own initiative. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Not that you need the help, but your sexual magnetism is charging up. Trying to look young will not help. Maturity, experience, and authority all work in your favor. If you’ve been wanting to explore leather and kink, this is the time for it! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): This should be a very lucky year for you for money - investments, lottery tickets, new businesses - but, it’s also "easy come, easy go." A conservative attitude and long-range perspective will prove most profitable. Consult an astrologer with your full birth chart before taking any big chances! CAPRICORN (December 21 o January 19): You’re in for a spell of good luck. Just be yourself and you’re sure to get ahead. There’s no point in being shy. Go for any opportunity that feels right. Further education and travel can serve you especially well. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Blessings will come to you in disguise. If life gets hard, the troubles can easily be made into a springboard to tremendous luck. Volunteer work with venerable charities will prove advantageous in the meantime. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Social opportunities will open up for you more easily if you "work the system" and follow conservative, conventional methods. Hobnob with "important people," but what’s "important" is subjective. Of course, those who don’t look or think like you can be important, too! CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Look toward formalizing an existing relationship or refining your criteria for one. Not only can you afford to be picky, but holding out for what you really want in your partnership will help you get it. C® LEO (July 23 - August 22): Any skin growths or bone or joint inflammations should be checked quickly, but in general your health should be good. Luck at work should improve. Look forward to promotions and be willing to take a risk to get them. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Spirit of Chdst MCC VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Some people think creativity is about mad inspiration. You know it’s about hard work. Your hard work can pay off big - probably more in terms of personal growth, but there could be money, toot LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Researching your roots, taking time with older relatives, or spending time with community elders will give you a better sense not only of your background and foundations, but also of where you’re going. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your mind needs stimulation and novelty, and you’re a bit more loquacious than usual. Be careful with that! Developing new skills, perhaps learning a new language, will open doors and help keep you focused and out of trouble. 28 the STAR 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! www.ozarksstar.com �DOWNTOWN PLAZ,~_ of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.corn KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant DREXEL ONTHE PARKAPTS. 3041NW41ST Oklahoma City, OK 405-946-0588 SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.dubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM GAY BRADY HHGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gayb radyheightstulsa.com MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Hk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ANGLES 2117NW39thSt. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com NA!vlE: NW ARKANSAS GLBT CENTER Bentonville/Rogers 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG City: 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com www.ozarksstar.com St: __Zip: Phone: GLENPOOL FLOWERS 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK www.glenpoolflowers.com BAMBOO LOUNGE Address: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: 29 �Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. N~X/Arkansas GLBT Communiv! Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG e-mail: EditorialCartoon@c 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �YOU [] ~f one were to make a list of even after he became ~vorld-famous. the world’s favorite composers, Setbacks like these could have despite his relatively recent vintage finished a lesser man. Instead, they Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky would inibrmed his work, which remains be on it. After all, he composed some of the best loved in history. Swan Lake, which is perhaps the Yet kids still confuse Tchaikovsky with a nasal spasm. most famous ballet Why? Because the arts are slowly of all time. And but surely being eliminated from there can’t be more than a handful of some Peter llyich Tchaikot,sky endured many setbacks, not the l~st of which was a blind barber today’s schools, even though a F,g. 1 Pollen hke Tcha&o~sky’s compo~mon Romeo and Juhet ballet companies that don’t perform majority of parents The Nutcracker every Christmas. music and drama and dance and Indeed, this great Romantic composer should be so immortalized. As a young man, he pursued a career in art make their kids believe better students and better people. ’Rrm~nc music at enormous personal risk and against h~s To help reverse this disturbing father’s advice. His mild temperament combined with trend, or for more information his tendency to work too hard left him with inmmnia, about the benefits of arts education, visit us at debilitating headaches and hallucinations. On top of that, AmericansForTheArts.org. Or else Tchaikovsky could Tchaikovsky’s composition teacher never liked his work, seem like just another casualty of allergy season. www.ozarksstar.com recomrarwd~d daily allouur~ce of art, the STAR 31 �Reservations: 918.585.5898 ÷ 800.585.5101 Where you can be YOU" pee" ~oo~l ~oo~ ~ow=n f / 17 West 7th Street (corner 7th & Boulder Ave) e Tulsa, Ok 74119 ¢ www.downtownplazatulsa.com / �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document Royal GreCnCountrg Barony o~: dll Oklahoma pr~ent~s 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.cor~ www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 ¯he Colors of Living", featuring giclee prints of the digital art ofTulsa artist Dennis R. Scott. ~O ONL~HOMA HATE CRII~flE Gay community outraged over Steven Domer slaying. NEW: Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Sarah Jessica Parker and Dan Butler. November 21,1999 fine last grand Queen) Flamboyant author Quentin Crisp dies in Manchester, England. Tulsa’s Downtown Plaza Hotel openly welcomes GLBT. Gay Travelers: 6,000 Mile Trip Out of Town: Key West Dining In or OUT FIITHESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: 4 the STAR Downtown Tulsa www.ozarksstar.com "Ifyou are elected President, what concrete steps would you take to overturn ’Don’t As~, Don’t Tell ?’" Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY): I strongly believe that anyone who has the courage, strength, and valor to serve our country should be able to do so. We are at war and our top generals are warning that America’s military is stretched to the breaking point, yet we have a policy that dismisses good people from our ranks. Even service members with critical skills such as Arabic language skills are being discharged because they are gay. Senior retired military officials who can speak freely say this law does not serve our national security interests. These same military leaders are confident that repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell won’t lessen standards of behavior or lower morale. As President, I will work with high-profile military leaders, such as former Joint Chiefs chairman John M. Shalikashviii and Retired Lieutenant General Claffdia Kennedy, the first woman to achieve the rank of three-star general in the Army, who have called for repeal of the law. I will stand with soldiers like retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first American soldier to be seriously wounded in Iraq, and retired Army Sgt. Jose Zuniga, former Army Soldier of the Year, who are shining examples of why this law no longer makes sense. Over the last seven years in the Senate, and as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I have built relationships with members of Congress and senior military officials through my work on the Armed Services Committee. When I am President, I will bring this strength and experience to bear to end this outdated and outmoded policy. w~,-w.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 Denounces TULSA, OK (P/R) __ Oklahomans for Equality expresses its outrage at the recent murder of Steven Domer. "gge extend condolences to his family and friends. This senseless tragedy highlights the urgent need for federal and state hate crimes legislation protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LBGT) people. On October 26th, Steven Domer, a 62-yearold gay man, was abducted from NW 39th Street near Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City. On November 4th, his body was found in rura! McClain County. His hands were tied with duct tape and a wire hanger was wrapped around his neck. The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner concluded that Domer died of asphyxiation and ruled his death a homicide. On November 28, Darrell Madden, a self-prodaimed white supremacist, was charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in relation to Domer’s death. Prosecutors believe that Madden targeted Domer as part of an initiation rite of the Aryan Brotherhood. Inorder to secure a "patch," the white supremacist group demands that its members commit an act of violence against an African American, Jew, homosexual, or any other person declared "an enemy." Although Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater and other law enforcement officials believe that anti-gay bias was a motivating factor in Domer’s murder, they cannot prosecute Madden under Oklahoma’s hate crimes law because the statute does not cover sexual orientation. Oklahoma is one of only 17 states whose hate crimes laws do not protect LGBT citizens. Most state hate crime laws enhance the penalties for bias-motivated crimes. On December 4, Representative Al McAf’- frey (D-Oklahoma City) announced his intention to introduce a bill expanding the state’s hate crime law to include sexual orientation and gender. In May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act/Matthew Shepard Act giving the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence by providing the department with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. This bill will soon be voted upon in the U.S. Senate. As legislators consider passage of these historic state and national laws, Oklahomans for Equality will be working with its allies in the LGBT and allied community in educational and advocaW efforts. Hate Crimes Amendment Removed rom Dept o£De£ense Con erence Report WASHINGTON, DC (P/R DEC 6TH) __ ~Ibday, House-Senate conferees confirmed that the Matthew Shepard Act, which had passed the Senate as an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill, would be removed from the final version of the bill. This announcement was made after House Leadership’s whipping the vote count on the conference report concluded there were not enough votes for passage of the bill if it included the hate crimes provision. "Today’s decision is deeply disappointing, especially given the historic passage of hate crimes legislation through both Houses of Congress this year. After more than ten years and several successful bipartisan votes, it is heartbreaking to fall short this dose to the finish line," said Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign. "However, we are not giving up on efforts to find another legislative vehicle, in the second half of this Congress, to move the Matthew Shepard Act." The Human Rights Campaign has been a chief advocate of hate crimes legislation for over a decade. On November 14th, HRC sent an e-mail to all Capitol Hill offices urging the retention of hate crimes legislation in the Department of Defense Authorization conference report. Additionally, HRC organized and signed onto a coalition letter 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Gny men and le~btansfac~ many special ta~ situations, whether single or a~ Let us help with yourTAX Prep! (918) 747-5466 Pmu~l~t ~¢r~lng Tulm ~ OKC’s GLBT comm~mitl~ ~lnc~ 1982 Chuck Bmckenddge 918-706~1887 "At Century 21 Gold Cas#e our BEST properties are ourPEOPL~ 3627 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405.840.2t06 www.c21 goldcastie.com Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Call STAR ADVERTISING today. (918)835-7887 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com "’l-he Colors ofLiving’ a digital art exhibit at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Tulsa artist Dennis IL Scotx eyes ofm~ artist driven to create impressions of the beauty which sttcrounds him. The exhibit w’dl remain up through the month ofJanuary and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dermis R. Nedl Equality Center is located at 621 E. dth St., in downtown Tulsa. More info c~a be found on the web at okeq.org. ’Ihis monthly event is hosted by Okiahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexmal & Tra~sgender (LGBT) individuals and f~mihes through advoca~, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis IL Neig Equality Center. TULSA, OK~The Dennis IL Neili Equality Center ar~ gallery wi[[ host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-gpm, ~aursday, January 3, 2008, for the opening oflts January exhibit "The Colors of Living", featu~mg giclee prints of the digital ~trt ofTulsa ~tist Dermis IL Scott. Scott has been creating his digital art for the list three years. His work is unlike most digital or computer art. His style is unique. His arc is totally his own..., his ovca~ way of seelng life, his own way of depicOng that which he sees. Whether one might call Scott’s art abstract, impressionistic, or surreal is of little concern to Scott. Through his art he invites the viewer, the art lover or even the mere observer, to take a chance, as he has in creating his art. Taking a chance is what ~rtists do. Vie~,Cmg Scott’s art is seeing his subjects as he sees them, through the Art byTulsa artist Dennis IL Scott the STAR 9 ES SLAY By Victor Gorin recently released convicts, Madden having served time at Jess Dunn Correctional Center for impersonating a police officer and obtaining money by false pretense. Quails had been released from the Dick Conner Correctional facility in Hominy for a 2001 burglary conviction. It was speculated that Mr. Domer’s murder may have been a gang rite of passage. The murder has garnered national attention, somewhat reminiscent of the murder of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming in !998.A press conference was held at Church of the Open Arms December 4, followed by a candlelight vigil in the parking lot ofAngles that evening. The press conference and vigil were Photo: Steven Domer OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Oklahoma gay community and their allies have been outraged and saddened by the murder of Steven Domer, a 62 },ear old Oklahoma City man believed to have been targeted primarily because he was gay. On October 26, he had driven a friend home from the N.W. 39th street gay bar district, then returned to the area, and was last seen at the car wash there, an area well known for male prostitution. He was seen by a witness to be talking to two young men. His body and burned out car were found near 1-35 and Ladd road north of Purcell November 4. Oklahoma County prosecutors have charged Darrell Madden with Domer’s murder. Madden, a white supremacist who was arrested in McLain County for an attempted carjacking, is also charged in McLain County with the murder of the Brad Qualls, the other man believed to be seen talking with Steven Domer the night he disappeared. Quails was found shot to death November 8 at an Ardmore apartment complex. Madden & Qua.lls have been identified as members of the United Aryan Brotherhood, a xvhite supremacist group which recruits many of their members in prisons. Both were 10 the STAR attended by the Reverend Harry Knox, the Faith Community Director of the Human Rights Campaign, a national GLBT rights political group. As he puts it," Oklahoma is one of only 17 states that do not protect GLBT citizens through hate crimes legislation." Objections to hate crimes legislation have come from religious fundamentalist groups who claim they would not be able to preach against homosexual behavior should this legislation become law. Harry Knox clarified that this type of speech is protected the 1st Amendment of the US. Constitution, and to say otherwise is " to tell a lie unworthy of ministers of the gospe! ofJesus Christ." He THE ALUES pointed out that "people are dying in Oklahoma, and GLBT people are wondering when their pastors will speak out for justice. Steven Domer’s voice cries out for justice, asking pastors for whom do they work, the people or for God?" Richard Ogden, an attorney who chairs the Cimarron Alliance Foundation also spoke, stating that" In Oklahoma and across our nation there is a climate of intolerance, and a tolerance of intolerance. This has to stop. When we in Oklahoma have passed laws that basically say that gays and lesbians are second class citizens, we create an environment that licenses this type of behavior. " Although this was a brutal murder that was obviously motivated because the victim was gay, Darrell Madden could not be charged with a hate crime because Federal and Oklahoma hate crimes laws do not cover sexual orientation. Legislation was introduced this year in Congress to amend Federal Hate Crimes laws to include sexual orientation by Senator Edward Kennedy D-Massachusetts, but was dropped when it became dear that it would not pass the House. On the state level State Representative Al McA_ffrey, Oklahoma’s first and only openly gay legislator, has stated that he will introduce legislation to amend Oklahoma Hate Crimes laws to include sexual orientation and gender. This is supported by both Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater, and Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson. Mr. McAffrey did state that he realized he will probably be facing an uphill battle in the legislature. Clarifying the point that some conservatives make, that Hate Crimes laws elevate gay people to a special status, he affirmed that ifa group of gay men attacked a straight man ,vith baseball bats, targeting him for his sexual orientation, they would also be guilty of a hate crime under this legislation. Reverend Dr. Kathy McCallie, pastor of Church of the Open Arms-United Church of Christ, pointed out that this crime was not an isolated incident, stating that "there xvill be a day when GLBT persons can freely be themselves and enjoy the safety equality and respect that’s due to every member of the human family, but today is not that day. On October 26 when Steve Domer was brutally murdered, we were each violated. " ~w.ozarksstar.com By Greg Steele on the loose Wiads House ProvidingA Sa£e P lace For 20 By Victor Gorin Miranda Ray will be performing in the Kris Kohl Show New Years Eve At the Jones’n Club Downtown Plasza Hotel. Doxvntoxvn Plaza Hotel Tulsa General Managers Jay Wilks and Debbie Mc- Craw. Miss Gay Tulsa America, Melody Michaels at the BOO. Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA 2008, Samantha West at the Copa.... Photo Left to Right:Jennifer Bates, Asley Ozan, Linda Duke OKLAHO!VIA CITY, OK __ Thanks to a caring community, Winds House of Oklahoma City was able to raise over $2500 at a gala fundraiser December 7th. For over 20 years the Winds have provided a safe place to stay for those living with HIV and their families, serving as transitional housing until they are able to re-enter the general community. The home provides referrals and assistance for disability income, food stamps, Section 8 housing etc. Donatons are always needed and can be sent to \Vinds House OKC, P.O. Box 12185 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73157. Acid-tongued talk-show host and out lesbian Rosie O’Donnell, who famously dashed with Elisabeth Hasselbeck on "The View," and the big clash with Donald Trump announced on her bloc that talks to give her a prime-time show on MSNBC had fallen apart. New York Songstress Rachael Sage and an adoring fan in Tulsa. www.ozarksstar.com Attorney Richard Ogden, Chair of Cimarron Alliance Foundation, the Reverend Harry Knox- Faith Community Director of the Human Rights Campaign, and the Reverend Loyce Newton-Ed- ,#cards at Hate Crimes press conference in OKC. the STAR 11 DEEP INSIDE HOLLYVc’OOD Shades of Rex Lee As Lloyd, Jeremy Piven’s assistant on Entourage, gay actor Rex Lee has carved out a hilarious niche for himself. His character stuck around and gained a higher profile thanks to Lee’s wicked comic timing and popularity with fans. Soon, though, he’ll jump from the small to the big screen, appearing in the independent feature Shades of Ray. A seriocomic romance, Shades stars Chuck main man ZachatT Levi as Ray, a mixedrace, American-born son of a Pakistani father and Caucasian mother. As his parents separate and his father moves in with him, Ray must deal with his own romantic and racial issues. Sounds heartfelt and sincere, but Romeo’s guessing that Lee’s job will be to pop up from time to time with just the right punchline for an awkward moment. As HBO audiences know, he’s an expert at that. Romeo San Vicente is still waitingpatientlyfor the all-musical edition of "The McLaughlin Group. "He can be reached care ofthispublication or at DeepInsideHollywood @qsyndicate.com. www.ozarksstar.com SAMANTHA CAPTU ,S MISS GAY OKLAHOMA US OF A TITLE By Victor Gorin Loaves and Fishes Bar uet a Huge By Victor Gorin Photo Left to Right: Former Miss Gay Oklahoma Kitty Bob Aimes, Matthew Heath Fitzgerald, Sonja Martinez, John Beebe & Debbie Davie OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ It was a festive evening at the Habana Inn December 9th xvhen the title for the nexv Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A was passed on to Samantha West, a 26 ),ear old Tulsan among the performers at Nexv Age Renegades, The 1st alternate xvas Londenn Raine, xvith 2nd alternate Jozlyn Welch. The xvinner and I st alternate are eligible to compete in the national competition which will be held in Dallas May 20-23 of next year. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ On December 3-4 the 17th annual Loaves and Fishes Banquet came together at the Copa for a fabulous evening of fundraising for a good cause. Featuring entertainers John Beebe, Sonja Martinez,Debbie Davie, Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald and former Miss Gay Oklahoma Kitty Bob Aimes, the event raised over $7200. Loaves and Fishes, a program of Catholic Charities, provides meals to homebound people living with HIV. Directed by Ms Judy Reilly, once again the community came together for a proud tradition of caring. Passing on the fide was Alexis Nicole Whitney, who made history with the pageant not just with her doe, but living proof that nothing can stand in the xvay of talent and determination. As she puts it, "People should see my blindness the same I do. I don’t see it as a handicap, but as an obstacle I have overcome." That she did, not only capturing the Oklahoma title but also was one of the top 12 finalists at the national competition. Our girls do us proud! Please Join Us Feb. 10, 2008, 10:00 p.m. @ 39th and Penn OKC, OK. For information call Nikki Start @ 580 216 2715 or 1 866 906 1133 the STAR 13 by Liz I-Iighleyman November 21, 1999 (%e last grand Queen): Flamboyant author Quentin Crisp dies in Manchester, England. The death of author and raconteur Quentin Crisp at the end of the 20th century represented the passing of one of the last grand queens of a bygone era. Crisp, originally named Denis Charles Pratt, xvas born on Christmas Day in 1908 in the London suburb of Sutton, the youngest child of a "middle-class, middle-brow" family. Always considered a sissy, he later said he could never remember not being tormented by his father, siblings, and schoolmates. Crisp studied journalism and art in London, and in his early 20s began hanging out with hip young gay men in Soho, supporting himself with various jobs, induding graphic artist, xvindow dresser, tap-dance instructor, and hustler. He adopted a new moniker and a flamboyant, effeminate style that included flowing scarves, platform shoes, dyed hair, and makeup. He was "not merely a self-confessed homosexual, but a self-evident one," he would later say, describing himself as "a blithe spirit reveling in androgynous anarchy." Openly gay and gender-variant at a time when homosexuality was highly stigmatized and sex between men was illegal, Crisp was frequently attacked by strangers in the streets and harassed by police. During World War II, he was exempted from military service due to his homosexuality, and instead embarked upon a career as a nude model at a government-funded art school. Crisp did not gain widespread notoriety until his 60s, with the publication of his autobiography, The Naked Civil Servant (1968), one of the first unapologetic contemporary accounts of gay life. Although the book was well-received, it was the 1975 television movie version starring John Hurt that brought Crisp instant fame. Crisp began appearing on talk shows and created a successful one-man theatrical performance. He took his show to Ne~v York City in 1978, fell in love with America, and decided to immigrate a few years later, settling into a notoriously sloppy one-room apartment in a seedy neighborhood on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Crisp became a fixture of the city’s celebrity scene, growing increasingly famous just for being himself. "If I have a talent for anything," he said, "it is not for doing but for being." He wrote a column for the New York Native newspaper and film criticism for Christopher Street magazine, and published several more books, including How to Become a Virgin (1981) and Manners from Heaven: A Divine Guide to Good Behavior (1984). He also appeared in a number of movies and documentaries, most notably as Queen Elizabeth I in Orlando (1993). Though he socialized in queer social circles, Crisp was unsympathetic to the gay rights movement and held attitudes many younger activists regarded as homophobic. "I don’t think you can really be proud of being gay because it isn’t something you’ve done," he once said. "You can only be proud of not being ashamed." He eschewed identity politics and queer separatism, and thought loud demands only led to backlash. Crisp persisted in referring to homosexuality as an illness, and he caused a furor when he told the London Times in 1997 that he thought it would be acceptable for a woman to abort a fetus carrying a hypothetical gay gene. "You could have children who are naturally suited to society," he later explained. "They would be happy." He also once opined that the gay community’s obsession with AIDS was a fad, and advised, "Ifyou want to be sure you won’t have AIDS, don’t have sex with anyone." ....................Continued page 27 14 the STAR vwvw.ozarksstar.com The nose can intrigue you or turn off about a wine. Smell is the wine taster. Much is taste comes through you don’t believe it, t or a meal - the next head cold. Aging the wine in oak es of vanilla, almonds. Extended lend a toasty scents as variable as leather to roses Many grapes aromas: Zinfandel often Pinot Noir, the fine may recall ~ may Chenin and, smell The aroma of ~ ! and the closely related Mergrape~ for e×ampie, often reminds of cedar wood and pine needles led with a ood fruit smell reminiscall to miner France: www.wunsch-mann.fr 2005 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD By Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com Now everything IS okay in Oklahoma! The gay community and gay travelers to Tulsa now have a place where they are made to feel VERY WELCOME! We stayed there a couple of weeks ago and it was wonderfull. "l-he rooms are spacious and the staff is extremely friendly and professional. ~-he renovations are not finished yet, however we know that when it is completed that it will be the finest hotel in Tulsa. We stayed in the Premier Suite which was on a scale of one to ten, a 15 ! It featured a living room with pull out queen sleeper sofa, a 36 inch TV and DVD Player. Ceiling to floor (and wall to wall windows) for a spectacular view of the city. A large King bedroom with extra pillows, a 25 inch TV in the bedroom and dub chair and ottoman. Two full bathrooms and a kitchenette/dining area with coffee maker, fridge/microwave and a snack basket, microwave popcorn and cookies with bottled water. ~he Downtown Plaza Hotel ofTulsa was built in 1966 as the first downtown hotel in Tulsa to offer modern conveniences. Shortly afterwards it was a Holiday Inn, then a Ramada Inn, then as the Great Western Hotel. In July, 2007 it was sold to the Chisholm Properties, Ltd. and they renamed it back to it’s original name, "Downtown Plaza Hotel ofTulsa". The Chisholm Properties Ltd. the STAR owns other fine hotels in Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas. It is located at 17 West 7th Street in the heart of the beautiful historica] financial and entertainment district ofTulsa. They are directly adjacent to the world famous Petroleum Club. It rises 14 stories above the City and is currendy undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. A VERY extensive renovation is now underway however they do have at this time, over 70 rooms for their guests. Their plan is for the renovations to be completed by May, 2008 and have over 200 rooms when completed. The new look for the hotel is based on modern boutique style hotels that are now found across the country and Europe. The hotel has a variety of rooms and suites to choose, from a Deluxe Double Queen, Deluxe King, Executive King, Executive King Junior Suite or the Premier King Suite. Each suite has a Fridge/Micro in the kitchenette. Their prices are extremely down to earth and much less than the other dmvntown hotels. The hotel is within a short walking distance to Tulsa’s Convention Center, the New The PAC (Performing Center, Tulsa Tech and many buildings and landmarks. ; the many amenities are: floors, business weddings & receptions, air- ~ort shuttle free Cherokee Casino [ wireless Internet, covered parking, guest laundry ~n site), fax & copy service. Their service includes 43 channels, 3 4 ESPN channels, i Nick, Food Network and r more. The Downtown Plaza equipped with a Fitness Center their guests, including strength and cardio equipment. Lounge around their outdoor pool and catch some rays, secluded by the urban environment ofTulsa’s rooftops. Just inside the poolside seating area is The Jones’N Club, a full bar with a pool table and live music. Conference, meeting and banquet rooms are available to accommodate groups of 10 to 250 guests. ..............Continued page 27 w~w~,.ozarksstar.com More on Camp La Casa Sena - Santa Fe, New Mexico see page 22. From the upper sundeck at the Oasis men’s resort, guests enjoypanoramic views ofKey West’s Historic District. (Photo by Andrew Collins) Key West: Where To Play, Eat, and Stay famous gay resort towns, Key West has always stood out for its sheer embrace of total relaxation. This laid-back tropical island in the Caribbean, closer to Cuba than to mainland Florida, is without pretensions. People rarely worry about what time it is, dress is casual and colorful, and the party scene is friendly and easygoing. Key West is neither fancy nor especially urbane - it’s just a great place to laze in a deck chair on a bougainvillea-choked lanai, browse for beachwear and souvenirs along the main drag, Duval Street, or relax on a restaurant patio noshing on raw oysters and sipping mango iced tea or mojitos. For a seasonal tourist town, Key West has plenty to offer when it comes to dining and nightlife. Few places draw more raves for outstanding food than Alice’s Key West, where chefAlice Weingarten serves some of the most inventive food in town, including delicious smoked-salmon Benedict at breakfast. A departure from Key West’s predominant laid-back tropical look, Square One is a sophisticated restaurant with white table linen and fine china. The regionally inspired Continental cuisine includes escargot baked in a crepe with fresh spinach, garlic, feta, and a tomato beurre blanc. It’s a top choice for a romar~.tic evening. One of the better Italian restaurants in town, and also one of the gayest, La Trattoria has two dining rooms - the smaller one romantic and intimate, the larger better for groups of friends. The straightforward cooking draws high praise for such tasty creations as local shrimp sauteed with garlic, fresh tomatoes, and herbes de Provence in a white wine, lemon, and butter sauce. One of Dural Street’s true places to be seen, Mangoes brims with colorful sorts. The composed salads, pastas, and grills - all with nouvelle Florida touches - are commendable. Consider rib eye steak Caribe (pan-charred with tamarind steak sauce and yucca). Seven Fish, which occupies an old luncheonette and has a sleek, sophisticated interior, serves seafood-oriented bistro fare, such as crab and shiitake mushroom ravioli. The slogan at Mangia Mangia is "pasta to the people," a philosophy reflected by the many varieties of heavenly homemade pasta, all fairly priced. The painstakingly preserved building has a lovely, quiet garden and redbrick patio in back. You’ll need luck and persistence most nights to get a seat at Camille’s, a small storefront bistro, but the friendly vibe and downhome comfort food are worth the trouble. Expect good salads and sandwiches, such as Philly cheese steak, and delicious pancakes for breakfast. For arguably the best sandwiches and wraps on the island, try Lobo’s - the oyster roll with cheddar, bacon, and basil tartar sauce is a stand-out. H Siboney is a zero-atmosphere eatery - _the_ place in town for humble, stick-to-your-ribs Cuban fare. Rickety tables are set with plastic tablecloths and paper napkins. Try such Havana specialties as conch chowder, garlic chicken, stuffed shrimp and crabs, platanos (plantains), and a sweet flan to top it off. As for traditional Cuban sandwiches, tiny 5 Brothers Grocery - on a side street in the historic district - serves the best around. Much of the gay social activity in Key West takes place at resorts, some ofwhich provide refreshments and snacks to guests during the afternoon and early evening. A handful of properties have bars open to the public, among them Pearl’s Rainbow, the town’s only guest house exclusively for women, and the ultra-cruisy, all-male Island House, which also has an excellent restaurant. Most the town’s gay bars are along Duval Street. Here, the La-Te-Da guest house has a poolside bar, an intimate piano bar, and the Treetop Cabaret Lounge upstairs. Down a few blocks, the New Orleansinspired Bourbon Street Pub is a cheery place with a small bar up front with cocktail tables, a larger outdoor bar in back (along with a lively pool area and hot tub), and video screens galore. Many nights you can catch awful (but still entertaining) drag shows on the stage in back. The same owners run the lovably raffish 801 Bar, Key 20 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com West’s definitive neighborhood hangout since the 1970s. There’s almost always a crowd of gossipy locals around the bar. The adjacent One Saloon caters mostly to leather-and-Levi’s types and is reached through 801’s back door. Aqua Nightclub is best lmown for its raucous drag shows, which are headlined by the in-house drag troupe, the Aquanettes. This lively place also has strippers some nights, an impressive dance floor with high-tech laser-and-sound shows,’ and a cozy video bar. Key West has a number of inns that cater either exclusively or predominandy to the gay market. One of the best is Alexander’s, a long-popular gay resort with the relatively unusual policy of being both clothing-optional and welcoming to both women and men. This makes Alexander’s ideal for gay guys traveling with lesbian friends, or for any queer vacationers who enjoy a mixed-gender atmosphere. The effect is that the mood around the pool and hot mb tends to be less cruisy than at single-gender resorts. Aromatic tropical flowers, sundecks, rattan and wicker furnishings, and sparkling tiled bathrooms impart Alexander’s with a classy but casual look. Also welcoming of both women and men but drawing a predominantly male crowd, Big Ruby’s is less than a block from Dural Street, hidden behind high walls from noise and street traffic. The grounds feature towering palm trees and fragrant flowers, and an abundance of sundecks. Rooms are warm, contemporary, spotless, and full of light - all have TVIVCRs, mini-refrigerators, A/C, and ceiling fans. A complimentary full breakfast is included. As for the staff, you won’t find a more professional bunch of guys in Key West. Most of the town’s men’s resorts are along Fleming Street, the Historic District’s main drag. Here you’ll find Equator, which has plush rooms with contemporary Caribbean-influenced furniture. Designer fabrics, feather pillows with comforters, Mediterranean-tile floors, large closets, and excellent sound insulation add to the comfort of each unit. The tradeoff is that the Equator’s grounds, although nicely landscaped, are smaller than at some of its competitors; there’s a compact pool and an oversize Jacuzzi tub. For years the sprawling Island House - a former cigar factory on the eastern edge of the Historic District - was synonymous with sex, sleaze, and shabbiness. It’s still synonymous with sex. But, happily, new owners have completely rebuilt the place, hired friendly and competent staff, and created lovely rooms with high-quality furnishings (all have VCR/TVs, refrigerators, safes, and plttsh linens). If you’re seeking a steamy ambience but also first-rate accommodations and a safe, friendly environment, the Island House is your dream come true. Amenities, all of them available 24 hours, include heated pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, gym, sauna, steam room, and erotic-male-video lounge. The largest gay resort in town comprises three distinct properties - the Oasis, Coral Tree Inn, and Coconut Grove - operated by the same management. This highly social, all-male compound has rooms available in a variety of configurations and prices. The Coconut Grove is the fanciest of the three, having been completely gutted and redone following a fire in 2006 - it now has some of the cushiest accommodations in town. Next door, the Oasis has less pricey but still attractive rooms and beautiful grounds. Across the street, the Coral Tree has simpler but more affordable rooms. Guests are free to enjoy the grounds of all three properties. Another all-male property with a somewhat cruisy vibe is the New Orleans Guest House, an attractive compound that’s above the Bourbon Street Pub, right in the center of the Dural Street action. Rooms are well-outfitted and attractively decorated, and rates moderately priced. Known as the Rainbow House until new owners took over a several years ago, the 38-room Pearl’s Rainbow is Key \Vest’s only resort that’s exclusive to women. Rooms are nicely done, with rattan and wicker furniture, pastel-hued walls, large TVs, and refrigerators. Many different configurations are available, from simple budget-oriented units set away from the noise of the pools and decks, to more spacious rooms doser to the action, some with kitchenettes or separate sitting areas. The resort encompasses several buildings, including some cute cottages that once provided housing for the workers of a cigar factory that formerly occupied the main building. There are two heated pools, spacious sundecks, and lots of opportunity to chat with other guests. This is a wonderful hideaway, whether you’re looking to make new friends or enjoy a litde peace and quiet with your honey. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 by Donald Pile & Ray Williams Featuring Cuisine From Coast to Coast La Casa Sena - Santa Fe, New Mexico W’e have been dining at La Casa Sena in Santa Fe for over 25 years and it just keeps getting better. Located right downtown, it is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed restaurants in the Southwest. Not only is the food some of the most delicious you’ll ever taste, the wine list is among the finest in the country. Whether dining inside or out on the patio, you are in for a real treat! "l-he ambiance, the food, the setting...... everything is fabulous! La Casa Sena occupies a fine old haciendastyle adobe complex and means "the Sena House." q-he Sena family was one of the oldest and most notable in Santa Fe. q-he founder of the family, Bernadino de Sena, was an orphan from Mexico City who traveled to Santa Fe in 1693. In the early 1980% the ravages of rime finally began to take a toll on the hacienda. Art dealer, Gerald Peters purchased the historic building and extensively renovated it without making any architectural changes. The restoration succeeded in keeping the historic ambiance and integrity of the Sena Plaza intact. Th-he Southwestern cuisine served at La Casa Sena draws on the rich history of the region. Th-heir distinctive red chile is grown for the restaurant near Dixon, on the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico. The harsh weather there means that this local product is not plentifi~ and, because the restaurant purchases virtually the entire crop, it is unlikely that this chile will be tasted anywhere else in the world. They are located right off the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe at 125 East Palace. q-heir dinner hours are Sunday thru Thursday: 5:30 - 10:00 PM and Friday & Saturday: 5:30 - 10:00 PM. Lunch: 11:30 _A!vl - 3:00 PM Monday thru Saturday and 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Sundays 22 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com People Wi h A D$ LITTLE ROCK, ARK __ Republican Presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee once advocated isolating AIDS patients from the general public, opposed increased federal funding in the search for a cure and said homosexuality could "pose a dangerous public health risk." As a candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in 1992, Huckabee answered 229 questions submitted to him by The Associated Press. Besides a quarantine, Huckabee suggested that Hollywood celebrities fund AIDS research from their own pockets, rather than federal health agencies. "If the federal government is truly serious about doing something with the AIDS virus, we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague," Huckabee wrote. City Resident Ray Prewitt aooept New I ovie SANTA FE, NM (P/R) __ Oklahoma City resident, Ray Prewitt, will take on the role of"Owen" in the Jim Sheridan helmed "Brothers" for Relativity Media. The film stars Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Tobey Macguire. Shooting began last week on this remake of Susanne Bier’s Danish-language war drama which centers on a man, (Maguire) who is sent to fight in Afghanistan while his black-sheep brother (Gyllenhaal) cares for his wife (Portman) and child. Prewitt, who recently appeared in Carpenter Square’s "Sordid Lives", is best known as the producer of "Call Us Crazy: The Anne Heche Monologues" which achieved theatrical cult status in Los Angeles featuring stars like Edie McClurg, Alex Borstein, Megyn Price, and Scott Thompson. This is Prewitt’s second time to share the screen with Portman since "Where the Heart Is" .i"n 2000. "I think the government’s role should not be involved in personal habits. When you defend freedom, you defend freedom of choice, and you can’t be picking and choosing how people use those freedoms...whether it’s personal behavior or economic behavior, I want people to have freedom of choice," Paul asserted. He believes the constitution says such issues should be left to the states to decide, and ira state chooses to legalize marijuana, cocaine, heroin and/or prostitution, so be it. Presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul, R-Tex www.ozarksstar.com The STAR 23 Chaz & Victor By Ronald Blake Twenty-eight retired generals and admirals released a letter Friday urging Congress to overturn the ban on gays serving openly in the military, according to "l-he New York Times. The letter cites information showing that 65,000 gay men and lesbians are currently serving in the military and that there are more than 1 million gay and lesbian veterans who have "served our nation honorably." ~have been indulging myself lately with the finer aspects of food and beverage. I have acquiesced with my body’s cravings for rectangular chocolate delights that are known to the masses as Snickers, Three Musketeers, and Whatchamacallits. I have given in to the luscious temptations of the all-powerful supreme pizza with its smothering array of toppings and guilt. I have even fallen prey to the hypnotic sexual commercial suggestions of the beer and booze barons of this fair land. Yes, I have been greedily imbibing the works of the great fermentation experts such as Adolph Coors and August Busch. How can I possibly engage in such extreme epicurean behavior and still manage to put on my jeans without a forced smile? Ofcourse I will disclose the many and varied means by which I make this feasible. Each day I lace up my sneakers and head out on a seven mile romp through my neighborhood streets and enjoy the festively adorned homes. This provides me the opportunity to dear my mind and breathe in all those particulates from city living. It also affords me the chance to count the expanse of calories I burn off: in the process. I usually get credit for 800 calories each day from this physical activity mode. I am that guy who finds the parking space on the periphery of the mall parking lot. ~llais is not a forced choice in response to all the holiday shoppers. I actively seek out the spot that is closer to the frontage road than the stores’ entrances. This gives me the excellent opportunity to partake in the lost art ofwalking somewhere. Chalk up another couple hundred calories burned in a week’s time. Every other day I don my favorite ripped Guns N Roses T-shirt and my faded periwinkle Russell Athletic shorts and ease into 26 the STAR my workout roudne. I set my bicep, quadriceps, and triceps muscles into a sweet synergistic syncopation. I dedicate thirty minutes for every session and I am proudly able to record several hundred singed calories for that day’s effort. Some ofmy other calorie consuming moments has involved the firm scolding of my car and leaving him alone in the garage while I set out down the block to get the mail. I have often abandoned the comforts ofmy plush settee and even ignored the puppy dog eyes from my cuddly ottoman so that I could walk around the living room while discoursing with the likes ofmy Aunt Chilada on the telephone. Friends have even chided me for spending disproportionate time with the steps and hand railings of building stairwells than with the numbered buttons and "The Girl from Ipanema" music from elevators. Thankfully for me, these mundane activities afford me a cornucopia of numerous extra burned calories. I am able to consume more of the Food Network creations than the average Punch and Judy because of my lifestyle. My gourmand way of life would soon dissipate if I would slink into the slothful practices of most ofmy fellow brethren. Free will gives you that chance to change it all starting today. I could certainly use some company on those lonely stairwells! This health and fitness column is brought to you by that guy who likes to count the times people say the phrase "you know" in their conversations. That gny is Ron Blake and he can be unwrapped at www.goblakefitness. com Creating Community for People living with H V/A1DS A 501 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 HtV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. ~wtw.ozarksstar.com Q~UENTIN CRISP DOWn,TOWN PLAZA DERAILED HATE CRIMES Indeed, Crisp was celibate for the latter half of his life. When sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer asked him what he thought about sex, he said he thought it was a mistake. He was also cynical about love, saying he didfft really understand it, and he never had an enduring romantic relationship. Had he lived in a different era, Crisp might have identified as transgender rather than gay. "I believe I was born unfit for the world not because of anything to do with sex, but because of gender," he told one interviewer. "I have always felt like a woman born into a man’s body. Had I the money or the opportunity early in life, I would certainly have had a sex change." Though his work brought in a fair amount of money, Crisp lived a spartan existence, subsisting on hors d’oeuvres and champagne at parties. With a "lust for small talk," he held court at a local diner and devoted time to answering phone calls, letters, and e-mails from friends and strangers alike. He loved being the center of attention, and rarely turned down an opportunity to be interviewed or photographed. In his final years, though beset by health problems, he nevertheless continued to travel and perform. Crisp died of a heart attack in Manchester, England, in November 1999, just a month shy of his 91st birthday. While some may find his flamboyant style and effeminate mannerisms embarrassingly stereotypical today, Crisp is remembered for being himself- and paying the price - at a time when few others dared to do so. Though he avoided organized LGBT activism, his entire life was a demonstration of gay and transgender empowerment. For further reading: Bailey, Paul, ed. 2000. The Stately Homo: A Celebration of the Life of Quentin Crisp (Bantam). Crisp, Quentin. 1996. Resident Alien: The New York Diaries (HarperCollins). ~e hotel is the ONLY Tulsa hotel that is openly caters to everybody! The Lounge at the Downtown Plaza will start in January hosting Ms. Kris Kohl and will present a drag show every other Friday. They will also be hosting a Broadway touring company during the summer of 2008. Chisholm Properties, Ltd. has a complete non-discrimination policy to cover, Age, Religion, Nationality, Race, SF~VUAL ORIENTATION, Disability, Veteran Status and other individuals as protected by Federal, State and Locals Laws. The General Manager, Jay Wilks is a former flight attendant instructor and former owner of a small specialized aircraft charter tour company, award winning fit and art shop and an upscale gay magazine that was distributed in 7 States in the Southeast. The Assistant General Manager, Debbie McCraw is a former schoolteacher, Texas ranch foreman, homemaker and mother. With all of their combined hidden talents we KNOW that they will make a success in this new venture. Both Jay and Debbie are two of the nicest, friendliest and professional people that you would ever want to meet. They truly care about their guests and want them to have a very pleasant time while staying at the hotel. The front desk staff as well as the housekeeping staff are very friendly and professional. Next time you are going to be in Tulsa be sure to check out their website at www. downtownplazatulsa.com or give them a call at 800.585.5101 for reservations. Their local number is 918.585.5898. Or for those people living in Tulsa who are wanting to rent a conference or party site, give them a call. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at: gaytravelers@ aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www.hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers sent to the Chairman and Ranking Members of the Armed Services Committees urging them to retain the Hate Crimes amendment as part of the conference report. Timed to correspond with Members returning from the Thanksgiving recess, on November 28th, HRC launched a nationwide action alert to all of its members urging immediate grassroots action to Members of Congress. The House of Representatives passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1592) in May with a strong bipartisan vote of 237-180. The Senate approved the nearly identical Matthew Shepard Act (S. 1105) as an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill on a voice vote after a 60-39 cloture vote. Inclusion of the hate crimes provision in the final version of the bill fell victim in the House to challenges from opponents of hate crimes as well as unrelated concerns regarding Iraq-related provisions of the bill. The hate crimes veto threat issued by the White House and organized opposition by House Republican Leadership cost significant numbers of votes on the right. Iraq-related provisions that many progressive Democrats opposed cost votes on the left. Moderate Democrats, many ofwhom voted for the hate crimes bill in May, did not want to test the President’s veto threat and risk a delay in increased pay for military personnel. ’All of these factors resulted in insufficient votes to secure passage of the bill with the hate crimes provision. 2~he Matthew Shepard Act gives the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias motivated violence by providing the Department with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. The legislation also provides the Justice Department ,vith the ability to aid state and local jurisdictions either by lending assistance or, where local authorities are unwilling or unable, by taking the lead in investigations and prosecutions of violent crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury that were motivated by bias. The Act also makes grants available to state and local communities to combat violent crimes committed by juveniles, train law enforcement officers, or to assist in state and !ocal investigations and prosecutions of bias motivated crimes. www,ozarksstar.corn the STAR 27 Just as the sun spends a month of every year in each sign, Jupiter, in his 12-year cycle, spends about a full year in each sign. Fresh into Capricorn, he will help to build up organizations and bureaucracy. The coming year will be a big one for the mature look, leather, and bondage. This week’s horoscope will be valid through the year! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Socialize with important folks. Those doors are wide open to you. Looking respectable and conservative will help you get ahead. Even in the most buttoned-up crowd, people know the power of appearance. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): If you have unfinished school business or want to go for a degree, sign up for those classes! Otherwise, delve into ancient philosophies or go traveling to historical, even archaeological places on your own initiative. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Not that you need the help, but your sexual magnetism is charging up. Trying to look young will not help. Maturity, experience, and authority all work in your favor. If you’ve been wanting to explore leather and kink, this is the time for it! CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Look toward formalizing an existing relationship or refining your criteria for one. Not only can you afford to be picky, but holding out for what you really want in your partnership will help you get it. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Any skin growths or bone or joint inflammations should be checked quickly, but in general your health should be good. Luck at work should improve. Look forward to promotions and be willing to take a risk to get them. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Some people think creativity is about mad inspiration. You know it’s about hard work. Your hard work can pay off big - probably more in terms of personal growth, but there could be money, toot LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Researching your roots, taking time with older relatives, or spending time with community elders will give you a better sense not only of your background and foundations, but also of where you’re going. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your mind needs stimulation and novelty, and you’re a bit more loquacious than usual. Be careful with that! Developing new skills, perhaps learning a new language, will open doors and help keep you focused and out of trouble. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): This should be a very lucky year for you for money - investments, lottery tickets, new businesses - but, it’s also "easy come, easy go." A conservative attitude and long-range perspective will prove most profitable. Consult an astrologer with your full birth chart before taking any big chances! CAPRICORN (December 21 o January 19): You’re in for a spell of good luck. Just be yourself and you’re sure to get ahead. There’s no point in being shy. Go for any opportunity that feels right. Further education and travel can serve you especially well. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Blessings will come to you in disguise. If life gets hard, the troubles can easily be made into a springboard to tremendous luck. Volunteer work with venerable charities will prove advantageous in the meantime. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Social opportunities will open up for you more easily if you "work the system" and follow conservative, conventional methods. Hobnob with "important people," but what’s "important" is subjective. Of course, those who don’t look or think like you can be important, too! C® METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com DOWNTOWN PLAZ,~_ ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.corn KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant DREXEL ONTHE PARKAPTS. 3041NW41ST Oklahoma City, OK 405-946-0588 SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NWEXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HHGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ANGLES 2117NW39thSt. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesdub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com www.ozarksstar.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.dubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Hk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm NWARKANSAS GLBT CENTER Bentonville/Rogers 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG GLENPOOL FLOWERS 437 E. 141st Street Glenpool, OK www.glenpoolflowers.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NA!vlE: Address: City: St:__Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: 29 Keller Williams Realty Chuck Breckenridge Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. N~X/Arkansas GLBT Communiv! Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG e-mail: EditorialCartoon@c 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com YOU [] F,g. 1 Pollen hke Tcha&o~sky’s compo~mon Romeo and Juhet ~f one were to make a list of the world’s favorite composers, despite his relatively recent vintage Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky would be on it. After all, he composed Swan Lake, which is perhaps the most famous ballet of all time. And there can’t be more than a handful of ballet companies that don’t perform The Nutcracker every Christmas. Indeed, this great Romantic composer should be so immortalized. As a young man, he pursued a career in music at enormous personal risk and against h~s father’s advice. His mild temperament combined with his tendency to work too hard left him with inmmnia, debilitating headaches and hallucinations. On top of that, Tchaikovsky’s composition teacher never liked his work, Peter llyich Tchaikot,sky endured many setbacks, not the l~st of which was a blind barber even after he became ~vorld-famous. Setbacks like these could have finished a lesser man. Instead, they inibrmed his work, which remains some of the best loved in history. Yet some kids still confuse Tchaikovsky with a nasal spasm. Why? Because the arts are slowly but surely being eliminated from today’s schools, even though a majority of parents believe music and drama and dance and art make their kids better students and better people. To help reverse this disturbing ’Rrm~nc trend, or for more information recomrarwd~d daily allouur~ce of art, about the benefits of arts education, visit us at AmericansForTheArts.org. Or else Tchaikovsky could seem like just another casualty of allergy season. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 Reservations: 918.585.5898 ÷ 800.585.5101 Where you can be YOU" pee" ~oo~l ~oo~ ~ow=n f 17 West 7th Street (corner 7th & Boulder Ave) e Tulsa, Ok 74119 ¢ www.downtownplazatulsa.com Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] The Star Magazine, January 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 1 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 01, 2008 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Type The nature or genre of the resource magaine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele Paul Wortman James Ninmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blak Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Chaz Ward Victor Gorin Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, December 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/204 The Star Magazine, February 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/245 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/246 AIDS anti-gay violence art cartoons classifieds crime denouncement Deep Inside Hollywood Dennis R. Scott Don't Ask Don't Tell Downtown Plaza Hotel-Tulsa fitness hate crime health Hillary Clinton HIV/AIDs horoscopes Loeves and Fishes Melody Michaels Mike Huckabee Miranda Ray Miss Gay Oklahoma New Year Our House Past Out Q Scopes Quentin Crisp Quotable Quotes Ray Prewitt Samantha West Star Advertisers Star Scene Steven Domer Syphilis testing Tchaiovsky The Colors of Living Too travel Winds House https://history.okeq.org/files/original/aab490c2335f60d2d1e55a19c2e4595e.jpg 2780adbe6231a9bb9684aba76e8a4a9e https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c64f38e4af7372c2f5ec5dff5ea8afc9.pdf 0c00542c1bd30dfacdc734d945b231d6 PDF Text Text �Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & D~VERSE market. Cal~ STAR ADVERTiSiNG today. (918}835o7887 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �OKLAHOMA PR£SIDENTIAL PRIMARY FEBRUARY 5 MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT By Victor Gorin Photo: ~ctor Gorin registering Thomas Bishop to vote in OKC If you are registered as a Republican or Democrat in Oklahoma, soon it will be time to cast your vote to select your party favorite for our next president. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and your polling place is on your voter card. You may vote early from 8 a.m. unti! 6 p.m. Friday February 1 and Monday February 4, and from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday February 2. Call your local election board for your early voting site. If you have lost your voter card, you may still vote if you are registered, and this you can find out by calling your local election board, who can also provide your polling place. In Oklahoma County that number is 713-1515, Tulsa County 596 5787. Although they appear on the Democratic ballot, 2 candidates have dropped from the race, Bill Richardson and Christopher Dodd. On the Republican ballot, Tom Tancredo appears on the ballot even though he has dropped from the race. Independent voters cannot vote for a presidential candidate in this Oklahoma election. However, you may have school board races that you can vote for, so be sure to check that out. Vote February 5 and make our voice heard. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 �SAINT VA~N~’~ The origin and history of Saint Valentine’s A Night in the Palace of Versailles, Barony of all Oklahoma crowns 1st Czar & Czarina. Dennis R. Neill Equality Center presents art by Jessica Newman. ~ DEEP ~S~D~: HOLL~OOD NEW: Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Paul Rudd and Nathan Lane. Through his dedication and courage, black gay anti-apartheid activist Simon Tseko Nkoli played a key role in the fight for GLBT liberation and human rights for people with HIV/AIDS. Devre Jackson reviews Cabernet Sauvignon. ~ ~ C~AO TRAVEL Gay Travelers: Oklahoma City Out of Town: Savannah, GA Dining In or OUT Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Czar I Philtip Parker & Czarina I Kris Cherri Kohl 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �JoNin Gay & Lesbian Center To Ho d VNentines Fundraiser Valentine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel’was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius I1. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, around the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. And as the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as patrons for the com~ year, arose in this way. www.ozarksstar.com ... JOPLIN, MO (P/R) __ In support of equal civil marriage for gays and lesbians and "Freedom To Marry Week", the Joplin Gay and Lesbian Center invites the GLBT community to a Valentines reception and dance February 14th, 2008 7:00 pm to 1:30 am. The event will be held at Groove Lounge, 2331 East 7th Street in Joplin. Dance to the music of the house DJ, enjoy a Wedding Cake and cash bar. A $5.00 donation per person at the door will go to support the Joplin Gay and Lesbian Center. For more information contact Director Lee McDaniel 417-622-7821 or email gaylesbiancenter@gmail.com Website www.mYspace.com/gaylesbiancenter Recognized by Keller Williams ,- For outstanding achievement 2005 and 2006 Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALIOr~ V/hether buying or selling I’ll work hardforyou. ~, the STAR 5 �Acceptance o£GAYS and LESBIANS In addition to loosing weight is he getting a homo-friendly face-lift? OKLAHO/vlA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma City Mayor Cornett proclaims an official day for Ellen DeGeneres’s birthday and this is coming from a man who previously never meet a gay man or woman he liked. Well, I have a bridge in Brooklyn, too. \Vhen it’s Cornett’s political agenda being advanced then he’s comfortable ~vith appearing on the famous lesbian Ellen DeGeneres’s TV show as he did on January !7th. Could his self-serving appearance also have anything to do with the National Conference of Mayors having their 2010 annual meeting in OKC? Is he trying to get a homo-friendly face-lift as well as lose weight in order to make himself more attractive for re-election? Did his failed attempt at running for Congress show him the error of his ways or just point him to another snake-oil strategy? Now, in order to show that Mayor Cornett is exercising all his Christian sincerity of turning the other cheek, will he propose a human rights commission with legal force that can be approved by the City Council so that cases of gay/lesbian harassment and discrimination can be handled with respect and the intention of making life better for all of OKC’s taxpaying citizens? I’m not a Christian and I’ve turned both of my cheeks, upper and lower, for the last time to self-serving politicians who use gay people for their own ends and then dispose of them like a fast food clam shell. Just How Vulgar W- ll a Desperate Candidate Get? OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Not wanting to get too explicit about basic human sexual techniques, I can’t help notice that so much of human disagreement at a low level of public conversation comes down to either analogous or physical illustrations of body penetration in a sexual context. We’ve seen with Mike Huckabee, a man who wants to lead one of the most powerful countries in the world, that he’s willing to stoop to a tow level of vernacular public language in order to attract the flat-earth variety of voter who believes in a geo-centric 6,000 year-old earth. His remarks about putting a flag pole where the sun doesn’t shine regarding the South Carolina Confederate flag controversy is one example. The instance of Huckabee’s rallying mantras is a perfect example that he, suffused with the self-reflecting love of his self-constructed Jay-sus, is not immune, rather he uses it ki~owingly to inflame his redneck followers to greater heights of cooperation in their own submission to the destructive force of religion. Yes, human power can operate at the lowest level of human respect for those ,vho disagree with us and the fastest way to connect with many people is to graphically use the example of rape towards the perceived enemy. A frustrated Vice-president Dick Cheney used the same tactic in referring to Senator Patrick Leahy with a vulgar act of self-stimulation in the Senate chamber. Just as violent rape of women by men is described as an attempt at power, with nothing to do with lust, so is the use of sexual penetration by antagonists used to inculcate their ideas of power and superiority at the basest level of human society. A thinking voter should reject such a candidate immediately. 6 the STAR ~wv.ozarksstar.com �Ask About Our Suites WV~N.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �ince 1982 Ms. Kris Kohl in the "Painted Ladies" Show Friday, February’ 15th & 29th, @lOpm. Cover charge $5.00 single, $8.00 per Couple. Mention this ad and receive 1 FREE drink coupon per room. t 7 West 7th Street 8 the STAR & Boulder Ave) ® Tulsa, Ok 74119 e plazatulsa. om www.ozarksstar.com �byJoeyDe TULSA, OK __ Playing dress up may be child’s play, but for the Royal Green Country Barony of All of Oklahoma, it is a welcomed break to hours of hard work. A member of the International Imperial Court System, the RGCBAO is a philanthropic organization with a government system and titles inspired by Victorian alty. In an Adornment Ceremony at the Holiday Inn Select in Tulsa on Jan. 12, the RGCBAO crowned their first Czar and Czarina, Phillip Parker and Kris Cherri Kohl (respectively). A non-partisan organization, the Royal Green Country Barony of All Oklahoma seeks to further the mission of the International Court System by uniting not only the gay community, but the entire community of Oklahoma, gay and straight, regardless of ethnicity or other discriminating factors. ~he barony works to raise funds for charitable causes and work for equality within the realm it covers. Photo Above: Czar I Phillip Parker & Czarina I Kris Cherri Kohl Lynn Whitley. Additionally was the Crown Grand Marquis Roger Francis and Crown Grand Marquesa Dominique La Rue. Also acclaimed as a key founder was Christian Cherri O’Donely Vaughn LaFleur Dior. Entertainment for the evening was provided by entertainers from across Oklahoma and beyond, q-his included the cast of "Twisted Theatre," Tim Conroy, Catia Lee Love, Empress The Lovely Suzanne, Empress Syren Vaughn, Empress Victoria Weston, Matthew Heath Fitzgerald, Tabitha Taylor, Rebbeca Tucker and Leonard Jenkins. To begin the evening, Nicole the Great, Queen Mother of the Americas, welcomed Oklahoma into the international family and described what they had "gotten themselves into." "You see all this (pageantry) and wonder about it, remember it’s all in camp. We may call each other Barons and Baronesses, but we are all equals," began the matriarch, who explained the organization’s preStonewall San Francisco founding. She described the court system as one of the oldest and largest organizations in GLBT history. "When a gay man, Jose, declared that he wanted to be called an ’Empress’ after being crowned the queen of the Tavern Guild’s drag ball, he didn’t know what he started at the time." w~v.ozarksstar.com Through out the course of the evening, many other individuals who contributed to the founding of the RGCBAO were recognized, as well as those who have assumed leadership positions in the organization. This included the Privy Counsel (Board of Directors) comprised of Deb Starnes, Jim Ray, Scot Brown, Marc Acuff, and Through all the dresses and crowns, the evening assumed a sense of decorum, but through the words of those on stage, it maintained a level of fun and frivolity that turned it into a true celebration. By the end of the evening, the Royal Green Country Barony of Oklahoma had demonstrated that they knew how to have a good time, but had made it clear they were ready to begin the hard work of providing leadership to and creating unity among the citizens of their relm. the STAR 9 �By Donald Pile and Pray Williams q-his is a "must read" for gay men all over the country. You will laugh at nearly every page! Robert knows exacdy what his readers want to hear and he writes in such a great way. He writes openly what many of us say behind our backs. One of our favorite parts of the book is when he talks about "prespeaking", as in, "Dinner. That is where we should go" and "Glad for you! That is what I am." Days after reading this, we are still catching ourselves "prespeaking". Hopefully we and our friends will get tired of it eventually but it is fun for a while. We don’t know if his family and friends are still speaking to him or not but they should be happy that he loves them so much that he can be so open and flank about them. He would indeed be a good friend of have. Hopefully we will get to meet him sometime in the near future. He left some extra copies of his book at the Grand Resort for guests to read and everyone can’t wait to get their hands on his book. We promise that you will laugh your head off:page after page after page. " Surrounded by Insanity" by Robert A. Hofmann We have just read a new book, "Surrounded by Insanity" by Robert A. Hofmann and it is one of those books that once you begin reading it, you won’t want to put it down until you have completely finished. It is absolutely hilarious! It is a biographical story of the author’s experiences thru his life with his early childhood and growing up with friends and family. Robert grew up in New Jersey and what a wild and crazy and wonderful life he has had. Between his family and his friends, he guides the reader thru many exciting episodes of his life. It is wickedly bitchy and hilarious! Everyone in Robert’s life so far is a participant in this wonderfully funny and provocative story of his life. It begins with his birth and goes thru two years ago when he was staying at the wonderful Grand Resort in Ft. Lauderdale when Hurricane Wilma hit in 2006 leaving everybody without power for several days. 10 the STAR "Surrounded by Insanity" is published by Publish America and may be purchased through all major bookstores (if they don’t have it in stock, they’ll order it for you) or from www.amazon.com or www.publishamerica.com. We didn’t ~vant the book to end but thankfully, Robert is already in the process of coming out with his second book. As Robert says, " I live in fabulous, flaming, freakin" New Jersey. Woo-hoo. I am an attorney by day, writer by evening, superhero in the bedroom." Just keep up the great writing Robert! CLUB MAJESTIC TULSA TO HOST MR. OKLAHOMA CONTINENTAL 2008 PAGEANT By Greg Steele TULSA, OK __ Hot bodies and great talent will be the main course at Club Majestic Friday February 15th at 9pro. The show will feature an all male contest with guest entertainment from across the country. The feature entertainer will be Rasean Montrese Mr. Continental Nationals 2007 and hosted by Danielle Hunter Miss Continental Elite Nationals 2007. In addition to the contestant line up an impressive array of talent will be on stage to make your Friday Night at Club Majestic an evening to remember. Mr. Oklahoma 2007 Sevion Simpson, Mr. 2006 Nationals Simba Hall, Miss Oklahoma Continental 2007 Adrianna and introducing Mr. 2005 Nationals Tony DeSario. Club Majestic is located at 124 N. Boston in the Brady Arts District. 2-he latest on Britney Spears is that she is in training to become a high profile lesbian, being coached by famous lesbian convert Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres told the website www.thespoof.com "Britney is making great progress. I have every confidence she will make an excellent lesbian in time" www.ozarksstar, com �essica Newman art e hibit at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (TULSA, OK (P/R) __ "~e Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Tnursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, "lhursday, February 7, 2008, for the opening of it’s February exhibit, featuring oil paintings and fine drawings by artist Jessica Newman. Newman, born in California in 1985, has been a resident of Tulsa since the age of 10. Jessica started drawing at a very young age, and really became involved in art during high school, when she took her first art class in the ninth grade. ~his is where she was introduced to a variety of art supplies, and began experimenting with different media. Since graduating high school in 2003, she has continued studying art in college, and plans on graduating as an art major. Jessica has always been fascinated by the human body, which is the theme of most of her work. She currently works with pencil, watercolors, and oil paints, but charcoal is her medium of choice. Her art has been shown at the Mayfest Youth Gallery, as well as at the Blue Dome Arts Festival. The exhibit will remain up through the month of February, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Cente~ www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 �SIDE De~ Inside ;~otlywoo4 rqo~ on n~w projects for Paul Rudd and Nathan ~ane. Nathan Lane Casts Swing Vote Hds acting up a storm on Broa&vay right now with Laurie Met~f in the new D~vid Mamet play, November, but stage fixture Nathan Me will be back on the big screen this new year, too, with a role in the ensemble comedy Swing ~v~te. Starring Kevin Cosmer ~ a low-achieving, apolitic~l American citizen, tl~ movie concerns a presidentia! election that hinges entirely on Cosmer’s not-entirelywelMnformed vote and the n~tional ch~os that results from it. L~ne will co-star, along with Definis Hopper, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, George Lopez, Mare Winningham, *~Vi!lie Nelson, and politiCal comment~)or A~ianna Hut~ngton ~s herse!£ Already wrapp~[, the film - if audiences vote for it v~ith their ticket dollars - could find itselfincieasing poll turnoutsSBut not likely, Paul Rudd You, Man ~rotagonists express- signal the beginning t of heterosexual male intimacy? movie, I love by Judd Apatow (v¢hose willingness to "go in films like The Obiect of " " well documented), the best he considers close enough to fill. as the poor spring, here’s t Larry: Like ransamerican Love ready for Transamerican Love a 36-year-old ~ with an Girl). Addams will ~ of men competing to date her formerly male body. Contrast About Miriam, on which told about Miriam’s transgender a bold step for the reality televicomic Alec Mapa wilt host the show by gay cable channel Logo. The in 2008. 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar, corn �DEEP INSXDE HOLLYWOOD Choosing America’s Prom Q een Lesbian Musician Julie Schurr to Perform in Eureka Springs, Fayetteville and New Orleans. For further evidence that pop culture is now dominated by entertainment designed for the High School Musical demographic, !ook no further than Americas Pro Queen. ABC Family has given the go-ahead for the new series that will pit a group of high school-aged young women against each other in the quest to be the fairest prom queen of them all. The contestants will reside in a mansion and compete in challenges that will show if they’ve got what it takes to wear a tiara in public and vcave at less popular people; then they’ll stay or go based on viewer votes. But Romeo has one complaint: in an era when young men are routinely making the news after being voted prom queen at their school, why no boys allowed? Romeo San Vicente - while in high school, mind you - wa~" very popular with his share ofpmm kings. He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. Regional MCC CMr&es Perform An Act ©fKin&ess In Tulsa JOPLIN, MO G/R) __ MCC United in Tulsa, OK was visited by Diva’s xvith Chain Saws as members of MCC of the Living Springs, Eureka Sprh~gs, AR and Spirit of Christ MCC; Joplin, MO arrived Saturday morning the 12th of January ready to work. MCC United has been dealing with damage on their property since an early, December ice storm devastated the area. There were still damaged trees that needed to be reduced to manageable size and trees that were potentially dangerous if not removed. Together with members of MCC United and their Pastor, Rev Carolyn Mobley the three churches xvere able to make short work of the remaining damage control and clean-up. Spirit of Christ MCC literally closed their doors and moved their worship to a program Rev Steve ca~s: "Faith in Action." "We are an oddity in MCC Churches in that we xvorship on Saturday mornings. As it is, we are ~knoxvn to replace worsNp with taking on Acts of Random Kindness to show what we believe is primary for us. As Christ served all people in need.., so should xve." Rev. Urie also pastors MCC of the Living Spring in Eureka Springs, AR and when he shared the needs he immediately received e-mails saying xve are going with you." We were totally blessed inasmuch as we had four chain saxvs in action, limbs fal~ng and people picking up the grounds with no injuries and everyone home safely. The group was blessed with a xvonderful lunch provided by MCC United and a musical Thank You provided in song by Rev. Carolyn. Across Regional boundaries and State Lines xve can all work together serving God by serving each other. www.ozarksstar.com EUREKA SPRINGS, AR __ Growing up, Julie Schurr never heard music that might have made life a little bit easier for a lesbian girl being raised in the strictly-proscribed constraints of a religiously conservative community and home. In fact, she wasn’t supposed to be listening to music at all. She wasn’t supposed to know what a lesbian was. Let alone BE one. An original creation, Julie Schurr’s fusion of musical styling and technique is all her own: Indierockbitchfolk. She’s been showcasing it to her fans in St. Imuis and Detroit, winning loyal converts. Now that she’s finished her degree & produced a full-length album, she just can’t imagine any other career path. So it’s a good thing that album sales are steadily rising and venues keep opening their doors. Julie will be out on tour and finishing up her 2nd album, which is planned for release in early 2008. Julie Schurr has headlined Pride and Coming Out day celebrations around the country and has been featured on Curvemag.com and in the Advocate. Her two hour performance will include acoustic music from her current album as well as her unique style of audience participation and comedy. Show tour locations listed below. Eureka Springs, Arkansas Feb 9 2008 10:00P Lumberyard Bar and Grille Baton Rouge, Louisiana Feb 15 2008 8:00P Hound Dog’s - Time TBA Fayetteville, Arkansas Feb 10 2008 8:30P Common Grounds New Orleans, Louisiana Feb 16 2008 9:30P Station 8801 More information on Julie can be found online at: www.julieschurr. corn or www.myspace.com/julieschurr. the STAR 13 �by Liz Highleyraan Past Out, which 100"ks at the life of South l frican gay activist Simon Nk01i, W-ho was Simon Nko li ? Soweto student uprising in the summer of 1976, he joined the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), the ~AaCrican National Congress (ANC), and the United Democratic Front (UDF). Fellow COSAS members debated removing him from his position of regional secretary when his sexual orientation became known, but a large majority ultimately voted in his favor. Long a~vare of his same-sex attractions, Nkoli began his first serious relationship at age 19, with a white bus driver. After Nkoli revealed this to his mother, she sent him to a series of local healers, a Christian priest, and finally a psychologist, who turned out to be gay himself and advised the lovers to live together - even if Nkoli had to pose as his partner’s servant to evade racial segregation laws. In his early 20s, after coming out in an interview with a black newspaper, Nkoli joined the newly formed Gay Association of South Africa (GASA), which consisted mostly of middle-class white men. Resolutely apolitical, the group resisted Nkoli’s requests to hold social events at nonsegregated venues, leading him to form the Saturday Group, the country’s first black gay organization, in 1984. Around the same time, amid growing racial discord, Nkoli stepped up his anti-apartheid activism, helping organize a tenant rent strike in the town of Delmas. Charged with killing a man by throwing a rock during a protest, Nkoli was arrested, tortured, and imprisoned. Along with 21 other black activist leaders, he was tried in 1986 for the capital crimes of subversion, conspiracy, and treason. hrough his dedication and courage, black gay antiapartheid activist Simon Tseko Nkoli played a key role in the fight for GLBT liberation and human rights for people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Nkoli was born in Soweto in November 1957. He spent part of his childhood living with his grandparents, tenant farmers on a white estate, before moving to Sebokeng township to join his mother and stepfather. Nkoli became an anti-apartheid activist at a young age. After multiple arrests for civil disobedience, including participation in the 14 the STAR While in prison awaiting trial, Nkoli revealed his homosexuality to his co-defendants - ANC and UDF members who would later hold high-level positions in the post-apartheid government - and they came to respect and support him as a gay man. "This country wilt never protect the rights of its gay and lesbian citizens unless we stand up and fight - even when it makes us unpopular with our own comrades," he later wrote. Nkoli came out more publicly during the trial, when he used his attendance at a GASA meeting as an alibi to counter claims that he had been present at a clandestine political meeting. In 1988, the charges against him were dropped and he was released. During his imprisonment, Nkoli became a cause celebre for gay rights activists around the world, but he received minimal support from the accomodationist GASA. This stance led the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) to suspend GASA for its failure to condemn apartheid, and the latter group soon collapsed. After his release, Nkoli co-founded the Gay and Lesbian Organization of the \vgitwatersrand - the country’s first genuinely integrated GLBT organization - and later the National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality (now the Lesbian and Gay Equality Project). "I am black and I am gay," he proclaimed at the first South African Pride march in 1990. "I cannot separate the two parts of me into secondary or primary struggle. They will be all one struggle." Nkoli traveled widely speaking about the situation in his country, served as an ILGA board member representing Africa, and earned numerous honors for his work. Nkoli’s anti-apartheid activism and ties with movement leaders proved instrumental in winning the ANC’s support for gay rights. In 1994, he met with Nelson Mandela, whose election as president marked the end of the apartheid era. As the newly integrated country crafted its constitution, Nkoli lobbied for sexual orientation to be included in its anti-discrimination provisions, and also argued for repeal of sodomy laws. In 1996, South Africa became the first country to include explicit constitutional protection for GLBT people. A decade later, in fulfillment of a court mandate based on the constitution, the South African parliament legalized same-sex marriage. Yet even as the gay movement gained strength and the apartheid regime crumbled, the AIDS epidemic reached crisis proportions in the 1990s, reintensifying racism and homophobia. Having been diagnosed with HIV himself (likely contracted in prison), Nkoli turned his focus to AIDS activism, co-founding groups including the Positive African Men’s Project and the Township AIDS Project. As the decade wore on, Nkoli experienced increasing bouts of ill health; he died of an AiDS-related infection on November 30, 1998, in the company of his long-time partner, Roderick Sharp. Though Nkoli himself was not able to benefit from effective new HIV drugs, his work for universal treatment access inspired fellow gay and anti-apartheid activist Zackie Achmat to form the Treatment Action Campaign, which today is widely regarded as the strongest AIDS activist group in the world. www.ozarksstar.com �DNC ELECTS R£CORD NUMBER OF LGBT MEMBERS TO 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CON NTION STANDING COMMITTEES Appointments Reflect Strength, Diversity and Energy of Democratic Party DENVER, CO (P/R) __ The Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) unanimously elected DNC Chairman Howard Dean’s nominations for the Chairs and members of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Standing Committees, including a record number of openly LGBT members. Dean’s LGBT appointments include Dr. Marjorie Hill of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis organization in New York, Diego Sanchez from AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, State Representative Patricia Todd of Alabama, and Ingrid Duran of Virginia to serve on the Platform Committee, along with Claire Lucas and Evan Low of California to the Rules Committee and Bob Rogan of Vermont to the Credentials Committee. In addition to appointing a record number of LGBT standing committee members, Dean was also the first DNC chair to appoint a member of the transgender community to a Convention committee. The Standing Committees of the Convention are responsible for reviewing Convention business and formulating recommendations for consideration by Convention delegates. The Executive Committee’s vote took place during the panel’s recent meeting in Denver, site of the four-day Convention in August. "The record turnout and enthusiasm we’ve seen for our Democratic candidates is a clear sign that Americans trust Democrats to bring much needed change to our country," said Governor Dean. "These outstanding leaders reflect the great strength, diversity and energy of the Democratic Party, and I’m confident their efforts will ensure our Convention in Denver is reflective of our shared values and our nominee’s vision for America." The elections included the Chairs and 25 Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) www.ozarksstar.com members of the three Convention Standing Committees: Credentials, Platform and Rules. Each committee has a total of 186 members. An additional 161 members elected by each of the states’ and territories’ Convention delegations wil! join Governor Dean’s appointments to the committees later this spring. For a full list of and biographical information on the Chairs and PLEO members from each Standing Committee, visit http:llwww.demconvention.comlalstandingcommittees.pdf. Credentials Committee The Credentials Committee is charged with coordinating issues around the selection of delegates and alternates to the Convention and will likely meet in the summer. The committee will issue a report that is the first official item of business at the Convention. Platform Committee The Platform Committee is responsible for drafting and recommending a proposed National Platform for approval at the Convention. After conducting hearings and forums to collect testimony on issues and policies to potentially include in the platform, the committee is likely to meet sometime in July. Rttles Committee The Rules Committee is responsible for proposing the Permanent Rules for the Convention, adopting the proposed Convention agenda and making recommendations for permanent Convention officers - all addressed as the second official item of business at the Convention. The committee will meet sometime in August, prior to the Convention. Huckabee ir ks gay sex to bestiality, abortion to slavery WASHINGTON (AFP) -- Republican presidential hopeful and former Baptist pastor Mike Huckabee linked gay sex to bestiality and abortion to slavery in an interview Thursday, explaining why, if elected, he would try to amend the constitution. "Marriage has ... as long as there’s been human history, meant a man and a woman in a relationship for life. Once we change that definition, then where does it go from there?" he asked in an interview with online "Beliefnet" magazine. "Well, I don’t think that’s a radical view, to say we’re going to affirm marriage. I think the radical view is to say that we’re going to change the definition of marriage so that it can mean two men, two women, a man and three women, a man and a child, a man and animal," he added. "The Bible was not written to be amended. The Constitution was," he said, announcing his intention to amend the document if he were to be elected president in November to ban abortion and establish that life begins at the moment of conception. Leaving it up to individual states to outlaw abortion within their own borders is not enough, he said. "That’s again the logic of the Civil War -- that slavery could be okay in Georgia but not okay in Massachusetts. Obviously we’d today say, ’Well, that’s nonsense. Slavery is wrong, period. It can’t be right somewhere and wrong somewhere else.’ Same with abortion," Huckabee said. Huckabee won the Iowa Republican caucuses earlier this month, the first contest in the race for each party’s nomination to run for the White House. He is in second place behind Arizona Senator John McCain in opinion polls for Saturday’s primaries in South Carolina. the STAR 15 �Brief history Cabernet Sauvignon, like all noble wine grape varieties, is of the species VitiS ~inifera, and genetic studies in 1997 indicated it is the result of a cross between Cabemet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Cabernet Sauvignon is most directly associated with the wines of Bdrdeaux~ and especially those of its Left Ba~k, which ncludes the top tier appellations of St.-Estephe, Pauillac, St.-Julien; and Margaux, among others. It makes Up the majority portion of the blends of all of the Grand Cru wines of the 1855 classification. In Bordeaux, blending is comm0n With ! !e other allowable varietals: Merlot, cabe~ et Franc, Pettlt Verdot, and Malbec. Cabal ~et Sauvignon is also cultivated in other ~i~i as in France, notably LanguedocTRousillor and has great acclaim the wodd Over. .... pe-t attack brain ce Is an .... p. des , , which ...... u, ~.~ par[ or wna[ causes Alzne~mer s. in snort wewine enthusiasts can enjoy drinking to our good health. ........... var e a ol s nc on Cabemet Sauvignon has a well defined ~rnrn~a In Old ~J~rld wine~ n~rficularlv those made n Bordeaux th s s charac¯ tensed by a smel I of blackcurrant, cedar and spice. New Wodd wines of this grape are more often dominated by aromas of ~ oak, pepper and earth. smell of m wines made in most characterrm-climate examples is of t wine. ~ne. Cabs ~eese5 s ton, " ’ the lower Yakima Valley. In late 2006, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology published the result of studies conducted at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine that showed the beneficial relationship of Cabernet Sauvignon in reducing the dsk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The stud trol, a compound found reduce levels of amyloid beta the BTAR Magnificen~Wine COmpany House Wine Columbia ~/alley 05 wwwlMagnificentVVine,com Cabemet Sauvignon 54% Medot 30% Syrah 11Yo, Mabec3% Franc2~{~ Grea"~ ble naana - - for~nepnce -" "" ~ d t -eat . ’ [’snar oD Cono Sur Cab/Carmenere Chile ’06 v~zw.ConoSur.com This organic wine offers a robust, fruit- filled nose of raspberry & plum The palate reveals a flaVorfu nutty taste and has a long finish. Dadoush Duet Napa ’04 ~.dadoush.com rings California is after BOrdeaux as the wodd’s largest grower of Cabemet Sauvignon. This grape is found mostly in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County. In Calif6mi~, the area of Cabemet Sauvignon planting doubled in the 1990s. As in Bordeaux, it is often blended with Franc to produce wo At heady $10 a bottlel ddnks like a cab twice the coSL Thi~ Cabernet presents itse f with a nose Of bourbon-soake~ Cherries with a finish of chbcotate and Cedar. A blend of Cabemet and Shiraz Enticing aromas of blackberry with a coffee bean and a finish Of nutmeg & white pepper best descdbe this wine, Irony Cabernet Napa ’03 w~w.lronyWine. om This is a b0ld and complex wine, which reflects the melding Of ~nique ~haractedstics from pdme vineyards in Sever&l different Napa appellations. Tobacco Cocoa and bright red berry characters make this a red wine to ~njoy. And as always, I say go to your favodte wine shop, ask qdestion~ and p~rchase a bottle or two. Share Some food & wine with friends and check it out for yourself. Complex aromas from hazelnut finish. cassis clove/ Mr. D als0 hosts wine & food events as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa, :~ww.ozarksstar.com ��by Donald Pile and Ray CITyo In our travels to both the East Coast and the West Coast everyone alwa:ys asks the same question to us. V?here ro par .ry in the Midwest? we a!ways tell them the best two places to part? areTuAsa and Oklahoma City. It is hard for most people on both coast to believe, but unless you have been there you certainly wit! not believe that in the Bible belt of OHahoma is this fabulous gay mecca. month we told you about Tulsa and this month we ~2e telling you about Oklahon~a City. We have been going to Oklahoma City to party for over 25 veals. "Ihe HABAN~ INN Resort has been a gay resort for over 25 years. It is the Midwest’s largest at! gay resort. A two story complex with ov& 175 rooms, most of which tS_ce one of the two swimming pools. The rooms are spacious and vmT inexpensive. It is a totally gay resort. Lush tropical plants and trees surround the poo! areas. Gays fron-t all over the midwest as well as both coasts have been going there for years, and it is busy 7 days a week, not juston weekends. Lounge around the pool area and you are sure ~o meet that "someone specia!". They are located 2200 NW 39rh Expressway and their toll free number is 1.800.988.2221. Within the resort complex they have a wonderful restaurant ...... Gushers whmh has a great ambiance and serves dehc i ous fioo d , and is reasonable priced. "Itae restaurant overlooks one of the pod areas so you cim enjoy the bovs frolicking in the pool as you are dining. They also offe~ sandwich~s, soups, salads, pastas and appetizers, add a breakfast menu is available on weekends. There are three bars in the Habana Inn complex which are completely different. COPA is a dance, disco and drag bar. WeeNy they have male dancers, drag shows and comedians. FINISHLtNE is a c0untrylwestern bar with plenty of countiT dancing. ~t~is is the place to se~ the real cowboys and cowgirls in action. THE LEDO is ~ quiet piano bar. All the bartenders are super friendly and they all kn~w h~w to make out of towners feel right at home. The owner of the bars and restaurant is to be commended for his outstanding job ¯ . i [ ,~ ! ’ ! i, , Within a block of the Habana Inn resort you wilt find about 4 more gay bars c~tering to different tastes. A major grocery store is just one block away as are several other restaurants. A cab ride from the akport costs less than $20.00. The HABANA INN resort is located one blo& west of the intersection of Penn and interstate 1-44 and is easy to find. Plus. there are a lot of siOits to see in Oklahoma City, The Cowboy Hail of Fame has artifacts !otsofoil the west is do things like this. Just a couple doors away from the Habana Inn is ANGLES ar 21 t7 N.\V. 39th St.. Their website is: w~,~w.anglesclub. corn Also in the resort is J UNGLE RED, an adult gift shop with magazines, videos, cards, gifts, leather, Pride items plus a lot of decorative items for the home. 18 the STAR For more ~ habanainn.com and ma’s Gay Website: ww~.ozarksstar.com ?dways remember to have fun when ratk to everyone! �ju~st simply pe~ection t00% of pecial "TI~KS" ’!egance in dining. by Donald Pile and Ray Williams dodt skimp on gets around and emails from our readers asking if ONLY sto ALWAYS have a about~ m be one that we have ever seen! ’gqth ~a Wetl as travelers all time however. A ger-a-way~ check i~ out the Inn at 410, w~:410.com have the most um~sua! and exciting, and B. ~eit rooms world! the closest gay" t this a used condom under the The Vi!lag~ St. and you just cannot Steve owns the Gaslight a long broken And in Palm 4 they also seem to be some Metwn’s Restaurant, ~vw.inglesideinn.com www.ozarkssiar.com .... Con~ued page 23 the STAR 19 �Downtown Savannah) historic district is abundant with fine shops and restaurants, including the innovative Sapphire Grill, one of the city’s top eateries. (P,6oto by Andrew Collins) of gay-friendly shops and restaurants. Downtown Savannah’s shopping scene continues to evolve from traditional to fashion-forward - a Marc by Marc Jacobs flagship store opened here in April 2007, and many contemporary boutiques and art galleries now line the city’s oak-shaded streets. Near City Market, you’ll find the gay disco, Club One, which is the performing home of The Lady Chablis, who figured so prominently in The Book, as Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is commonly referred to by locals. Plenty of folks come to Savannah to seek out the sites that were brought to life in this mesmerizing tale (although it is nonfiction, The Book reads like a delicious novel). Of partictflar note is the privately owned Mercer House, in which Midnight’s central figure, antiques dealer Jim Williams, shot and killed his young lover, Danny Hansford, in 1981 (the question of whether Williams fired in self-defense or as a calculated act of murder is debated to this day). Georgi After years of lagging behind nearby Charleston in popularity, historic Savannah soared to new heights in the ’90s and remains one of the nation’s hottest destinations. Much of the city’s renaissance had do to with the staggering popularity of John Berendt’s best-seller, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, whose droll yet salacious account of Savannah society propelled the city into a gay hotspot almost overnight. The jewel of Georgia’s lazily enchanting seacoast, Savannah was founded in 1733 by British General James Oglethorpe, who designed the perfect grid of streets and grassy tree-shaded squares for which this city of 130,000 is still famous. Savannah prospered as a silk exporter during its first century, before developing into one of the world’s major cotton suppliers. Much of downtown consists of elaborate brick and stucco Victorian buildings built following an 1820 fire that destroyed many of the city’s beautiful wood-frame Colonial homes. Had General Sherman not spared Savannah during his notorious and destructive "March to the Sea," most of these Victorian structures would also have been burned. Begin your explorations of the city inside the restored 1860s rail terminal that houses both the Savannah Visitor Information Center and the Savannah History Museum. This complex is at the southwestern edge of historic downtown. From here it’s a short walk north to City Market, a three-block pedestrian mall with a handful 20 the STAR Its literary fame - or notoriety - notwithstanding, Savannah still rivals any Southern destination for its bedazzled and meticulously restored house museums. If you have time for only one, visit the Owens-Thomas House, a splendid 1819 Regency mansion built by renowned British architect William Jay. Nearby is the Isaiah Davenport House, an 1815 Federal beauty. To see a fine collection of classical sculpture and Impressionist painting, visit the Telfair Mansion and Art Museum, a memorable 1818 structure in its own right. In 2006, the museum expanded with the construction of the striking newJepson Center for the Arts, which added more galleries and exhibition space. At the north end of the historic district, the city’s riverfront is lined with a stately row of restored cotton warehouses - now containing a slew of touristy businesses - and a cobbled lane that’s sits a full flight of steps below the rest of the city. The best time to appreciate it and the views of the bridge and freighters chugging along the Savannah River is in the morning, when you’ll encounter few crowds. One great way to explore downtown and get some advice on the local gay scene is to take a guided walk with knowledgeable local Jonathan Stalcup, who runs Architectural Tours of Savannah. For dining, avoid most of the mediocre eateries by the river and stick to one of the several local favorites, virtually all of them gayfriendly. One of the most famous restaurants in the South, Elizabeth on 37th specializes in subtly sublime regional cooking, www.ozarksstar.com �such as sesame-almond-crusted grouper with peanut sauce; and grilled rack of lamb with corn pudding, stewed okra, and tomatoes. Sexy and sophisticated Sapphire Grill serves some exciting and innovative contemporary American fare - consider the jumbo lump crab cake ,vith lemon curd, green-zebra tomatoes, and red chard. A bit more affordable, chic It Pasticcio presents contempora~7 Northern Italian cuisine - try the grilled gorgonzola-crusted filet mignon with a potato-pancetta gratin. Olde Pink House is one of those Savannah traditions that everybody should experience at least once - fine Continental fare with regional twists, like black grouper stuffed xvith blue crab and a Vidalia onion sauce, is served. Garibaldi’s, in an 1870s firehouse, prepares simple but very good Italian fare, such as pesto shrimp with angel hair pasta. For either lunch or dinner, the trendy City Market Cafe is a dependable choice, serving delicious wild mushroom, blue cheese, and prosciutto salad, as well as terrific thin-crust pizzas. The only GLBT-exclusive B&B in Savannah, 912 Barnard is also one of the least expensive. This dramatic yellow turn-of-the-century house has been handsomely restored to its original splendor, with antiques and authentic colors that convey the ambience of the city. A fully restored 1889 sea captain’s house that once belonged to one of Savannah’s wealthiest merchants, the Azalea Inn is quite gay-friendly. All rooms are configured and decorated differently; and each has a gas fireplace; two have whirlpool tubs, and two have balconies. For the most memorable accommodations, however, look to the gay-friendly Mansion on Forsyth Park, which offers some of finest digs in town. This stylish mini-resort beside verdant Forsyth Park contains 126 rooms with smart, contemporary furnishings, plus a top-notch spa, a cooking school, two cool bars, an art gallery, and the highly regarded 700 Drayton Restaurant. Opened in 2005, the hotel offers further evidence of Savannah’s gradual shift from a bastion of Old South gentility to a beacon of New South panache and It’s touristy, but fans of Food Network TV star Paula Deen won’t want to pass up a chance to dine at her downtown Savannah restaurant, ~lhe Lady & Sons, known for its down-home Southern cuisine. An elegant basement space with a youthful, see-and-be-seen following, Jazz’d Tapas Bar is perfect for late-night snacking - recommended fare include potato-leek frittata with fig chutney, and citrus-ginger-glazed shrimp-and-scallops skewers. ~he lesbian-owned Firefly Cafe serves affordable American fare, including plenty of fresh veggie dishes. ~l-his dapper spot overlooks Troup Square and is especially popular for brunch (try the Savannah eggs Benedict topped with fresh crab meat). For post-club noshing, check out Sushi Zen, a hip and gay-popular Asian restaurant with a convivial vibe. ~he bar staff and regulars in Savannah’s bars are friendly and forward. Although some locals shun the touristy and cavernous Club One, it’s one of the most impressive clubs in the Southeast, and it can be fun when ~lhe Lady Chablis is performing. Other options include Chuck’s, a friendly locals joint near the river that draws a mixed bunch; and Blaine’s Back Door Bar, a casual cruise and dance lounge that also has a dell serving pretty tasty sandwiches and pizza. Not gay per se, Venus de Milo is a sexy and sophisticated wine bar with a welcoming, bohemian vibe - it’s just west of City Market. Down along the riverfront, gay-friendly Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub is popular early in the evening for Irish music, food, and drink. With the recent rise in gay tourism, Savannah’s grand old hotels have become increasingly hospitable to visiting same-sex couples. Among the city’s many classic luxury inns, the Ballastone Inn is renowned for its gracious hospitality and over-the-top, lavish rooms. The four-story 1838 mansion sits along one of the prettiest streets in the city. A mid-19th-century inn with an expansive landscaped courtyard, the Eliza Thompson House and its grand guest rooms look much as you might imagine they did when cotton was king of Savannah. Original heart-pine floors and period antiques impart a romantic ambience, and yet rooms have comfortable, modern amenities, especially the bathrooms. Rooms at the Foley House Inn contain antiques and Oriental rugs; many overlook Chippewa Square and have massive two-person Jacuzzis. Of affordable chain properties, the Comfort Suites Historic District is clean, pleasantly furnished, and a short walk from City Market. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 �TA-BOO’ RESTAURANT Palm Beach, Florida .[Ldocated on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida, TA-BOO’ is a real treat! Stretching four fabulous blocks from South Ocean Blvd. to Cocoanut Row on Palm Beach island, Worth Avenue is one of the world’s most exclusive shopping districts. q-he Avenue boasts a sumptuous mix of more than 200 world-famous specialty shops, posh department stores, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. It is like the Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. A coat and tie (or ascot) is of course necessary even at lunch time. TA-BOO’ has been in business for over 60 years. It has the classic ambiance of a private gentlemen’s club brightened by Palm Beach’s smart set, it atmosphere is both comfortable and busding all at the same time. Slowly spinning ceiling fans, tropical fishtail palms and leafy dangling porthos vines frame a mural of an ocean vita, complete with Miznetresque terra-cotta rooftops in the foreground. Down a terra-cotta pathway, the long bar is an Avenue tradition for a variety of patrons - from the burger and beer set to those with an affinity for a rack of lamb and a little Veuve Clicquot! A soothing marine 22 the STAR aquarium illuminates the bar’s neighboring bistro. Their menu covers the basics, from comfort food to top-notch cuisine. If you’re dining for lunch, start with the sushi-quality carpaccio of tuna or try the ever-popular warm grilled chicken and pears salad. Dinner is all about Maine Lobster, white Dover sole meuniere, crispy roast mahogany duck and linguine with lump crab. Dessert is a MUST, partictflarly the signature "Ta-boo’ lust", a sinful concoction of coconut cream filling and whipped cream atop a walnut cookie crust. \re always dine there at least once when we are in Florida and it does just keep getting better everytime! Owners Franklyn DeMarco and Nancy Sharigan are regular hosts. You never know what famous celebrities you will be dining with. We particularly enjoy their Swordfish. strai= glass. Serve. Lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 5 PM and dinner is served from 5 PM to 10 PM weekdays and from 5 PM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday Brunch is served till 3 PM. They are located at 221 Worth Avenue and for reservations call: (561) 835-3500. www.ozarksstar.com �GAY TR_&VELERS: having a lot of financial problems as they at first were going to open mid-summer, then in the fall and now they don’t know if they will open or not. We booked an accommodation and in Denver a couple of years ago and when we got to the destination, we found that it was simply a condo unit with two bedrooms and the guy rented out one of the bedrooms! In South Dakota, we booked a reservation and when arriving, the owner gave up HIS bedroom for us and then he slept on the sofa! Sometimes restaurants can also be a complete disaster. From being dirty, to rude servers, to bad food and service, it can always be interesting to say the least. But if you are not happy with a restaurant ..... LEAVE ! We have ~valked out of dozens of restaurants. If there is one problem, then usually a second problem develops and before you know it you are in a mess up to your ears, so why not just leave before it gets worse? The worst thing we hate to hear from a server, is "Don’t give me a hard time, I had a bad night last night". Who cares if the server had a bad night? They are there to "SERVE YOU" with a smile and with a professional attitude. We have at times paged the manager and requested that another server wait on us and we explain fully why. There are a lot of excellent servers in restaurants but we just simply won’t accept bad service. If the food you ordered is not good nor cooked properly, quietly and gently tell your server the problem. Bartenders can really be a pain in the ass sometimes. One bartender in Seattle doesn’t like to wait on people sitting at the bar. Rather, you have to go to his station, order and get your drinks and then return to your bar stoo!. How crazy is that? We have had bartenders that didn’t even know how to make a screwdriver! Most likely they didn’t know how to make a Bourbon and 7 either! Other bartenders are eating or smoking while trying to wait on you. We simply tell them that ~vhen they are thru eating or thru with their smoke break, then they can take our order. If a bartender is behind the bar and smoking and serving us, we explain exactly why we are not leaving a tip! Fortunately more and more states are becoming non-smoking and that takes care of the problems. Having said this, we have found that most bartenders are friendly, fun, wonderful and professional and our hats off to all of them! They enjoy what they are doing and make great tips. Websites can often be deceiving and indeed sometimes they are! \Vhenever possible and especially when booking accommodations, it is smart to check around to see if you kmow anybody that has actually stayed there. As far as restaurants or bars, it is easier to just walk out if there is a problem. You pay good money and you expect your money’s worth. Most accommodations, restaurants and bars are run very professional. Their staff is professional and courteous and friendly. Don’t you just love it when your traveling At least one overnight stay by a non-resident Rank Destination Percent who visited in the last 12 months 1 New York City, NY 16.0% 2 Las Vegas, NV 14.3% 3 San Francisco, CA 12.9% 4 Los Angeles/\Vest Hollywood, CA 11.9% 5 Ft. Lauderdale/Wilton Manors, FL 10.5% 6 Palm Springs, CA 10.1% 7 Chicago, IL 9.2% 8 San Diego, CA 8.8% 9 Washington, DC 8.6% 10 Miami/South Beach, FL (tie) 8.2% 10 Orlando, FL (tie) 8.2% "Community Marketing’s studies are unique in the tourism industry," McHugh said. "Other studies try to rank gay friendliness or popularity, but this study actually quantifies the bottom line: Where did gay and lesbian consumers go and spend their money?" Most-Visited International DestinationsRank Destination Percent who visited in the last 12 months 1 London 8.4% 2 Puerto Vallarta 7.6% 3 Paris 6.2% 4 Vancouver 6.1% 5 Montreal 5.9% 6 Toronto 5.6% 7 US Virgin Islands 5.1% 8 Cancun 5.0% 9 Puerto Rico 4.8% 10 Rome 4.7% Respondents indicated that they chose leisure destinations because friends recommended them, they offer unique attractions, and are known for their gay-friendliness. "Clearl),, when destinations show gay and lesbian visitors a good time, that is the best advertising investment they can make," said McHugh. "Word of mouth marketing is very powerful among the gay and lesbian community. It’s not enough to slap a rainbow on an ad and call it a day. The most successful destinations ~vork with their tourism and hospitality partners to earn that kind of loyalty and referral. This is accomplished through education, training, and offering a genuinely gay-welcoming social and political atmosphere." and everything goes smoothly? But once in a while it doesn’t and you have a choice to make ........... either accept it or do something about it. And it is YOUR choice! Life is to short to settle on anything less than fabulous! Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www.hometown.aol. com/gaytravelers www.ozarksstar.com Ouotab e Quotes "Gayest Democratic convention ever? A record 16 percent of delegates to the Democratic National Committee’s platform committee for the Denver convention are LGBT", says Howard Dean. The STAR 23 ���By Ronald Blake Exercise can make you bigger, stronger, and faster. These are the obvious results from a fertile regimen of physical activity. There are other benefits from exercise that are sure to have the neighbors stand up and take notice. Exercise can stimulate new growth of neurons and even help you to keep the neurons that you possess. Neurons are those little things in your body that transport messages throughout your legs, arms, torso, and head. They are good to have around if you yearn to communicate and learn. This comes as good news to those of you who destroyed countless neurons in your previous existence as an irresponsible college student ~vith that degree in undecided. There is hope for you debaucherous mongrels and physical activity is certainly one answer. Faster reaction times can be attributed to exercise. You will be able to hit baseballs thrown at ninety-five miles per hour. You will be able to dodge bullets from Tony Soprano’s goombahs. You will be able to more effectively bob and weave through the one-two combination of Oscar DeLaHoya. You might even be able to negotiate better in traffic on the 666 Freeway on your route to work on Mondays. Can I get an "amen" to more effective reaction times due to running, walking, and double-dutching? Mental challenges become mere child’s play in response to the dashing good looks of Mr. Exercise. Yes, exercise has been known to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Even Albert Einstein was spotted riding bicycles and frolicking along the ocean during his sojourn on this planet. These physical exertions were rumored to have led to his great theories on relativity. You might just settle for solving the complexities of a Rubik’s cube or that set of instructions on putting your barbecue grill together. 26 the STAR Your memory can behold the effects of a good physical fitness program. There is a site in your brain called the hippo campus that can enlarge in mass and reap the goodness of jumping jacks and other means of physical activities. This enlargement of the hippo campus translates into better memory and possibly the ability to treat Alzheimer’s patients. ~aink of all the time you waste trying to recall where you placed your cell phone, keys, black socks, or W2 form from work. Start using that wasted time on exercise that will jump start that short-term memory compartment. Your mood can be positively impacted by the release of neurotrophins. These chemicals are released when you decide to participate in an active lifestyle. They rush into your system and make you feel happy and vivacious. Consider reaching for your roller blades instead of that sleeve of Girl Scout mints to turn that frown upside down the next time you are grumpy. Sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows everywhere will be your reward. If we all reconvene in another five years, it is quite likely that ongoing research will show even more benefits of the brain and exercise combination. Keep sweating to the oldies with Richard Simmons and know that good things will always follow. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. This column is brought to you by that guy who prefers to frame a collage of one dollar bills instead of framing that replica of"Starry Night" from Michaels. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be reached www. goblakefitness.com. �erupts in Auso Jesus 9 ay SYDNEY (AFP) -- Australian church leaders have condemned a play shortly to open in Sydney depicting Jesus as a gay man who is seduced by Judas, a report said Sunday. INTE ATIONAL GAY SC ENPLAY CONTEST- 10th ANNIVERSARY Apart from the relations between Jesus and Judas, the play also features Jesus conducting a gay marriage between two apostles. HOLLYWOOD, CA (PR) __ The ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST, a screenplay contest dedicated to the positive portrayal of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trangender and queer individuals in film, celebrates it’s 10th anniversary in 2008. Entries are nmv being accepted online and are limited to the first 300 for 2008. Executive Director, David Jensen, "We are excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary and are looking at a record number of entries this year. We are continually amazed with the quality of talent that comes through the door year after year." Jensen continues, "\Ve receive entries from around the globe and Hollywood is taking notice in a very big way. Many of our past winners are now hard working screenwriters" The play’s director Leigh Rowney, who claims to be a Christian, accepted the play would offend some Christians but said he was keen to provoke debate about Christianity. The ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST has gained respect and notoriety from Hollywood studios, agents and producers. Entries for 2008 are being accepted online at: www.OnelnTenScreenplayContest.com "I wanted this play in the hands of a Christian person like myself to give it dignity but still open it up to answering questions about Christianity as a faith system," Rowney was quoted saying. Prizes for 2008 include cash, industry exposure and merchandise. The 2008 One In Ten Screenplay Contest is sponsored by: Cherub Productions, Final Draft Inc., scr(i)pt magazine, www.inktip.com, www. TopFilmFestivals.com, www.ScreenplayContests.com and Jungle Software. Xhe play, named Corpus Christi, is due to open next month as part of the city’s annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Sydney’s SunHerald newspaper reported. A senior Sydney churchman called the play "historical nonsense". "It is deliberately, not innocently, offensive and they’re obviously having a laugh about it," Robert Forsyth, Anglican bishop of South Sydney, was quoted saying. Playwright Terrence McNally, who is gay, received death threats when the work was performed in the United States, the newspaper said. The submission deadline for 2008 ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST is September 1, 2008. Entry forms are available online through the contest website: www.OnelnTenScreenplayContest.com. Entry forms may also be obtained through the mail by sending a self addressed stamped envelope to: CHERUB PRODUCTIONS One In Ten Screenplay Contest Post Office Box 540 Boulder, Colorado 80306 (303) 629-3072 www.screenplaycontests.com E-mai!: Cherubfilm@aol.com www.ozarksstar.com Community for People living with 50! c (~) Non P~ofi[ Orga~ation Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HtV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. Quotable Quotes More than 90 percent of gays and lesbians vote in U.S. presidential elections, compared to 64 percent of straight citizens. Queer folk are twice as likely as straight folk to vote in midterm elections. Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), a leading LGBT market research company. the STAR 27 �As Mercury lines up with the Sun in Aquarius, everyone is a bit more know-it-all and too damn clever for his or her own good. Try to be adaptive, open-minded, and a good listener, and you will be much smarter - however discreetly - than the people voicing their grand ideas. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Friends who seem relentless in urging you on are actually doing you a favor. You’re capable of more than you realize. Going it alone would weaken you. Let them help you, and you’ll go far! TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Question authority, but pay attention to what those in power say. Expert advice needs some expansion and clarification, and asking for that will prove advantageous. Asking questions doesn’t make you look foolish, but not asking them when you should will! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Insisting that you’re right only exposes more glaringly where you’re wrong. Try to keep an open mind, and remember what basic principles are really important. Adapt with new conditions and new ideas to keep up! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Adaptability is not only an enduring value, it is one of your sign’s best attributes. New ideas that seem to be an affront to your sensibilities can prove very helpful, and will eventually affirm the values they seem to attack. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You’re getting a birthday bolt of fabulosity in which anything could happen, and you’ll make sure it will. Thrive on the attention, but take a little time out to charge your batteries. Let yourself be surprised. Really surprised. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Working behind the scenes, especially in a charitable effort, will be to your advantage. The political connections will be obvious, but there will be more surprising benefit!! GEMINI (May 21 - Jun~ 20): You’re itching for a power struggle. Playing it out in the bedroom can release that energy so your uppity impulses don’t make trouble for you at work. Or focus and harness that energy more deliberately at work, if you can! CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Your mouth is running way ahead of your brain and your good sense. Try to stick to places where a lack of inhibition and tasteful restraint can work to your favor. Anywhere else, slow down and think about what you’re saying. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your partner - in life or in the moment - will offer some kinky new possibilities, expanding your erotic horizons. If your sweetie is drawing a blank in that department, start talking about tattoos and body art. Just discussing it should stimulate the imagination. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): New approaches at work can make your job more productive and enjoyable. You have some great ideas, but don’t be so insistent on doing things your own way. Colleagues will offer surprising inspiration. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): A new approach to your favorite sport or hobby can make it a lot more fun and/or creative. Ask yourself how Morn or Granny would approach it, whether you choose to follow that example or take a diametrically opposite approach. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): If you can manage to have some fun with your family, you’ll be amazed at what secrets will be revealed in the process. Stand your ground gently in arguments, agreeing to disagree, and even more will come out! MC METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �DOWNTOWN PLAZA of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 x~wv.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhar tman@gmail.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESS\grAy Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 vcww.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com www.ozarksstar.corn CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictutsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW" 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1 st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pro NW ARKANSAS GLBT CENTER Bentonville/Rogers 888-391-9222 WWW..NWAGLBTCC.ORG (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City:. St: Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: 29 �\Vc’hether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. ~.~kansas GLBT Community Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC. ORG 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �:hart \~;’.lLam ShakcsFea~;:. ,she ,~. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 �°Aid � 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 Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & D~VERSE market. Cal~ STAR ADVERTiSiNG today. (918}835o7887 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com OKLAHOMA PR£SIDENTIAL PRIMARY FEBRUARY 5 MAKE YOURVOTE COUNT By Victor Gorin Photo: ~ctor Gorin registering Thomas Bishop to vote in OKC Ifyou are registered as a Republican or Democrat in Oklahoma, soon it will be time to cast your vote to select your party favorite for our next president. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and your polling place is on your voter card. You may vote early from 8 a.m. unti! 6 p.m. Friday February 1 and Monday February 4, and from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday February 2. Call your local election board for your early voting site. Ifyou have lost your voter card, you may still vote if you are registered, and this you can find out by calling your local election board, who can also provide your polling place. In Oklahoma County that number is 713-1515, Tulsa County 596 5787. Although they appear on the Democratic ballot, 2 candidates have dropped from the race, Bill Richardson and Christopher Dodd. On the Republican ballot, Tom Tancredo appears on the ballot even though he has dropped from the race. Independent voters cannot vote for a presidential candidate in this Oklahoma election. However, you may have school board races that you can vote for, so be sure to check that out. Vote February 5 and make our voice heard. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 SAINT VA~N~’~ The origin and history ofSaint Valentine’s A Night in the Palace ofVersailles, Barony of all Oklahoma crowns 1st Czar & Czarina. Dennis R. Neill Equality Center presents art by Jessica Newman. ~ DEEP ~S~D~: HOLL~OOD NEW: Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Paul Rudd and Nathan Lane. Through his dedication and courage, black gay anti-apartheid activist Simon Tseko Nkoli played a key role in the fight for GLBT liberation and human rights for people with HIV/AIDS. Devre Jackson reviews Cabernet Sauvignon. ~~ C~AO TRAVEL Gay Travelers: Oklahoma City Out of Town: Savannah, GA Dining In or OUT Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Czar I Philtip Parker & Czarina I Kris Cherri Kohl 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Valentine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel’was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine (photo above) was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius I1. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, around the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. And as the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as patrons for the com- ~year, arose in this way. ..... ~, www.ozarksstar.com JoNin Gay & Lesbian Center To Ho d VNentines Fundraiser JOPLIN, MO (P/R) __ In support of equal civil marriage for gays and lesbians and "Freedom To Marry Week", the Joplin Gay and Lesbian Center invites the GLBT community to a Valentines reception and dance February 14th, 2008 7:00 pm to 1:30 am. The event will be held at Groove Lounge, 2331 East 7th Street in Joplin. Dance to the music of the house DJ, enjoy a Wedding Cake and cash bar. A $5.00 donation per person at the door will go to support the Joplin Gay and Lesbian Center. For more information contact Director Lee McDaniel 417-622-7821 or email gaylesbiancenter@gmail.com Website www.mYspace.com/gaylesbiancenter Recognized by Keller Williams ,- For outstanding achievement 2005 and 2006 Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALIOr~ V/hether buying or selling I’ll work hardforyou. the STAR 5 Acceptance o£GAYS and LESBIANS In addition to loosing weight is he getting a homo-friendly face-lift? OKLAHO/vlA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma City Mayor Cornett proclaims an official day for Ellen DeGeneres’s birthday and this is coming from a man who previously never meet a gay man or woman he liked. Well, I have a bridge in Brooklyn, too. \Vhen it’s Cornett’s political agenda being advanced then he’s comfortable ~vith appearing on the famous lesbian Ellen DeGeneres’s TV show as he did on January !7th. Could his self-serving appearance also have anything to do with the National Conference of Mayors having their 2010 annual meeting in OKC? Is he trying to get a homo-friendly face-lift as well as lose weight in order to make himself more attractive for re-election? Did his failed attempt at running for Congress show him the error of his ways or just point him to another snake-oil strategy? Now, in order to show that Mayor Cornett is exercising all his Christian sincerity of turning the other cheek, will he propose a human rights commission with legal force that can be approved by the City Council so that cases of gay/lesbian harassment and discrimination can be handled with respect and the intention of making life better for all of OKC’s taxpaying citizens? I’m not a Christian and I’ve turned both of my cheeks, upper and lower, for the last time to self-serving politicians who use gay people for their own ends and then dispose of them like a fast food clam shell. Just How Vulgar W- ll a Desperate Candidate Get? OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Not wanting to get too explicit about basic human sexual techniques, I can’t help notice that so much of human disagreement at a low level of public conversation comes down to either analogous or physical illustrations of body penetration in a sexual context. We’ve seen with Mike Huckabee, a man who wants to lead one of the most powerful countries in the world, that he’s willing to stoop to a tow level of vernacular public language in order to attract the flat-earth variety of voter who believes in a geo-centric 6,000 year-old earth. His remarks about putting a flag pole where the sun doesn’t shine regarding the South Carolina Confederate flag controversy is one example. The instance of Huckabee’s rallying mantras is a perfect example that he, suffused with the self-reflecting love of his self-constructed Jay-sus, is not immune, rather he uses it ki~owingly to inflame his redneck followers to greater heights of cooperation in their own submission to the destructive force of religion. Yes, human power can operate at the lowest level of human respect for those ,vho disagree with us and the fastest way to connect with many people is to graphically use the example of rape towards the perceived enemy. A frustrated Vice-president Dick Cheney used the same tactic in referring to Senator Patrick Leahy with a vulgar act of self-stimulation in the Senate chamber. Just as violent rape ofwomen by men is described as an attempt at power, with nothing to do with lust, so is the use of sexual penetration by antagonists used to inculcate their ideas of power and superiority at the basest level of human society. A thinking voter should reject such a candidate immediately. 6 the STAR ~wv.ozarksstar.com AskAbout Our Suites WV~N.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 ince 1982 Ms. Kris Kohl in the "Painted Ladies" Show Friday, February’ 15th & 29th, @lOpm. Cover charge $5.00 single, $8.00 per Couple. Mention this ad and receive 1 FREE drink coupon per room. t 7 West 7th Street 8 the STAR & Boulder Ave) ® Tulsa, Ok 74119 e plazatulsa.€om www.ozarksstar.com byJoeyDe TULSA, OK __ Playing dress up may be child’s play, but for the Royal Green Country Barony ofAll of Oklahoma, it is a welcomed break to hours of hard work. A member of the International Imperial Court System, the RGCBAO is a philanthropic organization with a government system and titles inspired by Victorian alty. In an Adornment Ceremony at the Holiday Inn Select in Tulsa on Jan. 12, the RGCBAO crowned their first Czar and Czarina, Phillip Parker and Kris Cherri Kohl (respectively). A non-partisan organization, the Royal Green Country Barony of All Oklahoma seeks to further the mission of the International Court System by uniting not only the gay community, but the entire community of Oklahoma, gay and straight, regardless of ethnicity or other discriminating factors. ~he barony works to raise funds for charitable causes and work for equality within the realm it covers. To begin the evening, Nicole the Great, Queen Mother of the Americas, welcomed Oklahoma into the international family and described what they had "gotten themselves into." "You see all this (pageantry) and wonder about it, remember it’s all in camp. We may call each other Barons and Baronesses, but we are all equals," began the matriarch, who explained the organization’s pre- Stonewall San Francisco founding. She described the court system as one of the oldest and largest organizations in GLBT history. "When a gay man, Jose, declared that he wanted to be called an ’Empress’ after being crowned the queen of the Tavern Guild’s drag ball, he didn’t know what he started at the time." Through out the course of the evening, many other individuals who contributed to the founding of the RGCBAO were recognized, as well as those who have assumed leadership positions in the organization. This included the Privy Counsel (Board of Directors) comprised of Deb Starnes, Jim Ray, Scot Brown, Marc Acuff, and Photo Above: Czar IPhillip Parker & Czarina I Kris Cherri Kohl Lynn Whitley. Additionally was the Crown Grand Marquis Roger Francis and Crown Grand Marquesa Dominique La Rue. Also acclaimed as a key founder was Christian Cherri O’Donely Vaughn LaFleur Dior. Entertainment for the evening was provided by entertainers from across Oklahoma and beyond, q-his included the cast of "Twisted Theatre," Tim Conroy, Catia Lee Love, Empress The Lovely Suzanne, Empress Syren Vaughn, Empress Victoria Weston, Matthew Heath Fitzgerald, Tabitha Taylor, Rebbeca Tucker and Leonard Jenkins. Through all the dresses and crowns, the evening assumed a sense of decorum, but through the words of those on stage, it maintained a level of fun and frivolity that turned it into a true celebration. By the end of the evening, the Royal Green Country Barony of Oklahoma had demonstrated that they knew how to have a good time, but had made it clear they were ready to begin the hard work of providing leadership to and creating unity among the citizens of their relm. w~v.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 By Donald Pile and Pray Williams " Surrounded by Insanity" by Robert A. Hofmann We have just read a new book, "Surrounded by Insanity" by Robert A. Hofmann and it is one of those books that once you begin reading it, you won’t want to put it down until you have completely finished. It is absolutely hilarious! It is a biographical story of the author’s experiences thru his life with his early childhood and growing up with friends and family. Robert grew up in New Jersey and what a wild and crazy and wonderful life he has had. Between his family and his friends, he guides the reader thru many exciting episodes of his life. It is wickedly bitchy and hilarious! Everyone in Robert’s life so far is a participant in this wonderfully funny and provocative story of his life. It begins with his birth and goes thru two years ago when he was staying at the wonderful Grand Resort in Ft. Lauderdale when Hurricane Wilma hit in 2006 leaving everybody without power for several days. q-his is a "must read" for gay men all over the country. You will laugh at nearly every page! Robert knows exacdy what his readers want to hear and he writes in such a great way. He writes openly what many of us say behind our backs. One of our favorite parts of the book is when he talks about "prespeaking", as in, "Dinner. That is where we should go" and "Glad for you! That is what I am." Days after reading this, we are still catching ourselves "prespeaking". Hopefully we and our friends will get tired of it eventually but it is fun for a while. We don’t know if his family and friends are still speaking to him or not but they should be happy that he loves them so much that he can be so open and flank about them. He would indeed be a good friend of have. Hopefully we will get to meet him sometime in the near future. He left some extra copies of his book at the Grand Resort for guests to read and everyone can’t wait to get their hands on his book. We promise that you will laugh your head off:page after page after page. "Surrounded by Insanity" is published by Publish America and may be purchased through all major bookstores (if they don’t have it in stock, they’ll order it for you) or from www.amazon.com or www.publishamerica. com. We didn’t ~vant the book to end but thankfully, Robert is already in the process of coming out with his second book. As Robert says, " I live in fabulous, flaming, freakin" New Jersey. Woo-hoo. I am an attorney by day, writer by evening, superhero in the bedroom." Just keep up the great writing Robert! CLUB MAJESTIC TULSA TO HOST MR. OKLAHOMA CONTINENTAL 2008 PAGEANT By Greg Steele TULSA, OK __ Hot bodies and great talent will be the main course at Club Majestic Friday February 15th at 9pro. The show will feature an all male contest with guest entertainment from across the country. The feature entertainer will be Rasean Montrese Mr. Continental Nationals 2007 and hosted by Danielle Hunter Miss Continental Elite Nationals 2007. In addition to the contestant line up an impressive array of talent will be on stage to make your Friday Night at Club Majestic an evening to remember. Mr. Oklahoma 2007 Sevion Simpson, Mr. 2006 Nationals Simba Hall, Miss Oklahoma Continental 2007 Adrianna and introducing Mr. 2005 Nationals Tony DeSario. Club Majestic is located at 124 N. Boston in the Brady Arts District. 2-he latest on Britney Spears is that she is in training to become a high profile lesbian, being coached by famous lesbian convert Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres told the website www.thespoof.com "Britney is making great progress. I have every confidence she will make an excellent lesbian in time" 10 the STAR www.ozarksstar,com essica Newman art e hibit at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (TULSA, OK (P/R) __ "~e Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Tnursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, "lhursday, February 7, 2008, for the opening of it’s February exhibit, featuring oil paintings and fine drawings by artist Jessica Newman. Newman, born in California in 1985, has been a resident ofTulsa since the age of 10. Jessica started drawing at a very young age, and really became involved in art during high school, when she took her first art class in the ninth grade. ~his is where she was introduced to a variety of art supplies, and began experimenting with different media. Since graduating high school in 2003, she has continued studying art in college, and plans on graduating as an art major. Jessica has always been fascinated by the human body, which is the theme of most of her work. She currently works with pencil, watercolors, and oil paints, but charcoal is her medium of choice. Her art has been shown at the Mayfest Youth Gallery, as well as at the Blue Dome Arts Festival. The exhibit will remain up through the month of February, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rightsfor Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Cente~ www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 SIDE De~ Inside ;~otlywoo4 rqo~ on n~wprojectsfor PaulRuddand Nathan ~ane. Nathan Lane Casts Swing Vote Hds acting up a storm on Broa&vay right now with Laurie Met~f in the new D~vid Mamet play, November, but stage fixture Nathan Mewill be back on the big screen this new year, too, with a role in the ensemble comedy Swing ~v~te. Starring Kevin Cosmer ~ a low-achieving, apolitic~l American citizen, tl~ movie concerns a presidentia! election that hinges entirely on Cosmer’s not-entirelywelMnformed vote and the n~tional ch~os that results from it. L~ne will co-star, along with Definis Hopper, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, George Lopez, Mare Winningham, *~Vi!lie Nelson, and politiCal comment~)or A~ianna Hut~ngton ~s herse!£ Already wrapp~[, the film - if audiences vote for it v~ith their ticket dollars - could find itselfincieasing poll turnoutsSBut not likely, Paul Rudd You, Man ~rotagonists express- - signal the beginning t ofheterosexual male intimacy? movie, I love by Judd Apatow (v¢hose willingness to "go in films like The Obiect of " " well documented), the best he considers close enough to fill. as the poor spring, here’s t Larry: Like ransamerican Love ready for Transamerican Love a 36-year-old ~ with an Girl). Addams will ~ of men competing to date her formerly male body. Contrast About Miriam, on which told about Miriam’s transgender a bold step for the reality televicomic Alec Mapa wilt host the show by gay cable channel Logo. The in 2008. 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar, corn DEEP INSXDE HOLLYWOOD Choosing America’s Prom Q een For further evidence that pop culture is now dominated by entertainment designed for the High School Musical demographic, !ook no further than Americas Pro Queen. ABC Family has given the go-ahead for the new series that will pit a group of high school-aged young women against each other in the quest to be the fairest prom queen of them all. The contestants will reside in a mansion and compete in challenges that will show if they’ve got what it takes to wear a tiara in public and vcave at less popular people; then they’ll stay or go based on viewer votes. But Romeo has one complaint: in an era when young men are routinely making the news after being voted prom queen at their school, why no boys allowed? Lesbian Musician Julie Schurr to Perform in Eureka Springs, Fayetteville and New Orleans. Romeo San Vicente - while in high school, mindyou - wa~" very popular with his share ofpmm kings. He can be reached care ofthis publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. Regional MCC CMr&es Perform An Act ©fKin&ess In Tulsa JOPLIN, MO G/R) __ MCC United in Tulsa, OK was visited by Diva’s xvith Chain Saws as members of MCC of the Living Springs, Eureka Sprh~gs, AR and Spirit of Christ MCC; Joplin, MO arrived Saturday morning the 12th of January ready to work. MCC United has been dealing with damage on their property since an early, December ice storm devastated the area. There were still damaged trees that needed to be reduced to manageable size and trees that were potentially dangerous if not removed. Together with members of MCC United and their Pastor, Rev Carolyn Mobley the three churches xvere able to make short work of the remaining damage control and clean-up. Spirit of Christ MCC literally closed their doors and moved their worship to a program Rev Steve ca~s: "Faith in Action." "We are an oddity in MCC Churches in that we xvorship on Saturday mornings. As it is, we are ~knoxvn to replace worsNp with taking on Acts of Random Kindness to show what we believe is primary for us. As Christ served all people in need.., so should xve." Rev. Urie also pastors MCC of the Living Spring in Eureka Springs, AR and when he shared the needs he immediately received e-mails saying xve are going with you." We were totally blessed inasmuch as we had four chain saxvs in action, limbs fal~ng and people picking up the grounds with no injuries and everyone home safely. The group was blessed with a xvonderful lunch provided by MCC United and a musical Thank You provided in song by Rev. Carolyn. Across Regional boundaries and State Lines xve can all work together serving God by serving each other. EUREKA SPRINGS, AR __ Growing up, Julie Schurr never heard music that might have made life a little bit easier for a lesbian girl being raised in the strictly-proscribed constraints of a religiously conservative community and home. In fact, she wasn’t supposed to be listening to music at all. She wasn’t supposed to know what a lesbian was. Let alone BE one. An original creation, Julie Schurr’s fusion of musical styling and technique is all her own: Indierockbitchfolk. She’s been showcasing it to her fans in St. Imuis and Detroit, winning loyal converts. Now that she’s finished her degree & produced a full-length album, she just can’t imagine any other career path. So it’s a good thing that album sales are steadily rising and venues keep opening their doors. Julie will be out on tour and finishing up her 2nd album, which is planned for release in early 2008. Julie Schurr has headlined Pride and Coming Out day celebrations around the country and has been featured on Curvemag.com and in the Advocate. Her two hour performance will include acoustic music from her current album as well as her unique style of audience participation and comedy. Show tour locations listed below. Eureka Springs, Arkansas Baton Rouge, Louisiana Feb 9 2008 10:00P Feb 15 2008 8:00P Lumberyard Bar and Grille Hound Dog’s - Time TBA Fayetteville, Arkansas Feb 10 2008 8:30P Common Grounds New Orleans, Louisiana Feb 16 2008 9:30P Station 8801 More information on Julie can be found online at: www.julieschurr. corn or www.myspace.com/julieschurr. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 by Liz Highleyraan Past Out, which 100"ks at the life of South l frican gay activist Simon Nk01i, W-ho was Simon Nko li ? Soweto student uprising in the summer of 1976, he joined the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), the ~AaCrican National Congress (ANC), and the United Democratic Front (UDF). Fellow COSAS members debated removing him from his position of regional secretary when his sexual orientation became known, but a large majority ultimately voted in his favor. Long a~vare of his same-sex attractions, Nkoli began his first serious relationship at age 19, with a white bus driver. After Nkoli revealed this to his mother, she sent him to a series of local healers, a Christian priest, and finally a psychologist, who turned out to be gay himself and advised the lovers to live together - even if Nkoli had to pose as his partner’s servant to evade racial segregation laws. stance led the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) to suspend GASA for its failure to condemn apartheid, and the latter group soon collapsed. After his release, Nkoli co-founded the Gay and Lesbian Organization of the \vgitwatersrand - the country’s first genuinely integrated GLBT organization - and later the National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality (now the Lesbian and Gay Equality Project). "I am black and I am gay," he proclaimed at the first South African Pride march in 1990. "I cannot separate the two parts ofme into secondary or primary struggle. They will be all one struggle." Nkoli traveled widely speaking about the situation in his country, served as an ILGA board member representing Africa, and earned numerous honors for his work. hrough his dedication and courage, black gay antiapartheid activist Simon Tseko Nkoli played a key role in the fight for GLBT liberation and human rights for people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Nkoli was born in Soweto in November 1957. He spent part of his childhood living with his grandparents, tenant farmers on a white estate, before moving to Sebokeng township to join his mother and stepfather. Nkoli became an anti-apartheid activist at a young age. After multiple arrests for civil disobedience, including participation in the 14 the STAR In his early 20s, after coming out in an interview with a black newspaper, Nkoli joined the newly formed Gay Association of South Africa (GASA), which consisted mostly of middle-class white men. Resolutely apolitical, the group resisted Nkoli’s requests to hold social events at nonsegregated venues, leading him to form the Saturday Group, the country’s first black gay organization, in 1984. Around the same time, amid growing racial discord, Nkoli stepped up his anti-apartheid activism, helping organize a tenant rent strike in the town of Delmas. Charged with killing a man by throwing a rock during a protest, Nkoli was arrested, tortured, and imprisoned. Along with 21 other black activist leaders, he was tried in 1986 for the capital crimes of subversion, conspiracy, and treason. While in prison awaiting trial, Nkoli revealed his homosexuality to his co-defendants - ANC and UDF members who would later hold high-level positions in the post-apartheid government - and they came to respect and support him as a gay man. "This country wilt never protect the rights of its gay and lesbian citizens unless we stand up and fight - even when it makes us unpopular with our own comrades," he later wrote. Nkoli came out more publicly during the trial, when he used his attendance at a GASA meeting as an alibi to counter claims that he had been present at a clandestine political meeting. In 1988, the charges against him were dropped and he was released. During his imprisonment, Nkoli became a cause celebre for gay rights activists around the world, but he received minimal support from the accomodationist GASA. This Nkoli’s anti-apartheid activism and ties with movement leaders proved instrumental in winning the ANC’s support for gay rights. In 1994, he met with Nelson Mandela, whose election as president marked the end of the apartheid era. As the newly integrated country crafted its constitution, Nkoli lobbied for sexual orientation to be included in its anti-discrimination provisions, and also argued for repeal of sodomy laws. In 1996, South Africa became the first country to include explicit constitutional protection for GLBT people. A decade later, in fulfillment of a court mandate based on the constitution, the South African parliament legalized same-sex marriage. Yet even as the gay movement gained strength and the apartheid regime crumbled, the AIDS epidemic reached crisis proportions in the 1990s, reintensifying racism and homophobia. Having been diagnosed with HIV himself (likely contracted in prison), Nkoli turned his focus to AIDS activism, co-founding groups including the Positive African Men’s Project and the Township AIDS Project. As the decade wore on, Nkoli experienced increasing bouts of ill health; he died of an AiDS-related infection on November 30, 1998, in the company of his long-time partner, Roderick Sharp. Though Nkoli himself was not able to benefit from effective new HIV drugs, his work for universal treatment access inspired fellow gay and anti-apartheid activist Zackie Achmat to form the Treatment Action Campaign, which today is widely regarded as the strongest AIDS activist group in the world. www.ozarksstar.com DNC ELECTS R£CORD NUMBER OF LGBT MEMBERS TO 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CON NTION STANDING COMMITTEES Appointments Reflect Strength, Diversity and Energy ofDemocratic Party DENVER, CO (P/R) __ The Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) unanimously elected DNC Chairman Howard Dean’s nominations for the Chairs and members of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Standing Committees, including a record number of openly LGBT members. Dean’s LGBT appointments include Dr. Marjorie Hill of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis organization in New York, Diego Sanchez from AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, State Representative Patricia Todd ofAlabama, and Ingrid Duran ofVirginia to serve on the Platform Committee, along with Claire Lucas and Evan Low of California to the Rules Committee and Bob Rogan of Vermont to the Credentials Committee. In addition to appointing a record number of LGBT standing committee members, Dean was also the first DNC chair to appoint a member of the transgender community to a Convention committee. The Standing Committees of the Convention are responsible for reviewing Convention business and formulating recommendations for consideration by Convention delegates. The Executive Committee’s vote took place during the panel’s recent meeting in Denver, site of the four-day Convention in August. "The record turnout and enthusiasm we’ve seen for our Democratic candidates is a clear sign that Americans trust Democrats to bring much needed change to our country," said Governor Dean. "These outstanding leaders reflect the great strength, diversity and energy of the Democratic Party, and I’m confident their efforts will ensure our Convention in Denver is reflective of our shared values and our nominee’s vision for America." The elections included the Chairs and 25 Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) members of the three Convention Standing Committees: Credentials, Platform and Rules. Each committee has a total of 186 members. An additional 161 members elected by each of the states’ and territories’ Convention delegations wil! join Governor Dean’s appointments to the committees later this spring. For a full list of and biographical information on the Chairs and PLEO members from each Standing Committee, visit http:llwww.demconvention.comlalstandingcommittees. pdf. Credentials Committee The Credentials Committee is charged with coordinating issues around the selection of delegates and alternates to the Convention and will likely meet in the summer. The committee will issue a report that is the first official item of business at the Convention. Platform Committee The Platform Committee is responsible for drafting and recommending a proposed National Platform for approval at the Convention. After conducting hearings and forums to collect testimony on issues and policies to potentially include in the platform, the committee is likely to meet sometime in July. Rttles Committee The Rules Committee is responsible for proposing the Permanent Rules for the Convention, adopting the proposed Convention agenda and making recommendations for permanent Convention officers - all addressed as the second official item of business at the Convention. The committee will meet sometime in August, prior to the Convention. Huckabee ir ks gay sex to bestiality, abortion to slavery WASHINGTON (AFP) -- Republican presidential hopeful and former Baptist pastor Mike Huckabee linked gay sex to bestiality and abortion to slavery in an interview Thursday, explaining why, if elected, he would try to amend the constitution. "Marriage has ... as long as there’s been human history, meant a man and a woman in a relationship for life. Once we change that definition, then where does it go from there?" he asked in an interview with online "Beliefnet" magazine. "Well, I don’t think that’s a radical view, to say we’re going to affirm marriage. I think the radical view is to say that we’re going to change the definition of marriage so that it can mean two men, two women, a man and three women, a man and a child, a man and animal," he added. "The Bible was not written to be amended. The Constitution was," he said, announcing his intention to amend the document if he were to be elected president in November to ban abortion and establish that life begins at the moment of conception. Leaving it up to individual states to outlaw abortion within their own borders is not enough, he said. "That’s again the logic of the Civil War -- that slavery could be okay in Georgia but not okay in Massachusetts. Obviously we’d today say, ’Well, that’s nonsense. Slavery is wrong, period. It can’t be right somewhere and wrong somewhere else.’ Same with abortion," Huckabee said. Huckabee won the Iowa Republican caucuses earlier this month, the first contest in the race for each party’s nomination to run for the White House. He is in second place behind Arizona Senator John McCain in opinion polls for Saturday’s primaries in South Carolina. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 Brief history Cabernet Sauvignon, like all noble wine grape varieties, is of the species VitiS ~inifera, and genetic studies in 1997 indicated it is the result of a cross between Cabemet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Cabernet Sauvignon is most directly associated with the wines of Bdrdeaux~ and especially those of its Left Ba~k, which ncludes the top tier appellations of St.-Estephe, Pauillac, St.-Julien; and Margaux, among others. It makes Up the majority portion of the blends of all of the Grand Cru wines of the 1855 classification. In Bordeaux, blending is comm0n With ! !e other allowable varietals: Merlot, cabe~ et Franc, Pettlt Verdot, and Malbec. Cabal ~et Sauvignon is also cultivated in other ~i~i as in France, notably LanguedocTRousillor and has great acclaim the wodd Over. .... California is after BOrdeaux as the wodd’s largest grower of Cabemet Sauvignon. This grape is found mostly in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County. In Calif6mi~, the area of Cabemet Sauvignon planting doubled in the 1990s. As in Bordeaux, it is often blended with Franc to produce wo ton, " ’ the lower Yakima Valley. In late 2006, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology published the result of studies conducted at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine that showed the beneficial relationship of Cabernet Sauvignon in reducing the dsk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The stud trol, a compound found reduce levels of amyloid beta pe-t des which attack brain ce Is an.... At heady $10 a bottlel ddnks like a cab twice p. , ,, ...... u, ~.~ the coSL Thi~ Cabernet presents itse f with a par[ or wna[ causes Alzne~mer s. in snort nose Of bourbon-soake~ Cherries with a finish of wewine enthusiasts can enjoy drinking to chbcotate and Cedar. our good health. ........... Magnificen~Wine COmpany House Wine Columvar e a ol s nc on bia ~/alley 05 wwwlMagnificentVVine,com Cabemet Sauvignon has a well defined ~rnrn~a In Old ~J~rld wine~ n~rficularlv Cabemet Sauvignon 54% Medot 30% Syrah those made n Bordeaux th s s charac- 11Yo, Mabec3% Franc2~{~ ¯ Grea" ble - - f -- " "" ~ d t -eat I ~ naana or~nepnce [’snar oD . tensed by a smel of blackcurrant, cedar ’ and spice. New Wodd wines of this grape Cono Sur Cab/Carmenere Chile ’06 are more often dominated by aromas of v~zw.ConoSur.com ~ oak, pepper and earth. smell of This organic wine offers a robust, fruit- filled m wines made in nose of raspberry & plum most character- The palate reveals a flaVorfu nutty taste and rm-climate examples is has a long finish. rings of t wine. ~ne. Cabs ~eese5 s Dadoush Duet Napa ’04 ~.dadoush.com A blend of Cabemet and Shiraz Enticing aromas of blackberry with a coffee bean and a finish Of nutmeg & white pepper best descdbe this wine, Irony Cabernet Napa ’03 w~w.lronyWine.€om This is a b0ld and complex wine, which reflects the melding Of ~nique ~haractedstics from pdme vineyards in Sever&l different Napa appellations. Tobacco Cocoa and bright red berry characters make this a red wine to ~njoy. And as always, I say go to your favodte wine shop, ask qdestion~ and p~rchase a bottle or two. Share Some food & wine with friends and check it out for yourself. Complex aromas from hazelnut finish. cassis clove/ Mr. D als0 hosts wine & food events as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa, the BTAR :~ww.ozarksstar.com by Donald Pile and Ray CITyo In our travels to both the East Coast and the West Coast everyone alwa:ys asks the same question to us. V?here ro par.ry in the Midwest? we a!ways tell them the best two places to part? areTuAsa and Oklahoma City. It is hard for most people on both coast to believe, but unless you have been there you certainly wit! not believe that in the Bible belt ofOHahoma is this fabulous gay mecca. month we told you about Tulsa and this month we ~2e telling you about Oklahon~a City. We have been going to Oklahoma City to party for over 25 veals. "Ihe HABAN~ INN Resort has been a gay resort for over 25 years. It is the Midwest’s largest at! gay resort. A two story complex with ov& 175 rooms, most ofwhich tS_ce one of the two swimming pools. The rooms are spacious and vmT inexpensive. It is a totally gay resort. Lush tropical plants and trees surround the poo! areas. Gays fron-t all over the midwest as well as both coasts have been going there for years, and it is busy 7 days a week, not juston weekends. Lounge around the pool area and you are sure ~o meet that "someone specia!". They are located 2200 NW 39rh Expressway and their toll free number is 1.800.988.2221. Within a block of the Habana Inn resort you wilt find about 4 more gay bars c~tering to different tastes. A major grocery store is just one block away as are several other restaurants. A cab ride from the akport costs less one blo& west of the intersection of Penn and interstate 1-44 and is easy to find. Within the resort complex they have a wonderful restaurant than $20.00. The ......i fi d HABANA INN Gushers whmh has a great ambiance and serves dehc ous oo , and is reasonable priced. "Itae restaurant overlooks one of the pod resort is located areas so you cim enjoy the bovs frolicking in the pool as you are dining. They also offe~ sandwich~s, soups, salads, pastas and appetizers, add a breakfast menu is available on weekends. There are three bars in the Habana Inn complex which are completely different. COPA is a dance, disco and drag bar. WeeNy they have male dancers, drag shows and comedians. FINISHLtNE Plus. there are is a c0untrylwestern bar with plenty of countiT dancing. ~t~is is the a lot of siOits to place to se~ the real cowboys and cowgirls in action. THE LEDO is see in Oklahoma ~ quiet piano bar. All the bartenders are super friendly and they all City, The Cowboy kn~w h~w to make out of towners feel right at home. The owner of Hail of Fame has the bars and restaurant is to be commended for his outstanding job artifacts ,~ ! ’ ! , i, i [ ¯ . !otsofoil the west is do things like this. Just a couple doors away from the Habana Inn is ANGLES ar 21 t7 N.\V. 39th St.. Their website is: w~,~w.anglesclub. For more ~ corn habanainn.com and Also in the resort is J UNGLE RED, an adult gift shop with magazines, videos, cards, gifts, leather, Pride items plus a lot of decorative items for the home. ma’s Gay Website: ww~.ozarksstar.com ?dways remember to have fun when ratk to everyone! 18 the STAR by Donald Pile and Ray Williams ONLY sto ger-a-way~ check i~ out the Inn at 410, w~:410.com have the most um~sua! and exciting, and B. ~eit rooms world! The Vi!lag~ St. and you just cannot Steve owns the Gaslight a long And in Palm Metwn’s Restaurant, ~vw.inglesideinn.com www.ozarkssiar.com some ju~st simply pe~ection t00% of pecial "TI~KS" ’!egance in dining. dodt skimp on gets around and emails from our readers asking if ALWAYS have a about~ m be one that we have ever seen! ’gqth ~a Wetl as travelers all time however. A the closest gay" t this a used condom under the ....Con~ued page 23 broken 4 they also seem to be the STAR 19 Downtown Savannah) historic district is abundant withfine shops and restaurants, including the innovative Sapphire Grill, one ofthe city’s top eateries. (P,6oto by Andrew Collins) Georgi After years of lagging behind nearby Charleston in popularity, historic Savannah soared to new heights in the ’90s and remains one of the nation’s hottest destinations. Much of the city’s renaissance had do to with the staggering popularity ofJohn Berendt’s best-seller, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, whose droll yet salacious account of Savannah society propelled the city into a gay hotspot almost overnight. The jewel of Georgia’s lazily enchanting seacoast, Savannah was founded in 1733 by British General James Oglethorpe, who designed the perfect grid of streets and grassy tree-shaded squares for which this city of 130,000 is still famous. Savannah prospered as a silk exporter during its first century, before developing into one of the world’s major cotton suppliers. Much of downtown consists of elaborate brick and stucco Victorian buildings built following an 1820 fire that destroyed many of the city’s beautiful wood-frame Colonial homes. Had General Sherman not spared Savannah during his notorious and destructive "March to the Sea," most of these Victorian structures would also have been burned. Begin your explorations of the city inside the restored 1860s rail terminal that houses both the Savannah Visitor Information Center and the Savannah History Museum. This complex is at the southwestern edge of historic downtown. From here it’s a short walk north to City Market, a three-block pedestrian mall with a handful of gay-friendly shops and restaurants. Downtown Savannah’s shopping scene continues to evolve from traditional to fashion-forward - a Marc by Marc Jacobs flagship store opened here in April 2007, and many contemporary boutiques and art galleries now line the city’s oak-shaded streets. Near City Market, you’ll find the gay disco, Club One, which is the performing home ofThe Lady Chablis, who figured so prominently in The Book, as Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is commonly referred to by locals. Plenty of folks come to Savannah to seek out the sites that were brought to life in this mesmerizing tale (although it is nonfiction, The Book reads like a delicious novel). Ofpartictflar note is the privately owned Mercer House, in which Midnight’s central figure, antiques dealer Jim Williams, shot and killed his young lover, Danny Hansford, in 1981 (the question of whether Williams fired in self-defense or as a calculated act of murder is debated to this day). Its literary fame - or notoriety - notwithstanding, Savannah still rivals any Southern destination for its bedazzled and meticulously restored house museums. Ifyou have time for only one, visit the Owens-Thomas House, a splendid 1819 Regency mansion built by renowned British architect William Jay. Nearby is the Isaiah Davenport House, an 1815 Federal beauty. To see a fine collection of classical sculpture and Impressionist painting, visit the Telfair Mansion and Art Museum, a memorable 1818 structure in its own right. In 2006, the museum expanded with the construction of the striking newJepson Center for the Arts, which added more galleries and exhibition space. At the north end of the historic district, the city’s riverfront is lined with a stately row of restored cotton warehouses - now containing a slew of touristy businesses - and a cobbled lane that’s sits a full flight of steps below the rest of the city. The best time to appreciate it and the views of the bridge and freighters chugging along the Savannah River is in the morning, when you’ll encounter few crowds. One great way to explore downtown and get some advice on the local gay scene is to take a guided walk with knowledgeable local Jonathan Stalcup, who runs Architectural Tours of Savannah. For dining, avoid most of the mediocre eateries by the river and stick to one of the several local favorites, virtually all of them gayfriendly. One of the most famous restaurants in the South, Elizabeth on 37th specializes in subtly sublime regional cooking, 20 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com such as sesame-almond-crusted grouper with peanut sauce; and grilled rack of lamb with corn pudding, stewed okra, and tomatoes. Sexy and sophisticated Sapphire Grill serves some exciting and innovative contemporary American fare - consider the jumbo lump crab cake ,vith lemon curd, green-zebra tomatoes, and red chard. A bit more affordable, chic It Pasticcio presents contempora~7 Northern Italian cuisine - try the grilled gorgonzola-crusted filet mignon with a potato-pancetta gratin. Olde Pink House is one of those Savannah traditions that everybody should experience at least once - fine Continental fare with regional twists, like black grouper stuffed xvith blue crab and a Vidalia onion sauce, is served. Garibaldi’s, in an 1870s firehouse, prepares simple but very good Italian fare, such as pesto shrimp with angel hair pasta. For either lunch or dinner, the trendy City Market Cafe is a dependable choice, serving delicious wild mushroom, blue cheese, and prosciutto salad, as well as terrific thin-crust pizzas. It’s touristy, but fans of Food Network TV star Paula Deen won’t want to pass up a chance to dine at her downtown Savannah restaurant, ~lhe Lady & Sons, known for its down-home Southern cuisine. An elegant basement space with a youthful, see-and-be-seen following, Jazz’d Tapas Bar is perfect for late-night snacking - recommended fare include potato-leek frittata with fig chutney, and citrus-ginger- glazed shrimp-and-scallops skewers. ~he lesbian-owned Firefly Cafe serves affordable American fare, including plenty of fresh veggie dishes. ~l-his dapper spot overlooks Troup Square and is especially popular for brunch (try the Savannah eggs Benedict topped with fresh crab meat). For post-club noshing, check out Sushi Zen, a hip and gay-popular Asian restaurant with a convivial vibe. ~he bar staff and regulars in Savannah’s bars are friendly and forward. Although some locals shun the touristy and cavernous Club One, it’s one of the most impressive clubs in the Southeast, and it can be fun when ~lhe Lady Chablis is performing. Other options include Chuck’s, a friendly locals joint near the river that draws a mixed bunch; and Blaine’s Back Door Bar, a casual cruise and dance lounge that also has a dell serving pretty tasty sandwiches and pizza. Not gay per se, Venus de Milo is a sexy and sophisticated wine bar with a welcoming, bohemian vibe - it’s just west of City Market. Down along the riverfront, gay-friendly Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub is popular early in the evening for Irish music, food, and drink. With the recent rise in gay tourism, Savannah’s grand old hotels have become increasingly hospitable to visiting same-sex couples. Among the city’s many classic luxury inns, the Ballastone Inn is renowned for its gracious hospitality and over-the-top, lavish rooms. The four-story 1838 mansion sits along one of the prettiest streets in the city. A mid-19th-century inn with an expansive landscaped courtyard, the Eliza Thompson House and its grand guest rooms look much as you might imagine they did when cotton was king of Savannah. Original heart-pine floors and period antiques impart a romantic ambience, and yet rooms have comfortable, modern amenities, especially the bathrooms. Rooms at the Foley House Inn contain antiques and Oriental rugs; many overlook Chippewa Square and have massive two-person Jacuzzis. Of affordable chain properties, the Comfort Suites Historic District is clean, pleasantly furnished, and a short walk from City Market. The only GLBT-exclusive B&B in Savannah, 912 Barnard is also one of the least expensive. This dramatic yellow turn-of-the-century house has been handsomely restored to its original splendor, with antiques and authentic colors that convey the ambience of the city. A fully restored 1889 sea captain’s house that once belonged to one of Savannah’s wealthiest merchants, the Azalea Inn is quite gay-friendly. All rooms are configured and decorated differently; and each has a gas fireplace; two have whirlpool tubs, and two have balconies. For the most memorable accommodations, however, look to the gay-friendly Mansion on Forsyth Park, which offers some of finest digs in town. This stylish mini-resort beside verdant Forsyth Park contains 126 rooms with smart, contemporary furnishings, plus a top-notch spa, a cooking school, two cool bars, an art gallery, and the highly regarded 700 Drayton Restaurant. Opened in 2005, the hotel offers further evidence of Savannah’s gradual shift from a bastion of Old South gentility to a beacon ofNew South panache and www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21 TA-BOO’ RESTAURANT Palm Beach, Florida .[Ldocated on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida, TA-BOO’ is a real treat! Stretching four fabulous blocks from South Ocean Blvd. to Cocoanut Row on Palm Beach island, Worth Avenue is one of the world’s most exclusive shopping districts. q-he Avenue boasts a sumptuous mix of more than 200 world-famous specialty shops, posh department stores, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. It is like the Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. A coat and tie (or ascot) is of course necessary even at lunch time. TA-BOO’ has been in business for over 60 years. It has the classic ambiance of a private gentlemen’s club brightened by Palm Beach’s smart set, it atmosphere is both comfortable and busding all at the same time. Slowly spinning ceiling fans, tropical fishtail palms and leafy dangling porthos vines frame a mural of an ocean vita, complete with Miznetresque terra-cotta rooftops in the foreground. Down a terra-cotta pathway, the long bar is an Avenue tradition for a variety of patrons - from the burger and beer set to those with an affinity for a rack of lamb and a little Veuve Clicquot! A soothing marine aquarium illuminates the bar’s neighboring bistro. Their menu covers the basics, from comfort food to top-notch cuisine. If you’re dining for lunch, start with the sushi-quality carpaccio of tuna or try the ever-popular warm grilled chicken and pears salad. Dinner is all about Maine Lobster, white Dover sole meuniere, crispy roast mahogany duck and linguine with lump crab. Dessert is a MUST, partictflarly the signature "Ta-boo’ lust", a sinful concoction of coconut cream filling and whipped cream atop a walnut cookie crust. \re always dine there at least once when we are in Florida and it does just keep getting better everytime! Owners Franklyn DeMarco and Nancy Sharigan are regular hosts. You never know what famous celebrities you will be dining with. We particularly enjoy their Swordfish. Lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 5 PM and dinner is served from 5 PM to 10 PM weekdays and from 5 PM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday Brunch is served till 3 PM. They are located at 221 Worth Avenue and for reservations call: (561) 835-3500. strai= glass. Serve. 22 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com GAY TR_&VELERS: having a lot of financial problems as they at first were going to open mid-summer, then in the fall and now they don’t know if they will open or not. We booked an accommodation and in Denver a couple of years ago and when we got to the destination, we found that it was simply a condo unit with two bedrooms and the guy rented out one of the bedrooms! In South Dakota, we booked a reservation and when arriving, the owner gave up HIS bedroom for us and then he slept on the sofa! Sometimes restaurants can also be a complete disaster. From being dirty, to rude servers, to bad food and service, it can always be interesting to say the least. But ifyou are not happy with a restaurant..... LEAVE ! We have ~valked out of dozens of restaurants. If there is one problem, then usually a second problem develops and before you know it you are in a mess up to your ears, so why not just leave before it gets worse? The worst thing we hate to hear from a server, is "Don’t give me a hard time, I had a bad night last night". Who cares if the server had a bad night? They are there to "SERVE YOU" with a smile and with a professional attitude. We have at times paged the manager and requested that another server wait on us and we explain fully why. There are a lot of excellent servers in restaurants but we just simply won’t accept bad service. If the food you ordered is not good nor cooked properly, quietly and gently tell your server the problem. Bartenders can really be a pain in the ass sometimes. One bartender in Seattle doesn’t like to wait on people sitting at the bar. Rather, you have to go to his station, order and get your drinks and then return to your bar stoo!. How crazy is that? We have had bartenders that didn’t even know how to make a screwdriver! Most likely they didn’t know how to make a Bourbon and 7 either! Other bartenders are eating or smoking while trying to wait on you. We simply tell them that ~vhen they are thru eating or thru with their smoke break, then they can take our order. If a bartender is behind the bar and smoking and serving us, we explain exactly why we are not leaving a tip! Fortunately more and more states are becoming non-smoking and that takes care of the problems. Having said this, we have found that most bartenders are friendly, fun, wonderful and professional and our hats off to all of them! They enjoy what they are doing and make great tips. Websites can often be deceiving and indeed sometimes they are! \Vhenever possible and especially when booking accommodations, it is smart to check around to see ifyou kmow anybody that has actually stayed there. As far as restaurants or bars, it is easier to just walk out if there is a problem. You pay good money and you expect your money’s worth. Most accommodations, restaurants and bars are run very professional. Their staff is professional and courteous and friendly. Don’t you just love it when your traveling and everything goes smoothly? But once in a while it doesn’t and you have a choice to make........... either accept it or do something about it. And it is YOUR choice! Life is to short to settle on anything less than fabulous! Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at: http://www.hometown.aol. com/gaytravelers At least one overnight stay by a non-resident Rank Destination Percent who visited in the last 12 months 1 New York City, NY 16.0% 2 Las Vegas, NV 14.3% 3 San Francisco, CA 12.9% 4 Los Angeles/\Vest Hollywood, CA 11.9% 5 Ft. Lauderdale/Wilton Manors, FL 10.5% 6 Palm Springs, CA 10.1% 7 Chicago, IL 9.2% 8 San Diego, CA 8.8% 9 Washington, DC 8.6% 10 Miami/South Beach, FL (tie) 8.2% 10 Orlando, FL (tie) 8.2% "Community Marketing’s studies are unique in the tourism industry," McHugh said. "Other studies try to rank gay friendliness or popularity, but this study actually quantifies the bottom line: Where did gay and lesbian consumers go and spend their money?" Most-Visited International DestinationsRank Destination Percent who visited in the last 12 months 1 London 8.4% 2 Puerto Vallarta 7.6% 3 Paris 6.2% 4 Vancouver 6.1% 5 Montreal 5.9% 6 Toronto 5.6% 7 US Virgin Islands 5.1% 8 Cancun 5.0% 9 Puerto Rico 4.8% 10 Rome 4.7% Respondents indicated that they chose leisure destinations because friends recommended them, they offer unique attractions, and are known for their gay-friendliness. "Clearl),, when destinations show gay and lesbian visitors a good time, that is the best advertising investment they can make," said McHugh. "Word of mouth marketing is very powerful among the gay and lesbian community. It’s not enough to slap a rainbow on an ad and call it a day. The most successful destinations ~vork with their tourism and hospitality partners to earn that kind of loyalty and referral. This is accomplished through education, training, and offering a genuinely gay-welcoming social and political atmosphere." Ouotab e Quotes "Gayest Democratic convention ever? A record 16 percent of delegates to the Democratic National Committee’s platform committee for the Denver convention are LGBT", says Howard Dean. www.ozarksstar.com The STAR 23 By Ronald Blake Exercise can make you bigger, stronger, and faster. These are the obvious results from a fertile regimen of physical activity. There are other benefits from exercise that are sure to have the neighbors stand up and take notice. Exercise can stimulate new growth of neurons and even help you to keep the neurons that you possess. Neurons are those little things in your body that transport messages throughout your legs, arms, torso, and head. They are good to have around if you yearn to communicate and learn. This comes as good news to those of you who destroyed countless neurons in your previous existence as an irresponsible college student ~vith that degree in undecided. There is hope for you debaucherous mongrels and physical activity is certainly one answer. Faster reaction times can be attributed to exercise. You will be able to hit baseballs thrown at ninety-five miles per hour. You will be able to dodge bullets from Tony Soprano’s goombahs. You will be able to more effectively bob and weave through the one-two combination of Oscar DeLaHoya. You might even be able to negotiate better in traffic on the 666 Freeway on your route to work on Mondays. Can I get an "amen" to more effective reaction times due to running, walking, and double-dutching? Mental challenges become mere child’s play in response to the dashing good looks of Mr. Exercise. Yes, exercise has been known to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Even Albert Einstein was spotted riding bicycles and frolicking along the ocean during his sojourn on this planet. These physical exertions were rumored to have led to his great theories on relativity. You might just settle for solving the complexities of a Rubik’s cube or that set of instructions on putting your barbecue grill together. 26 the STAR Your memory can behold the effects of a good physical fitness program. There is a site in your brain called the hippo campus that can enlarge in mass and reap the goodness of jumping jacks and other means of physical activities. This enlargement of the hippo campus translates into better memory and possibly the ability to treat Alzheimer’s patients. ~aink of all the time you waste trying to recall where you placed your cell phone, keys, black socks, or W2 form from work. Start using that wasted time on exercise that will jump start that short-term memory compartment. Your mood can be positively impacted by the release of neurotrophins. These chemicals are released when you decide to participate in an active lifestyle. They rush into your system and make you feel happy and vivacious. Consider reaching for your roller blades instead of that sleeve of Girl Scout mints to turn that frown upside down the next time you are grumpy. Sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows everywhere will be your reward. Ifwe all reconvene in another five years, it is quite likely that ongoing research will show even more benefits of the brain and exercise combination. Keep sweating to the oldies with Richard Simmons and know that good things will always follow. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. This column is brought to you by that guy who prefers to frame a collage of one dollar bills instead of framing that replica of"Starry Night" from Michaels. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be reached www. goblakefitness.com. erupts in Auso Jesus 9 ay SYDNEY (AFP) -- Australian church leaders have condemned a play shortly to open in Sydney depicting Jesus as a gay man who is seduced by Judas, a report said Sunday. Xhe play, named Corpus Christi, is due to open next month as part of the city’s annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Sydney’s Sun- Herald newspaper reported. A senior Sydney churchman called the play "historical nonsense". "It is deliberately, not innocently, offensive and they’re obviously having a laugh about it," Robert Forsyth, Anglican bishop of South Sydney, was quoted saying. Apart from the relations between Jesus and Judas, the play also features Jesus conducting a gay marriage between two apostles. The play’s director Leigh Rowney, who claims to be a Christian, accepted the play would offend some Christians but said he was keen to provoke debate about Christianity. "I wanted this play in the hands of a Christian person like myself to give it dignity but still open it up to answering questions about Christianity as a faith system," Rowney was quoted saying. Playwright Terrence McNally, who is gay, received death threats when the work was performed in the United States, the newspaper said. INTE ATIONAL GAY SC ENPLAY CONTEST- 10th ANNIVERSARY HOLLYWOOD, CA (PR) __ The ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST, a screenplay contest dedicated to the positive portrayal of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trangender and queer individuals in film, celebrates it’s 10th anniversary in 2008. Entries are nmv being accepted online and are limited to the first 300 for 2008. Executive Director, David Jensen, "We are excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary and are looking at a record number of entries this year. We are continually amazed with the quality of talent that comes through the door year after year." Jensen continues, "\Ve receive entries from around the globe and Hollywood is taking notice in a very big way. Many of our past winners are now hard working screenwriters" The ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST has gained respect and notoriety from Hollywood studios, agents and producers. Entries for 2008 are being accepted online at: www.OnelnTenScreenplayContest.com Prizes for 2008 include cash, industry exposure and merchandise. The 2008 One In Ten Screenplay Contest is sponsored by: Cherub Productions, Final Draft Inc., scr(i)pt magazine, www.inktip.com, www. TopFilmFestivals.com, www.Screenplay- Contests.com and Jungle Software. The submission deadline for 2008 ONE IN TEN SCREENPLAY CONTEST is September 1, 2008. Entry forms are available online through the contest website: www.OnelnTenScreenplayContest.com. Entry forms may also be obtained through the mail by sending a self addressed stamped envelope to: CHERUB PRODUCTIONS One In Ten Screenplay Contest Post Office Box 540 Boulder, Colorado 80306 (303) 629-3072 www.screenplaycontests.com E-mai!: Cherubfilm@aol.com Community for People living with 50! c (~) Non P~ofi[ Orga~ation Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HtV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail hardsmmjr@yahoo.com. Quotable Quotes More than 90 percent of gays and lesbians vote in U.S. presidential elections, compared to 64 percent of straight citizens. Queer folk are twice as likely as straight folk to vote in midterm elections. Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), a leading LGBT market research company. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 27 As Mercury lines up with the Sun in Aquarius, everyone is a bit more know-it-all and too damn clever for his or her own good. Try to be adaptive, open-minded, and a good listener, and you will be much smarter - however discreetly - than the people voicing their grand ideas. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Friends who seem relentless in urging you on are actually doing you a favor. You’re capable of more than you realize. Going it alone would weaken you. Let them help you, and you’ll go far! TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Question authority, but pay attention to what those in power say. Expert advice needs some expansion and clarification, and asking for that will prove advantageous. Asking questions doesn’t make you look foolish, but not asking them when you should will! GEMINI (May 21 - Jun~ 20): You’re itching for a power struggle. Playing it out in the bedroom can release that energy so your uppity impulses don’t make trouble for you at work. Or focus and harness that energy more deliberately at work, if you can! CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Your mouth is running way ahead of your brain and your good sense. Try to stick to places where a lack of inhibition and tasteful restraint can work to your favor. Anywhere else, slow down and think about what you’re saying. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your partner - in life or in the moment - will offer some kinky new possibilities, expanding your erotic horizons. If your sweetie is drawing a blank in that department, start talking about tattoos and body art. Just discussing it should stimulate the imagination. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): New approaches at work can make your job more productive and enjoyable. You have some great ideas, but don’t be so insistent on doing things your own way. Colleagues will offer surprising inspiration. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): A new approach to your favorite sport or hobby can make it a lot more fun and/or creative. Ask yourself how Morn or Granny would approach it, whether you choose to follow that example or take a diametrically opposite approach. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): If you can manage to have some fun with your family, you’ll be amazed at what secrets will be revealed in the process. Stand your ground gently in arguments, agreeing to disagree, and even more will come out! 28 the STAR SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Insisting that you’re right only exposes more glaringly where you’re wrong. Try to keep an open mind, and remember what basic principles are really important. Adapt with new conditions and new ideas to keep up! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Adaptability is not only an enduring value, it is one of your sign’s best attributes. New ideas that seem to be an affront to your sensibilities can prove very helpful, and will eventually affirm the values they seem to attack. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You’re getting a birthday bolt of fabulosity in which anything could happen, and you’ll make sure it will. Thrive on the attention, but take a little time out to charge your batteries. Let yourself be surprised. Really surprised. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Working behind the scenes, especially in a charitable effort, will be to your advantage. The political connections will be obvious, but there will be more surprising benefit!! MC METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! www.ozarksstar.com DOWNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 x~wv.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESS\grAy Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 vcww.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictutsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW" 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pro NWARKANSAS GLBT CENTER Bentonville/Rogers 888-391-9222 WWW..NWAGLBTCC.ORG ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1 st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City:. St: Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.corn 29 \Vc’hether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. ~.~kansas GLBT Community Center "Linking Together as One" For more information: 888-391-9222 WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com :hart \~;’.lLam ShakcsFea~;:. ,she ,~. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31 °Aid Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] The Star Magazine, February 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 2 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 01, 2008 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Charles Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele Paul Wortman James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo san Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, January 1, 2008; Volume 5 Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/246 The Star Magazine, March 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/249 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/245 art Book review Club Majestic Cornett Deep Inside Hollywood fitness Gay Screenplay contest health HIV/AIDs testing horoscopes Jessica Newman Joplin Gay & Lesbian center MCC church Mike Huckabee mixology Ms. Oklahoma Continental Our House Past Out Q Scopes Quotable Quotes Star Advertisers star classified Surrounded by Insanity Too travel Valentine's Day Virginia Woolf https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2fb2209e3e1cae984a20e51ed8c45792.jpg 36dffe1a710d2521ca5d924dc3681179 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c84cc81c2ec9b7199eb8c883804f7ce3.pdf 412eb87f38d447b23c5bec3947ad6a67 PDF Text Text ESTABLISHED 2003 www.ozarksstar.com "The homosexual agenda is destroying this nation." "1 honestly think it’s the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam. They have infiltrated City Councils. They are after your 2 year olds for indoctrination." State Representative, District 84, Sally Kern. Compiled by Star staff Photo: Rally at Memorial Park Oklahoma City. ¯hese sentiments expressed by State Representative Sally Kern were taped at a Republican gathering who had invited her to speak on what some term the homosexual agenda. The tape was given to the Victory Fund, a national gay & lesbian political activist group and placed on ¥outube, where it has now been heard by over 1,000,000 people. It has garnered international attention with responses that have overwhelmed Youtube, and to say that the lines of communication with Ms. Kern were jammed would be a classic understatement. Ellen Degeneres was not surprised when she tried to contact Sally Kern after playing the youtube video on her show and couldn’t even leave a message. Although the audience was obviously not in agreement with Sally, Ellen appealed to Miss Kern on the air, stating that she wanted to talk to her, that she obviously had some misinformation. Although some responses received by Ms Kern were supportive, the vast majority were not, and many were threatening and are being investigated by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. At a Press Conference at the Church of the Open Arms March 11, Cimarron Alliance President Richard Ogden, among many others, denounced Ms. Kern’s remarks and stated that she should apologize or be censured by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As he put it, "These are hateful words that can result in hateful actions, This is about accountability, not freedom of expression." It was pointed out that only 3 months APRIL 2008 earlier, Stephen Domer of Oklahoma City was murdered because he was gay. So far Ms. Kern has refused to apologize and the Speaker of the House, Republican Chris Benge of Tulsa, has stated he will not call for Ms. Kern to be censured. However Governor Brad Henry stated that he advised her to "Think before you speak. Oklahomans have love and tolerance for all people. I don’t think this rhetoric represents Oklahoma." P-Flag of Oklahoma has asked for a meeting with her, but has gotten no response. Her statement that the gay community was a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam drew fire from both military personnel and Oklahoma’s Muslim community. At the Church press conference Richard Ogden pointed out that one of the four people on United Airlines Flight 93 who overpowered the hijackers who were heading the airliner to the White House, Mark Bingham, was gay. Another speaker at the conference, Jerre B. Fine, a Air Force veteran, stated that she was honored to serve her country and that Sally Kern’s comments that gays were a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam, and were a cancer in the toe of society were very hurtful on a personal level. She pointed out that "I served my country dutifully and honorably for 6 years of my life. We need protection not only from outside forces trying to destroy America, but also we need protection from within from people like Sally Kern." On March 14 there was a rally at Memorial Park featuring signs along Classen Boulevard encouraging rush hour travelers to honk to show opposition to Representative Kern’s remarks. The event got extensive television coverage, and featured many community leaders. Most important of all was that the responses from OKC’s commuters were overwhelmingly supportive. In a recent Tulsa World poll, the question was: Would you sign the petition to have Sally Kern removed from office? .............. Continued PAGE 5 ��®MISS GAY TULSA PAGEANT April 25th 10prn. Featuring - Miss Gay Tulsa America - Melody Micheals and Miss Gay Oklahoma Lindsey Paige. for more information email: information@downtownplazatulsa.com 2 the STAR vwvw.ozarksstar.com �1 DS (2437) Recognized by Keller Williams For outstanding achievement 2005 and 2006 R~ALTY Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALTOI~ Whether buying or selling I’ll work hardforyo~ Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Seepage 29for order blank. ,J www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 �APRIL, State News continues on page 6, 9, 11 and 23 LGBT History looks at the life of Tallulah Bankahead, Actress Movies, TV, Stage and Radio World Briefs By Rex Wockner Wockner News Service ~ DEEP ~INSIDE HOLLYWOOD Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for George Clooney and Simon ~ WiNE Devre Jackson reviews wines of Northem Italy. Beer-Battered Onion Rings from Bob & Jim’s Care, Greycliff, Montana. Gay Travelers: Bus Trips & Tours Out of Town: Chicago STAR SCENE Snapshots from around the State. Paparazzi on page 25 FITNESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Photo byVictor Gorin 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Embrace the Passior o£ the Prom. Pride Prom 2008 makes comeback to PAC By Joey De TULSA, OK__ When the sun sets April 19, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center will heat up with the passion of Spain as the University of Tulsa’s Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay and Transgender alliance present Pride Prom 2008, "Bailamos!" The event, which has called the PAC home for three years, offers BLGT youth and their friends the opportunity to celebrate the prom season with their chosen date. ’~A lot of BLGT youth can’t take the prom date of their choice (to their high school’s prom), this is an opportunity to express themselves freely," says Steven Hulford, one of the organization’s leaders. For the TU-BLGTA, Pride Prom is a way to give back to the community and make memories for BLGTA youth, regardless of if they are TU students or not. "We are in or eighth year of doing this event," says Hulford. "Each year it has grown from being in the Great Hall of the Allen Chapman Activity Center (a building on campus), to what it is now." According to Hulford, this year’s Spanish theme was picked from a long list of ideas. "We wanted to do something completely different from what we had done in the past," he says noting previous themes of Hollywood and water. "We’re calling it ’Bailamos’ because the literal translation is ’we dance’." At the event, Hulford says youth can expect all the food, music and fun of a traditional high school prom. In addition, attendees will have access to a "Resource Row," that will feature organizations who provide quality services to BLGT youth. Beginning at 7:30, the event runs until 11:00 and does not require formal dress. "The only things we don’t allow are torn jeans and shorts, other than that people are welcome to dress how they feel comfortable. www.ozarksstar.com People have come in formal prom attire and have come in polo shirts and slacks," explains Mr. Hulford. Tickets for Pride Prom 2008 are $10 in advance at www.myticketoffice.com and $12 at the door. For information on sponsorship and branding opportunities, contact the group’s advisor, Nancy Eggen at 918.744.9182. SOONER STATE SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION HOLDS OKLAHOMA CITY TOURNAMENT Leroy Cobb & Laurie Proole MC’s at Angles Furndraiser for Sooner State Softball 26 teams ( 21 men’s, 5 women’s) came together at Boomtown Field and the Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City March 15-16 to enjoy the comraderie of softball competition. Now in its 5th year, the Sooner State Softball Association offers the GLBT community the opportunity to show off their skills or learn the game among friends. According to SSSA Commissioner Leroy Comp, it also provides a way "to see some great softball." The SSSA is part of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, a confederation of GLBT athletic teams in both the United States and Canada. New players are always welcome, so if you’d like to try your hand, call Mr.Comp and (405) 408 2533 or e-mail him at cutupok@aol.com. FRONT PAGE CONTINUED: Yes: 129 No: 86 I don’t know: 6 The results of this question represent the opinions of 221 people with the following demographic profile: Oklahomans: 80.5 % Male: 127 Female: 94 In response to Kern’s statement that Eureka Springs City Council was controlled by gays. A press statement was issued by the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce and the straight Mayor, Dani Joy: "Since its founding in 1879, Eureka Springs has been and remains welcoming to all visitors and residents without regard to their race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. It is our hope that all people would aspire to this ideal. Because of the timeless beauty of our architecture and landscape, the friendliness of our citizens and our welcoming attitude toward all visitors, we remain a destination for people from all walks of life. Eureka Springs will remain a city eager to provide all visitors a fulfilling vacation experience." Mayor Dani Joy" Oklahomans have spoken out, we’ve demonstrated, protested, sent letters and email to our elected officials, and have gained international attention. Media from around the world has covered the embarrassing tirade of Rep. Kern. This international spodight may be to our advantage. Our activist groups have experienced an influx of out of state contributions since the stoW broke. We’ve gotten the attention of national and international advocacy organizations. We have discovered many new main stream allies in Oklahoma. The House and Senate leadership may allow the five hate crimes bills currently before them to receive full consideratioia. There is a positive side to this degrading display of (Shame on Sally) Most importantly we have the right to vote, and Sally was voted into office. Come November and in future elections know your candidate before you mark that spot on the ballot. It could make an important difference in our future. the STAR 5 �editor Dear Editor, When is enough, really enough? We have been reading and watching the national news about Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, saying "gay agenda is a greater threat to America than terrorism." Although we do not live in Oldahoma, we have been visiting your great state for over 30 years. We are extremely concerned when a public official such as an elected State Representative makes such remarks. ¯his is really nothing short of a "hate crime" in itselfl It is one thing for a regular citizen of the country to make remarks such as this but when a public official says it, then it is obviously crossing the line. As gay and lesbian citizens of the United States, we have as much right as anybody else to expect full citizenship. When people such as Ms. Kern spews her hatred to the people of Oklahoma it is WRONG ! It propels hatred in schools, churches and throughout the entire community. Many years ago we took on Anita Bryant for her anti-homosexual drive and we won! So, our dear brothers and sisters in Oklahoma ............. have you had enough? Gays and Lesbians throughout the country are fighting for their rights and each and every individual gay and lesbian person in each state must do their part. We cannot suggest an action to take against Ms. Kern however we feel very strongly that action MUST BE TAKEN in whatever form necessary. Whether a full stage sit-in, a recall of her government seat in your State House or whatever. ..... something NEEDS TO BE DONE AND NOW~ Many years have passed since we just stood on the sidelines and took whatever was handed to us, and we never, want to return to those days. We are extremely proud of the progress that gays and lesbians have made. Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa have a very vibrant gay and lesbian community, much more so than most cities around the country their size. So instead of just bitching and moaning and groaning about Mrs. Kern, we wish all the gays and lesbians in Oklahoma the best success with this matter. Cordially, Donald Pile and Ray Williams 6 the STAR OkEq Den,o.unces Rep. Sally Kem’s Ant oGay Tirade TULSA, OK (PR) __Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) deplores the sentiments expressed by Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) in a YouTube video now generating a firestorm. National and local media outlets are closely covering the controversy sparked by Kern’s claim that homosexuality is "the biggest threat that our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam." In a triple play of intolerance, Rep. Kern offends lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans, thousands of women and men defending the United States from terrorist attacks, and Muslims worldwide. Yet, she remains completely unapologetic, citing her right to freedom of speech and claiming, "I have never endorsed or supported any hateful action targeting individuals on the other side of this debate and never will." Rep. Kern’s legislative track record belies her remarks. In 2006, Rep. Kern sponsored legislation that xvould have denied funding to public libraries that refused to segregate books addressing LGBT themes. Rep. Kern has repeatedly used her public office to demonize LGBT Oklahomans and to attempt to deny them the exact same civil liberties she now defends so passionately. This is the height of hypocrisy. "OkEq firmly supports Rep. Kern’s constitutional tight to express her viexvs, but vociferously objects to the actions she takes to prevent LGBT Oklahomans from attaining justice and equality. When elected officials use their power to defame entire categories of people, they abuse the freedom of speech embedded in the First Amendment and violate their responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their constituents," asserts Justice Waidner, OkEq Executive Director. OkEq calls upon the many fair-minded members of the Oklahoma legislature to condemn Rep. Kern’s comments and to pass immediately a state hate crimes law that encompasses sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. We ask for the House and Senate leadership to allow the five hate crimes bills currently before them to receive full consideration on the floor. www.ozarksstar.com �www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �4815 S. Harvard Gay men and lesbians face many special tax situations, whether single or as couples. Proudly serving Tulsa & OKC’s GLBT communities since 1982 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �TULSA, OK (PR) __ Health Outreach Prevention Education, Inc. (H.O.P.E.) celebrated its 10th anniversar~ Xgrednesday, March 12, 2008. Invited guests and honorees celebrated at the Dennis R. Nell Fxtuality Center, a long-time community partner where H.O.P.E.’s services began in 1996. The evening included hors d’ oeuvres and recognized key individuals who have been instrumental in the growth and success of the organization. "H.O.P.E. provides a vita! service in the fight against HIV by testing those at risk and also educating the community on safer sex practices. By virtue of their HIV testing being free and anonymous, people at risk can more easily know their status and help stop the transmission of HIV," stated Stephen Eberle, advisory board and 10th Anniversary committee member. In recognition of H.O.P.E.’s 10th Anniversary, the following people and organizations received recognition for the significant impact they have had on the agency since its inception: Ms. Kristi Frisbie, Mr. Jeremy Simmons, the Oklahoma State Department of Health HIWSTD Division, Ms. Janie Nicklas and the Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership Grants Committee, Tulsa CARES, Community of Hope Church, Ms. Debi Sanditen, Dr. Damon Baker, and Oklahomans for Equality. Health Outreach Prevention Education (H.O.P.E.) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that has served Tulsa and surrounding communities since 1998. H.O.P.E. is proud to be recognized as one of the largest and most comprehensive health promotion facilities in Oklahoma, and is the only free, anonymous HIV testing site in a 23-county area. H.O.P.E. also operates the statewide HIWsexually transmitted disease (STD) resource hotline and conducts a variety of targeted outreach efforts focusing on men, women, and under served populations. H.O.P.E. also offers free and low-cost Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing and education services. H.O.P.E. provides a comfortable place for people to learn their health status and can connect clients to a variety of medical and social support services. H.O.EE. is supported in part by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, as well as various private foundations, including the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund, the Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership, the MAC AIDS Fund, and the George B. Kaiser Family Foundation. Raising awareness of HIV/AIDS remains vitally important, as the infection rate remains steady every year in the United States. Young people and minorities are disproportionately affected, but HIV does not discriminate. By knowing 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. For more information about HIV or sexually transmitted infections, call the Oklahoma HIWSTD Resource Hotline, 1-800-535-MDS (2437). www.ozarksstar.com RESERVE YOUR SPAOE HOW Deadline Thursday IViay t 5th Serving the Oklahoma GLBT community since 2003. the STAR 9 �by Liz Highteyman Past Out, which looks at the life 0fTallulah Bankhead, Actress Movies, TV;, Stage and Radio, Breakthrough acting success eluded Banld~ead in New York, and in 1923 she moved to London on the advice of an astrologer. There, she quickly achieved fame, especially among young working-class women. Over the next eight years she appeared in two dozen \VC-est End plays, which were wildly popular with fans, if not always acclaimed by critics. Documents declassified in 2000 revealed that the British intelligence service investigated her - groundlessly, it turned out - for allegedly seducing a group of Eton schoolboys. Bankhead earned considerable income, but spent profligately; by the end of the decade, she was broke and accepted a contract offer from Paramount Studios. In Hollywood, she hosted parties at her mansion that were said to have "no boundaries," and she attended shindigs at lesbian actress Alia Nazimova’s lavish Garden of Allah estate. An emergency hysterectomy due to advanced gonorrhea did little to curb her omnivorous sexual appetite. "My daddy warned me about men and booze," she famously quipped, "but he never mentioned a word about women and cocaine." Bankhead had flings with Gary Cooper and - allegedly - with Marlene Dieterich, but Greta Garbo apparently spurned her advances. Upon meeting Joan Crawford, who was then married to Douglas Fairbanks Jr., she remarked, "I’ve had an affair with your husband. You’ll be next." Though Bankhead often bragged about her sexual conquests, many believed she exaggerated for the sake of publicity. Indeed, her comments suggested that she did not particularly enjoy sex. "The conventional position makes me claustrophobic," she once said, "and the others give me a stiff neck or lockjaw." Regarding Bankhead’s orientation, long-time companion Patsy Kelly - one of the first actresses to come out as a lesbian - said it "mostly it depended on Tallulah’s mood...When she’d get caught up with a man, she’d go quite hetero on us." Who was Tallu]lah Bankhead ? cades after her heyday in the 1920s and 1930s, self-described "ambisextrous" stage and screen star Tallulah Bankhead is as famous for her bad-girl antics as for her acting talent. e ~ Bankhead was born to a prominent political family in Huntsville, Ala., on January 31, probably in !903 (the year is subject to debate); her mother died shortly thereafter from childbirth complications. Seeking to keep his two unruly daughters out of trouble, her father, a U.S. Congressman, sent them to convent schools, but these proved conducive venues for Bankhead’s first sexual experiences with other girls. Though plump and plain as a child, Bankhead blossomed as an adolescent; at age 15, she won a movie magazine beauty contest with a prize of a small film role. Chaperoned by an aunt, she took up residence at the Mgonquin Hotel in New York City, a favored haunt of the Broadway elite. There, Bankhead was seduced by renowned actress Eva Le Gallienne and met Estelle Winwood, an older English actress who would become a life-long friend and sometime lover. Bankhead also counted among her liaisons British student Napier Alington and jazz great Billie Holiday, but she turned down a casting couch invitation from John Barrymore. 10 the STAR Bankhead married once, to actor John Emery in 1937, but they divorced four years later with no children. She then bought an estate in West&ester County, where she lived for extended periods with Winwood and with Kelly. She also surrounded herself with numerous pets and her "caddies" - young men who mixed her drinks, lit her constant cigarettes, and sometimes provided sexual services. Follmving in her father’s footsteps, she became increasing involved in politics, campaigning for Democratic candidates and supporting both anti-Nazi and anti-Communist causes. Bankhead disliked movie acting, and her larger-than-life style ~vas better suited to the stage than the screen. After making several unsuccessful Hollywood films, she returned to acting on Broadway and with national touring companies, receiving critical acclaim for her performances in The Little Foxes (1939) and The Skin of Our Teeth (1942). Though bitterly disappointed at being passed over for the role ofScarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind, she still took on occasional movie projects, including her most famous role as a shipwrecked journalist in Alfred Hitchcock’s Lifeboat (1944). In the early 1950s, Bantdxead emceed The Big Show, a popular variety program on NBC Radio; when radio gave way to television, she appeared as a guest on shows such as The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour. She also starred in a one-woman Las Vegas nightclub act and wrote a best-selling autobiography. But as Bankhead aged, her www.ozarksstar.com �years of hard drinking and drug use caught up with her, and she became a caricature of her former self. Many of her gay male fans failed to take her efforts seriously, laughing through her performance as Blanche DuBois in a 1956 revival of A Streetcar Named Desire. Before her death from pneumonia in 1968, Bankhead’s final roles were intentionally absurd, induding turns as a demented mother in the British horror flick Fanatic (1965) - retitled Die! Die! My Darling! in the United States - and as the Black Widow on the Batman television series. When producer William Dozier explained his vision for the latter role, she reportedly replied, "Don’t talk to me about camp, dahling, I invented it!" For further reading: Bret, David. 1997. Tallulah Bankhead: A Scandalous Life (Robson Books). Lobenthal, Joe. 2004. Tallulah! The Life and Times of a Leading Lady (HarperCollins). McLellan, Diana. 2000. The Girls: Sappho Goes to Hollywood (Robson Books). OK Mozart Festvai Announces 24th Season, June 13=21 TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tourism is a growing industry in Oklahoma, and the OK Mozart International Festival continues to enhance dais growth by attracting visitors to Bartlesville each June for one of the state’s most renowned cultural events. From June 13-21, the Festival’s 24th season promises to delight audiences from across the state and country with an outstanding array of concert artists and world-class musicians and performances, ranging from classical concerts to Jazz and everything in between. The line-up of renowned guest artists includes Mark O’Connor, Barry Douglas, Anne-Marie McDermott, Frederica yon Stade, Branford Marsalis, Peter Nero, and Ben Vereen. Plus, the New York Theatre Ballet is performing Sleeping Beauty. www.ozarksstar.com Amici New York, the Festival’s beloved orchestra-in-residence, returns as it has each year since the Festival’s founding in 1985. These musicians are soloists in their own right and perform in many of the most prestigious ensembles throughout the year. Paul Neubauer, music director, returns with his All-Star Chamber Ensemble featuring members of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. This year’s Festival will celebrate four great American composers: George Gershwin, Elliott Carter, Charles Wuorinen and Joan Tower, according to Neubauer. 3rd. To order, call 918.336.9800, visit www. okmozart.com or in person at 500A South Dewey, Bartlesville. The Festival is made possible in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council and many corporate and individual patrons. The OK Mozart Festival is a member of Green Country Marketing Assn., one of 11 multi-county organizations working with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, the Oklahoma Travel Industry Assn. and the other 10 multi-county associations to promote the state tourism industry. "We will also have Mozart,Tchalkovsky and Jimi Hendrix. Please join us for an exhilarating OK Mozart Festival." According to Scott Black, executive director, the 2008 festival offers some positive changes, including three series of entertainment options for the major concerts, money-saving ticket packages and many new and free Showcase events. These events, usually during non-concert hours, offer tours, historical talks, childreffs activities, luncheons and performances. "The 2008 Festival marks our 24th season of offering an internationally recognized event that puts Northeast Oklahoma on the map alongside larger cities that host similar summer festivals--San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Aspen," Black said. Most concerts take place in the Bartlesville Community Center concert hall, acdaimed for its near-perfect acoustics. Inside the Community Hall, the Moz-Art Gallery and OKM Gift Shop provide shopping pleasure for visitors. An exquisite on-site restaurant, Cafd Mozart, offers delicious three-course dinners and delightful lunches. The all-time favorite Woolaroc Outdoor Concert, taking place on June 20 at the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, features Amici New York with conductor’ Michael Krajewski. Nestled on the shores of a tranquil lake, this concert under the stars provides a relaxing, fun way to enjoy beautiful music. When darkness falls, a spectacular finale of fireworks lights the sky, signaling an end to the unforgettable evening. Season tickets and packages are available now with general sales beginning March Creating Community for People iving with H ViA DS 50t c (3) Non Profit Orgauization Our House, Too offers a vadety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. the STAR 11 �Gay arid Gray r g: Cor cerr s SAN FRANCISCO, CA__ More than 70% of lesbian and gay and respondents over age 40 reported concerns about losing the ability to care for themselves in a recent study conducted by Community Marketing, Inc. The majority also feared becoming sick or disabled, being dependent on others, and outliving their savings. When asked which resources they would rely on for long-term financial and social care as they age, less than 8% of respondents said they would place significant reliance on long-term care insurance, leaving us to wonder how prepared lesbians and gay men are for the kinds of health issues that often come with old age. Respondents placed the most emphasis on: Health care insurance: 22% Medicare: 20% Personal savings: 19% Social Security: 16% 65% of respondents expect for provide care to a partner sometime in the future, 44% for a parent, and 34% for a friend. However, respondents were less certain of who would care for them - 59% said a partner would be there to help care for them, 29% a friend, and 20% no one. Research Shows Growing Old a Concern for Many Lesbians and Gay Mot A significant 20% of gay male and 38% of lesbian respondents over age 40 have children Oust 4% of gay men and 12% of lesbians reported the children to be under age 18). Sometimes it is easy forget how many gay-boomers had children before they came out, and some gays and lesbians will be able to rely on their children for care. The majority of respondents have completed a Living Will and the majority have a Power of Attorney, but less than 50% have completed an Estate Will or set up a Living Trust. (Hospitals often require a visiting partner to present a living ~ in order to enter his or her partner’s hospital room.) 49% of respondents said they are at least fairly confident that they would be treated with dignity and respect by medical personnel, but 19% expressed concerns that they have little confidence in this being the case. Some views of retirement and old age are much more positive. Respondents look forward to: traveling (79%), having more time for personal interests (74°/0), and peace and relaxation (60%). In addition, lesbians were more likely to report looking forward to spending more time with friends and family than gay men. 12 the STAR DEMOGRAPHICS of this "over 40" study: The median age is 52. 69% of respondents are male, 30% female, and 1% transgen der. More than 96% of respondents identified as gay or lesbian. The remainder identified their sexual orientation as bisexual, queer or questioning. 53% of respondents reported that they are completely out. However, 15% are somewhat or not very out. The median respondent in all age categories reported plans to retire at age 62. The vast majority of respondents over age 62 have already retired. 73% of respondents have a college degree. 33% of female respondents and 46% of male respondents are single or do not live with a significant other. Lesbians are more likely to be partnered than gay men. The majority own single family homes. www.ozarksstar.com �By’ Rex Wockner Wockner News Service iranian fears e×ecution if sent home Mehdi Kazemi fears he’l! be executed if the United Kingdom forces him to return to Iran. Kazemi went to London to study in 2005 and Iranian officials later arrested his boyfriend, Parham, charged him with sodomy and executed him, according to Kazemi’s father. Kazemi then sought asylum in Britain but was rejected. In 2006, he then fled to the Netherlands, which detained him and is nmv preparing to return him to the UK. The UK had been planning to send Kazemi back to Iran ~vhen he returned to British soil but, on March 13, following extensive media coverage and political pressure, the Home Office agreed to review his case one more time before forcing him to go home. "The Iranian authorities have found out that I am a homosexual and they are looking for me," Kazemi said in a recent letter to UK Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. tn a statement given to activist groups, Kazemi elaborated: "Around [the] end of April 2006, my uncle called me again and informed me that my father had informed him that the authorities had executed Parham and that I must not return to Iran as the authorities would do the same to me .... Parham was charged with the crime of being homosexual and was executed." According to Kazemi’s father, Parham named Mehdi as his lover prior to his execution. Leading British gay activist Peter Tatchell commented: "The Home Office decision to deport Mehdi back to Iran is shameful and reckless .... Gay men in Iran are hanged from public cranes using the barbari method of slow strangulation." Tatchell said the UK government is "callous and more interested in cutting asylum w~w.ozarksstar.com numbers than in ensuring a fair, just and compassionate asylum system." Britain’s Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association also has taken up Kazemi’s cause, saying that "deporting gay and lesbian people to Iran is akin to deporting Jews back to Nazi Germany." Meanwhile, The Independent reported March 7 that an Iranian lesbian who fled to Britain after her girlfriend was arrested and sentenced to death by stoning also is at risk of being sent home. Pegaah Emambakhsh, 40, issued a statement March 6 saying: "I will never, never go back. If I do I know I will die." Emambakhsh’s asylum claim was rebuffed by the Court of Appeal in February. She now plans to ask the High Court to review the case. Iran is known to have executed several teens and men accused of engaging in sodomy, although in nearly all the cases that have been publicized in recent years the individuals were accused of other crimes as well, such as rape. The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission has said it suspects that other charges often are tacked onto sodomy cases to prevent the public outrage that would accompany executions carried out solely for the crime of consensual adult gay sex. The group also has said it believes executions solely for gay sex are taking place .out of the public eye. "Our suspicions [are] that their current practice really is to rid society of lesbians and gay men," the organization said last year. Human Rights Watch, on the other hand, has said it cannot fully document any executions in Iran in recent years carried out solely for the crime of consensual adult gay sex. Last September, during a speech at Columbia University in New York City, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was asked about the nation’s treatment of gay people. He responded: "We in Iran -- we in Iran, firstly, we don’t have hamjensbaz [a derogatory term for homosexuals meaning people with loose morals who chase people of the same gender for sexual pleasure] like you have in your country. In our country, there is no such a thing. In Iran, such a thing does not -- in Iran, in Iran, absolutely such a thing doe not exist as a phenomenon. I don’t know who told you otherwise." ILGA conference canceled The International Lesbian and Gay Association has canceled its 24th World Conference which was to take place in Quebec City, Canada, May 14 to 18. "A recent site visit] confirmed the impressions of the current lack of preparedness at this late date and the lack of funding necessary for the conference to take place," ILGA’s board co-chairs said in a statement. The primary lo.cal organizer was the Coalition gale et lesbienne du Qudbec. ILGA did not reschedule the conference but did put out "a formal call for new proposals from ILGA member organizations for hosting the world conference later this year." It gave interested parties less than a month to submit proposals. The board said any local organizer must take on partial responsibility for paying for the gathering. "ILGA does not have the capacity to fully fund the conference," the co-chairs said. "The local hosts have in the past fundraised for resources, especially to bring scholars from the Global South." ILGA is a 30-year-old federation of more than 600 GLBT organizations and associated members, such as city governments, from 90 countries. ............ Continued PAGE 27 the STAR 13 �Until he crossed over to the PG-13 Law and Order SVU, Chris Metoni was most notorious for gay sex scenes ~uad full- frontal nudity Deep ~nside Hol!~,wooeL repora¢ on new projeHrsjbr George Cloon~ and Simon Callow. Clooney Is Fantastic Mr. Fox 2?~hat’s the connection bevween the Coen Brothers’ dark, violent No Country for Old Men and the upcoming animated family feature Xhe Fantastic Mr. Fox? Besides Coen collaborator George Ctooney in the starring voice role, that would be gay superproducer Scott Rudin, the man whose recent Oscar acceptance speech included a loving thank you to his ~artner (which was then s~rangely excised from the A~demyk o~cial transcript). Rudin tends to go where the hits are, ~d this ~es Anderson-directed, Ctooney and Care Blanchett-voiced feature, abou~ a quick-witted fox and three unpleasant f~rmers t~,in~ to do him in, looks like a sure!re holiday hit..~d in this instance, hohday means Christmas of 2009. But not to worD~ C!ooney has Burn ~ter Read in~ {the next one from the Coens) arriv ing during the interim. OZ. And now Meloni is set,t,’o become even more family-friendl): He 1! star in Gym Teacher: Th~ Movie ~o{ Nickelodeon £s a down’on’his-luck coaCh wing dinated thi., be a ment - art teacher Mr. sircom, will a obsessive ~he movie Black about a with~ the film and this time with (slightly) ~,. u,.ll, a dark drama about a woman with a compulsive need to pull out her own hair one strand at k tirile (sounds like Todd Haynes’ Safei but Creepier), ~vill star not 0nly the legendary ~ren Black (Nashvillei but also musician Rickie Lee Jones. No word yet on when the movie will be, ready for an audience, but ifArcher~ firs~ f?ature is any indication, ir will be one ~at audiences wofft soon forget. American audiences remember him best as the joy~ttlly ~a.)[ heat attack victim who put the "funerN in Four XWeddings and a Funeral. BUt now gay" Brit character actor Simon Callow gets his own wedding, , even if it is something of an odd one. Hes starring in the recen@ wrapped Chemical We~lding, about a shy p;cofessor who manages to bring legendary occult figure Aleister Crowl~ back to life. And if that plot weren’t oddball enough, there’s the ~lm’s linefig. e" it was co-written by Bruce Dickinson, a name metal fans will know as the teader of the hugely successful rockers Iron Maiden. ~e sure-to-be-destined-for-cult-status film is due for release later this year. No ~v,ord yet on whether Or not Iron Maidens songs will hog the soundtrack spotlight. George Clooney www.ozarksstar.com �Reds Moccagatta Barbaresco 1999, 2000 Produttori Del Barbaresco 1999, 2000 Poderi Colla Pinot Noir 2006 A few years backl I had the opportunity to visit friends in northern Italy. We spent our time in the Piedmont region in a small town called Alba. Piedmont, in Italian, means at the foot of the mountain, he main grape grown there is the distinished Nebbiolo, which is the base for the med Barolo, Barbaresco and Gattinara (Barbera and Dolcetto) among others. Also popular is Barbera from Alba & Asti. Barolos are dch, rose-scented wines, robust and tannic, capable of (and often requiring) long aging. Ur~fortunat~ly they are often prohibitively expensive. Barbaresco, made to be drunk earlier than Barolos, can be the more affordable choice, ~u Another Piedmont creation that achieved worldwide fame is the Vermouth, which was first created by Benedetto Carpano in his wine shop n~ar the Tudn Stock Exchange. The classic American Martini cocktail takes its name from the most known Italian producer of dry vermouth, Martini & Rossi. Piedmont was one of the first Italian regions to embrace the industrial revolution and in 1899 the automotive giant Fiat (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) was established there, I thought rd shed some light on the wines from this part of the wodd. You can always dig deeper by checking out my reference links. Piemonte is also known fol~ its Gorgonzola, Castelmagn0, (a local blue Cheese), zabaione, vinegar, d~e and ri¢otto dishes; wild game, and braised meat dishes, such as Bollito Mist0, a sf[ew of four to five different meats. Milan, the large the namesake ~ dip food, usualt beaten eggS, tl Saut~ it in butte known for its ri( sauces~ post rn saffron~ pumpki asparag;Js~ ~au panett(~ne. city of Lombardia, is ~ilanese; meaning tO -iin pieces of meat, into br~adcrumbs, and then .ombardiais also well ~nd dsotto dishes, cream c~eese course, Use of aVi01i, (tortelli di zucca), ge,freshwater fish and Farnese Montepulciano 2006 Whites Bongiovanni Arneis 2006 Masi/Masianco Pino Grigio/Verduzzo 2006 Marchetti Verdicchio 2006 And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. The Veneto is atso an important w ne region, highlighted by So&re, Bardolino; Pr~secco, (sparkling wine), Valpolioella and the flagship Ar~rone. Veneto~ being on the ~aSt, naturally braces deligl~ts from the sea. All kinds of seafood ar~ relished here. But the Veneto is quite diverse culinadly speaking. It is also renowned for its v~getables~ grains and meat as welt. Risot{o, especially from Vialone Nano rice, and polenta are staples. ¯ Common Vegetables include winter squash, radicchio, asparagus, beans, and other legumes. Friuli, the north-eastern most region of Italy is hallmarked by Austrian; Hungarian, Slovenian and Croatian influences. These include but are not limited to Viennese. ._~tww.ozark~star.co_ ~..................... Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: WineSpectator.com FoodandWine.com Wikipedia.org WineCountry.it Masi.it Farnese-vini.com allrecipes.com/Howto/Italian-Wine-CountryPiedmont ��Cozume| Join our gay and lesbian group aboard Carnival Conquest~ as we set sail from Galveston and call on the beautiful ports in Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween than aboard a funship with Gayribbean Cruises. We offer: Our fantastic Halloween Costume Party, Nightly Mixers and SO MUCH MORE ! Book eedy and save. Ask how to receive $75 shipboard credit! call for complete details. Ratea aad =valhbiRty axe ~ubjec¢ to change without noti e. "Ihis is not an alLgay cruise. Ship ~try: Panama For information & Reservations www.GayribbeanCruises.com NCarnrval. �by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Actually a bus trip isn’t all that bad, especially when you are traveling with other fun people. Although ,ve have never taken a bus trip across the country (and dofft think that we ever would) we have a lot of friends who have and enjoyed it greatly. We have taken several "day bus trips" from San Francisco, Las Vegas and on the east coast and all of them were quite interesting. From Las Vegas we took the bus trip to Hoover Dam and to the smaller casino cities of Laughlin. These bus trips were extremely inexpensive in that they drop you offat a couple of casinos and assume that you will gamble a lot. Most of them even throw in flee lunch and dinner and drinks. Sometimes they even thro~v in an afternoon show. Most all of the people that go to Las Vegas are truly a different breed and aren’t interested in taking bus tours and we have found that the ones who do are more enjoyable and interesting to talk with. In San Francisco it is just so much easier taking a bus trip to either the Wine Country or down to Carmel and Monterey and Pebble Beach. They drop you off right in the center of town and pick you up at the same location a couple of hours later. You certainly don’t have any parking problems as when you drive there, and a bus trip to the Wine Country gives you a much better opportunity to taste all the different wines without having to worry about a DUI while drive back to San Francisco. On the east coast we have taken "day bus trips" in Boston, New York City, Washington, D. C. and Philadelphia. Being such histori- 18 th÷$TAR cal cities this is a great way to really get to see everything. Parking in large cities is such a challenge and the buses seem to always have their own parking areas close to whatever attraction you are going. Even smaller cities like Savannah, Georgia offers extremely interesting bus tours around the city. But if you’re really up to it, then take a bus tour all across the country. They stop every evening at the designation lodging facility and you’re on your own until the next morning. You don’t have to dine or socialize with anybody other than your own choosing. Check out your local Sunday newspapers in the travel section and they usually have ads for these bus tours. Small towns that have casino gambling are always having specials. We have seen ads where you pay $50.00 up front for a 5 day bus tour which includes your traveling, hotels, food and drinks and shows! Plus, you get the $50.00 back in gaming money at the casino. You can’t stay at home that cheap! Some people enjoy taking bus trips down to Mexico which certainly saves the hassle of driving your own automobile across the border and you certainly are in a position to feel safer. Most bus companies are regulated rather stringently, and especially when driving to Mexico you need to feel safe. ..................... Continued page 27 www.ozarksstar.com �INTERNATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN TRAVEL ASSOCIATION and FUNMAPS, COM By Donald Pile and Kay Williams IGLTA is the world’s leading travel trade association committed to gro,ving and enhancing its member’s gay and lesbian tourism business through education, promotion and networking. You can search, contact and utilize their members around the world for all your travel needs. Whether you are looking for a gay travel business in your local city/town or a tour around the world, their members understand your travel needs. By going to their website, www.iglta.com you can search through their entire database of gay and straight IGLTA members to find just what you are looking for. Founded in 1983 with 25 founding members, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) is today a 1000 plus member strong and growing organization of gay, lesbian and community friendly travel professionals. IGLTA members represent both retailers and suppliers as well as travel columnists like ourselves. They represent travel agencies, tour operators, resorts, hotels, motels, Bed and Breakfasts, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, local tourist offices, regional and national tourist boards and the travel media. John Tanze!l is the Executive Director and their international headquarters is located at 915 Middle River Drive, Suite #306, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Their toll-free telephone number is: 1-800-448-8550. In May 2008, IGLTA will take Sin City by storm! From April 30 until May 4, 2008, Las Vegas will host the Annual Convention of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. The host hotel is the Flamingo. That website is: http://www.iglta.orglconvention/and that website is your one stop shop. Here is where you will find updates, registration information, hotel and air information as well as anything else you could possibly want to learn about this one of a kind event. Among the many workshops that will be taking place are: Vegas Adventures, How to Buy/Sell Unique Destinations, How to Access the Gay and Lesbian www.ozarksstar.corn Market, Internet Marketing, L World - Why Lesbians may be your best customers, Gay Comfort Hotel Programs, Marketing Strategies for Staying Competitive in the Gay & Lesbian Tourism Market, Unique destinations for Gay & Lesbian Travel, Teaming Up with Gay and Lesbian Events, Guerilla Marketing and Hotel/Bed and Breakfast trends. Legendary author Armistead Maupin will be our keynote speaker for the event. There will also be a National Trade Show in conjunction with the Convention. Anxong the many National sponsors of the IGLTA are:Airlines, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Center, MGM-MIRAGE, Canada Tourism Commission, Wyndam Hotels and Resorts, HARRAH’S, AIG Travel Insurance, Alamo Car Rentals, National Car Rentals, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Macy’s Department Stores, Ottawa Tourism Center, Marriott Hotels and Resorts and this is only a portion of the national sponsors. If you go to their website you can check out their list of activities and the calendar of events. They list over a dozen every month all around the ~vorld. OutWest Global Adventures is one of our favorites. Check out their website at www.outwestadventures. com. or email them at: info@outwestadventures.corn and their phone number is 800-743-0458. They schedules all over the world. feature a "places to see" page and great maps of each city so that you can find your way around easily. They have brochures on the following cities: Asbury Park, Atlanta, Atlantic City, Austin, Baltimore, Banff/Jasper, Boston, Brooklyn, Calgary, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Edmonton, Fire Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Halifax, Houston, Jacksonville, Key West, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Long Island, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Miami and Miami Beach, Minneapolis, Montreal, Myrtle Beach, Napa Valley, New Hope, New Orleans, New York City, Niagara, Okanagan Valley, Orange County, Orlando, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Provincetown, Quebec City, Rehoboth Beach, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Saskatoon, Seattle, Sonoma County/Russian River, South Dakota, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Washington D.C., Whistler and Wilton Manors. Hopefully in the near future they will come out with a funmap brochure for Missouri featuring Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield and Joplin. Funmap brochures can be picked up free at hundreds of bars around the country and you can also check them out on line at www.funmaps.com. Their maps are the most circulated gay publication in the world, with 3.5 million users every year. FUNMAPS.com is the leading authority for gays and lesbians visiting anywhere in the United States and Canada. They have yearly "funmap brochures" on all of the major cites in the country. They have been publishing their brochures for over 25 years. Alan Beck is the publisher and lives in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We were fortunate to be his guests at his lovely estate there. His life-partner Nick is a wonderful person and they had a house guest, Norma from the Northeast who was a delight. Alan is one of the most charming gentlemen that we have ever met. The brochures feature accommodations, restaurants/cafes, night life and shopping. Their funmaps brochures also ~heSTAR t9 �Matsuya serves excellent sushi and Japanese fare, including such knock-’out starters as deep-fried chicl~en wings and whitefish with smelt roe. Although many imitators have opened nearby, Mia Francesca remains the best place in the neighborhood for sophisticated but simple Northern Italian fare. You could survive solely- on the flaky, freshly baked cinnanmn rolls that accompany every" meat at the hallowed Swedish diner Ann Sather, which has several gay-popular locations. Chicago Diner, and serves that �A swank, smoke-free lounge known for its colorful cocktails and slick crowd, Minibar opened somewhat recently and has become a favorite affer~work spot. A circuit-boy favorite on weekends, Circuit pulses with a feverish tate-ni~t dance crowd even at midweek, when Latin nights are a hit. °l~ne stylish Berlin disco draws a decidedly fiankier and more alternative crowd than most of the preppy haunts in Lakeview. Nearby Spin is an eclectic gay club with an alla~es crowd and fun dance music. Charlie’s brinas in fans ofcountry~ffestern music, while the Gentry on Halsted is ~ Boystown branch of downtowffsppo ular piano bar, favored for happy hour and later for live cabaret. Leather-and-Levi’s types cruise the Cell Block. Steamworks Chicago is a popular, clean, well-run sauna - it’s one of the nicest such facilities in the country. cheese, and a ranow-smoky sauce. One of the most talked-ab0ut new eateries in the area, Anteprima turns out superb modern Italian fare and has a wan’. dining room with pressed-tin ceilings and a s~.~ded patio in back. Don’t pass up the grilled quail marinated in honey with balsan~ic vinegar and pancetta. A lively and atmospheric bistro with a decidedly queer following, Tomboy serves tempting fare like pan-seared duck with crimini mushrooms mid a port glaze, T’S is a friendly, gay-popular restaurant and bar - it s a favorite lesbian date spot, known for healthful American food. ~hste of Heaven Baker), is a great pick for delectable breakfasts and lunches, plus iCresh-baked snacks throughout the day - the flied-egg sandwiches and peaches-and-cream French toast are favorites in the morning. Ano~er wonderful spot to satisfy your sugar fix is Sweet Occasions, which serves some of the thickest and richest ice cream in the city, plus fantast,c cupcakes, cherry cobbler, and homemade fudge. It’s hard not to love this old-fashioned parlor with ice-cream sundaes named for the seven deadly sins. The "Lust" (a chipotle brownie topped with cinnamon ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and red hots) may leave you lusting t~br another trip to these two charming Chicago neighborhoods ..... www.ozarksstar.com {5eSTAR 21 �our entire lives! "17hey were crispy, tender and extremely delicious. We naturally had to get their recipe to share with our readers. After lunch we had some of their home-made apple pie which was great, but not as great as the onion rings. If you’re ever in that part of the country, be sure and stop by and dine there. They have no phone, no address with just a small sign in front but you can’t miss it as it is the only restaurant in town. We asked our waitress who owned the restaurant and she said, "Bob & Jim’. She had ,vorked there for over 3 years and had never met them. Rather strange, but as long as they make extraordinary onion rings, we don’t care. BOB & IIM’S CAFE So, when you’r traveling, you never know what you might find. Sometimes it turns out good and sometimes it turns out bad, but just keep on "truckin". Greydiff, Montana We love to dine at fine restaurants around the country but sometimes we hit upon a little diner that looks as though it is just the "perfect" place to stop. Last fall on our driving trip back from Seattle, Washington we were driving thru Montana around noonish and we were both getting hungry so we decided to pull into the next to~vn and get something to eat. Lo and behold the next town in Montana was Greycliff, a town of about 450 people (if you count the two of us). Really not much there except it is right on the Interstate. When we walked into the only restaurant in town, they KNEW that we were not from their fair town, or even that we were from Montana! All eyes were upon us. The last time that anyone in the restaurant had ever seen that many diamond rings was when they went to their local Walmart! We were the only ones there that didn’t wear cowboy hats, blue jeans, cowboy boots or bib overalls. We really thought about turning right around and walking back to our auto, but decided to stay. Our waitress was rather like Flo from the TV series, ALICE with a rather shrieking voice but pleasant. We had been dining for the past two weeks on west coast seafood so decided to try something a little more middle American so we ordered a chicken flied steak lunch. Our waitress, whose real name was Minnie May suggested that we also order the onion rings which she said were the best in the entire State of Montana. We almost didn’t order them but she kept insisting so ~ve did. To our pleasant surprise, they were some of the finest onion rings that we have ever had in 22 th~STAR Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Call STAR ADVERTISING today. www.ozarksstar.com �XANDER, CAPTURES MR GAY US ofA MI 2008 TITLE AT ANGLES By Victor Gorin OkJahomans for Equa] ity opens new exhibit featuring artist Amie Montedoro at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-theartist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, April 3, 2008, for the opening of it’s April exhibit, paintings by Amie Montedoro. Winners Xander & 1 st runnerup Owen McCord OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ A new facet of pageantry was introduced to Oklahoma when the first contest for male impersonation was held in Oklahoma City March 12-15. q-he national competition for this new division of the US of A system, Mr Gay US of A, concluded at Angles with the crowning of Xander of Tennessee with 1st alternate Owen McCord of Atlanta, Georgia. This new contest is owned by the first Mr. Gay US ofA MI, the famous Gage Gatlin and his partner Brenda Quayle. Mr.Gatlin wowed the audience with a style that even made some gay men swoon, talent garnered from years of experience beginning in Jacksonville, Florida. Gage and Brenda have made their home in Tulsa, having begun this contest in August of this year. Mr.Gatlin has gone into retirement, however he will still perform for large charity events. They are looking forward to next year’s contest, which will feature contestants winning preliminary or regional contests, of which there are already 10 planned. ~wvw.ozarksstar.com Montedoro’s art is a refreshing look at the beauty of women who have taken charge of their own sexuality. The feminine form, as the perfect balance between the sacred and the profane, embodies the duplicity that is woman; as Madonna, as Whore. The eldest daughter of accomplished architect and educator Richard Montedoro (Norman, Ok.), Amie has been taught from a young age the importance of self expression. A tactile artist, Amie prefers to create her art not with brushes or tools; rather she uses her fingers to apply all but the most intricate of details and finishing touches. From concept to creation, Amie uses traditional techniques along with the relationship garnered from having her hands actually create the form and emotion of women who are sexually comfortable, capable, and liberated. The exhibit will remain up through the month of April, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Ttflsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Kern Responds to Activist Criticisms OKI~A_HOMA CITY, OK (PR) __State Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) issued the following statement in response to the criticisms of homosexual activists who have objected to a recent speech she gave on their efforts to promote their agenda at both the federal and state level. "To put this simply, as a Christian I believe homosexuality is not moral. Obviously, you have the right as an American to choose that lifestyle, but I also have the right to express my views and my fellow Oklahomans have the right to debate these issues. "In recent years homosexual activists have begun to aggressively promote their agenda through the political process, often providing substantial financing to candidates who agree with their views, including many running for state legislative races. National publications such as Time, The Atlantic and USA Today have noted that trend. That is their right, just as it is my right to voice opposition to their agenda, which I have been asked to do at several public forums in recent months. That’s what democracy is all about. It appears some homosexual activists believe only one group is allowed a voice in this debate. I disagree. ’~k vigorous debate on an issue is not ’hate speech’ - it’s free speech. I have made clear my opposition to the agenda of homosexual activists, but I have never endorsed or supported any hateful action targeting individuals on the other side of this debate and never will. The fact that many gay rights activists claim anyone opposing their agenda is engaging in ’hate speech’ says more about them than me. "Most Oklahomans are socially conservative and believe marriage is a sacred institution, the union of one man and one woman, and that the traditional family is worth protecting and preserving. When I campaigned for office, I promised my constituents to stand up for those values, and I do not apologize for keeping my word." theSTAR 23 ���By Ronald Blake By the time you read this, the Academy Awards gadabouts will be looking forward to next year’s red carpet faux pas. You will likely have listened ad nauseam to the incessant prattling of that sham fashion critic Joan Rivers. You will probably be joining the droves of lemmings to rent the Oscar winning movies at the corner Blockbuster. I will now beseech your participation for my health version of the body’s Academy Awards. I promise to shut up when the music starts to play. The winner for best editing goes to the reticular activating system, or the RAS as it is known to the medical snobs, q-his system was responsible for filtering all the unnecessary dreck that made its way to your brain during the past year. It decided what was important for you to pay attention to. It concluded that 99% of the sensory input that approached your cerebral cortex was to be ignored. Without this RAS, you would likely have been bombarded with an overload of drab detail all around you. The kind of overload you would experience while on the drug LSD, which does temporarily disable the RAS. The winner for best supporting role goes to the diaphragm. This veteran provided enough action and drama for five hysterical queens. It was capable of providing sufficient pressure change in your thoracic cavity to send blood soaring happily back to the heart on many an occasion. It has so ardently allowed you to give that much needed extra push while grunting and groaning on the toilet. It was even so 26 theSTAR chivalrous to accompany you to the health club and save you from muscle tears during your heavy lifting exercises. The best makeup award is presented to the circulatory system for its presentation of the numerous bruises that you displayed to the world. These hematomas are more than just clotted blood masses and it is long overdue that the Academy finally recognizes these purveyors of black and blue marks. They maintained their iridescent beauty until the body naturally reabsorbed the escaped blood that clotted just beneath the skin’s surface. There were many nonainees for great body parts and their exciting roles. With all due respect to the aforementioned winners, the body does function as a whole and winning team. Keep learning about your anatomy and physiology. This knowledge is what will keep you healthy and prepare you for the recipient of the lifetime achievement award. This column is brought to you by that guy who frequendy and sophomorically ordered Whopper sandwiches while in the McDonald’s drive-throughs in his carefree youth. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be castigated at www.goblakefimess.com. The best leading role goes to the lungs. This organ is usually secondary to the perennial favorites such as the heart, brain, or the stomach. This year the voters spoke and showed the world that nobody puts the lungs in a corner. This tour de force has provided the heart with all its oxygen which in turn has provided the properly conditioned blood for your brain’s processing of your impure thoughts and the stomach’s digesting of those roast beef sandwiches ladled with horsey sauce. The best director goes to the adrenaline. This litde behemoth was responsible for preparing all your body parts for that fight or flight reaction when you came face to face with that curmudgeonly pit bull in the park. Audience members cheered furiously when you chose the flight version and outpaced the Hound of the Baskervilles and then leapt that six foot brick wall to the safety of those hydrangea bushes on the other side. Only a capable director could cajole you out of your slothful ways to negotiate that feat. www.ozarksstar.com �GAY TRAVELERS: Almost al! the bus tours allow their passengers to take their own food with them and if you are careful and not out in the open about it, you can take your own liquor for a 5 o’clock drink or two. We know several people who have taken a bus tour from California to Alaska and they all say that it was splendid. Buses nowadays are not like yesterday. They are all extremely comfortable with air-cushioned suspension. They of course all have restrooms on board and they make frequent stops for dining and shopping. On the longer tours they usually have a host/hostess traveling with you to answer any and all questions. Sometimes in one’s life it just makes more sense to take a bus tour rather than driving your own automobile. If this is something that might be in your future plans we highly suggest that perhaps you might start offwith just a day trip and see how you like it and then progress to a longer one. There are a lot of single people taking these bus tours so for the single people out there, you don’t need to feel alone when traveling. We have made good acquaintances on our day tours that we took several years ago and still keep in touch with them. Bus tours are not for everybody but perhaps it might be something to look into for your future travel plans. And speaking of Las Vegas, "Gay Days & Nights Las Vegas" is coming up July 3rd thru the 6th. This wil! be their 2nd year of presenting the Gay Days & Nights. Presenting sponsor Cirque du Soleil will be featuring special events and discounts throughout the Gay Days & Nights July 3-6, to showcase their Las Vegas productions. Attendees of Gay Days & Nights Las Vegas will have an opportunity to see any or all of the shows combined with invitationonly special events, drawings and incentives planned for each night including LOVE at Mirage, KA at MGM Grand, ZUMANITY at New-York Hote! & Casino and Mystere at Treasure Island. PARIS Hotel & Casino is the host accommodations and you can check them out at Parislasvegas.com. For more information check their website at http://www.gaydaysandnights.com/. Also when going to Las Vegas be sure and check out http://www.lasvegaspride.org/. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! ~,wvw.ozarksstar.com British gays f~ght b{ood ban A new British group called Bloodban is seeking to overturn the nation’s ban on blood donation by non-celibate gay men, the BBC reported March 7. Organizers are circulating a petition that they plan to deliver to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The National Blood Service believes gay men are too high-risk because of the short gap between one’s getting infected with HIV and when the virus can be detected by a blood test. Bloodban says people should be excluded based on their lifestyle, not because of their membership in a particular social group. ~e activists propose that gay men be banned as donors only if they have had unprotected sex in the past 18 months. israeli bashers sent to prison Four Jerusalem gay-bashers were sent to prison for two to eight years March 6 by the Tel Aviv District Court, Ynetnews reported. Typically, the bashers used a decoy cruiser to pick up men seeking sex with men at Tel Aviv’s old central bus station. Once in the victim’s car, the decoy would direct him to another location where the other bashers joined in beating, stripping and robbing the victim. Two other men have been indicted for nearly identical crimes at Jerusalem’s central bus station. In one case, one of the bashers bit off a portion of one victim’s ear, Ynet said. Netherlands plans legalization of park sex People having sex in the park xvill be expected to do so only after dark and out of public viexv. They also must not leave condoms lying about. Meanxvhile, the police institute’s National Diversity Expertise Center is advising other cities to follow Amsterdam’s lead. It said legalizing park sex would help protect gay men from queer-bashers. The Amsterdam branch of the Dutch national gay group COC (now knoxvn only by its formal initials) xvelcomed the nexvs. "Cruising is something belonging to all times and banning it does not work anyway," said chairman Dennis Boutkan. "They do it surreptitiously and mostly without others being annoyed by it. By agreeing on rules of behavior, safety can be increased." Spanish gay-marriage PIVt wins reelection Spanish voters re-elected Prime Minister Josd Luis Rodrlguez Zapatero on March 9, apparently unperturbed that he made Spain one of only six nations that grant gay couples access to full marriage. Zapatero’s Socialist party took 43.7 percent of the vote, besting the conservative Popular Party, which grabbed 40.1 percent. Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa and the U.S. state of Massachusetts also have opened up ordinary marriage to same-sex couples. SGYrdneff. GLBT Mardi as Picks Gayest Song Ever. S~qDNEY, AU __ ABBA’s Dancing Queen, which has been ranked by visitors to Australia’s SameSame.com.au website as the gayest song of all time in a list compiled to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. It will no longer be illegal to have sex in Amsterdam’s Vondel Park under regulations set to take effect later this year, De Telegraaf reported March 7. The Village People’s YMCA came in second, followed by Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive. "Why should we try to maintain something that is actually impossible to maintain, which also causes little bother for others and, for a certain group, actually signifies much pleasure?" asked Oud-Zuid district Alderman Paul van Grieken. "The list was compi]ed in the lead-up to the 30th Anniversary of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to look back on the catalogue of popular music to decide which of them are truly worthy to be labelled a camp classic," SameSame.com.au said. th÷STAR 27 �by Jack Fertig April 2008 "Recharge your batteries, Taurus!" Venus entering Aries provides a challenging spark to the profound re-evaluations of responsibility being raised by Pluto and Saturn. Be patient, take the long view, and rise to the challenge of seeing how your impulses can be harnessed to deep and necessary changes. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Venus is in your sign, and it’s a great time for a makeover. Looking good professionally is more important than just looking gorgeous, so freshen up your work as well as your appearance. Looking good in lieu of accomplishment will fool no one. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Allow yourself time to be alone. Recharge your batteries; take time to think about important issues, to organize hobbies or crafts, or to look more critically at some of your creative efforts. When you need fresh air, do some volunteer work. GEMINi (May 21 - June.20): Throwing yourself into some community efforts will bdng you to unanticipated challenges. You can overcome them, but will have to re-evaluate how you network with others, and how you support and use community structures. SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 o December 20): You could accomplish a great deal, earning fame and fortune. The creative impulse that should feed such progress is more likely to be a distraction. Harnessing that power productively is challenging. Don’t give in to impulse. Structure and discipline are now your best bet. CAPRICORN (December 21 -January 19): Suddenly focusing on what you value about your home and tribe, you can become very assertive and defensive. Try to take a longer view, asserting the value of your clan as part of a larger community or humanity, not distinct from it. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): To become even more comfortable with your deepest, most private feelings about sex and/or death, you need to challenge yourself to examine these most irrational mysteries with some logic. Find someone with whom you can discuss your secret feelings. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): The fault is probably not with your partner and friends, but in what you imagine - wrongly - to be their chief assets. Try to see what they offer and what you offer to them in a new light, one that will improve all your relationships. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Making useful connections may feel cynical. The truth is, you tend to be a little too romantic and shouldn’t be shy about basing relationships on something practical. Focus your urge to edit on yourself; others rarely appreciate it. LEO (July 23 .- August 22): You’re suddenly impatient to make your mark in a new territory. Stop and think. Rather than wasting this energy in some egoistic indulgence, you can apply your skills to present your most valued ideas and talents. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Be bold and daring. Traits you’ve experienced as liabilities can prove very advantageous if you try playing with them - perhaps in dark, subversive ways. Erotic role play can unlock power where you thought you were weak. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Nice people can argue nicely. Assert your points respectfully and hear your partner - or your opponent - out. Be open to new perspectives on cherished traditions. Some long-accepted history als0 needs a fresh look. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): You’re itching to make some much-needed innovations at work. As good as. your ideas are, be sure to discuss any plans with colleagues, and not just for diplomacy’s sake. You can learn from their ideas and improve upon your own improvements. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve 3". Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Spdngs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �tis÷ s Support those who support us, DOWNTOWN PLAZA of TULSA 17 \Vest 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 v~vw.realacceptance.com HABANA INN 2200 bD,v4 39TH F~XPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK x~vw.anglesclub.com BkaMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VgAy Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 v~vw.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com www.ozarksstar.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline GUSHER’S RESTAURMNT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn GAYRIBBEAN CRUISES www.gayribbeancruises.com 877-560-8318 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the HVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphoms@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: ¯he STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAlVlE: Address: CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com St: Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: th÷STAR 29 �Keller Williams Realty Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. ,REALACCEPTANCE,COM mdaekfinitio,n..; the cos,int [Re f,gr m,,ost to..... e a amerence llves of.u...s, oT (~Lt~l Teens in Oklahoma.) You can help our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more Info: www. openarmsproject.org 30 t5eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com ��drugs +, HIL.~ Learn ~t~he Link �� 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 ESTABLISHED 2003 www.ozarksstar.com APRIL 2008 "The homosexual agenda is destroying this nation." "1 honestly think it’s the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam. They have infiltrated City Councils. They are after your 2 year olds for indoctrination." State Representative, District 84, Sally Kern. Compiled by Star staff Photo: Rally at Memorial Park Oklahoma City. ¯hese sentiments expressed by State Representative Sally Kern were taped at a Republican gathering who had invited her to speak on what some term the homosexual agenda. The tape was given to the Victory Fund, a national gay & lesbian political activist group and placed on ¥outube, where it has now been heard by over 1,000,000 people. It has garnered international attention with responses that have overwhelmed Youtube, and to say that the lines of communication with Ms. Kern were jammed would be a classic understatement. Ellen Degeneres was not surprised when she tried to contact Sally Kern after playing the youtube video on her show and couldn’t even leave a message. Although the audience was obviously not in agreement with Sally, Ellen appealed to Miss Kern on the air, stating that she wanted to talk to her, that she obviously had some misinformation. Although some responses received by Ms Kern were supportive, the vast majority were not, and many were threatening and are being investigated by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. At a Press Conference at the Church of the Open Arms March 11, Cimarron Alliance President Richard Ogden, among many others, denounced Ms. Kern’s remarks and stated that she should apologize or be censured by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As he put it, "These are hateful words that can result in hateful actions, This is about accountability, not freedom of expression." It was pointed out that only 3 months earlier, Stephen Domer of Oklahoma City was murdered because he was gay. So far Ms. Kern has refused to apologize and the Speaker of the House, Republican Chris Benge ofTulsa, has stated he will not call for Ms. Kern to be censured. However Governor Brad Henry stated that he advised her to "Think before you speak. Oklahomans have love and tolerance for all people. I don’t think this rhetoric represents Oklahoma." P-Flag of Oklahoma has asked for a meeting with her, but has gotten no response. Her statement that the gay community was a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam drew fire from both military personnel and Oklahoma’s Muslim community. At the Church press conference Richard Ogden pointed out that one of the four people on United Airlines Flight 93 who overpowered the hijackers who were heading the airliner to the White House, Mark Bingham, was gay. Another speaker at the conference, Jerre B. Fine, a Air Force veteran, stated that she was honored to serve her country and that Sally Kern’s comments that gays were a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam, and were a cancer in the toe of society were very hurtful on a personal level. She pointed out that "I served my country dutifully and honorably for 6 years of my life. We need protection not only from outside forces trying to destroy America, but also we need protection from within from people like Sally Kern." On March 14 there was a rally at Memorial Park featuring signs along Classen Boulevard encouraging rush hour travelers to honk to show opposition to Representative Kern’s remarks. The event got extensive television coverage, and featured many community leaders. Most important of all was that the responses from OKC’s commuters were overwhelmingly supportive. In a recent Tulsa World poll, the question was: Would you sign the petition to have Sally Kern removed from office? ..............Continued PAGE 5 ®MISS GAY TULSA PAGEANT April 25th 10prn. Featuring - Miss Gay Tulsa America - Melody Micheals and Miss Gay Oklahoma Lindsey Paige. for more information email: information@downtownplazatulsa.com 2 the STAR vwvw.ozarksstar.com 1 DS (2437) Recognized by Keller Williams For outstanding achievement 2005 and 2006 R~ALTY Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALTOI~ Whether buying or selling I’ll work hardforyo~ Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Seepage 29for order blank. ,J www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 APRIL, State News continues on page 6, 9, 11 and 23 LGBT History looks at the life ofTallulah Bankahead, Actress Movies, TV, Stage and Radio World Briefs By Rex Wockner - Wockner News Service ~DEEP ~INSIDE HOLLYWOOD Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for George Clooney and Simon ~WiNE Devre Jackson reviews wines of Northem Italy. Beer-Battered Onion Rings from Bob & Jim’s Care, Greycliff, Montana. Gay Travelers: Bus Trips & Tours Out of Town: Chicago STAR SCENE Snapshots from around the State. Paparazzi on page 25 FITNESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Photo byVictor Gorin 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Embrace the Passior o£ the Prom. Pride Prom 2008 makes comeback to PAC By Joey De TULSA, OK__ When the sun sets April 19, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center will heat up with the passion of Spain as the University ofTulsa’s Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay and Transgender alliance present Pride Prom 2008, "Bailamos!" The event, which has called the PAC home for three years, offers BLGT youth and their friends the opportunity to celebrate the prom season with their chosen date. ’~A lot of BLGT youth can’t take the prom date of their choice (to their high school’s prom), this is an opportunity to express themselves freely," says Steven Hulford, one of the organization’s leaders. For the TU-BLGTA, Pride Prom is a way to give back to the community and make memories for BLGTA youth, regardless of if they are TU students or not. "We are in or eighth year of doing this event," says Hulford. "Each year it has grown from being in the Great Hall of the Allen Chapman Activity Center (a building on campus), to what it is now." According to Hulford, this year’s Spanish theme was picked from a long list of ideas. "We wanted to do something completely different from what we had done in the past," he says noting previous themes of Hollywood and water. "We’re calling it ’Bailamos’ because the literal translation is ’we dance’." At the event, Hulford says youth can expect all the food, music and fun of a traditional high school prom. In addition, attendees will have access to a "Resource Row," that will feature organizations who provide quality services to BLGT youth. Beginning at 7:30, the event runs until 11:00 and does not require formal dress. "The only things we don’t allow are torn jeans and shorts, other than that people are welcome to dress how they feel comfortable. People have come in formal prom attire and have come in polo shirts and slacks," explains Mr. Hulford. Tickets for Pride Prom 2008 are $10 in advance at www.myticketoffice.com and $12 at the door. For information on sponsorship and branding opportunities, contact the group’s advisor, Nancy Eggen at 918.744.9182. SOONER STATE SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION HOLDS OKLAHOMA CITY TOURNAMENT Leroy Cobb & Laurie Proole MC’s at Angles Furndraiser for Sooner State Softball 26 teams ( 21 men’s, 5 women’s) came together at Boomtown Field and the Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City March 15-16 to enjoy the comraderie of softball competition. Now in its 5th year, the Sooner State Softball Association offers the GLBT community the opportunity to show off their skills or learn the game among friends. According to SSSA Commissioner Leroy Comp, it also provides a way "to see some great softball." The SSSA is part of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, a confederation of GLBT athletic teams in both the United States and Canada. New players are always welcome, so if you’d like to try your hand, call Mr.Comp and (405) 408 2533 or e-mail him at cutupok@aol.com. FRONT PAGE CONTINUED: Yes: 129 No: 86 I don’t know: 6 The results of this question represent the opinions of 221 people with the following demographic profile: Oklahomans: 80.5 % Male: 127 Female: 94 In response to Kern’s statement that Eureka Springs City Council was controlled by gays. A press statement was issued by the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce and the straight Mayor, Dani Joy: "Since its founding in 1879, Eureka Springs has been and remains welcoming to all visitors and residents without regard to their race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. It is our hope that all people would aspire to this ideal. Because of the timeless beauty of our architecture and landscape, the friendliness of our citizens and our welcoming attitude toward all visitors, we remain a destination for people from all walks of life. Eureka Springs will remain a city eager to provide all visitors a fulfilling vacation experience." Mayor Dani Joy" Oklahomans have spoken out, we’ve demonstrated, protested, sent letters and email to our elected officials, and have gained international attention. Media from around the world has covered the embarrassing tirade of Rep. Kern. This international spodight may be to our advantage. Our activist groups have experienced an influx of out of state contributions since the stoW broke. We’ve gotten the attention of national and international advocacy organizations. We have discovered many new main stream allies in Oklahoma. The House and Senate leadership may allow the five hate crimes bills currently before them to receive full consideratioia. There is a positive side to this degrading display of (Shame on Sally) Most importantly we have the right to vote, and Sally was voted into office. Come November and in future elections know your candidate before you mark that spot on the ballot. It could make an important difference in our future. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 editor Dear Editor, When is enough, really enough? We have been reading and watching the national news about Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, saying "gay agenda is a greater threat to America than terrorism." Although we do not live in Oldahoma, we have been visiting your great state for over 30 years. We are extremely concerned when a public official such as an elected State Representative makes such remarks. ¯his is really nothing short of a "hate crime" in itselfl It is one thing for a regular citizen of the country to make remarks such as this but when a public official says it, then it is obviously crossing the line. As gay and lesbian citizens of the United States, we have as much right as anybody else to expect full citizenship. When people such as Ms. Kern spews her hatred to the people of Oklahoma it is WRONG ! It propels hatred in schools, churches and throughout the entire community. Many years ago we took on Anita Bryant for her anti-homosexual drive and we won! So, our dear brothers and sisters in Oklahoma............. have you had enough? Gays and Lesbians throughout the country are fighting for their rights and each and every individual gay and lesbian person in each state must do their part. We cannot suggest an action to take against Ms. Kern however we feel very strongly that action MUST BE TAKEN in whatever form necessary. Whether a full stage sit-in, a recall of her government seat in your State House or whatever. ..... something NEEDS TO BE DONE AND NOW~ Many years have passed since we just stood on the sidelines and took whatever was handed to us, and we never, want to return to those days. We are extremely proud of the progress that gays and lesbians have made. Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa have a very vibrant gay and lesbian community, much more so than most cities around the country their size. OkEq Den,o.unces Rep. Sally Kem’s Ant oGay Tirade TULSA, OK (PR) __Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) deplores the sentiments expressed by Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) in a YouTube video now generating a firestorm. National and local media outlets are closely covering the controversy sparked by Kern’s claim that homosexuality is "the biggest threat that our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam." In a triple play of intolerance, Rep. Kern offends lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans, thousands of women and men defending the United States from terrorist attacks, and Muslims worldwide. Yet, she remains completely unapologetic, citing her right to freedom of speech and claiming, "I have never endorsed or supported any hateful action targeting individuals on the other side of this debate and never will." Rep. Kern’s legislative track record belies her remarks. In 2006, Rep. Kern sponsored legislation that xvould have denied funding to public libraries that refused to segregate books addressing LGBT themes. Rep. Kern has repeatedly used her public office to demonize LGBT Oklahomans and to attempt to deny them the exact same civil liberties she now defends so passionately. This is the height of hypocrisy. "OkEq firmly supports Rep. Kern’s constitutional tight to express her viexvs, but vociferously objects to the actions she takes to prevent LGBT Oklahomans from attaining justice and equality. When elected officials use their power to defame entire categories of people, they abuse the freedom of speech embedded in the First Amendment and violate their responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their constituents," asserts Justice Waidner, OkEq Executive Director. So instead of just bitching and moaning and groaning about Mrs. Kern, we wish all the gays and lesbians in Oklahoma the best success with this matter. Cordially, Donald Pile and Ray Williams OkEq calls upon the many fair-minded members of the Oklahoma legislature to condemn Rep. Kern’s comments and to pass immediately a state hate crimes law that encompasses sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. We ask for the House and Senate leadership to allow the five hate crimes bills currently before them to receive full consideration on the floor. 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 4815 S. Harvard Gay men and lesbiansface many special tax situations, whether single or as couples. Proudly serving Tulsa & OKC’s GLBT communities since 1982 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com TULSA, OK (PR) __ Health Outreach Prevention Education, Inc. (H.O.P.E.) celebrated its 10th anniversar~ Xgrednesday, March 12, 2008. Invited guests and honorees celebrated at the Dennis R. Nell Fxtuality Center, a long-time community partner where H.O.P.E.’s services began in 1996. The evening included hors d’ oeuvres and recognized key individuals who have been instrumental in the growth and success of the organization. "H.O.P.E. provides a vita! service in the fight against HIV by testing those at risk and also educating the community on safer sex practices. By virtue of their HIV testing being free and anonymous, people at risk can more easily know their status and help stop the transmission of HIV," stated Stephen Eberle, advisory board and 10th Anniversary committee member. In recognition of H.O.P.E.’s 10th Anniversary, the following people and organizations received recognition for the significant impact they have had on the agency since its inception: Ms. Kristi Frisbie, Mr. Jeremy Simmons, the Oklahoma State Department of Health HIWSTD Division, Ms. Janie Nicklas and the Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership Grants Committee, Tulsa CARES, Community of Hope Church, Ms. Debi Sanditen, Dr. Damon Baker, and Oklahomans for Equality. Health Outreach Prevention Education (H.O.P.E.) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that has served Tulsa and surrounding communities since 1998. H.O.P.E. is proud to be recognized as one of the largest and most comprehensive health promotion facilities in Oklahoma, and is the only free, anonymous HIV testing site in a 23-county area. H.O.P.E. also operates the statewide HIWsexually transmitted disease (STD) resource hotline and conducts a variety of targeted outreach efforts focusing on men, women, and under served populations. H.O.P.E. also offers free and low-cost Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing and education services. H.O.P.E. provides a comfortable place for people to learn their health status and can connect clients to a variety of medical and social support services. H.O.EE. is supported in part by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, as well as various private foundations, including the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund, the Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership, the MAC AIDS Fund, and the George B. Kaiser Family Foundation. Raising awareness of HIV/AIDS remains vitally important, as the infection rate remains steady every year in the United States. Young people and minorities are disproportionately affected, but HIV does not discriminate. By knowing 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. For more information about HIV or sexually transmitted infections, call the Oklahoma HIWSTD Resource Hotline, 1-800-535-MDS (2437). RESERVE YOUR SPAOE HOW Deadline Thursday IViay t 5th Serving the Oklahoma GLBT community since 2003. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 by Liz Highteyman Past Out, which looks at the life 0fTallulah Bankhead, Actress Movies, TV;, Stage and Radio, Who was Tallu]lah Bankhead? ~ecades after her heyday in the 1920s and 1930s, self-described "ambisextrous" stage and screen star Tallulah Bankhead is as famous for her bad-girl antics as for her acting talent. Bankhead was born to a prominent political family in Huntsville, Ala., on January 31, probably in !903 (the year is subject to debate); her mother died shortly thereafter from childbirth complications. Seeking to keep his two unruly daughters out of trouble, her father, a U.S. Congressman, sent them to convent schools, but these proved conducive venues for Bankhead’s first sexual experiences with other girls. Though plump and plain as a child, Bankhead blossomed as an adolescent; at age 15, she won a movie magazine beauty contest with a prize of a small film role. Chaperoned by an aunt, she took up residence at the Mgonquin Hotel in New York City, a favored haunt of the Broadway elite. There, Bankhead was seduced by renowned actress Eva Le Gallienne and met Estelle Winwood, an older English actress who would become a life-long friend and sometime lover. Bankhead also counted among her liaisons British student Napier Alington and jazz great Billie Holiday, but she turned down a casting couch invitation from John Barrymore. Breakthrough acting success eluded Banld~ead in New York, and in 1923 she moved to London on the advice of an astrologer. There, she quickly achieved fame, especially among young working-class women. Over the next eight years she appeared in two dozen \VC-est End plays, which were wildly popular with fans, if not always acclaimed by critics. Documents declassified in 2000 revealed that the British intelligence service investigated her - groundlessly, it turned out - for allegedly seducing a group of Eton schoolboys. Bankhead earned considerable income, but spent profligately; by the end of the decade, she was broke and accepted a contract offer from Paramount Studios. In Hollywood, she hosted parties at her mansion that were said to have "no boundaries," and she attended shindigs at lesbian actress Alia Nazimova’s lavish Garden ofAllah estate. An emergency hysterectomy due to advanced gonorrhea did little to curb her omnivorous sexual appetite. "My daddy warned me about men and booze," she famously quipped, "but he never mentioned a word about women and cocaine." Bankhead had flings with Gary Cooper and - allegedly - with Marlene Dieterich, but Greta Garbo apparently spurned her advances. Upon meeting Joan Crawford, who was then married to Douglas Fairbanks Jr., she remarked, "I’ve had an affair with your husband. You’ll be next." Though Bankhead often bragged about her sexual conquests, many believed she exaggerated for the sake of publicity. Indeed, her comments suggested that she did not particularly enjoy sex. "The conventional position makes me claustrophobic," she once said, "and the others give me a stiff neck or lockjaw." Regarding Bankhead’s orientation, long-time companion Patsy Kelly - one of the first actresses to come out as a lesbian - said it "mostly it depended on Tallulah’s mood...When she’d get caught up with a man, she’d go quite hetero on us." Bankhead married once, to actor John Emery in 1937, but they divorced four years later with no children. She then bought an estate in West&ester County, where she lived for extended periods with Winwood and with Kelly. She also surrounded herself with numerous pets and her "caddies" - young men who mixed her drinks, lit her constant cigarettes, and sometimes provided sexual services. Follmving in her father’s footsteps, she became increasing involved in politics, campaigning for Democratic candidates and supporting both anti-Nazi and anti-Communist causes. Bankhead disliked movie acting, and her larger-than-life style ~vas better suited to the stage than the screen. After making several unsuccessful Hollywood films, she returned to acting on Broadway and with national touring companies, receiving critical acclaim for her performances in The Little Foxes (1939) and The Skin of Our Teeth (1942). Though bitterly disappointed at being passed over for the role ofScarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind, she still took on occasional movie projects, including her most famous role as a shipwrecked journalist in Alfred Hitchcock’s Lifeboat (1944). In the early 1950s, Bantdxead emceed The Big Show, a popular variety program on NBC Radio; when radio gave way to television, she appeared as a guest on shows such as The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour. She also starred in a one-woman Las Vegas nightclub act and wrote a best-selling autobiography. But as Bankhead aged, her 10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com years of hard drinking and drug use caught up with her, and she became a caricature of her former self. Many of her gay male fans failed to take her efforts seriously, laughing through her performance as Blanche Du- Bois in a 1956 revival ofA Streetcar Named Desire. Before her death from pneumonia in 1968, Bankhead’s final roles were intentionally absurd, induding turns as a demented mother in the British horror flick Fanatic (1965) - retitled Die! Die! My Darling! in the United States - and as the Black Widow on the Batman television series. When producer William Dozier explained his vision for the latter role, she reportedly replied, "Don’t talk to me about camp, dahling, I invented it!" For further reading: Bret, David. 1997. Tallulah Bankhead: A Scandalous Life (Robson Books). Lobenthal, Joe. 2004. Tallulah! The Life and Times of a Leading Lady (HarperCollins). McLellan, Diana. 2000. The Girls: Sappho Goes to Hollywood (Robson Books). OK Mozart Festvai Announces 24th Season, June 13=21 TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tourism is a growing industry in Oklahoma, and the OK Mozart International Festival continues to enhance dais growth by attracting visitors to Bartlesville each June for one of the state’s most renowned cultural events. From June 13-21, the Festival’s 24th season promises to delight audiences from across the state and country with an outstanding array of concert artists and world-class musicians and performances, ranging from classical concerts to Jazz and everything in between. The line-up of renowned guest artists includes Mark O’Connor, Barry Douglas, Anne-Marie McDermott, Frederica yon Stade, Branford Marsalis, Peter Nero, and Ben Vereen. Plus, the New York Theatre Ballet is performing Sleeping Beauty. Amici New York, the Festival’s beloved orchestra-in-residence, returns as it has each year since the Festival’s founding in 1985. These musicians are soloists in their own right and perform in many of the most prestigious ensembles throughout the year. Paul Neubauer, music director, returns with his All-Star Chamber Ensemble featuring members ofThe Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. This year’s Festival will celebrate four great American composers: George Gershwin, Elliott Carter, Charles Wuorinen and Joan Tower, according to Neubauer. "We will also have Mozart,Tchalkovsky and Jimi Hendrix. Please join us for an exhilarating OK Mozart Festival." According to Scott Black, executive director, the 2008 festival offers some positive changes, including three series of entertainment options for the major concerts, money-saving ticket packages and many new and free Showcase events. These events, usually during non-concert hours, offer tours, historical talks, childreffs activities, luncheons and performances. "The 2008 Festival marks our 24th season of offering an internationally recognized event that puts Northeast Oklahoma on the map alongside larger cities that host similar summer festivals--San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Aspen," Black said. Most concerts take place in the Bartlesville Community Center concert hall, acdaimed for its near-perfect acoustics. Inside the Community Hall, the Moz-Art Gallery and OKM Gift Shop provide shopping pleasure for visitors. An exquisite on-site restaurant, Cafd Mozart, offers delicious three-course dinners and delightful lunches. The all-time favorite Woolaroc Outdoor Concert, taking place on June 20 at the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, features Amici New York with conductor’ Michael Krajewski. Nestled on the shores of a tranquil lake, this concert under the stars provides a relaxing, fun way to enjoy beautiful music. When darkness falls, a spectacular finale of fireworks lights the sky, signaling an end to the unforgettable evening. Season tickets and packages are available now with general sales beginning March 3rd. To order, call 918.336.9800, visit www. okmozart.com or in person at 500A South Dewey, Bartlesville. The Festival is made possible in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council and many corporate and individual patrons. The OK Mozart Festival is a member of Green Country Marketing Assn., one of 11 multi-county organizations working with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, the Oklahoma Travel Industry Assn. and the other 10 multi-county associations to promote the state tourism industry. Creating Community for People iving with H ViA DS 50t c (3) Non Profit Orgauization Our House, Too offers a vadety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 Gay arid Gray r g: Cor cerr s SAN FRANCISCO, CA__ More than 70% of lesbian and gay and respondents over age 40 reported concerns about losing the ability to care for themselves in a recent study conducted by Community Marketing, Inc. The majority also feared becoming sick or disabled, being dependent on others, and outliving their savings. When asked which resources they would rely on for long-term financial and social care as they age, less than 8% of respondents said they would place significant reliance on long-term care insurance, leaving us to wonder how prepared lesbians and gay men are for the kinds of health issues that often come with old age. Respondents placed the most emphasis on: Health care insurance: 22% Medicare: 20% Personal savings: 19% Social Security: 16% 65% of respondents expect for provide care to a partner sometime in the future, 44% for a parent, and 34% for a friend. However, respondents were less certain ofwho would care for them - 59% said a partner would be there to help care for them, 29% a friend, and 20% no one. Research Shows Growing Old a Concernfor Many Lesbians and Gay Mot A significant 20% of gay male and 38% of lesbian respondents over age 40 have children Oust 4% of gay men and 12% of lesbians reported the children to be under age 18). Sometimes it is easy forget how many gay-boomers had children before they came out, and some gays and lesbians will be able to rely on their children for care. The majority of respondents have completed a Living Will and the majority have a Power of Attorney, but less than 50% have completed an Estate Will or set up a Living Trust. (Hospitals often require a visiting partner to present a living~in order to enter his or her partner’s hospital room.) 49% of respondents said they are at least fairly confident that they would be treated with dignity and respect by medical personnel, but 19% expressed concerns that they have little confidence in this being the case. Some views of retirement and old age are much more positive. Respondents look forward to: traveling (79%), having more time for personal interests (74°/0), and peace and relaxation (60%). In addition, lesbians were more likely to report looking forward to spending more time with friends and family than gay men. DEMOGRAPHICS of this "over 40" study: The median age is 52. 69% of respondents are male, 30% female, and 1% transgen der. More than 96% of respondents identified as gay or lesbian. The remainder identified their sexual orientation as bisexual, queer or questioning. 53% of respondents reported that they are completely out. However, 15% are somewhat or not very out. The median respondent in all age categories reported plans to retire at age 62. The vast majority of respondents over age 62 have already retired. 73% of respondents have a college degree. 33% of female respondents and 46% of male respondents are single or do not live with a significant other. Lesbians are more likely to be partnered than gay men. The majority own single family homes. 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com By’ Rex Wockner Wockner News Service iranian fears e×ecution if sent home Mehdi Kazemi fears he’l! be executed if the United Kingdom forces him to return to Iran. Kazemi went to London to study in 2005 and Iranian officials later arrested his boyfriend, Parham, charged him with sodomy and executed him, according to Kazemi’s father. Kazemi then sought asylum in Britain but was rejected. In 2006, he then fled to the Netherlands, which detained him and is nmv preparing to return him to the UK. The UK had been planning to send Kazemi back to Iran ~vhen he returned to British soil but, on March 13, following extensive media coverage and political pressure, the Home Office agreed to review his case one more time before forcing him to go home. "The Iranian authorities have found out that I am a homosexual and they are looking for me," Kazemi said in a recent letter to UK Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. tn a statement given to activist groups, Kazemi elaborated: "Around [the] end of April 2006, my uncle called me again and informed me that my father had informed him that the authorities had executed Parham and that I must not return to Iran as the authorities would do the same to me.... Parham was charged with the crime of being homosexual and was executed." According to Kazemi’s father, Parham named Mehdi as his lover prior to his execution. Leading British gay activist Peter Tatchell commented: "The Home Office decision to deport Mehdi back to Iran is shameful and reckless.... Gay men in Iran are hanged from public cranes using the barbari method of slow strangulation." Tatchell said the UK government is "callous and more interested in cutting asylum numbers than in ensuring a fair, just and compassionate asylum system." Britain’s Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association also has taken up Kazemi’s cause, saying that "deporting gay and lesbian people to Iran is akin to deporting Jews back to Nazi Germany." Meanwhile, The Independent reported March 7 that an Iranian lesbian who fled to Britain after her girlfriend was arrested and sentenced to death by stoning also is at risk of being sent home. Pegaah Emambakhsh, 40, issued a statement March 6 saying: "I will never, never go back. If I do I know I will die." Emambakhsh’s asylum claim was rebuffed by the Court ofAppeal in February. She now plans to ask the High Court to review the case. Iran is known to have executed several teens and men accused of engaging in sodomy, although in nearly all the cases that have been publicized in recent years the individuals were accused of other crimes as well, such as rape. The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission has said it suspects that other charges often are tacked onto sodomy cases to prevent the public outrage that would accompany executions carried out solely for the crime of consensual adult gay sex. The group also has said it believes executions solely for gay sex are taking place .out of the public eye. "Our suspicions [are] that their current practice really is to rid society of lesbians and gay men," the organization said last year. Human Rights Watch, on the other hand, has said it cannot fully document any executions in Iran in recent years carried out solely for the crime of consensual adult gay sex. Last September, during a speech at Columbia University in New York City, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was asked about the nation’s treatment of gay people. He responded: "We in Iran -- we in Iran, firstly, we don’t have hamjensbaz [a derogatory term for homosexuals meaning people with loose morals who chase people of the same gender for sexual pleasure] like you have in your country. In our country, there is no such a thing. In Iran, such a thing does not -- in Iran, in Iran, absolutely such a thing doe not exist as a phenomenon. I don’t know who told you otherwise." ILGA conference canceled The International Lesbian and Gay Association has canceled its 24th World Conference which was to take place in Quebec City, Canada, May 14 to 18. "A recent site visit] confirmed the impressions of the current lack of preparedness at this late date and the lack of funding necessary for the conference to take place," ILGA’s board co-chairs said in a statement. The primary lo.cal organizer was the Coalition gale et lesbienne du Qudbec. ILGA did not reschedule the conference but did put out "a formal call for new proposals from ILGA member organizations for hosting the world conference later this year." It gave interested parties less than a month to submit proposals. The board said any local organizer must take on partial responsibility for paying for the gathering. "ILGA does not have the capacity to fully fund the conference," the co-chairs said. "The local hosts have in the past fundraised for resources, especially to bring scholars from the Global South." ILGA is a 30-year-old federation of more than 600 GLBT organizations and associated members, such as city governments, from 90 countries. ............Continued PAGE 27 w~w.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 Deep ~nside Hol!~,wooeL repora¢ on newprojeHrsjbr George Cloon~ and Simon Callow. Until he crossed over to the PG-13 Law and Order SVU, Chris Metoni was most notorious for gay sex scenes ~uad fullfrontal nudity OZ. And now Meloni is set,t,’o become even more family-friendl): He 1! star in Gym Teacher: Th~ Movie ~o{ Nickelodeon £s a down’on’his-luck coaCh wing Clooney Is Fantastic Mr. Fox 2?~hat’s the connection bevween the Coen Brothers’ ment - dark, violent No Country for Old Men and the upcoming animated family feature Xhe Fantastic Mr. Fox? Besides Coen collaborator George Ctooney in the starring voice role, that would be gay superproducer Scott Rudin, the man whose recent Oscar acceptance speech included a loving thank you to his ~artner (which was then s~rangely excised from the A~demyk o~cial transcript). Rudin tends to go where the hits are, ~d this ~es Anderson-directed, Ctooney and Care Blanchett-voiced feature, abou~ a quick-witted fox and three unpleasant f~rmers t~,in~ to do him in, looks like a sure!re holiday hit..~d in this instance, hohday means Christmas of 2009. But not to worD~ C!ooney has Burn ~ter Read in~ {the next one from the Coens) arriv ing during the interim. dinated thi., be a art teacher Mr. sircom, will a obsessive ~he movie Black about a with~ the film and this time with (slightly) ~,.u,.ll, a dark drama about a woman with a compulsive need to pull out her own hair one strand at k tirile (sounds like Todd Haynes’ Safei but Creepier), ~vill star not 0nly the legendary ~ren Black (Nashvillei but also musician Rickie Lee Jones. No word yet on when the movie will be, ready for an audience, but ifArcher~ firs~ f?ature is any indication, ir will be one ~at audiences wofft soon forget. American audiences remember him best as the joy~ttlly ~a.)[ heat attack victim who put the "funerN in Four XWeddings and a Funeral. BUt now gay" Brit character actor Simon Callow gets his own wedding, , even if it is something of an odd one. Hes starring in the recen@ wrapped Chemical We~lding, about a shy p;cofessor who manages to bring legendary occult figure Aleister Crowl~ back to life. And if that plot weren’t oddball enough, there’s the ~lm’s line e" it was co-written by Bruce fig. Dickinson, a name metal fans will know as the teader of the hugely successful rockers Iron Maiden. ~e sure-to-be-destined- for-cult-status film is due for release later this year. No ~v,ord yet on whether Or not Iron Maidens songs will hog the soundtrack spotlight. George Clooney www.ozarksstar.com A few years backl I had the opportunity to Piemonte is also known fol~ its Gorgonvisit friends in northern Italy. We spent our zola, Castelmagn0, (a local blue Cheese), time in the Piedmont region in a small town zabaione, vinegar, d~e and ri¢otto dishes; called Alba. Piedmont, in Italian, means at wild game, and braised meat dishes, such the foot of the mountain, as Bollito Mist0, a sf[ew of four to five different meats. ~uhe main grape grown there is the distinished Nebbiolo, which is the base for the Milan, the large city of Lombardia, is med Barolo, Barbaresco and Gattinara the namesake ~ ~ilanese; meaning tO (Barbera and Dolcetto) among others. Also dip food, usualt -iin pieces of meat, into popular is Barbera from Alba & Asti. Baro- beaten eggS, tl br~adcrumbs, and then los are dch, rose-scented wines, robust Saut~ it in butte .ombardiais also well and tannic, capable of (and often requiring) known for its ri( ~nd dsotto dishes, cream long aging. Ur~fortunat~ly they are often sauces~ post rn c~eese course, Use of prohibitively expensive. Barbaresco, made saffron~ pumpki aVi01i, (tortelli di zucca), to be drunk earlier than Barolos, can be asparag;Js~ ~au ge,freshwater fish and the more affordable choice, panett(~ne. Another Piedmont creation that achieved The Veneto is atso an important w ne worldwide fame is the Vermouth, which region, highlighted by So&re, Bardolino; was first created by Benedetto Carpano Pr~secco, (sparkling wine), Valpolioella in his wine shop n~ar the Tudn Stock and the flagship Ar~rone. Exchange. The classic American Martini cocktail takes its name from the most Veneto~ being on the ~aSt, naturally known Italian producer of dry vermouth, braces deligl~ts from the sea. All kinds of Martini & Rossi. seafood ar~ relished here. But the Veneto is quite diverse culinadly speaking. It is Piedmont was one of the first Italian also renowned for its v~getables~ grains regions to embrace the industrial revolu- and meat as welt. Risot{o, especially from tion and in 1899 the automotive giant Fiat Vialone Nano rice, and polenta are staples. (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) was Common Vegetables include winter ¯ established there, squash, radicchio, asparagus, beans, and other legumes. I thought rd shed some light on the wines from this part of the wodd. You can always Friuli, the north-eastern most region of dig deeper by checking out my reference Italy is hallmarked by Austrian; Hungarian, links. Slovenian and Croatian influences. These include but are not limited to Viennese. Reds Moccagatta Barbaresco 1999, 2000 Produttori Del Barbaresco 1999, 2000 Poderi Colla Pinot Noir 2006 Farnese Montepulciano 2006 Whites Bongiovanni Arneis 2006 Masi/Masianco Pino Grigio/Verduzzo 2006 Marchetti Verdicchio 2006 And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: WineSpectator.com FoodandWine.com Wikipedia.org WineCountry.it Masi.it Farnese-vini.com allrecipes.com/Howto/Italian-Wine-Country- Piedmont ._~tww.ozark~star.co_~..................... Cozume| Join our gay and lesbian group aboard Carnival Conquest~ as we set sail from Galveston and call on the beautiful ports in Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween than aboard a funship with Gayribbean Cruises. We offer: Our fantastic Halloween Costume Party, Nightly Mixers and SO MUCH MORE ! Book eedy and save. Ask how to receive $75 shipboard credit! call for complete details. Ratea aad =valhbiRty axe ~ubjec¢ to change without noti€e. "Ihis is not an alLgay cruise. Ship ~try: Panama For information & Reservations www.GayribbeanCruises.com NCarnrval. by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Actually a bus trip isn’t all that bad, especially when you are traveling with other fun people. Although ,ve have never taken a bus trip across the country (and dofft think that we ever would) we have a lot of friends who have and enjoyed it greatly. We have taken several "day bus trips" from San Francisco, Las Vegas and on the east coast and all of them were quite interesting. From Las Vegas we took the bus trip to Hoover Dam and to the smaller casino cities of Laughlin. These bus trips were extremely inexpensive in that they drop you offat a couple of casinos and assume that you will gamble a lot. Most of them even throw in flee lunch and dinner and drinks. Sometimes they even thro~v in an afternoon show. Most all of the people that go to Las Vegas are truly a different breed and aren’t interested in taking bus tours and we have found that the ones who do are more enjoyable and interesting to talk with. In San Francisco it is just so much easier taking a bus trip to either the Wine Country or down to Carmel and Monterey and Pebble Beach. They drop you off right in the center of town and pick you up at the same location a couple of hours later. You certainly don’t have any parking problems as when you drive there, and a bus trip to the Wine Country gives you a much better opportunity to taste all the different wines without having to worry about a DUI while drive back to San Francisco. On the east coast we have taken "day bus trips" in Boston, New York City, Washington, D. C. and Philadelphia. Being such historical cities this is a great way to really get to see everything. Parking in large cities is such a challenge and the buses seem to always have their own parking areas close to whatever attraction you are going. Even smaller cities like Savannah, Georgia offers extremely interesting bus tours around the city. But if you’re really up to it, then take a bus tour all across the country. They stop every evening at the designation lodging facility and you’re on your own until the next morning. You don’t have to dine or socialize with anybody other than your own choosing. Check out your local Sunday newspapers in the travel section and they usually have ads for these bus tours. Small towns that have casino gambling are always having specials. We have seen ads where you pay $50.00 up front for a 5 day bus tour which includes your traveling, hotels, food and drinks and shows! Plus, you get the $50.00 back in gaming money at the casino. You can’t stay at home that cheap! Some people enjoy taking bus trips down to Mexico which certainly saves the hassle of driving your own automobile across the border and you certainly are in a position to feel safer. Most bus companies are regulated rather stringently, and especially when driving to Mexico you need to feel safe. .....................Continued page 27 18 th÷$TAR www.ozarksstar.com INTERNATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN TRAVEL ASSOCIATION and FUNMAPS, COM By Donald Pile and Kay Williams IGLTA is the world’s leading travel trade association committed to gro,ving and enhancing its member’s gay and lesbian tourism business through education, promotion and networking. You can search, contact and utilize their members around the world for all your travel needs. Whether you are looking for a gay travel business in your local city/town or a tour around the world, their members understand your travel needs. By going to their website, www.iglta.com you can search through their entire database of gay and straight IGLTA members to find just what you are looking for. Founded in 1983 with 25 founding members, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) is today a 1000 plus member strong and growing organization of gay, lesbian and community friendly travel professionals. IGLTA members represent both retailers and suppliers as well as travel columnists like ourselves. They represent travel agencies, tour operators, resorts, hotels, motels, Bed and Breakfasts, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, local tourist offices, regional and national tourist boards and the travel media. John Tanze!l is the Executive Director and their international headquarters is located at 915 Middle River Drive, Suite #306, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Their toll-free telephone number is: 1-800-448-8550. In May 2008, IGLTA will take Sin City by storm! From April 30 until May 4, 2008, Las Vegas will host the Annual Convention of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. The host hotel is the Flamingo. That website is: http://www.iglta.orglconvention/ and that website is your one stop shop. Here is where you will find updates, registration information, hotel and air information as well as anything else you could possibly want to learn about this one of a kind event. Among the many workshops that will be taking place are: Vegas Adventures, How to Buy/Sell Unique Destinations, How to Access the Gay and Lesbian Market, Internet Marketing, L World - Why Lesbians may be your best customers, Gay Comfort Hotel Programs, Marketing Strategies for Staying Competitive in the Gay & Lesbian Tourism Market, Unique destinations for Gay & Lesbian Travel, Teaming Up with Gay and Lesbian Events, Guerilla Marketing and Hotel/Bed and Breakfast trends. Legendary author Armistead Maupin will be our keynote speaker for the event. There will also be a National Trade Show in conjunction with the Convention. Anxong the many National sponsors of the IGLTA are:Airlines, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Center, MGM-MIRAGE, Canada Tourism Commission, Wyndam Hotels and Resorts, HARRAH’S, AIG Travel Insurance, Alamo Car Rentals, National Car Rentals, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Macy’s Department Stores, Ottawa Tourism Center, Marriott Hotels and Resorts and this is only a portion of the national sponsors. If you go to their website you can check out their list of activities and the calendar of events. They list over a dozen every month all around the ~vorld. OutWest Global Adventures is one of our favorites. Check out their website at www.outwestadventures. com. or email them at: info@outwestadventures. corn and their phone number is 800-743-0458. They schedules all over the world. FUNMAPS.com is the leading authority for gays and lesbians visiting anywhere in the United States and Canada. They have yearly "funmap brochures" on all of the major cites in the country. They have been publishing their brochures for over 25 years. Alan Beck is the publisher and lives in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We were fortunate to be his guests at his lovely estate there. His life-partner Nick is a wonderful person and they had a house guest, Norma from the Northeast who was a delight. Alan is one of the most charming gentlemen that we have ever met. The brochures feature accommodations, restaurants/cafes, night life and shopping. Their funmaps brochures also feature a "places to see" page and great maps of each city so that you can find your way around easily. They have brochures on the following cities: Asbury Park, Atlanta, Atlantic City, Austin, Baltimore, Banff/Jasper, Boston, Brooklyn, Calgary, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Edmonton, Fire Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Halifax, Houston, Jacksonville, Key West, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Long Island, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Miami and Miami Beach, Minneapolis, Montreal, Myrtle Beach, Napa Valley, New Hope, New Orleans, New York City, Niagara, Okanagan Valley, Orange County, Orlando, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Provincetown, Quebec City, Rehoboth Beach, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Saskatoon, Seattle, Sonoma County/Russian River, South Dakota, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Washington D.C., Whistler and Wilton Manors. Hopefully in the near future they will come out with a funmap brochure for Missouri featuring Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield and Joplin. Funmap brochures can be picked up free at hundreds of bars around the country and you can also check them out on line at www.funmaps.com. Their maps are the most circulated gay publication in the world, with 3.5 million users every year. www.ozarksstar.corn ~heSTAR t9 Matsuya serves excellent sushi and Japanese fare, including such knock-’out starters as deep-fried chicl~en wings and whitefish with smelt roe. Although many imitators have opened nearby, Mia Francesca remains the best place in the neighborhood for sophisticated but simple Northern Italian fare. You could survive solely- on the flaky, freshly baked cinnanmn rolls that accompany every" meat at the hallowed Swedish diner Ann Sather, which has several gay-popular locations. Chicago Diner, and serves that A swank, smoke-free lounge known for its colorful cocktails and slick crowd, Minibar opened somewhat recently and has become a favorite affer~work spot. A circuit-boy favorite on weekends, Circuit pulses with a feverish tate-ni~t dance crowd even at midweek, when Latin nights are a hit. °l~ne stylish Berlin disco draws a decidedly fiankier and more alternative crowd than most of the preppy haunts in Lakeview. Nearby Spin is an eclectic gay club with an alla~ es crowd and fun dance music. Charlie’s brinas in fans ofcountry- ~ffestern music, while the Gentry on Halsted is ~ Boystown branch ofdowntowffsppoular piano bar, favored for happy hour and later for live cabaret. Leather-and-Levi’s types cruise the Cell Block. Steamworks Chicago is a popular, clean, well-run sauna - it’s one of the nicest such facilities in the country. cheese, and a ranow-smoky sauce. One of the most talked-ab0ut new eateries in the area, Anteprima turns out superb modern Italian fare and has a wan’. dining room with pressed-tin ceilings and a s~.~ded patio in back. Don’t pass up the grilled quail marinated in honey with balsan~ic vinegar and pancetta. A lively and atmospheric bistro with a decidedly queer following, Tomboy serves tempting fare like pan-seared duck with crimini mushrooms mid a port glaze, T’S is a friendly, gay-popular restaurant and bar - it s a favorite lesbian date spot, known for healthful American food. ~hste of Heaven Baker), is a great pick for delectable breakfasts and lunches, plus iCresh-baked snacks throughout the day - the flied-egg sandwiches and peaches-and-cream French toast are favorites in the morning. Ano~er wonderful spot to satisfy your sugar fix is Sweet Occasions, which serves some of the thickest and richest ice cream in the city, plus fantast,c cupcakes, cherry cobbler, and homemade fudge. It’s hard not to love this old-fashioned parlor with ice-cream sundaes named for the seven deadly sins. The "Lust" (a chipotle brownie topped with cinnamon ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and red hots) may leave you lusting t~br another trip to these two charming Chicago neighborhoods..... www.ozarksstar.com {5eSTAR 21 our entire lives! "17hey were crispy, tender and extremely delicious. We naturally had to get their recipe to share with our readers. After lunch we had some of their home-made apple pie which was great, but not as great as the onion rings. If you’re ever in that part of the country, be sure and stop by and dine there. They have no phone, no address with just a small sign in front but you can’t miss it as it is the only restaurant in town. We asked our waitress who owned the restaurant and she said, "Bob & Jim’. She had ,vorked there for over 3 years and had never met them. Rather strange, but as long as they make extraordinary onion rings, we don’t care. BOB &IIM’S CAFE Greydiff, Montana So, when you’r traveling, you never know what you might find. Sometimes it turns out good and sometimes it turns out bad, but just keep on "truckin". We love to dine at fine restaurants around the country but sometimes we hit upon a little diner that looks as though it is just the "perfect" place to stop. Last fall on our driving trip back from Seattle, Washington we were driving thru Montana around noonish and we were both getting hungry so we decided to pull into the next to~vn and get something to eat. Lo and behold the next town in Montana was Greycliff, a town of about 450 people (if you count the two of us). Really not much there except it is right on the Interstate. When we walked into the only restaurant in town, they KNEW that we were not from their fair town, or even that we were from Montana! All eyes were upon us. The last time that anyone in the restaurant had ever seen that many diamond rings was when they went to their local Walmart! We were the only ones there that didn’t wear cowboy hats, blue jeans, cowboy boots or bib overalls. We really thought about turning right around and walking back to our auto, but decided to stay. Our waitress was rather like Flo from the TV series, ALICE with a rather shrieking voice but pleasant. We had been dining for the past two weeks on west coast seafood so decided to try something a little more middle American so we ordered a chicken flied steak lunch. Our waitress, whose real name was Minnie May suggested that we also order the onion rings which she said were the best in the entire State of Montana. We almost didn’t order them but she kept insisting so ~ve did. To our pleasant surprise, they were some of the finest onion rings that we have ever had in Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Call STAR ADVERTISING today. 22 th~STAR www.ozarksstar.com XANDER, CAPTURES MR GAY US ofA MI 2008 TITLE AT ANGLES By Victor Gorin Winners Xander & 1 st runnerup Owen McCord OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ A new facet of pageantry was introduced to Oklahoma when the first contest for male impersonation was held in Oklahoma City March 12-15. q-he national competition for this new division of the US ofA system, Mr Gay US ofA, concluded at Angles with the crowning ofXander ofTennessee with 1st alternate Owen McCord ofAtlanta, Georgia. This new contest is owned by the first Mr. Gay US ofA MI, the famous Gage Gatlin and his partner Brenda Quayle. Mr.Gatlin wowed the audience with a style that even made some gay men swoon, talent garnered from years of experience beginning in Jacksonville, Florida. Gage and Brenda have made their home in Tulsa, having begun this contest in August of this year. Mr.Gatlin has gone into retirement, however he will still perform for large charity events. They are looking forward to next year’s contest, which will feature contestants winning preliminary or regional contests, of which there are already 10 planned. OkJahomans for Equa] - ity opens new exhibit featuring artist Amie Montedoro at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-theartist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, April 3, 2008, for the opening of it’s April exhibit, paintings by Amie Montedoro. Montedoro’s art is a refreshing look at the beauty ofwomen who have taken charge of their own sexuality. The feminine form, as the perfect balance between the sacred and the profane, embodies the duplicity that is woman; as Madonna, as Whore. The eldest daughter of accomplished architect and educator Richard Montedoro (Norman, Ok.), Amie has been taught from a young age the importance of self expression. A tactile artist, Amie prefers to create her art not with brushes or tools; rather she uses her fingers to apply all but the most intricate of details and finishing touches. From concept to creation, Amie uses traditional techniques along with the relationship garnered from having her hands actually create the form and emotion of women who are sexually comfortable, capable, and liberated. The exhibit will remain up through the month ofApril, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Ttflsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Kern Responds to Activist Criticisms OKI~A_HOMA CITY, OK (PR) __State Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) issued the following statement in response to the criticisms of homosexual activists who have objected to a recent speech she gave on their efforts to promote their agenda at both the federal and state level. "To put this simply, as a Christian I believe homosexuality is not moral. Obviously, you have the right as an American to choose that lifestyle, but I also have the right to express my views and my fellow Oklahomans have the right to debate these issues. "In recent years homosexual activists have begun to aggressively promote their agenda through the political process, often providing substantial financing to candidates who agree with their views, including many running for state legislative races. National publications such as Time, The Atlantic and USA Today have noted that trend. That is their right, just as it is my right to voice opposition to their agenda, which I have been asked to do at several public forums in recent months. That’s what democracy is all about. It appears some homosexual activists believe only one group is allowed a voice in this debate. I disagree. ’~k vigorous debate on an issue is not ’hate speech’ - it’s free speech. I have made clear my opposition to the agenda of homosexual activists, but I have never endorsed or supported any hateful action targeting individuals on the other side of this debate and never will. The fact that many gay rights activists claim anyone opposing their agenda is engaging in ’hate speech’ says more about them than me. "Most Oklahomans are socially conservative and believe marriage is a sacred institution, the union of one man and one woman, and that the traditional family is worth protecting and preserving. When I campaigned for office, I promised my constituents to stand up for those values, and I do not apologize for keeping my word." ~wvw.ozarksstar.com theSTAR 23 By Ronald Blake Bythe time you read this, the Academy Awards gadabouts will be looking forward to next year’s red carpet faux pas. You will likely have listened ad nauseam to the incessant prattling of that sham fashion critic Joan Rivers. You will probably be joining the droves of lemmings to rent the Oscar winning movies at the corner Blockbuster. I will now beseech your participation for my health version of the body’s Academy Awards. I promise to shut up when the music starts to play. The winner for best editing goes to the reticular activating system, or the RAS as it is known to the medical snobs, q-his system was responsible for filtering all the unnecessary dreck that made its way to your brain during the past year. It decided what was important for you to pay attention to. It concluded that 99% of the sensory input that approached your cerebral cortex was to be ignored. Without this RAS, you would likely have been bombarded with an overload of drab detail all around you. The kind of overload you would experience while on the drug LSD, which does temporarily disable the RAS. The winner for best supporting role goes to the diaphragm. This veteran provided enough action and drama for five hysterical queens. It was capable of providing sufficient pressure change in your thoracic cavity to send blood soaring happily back to the heart on many an occasion. It has so ardently allowed you to give that much needed extra push while grunting and groaning on the toilet. It was even so chivalrous to accompany you to the health club and save you from muscle tears during your heavy lifting exercises. The best makeup award is presented to the circulatory system for its presentation of the numerous bruises that you displayed to the world. These hematomas are more than just clotted blood masses and it is long overdue that the Academy finally recognizes these purveyors of black and blue marks. They maintained their iridescent beauty until the body naturally reabsorbed the escaped blood that clotted just beneath the skin’s surface. The best leading role goes to the lungs. This organ is usually secondary to the perennial favorites such as the heart, brain, or the stomach. This year the voters spoke and showed the world that nobody puts the lungs in a corner. This tour de force has provided the heart with all its oxygen which in turn has provided the properly conditioned blood for your brain’s processing of your impure thoughts and the stomach’s digesting of those roast beef sandwiches ladled with horsey sauce. The best director goes to the adrenaline. This litde behemoth was responsible for preparing all your body parts for that fight or flight reaction when you came face to face with that curmudgeonly pit bull in the park. Audience members cheered furiously when you chose the flight version and outpaced the Hound of the Baskervilles and then leapt that six foot brick wall to the safety of those hydrangea bushes on the other side. Only a capable director could cajole you out of your slothful ways to negotiate that feat. There were many nonainees for great body parts and their exciting roles. With all due respect to the aforementioned winners, the body does function as a whole and winning team. Keep learning about your anatomy and physiology. This knowledge is what will keep you healthy and prepare you for the recipient of the lifetime achievement award. This column is brought to you by that guy who frequendy and sophomorically ordered Whopper sandwiches while in the McDonald’s drive-throughs in his carefree youth. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be castigated at www.goblakefimess.com. 26 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com GAY TRAVELERS: Almost al! the bus tours allow their passengers to take their own food with them and ifyou are careful and not out in the open about it, you can take your own liquor for a 5 o’clock drink or two. We know several people who have taken a bus tour from California to Alaska and they all say that it was splendid. Buses nowadays are not like yesterday. They are all extremely comfortable with air-cushioned suspension. They of course all have restrooms on board and they make frequent stops for dining and shopping. On the longer tours they usually have a host/hostess traveling with you to answer any and all questions. Sometimes in one’s life it just makes more sense to take a bus tour rather than driving your own automobile. If this is something that might be in your future plans we highly suggest that perhaps you might start offwith just a day trip and see how you like it and then progress to a longer one. There are a lot of single people taking these bus tours so for the single people out there, you don’t need to feel alone when traveling. We have made good acquaintances on our day tours that we took several years ago and still keep in touch with them. Bus tours are not for everybody but perhaps it might be something to look into for your future travel plans. And speaking of Las Vegas, "Gay Days & Nights Las Vegas" is coming up July 3rd thru the 6th. This wil! be their 2nd year of presenting the Gay Days & Nights. Presenting sponsor Cirque du Soleil will be featuring special events and discounts throughout the Gay Days & Nights July 3-6, to showcase their Las Vegas productions. Attendees of Gay Days & Nights Las Vegas will have an opportunity to see any or all of the shows combined with invitationonly special events, drawings and incentives planned for each night including LOVE at Mirage, KA at MGM Grand, ZUMANITY at New-York Hote! & Casino and Mystere at Treasure Island. PARIS Hotel & Casino is the host accommodations and you can check them out at Parislasvegas.com. For more information check their website at http://www.gaydaysandnights.com/. Also when going to Las Vegas be sure and check out http://www.lasvegaspride.org/. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! British gays f~ght b{ood ban A new British group called Bloodban is seeking to overturn the nation’s ban on blood donation by non-celibate gay men, the BBC reported March 7. Organizers are circulating a petition that they plan to deliver to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The National Blood Service believes gay men are too high-risk because of the short gap between one’s getting infected with HIV and when the virus can be detected by a blood test. Bloodban says people should be excluded based on their lifestyle, not because of their membership in a particular social group. ~e activists propose that gay men be banned as donors only if they have had unprotected sex in the past 18 months. israeli bashers sent to prison Four Jerusalem gay-bashers were sent to prison for two to eight years March 6 by the Tel Aviv District Court, Ynetnews reported. Typically, the bashers used a decoy cruiser to pick up men seeking sex with men at Tel Aviv’s old central bus station. Once in the victim’s car, the decoy would direct him to another location where the other bashers joined in beating, stripping and robbing the victim. Two other men have been indicted for nearly identical crimes at Jerusalem’s central bus station. In one case, one of the bashers bit off a portion of one victim’s ear, Ynet said. Netherlands plans legalization of park sex It will no longer be illegal to have sex in Amsterdam’s Vondel Park under regulations set to take effect later this year, De Telegraaf reported March 7. "Why should we try to maintain something that is actually impossible to maintain, which also causes little bother for others and, for a certain group, actually signifies much pleasure?" asked Oud-Zuid district Alderman Paul van Grieken. People having sex in the park xvill be expected to do so only after dark and out of public viexv. They also must not leave condoms lying about. Meanxvhile, the police institute’s National Diversity Expertise Center is advising other cities to follow Amsterdam’s lead. It said legalizing park sex would help protect gay men from queer-bashers. The Amsterdam branch of the Dutch national gay group COC (now knoxvn only by its formal initials) xvelcomed the nexvs. "Cruising is something belonging to all times and banning it does not work anyway," said chairman Dennis Boutkan. "They do it surreptitiously and mostly without others being annoyed by it. By agreeing on rules of behavior, safety can be increased." Spanish gay-marriage PIVt wins reelection Spanish voters re-elected Prime Minister Josd Luis Rodrlguez Zapatero on March 9, apparently unperturbed that he made Spain one of only six nations that grant gay couples access to full marriage. Zapatero’s Socialist party took 43.7 percent of the vote, besting the conservative Popular Party, which grabbed 40.1 percent. Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa and the U.S. state of Massachusetts also have opened up ordinary marriage to same-sex couples. SGYrdneff. GLBT Mardi as Picks Gayest Song Ever. S~qDNEY, AU __ ABBA’s Dancing Queen, which has been ranked by visitors to Australia’s SameSame.com.au website as the gayest song of all time in a list compiled to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The Village People’s YMCA came in second, followed by Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive. "The list was compi]ed in the lead-up to the 30th Anniversary of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to look back on the catalogue of popular music to decide which of them are truly worthy to be labelled a camp classic," SameSame.com.au said. ~,wvw.ozarksstar.com th÷STAR 27 by Jack Fertig April 2008 "Recharge your batteries, Taurus!" Venus entering Aries provides a challenging spark to the profound re-evaluations of responsibility being raised by Pluto and Saturn. Be patient, take the long view, and rise to the challenge of seeing how your impulses can be harnessed to deep and necessary changes. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Venus is in your sign, and it’s a great time for a makeover. Looking good professionally is more important than just looking gorgeous, so freshen up your work as well as your appearance. Looking good in lieu of accomplishment will fool no one. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Allow yourself time to be alone. Recharge your batteries; take time to think about important issues, to organize hobbies or crafts, or to look more critically at some of your creative efforts. When you need fresh air, do some volunteer work. GEMINi (May 21 - June.20): Throwing yourself into some community efforts will bdng you to unanticipated challenges. You can overcome them, but will have to re-evaluate how you network with others, and how you support and use community structures. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Making useful connections may feel cynical. The truth is, you tend to be a little too romantic and shouldn’t be shy about basing relationships on something practical. Focus your urge to edit on yourself; others rarely appreciate it. LEO (July 23 .- August 22): You’re suddenly impatient to make your mark in a new territory. Stop and think. Rather than wasting this energy in some egoistic indulgence, you can apply your skills to present your most valued ideas and talents. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Be bold and daring. Traits you’ve experienced as liabilities can prove very advantageous if you try playing with them - perhaps in dark, subversive ways. Erotic role play can unlock power where you thought you were weak. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Nice people can argue nicely. Assert your points respectfully and hear your partner - or your opponent - out. Be open to new perspectives on cherished traditions. Some long-accepted history als0 needs a fresh look. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): You’re itching to make some much-needed innovations at work. As good as. your ideas are, be sure to discuss any plans with colleagues, and not just for diplomacy’s sake. You can learn from their ideas and improve upon your own improvements. 28 theSTAR SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 o December 20): You could accomplish a great deal, earning fame and fortune. The creative impulse that should feed such progress is more likely to be a distraction. Harnessing that power productively is challenging. Don’t give in to impulse. Structure and discipline are now your best bet. CAPRICORN (December 21 -January 19): Suddenly focusing on what you value about your home and tribe, you can become very assertive and defensive. Try to take a longer view, asserting the value of your clan as part of a larger community or humanity, not distinct from it. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): To become even more comfortable with your deepest, most private feelings about sex and/or death, you need to challenge yourself to examine these most irrational mysteries with some logic. Find someone with whom you can discuss your secret feelings. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): The fault is probably not with your partner and friends, but in what you imagine - wrongly - to be their chief assets. Try to see what they offer and what you offer to them in a new light, one that will improve all your relationships. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve 3". Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Spdngs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! www.ozarksstar.com tis÷ s Support those who support us, DOWNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA 17 \Vest 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 bD,v4 39TH F~XPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK x~vw.anglesclub.com BkaMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VgAy Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 v~vw.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 v~vw.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the HVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphoms@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURMNT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn GAYRIBBEAN CRUISES www.gayribbeancruises.com 877-560-8318 Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: ¯he STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAlVlE: Address: St: Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.com th÷STAR 29 Keller Williams Realty Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. ,REALACCEPTANCE,COM mdaekfinitio,n..; the cos,t f,gr m,,ost of.u...s, to..... e a amerence in [Re llves oT (~Lt~l Teens in Oklahoma.) You can help our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more Info: www. openarmsproject.org 30 t5eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com drugs +, HIL.~ Learn ~t~he Link Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] The Star Magazine, April 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 4 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 01, 2008 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Charles (Chaz) Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Li Highleyman Devre Jackson Judy G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, March 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/249 The Star Magazine, May 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/250 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/244 After Dark Amie Montedoro Bailamos Bars Deep Inside Hollywood demographics fitness health HIV/AIDs testing HOPE HOPE 10 year anniversary horoscopes Iran-execution LGBT history Mardi Gras mixology Mozart Festival Night clubs Our House paparazzi Past Out Q Scopes Sally Kern Star Advertisers Star classifieds Star Scene Too travel https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2bff2a76c797c03b97759a28d4de8741.jpg 3f5f432ac56a627693978eb103ddf68a https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c9fd578a4bc89e0a1e36c5b23554be24.pdf ba59ebfa3ba5042e99b1f72143c36cc0 PDF Text Text ��������������������������������� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document 4 the STAR M HEART TO HEART Acting Straight! The way gay men have a tendency to worship the heterosexual image. In white culture, it's the whole Abercrombie model obsession. In the African-American culture, thev call them homothugs. · •• LESBIAN NOTIONS Social Change Calling: "Part of what you do as a member of a community is rake care of others," Carey, 39, told me." A retrospective ofLGBT History. Last month "August 25, 1984 (22 years ago this week): Author Truman Capote dies in Los Angeles. Gay Travelers "East Coast or Wesr Coast?" & "West Hollywood" Out of Town "Houston, Texas" .. ASK UNCLE MIKEY DEAR UNCLE: I caught my boyfriend at a local park with another man. I had my suspensions, and followed him to find him doing a trick in the bathroom. I was so appalled, INDEX Heart to Heart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 6 Lesbian Notions ................................. 10 Inspiring Fitness. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 12 Entertainment. .................... . Past Out. .............................. . Tulsa GLBT Center News. . ...... . Star Scene ............ . Uncie Mikey ........... . The Bistro .............. . C!assifieds .. STAR DiSTRiBUTION: 15 . ..... .26 . ...... 27 ... 28 29 .......... 30 .31 OKLAriOMA C1TY •TULSA• LAvVTON • MCALESTER ' !:NiD ' LITTLE ROCK * FAYETTEVILLE FT SMITH • EUREKA SPRINGS • HOT SPRiNGS • BENTONVILLE ' ROGERS * K.ANSAS C!W SPRINGFIELD• jQPL!N" BRANSON AREA.* WiCHffA • PITTSBURG • JUNCTION CTr' TULSA GAY COUPLE IS ALLOWED EXCISE TAX EXEMPTION BY OKLAHOMA TAX COMMISSION. By Greg Steele TULSA, 0 K__Memoriai Day weekend 2006 Matt Brumley and Michael Oaks traveled to Barnstable, Massachusetts from Tulsa and were legally married as a same sex couple under the laws of the state of Massachusetts. Of course we all know same sex mariiage is banned in the state of Oklahoma. In last months (August 2006) issue of the STAR we reported on Matt and Michaels marriage and their quest to transfer an automobile title from Matt to Michael. The state iaw allows married couples to transfer or add a spouse to a title without paying excise tax. In this case the tax was $244. TI1e couple decided to take the Tax Commission to task and presented their legal marriage license to a tag agency at 17th and Harvard. The agency employee told them the State of Oklahoma did not recognize gay marriage and they would have to pay the excise tax. A friend then advise them to try another agency. An agency employee at 91st and Sheridan checked with the tax commission and the titled was issued. The couple was determined by the tax commission w be family and the excise tax was waived. As the STAR went w press last month Michael and Matt were anxiously waiting for the original tide to arrive in the mail. Hoping the state had not disailowed the family exemption. The next day Mact called and told us rhey had received the certificate of tide from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The foll.owing is the tax Jaw regarding exemptions. Article 710:60-7 - 2. HExcise tax is levied on e--,.:ery transfer of legal O'\vnership unless a specific tax exemption applies. ()nly transfers made "'V?ithout consideration bet\Veen husband and wife or parent and child or vice versa, are exempt. A Fam.ily i\ffidavit (Forn-1 794) tnust be included \vith the other supporting documentation and is to be attached to the nde document." :i\.fatt and ~vfichael did fiie the 1\Jfida">J,.-it and presented a copy of their n!farriage I..icense as a supporting document. * ( 1 Gold Castle "At Centu,y 21 Gold Castle our BEST properties are our PEOPLE' )7 4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100 lahoma City, OK 73116 405.840.2106 -5 Proudly serving ]Ulsa & ()I(.C1s (;t,B'l'"' co1nmunities since '198 the STAR 5 "Acting Straight" I recently watched rhe first season of the hit Logo series Noah's Arc on DVD. Whiie I doubt there are any Emmy nominations in the show's near future, it's really sweet and entertaining. I coum myself among its fans now. One of che things that most impressed me was the way it didn't shy away from tackling tough subjects with unflinching honesty. One of the mpics raised was the way gay men have a tendency to worship the heterosexual image. In whire culture, it's the whole Abercrombie model obsession. In the AfricanAmerican culture, they cali them homothugs. That got me thinking about how ofi:en I used to date a guy who could easily have been described as straight acting. By his nature, he was very masculine: liked guns and cars, played in a death-metai band, and always dressed in a sloppy-casual style that was as far from the typical "gay styie" as you co~id get. He had a sweet, sensitive side, but he viewed it as more of a weakness than anything. On more than one occasion, I heard him make extremely homophobic remarks. It alwavs bothered me, but I was still struggling with finding my own ide"utity at the time, so I never made an issue of it. After we broke up, I remember him telling me about a time when he was om with a group of his straight friends, none of whom knew he was gay, and they started assaulting a couple of obviously oay • . t,. guys. He couidn't understand why I found the situation so disturbing. Eventua!iy, I came to realize that he was extremely self-hating. Going into the military and having to crawl even deeper into the closet certainly didn't help. Today, he's dating a woman even though he's rold me he still considers himself gay. He's taking acting straight to a whole new level. I think a big part of his issue is chat he'!i never fit societv's idea of what it means to be gay. He could never be somebody's.girlfriend. Of course, you and I know thac not every gay man has to fit the stereotype, but his fear was that if people knew he was gay, they would assume he did. He was always afraid people would judge him as someching he wasn't. Obviousiv, we can't biame all his issues on societv. He's responsible for his ov:;n actions, and the general pubiic is ch~nging as quickly as it can. These things take time. However, the gay community has to share in the blame. We've accepted the idea that rhere's a specific code of conduce that makes one gay or straight. So many gay people are caughr up in negative image ideas. Some feel they have to act a certain way in order I hear someone gay use the expression "straight-acting" co describe another gay man. The more I thought about it, the more offensive it became. I'm sure I've been guilty of using it in ,he past, but more recently, I've come to realize iust how damaging th~ term can be both ~vithin and outside the LGBT community. By continuing to embrace phrases like to be gay -- you have to worship lvfadonna, call all your guy friends "girlfriend," and sleep around as much as possibie. Hey, if that's who vou reallv are,then great! You stra· -acting, we're be you. 'Th~ proble1~ is, I've seen so manv young gay guys just coming out embrace these rraits simply because they've been led to believe that's what being gay means. How does one even act straight? Is there ., • ' i - .... pe, -,,_,,,uating the idea that there is a proper way to act gay. On the flip side, I've also seen many gay guvs who are so busv trving to emulate he~erosexuals rhat tl~ey ;tart rn resem ,heir one prescnoect way to oe necerosexuai; And why wouid a gay person eve,1 wane ro act straight' Possibly because the flip side of acting sc:·aighc w·ouid be acting gay. Ask your average foe on the street v,hat it means to act crav and you~re likely to ge~ a laundry list of gay stereotypes: !irn; ~rist, lispJ obsession with appearance1 Aan1boyant. and efferninate. rnavbc v:ith r H • in , . ,.. ,. , ,. ... ., , _, a rev.r you goj gins thro\vn 1n tor good 1neasure. lJo I know any gay peoph: who fit rhat description" Sure. But l knov, even more w1' 10 d on) L 111 1e trutuh ,1 s th, ere are as n1any ,;,rays re act gay as tn' cre arc to act straight. It's the stereotypes rhat scare son1e people, though. more flamboyant brothers. I hate ro hear a gay man say something iike, ·'I can't stand £Jamey guys:' That's just as homophobic as Fred Phelps picketing a gay funeral with a "God Hates Fags .. sign. Again} I want to stress that jf you~re naturally inclined to be fi~n1i~ ain::: or, masculine, then rur; ,.~ith i(! I don't believe there's anything rnore treeing than accepting \Vho you reaHy are. I have a close friend v,;ho foughc for years against his desire to be a drag queen. 'X'hen -r>/ve first n1et him, he ... vas struggling to tone do\vn his fiarnboyant nature for the sake of his straight friends. C)ver the course of the. last fi~\\' years, he stopped trying to be something he V/asn't and c::nntinued next page 6 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents Heart to Heart simoly allowed the real him to shine thr~ugh. Today, he's happier than ever, and he didn't lose a single friend in the process. In fact, all his friends have been 100 percent supportive. The idea that there is only one way to be gay is extremely damaging, not just for those of us already free from the closet, but for those who haven't come out as well. Here's the catch-22: The more non-stereotypical gay people who come out, the more the stereotypes will be debunked, but the very ones V:I{o need to come out in order to do this mav be afraid to come out because they don't fe~l they fit the stereotypes. By continuing to embrace phrases like straight-acting, we're perpetuating the idea that there is a proper way to act gay. The truth is you can't act gay or straight. The words only describe what gender you're attracted to, and how do you act as if you're attracted to the opposite sex? So let's get rid of the mindset that there is a particular way to be gay or straight. If we want society to accept us as we are, we have to accept each other first. We have to realize thar v:e come in ail shapes and sizes, colors and creeds. We range from magnificently masculine to fabulously feminine, and everything in-between: There is no one way to "act gay," so let's celebrate all of the many colors that make up our rainbow flag. We need to stop acting like anything, and just be who we -are. Quotable Quotes 'Tm not even aware that I'm famous until people remind me. I wake up every single day and I have my life, and it's pretty normal. I drhie myself to work. I don't get driven rn w-ork; I don't have a chef that makes me breakfast in the morning. I don't think that I'm fu.mous until I come hen:: and it's like, 'Oh, that's right.' Even then, this is my job.'' Ellen DeGen.cres to The Advocate:, Photo by Victor Gorin; Left to right Jennifer Seal Democrat running for State House District 85, Al McAffery, Linda Gray Murphy and Krith Smith. Oklahoma to get first openly gay legislator Third "red state" to elect its first openly gay lawmaker this year. by Denis Dison Washington DC - Al McAffrey is poised to become the first openly gay member of the Oklahoma state legislature after winning his Democratic primary Tuesday night to represent District 88 in the Oklahoma Srare House. He faces no Republican opposirion in the general election in November. ]he win in Oklahoma comes on the heels of significant milestones for rhe LGBT community in red states this year, including the election of Patricia Todd to the state house in Alabama, and the election of Karhy Webb to the state house in Arkansas. Both Victory Fund-endorsed candidates won their Democratic primaries and are unopposed in . ,. ..... . d 'b ... rhe general election. 1odd an Web w11! becon1e their states' first-ever openly gay elected officials. ''Ars ... .vin is more proof that what fair-tninded Americans car~ about most are issues that directly affect their lives/' said Chuck Wolfe, President and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. "2006 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for the Victory Fund. Smart, qualified LGBT candidates, backed by our national network of donors, are proving that we can add voices for equality everywhere," Wolfe added. McAffrey, 58, is a member of the Choctaw Nation, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a formec policeman, a father and a grandfather. He was endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which helped raise thousands of dollars to fund his campaign. Victory endorsee Jim Roth, an incumbent who sits on the Oklahoma Counrv Commission, was unopposed in his prim~ry race. Rhonda Rudd:a Victory candidate seeking the Democratic nomination to represent Discrict 46 in the Oklahoma State Senate, lost her race to a Democratic Party insider. The Gav & Lesbian Victory Fund provides strategi~, technical and fin~cial support w openly LGBT candidates and officials. It's the only narional organization soldy committed to increasing the number of openiy LGBT public officiais at federal, state and local levels of government. Victory is the nation's largest LGBT political action committee. In 15 years, Victory has helped the number of openly LGBT officials in the U.S. grow from 49 to more than 300. For more information, visit w"'..vw.victoryfund. org. * theSTAR 7 20tli}1.nniv 8 theSTAR IVERSITY FESTIVAL FOR us and ABOUT us! Con,e 1J1t•Y, shop and p,ay In HISTORIC ~ureka Springs, Ark•n••s, Voted one or •THE 100 Bl!ST SMALL ART TOWNS*I Find them something truly UNZQUE1'or the holidays! PLUS •••• dance•, concen,,, and ot:her pride •n,antal Lesbian Notions by Libby Post SEPTEMBER 2006 Social Change lling A poker player. A mom. A dedicated LGBT activist. A top-notch not-for-profit executive. · These are just a few of the ways you can describe Rea Carey, the deputy executive director at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. From Carey's peispective, how she defines herself is quite clear. "Part of what you do as a member of a community is take care of others," Carey, 39, told me. "In many ways, I can't imagine whar else I'd be doing other than work that somehow makes change." Creating change - while also the name of the Task Force's annual confab of LGBT activists - is Carey's calling. It is what fuels her commitment to LGBT issues and the work she does at the Task Force. It all started at home in Denver, Colo. She was influenced earlv on by her politically active parents and the politicos who would find their way into her living room - people like Pat Schroeder and Gary Hart, who, at the time, Carey thought, were about 20 years old. "They were actually older. They were young Democrats getting elected," she said. "It lefc an imprint on me that people can get elected and do good for their community." Coming out at 16, at the very beginning of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic, jump-started Carey's activism. "I was affecred by HIV in a very personal way - a numbei of my friends were getting infected. But politically and intellectually, I was impacted by the broader group of thinkers who were writing for Gay Community Ne~ (GCN) and Outlook," said Carey. Published out of Boston, GCN was one of the country's first gay papers and was national in iis scope. Outlook was a quarterly journal that began publishing shortly after the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. While neither is still around, they are both heralded in LGBT journalism circles for their ground-breaking work Not finding a "definabie community" in l 980s Denver, Carey went to college where she was guaranteed one - Smith College in Northampton, Mass. Northampton has, in the oast, been calied Lesbianville in various mainstr;am media. ' After graduation, Carey ended up in the nation's caoitaL "I had frie~ds i? D.C. I 'Nas j;st going ~o sray a few years. '1 ended up never leaving. 10 the STAR After 17 years of working with a host of advocacy and not-for-profit organizations - with a brief hiatus to get a Master's in public administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government - Carev found herself as a consultant for ~he Task Force. - , "I have always loved rhe Task Force. I just love the values, the work, and the longevity. I was consulting with them, Matt [Foreman, the group's executive director] came on board, and I truly enjoyed working with him," she explained. "After a whiie, we both agreed it would be great if I came on as deputy executive director." That happened in February of 2004, and Carey couldn't be happier. She and Foreman work hand-in-hand running the Task Force. "He's a New Yorker, but we're both from the West," she said. "We work in partnership - Matt is the more public face, but I really enjoy the internally focused and strategic work." Carey has overseen some tremendous growth at the Task Force in her two-year tenure. "If what we wanted to do was heip create political power for the community from the ground up, we needed two new program departments," she explained. In addition to rhe Policy Institute, which serves as an LGBT think tank, and the Organizing and Training department, the Task Force's two new departments are Public Policy & Government Affuirs and Movement Building. The public policy department is not just about monitoring legislation, but about getting federal resources and funds flowing to locai LGBT organizations, she explained. Along with that work, the movement building initiative brings the Task Force's expertise to the local level. "\Xle've always been focused on the grassroots, and now we're able to provide resources and give attention to the state and local organizations and ro the infrastructure of the movement." To start, the Task Force is working with five statewide groups in Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Washington, and Kentucky. "Over time, we'll hone the model to benefit other srare organizations." Carey may seem to be married to her work, but in reality she's in a committed relationship with Margaret Conway, a DOB Worldwide executive who creates advocacy campaigns. They met at a lesbian poker game 12 years ago, have been together for six, and are raising a daughter. 'Tm both proud and lucky to have been at the right place at the right time to be able to participate in one of this country's key social justice movements," she said. "The ability to actually live the values that I grew up with, that I got from my parents and my community, is what I certainly hope we pass along to our daughter.' If her daughter is anything like her, I'm sure Carey has a budding activist on her hands. Mica Barnes Headlines 1st Summer Diversi Pride in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. By Carlotta Carlisle Photo: Mica Barnes by Nancy Wood EUREKA SPRlNGS, AR_The first Eureka Springs Summer Diversity Weekend was held August 3rd-5th. With ;;he Summer event, Eureka Springs now boast four diversity weekends a year. The Valentines Dance in February, Spring and Fall Diversity celebrations are heid in April and November. Diversity Pride Events produced Micah Barnes from Toronto, Canada, vocalisdrecording artist/composer, for a concert at the historic Auditorium. And made the Diversity Bears happy with comic Bobaloo, from Los _Angeles. Other v,rcekend activities included n1en's and women1s pool parties, Yards & 13.rds of:{ard Sales:- the first annual City-Wide Silent Auction, Diversity Camp ()ut, an lJgliest Dresser c:ontest Golden ()ldie.s and other dances, and other events geared tov1ard the gibt con1munity and their straight ailies. * OKLAHOMA CITY TO HOST INTERNATIONAL GAY BOWLING· ORGANIZTION TOURNAMENT AND CONVENTION. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The OKCiassic Bowling Association is pleased to announce that Oklahoma Citv will be the host citv for the International Gay Bowling Organi~tion's (IGBO) 2007 Mid-Year Tournament and Convention. The event will be held November 7-12, 2007. Members of the OKClassic Bowling Association committee traveled to Calgary, Alberta, Canada in November of 2005 to presem its bid to host this annual event. The committee hosted a well-received hospitality suite on Timrsday night. Early Friday afternoon, the commirtee presented a singing slideshow bid presentation to the governing board ofIGBO. The presentation was greeted with rousing applause and an immediate vote to accept the bid as presented. IGBO is the world's largest GLBT sports organization with over 170 member leagues and over 60 member tournaments. OKClassic has hosted one ofIGBO's largest and most-respected tournaments for over 16 years and has donated over $100,000 to local charities in the process. Oklahoma City hosted IGBO's 1994 Annual Tournament and Convention. The com!nittee has begun the extensh·e preparations required to host this event. I: is expected that 600-800 people from all over the world will attend this even:. in addition to the bowling events, the committee will host 4 days of IGBO i:msiness meetings, many hospitaiit} and social eYents, and a display of panels of ~he AIDS quilt. Tl:e event culminate:~ :n an elaborate awa:ds banquet on Sunday eYening. ~fhe theme for the tournan1ent and con,. vention is "fr:erything's Going MY \X'ay''. Host hotel for the event will be The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at 63rd & Robm~on. l{ost bo"-.vling centers ,vill be 1-ieritagc L.anes at 122nd & Penn and 'X7indsor L,ancs at 23rd & J\1eridiarl. ·rne banquet ~rte \Vill be 1•h,;, e:-rkc R - m ... RP•'Y'li-- ttr:n 1) ~·1~ 1. ......... Jll .... 00.a.,.. .. at ..... ~ .. ._ ... ...11~.u'.~. l 3Jt\. ivlore 1nfor1nation about the tournarncnt * Creating Community for ,, Peopie living HI \Vith IQ('\ I \) A ;01 r ,,J,,'1 "Nor: Prorr1t r1 .. g.0 111· "a-uion ...... V .,- ...... \ i .L' .1... -- ~ .. V-1. (t L· Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to heip combat the social isolation that manv of our I people live through each and everydav. We provide a Toiletrv and House- , J hold Pantry for those who are HlV+ and or iiving with AIDS vvho cannot afford to purchase these items for themseives. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us bv ohone 918-585-9552 or e.. maii / l • harr1c:mmirt,:;,v~hon t'Drn I• • lV,, ,, f •;! ~J ""'-'. V, -..,i~ , t l, the STAR 11 s I sit here listening to the Pet Shop Boys Go West, I contemplate the proper way to begin this inaugural fitness column for the STAR. It should begin with an introduction of mvsel£ Mv name is Ron Blake and I am a personal fitness trainer/ow~er for Blake Fitness in Phoenix, Arizona~ I have been training individuals for ten years in Indiana, Illinois, California, and now the Grand Canyon State. My favorite color is blue, my favorite movie is Rear Window. and mv favorite beer is Stella Artois. OK, so enough with the form~lities. Go to my website at www.blakefitness. com and I'm sure I can bore you with more minutia. Now that I have your atrention, let's get on with it. So how do I NOW begin? The same way that I've always done it with everything in life and especially my fitness training. le starts with levity and fun. The key to life is to enjoy that very thing .. .life. How to do that? Fun. Fun with moderate doses of responsibility. As a fimess trainer, my job is to encourage you to take responsibility for your life. Maybe not quire to the degree of your friendly neighborhood preacher who pounds the pulpit and proclaims all homosexuals doomed to kiss the conflagration of hell because of their evil and irresponsible ways. i'm a kinder, gentler more compassionate kind of fitness trainer. At least that's what they taught me whe;1 I was still a straight boy in college. 1hen I saw the light when I ran into this self-absorbed fitness enthusiast who converted me into a rainbow flag-waving, Prada dressing exi:rovert and taught me that I too could earn a free waster ifl could just convert three breeder boys to the dark side. No more tangent ;:houghts or digressions. }bis is a fitness column and I've got.a save you heathens from your licentiou$ and hedonistic lifes,yies. So as I was saying ... any fimess program you embrace shouid iirvolve fun. Yeah, 1.-vorking out does involve hard work and dedication. We aii know that. It shouid also be something you look forward to and get excited about. Otherwise, why do it. Bur yes there is hard work involved and I v,ould be remiss ifI didn't mention that. .After all I come from a corn-fed lvfichvestern bac!r~round that is engrained with a great -μ1ork ethic. 'Why else do you think fcllo\v ·12 the STAR Hoosiers like David Letterman, Orville Redenbacher, Kurt Vonnegut, and Michael Jackson would be so successful. During my ten years of training clients and coaching high school athietes, I have stressed one thing and that is for them to simply enjoy the ride as each day passes. In many ways I feel like an entertainer who tries to regale my clients with the lighter side of life. Fitness training should be a method of escaping the harsh realities of the daily grind. It makes a perfect opportunity to channel any frustrations or aggressions in an appropriate manner. I have informed my clients that they mighr not have control over what goes ◊n in iife but that they certainly have the power to control what goes on in their lives. This control should be used when deciding the who and where of your workout. First who will you workout with. Choose someone who will motivate vou, make you laugh, and validate the quality person that you are. Choose so~eone who is reliable, trustworthy, and goal-oriented. Choose someone who will help you change your life for the better. Then where will you work out? Choose someplace that has pretty curtains, Tiffany lamps, and leather recumbent sofas. What? I'm just being a smanass. It's not really my cup o' tea but hey if it works for you then do it! You need to choose a piace that fits your scyle and personality and a place that will allow you to have fun during your workout sessions. Find that place where vou can adjust the radio to any station and any volume: Find that place where you can take off your shirt and walk around flexing in front of the mirrors like you would at your favorite gay haunt on a Saturday night. Find someplace that is relaxed and understanding. We ail want results when we begin a fitness routine. It just doesn't need to be approached as a dreaded task. You have the power. You have the control. You can have fun. Two of my favorite motivational sayings that I give to my clients are from Victor Borge and Mary Pettibone Poole respectively: "Laughter is the shortest distance between rwo people" and "He who laughs, lasts." * I've pia gay ors also they sta wouldr· McGee· 'Yelvet September 16th 2006:.,. aid Llve'atTHE ~~ · riieOeBarge & Kr.i's September 17th 2006: (Tulsa, O!dahonia) Sep;eniber 23rd 2006: (MaA!ester, Oklahom ©ctobcr 6th 2006:. (Oklalicima City) 13 ast Out by Liz Highleyman SEPTEMBER 2006 Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT history. Each installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and its impact on the queer present. Who was Truman Capote? Author Truman Capote, who popularized the genre of creative nonfiction, was as well-known for his open homosexuaiity and his extravagant social life as he was for his writing. Truman Streckfus Persons was born September 30. 1924, in t,Jew Orleans. As a young boy, he was sent to live with his mother's relatives in rural Monroeville, Ala., while his parents divorced. He moved to New York City at about age 10 to llve with his mother and her new husband, Cuban businessman Joseph Capote. 'Though highly intelligem, Capote despised school and dropped out at age 17 ro take a job as a copy boy at the New Yorker. He never attended college, believing that "either one was or wasn't a writer, and no combination of professors could influence the outcome." Capote's first major published work, the short story "Miriam," which appeared in _lvfademoise!!e_ in 1945, won an 0. Henry Award and led to a book contract with Random House. By chis time, he had already adopted a flamboyant style - _New Yorker_ colleague Brendan Gill recalled him "sweeping through the corridors of the magazine in a black opera cape, his long golden hair falling to his shoulders" - and a penchant for social climbing. Capote's first book, _ Other Voices, Other Rooms (1948), was a semi-autobiographical novel about his chi!dhood in Alabama. 'Though controversia! ~or its dep:ctions of ,ape, transvestism, and homosexuality, the boqk was a smash hit. Equally sensational was the photograph on che book jacket, ·,vhich showed the handsome young author reclining in a ianguorons pose with a come-hither expression. Capote's work rcflecrc<l a mix of Somhern whimsy and New York Citv. so1•h:··ti,"1t:or rrc">'hg wl•a, ,..,:,,,.1bom~, Dulre, _. ,I .. -' J.:')~ ~~~ . .l »} - ,a.!. J. , ,tl .,. .._.1._~l.r . u.,. .,\.. ~ characterized as "the quintessential hon1osexual v,riting style of the 1950s and 1960s." Many people were rahn with Capote's boyish charm, including several high~socicr;,r n1atrons v.:ho acted as benefactors . .:In those days 'Trun1an vvas about the best con1panion you could ,vant." recalled feUtPN author I'cnnessee \Villiams. HI-le bad not turned n1aliciousiy birchy.'1 Capote had one of his firsr serious: a professor of literature :-H Srnith 14 the STAR met Jack Dunphy, a working-class writer. 'Jhe two men shared a nonexclusive partnership for neariy 40 years, living togerhe:· in Sicily in the l 950s, and later residing in two separate houses on the same property in the Hamptons on Long Island. After returning from Europe, Capote puolishec one of his bestknown worl.-_s, Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958), ·.vhich reiated :he adventures of free-spirited Holiy Golightly. He was not happy with the 196 i film adaptation, starring i\ucirey Hepbur:1, which toned down the language and made the male lead heterosexual. In 1959, Capote began work on In Coici Blood, a story about the murder of a rural Kansas farm family. which he researched with the help of his childhood friend, author Harper Lee. 'Though the work - serialized in the New Yorker in 1965 and published as;; book the following year - was hugely popular, some critics charged that Capote became too emotionaliy involved with the alleged killers, yet failed to adequately aid their defense because he required their execution as a dramatic denouemem ro his tale. In Cold Biood brought Capote even more fame and considerable fortune. To celebrate, he hosted a Black and White Ball at New York's Plaza Hotel in November 1966, which many considered to be the social event of the era. Despite his success, Capote began drinking heavily and asing drugs in rhe late l 960s. A fixture on the television talk-show circuit, he established himself as a catty queen spreading scandalous gossip about old friends and benefactors. During these years. he began work on what he hoped wouid be his Proustian magnum opus, A . nswcred Prayers. The book was never completed, but a few inscaliments appeared in Esquire in the mid-l 970s. His mean-spirited portrayals of the rich and famous earned him rhe nick;;ame "the Tinv Terror,'' and he was shunned by his former high-society friencis. ' W'ith the waning of his youthful good looks, Capo:e became a caricarure of his former self. During a falling out with Dunphy in the 1970s, he began frequenting New York City bathhouses, picking up working-ciass men many years his junior. Ioward the end of the decade, however, he entered drug and alcohol rehabilitation and reconciled with Dunphy. Adopted into Andy Warhol's circle, Capote became a habitue at Studio 54 and revived his career by writing for Warhoi's Interview magazine. His last collection of short stories, Music for Chameleons (1980), was again a bestsdler. In his final years, Capote becan-:.e increasingiy jealous and paranoid, accusing fellow authors of appropriating his sr1ie ai;.d compiaining bitterly aoout what he viewed as inadeqt,ate recogni,ion of his work. He conrir.ued to drink and use drugs, his health cic,eriorated, and he grew increasing!:,' reclusive. r-ie died of liver disease ;ma drug intoxication on August 25, l 984. Despite his downfali, Capote largely fulfilied his dr,~am,. "l \.Vas not ineant to vvork in an office/' he said in a 1978 intcrviclv. ,;I ahvays knew that I ,.vanted to be a \-vritcr and that J vlan1.ed to he rich and fan1ous." For further reading: Clarke, Gerald. 1988. __ Capme: A Biography_ Davis. Deborah. 2006. Parn· of the (~enturv: 'The Fabulous ofTruman (:apote J.nd His Biack•~an.d-\{7hitt' Ball_ Piin1pton, George. 1997 _·rrurnan In \~(!hich \!ariou~ FricndsJ I~nernies .. Acquaintance;;, and lent (Doub!eday). Photo: The new community center coming soon. Sign of the Times: A Decade of Growth at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center The sign wasn't flashv - it was vinvl. No lights,~no neon, no iv screens .. '. just vinyl with rhe words Gav Communitv Center printed on it. Ti:affic,came to a cr~nching hair. Some drivers honked in support. Crcarive individuals voiced loud opinions some good, some not so good. Others took a different approach. Eviction. A simple vinyl sign that caused the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center to move 3 rimes in its firsr decade, also broughr a community togcrher to realize a dream for rhe second time. The fast dream had come true ia October 1996, vvhcn Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) opened the original ''Pride Center'' at 38th & Peoria. 'Ihe 2nd-floor space in an unassuming building quickly became crowded with of~ ferings for all in rhc comn1unity. Ihe ne,v rni1lenniun1, and the fight over that vinyl sign, brought a n1ove to 21st and Memorial, and a ne,v nanu: the 'Ihisa Gay Comrnunit:{ Services Center. J\ sign •,1;ent up, but only the initial~ GLBT were permine<l by the landlord despite agreeing eariier to aliow the vvords Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender. n Four years of an abbreviated still the no".v narned TUlsa Community Center moved to an improved space ac 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza - with plans to light up a sign. Those pians yet again came to a halt as a third landlord in ten years, despite rental agreements, refused to approve even the initials GLBT on an exterior sign. Ihese objections were a sign of the times that showed discrimination was still alive. But, the unintended consequence was a community more focused and galvanized than ever before. The sign that caused cars to crash also set into motion a community determined to take a dream to the next level - an owned Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual & Transgender Community Cemer with a sign that proudly said so. That first vinyl sign will have a permanent home in the soon-to-open Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual & Transgender Community Center at 621 E 4th Street in downtown Tulsa. A new sign thac will light up the East Village will also be a beacon to the entire region. 'Die sign of this time will proudly announce the GLBT & allied communitv has fully arrived, has a permanent home ;nd will keep a permanent presence. A Growing Community A Big Home 1he Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street, is filled with what the sign (inside the window) says community. The Community Resource Kiosk, the PRIDE Store, the Family Room, che Commons, Health Testing, the Nancy McDonald Rainbow Librarv a11d the David Bohnett CvberCenter ar~ some of communiry-orie~ ted programs inside the Center. Now in just over 3,000 square feet, the new downtown Center, at 18,000 square feet, will allow growth for a!l in the community. the over 20 TOHR programs and most importantly - provide growth for you, your friends & family and for all of Oklahoma and surrounding states. In its l 0th Anniversarv year of 2006, the Tulsa GLBT Commu~icy Center has seen a 317% growth in traffic. The move to the 6th largest GLBT Community Center in the nation comes none too soon as visitor number l 0,000 - for just this year, will soon walk through the doors. The growing list of community groups utilizing the: Center will soon find an extra 15,000 squaxe feet to serve ~~~:gr~=i~;:~::1 ~~::;1~~:i~e~~:grams ar~ of the lifespan of GLBT persons and their families. The GLBT & allied community will enjoy bigger and better facilities available for social events, seminars, weddings, meetings, private events ... the list is nearly endless. While the Tulsa GLBT Community Center prepares to move this Fall, the current Center at 5545 E 41st Street remains active and open Monday through Saturday, 3:00-9:00 PM. The David Bohnett CyberCenter, with 10 flat-screen computer stations, welcomes over 300 people a month. HIV Testing, Tuesdays from 6 PM to 8 PM and Saturdays from 4 PM to 7 PM, is the only place in the area to get a free 20-minute result HIV test. The PRIDE Store, with the area's largest selection of rainbow merchandise, has the best values in town. The Tulsa GLBT Information Line at 918.743.GAYS (4297), your source for nightclub locations, business information and medical, legai, counseling, etc. referrals, has experienced a 503% increase in calls over the past year. The social activities through the Center also hit a high note this Fall. Two big events, Out on the Town & the TO HR Annual Meeting, highlight the month of September. Out on the Town with Dinner & DIVAS You don't always get it this good. Start the evening in downtown Tulsa at Tsunami Sushi. The famed entrees and intriguing interior of the trend-setting downtown restaurant begins a night Out on the Town with Dinner & DNAS on Sarurday, September 9, 2006. After dinner, rhe expected SRO crowd will walk down the block to enjoy rhe DIVAS 2006 concerr ar the Tuisa Performing Arts Center (PAC). This year's concert is produced by local talent Rebecca Ungerman and promises ro be a nighr to remember. 'Ihe evening will include an a!I-srar line-up, showcasing Rebecca Ungermann, Cindy Cain, John Sawyer, Pam Van Dyke-Crosby, Christy Hanewinkel, .Annie Ellicott, lvfary Cogan, Heather RichettoRumly, Debbie Zanerhaft ,md Meredith '~eger. Tulsa World fashion columnist Jason Ashley \Xrighr and Fox 23 anchor Chera Kirniko will co~host the evening ,vith heart fi.lied humor. DIVAS 2006 benefits H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach, Prevention and Education) and provides necessary resou.rces to.co~,:~~u~ the fight against HJV/i\J[)S and other ::i 1 D's. the STAR 15 Lesbian poised to become Missouri's first openly gay state Senator. by Denis Dison Washington DC -August 9, 2006 - Jolie Justus will likely become the first openly gay state senator in Missouri history after winning her Democratic primary Tuesday night. Justus will face a Republican opponent in November, but the district is considered a safe one for Democrats. "In Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma and now Missouri, excellent candidates are winning historic races. Jolie's win is a testament to her courage, commitment and skill, but it also confirms that fairminded voters everywhere care more about good government than they do about whether their representatives are gay or lesbian," said Chuck Wolfe, President and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which raised money for Justus' campaign from its national donor network. Other breakthrough Victory Fund-supported candidates this year include: Patricia Todd-The first openly gay elected official in Alabama history Kathy Webb-The first openly gay elected official in Arkansas history Al McAffrey-The first openly gay state legislator in Oklahoma history Jolie would join Victory endorsee Jeanette Mott-Oxford, who won easiiy won her primary to retain her seat in the Missouri Srate House. In other election news last night, Allen Thornell, who was vying for a seat in the Georgia State House, narrowly lost his runoff election for the Democratic primary. The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund provides strategic, technical and financial support to openly LGBT candidates and officials. It's the only national organization solely committed to increasing the number of openly LGBT public officials at federal, state and local levels of government. Victory is the nation's largest LGBT poiitical aciion committee and one of the nation's largest non-connected PACs. In 15 years, Victory has helped the number of openly LGBT officials grow from 49 to more than 300. So far in 2006 the Victory Fund has endorsed 64 candidates. * REGISTER NOW! Registration Deadline for the November 7th General Election is October 13. 1 6 the STAR www. □ ZARKSSTAR.C □ M ~ by Donald Pile & Ray Williams est Hollywood (nicknamed WEHO) is proud to be the hip and happening center of gay and lesbian life in Los Angeles. Since its incorporation in 1984, the City of West Hollywood has continued to be recognized as a leading community in gay and lesbian rights. Visitors are assured of welcoming restaurants and bars, interesting special events and comfortable hotel stays. And the zip code for West Hollywood is 90069 ! AU of West Hollywood's hotels are open and inviting to gay and lesbian travelers. San Vicente Inn/Resort.is an exclusive all-gay property with private. clothing optional, tropical .Rama.de.Plaza West Hollywood We have stayed at the Ramada Plaza seve~ I times and it is in the center of everything. Just park your auto there all-suit Le Montrose Suite. Hotel, Pare Suite Hotel are within ce of "The Boulevard.• Out very favorite place to stay was tlie SECRET GARDEN Bed and Break.fast, just a sl:H:>rt block Noi:th of Sunset Boulevard at the foofof the Hollywood Hills. The owner, Bilbao! is one of the nicest, most d giving people that we have ever ':'.:.,.: .......... Continued page-19 ~~0?~~ &:irfl ~~.· ~ TRAVEL by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "East Coast or West Coast?" Ir seems as though most of the gays and lesbians living in the Midwest have a definite opinion on which coast they prefer. Borh coasts have so much to offer. \Xie enjoy both coasts and get to both regularly ..... Florida for January, Califrirnia for April and September and New York and New England .,ometimc in between. California of courn: takes up most of the West Coast except for \'iiashingron and Oregon which has their own gay agenda and it i, :!bsolurcly beaucifol there. All three Scares on the West coast arc cxm: mcly gay-friendly. And there i, such a div<.:r,ity of things to do on che West coast whether your into huscle-busrie of the big cirie, iike San Diego, Los Angele-, and San Fran..:i,co or enjoy the quicrness and rhe beaury of Palm l,prings as well a, the Sunes of \'11/ashington and Oregon. '!he weather in Southern California i, of course always great and even up the coast as far as San Francisco, the winters are extremclv mild. We have spent the Holidays in San Francisco and it is quit<.: warm. Further North into Washington and Oregon it is much cooler in tht Wint<.'.r. One of rhese davs we want w take a three week trip driving all the way from Scarrie. Washington down w San Diego which is nearly J 300 mib. One time we did drii:c from San hanciscn to Los Angeb which is only a 400 mile drive and hy the time we stopped and vi~ited even-thing it took w, "i days! hut wcli worth it. Driving i; the ONLY W,1)" to travel if vou h:ne the time. Driving dow1, from San rL1nci\co you first ,·isir th<: hisroric tO\V!l of !\:lont.crcy, Pchbil' Beach, ( :~~n1h:l and do;vn diru the Ltbulous ( .a .. ;rk·, S~t!: Sin1con to S.u1t~! Barbar~~ and then on to ;\Ldibu, Los ~\ng<..:1:>. L,iguna ~uH.1 Pn l(l ~~!ll J )icgo .. J he :11:iior h1ghvv·a~:~· v,-hi,_h !~, jght Oil the (P<l:--! i:-, hrc·ath-tak!nf, 'Ih,_T,__' ::EC ;0!1s t)f tiH .. ' \V;t\ Hut ilLn -~•Jl!ll' pr:.•i,.:r r 1'.cl'>I o;r•,t \V~~r_•:h ... ·: it j,. Il::·id~i. the liddL.- :\rLPr >-~L'\',' i\frcr leaving Florida, drive ro .S;::.v~!nn~d1, (;eorgia frH a grand tin1c as it is ~uch ::1 historical tO\Vn and the seuing f<.>r the book and n1ovic, .\1idnigh, In 1 he Carden Of C,iud And h·il. For rho,r s(> inclined, then Iv!yrdc Beach, .\(1u1h c:arolina is ~~nother good pi~tcc to Yisir. Be sure 10 visit sornc of the oid c:~\'il \\:'~1r 1nt!\cun1s \vhilc your driving up the coasr:. \firgini~~ Beach is ahYavs fun. -r~kc ,1bnur 3 dav~ ro visit \vashington D.C:. One of rh~ hc~c i.hing, c1bom that citr is ·chat :1lmost cv~rnhing i:, FREE1 The mt,,eum~, arr n!leri<:,. ,1;1d hiswricai sigl1ts arc -~lil frc--~. 0 "lhen hit ~ew York Ci!\". but park vour .mw in one of the surrounding cirie, about 60 miics' ;W.'a;, at one of the parking int, and then take the commuter train into the Cir,-. Aim of churchc, that is close to 1hr commuter train, have gat<.:d. ixukinv lots during '- ~ 0 the wc,·k very inexpensive. New York Cit)" is NOT a place w be driving your auto. After Yl'll !ca1-c New York City then drive thru the scenic wonckrs of the New Engbnd State,. Everything in New England i, extremely gay friendly and ,·er,- historical. You crn so easily get wrapped up in American history. Either end your journev in P-Town or Ogunquit- Maine. Both wwm arc cnn:mcly gar and pl('.11r:,.· o( gay acconirllodation:-; arc found 1h~T,:, So ·.vhcthcr your .w l·.ast ( :oast pcr,on ,,r" \X:nt ( :oa,t perrnn, rake ofr thi~ )UJ11!11er and experience ne,v adventures, make nnv friends and come back lO !he i\lidwcst with a HL'\V pcr:-.pccriv<: on life. \Ve find it tot;1)h amuini; how many people we mecr from the Midwest when tr,1vcling to either coast. Sadh· to say hur borh coasts arc ;nuch · more gay-friencllr tbn here in the Midwest. ,\nd of course several Stares on both coasr~ arc now t<l[aily smoke free. California, Florida, Maine and many pans of New York have ~in ()rdinance against s1noking in JI1)' public place iucluding bars. And the great thins is that the bars arc more popular no\v than the;· ever \Vere. SLClll'.-i ~1~ though p:.:oplc h:1d '.\topped going to th.: bars for only one reason and rh~~t i:; .so tht:.\~ \von!d Jh)! have to ()U! ~:p .,,:i1h rhe \Jl10~~ ... - in the h:1L\. ><P\V. ain:o·< Jil of the l~:lr> ari: ! ,;Jc:-.'->\\·(: I:ccd t;:kc tl [l,_-,_-,o:i fr( 1rn hdtL ,~·n~t:-:t_;.,_ GAY TRAVELERS West Hollywood: !twas like living in "Old Hollywood" whenever we stayed there. However Raymond has now semi-rerired and now resides in PalmSprings. We wish him well. The heart of the gay and iesbian communiry is Sama Monica Boulevard. "The Boulevard" is a pedestrian-friendly street, lined with cafes, shops and clubs. Traveiers wiil meet friendly people and experience an ever-present fun, party-like atmosphere. Arriving in West Hollywood is arriving in the epicenter of the trends that define LA. Of course, the definition of trends in the ciry is never complete without the hot restaurant scene in hip West Hollywood. With LA's greatest and most celebrity-frequented hotspots, restaurants like Mortons, Ago, Lucques and Katana anchor an impressive number of fine and casual din[ng establishments. Experience the tastes celebrities and the rich and famous have known for years. In 1.9 square-miles, West Hollywood opens the doors to kitchens from ail over the world. From quick 'n' casual drive-ups, to some of' the hippest restaurants in LA: West Hollywood's 120+ restaura:ns guarantee chat you'il never go co bed h1;ngry. Party as the partiers do and the "real" party is always in West Hollywood. 'X'hether on weeknights and always on weekends, a steady flow of hipsters and party people flood into the hippest, most fun-spiriced dry around. famous hotspots like Skybar and Standard Lounge, !1ot to mention LAs iive music scene on the Sunset Strip welcome the night right. On Santa Ivfonica Boulevard the party gets red-hot at legendary clubs like Rage, Mickey's and Here Lounge. Shopping is a sport in West Hollywood and with some of the "hautc-esr" comure and sryiish pickings in interior design and art, you are in for a mighty fine "work-our''. From Hermes to Valentino. Anna Sui to Halston, to the rock star garb at Maxfield and Royal Order, this city drops the pretense and shows you ro che latest trends you could only expect from the most stylish place in LA. Nowhere is looking and feeling good more important than in West Hoilywood, where Holiywood's leading men, models, actors and stressed industry types flock to che endiess selection of health dubs and spas for pampering and conditioning. Famous spots like Lulur, Ole Henri;c.sen FaceiBody, and Kinara provide some of the best known spa treatments in the world, while a:nlctic facilities iike Equinox and Angel City Gym provide the '.ares, and greatest in physical conditionlng. Check in a,1d cl~eck out the re'.axa:ion rhat awaits you. And for Art and Cuicure there is the 1k,ors Circle ·n1eacrc. Archirecrure & Design i\fosetun, Coast Playhouse, Globe Playhoi:se, Lee Strasbcrg Thea'.re Mu<cun,, MAK Center for Arr and ?-,rchirccturc and rhe Pacific De~ign Center. And of course don·r miss rhe Getty Museum just a frw miles \Xfes, of\X,'est Holivwcod anci the: \viesemhal j\fu,et:m of":i)Jlernnce ,·mici; h,.:s a ;pecia] section jusr for gays/lesbians. ~TRAVEL You Bv direct!v into lAX lnternacionai Airpon, take a shutr!~ to West I-J:oilv,..,,C:od and vou don't ever have r~ bother with an auto. EVERYTHI:.-~G is right there. They cio have wonderful pu6iic transportation if you wam to venture out for the day but everything is right there! Ir is a place that we certainly would nor wane to b·e bur is a fantastic place to visit. We always have a great time whenever we go there. And of course the Movie Studios offers great tours, Beverly Hilis and the fabulous shopping centers are a must do. It is just FUN and 1:ABULOUS! There are simply way to many bars and restaurants for us to suggest you try. Just walk up and down Sama Monica Boulevard and look for yourself. There are dozens of weekly gay newspapers on the street corners with ads for all the businesses inciuc!ing daiiy specials at bars and restaurants. Always have a great time when traveling, meet new and exciting people and TALK TO EVERYONE! For more information on traveling email Donald and Ray at gaytraveiers@ aol.com or visit their webpage ar: http:/ /www.hometown. aoi.com/gaycravelers. heaith outreach prevention education, inc. 1-800-535 IDS (2437) Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(S) .. Free nonjudgmental HIV testing, inciuding the 20 minute OraQuick Test. KNOW YOUR STATUS * Free Syphiilis screening at the GLBT Community Center on Tuesdays from 6-Bpm H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic Mens Outreach Program In Tulsa at (918) 812-7045 Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine i9 America's fourth-largest city, Housron has developed into a worldclass center of culture, dining, and style. (Photo by Andrew Collins) by Andrew Collins Houston, Texas cosmopolitan city that biends Western and Southern heritage and style, Houston has been one of America's great boomtowns of the past decade. Its once staid, business- oriented downtown has become a trendy district of restaurants, dubs, shops, condos, and hip hotels, along with an architecturally stunning baseball stadium. Other central Houston neighborhoods, inciuding gay-popular Montrose and up-and-coming Midtown, have also seen big changes fur the better, helping to turn the nation's fourth-largest city into a lively and downright stylish getaway. Houston acts as a cultural capital bridging the South and Southwest, with some of the best museums in the country. Cultural highlights include the Men)! Collection, wid: wor~ by Warhol, Leger, and Picasso in a space designed in 1987 by Renze Piano. Within walking distance are the Menil Collection's Cy Twombly Gallery, plus rwo independent faci!ides: the Rothko Chapel, which contains 14 large-scale Mark Rothko paintings commissioned for the chapel and a peacefui reflecting pool and plaza; and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel, which showcases nvo 13th-century frescoes re$cued from ,var-torn Cyprus. Many of the city's engaging attracdons iie in the Museum District. south of downtown, anchored by lush Hermann Park. Don't miss the Museum of Fine Arts, with its concentration of Impressionist, as well as Itaiian and Spanish R.enaissance, pieces. The Contc1nporary Arts Museum hosts reputable temporary exhibitions. And the ciry·s I:--Ioiocaust Museun1 has changing exhibits (v,1hich sometiines touch on the persecution of gays and lesbians) as we!i as a permanent display that includes artifacts and personal effects recovered from a Polish concentration camp. At the northern tip of Hermann Park iies the Houston Museum of Natural Science, one of the nation's most-visited museums. Check out the Burke Baker Planetarium, which has a 25,000-square-foot tropical rain forest complete with butterflies. (No joke: Spray Calvin Klein's Obsession on your shoulder and the butterflies won't leave you alone!) Houston's gay scene is centered in Montrose, an artractive neighborhood a couple of miles southwest of downtown, with a mix of early 20th-century homes and conages and several newer pockets of condos and apartments. At the epicenter, where Westheimer Road crosses Montrose Boulevard, you're within walking distance of countless gay bars and gay-friendly restaurants. As you head farther west along \Vestheimer, you'll pass a number of antiques shops and funky boutiques. Consider taking a break from shopping with a meal at the homey Empire Cafe, which is set inside a converted vintage service station and offers splendid pizzas, hearty frittatas, and such breakfast ueats as hot polenta with honey-cream and toasted almonds. Anorher exce!lent nearby option is Diedrich Coffeehouse, a spacious cafe with sunny seating areas and a shaded patio. Montrose has dozens of other great eateries. Acclaimed chef l,1onica Pope, one of the Southwest's culinary stars, brings great cooking to the masses at T' afia, a sleek space on the eastern edge of the neighborhood, where you might feast on such creative, globally inspired fare as yellowfin tuna with coconut chutney, or buffalo rib-eye steak with a tamarind glaze. With an ebullient, festive atmosphere but a serious menu, La Strada serves fine, upscale Italian fare at dinner, including a signature Italian paella. R~ggles Gri!le is highly popular with the queer community, famous for its Sunday brunches and delicious Southwestern-meets-Mediterranean food. Mark's is an upscale hot spot in a deconsecrated church, serving appropriately nonconformist fare like bourbon-glazed pork tenderloin wirh moiasses, glazed yams, and ginger-apple compote. Mo Mong, a spare-looking haunt known for great Vietnamese food, happens also to be a favorite spot for cocktails (especially sake martinis on Wednesdays) among queers in the know. For stellar, upscale regional Mexican cuisine, book a table at the hip and high-ceilinged restaurant, Hugo's. Steps from the Montrose bar strip, Baba Yegas sprawls with sunny dining rooms and shaded decks, which are constantly abuzz wirh charter and gossip. Decent burgers, many veggie items, and other light dishes are served. Barnaby's is a ctC\vn-home diner with a tn:s gay following and consistently good, filling fare. And Katz's Deli serves astonishingly large sandwiches, savory soups, and heavenly cheesecakes in a handsome dining room that's open 'round the dock. \:vhile Momrose has pienty of gn:at gay-popular eateries, downtown Houston is where a nurnber of top chefs are operating these days. Among the neighborhood's most acclaimed din;ng options, Solero serves delicious tap~ts in a sexy environment; and Bank (at the Hotel IC~Ot',.~) presents the iefined~ ethereai, Asian-tinted French cuislne of fan1ed chefJean,-Georges 'v:':}ngerichten. Berrveen do\vrno1.vn and JY1ontrose~ the city~s lviidto·..vn neighborhood ha.s one of the hottest 20 Arkansas & Oklahoma ·s most read GLBT Magazine real-estate markets in the country, as this once virtually deserted area booms with new condos and town homes. Cool restaurants are popping up, too, such as Farrago, a dapper bistro serving creative pizzas, affordable pastas and burgers, and wonderful weekend brunch fu.re. A more upscale but stiil moderately priced option is Gravitas. 1his slick, beautifully designed space is known for its terrific wine list and tantalizing American bistro cuisine - rhe roasted Texas quail with sweet corn and applewoodsmoked bacon is heavenly. Houston has a tremendous number of gay bars and clubs. Here are some of the more popular options: Extremely friendly and therefore a great place to go if you're new in town, Brazos River Bottom (BRB) is a good-sized country-western bar with two-stepping and line-dancing some nights. Chances is one of the city's more lesbianoriented hangouts, with dancing (both to pop and country-western music) and a super-friendly, low-keyed crowd. J.R.'s - like its sister bars in Dallas and Denver - is a quintessential stand-and-mode! bar with attractive Southwestern-inspired decor and a fabulous patio. Nearly next door, Blur Bar is a large new space with a packed dance floor and a big pario. The Montrose Mining Co. draws a mix of bears, Levi's-and-leather guys, and regular Joes into its dark and cruisy confines. And Sourh Beach is the favorite warehouse-style dance club in the heart of Montrose, with dancing and music into the wee hours. Also pulsing nearly all night long, Rich's is an industrial- looking downtown dance club. The hip video lounge I,1eteor has extremely popular happy hours and fun karaoke Sundays. Guava Lamp has live entertainment some nights, great martinis, an array of video screens, and music at decibels that allow conversation (and, of course, cruising). Regulars at Club 1415, a !aid-back dance bar, love to mingle on the spacious patio. A popular neighborhood bar among the city's over-35 gay folks, Decades is also one of the friendlier hangouts in town. The more hard-core of the city's leather bars, Ripcord is a fairly typical such hangout, with the traditional black decor and dim lighting. Houston's hotel scene has truly blossomed in recent years. Right in the heart of !vfomrose, you'll find a rerrific, affordable, first-class accommodation, the Lovett Inn, which draws a mostly gay and lesbian crowd. 'There are 12 rooms and suites, some in the historic main house - the former residence of a one-time Houston mayor - and others in separate ombuildings set abour the attractive grounds (which include a pool and hoc tub). A longtime favorite is in the Houstonian Hotel, an opulent old-world property in the upscale Post Oak section of the city. Om toward the ritzy Galleria Mall, the trendy Hotel Derek is a super-sleek propeny done in bold colors with dramatic contemporary furniture. Among dov,'lltown properties,. the swanky Hotel ICON occupies the historic Union Nationai Bank Building. 111e stunning rooms in this boutique property have rhe ambience of a decadent Parisian flat, wirh vibrant red drapes, plush bedding, and high-end toHerries. Although it's not especially gay, the restauram·s nber-cool ':V11iskey Bar is a favorite downtown spot for cocktails - e".\,ren if you~re not staying at the hotet consider • ' •. I • I d ' . . . ~av1ng 1nart1.?1s 1ierer as you observe tne ramanc renaissance that 1s downtown Houston Houston, Texas the nations 4t.11 largest city. Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine 21 CENTER NEWS: Out on the Town with Dinner & DIVAS begins at 6:00 PM at Tsunami Sushi, 309 East 2nd, followed bv DIVAS 2006 at 8:00 PM at the Tulsa PAC. Please call TOHR at 918.743. GAYS by September 6th to reserve your spot for a night Out on rhe Town. TOHR Annual Meeting It's been an exciting and busy year for Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). A building, the permanent home for the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, has been bought, is being renovated and will open in October. TOHR has partnered with Tulsa PFLAG & OYP to plan and make "Diversity Celebration - Tulsa PRIDE!" bigger and better - your input and ideas can help take it to the next level. The Center has visited Tuisa PRIDE and OKC Pride and will soon bring the rainbow to Southeastern Oklahoma during McPride on September 23rd, 11 AM to 5 PM in Chadick Park in McAlesrer, OK (log onto mcpride.org for more information). We're also implementing a strategic plan and a marketing initiative that will change Tulsa and Oklahoma for the better. You can help make it happen with your support and attending the TOHRAnnual Meeting. The TO HR Annual Meeting is Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 7:00 PM in the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street. The State of the Organization, the Year in Review report and Board of Director elections are planned, as well as celebratory drinks and refreshments marking the last official TOHR function in a leased location. As always, it's FREE. Join us Thursday, September 28th, 7:00 PM at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center at 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $26.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: Ozarks STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Slngle Copies $3.00 per issue) City: ________ St: ___ Zip: _ _ Check enclosed--~ Money Order Start Date:-------~ 22 the STAR Li le Rock Capi Elects Its Boa I Pride For 2007 LITTLE ROCK, AR~ Link Rock Capital Pride (formerly known as Little Rock Gay and Lesbian Pride) electeci its new Board for the 2007 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2006 anci ending june 30, 2007. The new officers for 2006/2007 are: President - David W Quinn Vice Presidem - Barb Kampbe!l. Treasurer Chad Allen Secrerarv Toe Lafountaine Board Me~bers-Janis Walters and Joy Evans Little Rock Capital Pride was founded in 2005 by omgoing Board President and Founder, John House, The success ofLirde Rock Capital Pride has been through the hard work of the "All Volumed' working membership, community support and its Board. \X'e iook forward to seeing you at our 3rd Annual Little Rock Capital Pride Celebration June 3, 2007. The board is also pleased to announce that Capital Pride 200: will be held June 3rd at rhe River Market Amphitheatre from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. Capital Pride has been heid for the past two years ar .AJisop Park and the new venue ,'✓as selected to accommodate the growth in attendance the evenr has enjoyed. Little Rock Capital Pride Board President, David W. Quinn stated, "We are very excited to host our third annual Capital Pride at the River lv1arket. We feel the new venue will allow us-rn continue to grow the event, attract more ~ponsors, garner more vendors and provide better entertainment. Little Rock Capital Pride is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to hosr events that honor the history and diversity of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) individuals in the State of Arkansas and surrounding areas and create unity within the GLBT community and its allies by providing sociai support and enhancing awareness of the past and present contributions of GLBT individuals through community activities and services, induding an annual Pride event. * Northwest Arkansas GLBT Commu- Center Receive's First Corporate Donation. BENTOI'~VILLE, AR _ ·'We received a donation check from Wal Man this week. !tis our "Fim" corporate donation. It wiil go ~t~:::'.-1\::;;~~1~:r~:,~~:~:~~~~~~::::1: ~~:,~(1~:;_munity Tne l'1ortir'\<vest Arkansas <,.;ay} Lesbian, Bisexu~11 and 'Thtnsgendered c:ommunit;r' (:enter is a group of like-n1inded individuals '\Vho have come toger.her to create a nonprofit (;LBl- ,.,.,,.,""''"'"' Center of 1"Jorthwest .Arkansas. For n1ore inforn1ation go to: Congratulations K'rli Adams Miss Gay Oklahoma America Salutations Kittens, a weltered Uncle corning to you straight from the summer best describe as, hotter than a Twink painted in body glitter wearing only a thong! Take my word for it Kictens, he was as hot as they come, no pun intended. My goodness this heat has been enough to drive a queen mad, not that it would be a far haul mind you. As we sail into hopefully a cooling off period in che monrh of September, let us see what intrigues the minds of my faithful Queers this month, besides yours rruly. Dearest Uncle Mikey, I have a friend at school that i wrote to you abour. I have had this amazing crush on him for a while, and until now thought that he was a great guy. He aliowed me a momentary pleasure after which he quit talking to me altogethei. I mean he made me fed just cheap and used. Am I a slut? Kissing and telling Dearest Teliing, Kitten, I got steamier details our of Clinton's memoirs. What a let down; now I need a drink. If you are going to dish, make sure you include the steamy details of your campus copulation. To your question, was ic done in taste? I mean one can give twenty blowjobs, but if done with styie, and taste, one is simply a giver, nor a slut. TI1is is my story and I am sticking to it! Smooches- Mikey Dearest Uncle Mikey, • .. My partner gets mad at me when I indulge myself in satisf1ing myself through masturbation. He feels I am taking away from our lovemaking when I am not always in the mood. I never used to really enjoy i:, now I enjoy doing it seYeral times a week. I even tried on day at work b a stall, but that is a different storv. Is it a bad thing_whe~ you are in a relationship? , Mambo or one Dearest Mambo, Ah, masrnrbadon, Americas second pasi: time event. Kitten, it is nor a bad ace as long as you are not attempting co buy cards and flov,-ers for Mr. Righcy. You can even incorporate this little past rime into your lovemaking. Allow your partner to watch, whiie you pu t ~n a steamy s>n ow rr or mI • m. ~1 am sure you w1•1 1 n,~ nct• th• ;.s qm•t e satisfying as him. Fantasy is a ma,ior role in most n1en~s sexual 26 theSTAR drive. Reassure him that this is not about something lacking, simply adding to. More importantly, you skip the work story and leave me hanging like a low rider? Have I taught you all nothing? I swear, I am going to need a warm shower after this momh's selection. Dear Mikey: I am a twenty two year oid lesbian living in a community where homosexuals are not accepted. I am unable to meet any females living my iifestyle, leaving me very lonely, what should I do? Uno-les Kitten, Sister soldier, welcome to life in the mid-west. I would suggest that you look for the Martha jailbird's tour, which I hear is done by lesbians Inc, but you know how rumors get started. You must surround yourselfbv others in vour life scyle. Easier said than done-mavbe worth the' effort- defi~ntly. Fou~ out of five lesbians currentl/livi;1g in the Midwest agree. Mind you darling those are the same proud members of the secret fingei society heard about in lesbian campouts everywhere! Smooches-Uncle Dearest Mikey, Did you find Tiddles? Curious kitty lover Dearest Curious, Kitten, you do care. Yes, I found that cranked up ungrateful kitty hoped up on catnip, hooking up with the neighbor hood pussies. I mean really, all I ask is a note, is that so much! Tiddles the o-reat mv . t, ; ass, more like Tidd.Jes the Josey goosey. (Stern looks at Tiddles) Dear uncle Mikey, I caught my boyfriend at a local park with another man. I had my suspensions, and followed him to find him doing a trick in the bathroom. I was so appalled, yet froze unable to formulate words. Now, I do not know weather I should break it off or accept his apology. W'hat do )'OU think? Looking at loneliness' Dearest Looking: Indulge me fur a moment. I hope you do!1't find chis question brazen however, could your frozen state maybe been caused by a sudden lack ofblooci flow possibly. I mean honestly Kitten; we ail have been there. ! mea!l I am simply looking ac causation in your search for truth. Some of my greatest moments have been porn out of what I like to :efer to as, Dear :nches moments. Kitten, we live what we allow ourselves to live. You and on;y you can decide if ,his bathroom iover is ;ight fo~ vou. Personallv, I sav e~iov the little tart while you get read:y to BBD '.bi~er better deal) his ;orry ;tali iovin' v.rays. Safely of course, you don't \Vant to take away any critter.st not on a leash: Smooches-Uncle , , Well Kittens, like a trick in the night, I n1ust make a run for it. ?\iv fi1ithful pool boy is due shortly and I have not vet waxed. What we do to i~ok good for our men. Until next tirne kittens remember this, Uve HtC as if y(}U a~c the hottest trick at the bathhouse, rnake then1 V/ork for it! Got a question for ljncie? Write to hin1 at unciemikey4you({paol.corn Smooches'. lJncle }Aikey and (tired) 'fiddles too * JOIN US FOR McPride's 2nd Annual Family Picnic Saturday September 23rd 11 AM to 5PM Chadick Park 6th and Delware, McAlester Oklahoma. Organizations Resen,e your display table now. Contact paul@mcpride.org Food and Drink vendors Contact Elizabeth @ 918- 423-7015 www.mcpride.org Marinated Pork Loin with Wild 3-4Ib pork lion 1 cup orange juice 1 cup pineapple juice 1/2 cup brown sugar marinate pork overnight 4cups wild rice 1 cup chopped oranges/pineapples/ raisins 1 cup orange marmalade Grill pork lion on hot grill for about 1 hour or internal temp reaches165. In a large sauce pan cook wild rice, after cooked and chopped fruit in a small pan heat marmaiade over low heat. Place 1 cup of rice on plate. Slice pork lion at a angle place about 4 slices on top of rice and drizzle with orange marmalade. A delicious Pomegranate Martini will go very well with this main course. Comments or suggestions email Chef John at: chefjohnp@cox .net Here is a martini recipe that goes well with pork, chicken, salads, etc ... or just fun alone I Serve these to your guests in fun martini glasses that are properly chilled and you will impress them all. Remember when entertaining to have fun with it and your gathering will go very well and everyone wiii have a great time. Enjoy I POMEGRANATE MARTINI (2 OZ) ABSOLUTE CITRON VODKA (2 OZ) POMEGRANATE JUICE (1 OZ) CONTREAU LIQUOR SPLASH OF 7-UP FRESH SQUEEZE OF LEMON 1 . Chill a martini glass with ice and water. 2. Combine al! ingredients '..Vith ice in shaker (except 7-up) and shake well. 3. Strain into martini glass and add splash of 7-up, garnish with a fresh lemon twist. CELEBRATE September With A Cool Drink! Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine 27 Q Scopes by Jack Fertig SEPTEMBER 2006 "Patience, Aries!" That dreary Neptune-Saturn uμ~;u;:,ition is getting activated again, this time by ercury in Virgo, offering hope that the muddle and mystery will come into critical focus. Then Mercury squares Pluto, brin · any new ideas or rationalizations into the spotlig t to be challenged or enshrined. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Pessimism is weighing on you heavily, and friends' assurances seem to backfire. The future is what you make of it, so take care of your health and keep your mind on your work. Patience, love! Every little step forward counts. TAURUS (April 20 ~ May 20): With a sense of uncertainty at work, you're inclined to retreat into your nest, but mere cocooning offers little satisfaction. Creative projects at home can make you more generaliy confident of challenges at work - and eager for challenges in bed! GEMINI (May 21 M June 20): Messages from Mama or anyone back home can help resolve the problems you're struggling with. Shutting up and listening can help, too. Don't let ideals get in the way of reality, but let reality clarify those ideals! CANCER. (June 21 00 July 22): Organizing bills and accounts and/or baiancing your checkbook will hone your mind toward a better understanding of your priorities, both material and otherwise. That clarity couid improve your sex life! Still, be careful to avoid accidents and needless arguments. LEO (July 23 * August 22): Arguments over money come out of your rigidity and your partner's uncertainty. Even so, financial discussions can push you to loosen up a bit and give your baby a little more security. Gambling and investments now are sure losses. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Worrying too much about guarding a secret can be the surest way to reveal it. Put your mind elsewhere, especially on health matters. A checkup now can nip something serious in the bud. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Efforts to ioosen up some of your more conservative associates are sure to backfire. Try instead to be sensitive to and meet their wishes, even if you take them in an entirely new direction. SCORPIO (October 23 m November 21}: Friends - and especially colleagues - can help you work through the longrunning muddle at home and stress at work that feed into each other. If their suggestions seem a bit off, use them as a starting point for new and better ideas. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 00 December 20): Arguments are coming toward you and out of you more easily than usual, and you had a head start! Accept advice from someone whose authority you respect, and keep your rebellious streak focused on productive battles. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Clever suggestions from an unlikely source can help you improve your sex life. But they may also challenge some of your erotic values and ideals - perhaps even open unpleasant memories and hidden fears, and through those, untapped strength. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): To pep up your sex life, move it to the bathroom. The shower may be the best place to start. There are other possibilities, but once you're near the piumbing, it's up to you and your partner! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Worries about your health may drive you to a doctor, and a timely checkup is always worthwhile. But a day at a spa with your partner may be just as good. Any health advice from your baby is especially valuable now, too! SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST .MCC SPONSORS Testing appointment 417-529-8480. 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 SA.TCRDAY Service 9:30.:\l\.J Yot1r I11vited to our (~on1munitr Din11er E.,.rerv \XTed. 6prn just $4.00. No one is turned away: 28 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents. Arkansas, Bentonville/Rogers (4 NWA GLBT Ctr - - - www.nwaglbtcc.org- - - - - - 9-586-1062 Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers- - -479-636-2002 Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479) Diversity Pride Event - - - - - - - - - - - - - -www.diversitypride.com A Byrd's Eye View- - - - - 36 N. Main- - - - - - - - -479-253-0200 Caribe Restaurante- - - 309 W VanBuren- - - - -479-253-8102 Henri's - - - - - - - 19 1/2 Spring St - - - - - - - - - - - -479-253-5795 Lumberyard Bar&Grill- - - 105 E VanBuren- - - - - -479-253-0400 MCC Living Spring - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- - - - 888-582-8464 Spexton- - - - - - - 17B Spring Street - - - - - - - - -479-981-6060 Tiki Torch- - - - - - - - 75 S. Main Street- - - - - - - - -479-253-2305 Tradewinds Lodge 141 W. VanBuren- - - - - - - - - 800-242-1615 Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Common Ground Restaurant- - - 412 W. Dixon - 479-442-3515 Condom Sense - - - - - - - 418 W. Dickson- - - - - -4 79-444-6228 Curry's Video - - - 612 N. College Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-521-0009 Passages - - - - - -930 N. College Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-442-5845 Pride Street Live- - 523 W. Poplar St-- - - - - - - - - - 479-587-0557 Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave-- - - - - - - - - - - -479-587-9512 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- - - - - - -1004 1 /2 Garrison Ave- - - - - - - 4 79-783-9988 Red Rock City- - -917 N. "A" St. - - - - - - - - - - - - - 479-242-2489 Arkansas, Hot Springs (501) Jesters Lounge - - - - 1010 E. Grand Ave - - - - - - - 501-624-5455 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - - - - - - - -501-66427 44 Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.dsra.org Discovery- - - - - 1 021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - - - - - - -501-666-6900 Sidetracks - - - 415 Main St- -North LR.- - - - - - - -501-244-0444 The Factory - : - - - 412 Louisiana St.- - - - - - - - - 501-372-3070 Kansas, Junction City (785) Xcalibur Club- - - - - - 384 Grant Ave. - - - - - -785-762-2050 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) PSU-QSA.- 1701 S. Broadway- - - - - - - - - - - -620-231-0938 River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Walnut- - - - - - - - -Service 11 AM Kansas, Wichita (316) Our Fantasy/South40- - - 3201 S. Hillside- - - - - 316-682-5494 Priscilla's- - - - - 6143 W Kellogg Dr- - - - - - - - - - 316-942-1244 Club Glacier- - - - - - - - - 2828 E. 31st South- - - - 31.6-612-9331 Missouri, Ava (417) Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E. 20th. - - - - - -Sat Service-9:30AM Missouri, Kansas City (816) 40th Street inn- - - -www.40thstreetinn.com- - - - - -816-561-7575 Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton Blvd -- - - - - -816-231-1196 Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs www.hydeskc.com - 816-561-1010 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -816-561-0625 Missouri, Lampe (417) KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -417-779-5084 Missouri, Springfield (417} The Edge- - - - - 424 Boonville Ave- - - - - - - - - - - 417-831-4700 GLO Comm. Ctr- - -518 E. Commerical- - - - •· - - - -417-869-3978 Martha's Vineyard- - - 219 VV Olive - - - - - - - • - - 417-864-4572 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - - - 19HI S Glenstone - - - - - - - - - -417-881-8444 Ronisuz Place- - -821 College- - - - - - - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Enid (580) Hastings Books- - - -104 Sunset - - - - - - - - - - - - 580-242-6838 Priscilla's- - - - - - - - -4810-A West Garriott- - - - - - - 580-233-5511 Oklahoma, Lawton (580) lngrids Bookstore- - - - -1124 NW Cache Rd- - - - -580-353-1488 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - - - - - - - - POBox 1515, - - - - - McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642- - - - - -405-495-1111 Boom Room- - - - - - 2807 NW 36th St- -- - - - - - - -405-601-7200 Border's Books- - - - - - 3209 NW Expressway- -- - - 405-848-2667 Club Rox- - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy- - - - - - -405-947-2351 Christie's Toy Box- - - - -3126 N. May Ave - - - - - - 405-946-4438 Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave- - - - - - - -405-672-6459 Hollywood Hotel- - - 3535 NW 39th Exp - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Hi-Lo Club - - - - - - - 1221 NW 50th- - - - - - - - - - - - 405-843-1722 Partners- - - - - - 2805 NW 36th St - - - - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Pec's- - - - - - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expw - - - - - - - -405-942-2199 Priscilla's- - - - - - - - 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St- - - - - - - - - - 405-525-5165 Rudy's Place-- - - - -3535 NW39th Expw- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Phoenix Rising - - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - -- - - -405-601-3711 The Park- - - - - - - - 2125 NW 39th St - - - - - - - - -405-528-4690 The Rockies- - - 3201 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th-- - - - - - - - - -405-947-2351 Tramps- - - - - - - - - - - -2201 NW 39th-- - - - - - - - - -405-521-9888 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- - - -7204 E. Pine - -- - - - - - - - - -918-836-8700 Border's Book Store- - - 2740 E. 21st- - - - - - - - - - - 918-712-9955 Border's Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale - - - - - - - - - - 918-494-2665 Club 209 - - - - - - - 209 N. Boulder - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Majestic- - - - - 124 N. Boston - - - - - - 918-584-9494 Club Maverick- - 822 S. Sheridan - - - - - - -918-835-3301 Dreamland Bks -- - - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - - - - - - - - -918-834-1051 GLBT Comm. Ctr- - - - 5545 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - 918-743-4297 Hideaway Lounge- - - - - 11730 E. 11th- - - - - - - - -918-437-0449 HOPE Clinic- - - - - - - 3540 E. 31st- - - - - - - - - - - 918-749-8378 Jazz's Lounge- - - - - - 426 S. Memorial - - - - - - - - - 918-836-8544 Midtown- - - - - - - - - - 319 E. 3rd- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-3112 Nite Spot - -- - - - - -3007 E. Admiral Pl - - - -- - - - - - 918-834-3007 Our House, Too - - - -203 N Nogales Ave- - - -- - - - -918-585-9552 Prisciila's - - - - - - - - -7925 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - - - - - 5634 W. Skelly - - - - - - - - - - - 918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - - - - - 11344 E 11th - - - - -- - - - - - - -918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - - - - - - - - 2333 E. ?1st- - - - - -- - - - - - -918-499-1661 Renegades- - - - - - - - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - - - - - - 918-585-3405 Rob's Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- - - - - - - - 918-627-1505 St. Michaels Aliey- - - - - -3324-L E 31st- - - - - - - 918-7 45-9998 Sterling & Co. Salon- - -1606 E.15th St.- - - - - - - 918-742-9999 Tulsa CARES- - - - 3507 E. Admiral Pi- - - - - - - - - - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Eagle- - - - -1338 E. 3rd - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -918-592-1188 TNTs - - - - - - - - - 21i4 S. Memorial- - - - - - - - - - 918-660-0856 Yeliow-Brick-Rd- - - - - - - 2630 E. 15ih- - - - - - - - - - 918-293-0304 · :&osfuiss of Orgaoizitldtrl1'1irttrrtgJo p.istl'Jll!ite FREE e;opies of the STAR; contact us at 918;8J5:its&7,9aiifto4' - ®ll -'•fii 'br eiμail; 9i.a,."icsstar@sbc lobaLnet DIVERSITY COALITION Seeks Pff event coordinator for annual festival and parade 918-587-7222 eberlon.734@gmail.com 12th page classified CALL FOR RATES 91 B.B3S.78B7 11730 E. 11th - Tulsa, OK 918.437.0449 Wed. Talent Show with Bobby Page, 11PM Open Tues-Sun 2pm-2am Check out our new Patio! OPPORTUNITY ADVERTIS,NG BALES REPRESENTATIVE F'OR WICHITA, MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS gualificarions to ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Get results with STAR Classifieds! 1 bed apts-remodeled $495/month $300 Security Deposite 1 FREE MONTH Metro Properties 405-232-1236 405-627 -8087 ** OPEN AUDITIONS FOR MALE DANCERS.** Saturday's 5pm. Must be available to dance Sunday's. Compensation plus tips for successful candidates. 31 PANGA BAR&GRILL Sunday Champagne Brunch All you can eat soup and salad bar llam-2pm Monday & Tuesday Well Martinis $2.50 4pm-7pm Dinner new menu items from 4pm - 11 pm Friday & Saturday After Hours Dining 12am-3am New menu starting on September I. 2006. Bar favorites, restaurant favorites and many new items for vour enjoyment pleasure. - --F'~•:';''+<~~'~ ;::- ~- ""' ~· ,,,.,., , ,.,,,, ,.,,,,,, \ PEC'S A LEATHER/LEVI BAR Mon Thur, 7pm-9pm wear your leather and get your well drinks for $2.50 Sun -Thur, 7pm-2am Fri and Sat, 4pm-2am RUDY'S PLACE PIANO BAR Rudy's Place is a non-smoking establisthment Eariy for cocktails, late for a night cap. Live entertainment Wed, Fri and Sat. CLUB ROX HOLLYWOOD IDOL Wednesday Nights with Taylor Brayns Sign up at 9:30pm, Starts at 10pm VIXENS Saturday Nights with Shantel Mandalay atl0pm ALISON SCOTT SHOW Friday, Sept 8 at 9:30pm BARBIE'S BOOTS AND BRIEFS Every Thursday. Signup at 10:00 P.M. and Show at 11:00 P.M. $50.00 First Price and $25.00 Second Prize in CASH. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, September 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 9 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 01, 2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Douglas Glenn John Patrick Michael Dee Kay Massey Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Victor Gorin Greg Gatewood Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Ronald Blake Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, August 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/224 The Star Magazine, October 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/242 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/243 Advice Column Al McAffrey Bamboo Lounge Bitter Girls Chelsea Boys Club Majestic Comic Strips Diversity Pride Ewan McGregor fitness Heart to Heart HIV/AIDs HOPE International Gay Bowling Organization Jolie Justus K'rli Adams Lesbian Notions Little Rock Capital Pride Mica Barnes Miss Gay Oklahoma Oklahoma Tax Commission Our House Past Out Pomegranate Martini Q Scopes Quotable Quotes recipes Snakes on a Train Star business center star classified Star Distributors Star entertainment Star Scene Star travel The Night Listener Too Truman Capote Tulsa Community Center Uncle Mikey Walmart https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b9c9a6279512a7a10048d90d650483d2.jpg ccf67a476d394d378caa36f5bfb2fc4a https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1ac048af6377978fa39ed58c5c85b213.pdf 2262c39edbaef673db3eeb5b909bc695 PDF Text Text ��������������������������������� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document =========. The STAR is published by Star Media, Ltd. 5103 S. Sheridan,# 153 Tuisa, OK 74145-7627 ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net www.ozarksstar.com Editor in Chiei, C. D. Ward Contributing Writers: Greg Steele, Josh Aterovis, Douglas Glenn, John Patrick, Michael Dee, Kay Massey, Paul Wortman, Carlotta Carlisle, Victor Gorin, Greg Gatewood Columnist: Libby Post, Andrew Collins, Donald Pile, Ray Williams. Michael Hinzman. Jack Fertig, Liz Highleyman Photography: Chaz Ward, Victor Gorin, Advertising: Tulsa Office - - - - - - - -918-835-7887 or Email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net (Tulsa Metro) Michael Leach- - - - - 918-640-2049 (Oklahoma City Metro) Victor Gorin 405-947-2048 (Northwest Arkansas) Kay Massey- 479-273-2808 National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Deadline for all advertising, articles and payment is the 18th of each month for the next months issue. Subscriptions 12 issues $26.95 / singles $3.00 Check or Money Order '!he Oz.irks Sr.tr or the Star is published & dimibutcd monthly as a communitY ser;ice bv Star Medil, Ltd .. Publication of the name, pho~ogclph o; iikcnc.':>s of any p~rson. business or organization in this publica:t~on i:; no:· co be conscru~d a.~ any indication of sexual oricnration or preferences of 5uch person, bu1,jncss or org-ani1atioe. Opinions cxpres5cJ by culumnis:.s, ~idvcrri~crs or Lener,,,: ro rhc Editor arc nor necc5s,1rily the opiniun of 'fhr Ozarks Star. frs staff, rhi.! publisher nr it's Jdvariscrs. Content of .1dverriscmcnrs and ~uticlcs .1rt the suic r<:spunsibiiity of chc advertiser 3.nd /or author. '1ht: Pubii5hrr of t!{c ()n.rk.\ ·s~ar or Srar reserve:~ rhc right ro refuse a<lvcnising nutl..'.rlai f~_~ir ,1!1;' rta.1,on v,·hat so ever. 'Ih<..· ()z.3.rks Sur or Star ~nd all !ikc:ltS:)<:s ~h{:rt of arc sole oropt"rtics of Star hicd!,1. Lrd. All m:Hrr!~tl (<) copyrigh~ 2006 chc ()zarb S:ar. Designed Hith Pride, Printed in Oklahoma, l'SA N THE COVER Jud Shepard, Mother of Matthew 0 0 JUDY SHEPARD SPEAKS '·If vou don't vote, you can't bitch.' TI1a~'s what my son: Matthew, used to sav. Afrer he t~1rned 18, one of the first th.ings he did when he moved to :! ntw location was register to vore. Of) OUT In ARKANSAS New! Lots of news from the Arkansas GLBT Community. First Openly GLBT Srnte Official. FALL Diversity Weekend, EUREKA! 00 PAST OUT A rctrosoectivc ofLGBT Historv. \'v'ho was Da,phne du Maurier? . 0.z.7 CIAO TRAVEL G ay '1r. rave1I ers "(a'a nta I·'c , N1' vI, " Out of Town "Cosu Rica·· f)(3 ASK UNCLE MIKEY Can you n.:aliy get an STD ju~t h\ _:.:,1·. - ing ~on1eonc head? \\'r,rried Can rou re::l]y a,;k th:'t quc,u,,n \\·itl1 ~t head? INDEX 3,000 Walk For Aids .... Judy Shepard Speaks .. OUT in Arkansas ... Past Out. ..... Tulsa GLBT Center Ne"Ns Ciao Tra,;e!. .. Lesb;an Notiors. Oklahoma·s Adoption i __ ;:iv 1 Star S:::ene. Uncle Mikey inspiring Fitness :-ioroscopes Distr:buto:·s Cartoc:.ns C!asslfleds In the la~t i:-isuc chc article on the Rvan 'X'hitl· lkndit Shih\,\\<: inadn: ncntl-.- :bn! the· 11:lill': Bn·,11: \\!hit,. :\11 "hvio,,,, rrnr 1 ha1 v:c on-rlookcd. 6 12 14 -----,.. Gold Castle "At Centwy 21 Gold Castle our BEST propei1ies are our PEOPLE' 4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405.840.2106 .c21 goldcastle.com (iay !lle/1 and le<·/,fc:ns (:ice many special tax ,·ifuutions. ,1·hcrher single nr as u,upies. Let us help! (918) 7 6 Phew;by Joe KirK 3,000 Walk for Awareness and Funds at AIDS Walk of Oklahoma Ci , Proceeds Total $50,000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK_.\n unprecedented .\000 peop;c wa!k<:d on Sunday, Ocwber !sr fil!· a hcald1icr Oklahoma in the 2006 AIDS \X'alk of Okkhc;•na Cir-. Parricip:rnt, from greater ()klahon1a C:iry and hcyonJ \valkc<.f ro raise ;nvarcnc:-:s a1~d funds for d1e treatment and pn:n:ntion of j,-jj\,'i AiDS. '.'rocceJs toulcd S"i0,000, which included spomorsi1ip, and doi::u;on\ b!·ought rn the AIDS Walk. ·111(: fdDS \X'aik of Okbhoma City will c!isrribure these funds in the (o;-m of grants on \X'orld AIDS Day, December 1st, t(> qualifrin;2. local HIV/ A! I )S non-prnfit organizations. To download a gram ap;)!icati'ln, go to \\Ww.aidswalkokc.org. Funds arc still criticallr n-:cdcd and 0;1 he :1,adc ,ml inc ::t www. aidswalkokc.org. For more inforna,ion en donarins w the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma Ci,y, pica,-: comact Board Prcs'dcnr Linda Larason at ,HJ'i/5~0-•i83"i. Startling statistics- - 1iAOIJ Oldaho1:1an, a:c rnrrunlr living ·.vi:h HIV/,.;I:)S. his :rn:nbc:r doc, IhH inckdc incli·:iduaL ,die ;,re inkucd bm ,:n;:\\'.ll'<.'. of their inb:.:tion. - I":- ,o 2-,-vc;:r .,\\, rn,1kv up the larg,··,! numk·•· o,· ! I I\' in(ccc inn, in (he \\'<Hid. Tl s Tl Because every one deserves a chance Placing retired racing Greyhounds into loving homes throughout Oklahoma, NW Arkansas, SW Missouri and North Central Texas ,r' fo1111/Greyhound riur)"t· , S. ~ ,lon \· ~11· ·✓ 0q Foster - Adopt - Support - Teach 401 N. FbrkSlreet-Serrrde, a< 74868-(405) 303- VNNY.fasthound.org Visit our website or contact us for more information Jessica Lantagne President 405-623-8390 Nikki Ortman Vice President 405-833-5455 Paul Oratowski Treasurer 405-205-79 35 jessica@fasthound.org Nikki@fasthound.org paul@fasthound.org w, Do It Dlffsrsnt In Eunk1 Springs, Ark1n1s1/ CffAltlTY 'Poll:1rR11n' 'Show 'n Shin&' in DIVERSITY WEEKEND the Nov 3.5, 200a Ozarks! A BOBALOO! 71Jt go1I of the 011w An11u11 Dlver,ity Arts & Crafts Fest/vii Is to lr.1pirc1, 111pport 1ad promote 1rt tll1t SPECIFICALLY REFLECTS tht $8nsibiiitl,s ind uptritnce, of G1ys, Lesbl1nt; Binxuaf,, Tr,ns & lntersu and their 1triight friends and famlliu. We wish to 1mcour1gt artl1ts of ALL 1ex111I orient,tions and ger.dtr Identities to pruent their perspective of of our 11111/tl-cult11ra!, rac/11 and ethnic div,rsity, through their art. As th/1 fettlv,1 gmw, over the years, w11 hope to m,ke evall,bie ,rt, & cr,fts th1t wt/I ,peak to and about our community ind to educ.ts and celebr,te th• t!11t dl'lt11it, of our live,i Gai!ttifl li'ld/or thou /;, need of exhibit 1p1ct, ple,,e s,nd ,n em1fl to info@dlver,ltypriduom {EXH!Bff in the subject line} or caii 479-253,2555 ASAP! www.ozarksstar.com health outreach prevention education, Inc. 1-800-535-AIDS (2437) Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline H.O.P.E. Test Meris outreti In Tulsa at {91 the STAR 9 Oklahoma Greyhound Ad tion Group Expands Service To Arkansas, Missouri & Texas. SEi\!I?'-~OLE, OK_ Fasthound Greyhound Adoption is pleased to announce their expanded service area. In addition to piacing Retired Racing Greyhounds throughout Oklahoma our service area now includes North·,vcsr Arkansas, Southwest Missouri and North Cemra! Texas. Severai years ago when my liic partner Ed befriended a coworker we met her Greyhound Dance who was s0.vcet, gentle, calm and affect'.onate. When ~e decided rhar a Greyhound ":'a~ right for_ us, Dance'; mom suggestea tnat we might want to put through CHJr application for adoption under {)nly one of our narncs as the president of the group ,;vas unlikely to approve the application if \VC put it under both our natnes. i"-~aturally \1.:-e and adopted our group ln .\ustin~ ,.r~{. \Xie then dtcidt'd to start our (A\"T1 ': 1<""• 11R1' a service \\~here the everyone 10 the STAR Photo: "Monty", is adoprable. adopt one of these wonderful, loving canine companions as a family unit without prejudice. We have had great success in Oklahoma and want to bring this same service to our neighbors in Arkansas, Missouri and Texas. The Fasthound board members Jessica Lantagne, Nikki Ortman and myself Paui Oratowski have more than 15 years combined experience in the foster and adoption placement of retired Racing Greyhounds. Visit our website at www.fasthound.org w see our available greyhounds and learn more abom us and our adoption process. * UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST KANSASiOKLAHO: tv1A CONFERENCE VO l ES TO AFFIR..i\1 MARRIAGE EQUALIIT by Victor Gorin OKIAHOt,1A CITY, OK_In keeping with their longtime stand of support of equalitv for GLBT people, the delegates of the National Svnod of the United Church of Christ Cor~ference in 2005 voted to pass a resolution .stating that the UCC Church supports marriag~ e9ua!ity induding same sex n1arriage, and advocates for governnH~nts to do so as well. While this policy Ivas widely supported through uc:c:~ it did generarc son1c controversyl and \vhen the Kansas/Oklahoma Regional Conference vvas held in \X/ichira the follov..ring September a stnaH rural l}(=C C~hurch from Litdc l\.iver, Kansas introduced a resolution that the i(a11sas/()klahonia ,.,...,,,.~,,._ the national poiicy of tJ(~(~ approving sarnc- sex ma.rriagc. -]11is had been tabled f0r further consideraric~n, but v1ouid l)e voted on at th.e Meanwhile rhe controversv imensified, and the Little River UCC,sent ietters to all the Kansas and Oklahoma l:CC churches, urging them to withhold money from the national lJCC as a form of economic pressure to make them change their policy. In response to this, affirming churches in Okiaho~ a and Kansas made special fundraising efforrs ro not only maintain their level of support for the national UCC, but actually to increase rheir offering. In Oklahoma City a joint fundraiser concert involving UCC's Church of the Open Arms, Cathedral of Hope and Mayflower Congregational Church raised over $8000, and together with the other affirming churches of Oklahoma and Kansas over $18,000 of additional money was brough.: ro the Kansas/ Oklahoma UCC Conference as a show of suppon for the national UCC stand. When the vote was called at the Regional Conference as to whether they would support the national policy of UCC, it was affirmed by a vote over 75% in favor. UCC has an impressive history of supporting GLBT equaiity, and was the first mainstream congregarion to ordain an openly gay minister, Bill Johnson, in 1972. He was present at rhe 2006 Kansas/Oklahoma UCC Conference as a srrong show of his support. .A.s pastor of the Church of rhe Open Arms UCC of Okiahoma City Kathy McCallie commented,"UCC has a long history of being in rhe forefront of the gay righrs movement which includes marriage equality, and UCC also advocates change for marriage equality from government as wdl, so this was an affirming event for this region." * Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin Celebrate's Ninth Anniversary. JOPU~-.i, MO~"As we cdebme our Ninth Anniversarl in a ciP..- v,rhcre we were told nine years ;go that ;,ve could not and would not survive, yet nine years later here we are." Said Pastor Urie. ~pirit of Christ i\1CC serves the greater Joplin; lv·f() area and surrounding com~ r ~ • • cl' ,1 r> ~ i'..1 r· 1nun1ucs sprea 1ng rne \J00d 1"lews or Jesus (:hrist not only in vvord but in service, taHcing the talk and ,valking the waik. Over the la;t nine years Spirit of C::hrist fv!CC has no~"l{l been rhe longest surviving (;JL/B/ 'J/S organization in JopHn . Cln;tinuetl fh1ge-23 www.ozarKsstar.com ur By Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and b:erntive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation "If you don't vote, you can't bitch." That's what my son, Matthew, used w say. After he turned 18, one of the first things he did when he moved to a new location was register to vote. He understood that the righr to vote was also a privilege, a responsibility and a chance to be heard. \Y/hen Matthew was beaten to death in 1998, anti-gay hate stole Matthew's right to vote. Today, the Matthew Shepard Foundation and I arc asking you to vote with him in mind this November. In the eight years since Matthew was murdered, l have traveled around rhe coumry speaking to millions of people including over a million college sttidents - about rhe importance of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights issues ,md hare-crimes 1e gis 1a tion. 0 ne tvu mg t.h at ha s struc.k me aga·m and aga·m 1·s tn' e 1a cr1:: of political involvement within the community. Polis suggesr that numbers for voter registration and voter participation within the LGBT community are shockingiy low. The Matthew Shepard Foundation is undertaking an aggressive ''Get-Out-the-Vote" campaign this year to bring attention ro this issue and to promore an increase in voter participation by LGBT people and aliies. But what I really wanr to ask those in rhe community who are not registered or v;ho have not voted recendy is: what rhe heck are you thinking?! At a time when the stakes have never been higher and LGBT issues arc once again - in the fOrefront of the n1cdja and being rr1anipulated to have a potentially negative impact on our co1nn1unity. this lack of in'i.rolvetnenr is totally unacceptable. "~ primarily· politicai tactic utilized throughout the nation by people •.vho oppose L(;B~r civii rights .,Nas tapping into ho1nophobic fears and directly targeting ;~l~::~,~;;:::.~::.'til~J!~~~t:i?i~i:;;;:;:{;:;:., ·wake up, people: ;.ve arc under arrack! ln the current election and the elections that sure that r:hc voice of the LGB'T' ;jnd allied wwvv.ozarksstar.com - in all of its about the issues and t!!e candidates a:,d reach out to oar friencis and families and l:!et them involved as well. We need to i10ld each other accountable ~hen it coJnes to voting and, of cou;:se, we also need to hold those who are elected accoumable. If we al!ov, ourselves and each other to remain immobilized by apathy or pessimism, what we are really doing is colluding wi:h those who oppose us. Friends don't let friends not vo!e. -There is an old maxim that goes, "If you're not part of the soiution, then you're pan of the problem." From my perspective, if you don't vote, you become in you~ passivity a part of the hate. So what do you need to do to become pan: of the solution? There are five tasks that vou can do that -.vi!l make a differe11ce: one, REGISTER to vote; CV:,o, LEARN the issues - find out what candidates wam to do for you-and to you; three, PASS IT ON, educare your family, friends and business associa,es about the issues affecting rhe LGBT community today and encourage them to use their vote; four, actually VOTE in the election; and five, no ma.:rer who is elected, STAY INVOLVED and hold your elected officials accountable. You can go to our website ww-.v.MatthewShepard.org/Vote for more information and to PLEDGE to vote this November 7 ,h. Matthew's wallet always contained his voter registration card. He took his responsibility seriously. I,fa,thew will neve~ vote again. Today, I am asking you to vore for him. Use your voice. Iv1ake a difference for this generation and the: next. * RESEARCH REFUTES ~1YTH OF GAY THREAT TO CHILDREN A study released today (http:/ /\w;w.i:1ternariom.lordcr.org/scandal_ response.html) refutes charges made by the religious right in response to the Congressm:m Fo'.ey scandal that homosexuals are significantly more inclined to moiest chiiciren than heterosexuals. According to author Mark E. Pietrzyk, a number of conservative religious groups have issued papers claiming that gay mc1:_ pose - a highly disproportionate thrc,H to child:·en, citing a number or scientific studies t<J support their claims. However, when one examines the studies cited in these p;;pers, one finds that the religious right has engaged in a serim:s. distor:(<m of the work~ 01: od1ers. 1he sdentis;:s ,d10 authored the studies made co suci1 clam, about homosexuais posing a grearer threat to children, and in f3.ct in 1nany cases argued the opposite. !n addidon, n1anv in rhe l,(h ....: ~~;;,~,t~f ~:~i ~~:~~al~r:;,1~:l~r~!l~;~:g!~~~ ;~~~);!;1~11~'.~y crodi~;:11 traditional norn1s of sexual behavior. !-Io\vever, out rhat the ,;slippery slopt.t is basec! on the false p•rernis<.: that the I)rotection of children is a long-standing part of the recently cornc un- ~ier assault as a re~u!t of the approved of • t • • tn aiJuit-rnu1or the STAR 11 I i I Arkansas Elects First Openly GLBT State Official. by Joe Lafountaine --------------' LITTLE ROCK, AR_History was made in the May 23rd primary victory for Kathy Webb in the race for Arkansas State Representative District 37 (Little Rock). Unopposed in the general election, Kathy will be sworn in on January 8, 2007 as the first openly GLBT elected official in Arkansas. Kathy has served as president of the Stonewall Democratic Club of Arkansas, as a board member of the Arkansas Hospitality Association and as an active volunteer for the Arkansas Foodbank Network. She has also been national secretary for the National Organization for Women (NOW') and founding president of the Chicago Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. . Kathy received endorsements from The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, The Stonewail Democrats, l11c Victory Fund, ACORN, SEIU, AFL-CIO, Arkansas Realtors PAC, AR Business and Professional Women PAC and many local civic and business ieaders. As a smallbusiness owner (Lilly's Dim Sum, Then Some Restaurant) and volunteer, Kathy \Y/ebb is a proven leader who works tirelessly and effectively for the good of her community. Her experience, her commitment to solving problems, and her passion for improving the quality oflife for all Arkansans will serve District 37 well. ~~aulu1gittht1J ffir.crtinyn 12 the STAR * 'lbe STAR staff wishes you a safe and happy 1banksgiving TT ! • I .-io11aay. Fort Smith Readies For New Night Club. by Greg Steele FORT SMITH, AR_Diana },filler and Leann Caugnman weil known in the Fort Smith club scene, are anxiousi:v waiting on their club license for the new Kiub XLR8. Diana said in an interview, "We decided to go ahead and open Klub XLR8 with all the regular events, performers, dances, DJ's, ·etc ... everything but the alcohol. We are acmally classified as a "juice bar and grill" for now, hoping shortly ro be able to classify ourselves as a 'private club.' Ajd10ugh We are opening without alcohol, we wiil continue ro remain a 21 and above business, due to smoking being allowed inside.'' "Loca,ed in the old Ciub 1022 buiiding at i022 Dodson Ave., the faci!i;:ies have been complerelv renovated in$ide and out with a lot of heart and soul placed int~ the building. We have plans for several fund-raisers for different organizations/charities. dqg shows, in-house pageants, live dj's, theme dance/parties, dance comests, live bands, Karaoke, pool wurnamcnts, and holida;,' dinners. The buiiding h .. s great sound, and a 32 foot projection screen that will run during opening hours playing dance videos ,~nd graphic animations." Said Miller. For more information contan Diana at 479-7 82-9578 or visi~ ,he website: wv.w.klubXLR8.com * LittleRockPride.Com Celebrates 1 Year Online. LITTLE ROCK, AR_LinieRockPridc.com celebrated its one vear anniversary Oc;:ober 14, 2006. · u! v,ras told by several people t.vhen I sran:ed the \Y/eb~irc that nobod.y had been able to succeed v.1ith this idea for Dion: than ont year,10 , saic! Barb Kampbc;l, founder and owner of Li:tieRockPridc.com. "I was not a,vare ~f other efforts \Vhen I had rhc idea and ran \vith it despite some negativity about pasr failures from others. \VC've rr1ade it a year and are sti11 going strong!'' l,usiness in this state \Vill have a listing in the choicc1 ynu choose tc~ support thern fir:;t. vvv;w.ozarksstar.com F· DIVERS! END NOV 3-5, 2006 Eureka Springs EUREKA SPRINGS, AR_This Fall is going to be a little different in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. TI1ere are some new and intriguing evems. Al'U'S IN THE OZARKS WITH SABRINA MATTHEWS?! During FALL Diversity Weekend will be the first 'LOL!' Diversity Comedy Concert starring ANT and SABRINA MATTHEWS at the historic 'AUD' IN Eureka Springs, Arkansas. One performance only, on Saturday night Nov 4th at 7:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm Hyper, irreverent, and downright fabulous, ANT has steadily climbed the comedy hill to become one of America's most successful comedians of our time. A regular guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and 1he Tyra Banks show, ANT is the oniy comedian w appear on all four seasons ofNBC's hit series Last Comic Standing. Ct:rrentlv he is the host ofVH I's juggernaut Celebrity Fit Club and stars in rhc LOGO series, "U.S. of ANT." See his hit stand-up DVD, '~-\~T: America's Ready" and comedy CD "Follow my asi' Sabrina Matthews ( vhoto left) is an openly i~bian cor:1ic who relares the absurd in everyday life 11: a witry anecdotal. style. "Sabr:na's brand of comedy is infectious, says afi:erel~ len.co1nj and she Hregularly dra\vs out big laughs fron1 both gay and straight audiences." Her hi!arlou~ half~hotir comedv special~ ~~Con1edy Centr~l Presents Sabrina Jvfatthe\vs'· \Vas a hit and catch her nn the L()(;() C:f:il\Nl'-JEL. She is a star of WW't✓.ozarksstar.com the 2006 hit documentary, "Laughing Matters More!" and made her television acting debut in ''America's .!'v1ost Wanted". (Yes, reaily.) By presenting ANT and SABRINA, Diversity Pride Events once again hopes to both entertain and unite our community. DPE is very excited to have drawn such taiemed and uplifting performers to the Ozarks region. Tickets are available online at DiversityPride.com until Sunday 10-29-06, and then only at the door one hour before show time. BOBALOO IS BACK! 'Early Dinner Show' Los Angeles comic Bobaloo, originally a mid-west boy, wowed the Diversity Bears and their friends this past Summer Diversity Weekend, and he also fell in love with the Eureka Springs community. So, Diversity Pride Events has brought him back to "jolly things up around Eureka". He ·will perform in a new 'Early Dinner Show' at the Lumberyard on Saturday at 5pm to 6pm, but suggest you come early because 4pm diners get preferential seating for his Show! $5 cover DIVERSITY BIKERS Charitv 'POKER RUN' & 'SHOWN' SHINE' A portion of the pro~eeds to benefit Children of Deployed Service Members. The Diversitv Bikers 'Show N' Shine' will start at 12:30 PM at Roadway Inn. Bikes will be judged in two categories, Best in Show and Best 'Pride Dressed'. There will be a First Place and Runner-up in each category. Then there will be the first Diversity Bikers Charity 'Poker Run'. Entry fee is $10, pius at least one stuffed animal.. · · · " * AAA~.nsas pplauds ational Coming ut Dav., '' Concert By Teresa Qag) Goodrich SPRINGDALE, AR_There are rwo kind of musicians in the world, those that plav music and those that make music. \'ve had the joy of hearing. rw'o such makers of music at the Jones Center for Families in Springdaie Arkansas on October 1 l rh, National Coming Our Day. The concert, organized by the N\VA GLBT Community Center brought Colleen Jameson down from Iowa as pan of her Midwest 1our. A cotnbination of angeiic voice, delightful acoustic guitar and outspoken comn1entary made for a socially upiifting perfonnance. She has also expressed a ·wish to \~isit the area again. Northvvest Arkansas1 ovvT1, Jonathan Stiers derful voice along ,vith truly vers:1tiie playing. ()ne concert attendee ·\vas heard to con11ncrn: th;,n scerned as if rhc:- muslc just came flo~Ning out of his finger$."' !-Je possesses a true fOr the piano. -.~·here vvas hope e:pressed for rnorc events of this type the concert attendees, the STAR '!3 Summan· : Past Out is a retrospective of key mo1~ems, personalities, and subjects in LGBT historv. Each installment brings the past to life b}; exploring the diversity of the gay past and irs impact on the queer present. stander, when she was still a teenager. Her first novei, 1he Loving Spirit, appeared in 1931; this was followed by Jamaica Inn. in 1936, which brought he, criticai acclaim and financial success. In rhe summer of 1932, du Maurier married Frederick "Bov" Browning, a rnilitarv officer 11 ·years her senior who h;d sought her out after admiring her work. Du Maurier was ill-suited to the life of a traditional military wife, howe,-er, and she hired a nanny to care for the couple's son and two daughters. After several years, ,he family moved to Cornwall, living in a l 7th-ce1:tury mansion that served as a mociel for Manderley, the setting of her bes:known novel, Rebecca (1938). Photo: Tttdith An!Urson as Afrs. Danvers and Joan Fontaine as the sec;nd Afo. de Winter in rh~ film adaptation o_f Daphne du Du Maurier and Browning spent considerable time apart as he rose to the rank of iiemenant general and commanded the Bii,ish First Airborne Division during Worid Who was Daphne du Maurier? Bisexual author Daphne du i\.faurier, best known today through film adaptations of her work, helped define the gotbic romance genre of literature. \V'hile other writers of her era were dealing wirh subjects such as alienation, religion, Marxism, and World War Ii, du Maurier, wrote professor Richard Kelly, "produced 'old-fashioned' novels wid: straightforward narratives that appealed to a popular audience·s love of fantasy, ad·,,enture, sexuality. and mysrery." Du Maurier was born May 13, 1907. man artistic family in Loncion. Her morher was an actress. h~r father. Gerald. was a theater manage~ and famous actor, and her grandfather, George, was a wc!1'-known au:hor and cartoonist for Punch magazine. Du Maurier and her two sists:rs haci a-privileged and permissive upbringing, educated privately at hon1e and at schools in London and Paris. An avid reader, she enjoyed creating in1aginary worlds, often featuring a rnale alter-ego she dubbed Hthc boy in the box.'' Her farnily\ hoiiday home in Cornw2.ll ;vouid later becornc the setting for n1uch of her best worlc short stories in his 14 the STAR War II. 1he couple remained married t:ntil Browning died in i 965. Although she reportedly had a crush on a female teacher while studying in Paris, ciu 1\1aurier's sapphic tendencies - which she !·efcrred to as "Venetian" - came to the fore in midlife. In the late i 9405, she became infatuated with Ellen Doubleday, the wife of her Americ:,n publisher, who did not reciprocate her affections. ·'I glory in my Ve1{ke, when I am in a Ve!lice mood, and foro-et it when I am not,'' ciu l',1aurier wrote in : letter to Doubleday. "'111e only chip is the dreary knowicdgc that there can never be Venic~ with you." Soon thereafter, du Maur:e embarked on a relationship with stage and film ac~re;;s , (~errrude L~nvrcncc, who had co-starred 1u10 h,1d -,p affair vvirh her father ·vcar::; eadier; i~;r ;:i:tionship with La•,vren'~e continued ~:7;~~r:~; c0~~::c:~:;~\1i::;;:;::•"~~i~~~rD,, . , b , d. t , J: >,~ :1nd r;::~:;;~ d~:~ :~: /:::t~~:~:.~·-:Hmti2G!Vc \vord that begins \Vith 'L :, [)u fvlaurier pioneered the often f;aturing fi:rnale and eictnents of the ,:_pvpJ.:: f•an:v,ri her she is best knosvr1 ro n1odern Judicncc~; n;frtd Hit ..... hi:.,o.:(k', .. n:r adaptations of Jamaica Inn, Rebecca, and her'short ,wry: "1h: Birds" (from her 1952 coEection, The Appie Tree). "foough some critics have intcrnreted rhe relationship ber-' teen Reoecca -the dead former wife of the narrator's wealtl1y older husband - a1°d !:er i~oi:sekeepe,, Mr.s. Danve,s, as lesbian, biog;- apher Nica lrnerbach claims that Rebecca's "gre-a trespass 1. s r:ot lo v.m g women Io ut laughing at men.'' Over ,he course of her five-decade career, ciu Maurier wrote more than 25 books, among them fa~1iiv hismries and biographies (including on; of her father). Her story about Ganymede. the beautiful adolescent lover or the god Zeus, ,!ppears in an American anthology of gay short fiction (In Another Parr of the Forest, 1994). Her memoir. Growiag Pains, published when she was 70, chronicl~d oniv the vears ieading up to her marriage. She decliu'eci to pen a fo!low-up, tdling an interviewe;, "All I can s.ty is t:1at I had a very happy macied life and have a delightful family .. .! dor;°r iike books which are fuil of name-dropping." Even as her fame grew, du Mamier - who in 1969 was named a Dame of the British Empire in recognition of her iiterary achievements - became more reclusive, ,hough she maintained contact w:th her two sisters, both lesbians, and their fomaie parrners. She spent h. er fi na1 y ears 1.1 1 ,,-~-, orn~val"l a,I one. save for her dogs. "Here was the treedom I desired, iong sought-for, nor yet known," she wrote in V,mishing Cornwall (1967). "Freedom to vi,ite, ~o ,;alk, to wander, freedom to climb :1il!s, to pull a boat, to be alone.'' She diec! :here in Apri: 1989, a month shy of her 82nd birthday, and h::r ashes wen;'. ,,cattered c,ver ,he cliffs near h,:r home. Forf!trther readingi Auerbach, Nina. 1999. Daphne Du '.vlaurkr: Hau;::cci Heiress_ 1993. l)aphne du of Vl\/VVv.ozarksstar.corn Photo: The new community center coming soon. BE THE CHANGE with YOUR VOTE My vote doesn'r count. Voting is too hard. I work all day. I don't have rime. I don't know anything about the candidates. I don't know where to vote. It's out of the way. These are ail excases - and, not to criticize anyone, but pretty bad excuses. Why? • In the last ciection, two Tulsa-area Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) friendly candidates both won their respecth ·e races with a margin ofless than 25 votes. Your vote cioes count - especially for our allies hoping to make a difference. • A.ccording to statistics, the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual electorate (Transgender vo,ers are not yet measured in exit polling) constitute as much as 9%1 of v~oters in large citiesi nearly 4'}o in the suburbs and 2.3% in rural .1.reas. Those numbers indicate rhe GLBT & allied coinrnunity can be a serious force to contend with in local, state and national clection.s. ~ In Okb.bon1a~ you vote by dra,ving a Hnc. Just con1picte the !ittle arro11.v. Paper and prn provided. Polis are open fron.1 7:00 ;'\}l! to 7:00 PlvL '{ou can vot~ on rhe 'l:.vay to lVork} during a break or afrer vvork on the - if you do ·1.vork from 7 to you time-off to \\'V,.r\v. ozarksstar. com Your vote can be the beginning of change for the GLBT & allied community. You can be part of that serious force to be ~eckoned with when you make an informed vote. How can you do that? How can you get informed of the candidates and issues? It's simple - just go to www.tohr.org. You and your family and friends can log onto www. tohr.org, go to the Advocacy Page and get linked to the candidates and learn what they stand for and what they might possibly do if in office (stay calm, it's not all bad). You'll also be able link to sites to learn where you vote and much more ... simply log onto www.tohr.org, get informed, and be part of the change for GLBT equality when you GO VOTE! The TOHR Workout Over 150 community volunteers, donating 5,000 hours of volunteer work, have helped improve the new Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. Tne TOHR Workout, aka Weekend Workdays, with pulse-pounding drilling and calorieroasting hammering, has certainly paid off for volunteers, and the results are obvious at the new Tulsa GLBT Community Center. On Saturday and Sunday, November 4th & 5th, beginning at 10:00 AM each day, you have rhe opporruniry to join the masses shaking their booties, enjoy free brunch/ lunch and drinks, and help finish the occupancy- related renovarions for the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center. The new Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) Communiry Cenrer is nearing compietion of the first phase of renovations and improvements. Located ii~ the growing East End at 621 E 4th Street in dmvntown Tulsa, rhe new Center now ha~ an operational fire-suppression syscem and accessibie restrooms, whiie rhe new elevawr and chair-lift will soon be complered. Ductwork has been reconfigured, ~Id flooring has been removed, new walls have been constructed and others have been taken down thanks to the work of con1n1.unity ·volunteers. '\Ve'd Hke to thank AH Souls Unitarian Church, the Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay &. Transgender Association (BLGTA.) of the l)niversity of'Tulsa, Ekklesia the c;ather,ing, Sexual ()rientation f)iversity i\ssocia•tion (SODA) of Oklahoma State Univer5i£":';l, Sooner Srate Rodeo /tssociation Tulsa Area Primetimers (TAPT), Tulsa Dungeon Society (TDS), and Young Professionals (YP) for their time and talents to help improve the new Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Thank you - and we hope to see you on Saturday and Sunday, November 4th and 5th at the new Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 621 E 4th Stree;: for the TOHR Workout. YOUR ODDS ARE GOOD TO WIN $10,000 Your odds of winning big at a casino? Slim. Your odds of winning the lottery? Even slimmer. Your odds of winning $10,000 with The Great Divide? l in 1,000. What would you do with $10,000? Take a vacation? Pay off bills? Surprise someone with a romantic get-a-way? Support the community? Just imagine what $10,000 could do for you. ]be Great Divide is just that - a great divide of $20,000 - split between the winner and Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Righcs (TOHR). Proceeds support the communityoriented programs ofTOHR, including the Tulsa GLBT Community Cemer, the Tulsa GLBT Information Line (918.743.GAYS), the Community Resource Kiosk ... in ail, over 20 programs for rhe GLBT & allied community. Only 1,000 tickets have been printed, so your odds are 1 in 1,000 ... greater if you buy 2 or more ticke,s ... and ar only $20.00 a ticker, you can't afford to pass t:p these odds to win S!0,000. Simply srop by the folsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41 st Street in Highland Plaza to purchase your tickets. ]be Ti.1lsa GLBT CommunitY Center b oocn 3:00 PM ' ' to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday. For more information on 1he Grear Divide, the 'Tlllsa GLB1 ... Cornn1unity (:enter and aH the c:ommunity~oriented progran1s of.Tulsa Oklahoinans for f--Iurnan Rights CTOHRL please visit 1~vv.. r vv.tohr.org or call ~) 18.743. (·~, A, re 14.., ')'7\ - "-.J,1 .IJ ~\ L-:, I}, the STAR 15 Hate stole my right to vote 8 years ago. Don't waste your right to vote on November 7th. H)l AL!TY 1 6 the STAR Pledge to Vote on Matthew's behalf at www.MatthewShepard.orgNote REGISTER! LEARN! PASS IT ON! VOTE!!' STAY INVOLVED! www.ozarksstar.com @ ~~ ~ - , > ,I" -~'.. ~ ~ !" yo,u hav -·""' F ,, . , NOW ! ,. ther~clriivihg back horn • ,. ' • '1,.,....· flying, fly into Alb -· drive 55•miles necessacy;iit sea.,level and > ••• ,. ,.,,,_ ~ 1;2,oqo feeL~~ '. i •• · .Jlotels;_ri:iotels, -a .t· restaurants and a · - ther 5;690 r - . ' t :fUR0UOIS ~ ~ .. ,' . " ... _. ... , has .:.1,0 01ff .. .., 1'lt' .nute walk to t former estate ,. itter Bynr:ier ( 1881-1968 obert Huritwho lived the ii his death. if you are not ngs of Bynner, then ase some of hi ~ TRAVEL by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO" Each morning they serYe an expanded continental breakfast in the dining room including fresh baked pastry and bread from their ovens. A complimentary evening social hour brings al! the guests together for a lively chat. 'l11is B and B is extremely srraight-friendiy and we met a lot of very interesting people during our stay. Neil and Francine from San Jose, California were particularly "delightful" to talk with. 1he Inn of the Turquoise Bear is located at 342 E. Buena Vista Street. Their toll free number is: 800-396-4104. Check out their website ac: www.rnrauoisebear.com and their email is: bluebear@ newmexico.com ·rh~ hom are ful! of knowledge on where to dine, where to shop and where to go for short d,!y trips. With their hospitality, this is the O:t\"LY place to stay when visiting Sama Fe. From the moment you step into the Inn of the Turquoise Bear you will immediately fall in lm·e with Santa Fe and rhe surrounding area. 'Il1c Inn and the owners will mesmerize you into a worid far away from what you are used to. You can have complete peace and solitude, reading ,! book. photographing or chatting with the other guests. We have been visiting Sama Fe fr)r 25 :-:ears :md can't wait to return each time. 'lhc gay bar scene seems to change almost yearly there. We always ..-:njoy rhe har at the Inn of the Anasazi which is located right on rhc Plaza. "Iherc have ;;.!ways been several iocal gays there. "There arc several places that arc on the "must see" list when visiting S:,nca Fe. rir;t there is the "Plaza" which is the downtown area. Daring from the city's founding in 1610, rhe Plaza has always been the social and cul rural heart of the city. Old churches dating back ro 350 years with their architecture is;;. must see. Dozens of art museums including t:1c newly built George O'K:._:effe Museum can take days to ·1isit. From fin<: dining to open-air casual. the city is a hub of creative chefs an<l innovative cuisint. \Y/e ;tlways rake ·':_i-9· trips·· when visiting S,mra h: wnic:1 rakes about 3 to ij bou:·.,. \\'c·s: on the: Jen,ez ;\founraii: Ti-aii where you \Vili see rhc ruins of an ~!ncient c!vilization, Indian pueblos and the collapsed crater of a long.-donnanr voic:u10. i'~ordnve.st to (~corgia O'Keeffe cou!Hrv you will ~cc where she lived :he 1acrer par! of her life. A. trip up >~onh to 'E1os ,vh~r~· you t.tkc the "high') road to gt't there and return nn the '"in-.\·· Jp~cr,t,llc highw,!y :·en:ming to Santa Fe. ·!he ·'high')road takc5- vou duu rhc tin,· Yiliagcs of (~hirnayo, 'Trucha.s. J.,as ·1·rarn 1t1a\ anc! Pcnasco. If vcn; onh: have one da1.,: to go , • ,' ,! ; ._ sighr-,eciag. he SURE and take' chi, uip. '!hc mnumair:s. v,,J[,::,,, ai:d the uude ·,illagcs an: cx[r<:•ncly imcrcs;i:,g. 'ihcre arc zJ,o day trip~ to the Fa.<.t ~1~ \VCI! a, thr.: trip South !)11 the "Ilirquoisc 'rrail. 18 the STAR Besides operating the Inn, Robert and Ralph are extremely busy. 1hey also own the Santa Fe Soap Company. All of their bath products contain namra] :ngredients derived from native plants that grow in the deserts and mountains of the American Southwest They make wonderful holiday gifts. Check our their website at: WV;W. samafesoap.com Check out the )Jew Mexico website at: www.newmexico.org and the Sama Fe website at: \VWW.santafe.org. Always remember to have fun when traveiing, meet new peopie and talk ro everyone! The Inn of the Turquoise Bear, Sama Fe, New Mexico The Inn of the Turquoise Bear, Santa Fe, New Mexico www.ozarksstar.com "TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD'' "Good Bye (Gay) Key West, Florida" By Donald Pile and Ray Williams e hate to be the bearer of bad news, but gay Key \Vest is no more. For oYer 60 years Key \'fest was one of the major gay meccas in the United States. Thousands and thousands of gays and lesbians trekked down to Key West every year, many of them several times a year. 1here were dozens of gay resorts and gay B and B's. The wi:ole town was either gay or extremely gay-friendly. Drag queens, leather guys and gals, wanna be cowboys and cowgiris could walk down the streets hanci ii~ hand and did! 1here were always lots gay bars ooen till ali hours of the n;orning. Gay artists, writers, composers and entertainers purchased second homes there. It was always just a fun place to get away_ to, where people could just be themselves without having to ever look over their shoulder. \'•le have been there several times and it was aiways a very fun and exciting expe~ience. Bur, alas, the parry is over. First the cruise ships began landing there with hundred, and hundreds of straight families and ,heir children coming in for the dar Souvenir shops were plentiful as well as ordinary dining piaccs inc!udi1:g fast food restaurants, and they kepr co~1ing and kept coming. 'Then some of rhe straight tourists decided to spend th~ nigbt or several nights. 1l1e mega hotels saw the light rather quickly and began buying up prof!en:y. \:vithin the past nvo or ~hree vcars rhev have purchased over a third of the small g_ay B and B s m l( ev \"res;. A11d rh;:,v arp buvinP' up n1ore and rnore! ....(. :ondos are be- _._.,_ ,; . ~• ~ ~ -~ ..., / . -... . ,, . 0 ' ... • ' I J ing built where rhe,e gua:nt lmk B and B s ,.vere 10careo. vvww.ozarksstar.com ~TRAVEL gone and gone forever: The local people, boti1 gay ~nd straight were really eccentric and fun ~o ,,vatch. Now it is almost Eke Disneyland with dozens and dozens of peopie lined up at the iocal \'v'endy's downtown and people waiting in line to see the Ripley's Believe It o: Not museum. We realiy never thought that :bis would ever happen to Key West. We thought rha.: it would forever be the gay mecca in the United States, but at ieasr we wiil still have Palm Springs, Ft. Lauderdale, San Francisco and P-town. But, beware of what is also happening in If vou have never been to Key \X1est, we STRONGLY urge you to o-o ,either this year or next year because it is changing so quickly 0 h I . ·1• I 1 that if vou wait too muc onger !t w1 1 on y oe a remnant o,C w h. at it was. ·It WAS Wonderful!, Exciting!, Different! and FUN! To get to Key West from the Midwest the easiest way is to fly directiy into t. Laudert than iami and Iv 30 miles r~her Nor.:h. .expensive in orida, and rive down Key West ich will e spccracur. Your cross ver dozens fbridges n your way Key West d there are p ency of stopping places to rake phorographs. Now, at Kev West you will have ro put up with a iot more straight tourists but it will still be worth the trip to taste the flavor and enjoy the sigh~s and sounds of Key \Vest. For questions about gay traveiing, email Donald and Ray at: gaytravelers@aol.com or Yisir tbeir webpage at: htrp:v,,vw.hometown. aol.com/ gayrraveiers. \i( HE F( )R US' NOVEMBER -:'TH the STAR 19 The hor springs at luxurious Tabacon Grand Spa & Thermal Resort are a relaxing pl.ace ro whil.e away an afternoon. (Photo b_y Andrew Collins November 2006 by Andre\v Collins 10 DAYS IN COSTA RICA Verdant, moumainous, and unspeakabiy beautiful, Costa Rica might just be the gay-friendliest nation in Latin America. In fact, Cosra Ricans are resoluteiy cheerfui and helpful toward all visirors. This small tropical country, which lies about 1,300 miles due south of the Florida panhandle, makes for a diverting vacation locale - it's close enough to the United States for a long weekend visit, but has enough to see and do to keep travelers entertained for a couple of weeks. Accommodations that enthusiastically welcome gays and lesbians abound in Costa Rica's most appealing destinations, and there are active gay scenes in the capital city of San Jose and the resort rnwn of Quepos, which hugs the central Pacific $horeiine. As you plan a trip here, factor in how you intend to get around (renting a car, flying, or taking buses). and whether you're seeking rest and relaxation, outdoorsy adventures, gay nightclubs and r::sorts, or somt combination. Or better yet, ase the following l 0-day itinerary of Costa Rica's must-s::'.e areas. Spend your first couple of nights right in San lose, which is 20-miI;tlte drive fro~1 the airport, V✓here you ~an rent a car. flica~s capital city has a handflli of attractions, plus sornc excellent restaurant~ and lively gay nightclubs, such as La .:\vispa and La Iv1et~ ro. It~s also hornc to se .., /eral gay-oriented accom1nodations. includ~· ing the outstanding C:oiours R.esort. 'shich is in a saf~, residcnt:ia] neighborhood on rhe ,vest side of the and bcautifui Sab,1na Park. 'This handsomely furnished 20 the STAR Coionial-style prooerty has rooms in many sizes and configurations, fro!11 cozy standards to lavish suites complete with full kitchens and private terraces. Guests enjoy e2sy 2ccess to a pool, secluded garden hor mb, and inviting bar and lounge where 2 foll breaHast is served each morning. The professional staff goes out or its way to ensure everybody's comfort anci can suggest plemy of things to see and do around town. O,her worthy, gay-friendly oprions in Sanjose include Hotel Kekoldi (which also has an outpost in Quepos) and the Canyon House, and there's a perfectly nice and handy Hampton Inn right by the airport. Days 3, 4, and 5: Arena! From San Jose, it can rake anywhere from three to six hours to drive to the Arena! region. The most scenic bm longest route entails a zigzagging drive through the viliages of Grecia, Sarchi (known for its many stores seliing hand-crafted furnirure), Naranjo, Zarcero, and Ciudad Quesada. The terrain along here is alpine in places, reminiscent of Switzerlanci, and on many days you'li drive litera!ly through the clouds. Anchoring rhe region is Mr. Arcnal, a live volcano that mosr nights puts on an amazing show as its spits fiery rivers of giowing lava down its flanks. Countless hotels, lodges, and inns line the main road ,hat curYes beneath rhe volcano - the most luxurious lodging is Tabacon Grand Spa & 1bermal Resort. Here you'll find beautifu! iy decorated rooms, most of which afford views of the volcano. And guests receive unlimited use of the hot springs, which consist of myriad natural soaking pools, a full-service spa offering heavenly treatments, a pool and swim-up bar, and a restaurant overlooking all rhe action. Even if you don'r stav at Tabacon, consider spending a day soaking in the hot springs. Other good lodging options in the Arena! region include Hotel La Mansio;1 Inn and Arena! Lodge. Be sure to spend one e.-ening in the nearest large town, La Fortun2, ~\·hich is home to some fun (straight) bars and enjoyable restaurants, including Vagabondo, an excdlent pizzeria, and Restau~ante Luigi, an annospheric restauram that serves delicious filer mignon flambecd tableside. Arena! makes a great base for all ki:1ds of outdoorsy activities, from guided hikes near the base of rhe voicano to ;:ip-line canopy tours high abo\'C the ucc tops (on these votfre strapp,:d into a !1arne;s that ·'zips" along a series ef lines connec:ing tree :o tree). You can also visit the ncarbv ivionteverdc (:loud For~st Biological Ileserve. [,Jiuncrous outfittc~s in the area offer just about every kind of excur,. sion and. activirv. I)ays 6, ---; . and 8: (-2_uepos and tv1anud 1\ntonio l.P"PYP j\f[T1 '.fl iu::i,f:qg ,v,~st rl1r~ r:y~,-i rl"I•'>$" frin,--,-e-· ~.--•, •- ,~-; ••••- _,: azure Lake .A.renal and eventuaUy :.... . ~,,~ :- "-"-',1'',"-,,'c 0.... .1 .. ··,:•:;.f~/-, !.:., -h~::~-~-- <,d ,,._,. ..a ~,.~-.-.·,.,l,,,,1-L.:~.(-".-:-. of'fiLaran. ]hen he1d south rcnvard 1hc coast to the funky village of q 1!:rJ• :_: rh•- lv1anucl /1.ntonin l'Jational V.f\lil\v.ozarksstar.com Along the narrow, highland road that twists for a few miles between Quepos and the national park, you'll find a slew of attractive inns and restaurants, many of them with panoramic ocean views. One short stretch contains severai gay-popular accommodations, the most inviting of which is Big Ruby's La Plantacion (the owners also have resorts in Key West, Paris, and southern France). Here at this luxuriant, clothing-optional resort, you'll find stunningly furnished rooms with tile floors and large bathrooms, cable TV with DVD players, and breathtaking grounds laced with gardens and streams. There's also a full three-bedroom house with its own pool and ocean views. The other gay accommodations nearby, all of them highly recommended, are Hotel Villa Roca (which underwent a major renovation in early fali 2006), Hotel Casa Blanca, and Hotel Kekoldi, but virtually e;ery properry in town is gay-friendly. At Manuel Antonio National Park and the adjacent beach, there's great nature-watching - you'il sometimes spy playful white-faced monkeys cavorting in the trees just behind the sand. There's also a secrion of beach that's particularly popular with gay sun-bunnies - it's a little hard to find this section, which becomes inaccessible for a couple of hours at high tide each day, but any local can give you directions. You'li usualiy find plenty of gay folks along the main beach, too. There are a handful of excellent restaurants along the main road, most wirhin walking distance of the gay hotels. These include Barba Roja and Bambujam, which both serve creative and contemporary seafood, and Aqua Azul, a casual, open-air bar and cafe with great burgers and mahimahi sandwiches. After dining, plan to have drinks and watch the sunser ar the rooftop Tutu bar, which draws a largely gay crowd. Or for serious dancing, head down the road into the town of Quepos, where the Arco Iris disco pulses into the wee hours and attracts a mixed, although mostly hetero, bunch. Days 9 and 10: Central Highlands On your ninth day, drive back up the coast from Quepos and ascend the winding but scenic highway into the Central Highlands region, just west of San Jose. Here the air is crisper and cooler than down along the coast, as the attractive hill towns west of San Jose rise ro elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 feet. Amactions include Zoo Ave (a ,.vonderful animal preserve where injured or abandoned animals are rehabiiitated), La Guacima Bmterfly Farm, Irazu Voicano crater lake, and Poas Volcano. /1.n excellent place ::o spend your final nigh1: (or even two nights) is Vista del Valle, a luxurious small im, perched awesomely on the edge of spectacular Rio Grande Canyon. Mainstream but gayfriendly, "Vista del \lalle has econo1ny-111inded roorns in the n1ain house as ,veil as a series of fitncier? self--contained cottages set along a network of 1neandering - rnost have private decks overiooking the canyon. In evening~ the inn serves a cotnmendable :::1;h:i:~;t;,tt~:1::~yon. dining room, which is cantiievered l;~:0'~,~~~~~~~:~t i~~11i!!:horo~:;~ ;~t;~i~!,altern;::t~,~ of a 1 0-n1inute drive ffon1 the airport. 'This rel~xing tOrmer has St:'{er.1 furnished roo1ns and sits amid '-NVVW.ozarksstar.corn fragrant gardens; several larger units have kitchens, fireplaces, and patios. 1he owners are tremendously helpful and offer excellent advice on touring nearby attractions. Both of these are such loveiy properties that you may feel inspired to postpone your return Bight home and hang around for a few more days, soaking up the fresh air and endearing personality of this charmed country. Photo: White-faced (capuchin) monkeys frequently cavort in the trees behind the beach in Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park. (Photo by Andrew Collins) the STAR 21 Ii !I Ii NOVEMBER 2006 "HEALING THE WORLD" to start a world relief agency based in the LGBT communir1- It was a good thing he listened. In rhe p:m two years, the o::ganization has raised ove!' $1 million for huma:1itarian aid and medical £~fft' supplies in this country and abroad, from mostly $: 00 and $200 contribu.:ions. In 2005, R\Y/F raised $390,000 for Katrina re!ief and sent $250,000 to the victims of che mmami that hit Indonesia. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans last September, my partner Lynn and I were transfixed by the images on television - the death and destruction, the despair and heartbreak. We knew we wanted to send money, bur didn't want to use the uadirional relief route of the American Red Cross - we still had questions abom how they managed the massive amount of money they raised after 9/11. Then I received an e-maii from the Human Rights Campaign about helping. There was a link to a group called the Rainbow World Fund (v-rww.rainbowfund.org). I clicked through and, to my surprise, I found the website for the LGBT community's oniy world relief agencv. We were all too happv m make our $250 comribution th;ough RWE Right up from: they told us the money would go to America's Second 'Harvest to provide food for the foiks in the Crescent City who lost everything. Luckiiy for us, we could go on with our lives. A few '.V:c:eks later, W,c received a hand-written thank-you note from Jeff Cotter, the fellow who thought up R';QF. I was impressed with roday's technology and fast pace, hand-written thank-you notes from nor-for-profits have gone by the 'Nayside, except when they1re to major donors. i\nd one $250 gift does nor a major donor make. So, I dcc;ded to check out the RWF and have a chat with Cottec 1\ social " 1orker f0r about ! 5 years, Cotter said he just v.rasn\ fulfilled professionally. ''I wanted to do something I had never dor1t before. I 1..vantcd to have a positive in1pact on the planet and people/ the San Prancisco~based c:ortcr told me in a phone interview. ;;I put those ideas out to the universe and let then-1 go."' l\ f~;•.1v rpont-hs iatff, C'o ... rpr S'11<1, 1,_j,: ,yrpn i""1f1Pf voitP f'r)i(i Pim 22 the STAR Coner just returned from a relief trip to Gu:.ltemaia Viith 15 KWF volunteers plus two American nuns who served as their guides. The group broughr $250,000 worth of medical supplies HIV, hea•r, and diabetes medications; antibiotics; antifungal cream; hypodermic needles; and other goods - to villages throughout the coumry. In addition to 1,650 lbs. of supplies, RWF aiso brought benveen 500 and 600 stuffed animals to brighten the lives of children, and it made direcr cash grants to an orphan«ge, a school, a medical clinic, and OASIS, the coumry's only LGBT organizatio:1. "We gave OASIS $5,000, and we also brought down 2,000 condoms," said Cotter. "This was our third humanitarian trip to Guatemaia - it's differem from other Central Amer:can countries oecause 50 percem of the population is indigenous, and it encapsuiates the developing world." Through its work, R\X'F is also pre<enting ~he LGBT communi:v to the world. "Our first priority is to heir those who need it, but a by-product is changing how people se; rhe LGBT community," said Cotter. "]be Fund is a way of putting our highest vaiues - love, kindness, and compassion - to wo:·k, and of providing a platform fo~ our concern and caring rn be seen and he.ud around :he world." Cotter told me that when he approached /unerica's Second Harvest, the group was thrilied to coliaborate. According ro Cotter, America's Second Harvesr has quire a few gays :md lesbians working a, irs Chicago headquarters. lbe same can't be ,aid for some of R\'VFs other "s;;aight" philanthropic partners. Cotter said those other organizations understand thar R\'VF helps them in more than one way. ''Making them more conscious, helpi1:g th<?m explo;·c LGBT issues, :m area they haven', rhought abom before wciL rhat's also pan of their mission in helping to heal the worid,'' said Corn:r. "And now, the organizations \\re "\/Vork with are out about \Vorking ,vith the L(~B1 .. comtnunity, v.rith us - rhey don 1: n1akc a secret about it in any \V~1y.)1 (~otter is still \Vorking as a psychiatric social -..vorkcr thrct days ,veck - he docsn\ dra'\.v a salary frorn the llainbo,v \Xlcirld Fund. "\Xie want to give LC BT dollars the speak.'' a iot nf people~ '-Vbilc at the san1e rirne to the LC; lfr (~.otter and real differeno.: in the lives of 'lV'NVv.ozarksstar.c:orn MCCJoplin &om page-IO The church is active in all Metropolitan Community Church's ministries taking a Social Justice stand on issues that affect our community including ethical and equal medical care for all people, antidiscrimination, AJDS awareness, prevention and treatment, and equality in marriage. Sharing a progressive Christianity by creating an open and welcoming community of faith where people from all faith walks can join in praise and worship. Providing a witness of God's love to all people and following the scriptures in providing for the love of God, the love of self and the love of neighbor as the core of our being. The pastor, Rev. Steve T. Urie was ordained by Metropolitan Community Churches on Juiy 20, 2005 after completing his MCC Intensives in 2002 at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkley , CA . He was one of the founding members of the church and has continued to be an acdve communiry leader. The church celebrared with a Pot-Luck attended bv Rev. Carolvn Moblev currendv serving in Tulsa, OK ,'members,ofUniry ~f Joplin, members from MCC of the Living Spring in Eureka Springs , AR. It received numerous accoiades from throughout the country and around the world from MCC leadership and sister churches. * klahoma's ntigay doption Invalidation Law 'It's dangerous and appa · thm: state of ficials seek to jeopardize t safet;1 and well being of children in Oklahoma. ' DENVER, CO October 17, 2006_ In papers filed in court today, Lambda Legal argued that the U. S. Con~t of Appeais should affirm a lower court rniing that Oklahoma's amigay Adopricm Invalidation Law is unconstitutional. "It's dangerous and appalling that state of. ficials seek to jeopardize the safety and well being of children in (Jklahoma," said Ken Upton~ Senior Sraff ..A .ttorney in Latnbda Legal1s South (:entrai Regional ()ffice and lead attorney on the case. qiht Adoption www.ozarksstar.com Invalidation Law threatens the welfare of children and their parents because it forbids agents of the State such as police, heaith officials, and child welfare officials from recognizing these families, and it doesn't even consider who would protect these children if the State severs the ties between parent and child." U.S. Districr Judge Robin Cauthron wrote in her decision released in May that, "The very fact that the adoptions h~ve occurred is evidence that a court of law has found the adoptions to be in the best interests of the children ... To now attempt to strip a child of one of his or her parents seems far removed from the statute's purpose and therefore from Defendants'asserted important government objective." The Adoption Invalidation Law, hastily passed at the end of the 2004 Oklahoma legislative session, said that Oklahoma "shall not recognize an adoption by more than one individual of the same sex from any other srate or foreign jurisdiction." Lambda Legal argued rhat the law was unconstitutional based on the United States Constitution's guarantees of equal protection, due process and righr to travel, as well as rhe mandates of the Full Faith and Credit Clause. The lower court found that the statute indeed violated che United States Constitution by singling out a specific group for discrimination and upheld all of Lambda Legal's ocher claims, except the right to travel. T11e Court dismissed the ciaims of Lambda Legal clients Ed Swaya and Greg Hampel, because the Court found that the statute did not harm them since the State of Oklahoma granted the couple a birth certificate for their adopted daughter listing the two men as her parents prior ro the passage of the law ;,nd they did nor face immediate harm. Orai argumrnts in rhe case v,ill be heard in rhe Unired States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver on Jvfonday, :--fovember U. Ken Upton, Senio:· Sratf At~orney in Lambda Legai's South Central Regionai Office in f?allas is Lambda Le?al's lead at~orney ~;: the case. He is JOtned by Lambda Legal Sta.ff Attorney, Brian Chase. and cooperating attorney Sandy lngrahan1 of Ingraham & Associates. PL.L.(:. in l\1cLoud. Oklaho1na. -rhe c:asc is Finstuen et al V. Edmondson et (2 OZ) SKY VODKA (1 OZ) GODIVA LIQUOR (1 OZ) CRANBERRY (1 TSP) C (1/2 OZ) CHILL 1 . Chi!! a martini glasses with ice and water. 2. Add all ingredients (except Champagne) with ice in shaker and iet stand a fuli minute. 3. Shake for a fuli minute. 4. Strain into the chilled martini glasses. 5. Top the glasses with Champagne. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU l TheSTAR 23 Salutations and welcome to a blustery November addition of Uncle Mikey, man of meat! Uncle prepares for a winter feast. Break out the minks. and let's be on our way. This month uncle received the most intriguing of letters, a straight man confused, while a gay man cant seem to stop obsessing over his stylist. Mmmm it sound like a full moon kittens. Dear Uncle Mikey, I have one for you. ~"1}' friend came to my job-site as a referral, looking for a new job. I felt good about getting him a job, and being able to help. Now, I am in shock as to the realization who this man really is. He was flirting with the trainer, who is a screaming queen. I thought well ok play your cards, I feel ya so far. However, this £lining became a past time, as I watched this man allow himself to be seduced, and basically had an affair with the trainer to ensure he not only was hired, but goc a promotion into a new program. I am telling you I was flabbergasted, and shocked. This man is straight, what is worse he has a girlfriend at home. Am I the only man lefr who believes morals count for something? Needless to say, he dumped this man iike a bad habit, and is in my opinion trying to convince himself that it never happened? Should I call him on his iack of character, or is this the new trend, sex for hire? Dazed by his blaze Dearest Daze, After reading your letter, my faithful houseboy had to help me off the floor, as I attempted to restrain myself from the sheer force of humor. I found here. Kitten, men have been seducing secretaries since :he first piece of wpod s;;t at a desk. It is almost refreshing that now, a)Jparendy, the straight world is even shifting to those Queens in power. I guess he found our that vou really do have to kneel before a queen, eh1 You think that is rough kitten, you should have seen my interviewing process, my boys cara their positions while learning a few new ones. Smooches-i'vlikev I)ear Uncle, I am so over size queens. Just because I don't have a 12 inch monster in my pants docs nnt make me a b;;d !over, why arc men so crazed about size? Kitten., I assure: "!,T;u not all of us arc size queens, as 1 have $aid before. S()n1er.in1cs s1zc can be a roadblock in the tunnel of kn"c. 26 the STAR allowing ali to score here. Length, girth, endurance, originality, determination and of course-presemation. I assure you, I am an equal opportunfry lover. I ha~·e e,·en acted as a reference if it was a performance to remember, Oh believe me we talk, and ,..-e talk a lot. Do not gee down about your tool; u~e it to create a masterpiece. Smooches-1'fikev Dear Uncle, I have been friends with my best friend for ten years. He and I have enjoyed many pursuits together while chasing men. Now, he has been secretly chasing a female, and what is ,vorse he is pulling away from me. He told me just the other day that he thinks he is tired of the whole gay scene? Squeeze me? Now. we are a scene, and not a lifestyle, and God gi,·en birthright to chase the cock? I don't know what is going on with him, but I am not about to let him go wondering off into the straight world, just because it would be easier. \'•/hat should I do? Chasing-( Dearest chasing, Kitten, first of aii you ha,·e to realize that your friend is a mature adult and can make his own choice. If he wams to leave behind his life, (as you so delicately put i,) cock chasing, than my darling this is his and his alone to make. I mean, seriously is there a full moon or something. Now we ha,·e a gay man coming out of the closet as straight. I a;k you what will be next, straight men giving us fashion advicd (Oh look -Delicious I made a funnv!. Darling, it sounds like you ~eed to find some C of your own {c; take your mind of vou; friends' confusion, and allo~v him time to fi!!d himself. I understand going from flannel to silk, but the reverse, ooh my nervd Smooches-~Iikey Dear Uncle Mikey, Can you really get an STD iust by giving someone head? Worried Can you realiy ask that question with a head? *Warning- This 1\vink does not come with accessories. j\[ay be hazardous to vour healtn. If you hear the sound of Congo upoc the unzipping of said T\vink- Run Bitch Run 1 \X .. ow, I need a cirink after that' ~:fjkev, I sa,\: }-our Ficturc in last month's issue Gn yoci; y<u are .~ handsome guy, and funny'. ;\re you ever going to be out our \Vay? I '\VOuld krvc to n1ccr you in pcrson- Mikcyfan :viikcyfan, Srnooches- \Xlw.r\, a Gur1 to do'. I~ rhat an official inYite? You are not rciarion of s-v:irn-fan arc snicker ~njckcr that is about a1J the rjrnt 1 ha;,-e. Re1ncn1bcr this, it i:not the s1zc of the tO\VtT~ nor the circun1ferenc<: r,f the panunereri . . , H J~ not ClTn n1c of the . " . . .- H 1s about styic, pertorn1ancc, anct * \.'VWw.ozarksstar.com use it, to help us However, most o this non-frothy such drinks as t of these other azing, and to wash , clean citv, and co c;iifomia lease shouid healthy. t enough oi instead choose and beer. Ali great as iong as f the water. TI1e 1t 8 glasses of wave shown as many ans are at least mildly n reasons of fatigue during the that expb:ns some of why we gh time a, work. 'That and a little ~v1ondays. Only a 2% drop in r can create hazy shore-term meme with simple math, and difficuicy on the comourer screen or a That makes ~ense considering man brain is 95% water, biood er, the iu:1gs arc 90% ·water, and muscles are 75~{:i water. \X,'ater is a great mineral which helps prevent many conditions. What condition might that oe Fitness Guy Ron? Well I'm glad you asked! \"later can help prevent kidney stones and it can also help lesson the chance for devdopbg bladder, kidney, and u~inarv :race infections. ·rhere has also been a six year study of 20,000 hea!thy men and women ages 38-100 from the May l, 2002 American Journal of Epider::iology. This study found that women who drank more than five giasses _of .., vatcr \Vere 41 '}0 iess likeiy to die frorn a heart attack during the study than these who drank k:ss than nvo glasses. The prorcctivc effects of drinking water ,vere even rnorc profi)und and n1uch better in rnen. ,;Xlhat does this tel1 you? WATER IS GOOD FOR YOC. -n1ere are nu1nerous fiictors that affect your ,vater needs. You 1.vi!! need to n1odify )tour fluid intake based on the f(.,li<)v1ing fi1ctors: exercise, environn1ent, illnesses; and health conditions, -Exercise: jf you exercise or engage in an:1/ physical then you \viH need wwvv.ozarksstar.com During exe. such as ever replenishing not Ief rhirst alreadv be deh thirsty~ If your sweating then: spores drink to electrolytes. drink more water. you doing reading drinking your that time to ask glass of water. just zaps your Oftentimes, we water we lose th summer. Do heat'. Higher incrcasc;d uri ingwhich loss ✓ -Illness and Hea!ch Conditions: Certain signs and symptoms of illnesses such as vomiting, fever, and diarrhea can cause your body to lose extra fluids. Even that pesky miid dehydration can make you more susceptible ro viruses. Water can be quite a powerful weapon in the battle against colds a1:d other maladies. \Xiarer can also act as a natural appetite suopressanc so developing good wate~· drinki~g habits c:.m pay tremendous dividends in yom healthy weight main~enance. Water can help the body digest and absorb vitamins and :rnrrients in addition to aiding the kidneys and liver by carrying av1ay \Vaste frorn tb.~"v, h<c, o,\,f. v/ a Wat"\..,-~: r- an ."_V' ."_f ~ help. Jre,.n vou ~ .... "-'r ✓ regulac Oh God! Novv I'm going to sound like the conversation at my grandmmher's pinochle tab]c. But water does trulv help prevent constipation by adding bulk to, swo!s ,,nd more fluid to the colon. Tne "end" result is sofrer and easier bowel mon:ments. 1\.nd \vho doesn\ vvant that? ore thing before I give you some s. You don't need to drink bottled an drink the tap water. If you cold me 20 years ago that water ? .00 per glass I would have 'mon peopie, it's water! There erous studies that have water is every bit as good er. It's these corporations and Avenue marketing schemes ded our thinking on this. era! years ago, I drank m Budapest bathrooms and g fine (despite what my friends Line: Drink water and it's okay ater. Just drink water! he first thing in the morning. f slumber equals dehydration. ntainer on hand throughur desk, in the car, at e. Bring out the fine crystal erously pour che water. ing is a iot more fun to drink with · cy glassware. -Grab some fruits and veggies. Most of these are aimost all water content. 'lliis can give you some variety. -And as always- HAVE FUN! Let me know your questions, comments, and ideas ac blake.fitness@yahoo.com. FACT: In the 2004 presidential eiection 71 million eligible voters did not vote. Shame on us. the STAR 27 "Use your charm wisely, Aries!" The Sun is aligned with Venus in Scorpio, turning up everyone's seductive charm and susceptibility. Both planets are trine to Uranus, opening amazing possibilities. Cleverly used, this magnetism can lead to opportunities and insights that could change your life. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Your seductive charm is working far better than you expect. Use it sparingly and wisely; it could land you into situations you hadn't gambled on. Secrets that come to light may include long-hidden talents. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Getting out into a new and different milieu - preferably someplace with a spiritual and/ or political focus - and making new friends offers a chance to meet a wonderful new partner, or to revitalize an existing relationship. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If looking sexy is part of your work, you're bound to succeed. If it's not, you may have to work extra hard to behave yourself and stay focused on the task at hand. Of course, this, too, is a sure route to success. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Playful efforts to tease out ideas can lead to profound discussions, perhaps even arguments. Keep it friendly and principled and you can learn - and teach - a lot more than you expected to. You'll need a very open mind to take it all in! LEO (July 23 -August 22): Fix an aphrodisiac supper for the one you desire. The setting counts more than menu, although some classic stand-bys like oysters will signai your intentions. Make sure your boudoir is as eiegantly prepared as the table! VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Risque limericks, weli-honed epigrams, or other outre witticisms will shock others into taking notice of you. Your partnei - or your favorite candidate for thatposition - will be properly impressed, and you wiil be happily. "improperly·· rewarded. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Take care '?f finances now - next week wouid be disastrous! You·re more resourcefu! than usual now, making this the time not only to evaluate material assets. but to develop useful skills for doing so. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your sexy charm is now at its height, opening doors for a!I kinds of fun and games. You're irresistible, and not just sexually. Engage people at other levels. Be creatively flirtatious, and see what opportunities that generates for you. 28 the STAR SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Carve out a special place in your home for meditation. It would seem that the point is to get grounded - but not quite. The space will open energy for you in a way that will be centering - freeing you from roots, not attaching you to them. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Any time spent with friends will unlock secrets, either yours or theirs, and that will be necessary for social or political success. Have some secrets that you can reveal safely to protect those you want to keep hidden. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): When tempted to confront an authority figure, try instead to engage that person diplomatically and find ways to co-operate. More than you would imagine, your charm wil! get you ahead and open doors to resources. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Explore any new, exotic art or beauty. The more you can identify with it and fee! it as a part of you, the more it - or he or she? - can show you parts of yourself you never knew existed. · SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 20th PO Box 4711 Joplin. i\[o 648!)3 S~KftTRI)1\Y Scr\--ice 9:3()/\.\'l ..Y. TcJus ln:vited to our C:on11nur1it\' l)inner 61)rr1 1ust S4.00. T'~<J ()rH: ls turned vvWW.ozarksstar.com 30 the STAR HE:'S 91::E:N L-iVIN1 N 'THIS BU!L-O!NG INC!': 'THE: 195015. t'L-L- SE:1' HE: 001::SN'TPAY MOi:lE: THAN 1./00 81./CKS A MONT'H '.vww.joanhi!tynet I Vv'vvvv.ozarksstar.com 1st Annual Gala Celebration "Linking Together as One" Friday, December 15th, 2006 7:00 P.M. Clarion Inn - Fayetteville 1255 So. Shiloh, Fayetteville, AR 72701 For more information: WV.'\XZN~✓AGLBTCC.ORG www.ozarksstar.com Luxury Townhouses FOR RENT, Pine & E.72nd St Area, TULSA 2 bed/1.5 baths/washerdryer/ hookup/prvt patio/2 car garage, no pets. $525/month + Deposit Call: Patty (918)724-6475 or Mark (918)724-1960 CHECK our QNIQUE EUREKA: SJ?:R:INGS, -',, ' ARrfANSA$ . www.diversifypride~com and · . ww.w.eurekapride.com * Full Body, Sports, Hot Stone * Hand and Foot Scrubs * In-House Clinic * Days, Evenings and Weekends Call for an appointment and rates. 918-857-2805 Mike Lewis AKA "Morgan" A iongtime Bartender at the Finishline in Oklahoma City passed away on the morning of October 6, 2006. Morgan was very well know and loved by the GLBT community. the STJ\R 31 B N A R & RILL Sunday Champaqne Brunch All you can eat soup and salad bar 11 am-2pm $8.99 Monday & Tuesday Well Martinis $2.50 4pm-7pm Best Prime Rib in Town: Friday & Saturday Nights Bar favorites. restaurant favorites and man:, new items for your enjoyment pleasure NEW WINTER RATES - $45• * Plus tax, excludes suites I r .... - :~~;~,~~ p 'S A LEATHER/LEVI BAR CLOSED MO:'IDAYS Sun 7pm - 2am. Tues-Thur:. 7pm-9prn wear your h::Hhcr and get your wd! drink:- fc,r :<?.50 Sun Thur. 7pm-2am R Fri and Sat. 4pm-2am DY'S PL CE PIANO BAR Rudy ·s Place is a non-smukin!_:'. e~tablisthmcnt Early for cocktails. latc- t'or a night cap CL BR X CLOSED MONDAY SIZZLIN' SUNDAYS With Whitney Paige VIXENS Saturday i--;ighh \\ ith Silan1ci \landala) at I Op1n J\USON SCOTT SHOW MISS HOLLYWOOD US Of A Sunday Nowrnher 12. 20!)h I si Prize: .'i, 1.000.00 PLLiS 5500.flO crcdn tcn\·ard" haync Original Gown i .at•st~~~ r, J' P1. • Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] The Star Magazine, November 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 11 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 01. 2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Josh Aterovis Douglas Glenn John Patrick Michael Dee Kay Massey Paul Wortman Carlotta Carlisle Victor Gorin Greg Gatewood Libby Post Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Michael Hinzman Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, October 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/242 The Star Magazine, December 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/225 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/241 3000 walk for AIDs Advice Column cartoons classifieds Distributers fitness horoscopes Judy Shepard Kathy Webb Lesbian Notions marriage equality MCC church molestation molestation myth National Coming Out Day Oklahoma Adoption law OUT in Arkansas Past Out Q Scopes Star Scene travel Tulsa GLBT center news Uncle Mikey