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[Sub-Series] Newsletters & Publications > Tom Neal Newsletters > Tulsa Family News
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Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual & Trans Communities
Our Families of the Heart
UPCOMING EVENTS
HIV-ERC + Red Ribb,.o.n
Revue + Pride- Bene.flts
Pride Worship Service
Dallas Leader Cece Cox
Hope Candlelight Tour
Pride Prom + Pride Picnic
O.KC Parade +. ,.Follies
TULSA - The next several weeks offer an unprecedented
number of community events which either
benefit HIV/AIDS charities or celebrate Lesbian/Gay
Pride Month. On May 23rd, the Red Ribbon Ice Revue
promises a great show at the Tulsa Ice Arena to support
Our House, a day drop-in center for persons living with
HIV/AIDS. Later that evening, the Silver Star will host
a benefit &raffle for the HIV Education and Recreation
Center, a new organization headed by Bruce Begley,
Sandy Hill, Steve Wilson and others.
OnSaturday and Sunday,June 8-9th,the Hope Candlelight
Tour will feature the homes of Tina & Steven
David, Judy & Bill Fisher, P.S. Gordon & Duane Men
Ne, Mary McMahon, and Ouida & Robert Merrifield to
benefit St. Joseph’s Residence/Catholic Charities and
RAIN, the Regional Interfaith AIDS Network. Tickets
are $10 and are available at Charles Faudree, 1345 E.
15th, and at MA Doran Gallery, 3509 S. Peoria. The
very distinguished organizing committee also has
planned a number of patron events - for more information,
call 747-9706.
Near the end of. the month, June 21 & 22, Follies
Revue, Inc. will present Follies ’96 Salutes the Movies
at the Doubletree Hotel, Warren Place. It’s a dinner and
a show you won’t want to miss. The beneficiaries are
TOHR, HIV Resource Consortium, Interfaith AIDS
Ministries, Shanti, Visiting Nurses Assoc. RAIN and
St. Joseph’s Residence/Catholic Charities. For tickets,
call the PAC box office, Carson Attractions, and Tickets
by Phone.
For June, the traditional Lesbian/Gay Pride month
worldwide, Tulsa volunteers have planned a number of
events. The month will begin by the first ecumenical
Pride Worship Service. Hosted by St. Jerome at the
Garden Chapel, 3841 S. Peoria at 6 pm on Saturday,
June 1, the service will include Family of’Faith MCC,
Agape Christian Fdlowship and other congregations:
On Tuesday, June 4, PFLAG, TOHR and the Rainbow
Business Guild (with assistance from the Bisexual,
Lesbian, Gay Trans Alliance, BLGTA) will present
Cece Cox, president of the Dallas Gay & Lesbian
Alliance (DGLA), one of the most dynamic activists in
the Southwest and a native of Bartlesville. She will be
talking about the Marriage Project of the DGLA as well
as her work as co-chair of GLAAD/Dallas. The dinner
will be held in the Chouteau Room of the Chapman
Student Center of the University of Tulsa at 6:30. The
dinner is $10 but the speech is free at about 7:45.
June 8th, TOHR and TU’s BLGTA will host a Pride
see Pride, page 3
MARRIAGE The attack begins at the national level led by
Oklahoma Rep. Steve Largent & Sen. Don Nickles.
WASHINGTON - Confronted with a flagging presidential
campaign and convinced they’ve found a one-sided
wedge issue that could embarrass President Clinton’s
campaign efforts, Republican lawmakers have introduced.
ameasure, titled the"Defense ofMamageAct" (DOMA),
that would define marriage as"only a legal union between
one man and one woman as husband and wife." The
proposed law Was introduced by Republican Reps. Bob
Barr of Georgia and by Steve Largent & by Sen. Don
Nickles of Oklahoma.
Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole of Kansas, who all
but has the GOP’s presidential nomination sewn up,
became the first Senate co-sponsor of the measure. During
the Iowa primary caucuses, when Republican hopefuls
were asked to sign a pledge to fight any effort in Congress
to legalize same-sex marriages, Dole said the pledge
doesn’t go far enough" and added; "Government at all
levels must work to support and promote the institution of
marriage that unites husband and wife."
Just days before the proposed legislation was introduced
in Congress, Dole campaign officials told reporters that the
Republican presidential hopeful would be taking action to
make same-sex marriages a campaign wedge issue, using
Clinton’s outreach to gay and lesbian Americans in an effort
to make voters wary of the President’s re-election bid.
Clinton campaign officials have acknowledged that the
issue is potentially a political landmine during the campaign
and said the President "didn’t want to touch it."
Even so, when anti-gay activists asked Clinton to sign the
anti-marriage pledge, he refused and called it "outrageous."
The dicey political question is complicated even further by
reports in the current issue of the Advocate, the Los Angeles-
based magazine, that claims the Justice Department is
considering changing both the IRS tax code and federal
immigration regulations to give gay and lesbian couples~the
same benefits in these two areas as legally married couples.
However, \~qaite House spokeswoman Mary Ellen Glynn
told reporters that Clinton doesn’t personally support equal
marriage rights for gays and lesbians and that the Administration
had no plans to implement the changes reported in
the Advocate.
Elizabeth Birch, executive director of the Human Rights
Campaign, called the proposed congressional bill the work
of "religiotts political extremists...using this issue as an
election year baseball bat to bash gay Americans and score
3"teve Largent Don Nickles
Gov. Keating Signs Anti-
Marriage Amendment/Bill
OKLAHOMA CITY - In a move that surprised Okla.
Capitol watchers and a number of state Senators, Senate
bill #73, the "Oklahoma Child Visitation Registry Act,"
passed with an amendment banning the recognition of
valid same-gender marriages performed in other states.
Only Senators Bernest Cain (D-OKC) and Penny Williams
(D-Tulsa) voted against the final bill (42-2).
According to Sen. Williams, Sen. Cain spbke with
such eloquence against the anti-Gay amendment, that
she was moved to vote no as well. Tulsa Sen. Maxine
Horuer told TFN that she was not in the Senate at the
time of the vote and that the amendment did not represent
her position.
Earlier, Senator Keith Leftwich, and staffers in Cain’s
and Sen. Bernice Shedrick’s offices had stated that they
did not think the anti-marriage amendment would remain
after the bill returned from conference committee.
Senate bill #73 had a correspondingbill that had passed
the OK House of Representatives.
Gov. Frank Keating promptly signed the bill. When
asked about what efforts he or his staff had made to
contact Oklahoma’s Lesbian and Gay. community about
this bill, the Governor’s press spokesperson, Dan
Mahoney stated that no effort was necessary since "it
would not have made any difference [to the Governor]."
Mnhoney released the following statement:
"~,Vhat people do in their private lives ~s none of my
business, that is a personal decision. But I don’t feel the
state of Oklahoma should bein the business of sanctionpolitical
points." Rep. Pat Schroeder (D-Colo.) was one of
the few lawmakers to criticize the measure, saying it was
meaningless political maneuvering because it would take an
amendment limiting the "full faith and credit clause" of the
U.S. Constitution to actually bar same-sex marriages at the
federal level. "This is nothing but just to stir the political
¯" waters and see how much hate you can unleash," she added.
Interfaith / -iDS Ministrie
¯ Seeks Missing Benefit $
~ Last October, a local bar, Barraccuda’s, contacted Inter-
,¯ faith AIDS Ministries (L~M) with an offer to do a benefit
honoring World AIDS Day in December and benefiting
¯ IAM. Months later, IAM has not seen a dime of the dollars
¯ raised at the event, despite efforts by director, Diane Zike.
¯ Several board members attended the fundraiser noting ¯
that the bar charged a $3 cover & had tip jars for donations.
At the end of the evemn~,, IAM s treasurer was told they’d
¯ raised $250.
Director Zike says that she’d called repeatedly for bar
ing same sex marriages. I supported SB 73, as did every
member of the t!ouse of Representatives and all but two
members of the State Senate."
TFN asked about remarks attributed to the Governor
that he had said the State Republican Party platform (see
below) represented "mainstream Oklahoma."
see Gov., page 3
Excerpts from the OK
Republican state Platform
Page 3, ADOPTION
Plank 4: We demand that children not be adopted by
homosexuals.
Page 6, HIV/AIDS
Plank 1: Since HIV is a virus that results in AIDS and
certain death, we call upon local, state, and federal
governments to deal with thedeadly disease of AIDS in
the same manner as other dangerous communicable
diseases, i.e. (a) expand universal testing and truth in
reporting, which includes full disclosure about the ori-
¯ owner, Sue, "known as Barraccuda. No calls had been
¯ returned by March 26 when IAM drafted a letter requesting
¯ a response. To date, IAM still has not received a response
¯¯ .from the bar. WhenTFN called, bar staffer, Sheila, referred
all questions back to Sue.
¯ Zike adds, "IAM actedingoodfaith, advertising the event
¯ and participating [in it]. How can we follow through with
: our commitments if those who offer to assist us...do not
¯ follow through themselves...it is not just Interfaith AIDS
¯ Ministries that is being hurt, but more importantly those
¯ living with HIV/AIDS that IAM serves."
see Platform, page 7
EDITORIAL/LETTERS/DIRECTORY P. 2
NEWS BRIEFS P. 4
HEALTH BRIEFS P. 6
CALENDAR P. 9
OUT + ABOUT WITH JD P. 9
EUREKA SPRINGS + P. 11
BOOK REVIEW/ENTERTAINMENT P. 12
RESTAURANT REVIEW P. 13
918.583.1248
POB 4140
Tulsa, Oklahoma
74159-0140
TulsaNews@ aol.com
Publisher/Editor, Tom Neal
Assistant Editor, James Christjohn
Writers/contributors,
Phyl Boler-Schmidt
Barry Hensley
Jean-Pierre
Leanne Gross & Pat Morehead
Staff Photographer, JD Jamett
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 publisher.
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 Patricia Nell Warren ¯
A few days American with ahgeor, oownne aDrgiaunmeePntartkheart whoromteosetoxutahleityJoiug rnnaolt ~ feovoelnamloant aogfepteoopfoleo,l ionudru.ocwtinngmtohtehewrsi~shfFuolrtahitniikneer,s.wSeoemveenoffouosl
now ourselves. But it is still conformity. It is not change.
genetic. She believes that the "reformed homosexuals"
visible in certain videos, programs and organizations
is compelling proof that homosexuals can
really change. I am always amazed at the power
of wishful thinking m people like Parker. Their
whole position is based on a fierce belief in this
alleged capacity of homosexuals to "change."
The videos, nroorams, etc. represent a 2000-
vear effort by Chrislaamty to wish away the
~xistential fact of homosexuality, whatever its
root cause. The fact is: in repressive umes,
homosexuals do not change. They conform.
Gay people disagree about many things, but
this is one area where we agree -- because so
Aetlng strM~ht
when you know
you re gay
¯
¯ as not chang .
It as not a rnor~al act.
It {s not re[orm.
It {s not heal{n .
It ~s a ll~n~ death.
many of. us have lived face-to-face with our own "is-ness’"
through long decades of pretense. I, for one, did a terrific job of
conforming to the heterosexual canon, as a wife for 16 years. I
even tried both Protestantism and.,,_Catholicism in a desperate
effort to transmogrify my conformity into change. But it didn’t
work. The conformity goes so deep that it can masquerade
brilliantly as change. Unlike leopards, homosexu~is can make
their spots look like tiger stripes. The penalties for being fingered
as gay -- loss of family and job, assault and battery, long prison
sentences, incarceration in mental hospitals, to n~u,ne a few -
Acting straight when you know you’re gay is
not change. It is not a moral act. It is not reform.
It is not healing. It is a living death. In the Sixties,
a whole generation of youth rose up against all
kinds of forced conformity in American society,
and their protest embraced this deadly conformity
demanded of gay people. Yet today the
wishful thinkers among us are trying to engineer
the re-imposition of their wishes. They demand
it in the name of "saving marriage." What they
want, in many marriages, adds up to shapestfifting
Of the spookiest kind. It adds up to
acting performances that will never get an Os-
: car. Those who settle for our conformity get it at an appalling cost
to themselves. The wishful thinkers lose their power to see what
: is real. They canlook into the eyes of a homosexual who is living
~ in deep cover, and utterly fail to See that person’s true spirit. Even
¯ in the eyes of their own children, parents, closest friends, the
" wishful thinkers see only what they choose to see. Heaven help
¯ the American marriage if it is"saved" by people who can’ t tell the
¯ difference between conformity and change. ,,
Patricia Nell Warren is the author of"The Front Runner and
¯
other bestsellers about gay life.
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine
,Concessions,.33"40 s. Peoria
*Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan
.Renegades, Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
*TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial
*Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd
*Interurban Restaurant, 717 S. Houston
832-1269
744-0896
749-1563
745-9998
834-4234
585-3405
660-0856
584-1308
585-3134
Tulsa Businesses, Services, &. Professionals
Dennis C. Arnold, Realtor 746-4620
*Assoc. in Med& Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000
Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506
*Barnes & Noble Booksdlers, 8620 E. 71
250-5034
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria
743-527-2
Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15
592-1521
Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates
1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117
Tim Danid, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
D’Antiques, 1508 E. 15th
*Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th
Don Carlton Mitsubishi, 4423 S. Memorial
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan
F~xpress Pools & Spas, 6310 S. Peoria
Foxlinx, Computer Consultation
Leanne M. Gross, Financial Planning
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly
*Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria
*Inte~afi0nfil T0ur~
JD Images, Photography
Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15
Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011,-74159
Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15
Lean Ann Macomber, Realtor Associate
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31st
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI
David A. Paddock, CPA, 4308 S. Peoria, Ste. 633
Puppy Pause II, 1 lth & Mingo
*Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S Boston
*Scribner’S" BOOkstore, 1942 Utica Square
Scott Robison’s Prescriptions, see ad for 3 locations
Southwest Viatical
592-5356
749-3620
665-6595
838-8503
743-9994
690-2974
744-0102
745-1111
584-4606
341-6866
621-5597
599-8070
747-5466
742-1992
671-2010
584-3112
663-5934
664-2951
74%-7672
838-7626
584-0337
749-6301
743-2351
747-3322
Thomas Chiropractic Clinic
4138 S. Harvard, Ste. C-1 742-8868
¯
(ellie J. Watts, attorney 493-1959
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling
743-1733
Tulsa Organizations, Churches, &Universities
*Agape’ Christian Fellowship, 21st& Sheridan 599-7688 "
*Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr.
2627B E. 11 628-0594
*BIL/G Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa Canterbury Ctr. 583-9780
¯
*Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa _ d "
*CommunityofHope United Methodist, 1703 E. 2n 585-1800
Dignity/Integrity "
(Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians) 298-4648
*Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo
622-1441
*Free SpiritWomens Center, call for location &info: 587-4669 .
Friend For A Friend~ POB 52344, 74152
747-6827 ..
:fiends in Unity Social Organization (African-Amer. ~e,n!,,,,~ ¯
POB 8542, 74101
Indian Health Care, Save the Nation
584-4983 .
Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437,800-284-2437 ¯
*MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 .
*HIV Resource Consortium
4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 " 749-4194
NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S.Harvard, Ste. H- 1 748-3111
PFLAG , POB 52800 74152
749-4901
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118
74104
R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network
749-4195
~ Rainbow Business Guild, POB 4106, 74159
665-5174
¯
St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, 3841 S. Peoria,
646-7116
¯
*Shanti Hotline
749-7898
¯ Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, (TOHR)
¯ POB 52729 74152
TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.)
743-4297
¯ 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
i *University Center at Tulsa
~. Beaver Dam Store, 1/2 mi. N. of DamHwy. 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&1/2 Spring St.
501-253~5445
King’ s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway,Hwy. 62W 800-231-1442
*MCC of the Living Spring
501-253-9337
¯
zero in the war over equal marriage rights
¯ forsamegendercouples. Ourelected r p- ¯
resentatives" Steve Largent, Don Nickles
¯
and Jim Inhofe again shame our s~te with
¯ their attacks on their own constttuents,
specifically with the so-called Defense of
Marriage Act (DOMA). The motives for
¯
thesemen surely rangefrom genuineideo-
¯ logical positions to the basest political
.... maneuvering...There is little- doubt that
¯
each holds "Christian" beliefs which they
¯ feel justify discrimination.
~ We can only respond that it is .a betrayal
¯ of the most fundamental American con-
. stitutional values to abuse their position to
’" enforce private prejudices. That is, it is
¯ wrong to use the power of the government ¯
to promote or allow to continde system-
" atic bias against minority citizens, no
¯ matter if the majority despises that minor-
¯ ity mad no matter if the group is minority ¯
by birth (race or ethnicity) or by choice,
¯
(religion or political view) or by a combi-
¯ nation (as seems to be the case with sexual ¯
orientation). Many Americans havebeen,
¯
and are, racist and anti-Semitic, and yet
¯ politicians realize it is no longer accept-
" able to pander overtl.y to these views.
¯ However, election-year politics are
strongly implicated in this effort. DC insiders
suggest that DOMA is a much a
vehicle to divide and inflame the American
electorate, to weaken Bill Clinton and
to insure that Dole can nominate the next
20 years of Supreme Court judges.
So what are our alternatives inTulsa
when our elected "representatives" don’t
even bother to go through the motions of
¯ consulting the communities that are
¯ harmed by their actions? ¯
The answer’s not glamorous or easy.
¯ Despite all odds, we must continue to
°. organize ourselves politically. We must
¯ put the same sorts of energies that we’ve
see Attack, page 3
Tulsa, Oklahoma sure feels like ground
What a great honor itis to be chosen as
the first Queen of the Month in the Out &
About column of your newspaper. What a
wonderful way to spotlight Tulsa’s diverse
and talented group of entertainers.
As a general rule, our society has a poor
] opinion of Drag Queens and it is my hope
that your column will help dispense these
thoughts.
For your readers that are not aware,
each of the entertainers that I regularly do
shows with are also involved in the many
benefits that occur around town. The beneficiaries
include such great causes as Our
~ House, A .Friend for a Friend, Shanti
¯ Coftdom Fund and public service posters
that are placed through out our community.
¯ In addition to being tons of fun (no pun
¯ intended to my size), Tulsa has a diverse
: group of entertainers that not only make
"- you smile, but further love and kindness
¯ within Our community. Thank you again.
¯ Much love, Kathryn Conover
PS, in my entire life, I can’t once remember
that I begged for anything. Could
JD have been thinking of someone else
and intended the very first Queen of the
Month to go to another Entertainer? Oh
dear, I certainly hope not.
In particular, TFN asked if the Governor
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really felt calling,fora quarantine ofpeople
living with AIDS, or preventing Lesbian
and Gay men from being teachers represented
the values of most Oklahomans.
Mahoney responded that he could not
speak for the Governor in the particulars
but that the Governor supported the platformin
general. WhenaskedifTFN could
ask the Governor aboUt specific platform
items, Mahoney said Keating would not
be available for any questions.
Prom (alcohol-free) also at the Chapman
Ctr. at 8 pm. The Picnic, themed Tulsa
United in Pride, will be held in Owen Park
on Sat. June 15, from 12 - 5 pm. Anumber
of community organizations, businesses
and individuals are working on this event.
As usual, refreshments are free and a
range of food will be available for a modest
donation. Owen Park has tennis courts
and a sand volleyball court, as well as
better parking and more shade than the
old Mohawk site.
On Sunday, June 23, Oklahomans from
all over the state will gather at Memorial
Park, NW 35th & Classen in Oklahoma
City about 1:30 for the statewide Pride
Rally. The Rally will feature Advocate
1992 Woman of the Year, Donna Red
Wing. The statewide Pride Parade kicks
off from the park and ends up at the NW
39th St. community business district.
put into fighting the scourge ofAIDS into
fighting political prejudice. Locally,
TOHR is doing a voter inform and registration
project, call 743-4297 and leave a
message for Tony. Oklahoma City folks
have created a political action committee,
Cimarron Alliance which has funneled
significant funds into OKC city council
races and to Democratic state senators.
Some in Tulsa are discussing similar efforts,
here. Also, just call Nickles (581-
7651, the local office can transfer you to
DC, fax 202-9~24-6008), Inhofe (748-5111,
202-224-4721, fax 202-228-0380) and
I_argent (749-0014, 202-225-2211, fax
202-225-9187). Even if you don’t want to
get married anytime soon, tell them you
support equal marriage rights, that you
oppose DOMA, and that you don’t appremate
the scapegoating of Oklahoma’s
Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual citizens.
Dan DuVall / Owner
Anti-Marriage
¯ Efforts Around US
¯ AUGUSTA, Maine - With state legisla-
¯ tures around the country heading into
¯ recesses for the summer, the anti-mar-
: riage bandwagon did little more than
¯ bumble along. While Hawaii lawmakers
couldn’t muster enough votes to pass an
¯
anti-gay mamage ban there before the
¯ legislature recessed for the current ses-
¯ sion, an Alabama state Senate committee
: approved by an 8-1 vote a bill that would
¯
bar recognizing same-sex marriages in
¯ the state, dropping a $1,000 fine for clergy
¯. performing such unions that had been
¯ included in the original measure.
The Alaska legislature took a double
: swing at same-sex relationships, passing
¯ one measure that would limit domestic
¯" partnership benefits in the state educa-
¯ tional system and sending it to Gov. Tony
¯ Knowles. At the same time thelawmakers
¯ began debate on a ban on same-sex mar-
. riages in the state, a proposal that is ex-
¯ pected to easily pass. Kansas lawmakers,
¯ meanwhile, approved an anti-mamage bill
and sent it to the governor for his signa-
¯ ture.
¯ In Maine, the anti-gay group Concerned
Maine Families has filed papers with the
"¯ secretary of state’s office to get approval ¯
to collect signatures for a ballot measure -
¯ that would restrict marriages in the state
¯ to those between male-female couples
¯ only. If the signature~gathering is ap- ¯
proved, the group would have to collect
¯ some 51,000 valid signatures to put the
¯ measure before ~oters- either in 1997 or
¯ 1998.
¯
Georgia Gov. Zell Miller has si~ned a
¯ bill that bars same-sex mamages ~n the
¯¯ state, joining South Dakota, Utah and
Idaho as the 4th state to prohibit gay and
¯ lesbian marriages in anticipation that such
¯ weddings will become legal soon in Ha-
. waii. The South Carolinalegislature gave
~ its final.OK to a measure outlawing same-
." sex marriages in the state and sent the
¯ legislation to Gov. David Beaseley, who
has already indicated he supports the pro-
: hibition. The measure would prevent the
¯ state from recognizing any marriage be-
. tween people of the same sex that was
performed in another state. In Arizona,
Gov. Fife Symington signed the state
legislature’s 3rd attempt to enact aban on
same-sex marriages, making it the 6th
state so far to legally refuse recognition
for such unions, even if performed legally
elsewhere. At the same time, however, by
a 34-23 vote, the state House of Representatives
passed legislation authorizing
tougher sentences for criminals who victimize
people based on race, religion,
gender or sexual orientation. A similar
proposal last year died when Republican
legislative leaders objected to including
sexual orientation.
Meanwhile, a case strikingly similar to
the Hawaii lawsuit has gotten under way
in New Zealand, with 3 lesbian couples
suing for the right to get marriage licenses
that were denied them, according to a
report in the Queer News Aotearoa. The
women’s attorney is arguing that the
country’s civil rights laws protects all
citizens from being denied equal treatment.
The attorney general’s office, however,
has argued that marriage is mainly
for procreation and that therefore samesex
couples are not eligible to marry.
South Africa
Protects Gays
CAPE TOWN, South Africa -South
Africa’s Parliament has overwhdmingly
approved by a 421-2 vote the country’s
new 150-page Constitution after nearly 2-
years of complex negotiations and sometimes
acrimonious debate. The nation’s
new governing document includes, for
the first ti~ne in the world, equal rights
protections that include sexual orientation.
"United in diversity," begins the
preamble to the country’s newly approved
Constitution, although at least 2 of the
country’s right wing political parties said
they would challenge some of the provisions
of that diversity in court.
In fact, .nearly every major party in
South Africa expressed reservations about
parts of the new document. Even President
Nelson Mandela noted that there are
still concems among many ofthe country’s
minorities about the guarantees enshrined
in the Constitution’s Bill of Rights. "The
fact that we have adopted this Constitution
does not mean that we are not going
to address those concerns," Mandela said.
"’We will continue searching for solutions
because we want everybody to feel that
he or she is part and parcel of our efforts
to resolve the problems of South Africa."
After a long history of white minority rule
and rigidly enforced apartheid, the new
Constitutions will bring majority rule to
the nation when the next g~neral election
in 1999 marks anend to the present transitional
government. The Bill of Rights
outlaws all discrimination in the country,
whether based on sexual orientation, race,
religion, gender,-political views, disability
and other categories.
In a cable to President Mandela about
the newly adopted Constitution, the Washington,
D.C.,based National Gay & Lesbian
Task Force, stated, "The South African
people have paved a new road of
equality and fairness by outlawing all
forms of discmnination in the constitution,
including for the first time anywhere
in the world, the discrimination against
people based on their sexual orientation.’"
Fewer than a dozen countries worldwide
have national laws outlawing bias based
on sexual orientation, and South Africa is
the first nation to enshrine such protections
in its Constitution.
Dutch Get Serious
About Marriage
TIlE HAGUE, Holland -The Dutch Parliament
has approved a measure by 81-60
that calls on the government to appoint a
commission to evaluate the legal implications,
both nationally and internationally,
of extending full mamage rights to gay
and lesbian couples in the country. The
move is several steps from a radical
change, of course, but Dutch gays and
lesbians, along with progressive politicians
in the country, are increasingly insisting
on full, equal rights in What is
probably Europe’s most liberal nation.
What is perhaps most significant about
the measure is that the commission is to
consider issues such as adoption,
parenting, inheritance, taxes, and spousal
citizenship of foreigners - an array of
questions that other European nations with
same-sex .couples registrations have so
far ducked or specifically added restrictions
to. But as a measure at least of how
serious Dutch politicians are about samesex
marriages now, public discussions
have even reached the level of Members
of Parliament debating .whether Queen
Beatrix will give her assent to full marital
rights for gays and lesbians in Holland.
Canada OKs
Anti-Bias Law
OTTAWA - Canada’s House of Commons
has approved by a 153-76 vote a
govenm~ent-backed measure that would
add sexual orientation to the country’s
Charter of Human Rights and legally outlaw
discrimination based on sexual orientation
in Canada’s regulated public sector
workforce, which makes up 10% to 15%
of the nation’s labor force. All of the
nation’s provinces except Newfoundland,
Prince Edward Island and Alberta already
have similar anti-bias laws, and the
Canadian government has been promising
to introduce federal legislation for 2
decades, so passage of the measure wasn’t
much in doubt.. Even so, the bill created
enormous political turmoil in the country.
When 2 MPs in the conservative Reform
Party spoke out against the measure by
saying it was acceptable for businesses to
discriminate against homosexuals and
other minorities, the party’s Parliament
leader, Preston Manning, expelled them
from the party caucus, saying "It is not all
right for employers to fire any employee
simply because an intolerant customer
complaints about their color or lifestyle."
Even the ruling Liberal Party showed
signs of the tension the measure had
brought to Canadian politics. And outside
the Parlimnent building, Justice Minister
Allan Rock, who formally introduced
the legislation in behalf of the government,
was greeted by p,rotesters who
called him "Alice Rock" and mocked
Prime Minister Jearl Chritien as "’Jeanne
:. Chritien." The legislation now goes to the
~ upper house of Parliament, the Senate,
¯ where it is also expected to pass by a
: comfortable margin. The measure also
requires the royal assent of Canada’ s governor-
general, which is litde more than a
political, formality. Only 6 nations- Norway,
Sweden, Holland, Slovenia, Israel
and South Africa -have enacted federal
legislation prohibiting discrimination
based on sexual orientation.
Bosnian War
Crimes Nightmare
TIlEHAGUE2 Almost ignored by mainstream
news media, the War Crimes Tribunal
at The Hague has received detailed
evidence of atrocities conunitted during
the 4-year-long Bosnian civil war cente.ring
on reports of male rape as a war tactic
and as a method of intilnidating and controlling
prisoners. According to doc~unents
supplied to the Tribunal by Dr. Mladen
Loncar of the Medical Center for Human
Rights in Zagreb, at least 4,000 Croatian
men were victims of these rapes and sexual
assaults - and Loncar says his figures are
conservative estimates of Croats alone.
At the height of the complex fighting in
the Balkans, there were an estimated
80,000 men in intenmmnt camps - Serbs,
Croats, Mnslims. Loncar’s medical facility
currently sees more than 200 such men
who coutinue to live in the general region.
Most, Loncar says, have fled to nearby
COUlltries as political’refugees - if they
survived the attacks at all. Of the patieuts
seen at Loncar~ s ~nedical center for severe
post-trannmtic distress disorders, most (70
percent) suffered repeated injuries to their
genitals. Many of the inert (25 percent)
were tortured I~y having objects forced up
their rectums. Man)’ prisoners (22 percent)
reported they had been forced, under
threats of death, to perform fellatio
mad other sexual acts with other male
prisoners, and about 11 percent had suffered
at least partial castration.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
Upheld by Court
WASHINGTON - In the continuing war
over the constitutionality of the U.S.
nfilitary’s "’don’t ask, don’t tell" policy,
Lt. Paul Thomasson, a former naval ofricer
discharged for revealing that he is
gay, has lost an important battle in a
federal appeals court decision. The U.S.
4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia
upheld the policy bamting openly homosexual
women and men from serving in
the nation’s maned forces. The case has
national significance because it is the first
ruling involving the"don’ t ask, don’ t tell"
policy to reach the federal appeals level.
Alan Moore, Thomasson’s attorney, argued
that the military policy of excluding
gays and lesbians from the armed services
was both unconstitutiolml and unreasonable,
considering the young officer’s outstanding
record. Moore also took the unusual
step of adding First Amendment
free-speech claims on top of Fifth and
FourteenthAmendment"due process" and
"equal protection" arguments that have
been more widely used in batding the
Pentagon ban in the past.
But the appeals court would have none
of it and ruled that the president and
Congress retain the right to set military
policies, and that thejudicial branch should
defer to .them. "It was appropriate for
Congress to bdieve that a military force
should be as free as possible of sexual
attachments and pressures as it is prepared
to do battle," wrote Judge J. Harvie
Wilkonson III in the 9-to-4 majority opinion.
The court’s ruling is now applicable
throughout the 4th circuit, which includes
Vir_,2inia, Maryland West ¥irginia, North
CarOlina and South~arolina. Tllomasson
and his attorney are now deciding whether
to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme
Court.
MO St. GOP’s Antii
Marriage Campaign
: ST. LOUIS - In a highly controversial
¯¯ election cmnpalgn tactic that Republican
leaders around the country are watching
¯ closely; the head of the Missouri Repub-
¯ lican Party, John Cozad, has launched
attacks against Democrats running for
state office, accusing them of having financial
backing from supporters of samesex
marriages. But Republica!~s rumling
for office in the state, inclnding many who
are seeking election to the state legislature,
are grumbling because the attack
campaigns are being operated in their
races whether they want them or not. And
so far in two special election races, the
Republicans have lost both campaigns.
Not all Republicans running for office in
Missouri, however, agree with Cozad on
the campaign. Republican Bill Patrick,
who lost in the just-finished special decdon
in the state’s 6th legisIative district,
publicly apologized to his Democratic
opponent for thesame-sex marriage campaign
launched by the Republicans on his
behalf. He called the attack "pretty negative,
pretty bad." State GOP strategists in
Ohio,, Wisconsin, Oregon and elsewhere,
however, say they’re interested in seeing
how the same-sex marriage link works as
a campaign strategy in Missouri.
Helms Ads Attack
¯ Opponents & Gays
¯ RALEIGH, N.C. - Apparently impatient
¯ to get on with the election, Sen. Jesse ¯
Helms (R-NC) has launched a series of
¯ TV ads attacking both the Delnocratic
¯ primary candidates, Harvey Gantt and
¯ Charlie Sanders in a bit of gay-baiting,
; saying both supportdomesticpartner ben-
¯ efits. "Liberal Charlie Sanders supports
: racial preferences in hiring, like Harvey
¯ Gantt does, the Hdms ads say. Extend-
" ing health insurance to homosexual part-
" ners? Liberal Sanders and Gantt say yes."
¯ With a $2 million campaign war fund ¯
¯ from 1995, the Helms campaign apparently
decided not to wait for the May 7
¯ prim.ary to find out which Democrat he
¯ will face in the November race, but de-
" cided to get ajump-start and begin swing-
" ing at both men. Helms, 74, is seeking his
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5th term as a U.S. senator. A spokesperson
for Sanders’ campaign called the TV
spots "typical Jesse Hdms distortive attack
ads." In a press statement, Gantt
blasted the Helms TV campaign as "lies
and distortions" and said he has never
even addressed the issue of health care
benefits for the partners of gays and lesbians.
British Transsexual
Wins Court Case
LUXEMBOURG - A Comwall College
tutor, identified only as "P" in court
records, whowas sackedafterasex-change
operation, has won a European Court of
Justice battle over the discharge. Thecourt
campus ROTC program. The faculty-ap-
¯ proved program would also reimburse
¯ students in ROTC if they shouldlose their
." military scholarships because of their
¯ sexual orientation.
¯ Station Drops Show
: That Attacked Gays
¯ AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Triangle
¯ has reported that officials at KIXL-AM, a
¯ Christian-oriented radio station in Austin,
have decided to pull the plug on Wyatt
¯ Roberts’ weekly talk show. Roberts, who
is affiliated with the American Family
Assn., had called for listeners to boycott
¯
any business that advertised in the gay
: newspaper, charging that the Triangle’s
ruled that the European Equal Treatment ¯ editorial cartoonist promoted pedophilia,
agreement of 1976 prohibits any discrimi- -" incest and bestiality. KIXLofficials would
nation based on sex and is not limitedjust
to bias based onan individual being ofone
gender or the other. The court ruled that
the anti-bias provision, which concerns
all members of the European Union,
should apply "to discrimination arising,
as in this case, from the gender reassignment
of the person concerned." The
ground-breaking decision incensed Euroskeptic
Tory MPs in Great Britain and
Tory MP Ann Winterton accused the European
Court of "meddling" in British
legal issues. Anothd~ Tory MP, Elizabeth
Peacock, also attacked the court decision.
"Ourrules aremadeby Parliament and are
sovereign," she said. "They should not be
overturned by a European court. Tli~ey
should mind their own business." British
government officials, said it was unclear if
UK law would have to be changed to
conform to the court ruling. Some political
leaders say the rnling is so sweeping
that it in fact may force the government to
drop its ban against homosexuals in the
nation’s armed forces.
MIT Moves on
ROTC Bias
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Faculty members
at the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology
voted ovenvhdmingly by a voice
vote for the school to negotiate withROTC
officials for a "modified program" that
would allow students to enroll in the campus
military program regardless of their
sexual orientation. The move is an effort
to keep the ROTC program, which also
serves students from Harvard, Tufts and
Wellesley, at MIT - along with some $56
million in Pentagon funds - without violating
the school’s own anti-bias policies
that bar discrimination against gays and
lesbians. The proposal endorsed by the
faculty concedes that openly gay or lesbian
students in ROTC would not be eligible
for commissions as long as the Pentagon
maintains the ban on homosexuals
in the armed forces, but would allow gay
and lesbian students to participate in the
." only say that Roberts’ program was being
¯ cancded because of "scheduling conflicts,"
but Kay Longcope, the Triangle’s
¯ publisher said she believes the
; fundamentalist’s boycott campaign
: backfired on him and brought pressure on
¯ the station to yank the program. "I think it
-" [the decision to cancel the program] speaks
"_ very well for the people of Austin who
really do not believe that Christianity is
"- based on hate," Longcope said
¯¯ Dole Campaign Ad in DC Gay Paper
¯ WASHINGTON - Senate Majority
Leader Bob Dole’s capital campaign or-
: ganization has put an ad in the May3 issue
: of the WashingtonBladeurgingreaders to
¯ vote for a slate of committed Dole del-
¯ egates. An uncommitted slate, including
: seven openly gay Republicans is chal-
¯ lenging the Dole slate, and has already
¯ been endorsed by the District’s local Log
¯ Cabin Club. Many political observers
¯ believe the challenge from the uncommit-
." tedslate prompted theKansas Republican
¯ andpresurned presidentialnominee’s cam-
" paagn to put the ad in the paper. The Dole
¯ campaign ad came just days after news
," that Abner Mason, a gay Boston Republi-
." can activist and Log Cabin Club officer,
¯ would be one of Massachusetts’ GOP
¯" delegates to the Republican National Con-
." vention in San Diego later this year. Ma-
¯ son Is a committed Dole delegate. Dole
¯ has had an on-off record with gays during ¯
¯ his currentpresidential campaign. Earlier this year a $1,000 campaign contribution
¯ from Log Cabin was returned to the groups
¯ PAC organization. Dbleinitially defended
; the returned check, saying he didn’t want
." voters to think he was "buying into some
: special rights for any group." But later he
¯ said returning the check had been"a mis-
; take" and blamed his campaign staff for
; the blunder. Even so, Dole agreed during
the caucus campaign in Iowa to sign a
¯ Chi’istian.Coalitionpledge opposing samesex
mamages.
Is Drag
Constitutional?
FERNDALE, Mich. - The good folks of
Ferndale, just outside. Detroit, have become
embroiled in a debate over whether
some guys putting on dresses to perform
in a variety show is constitutionally protected
freedom of speech and expression,
or if it violates community standards and
can therefore be prohibited. The flap has
erupted almost a year after the fact, but
that liasn’t lowered the heat of the debate
over the LavenderMoonCafe’s drag show
after Gay Pride celebrations there last
year. City Councilman RobertPaczkowski
has been leading the opposition, and he
said recently that "’a lot of people don’t
want that kind of a display right in the
middle of our central business district."
Paczkowski says Lavender Moon’s entertainment
license includes restrictions
barfing topless dancing, lingerie shows,
and any entertainment that"violates community
standards," which he says includes
guys dressing up as gals.
Town OKs Partner
Registration
BOULDER, Colo. - About the only positive
news recently in the growing battle
over same-sex relationships came in the
purely symbolic form of a domestic partnership
re~stration program approved by
the Boulder city council. The registry
cames no legal benefits, but allows samesex
& opposite-sex couples to legally
register their relationship with the city
clerk’s office. Proponents said the program
could make it easier for registered
couples to provide proofof their relationships
in seeking work-related benefits.
Olympic Games:
Utah & Cobb Cty.
ATLANTA - The 1996 Summer Olympic
Games preliminaries are getting underway
with the Saturday, April 27, televised
start of the torch that starts in Los
Angeles and will be relayed across the
counto’ to Atlanta where it will light the
official Olympicflame for the games there
on July 19 - although not quite the way US
Olympic officials expected. Tobegin with,
officials at the Los Angeles Coliseum,
where the torch relay begins, have been
complai~ting that they’re had trouble find
fig [eaves big enough to cover up the
genitals on 2 statues of nude athletes outside
the stadium. The cover-up order came
from the Atlanta Committeefor the Olympic
Ganges, which said they were concerned
that some viewers of the nationally
televised ceremony might be offended by
the nudity. ButACOGalso has announced
that the torch relay would not go through
Cobb County outside Atlanta because
county commissioners have refused to
repeal a 1993 measure that condemns"the
homosexual lifestyle." That resolution was
also responsible for ACOG’s decision,
under pressure from acuvists and rights
advocates, to pull scheduled Olympicpreliminaries
from facilities in the county.
Olympic officials, however, said the passage
of a measure ~n Utah barring gay
dubs at public schools would not make
them reroute the torch around the state.
Utah Lawmakers
Ban Gay Clubs
SALT LAKE CITY - Called into special
session, the Utah state legislature spent a
nasty day enacting a measure that would
bar gay and lesbian student groups from
public schools in the state, a measure that
Gov. Mike Leavitt has already indicated
’he would sign into law and for which he
called the special session. The state’s
ACLU has already vowed that if the measure
is signed into law, as it’s sure to be, it
will sue to overturn it. "Not only does it
violate the rights of lesbian, gay and
straight students," said Carol Gnade of
the American Civil Liberties Union in
Utah, "but also everyone associated with
a Utah high school, including teachers,
administrators and volunteers." Under the
lawjust approved by the legislature, school
boards will have the authority to restrict
or bar any campus club, but in addition,
the measure also forces public school
officials to ban any that are centered around
bigotry, criminal activity or human sexuality.
Gov. Mike Leavitt and the measure’s
sponsor, Sen. Craig Taylor, insisted that
the new law takes back control of campus
clubs by allowing school boards to prohibit
specific dubs. The Utah attorney
general has already indicated that barfing
campus clubs that are "controversial" is
illegal under the 1984 federal Equal Access
Act.
Forget Nature-vs-
Nurture; It’s Bingo!
MILWAUKEE - A judge has tossed out
a civil lawsuit filed by 73-year-old Mary
Verdev against a local church, claiming
she began having spontaneous orgasms
and became sexually attracted to other
women after an electronic bingo board
fell on her 6 years ago. Verdev’s suit was
dismissed "’with prejudice" (meaning she
can’t refile the claim) because she refused
to be examine by psychologists. Verdev
said in her suit that she suffered nearly
$90,000 in injuries when the 300-pound
bingo board fell from a stage at the church
during a bingo night she was attending in
1990. Her suit claimed the accident led to
her unusual sexual responses.
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Congress Passes
Ryan White CARE $
WASHINGTON - The Senate has approved
and sent to the White House a
measure thatincreases federal RyanWhite
CARE Act funds for local care and treatment
of people with HIViAIDS to $738
million. The measure passed unanimously
by a voice vote in the Senate after being
approved on a 402-4 vote in the House the
day before. The measure includes a controversial
provision, however, that calls
for mandatory HIV testing of all newborn
infants by the year 2000 if state voluntary
testing efforts do not reduce the motherinfant
infection rate by then. The issue of
mandatory testing of infants has been
problematic for many because it necessarily
amounts to a virtual inandatory
testing of the mother as well. Critics of the
provision say ~t may discourage pregnant
women from seeking prenatal care altogether.
President Clinton has indicated he
supports the bill and will sign it into law
quickly.
Early-Stage Hiding
PlaceOf HIV ?
NEW YORK - Reporting in tli’e’medical
journal Science, researchers say they be~
lieve the mucous’membranes in the throat
may be the locatirn where HIV replicates
in hiding after individuals are infected
with the virus but still show no out,yard
signs of the infection. The researchers, led
by Ralph Steirmaan of Rockefeller University,
said they made the discovery after
examining enlarged adenoids removed
from 13 patients and found large mnounts
of the virus replicating in the glands’
dendritic cells, the inm~une cells found in
the membranes. Eleven of the 13 i;ffected
people were una~vare at the time tb.at they
were l=IIV-positive.
New PCR Test for
HIV Is Less Reliable
CHICAGO - Stanford University researchers
report in the Annals oflnternal
Medicine that the new polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) AIDS test, which is based
on the presence of elements ofDNA from
HIV in the body, is less reliable than older
tests that rely on the presence of antibodies
to the virus. The researchers found that
even with the daborate precautions requiredin
PCR testing, the results return 5
umes as many false results as the more
widely used antibody testing methods.
PCR testing is also significantly more
expensive and costs between $150 and
$200, compared to standard antibody tests,
which range in price from $5 to $50. The
advantage of the PCR test is that it can be
administered earlier: to newborns because
other tests rely on the formation of antibodies
to the"virus, which often don’t
show up for 6 months following infection.
KS Virus May Be
Common in All Men
BOSTON - A report in the New England
Journal ofMedicine says the virus that is
believed responsible for Kaposi’s sarcoma,
a rare cancer that strikes many
AIDS patients, is found in the sexual
¯ organs ofmostmen. Researchers with the
¯¯ Institute of Microbiology at the University
of Ferrara in Italy report they found
¯ the KS-related virus, known as KSHV, in
30 of 33 semen samples of health Italian
¯" men - a 91% infection rate. The scientists
¯ also say they found the virusin the urinary
¯ tracts, in the prostates, and other areas of
¯ the genital organs of other health men as ¯
well. The scientists say they believe indi-
¯ viduals with healthy immune systems can
." live with the virus present in their bodies
¯ without any.apparent problems, but that ¯ when the immune system is weakened, as
¯ it is when infected with HIV, the KS virus
¯ appears to become active.
Drug Combo Looks
Effective
\VASHINGTON - A 73-week study by
drug manufacturer Hoffman-La Roche of
some 978 AIDS patients has shown that
Invirase, the brand name for the firm’s
version of the protease inhibitor
saquinavir, in combination with the drug
ddC, reduced the rate of deaths by more
than two-thirds compared to patients taking
ddC alone. Saqtunavir has been considered
the least impressive of the new
protease inhibitors, but the new findings,
which have not yet been published, have
prompted the drug manufacturer to ask
the Food & Drug Administration to allow
the new information to be added to the
drug’s label.
"HIV Cell Infection
i Agent- Isolated
WASHINGTON-Governmentscientists
report they ha~[.e discovered a chemical
¯ clue to why HIV is infectious. Reporting
¯ in the journal Science, researchers at the
Nadonal Institute of Allergy and Infections
Diseases say they have found a pro-
. tein, which they call "fusin," that must be
¯ present for HIV to infect white blood
cells,.the primary target of the virus. Edward
A. Berger, who headed the team that
made the discovery, said the discovery
gives scientists a "new handle on under-
; standing" how HIV invades cells. "Obvi-
] onsly this is a potential target for develop-
. mg new drugs to treat HIV infection,"
Berger said. "Potentially by coming up
¯ with a drug that blocks the receptor, you
: might block the .ability of HIV to repli-
¯ cate." The researchers cautioned, how-
" ever, that there were still~ many mysteries
¯ about the virfis that need to be answered.
¯ Among other things, they noted that HIV ¯
attaches itself to some types Of immune
¯ cells in the early stages of the infection
~ without using fusin. This means HIV
¯ comes in variations that connect to CD4
cells and some other molecular cofactor
¯ or cofactors on these cells. Berger said
¯ that potential, drugs that block, the fusin
receptor on cells could only do part of the
job in combating HIV.
Increase in HIV
After Tetanus Shots
¯ BOSTON - Researchers with the Na-
¯ tional Institute of Allergy & Infectious
¯ Diseases have reported in the New En-
~ gland Journal of Medicine that tetanus
¯ shots can cause a dramadc ~ncrease in the
reproduction of HIV in the body. After
¯ g~ving tetanus shots to people infected
; with HIV, the researchers found
they had a 2- to 36-fold increase in HIV
levels. The scientists also found that
~ blood samples from uninfected individu-
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and comfort that enhances teh therapeutic process.
~For further Information, c~ll ~43:4i 17
Leah Hunt, MSW Judy Seymour,Taylor, CADC
Della Blackburn, CADC ¯
RichardReeder, MS
Serving a Diverse Community
KELLY
KIRBY
Certified
Public Accountant
Lesbians & Gays face many
special tax situations whether
single or as couples.
We are proud to serve our
communities with sensitive &
timely information.
747-5466
POB 14011, Tulsa 74159
Free & Anonymous
Finger Stick Method
By &for, but not exclusive
to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities..
Monday & Thursday evenings:
7-8:30 pm for testing, .7-9 pm for results.
Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment.
TOHR Tulsa Oklahomans
for Human Rights
742-2927
4158 South Harvard, Suite-E-2
2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium
Look for our banner on testing nights¯
als who had been given the same tetanus
shots more readily became infected with
HIV after the injections. Researchers said
the dramatic increase in HIV production
appears to only last about 6 weeks, so the
benefits of tetanus shots generally outweighs
the temporary surge in HIV levels
for most patients.
Blood Heat
Treatment Gets OK
LOS ANGELES - The Indiana-based
HemoCleanse Inc. has been given approval
by the Food & Drug Administration
to expand testing of its blood-heating
treatment of people infected with HIV.
The 2nd phase of the trials will include 2-
hour treatments at St. Elizabeth Hospital
in Lafayette, Ind., and the Harbor-UCLA
Research & Education Institute in Los
Angeles. HemoCleanse’s treatment, similar
to kidney dialysis, involves slowly
drawing all a patient’s blood from his
body in small quantifies and heating it to
108 degrees Fahrenheit before infusing it
back into his body. The idea behind the
treatment is that HIV is sensitive to even
small increases in temperature and would
be destroyed in massive quantities by the
treatment. Sixty patients will be divided
into 2 groups during the trials. One group
will receive 2 treatments each - the first
for 1 hour, and the 2nd fo~ 2 hours. The
other group will serve as a control group
and will not receive the heat treatment,
but will remain on standard HIV drug
therapy.
HIV & Gene Therapy
" Research
BOSTON" - Researchers report in the
journal Science that use of a genetically
benign version of HIV may be the key to
an importantbreakthrough in gene therapy
treatment, serving as the carrier system or
"vector" to deliver therapeutic genes to
target cells in the human body. Researchers
with the Salk Institute in San Diego
and the Whitehead Institute in Cambridge,
Mass., have reported that they successfully
used the HIV vector to inject therapeutic
genes in the cells of live rats in
laboratory experiments, ff the use of the
HIV vector proves as successful inhuman
gene therapy, the researchers say it could
be a potentially important treatment for
such genetic disorders as cystic fibrosis,
muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer’s dis-
Genetically Altered
AIDS Vaccine Fails
BE!’HESDA, Md. - Government officials
say a 5-year study of the genetically
engineered AIDS vaccine, gpl60, has
shown the prevention effort is not effective
in halting the progress of the disease
in people. The study, one of the first of its
kind, used the Microgenesys experimental
vaccine and was a joint venture between
the Walter Reed Army Institute of
Research and the National Institute of
Allergy & Infectious Disease in conjunction
with private medical facilities. With
some 600 military and civilian volunteers,
the study showed no improvement
in their ability to fend off the infection.
gin, transmission and statistics of infection
for each community, and (b) quarantine
those known to be infected and practicing
high-risk behavior.
Page 7-8, SEXUAL PERVERSION
Plank 1-3~ Homosexuality is not an
alternate lifestyle, a genetic abnormality
or a civil rights matter, but is instead a
consciou~ individual choice of an
abominal sin practice. Such behavior has
been a major factor in the demise of societies
from Sodom and Gomorra to the
Empires of Ottoman, Greece and Rome.
Homosexlaal behavior is the principle
cause of the spread of AIDS in America.
We, therefore, condemn not the person
but the practice of homosexual behavior,
and oppose the ominous political powers
being given homosexuals in the United
States. We believe that the practice of
homosexuality is an abomination before
God and a perversion of the natural law
and is indicative of severe diseases. We
believe that legislation condoning homosexuality
would confer public acceptability
of this activity and would lead inexorably
to the destruction of our nation.
Plank 4-6: We believe that homosexuals,
sodomites, and other sexually perverse
people shonl~i not be entitled to
special or extraordinarY rights. We affirm
that homosexual behavior is not a constitutionally
protected right and that homosexuals
area behavi~al group not deserving
of special protection under the law.
Because homosexuals are not deserving
of minority status, we oppose all "’Gay
Rights" legislation. We urge that federal
and state funding we withheld from all
states and or municipalities that enact
homosexual "fights" legislation.
Plank 8+9: We support the retention
and enforcement ofsodomy laws in Oklahoma.
We urge vigorous arrest and pros-
.ecufion of all those violating laws regardxng
the promotion of homosexual behavior.
Plank 17+18: Toprotect family values,
we urge that those promotiug an alternative
lifestyle by restricted from positions
of influence of minor children. \Ve do not
recognize homosexuality as a normal
lifestyle, therefore we oppose any mandated
education curriculum or special
rights based on affirmative action for ho~
mosexuals.
Plank 20+21: We strongly oppose permitring
homosexuals to teach in the public
school systems. We oppose the hiring
of homosexual teachers, administrators,
or counselors.
Hank 22-24: We oppose the establishment
of homosexual dubs in schools. We
hold that portraying the homosexual
lifestyle in any positive manner in our
schools is heresy. Weoppose the National
Education Association’s efforts to promote
the homosexual agenda in our
nation’s schools.
Plank 27-29: We submit that legally
recognized marriages to be limited to a
traditional monogamous heterosexual relationship,
with only these mamages allowed
current tax and legal benefits. We
oppose same-sex marriages. We support
federal and state legislation prohibiting
legal recognition ofsame sex "marriages"
in the event such unions are made legal by
another state.
Hank- 30: We believe that the federal
government should alterappointments and
employment practices that would place
homosexuals in sensitive and responsible
positions.
benefiting Tulsa Area AIDSAgencies
June 21&221996 Warren Place Doubletree Hotel
Dinner, Cash Bar and Performance
TICKETS ON SALE AT ALL CARSON ATTRACTIONS OUTLETS
OR BY PHONE: 584-2000
550 N. Memorial
Kacie Gordon
pager: 672-8905
Joni Ledbetter
pager 670-5664
Any Sale - 2% over
invoice with ad.
Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesday Services 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Choir Practice ¯ Thurs. 7:30 pm Codependency Support Group
I To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly zoith our God... Micah 6:8
5451-E South Mingo Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441
’96 Pride Picnic
JUNE 15
Noon - 5:00 prn
Opening Ceremony, lpm
¯¯ Blessing by the Rev. Leslie Penrose
¯ Welcome by TOHR president Debbie Starnes
¯ Performances by local entertainers, including Miss Gay Tulsa &
Miss Tulsa USofA, and Tulsa Family Chorale!
Throughout the afternoon,
¯ DJ will provide music throughout the day
¯ Booths with vendors, community organization info., crafts, etc.
¯ Food for modest cost
¯ Free beverage.s
¯ Volleyball & tennis court available
¯ Kids’ playground
¯ Security provided all day
¯ Closing ceremony, with benediction by RF Renfro &
Freedom Balloon Extravaganza!
If you want to have a "booth," call Tom at 583-1248 before June 1st.
Be a part of the Pride Picnic! - To volunteer, call 743-4297.
Edison St.
~ To Sand Springs, 1-412
Directions: From Tulsa, take
Keystone Expressway West
towards Sand Springs. Exit
Gilcrease Rd. turn right (North)
on Gilcrease Road to Edison St.
and turn right (East) on Edison,
go about 1/2 mile. Owen Park is
on the right. Parking is on the
Southeast corner of the park,
near Roosevelt School.
1-244
(DowTunlstoawn)
7 LSA FAMI.LY NEWS COMMUNITY CALE R
SUNDAYS
Agape’ Christian
Fellowship
Service, 10:30 am & 7 pm
Sheridan Center, Suite H
21st & Sheridan, 747-2482
Bless the Lord At All
.Times Christian Center
Sunday School, 9:45 am
Worship Service, 11 am
262To 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
545 I-E South Mingo.
Info: 622-1441
Metro. Comm. Church
of Greater Tulsa
Worship Service, 10:45am
1623 N. Maplewood
Info: 838-1715
Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay
Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa
6:30 pm at Canterbury
5th & Evanston, 583-9780
MONDAYS TUESDAYS
HIV Testing HIV+ Support Group
TOHR Clinic ¯ HIV Resource Consortium
Free & anonymous testing " 1:30 pm
using fingerstick method. ¯ 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1
No appointment required. " Info~ Wanda @ 749-4194
Walk in testing: 7-8:30 pm :
Results hours: 7-9 pm ¯ Shanti-Tulsa, Inc.
Info: 742-2927
Lambda Bowling League
Sheridan Lanes
8:45 pm
3121 S. Sheridan
PFLAG Family AIDS
Support Group
2nd Monday of month,
6:30 pm
4154 S, Harvard
Info: 749-4901
OTHER GROUPS
TOHR Helpline
Daily 8-10 pm
For info. or to volunteer:
743:GAYS
The Technicians, Leather
org., Info c/o 621-5597
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform
& Leather Seekers Assoc.
Info: 838-1222
¯ HIV/AIDS:Support Group &
¯ Friends & Family
¯¯ HIV/AIDS Support Group
7 pro, call for location:
749-7898
Grief Group
Butler/Stumpff
¯ Funeral Home
2103 E. 3rd St.
Call for time: 587-7000
Alternative Skating
8:30 - 11 pm, 241-2282
$4, Sand Springs Skate
¯ WEDNESDAYS
¯ Agape’ Christian
: Fellowship
¯ Service, 7 pm ¯
Sheridan Center, Suite H
¯ 21st & Sheridan, 747-2482
Bless The Lord At All
Times Christian Center
Prayer & Bible Study
7:30 pm 2627-B East 1 lth
Call 583-7815 for info.
Family Of Faith MCC
Praise & Prayer 6:30 pm
Choir Practice 7:30 pm
5451-E South Mingo.
Call 622-1441 for info.
Community of Hope
(United Methodist)
Service for Peace, 6:30 pm
Bible Study, 7 pm
1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800
TNAAPP
Tulsa Native American
AIDS Prevention ProJect
Support group
for Gay & Bi Native
Ameri&m Men, 6 pm
at Community of Hope
1703 E. 2nd
582-7225 or 584-4983
¯ THURSDAYS
16-Step Empowerment
Group For Women
: Community of Hope
¯ 1703 E.2nd, Info: 585-1800
" Co-Dependency
¯ Support Group
: 7;30; Family of Faith MCC
: 5451-ES. Mingo, 622-1441
HIVTestingTOHRClinic i
Walk in testing: 7 - 8:30 pm.
Results hours: 7 - 9 pm
Info: 742-2927
Tulsa Family Chorale
Weekly practice, 9:30 pm
Lola’s 2630 E. 15th
PFLAG Family AIDS
Support Group
Ist & 3rd Thursdays
4154 S. Harvard, 749-4901
Alternatives
Weekly social events for
LGBT men & women, 7 pm
Info: 646-5503
¯ Substance Abuse
Support Group
for persons with HIViAIDS
4154 S. Harvard, Ste. G
3-4:30 pm, hffo: 749-4194
¯ SATURDAYS
¯¯ St. Jerome’s Ecumenical
Catholic 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
OTHER GROUPS
Gay & Lesbian Student
Association
TJC Southeast Campus,
Info:-631-7632
SWAN-Sip~gle Women’s
Activ@ Network
Call 832-2121
MAY 17-19
Herland Sister Resources Retreat
Roman Nose State Park
Registration deadline: 5/15
Info: 2312 NW 39th, OKC 73112
HIVIAIDS & SpiritualitylWholeness
Retreatfor Women, Info: 488-9215
SATURDAY, MAY 18
Pride Picnic Benefit, Lola’s
2630 E. 15th, 749-1563
SUNDAY, MAY 19
Interfaith AIDS Minitries
13th InternationalAIDS Candlelight
Memorial & Mobilization
3 pro, St. Peter’s Episcopal, 9100 E. 21St
Info: 438-2437
SATURDAY, JUNE 1
Ecumenical Pride Worship Service
6 pm, St. Jerome’s hosting at The
Garden Chapel, 3841 S. Peoria
Info: Father Rick, page 646-7116
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
Pride Picnic Benefit - The Tool Box
1338 E. 3rd, 584-1308
TUESDAY, JUNE 4
TOHR, PFLAG & Rainbow Business
Guild present Cece Cox, pres. ofthe
Dallas Gay & Lesbian Alliance
7 pm, Chouteau Ran, Chapman Ctr, TU,
Dinner: $10, Speech: free,Info: 743-4297
FRIDAY, JUNE 7
Safe Haven Lake Cookout.
Social gatheringfor young adults, 18-30
8 pm, Family of Faith MCC
5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441
Pride Picnic Benefit - The Silver Star
1565 S. Sheridan, 834-4234
SATURDAY, JUNE 8
TOHR Citywide Pride Prom
All ages, alcohol-free dance
8 pm, Alan Chapman Activity Cti. TU,
Dignity/Integrity Meeting
Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians
5 pm, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church
5635 E. 71st, Info: POB 701044, 74170
SUNDAY, JUNE 9
Pride Picnic Benefit, Concession~
3340 S. Peoria, 744-0896
MONDAY, JUNE 10
PFLAG
Family AIDS Support Group, 6:30 pm
Social and Refreshments. 7 pm
General Meeting, 7:30 pm
4154 S. Harvard, Info: 749-4901
SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Tulsa Pride Picnic
Noon - 5pm. Owen Park
560 No. Maybelle, Info: 583-1248
SUNDAY, JUNE 16
Family ofFaithMCCFather’s Day Service
With Father Rick Hollingsworth
11 am, 5451-E S. Mingo, 622-1441
JUNE 21 a 22
Follies Revue, Inc.
Follies ’96 Salutes the Movies!
6 pm, Doubletree Hotel, Warren PlaCe
$125 & $40, Info: 437-0201
SUNDAY, JUNE 23
Statewide Pride Rally & Parade
Speaker: Donna Red Wing
’92 Advocate Woman ofthe Year
1:30 pro, Memorial Park, NW 35th &
Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City
Info: 743-4297 or 405-791-0202
OUT + ABOUT
by J.D. Jamett
What can I say, this last month truly did
have its showers and flowers. The turnabout
show at the Silver Star was a rose.
that never smelled more sweeter, & the
staff truly did surprise themselves when
they let their less masculine sides show.
On the other hand, the Miss Gay Tulsa
America at the Performing
Arts Center
got rained on- no fault
of the orgamzers or
performers. The technical
staff at the P.A.C.
constantly missed
lighting and sound
cues - whathappened?
Our sympathies to the
entertainers and organizers.
This next month
holds alot offun things
todo starting with Renegades"
annual
GayFest (May 17- 19)
which features Dark
Shadows (drag in
broad daylight!) and
other fun things tO do
all outside. That same
weekend, you may
venture back inside on
May 17 for a live performance by Abigail
at Concessions that should very entertaining
then
May 23, the Red Ribbon Ice Revue call
254-7272 for more details. In June, don’t
forget Miss Northeastern Oklahoma
USofA at The Silver Star (June 23).
Pride Picnic Update
Show your pride in the community and
help make this year’s Pride Picnic the best
Kelly Green, Miss Gay Tulsa America
runners-up, JJ Gentry & Sugarbaker
ever by seeing any or all of the following
benefit shows: Lola’s on May 18th, the
Toolbox hosted by Sensuous on May26th
and the Silver Star on June 7th.
This month I’m proud to feature, not an
establishment, but a community within
our .community, Community of Hope. It’s
not just a church, but a place where you
feel like a person, notjust a number.Leslie
Penrose is the pastor.She’is one of these
rare people you are truly proud to call a
friend. This church has
a lot tO offer, for ex,
ample, chances to
work in the commu-
.nity through programs
like their RAIN team
training, feeding the
homeless, meals on
.wheels, small symposiums
on a variety of
different subjects, and
social events such as
small dinner groups
and movie nights. I’ll
say it a again- it’s not
justachurch butacommunity!
Services are
very convenient on
Sunday evening at
6pm at 1703 East 2nd
Street. Giveit achance,
Monique Foster, the new Miss Silver Star you may just like it.
& Bobbi Sue Summers OK, OK, boy, did I
¯ open up a big make-up
¯ case with the Queen of the Month (see ¯
letter to the editor). Sorry Katherine, but
: licking may face does constitute begging.
¯ Well, this month’s Queen of the Month is ¯
constandyhelpingpeople- doingbenefits
¯ &helping as aresearchnurse on HIV drug
: studies.That’s right, Danny (TeraTaneal),
¯ youareMay’sQueenoftheMonth.Thanks
: for all your hard work! Till then, see ya
out + about.
Fina y....Unity Gardens
A final resting place in peace, unity and pride...
located in Washington Memorial Gardens Cemetery
4300 E. 91st Street South
On 91st Street between Yale & Harvard.
Unity Gardens has been designed for
the Gay and Lesbian Community,
and those who support our unity.
Did you know that there is no cemetery in Tulsa
that will allow companions to be buried together
recognizing them as a couple,
or~’recognizing your sexual orientation as an individual?
Actually there is no place in the United-States who will,
UNTIL NOW~
We are the first celnetery in the United States
to offer a special section of our cemetery just for
Gays & Lesbians, and their family and friends.
We offer burial spaces, columbarium for cremated remains,
and scattering gardens with a memorial wall,
in this new-ly expanded and renovated-section of
Washington Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The Pride flag will proudly fly in the center of Unity Gardens
to always remind us of our struggle in life for unity and pride.
If you have purchased a plot elsewhere,
you may be able to transfer or trade your burial plots.
For more information, please call Russell Langley-Stumpff at 918-587-7000.
***Owned and operated by Butler-Stumpff Funeral Home***
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
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MCC of the
Living Spring
....a community of friends...
Rev. Kermie Wohlenhaus
Pastor
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
Raven/Redhawk Enterprises
Phyl Boler-Schmidt
Systems &
Software Specialist
POB 429, Eureka Springs 72632
501,253.2776
Books, Incense,
Candles and Rainbows/
Plus lots morel
(501) 25315445
45&1/2 Spring Street
Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
emrain@rog.ar.ispnet.com
AUTHENTIC FRESH
ITALIAN RAINBOW
CUSINE TROUT
ofEureka Springs
Recommended by -
The New York Times
(501) 253-6807, Closed Wednesday
5Center Street, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Jim & .Brent’s Bistro Calendar ofEvents
Friday, May 24 &-Thursday, May 25 --
Richard Johnson, acoustic guitar
Thurs. May 30th & Fri. May 31st
Music on the deck, Lunch, 11:30-2:30, Dinner 5-11 pm.
Bistro Beat Etc.
May 30th through June 2nd
Eureka Springs.Blues Festival
Stop by our house for a taste of local flavor.
Dine outside on the patio & porch or in
our three beautiful dining rooms.
Fine food at an affordable price.
Gay.owned, Operated & Rainbow Proud
By Allan Beard, Baltimore GayPaper
Like most other gay resort areas,
Provincetown shares the three traits all
held in common - sun, sand and surf. And
like its southern sister city Key West, it is
a remote village located on a narrow strip
of landjutting out into the Adantic Ocean,
accessible only to those who seek it out.
One does not pass through Key West or
Provincetown; one goes there to be there.
Andwhile Provincetown’ s waters are significandy
cooler than those of Florida’s
southern most city, it is not the water that
attracts tens of thousands of lesbians and
gay men to this Massachusetts Cape Cod
village each year - it’s the lesbians and
gay men that is the attraction.
Just who first walked the sandy beaches
that surround Provincetown is in little
doubt. And while Native Americans can
lay claim to the cape, it was the white
European immigrants who built the fishmg
village that was to become
Provincetown. Pilgrims from the May
flower first walked ashore in 1620; a
monument commemorating that event
stands’ atop High Pole Hill overlooking
the town an harbor.
For the most part, Provincetown grew
up over three centuries as a fishing village.
Filled with the homes and shops of a
18thcentury fishing village, Provincetown
is rich in period architecture with an impressive
harbor and quaint atmosphere
one comes to expect from a New England
port town. It is surrounded by beaches,
dunes and the Atlantic. Isolated at the end
of Cape Cod, Provincetown has long attracted
artists,individualists and free spirits.
Very much like Key West, the 3,700
year-round residents have a live-and-let-
¯ live attitude, which clearly appeals to the
¯ many thOUsands of lesbians and gay men
that flock there every, summer.
¯ The village has two main streets, Com-
" mercial Street and Bradford Street, which
¯ run parallel for nearly three miles. They
are intersected bynumerous smaller streets
¯ beginning at the harbor and continuing
¯ back to the dunes. It is a town filled with
guest houses, restaurants, galleries, bou-
: tiques and shops. It also has its share of
¯ typical beach community tourist busi-
¯ .nesses, but in Provincetown they don’t
¯ seem to intrude on the town’s quiet character.
¯ The Provincetown Business Guild rep-
¯ resents more than 200 businesses that
welcomelesbian and gay tourists. Founded
¯
in 1978 the guild is dedicated to enhanc-
¯ ing the vacation experience of gay people
¯ , visiting the cape. Lesbian and gay life is
readily visible to anyone visiting the town.
Couples stroll the shop lined streets ann
~n arm with barely notice given them. On
the beach thousands of hard bodied men
and buffed lesbians swim, play and sun
themselves in the confidence of a shared
appreciation of their diversity. At night a
not-so subtle sexual energy takes over the
town’s main streets as hundreds head to
nightclubs and restaurants to party with
old acquaintances and new-found friends.
It is an atmosphere suited perfectly to the
friendly, open lifestyle of this .country’s
many lesbian and gay communities.
To increase gay visibility and promote
gay pride, the ProvincetOwn Business
Guild plans special events year-round.
For information on these events and to
make travel arrangement~,call Vanessa at
International Tours at - 341-6866.
OK, so maybe you don’t have the time
or money to go as far as Provincetown but
you still need a get-away and it’s got to be
a Gay-friendly place, and affordable!
For all that, you can’t beat Eureka
Springs. This Victorian jewel has got to
have one of the highest per capita Lesbian/
Gay/Bi populatious in the country.
And therefore, you can count on finding a
friendlyfamily welcome.
In fact, it’s possible to spend most of
your resting and dining time in Gay or
very Gay friendly establishments. This
writer canpersonallyrecommendthe food
at DeVito’s and dined withJim &Brent at
the restaurant the guys had before they
opened the well-regarded Bistro. While
we haven"t tried Autumn Breeze, we hear
it’s excellent also.
Lod~ng can vary from the very convenient
Kings Hi-Way Inn overlooking a
¯
lovely valley to the unique bed & break-
¯ fast experience of the Woods or Rock
¯ Cottage Gardens or the views of Pond
MountainLodge. For very reasonable and
¯ historic rooms, check out the Park Basin
Hotel.
, In between earing and sleeping, there
¯ are many shops to checkout. They range
from tourist tacky to worksof art. One of
the most interesting selections is at Crazy
¯ Bone. And be sure to stop in ’to see MC
¯ andLinda, the new ownersoftheEmerald
¯ Rainbow, providing locals, and visitors with Pride stuff and mo~e..:
¯ NoW if you need more.detailed infor-
¯ marion about all your Options in Eureka ¯
Springs, track down Jan & Kim with
¯ P.I.M.P.S. who kiaow what’s available.
¯ And if like many others, you decide to ¯
check out local properties, stop by
McClung Realty - they can help.
Adult Accommodations
In Eureka Springs, Arl~nsas
Craftsman-style cottages with beautiful views
of the woods and wildlife -.Tucked on top of the
Ozark Mountains. just a few rmnutes walk to the
Historic Village of Eureka Springs.
501/253-8281
Frank Gr~.en Jr., Host - 50 Wall Street - Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Reviewed by Barry Hensley
Tulsa City-County Library
OK, all of you budding Laurence
Oliviers, take notice! ff acting is your
profession 9rjust a fun hobby, and you’re
having trouble finding quality plays that
speak to gays and lesbians, here is the
book for you. "The Actor’s Book of Gay
and Lesbian Plays" pulls together seventeen
plays, chosen by
editors (and playwrights),
EricLane and
Nina Shengold.
The criteria for a
play’s inclusion in this
anthologyis thatitmust
have gay or lesbian
characters, queer
themes or be ofinterest
to the gayand lesbian
community,regardless
of the playwright’s
ownsexual orientation.
The plays vary widely,
from one-acts to full
length, comic and dramatic,
some interesting while others less
so, and a range o_f styles and cast sizes.
One of the most interesting aspects of
these plays is that not all of them premieredin
New York or Los Angeles. One
had its .first performance in
Shepherdstown, West Virginia~ and another
was first heard over the air as a radio
play.
AIDS, of course, is a topic of a few of
these plays. Victor .Bumbalo’s "What
Are Tuesdays LaKe. takes place in a
hospital waiting room. "The Baltimore
Waltz," by Paula Vogel and "Lonely
Planet," by Steven Dietz deal with AIDS
in more intangible ways.
Another interesting entry, "It’s Our
Town, Too," by Susan Miller, is just what
you might think: a bare stage, queer ver-
...One d the-most
interesting aspects of
these plays is that not
all of them premiered
in New York or Los
A~ngeles. One hasd.lts
first performance m
Shepherdstown,
West Virginia...
sion . of Thornton
Wilder’s "Our Town."
"Cater,Waiter,"by Eric
Lane, is a funny, ironic,
ten-minute piece about
"eighty-seven gay men
and three lesbians serving
dinner tO a buncha
Reagan cronies" at a.
Republican fundraiser.
With the current
boom of successful
queer-themed films,
like "Jeffrey" and "The
Bird~ge," it shouldn’t,
be long until more gay
and lesbian friendly
" plays start showing.up onstage in mid-
: America. When they do, "The Actor’s
¯ Book of Gay and Lesbian Plays" will be
; an excellent resource.
¯ Check for this book, and others on
¯ similar subjects, at your local branch li-
¯ brary or call the Readers Services depart-
’ ment at the CentrallLibrary, 596-7966.
byJames Christjohn, EntertainmentNotes
While it might seem so at times, this
column is not just about me being peevish.
It is about a much wider concern of
mine.
To those in the gay & lesbian community
whom I have heard complaining that
thereisn’t enough gay theatre, that there is
an audience for these shows, that no theatre
in town is brave enou,,h to do these
kinds of shows; I have only one thing to
say. Where were you?
Several shows during
the TU weekend of
One-acts touched on
gay issues, mine and
Gabriel Washam’s
"’Diaries" blatandy so.
I had incredible support
from Professor Cook (
Thank you!), who feels
these plays are important
to have done, an
incredible cast, & itwas
free, for heaven’ s sake!
You missed a great set
of shows.
You had the chance
to say, with your pres-
To those...
corn lainln that
t"
P" ’ ~
here lsn t enough
Gay theatre,
that there is
an audlenee ~or
these shows...
I have only one
thln¢ to say.
Where were you?
ence, that there is an audience for these
shows, that these shows will draw folks
in, that there is a reason to see these shows
produced.
As Gerald Miller said, "Ain’t gonna
happen". He and I spoke of Gay theatre in
Tulsa when he was managing Theatre
Tulsa. His take was that there wasn’t an
audience. Tom and I argued the point, and
I now feel his comments were, sadly,
justified.
¯ To all of you who expressed interest, &
¯ didn’t put your body where your mouth is
¯ in terms of your presence in the theatre
" seat, you’ve helped to kill gay theatre.
¯ If there is no gay theatre in Tulsa, it’s
¯ not that the shows aren’t produced or
¯ people aren’t interested in doing them;
it’s because you weren’t there when the
¯ shows were produced. Even when, as in
.. this case, the productions are free to the
¯ public! You have no one to blame but
yourselves. So don’tlet
me hear anyone in the
community bemoaning
"the lack of gay plays
here, because it’s your
own fault they aren’t
being done.
BACP produced an
excellent production of
Harvey Fierstein’s"On
Tidy Endings" some
months back_. Thenight
Tom &I attended, only
1/4 of the house was
filled. And I know
there’s enough queens
in this town to have
filled the theatre.
" Sad thing is, many students & faculty.
¯ were talking about doing a production of ¯
"Falsettoland" at TU. Thehigher ups were
." concerned that people wouldn’t come.
¯ One ofmy goals with HIVariations, I’d
¯ hoped, was to prove that there was an ¯
audience. With the lack of community
¯ support of HIVariations, indeed all the
¯ shows that weekend, it seems unlikely ¯
¯ that this Falsetto, or other shows like it,
will be produced. How sad.
Package includes: two nights’ Club Level accommodations at the Sheraton New
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by Jean-Pierre, TFNfood critic
TFNreaders attending the Great Plains
Regional Gay Rodeo in Oklahoma City
Memorial Day weekend will be pleased to
know that lots of decent restaurants exist
in our Capital Cowtown at which they can
cozy up to the chuckwagon.
Just like Tulsa, most of the national
franchises and chain restaurants have
stores in Oklahoma City which are concentrated
in the Quail Springs Mall area
¯ on Memorial between May and Pennsyl~
vania; near Baptist Hospital at Northwest
Expressway and Lake Hefner Parkway;
in"oiltown" at Interstate
40 and Meridian;
and down on the
south side along Interstate
240 between
Western and May
Avenues. But why
eat at some place you
can visit at home?
After all, half of the
tim of traveling to
exotic locations is
discovering the local
cuisine.And, surprisingly,
Oklahoma
City probably has a
lot more decent nonchain
restaurants than Tulsa.
First, a few words of warning: Many
rodeoers will be staying at the Northwest
Hilton or at the ever popular Habana Inn
both of which have in house dining facilities.
Let’s just say that you’ll want to eat
off the premises. And don’t even think
about room service.
\¥qaen you are in downtown OKC, be
advised that. there is no place wonderful,
and the Myriad Convention Center food is
deadly. Nearby though are LaRoea Mexican
Restaurant a couple.of blocks west
of the Myriad on Rent and there are
always the various trendy (translate: long
lines, small servings, big prices) establishments
and the onmipresent Spaghetti
Warehouse in Bricktown several blocks
east o.f the Myriad. The Bricktown Brewery
is, in our opinion, the Oklahoma
microbrewery serving up the best beer
made in Oklahoma (but don’t get your
hopes up about the food)¯ Wejust wish the
Oklahoma legislature didn’t make the
microbreweries water the beer to 3.2.
Several formerly popular northwest
spots are now closed, such as Doc’s at
63rd and Western, Rita’s del Rio on May
across from the Northwest Hilton,Pump’s
at Grand and \Vestem, Interurban in
Fifty Penn Place, and Magnolia Cafe at
66th and Western: We’re also sad to report
that due to the new conservative
Christian ownership of United Founder’s
Tower, the Eagle’s Nest, with its 360
degree revolVing view of Lake Hefner
and northwest Oklahoma City, has closed
its doors. Never fear, though, there are
still lots of fun places to dine and frolic.
While on Oklahoma City’s infamous
39th Street Strip, many readers may remember
the gastronomically challenging
Family Diner, a classic greasy spoon.
But better days have come to that location,
and completely new proprietors have
established the gay owned and operated
Pifion Care (moderate cost), which features
lots of Southwestern style entrees,
heavy on thepasta and chicken, and, while
notan all-night establishment, does stay
open until 2 a.m., and 3 a.m. on weekends.
: The beautiful people and yuppies of
¯¯ OklahomaCity spendmost of their dining
¯ dollars on the strip alongWestern Avenue north of Interstate 44. There is quite a
¯ variety of interesting and worthwhile
¯ places in this area. Anchoring the comer
¯ spot on i-44 is Portobello (expensive),
¯ featuring Tuscan style Italian food and
: Italian language tapes in the restrooms.
¯ Another long time Italian spot is Flip’s
¯ -Wine Bar and Trattoria (moderately
¯ expensi.ve), at Grand Boulevard, with a
¯ great selection of by-the-glass wines and
¯ decent food--be sure to check out the
After all,
half of the fun of
traveling_is discovering
the local euMne.
And, surprisingly,
Oklahoma City
probably has a lot
more decent non-chain
restaurants than Tulsa.
daily specials. At
64th Street, you will
. find the excellent
Metro Wine Bar
and Bistro (expensive,
reservations
advised), serving re-
,trial French cuisine,
nightly meat
and fish specials, and
creamy, chilled
vichyssoise to die
for. Across the street
in: Nichols Hills
Plhza is the single
best restaurant in the
st~ite of Oklahoma,
¯ the.Coach House (veryexpensive, reser- ¯
vataons required, dres~ code), featuring
¯
e}quisitely prepared Atnerican haute cui-
¯ sine and impeccable ~ervice. Everyone ¯
should experience the artistry of Chef
~ Kurt Fleishfresser and the elegance of the
: Coach House at least once in their life-
¯. time. Crawling back toWestern, at 67th’is
the Iguana Lounge (moderate) which is
¯ billed as Acapulco cuisine but we have to
¯ call it avant garde Mexican, and their new
.: patio should be open by rodeo time. An
¯
excellent sushi bar is Tokyo Japanese
¯ Restaurant (expensive), just south of
¯ Wilshire, which serves Sapporo beer and ¯
¯ sushi as good as any Japanese restaurant
we’ve visited in the United States. Way
: up north at 80th is Let’s Barbecue (inex-
¯ pensive), with basic down home smoked ¯
meats and occasionally fried catfish (if
¯ you remember Let’s at 66th Street, that
¯ location, now closed, went to Let’s ex-
¯ wife in the divorce, andLeomoved north). ¯
Acouple ofother spots popular with the
¯ capital city gay crowdinclude the Painted
: Desert (inexpensive) at 36th and Shartel,
¯ whichis your basicburger bar, Pepperoni ¯
G~ill (moderately expensive) in Penn
¯ Square Mall by Dillard’s with eclectic
¯" Italian food, and Bellini’s (expensive) at
63rd and Pennsylvania, which serves up
¯ northern Italian themed food and dell-
: cious bellini’s (a peach and champagne
¯ cocktail) with a view of the swan pond ¯
and outdoor seating-- enterfrom the park-
" ing garage_ under the Waterford office
¯ building.
¯ Those looking for Oriental foods will ¯
¯ be excited to spend time in Oklahoma City s Little Saigonareacentered at North-
," west 23rd and Classen. We particularly
recommend Lido (moderate) at 24th and
: Military (just off Classen near the milk
¯ bottlebuilding), whichhas excellent Viet-
: namese food in an elegant setting, and is
¯ popular with many of the state’s power-
" ful--we’ve run into Governor Waiters
¯ and several Supreme Court justices here.
¯ Check out the dim sum at Grand House
: (moderate),just across the street from the
see Food, page 14
n Communicolions does not
milk bottle. One of our favorite Chinese
restaurants is Dumpling House (moderate)
on 23rd just east of Classen, which is
patronized by many Chinese and Vietnamese
youth (be sure to ask for the
English menu). Another excellent Vietnamese
and Chinese place is Mirawa
(moderate), a bit farther east on 23rd. For
Korean food, try Sharon Gardens (inexpensive)
on 23rd west of Classen, and for
Thai, go to Sala Thai (inexpensive) just a
couple of blocks farther west.
If seeing all those cowboys wrangle
beef on the hoof has you hankering for a
big juicy steak, you can’t go wrong with
Cattleman’s Care (moderately expensive)
in Stockyards City, Exchange Street
south of 1-40 (ask for directions). In the
Remington Park area at Northeast 50th
and Kelly is one of our favorites, Sleepy
Hollow (expensive), whichhas nomenus,
but serves up big delicious bowls of
mashed potatoes, ~avy, and peas family
style and huge, wonderful steaks to its
horseman and jockey clientele. You can
get decent barbecued ribs and an all you
can eat special at Oklahoma County
Line (moderately expensive) on Northeast
63rd between Kelly and Eastern. And,
when the budget gets a little thin, you can
find an excellent chicken fried steak sandwich
at Chuck House (inexpensive) at
Northwest Tenth and Meridian.
This should be a big enough list of the
better places in Oklahoma City to keep
rodeo-goers well fed for one weekend.
Just remember, we have McDonald’s in
Tulsa. Bon appetit, cowboy.
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lWO STEPPER What’s up?, Russell,
++ ............................... " ’~+i~+~i~!i)il~i!lllli~i~ Businessman, like to meet exciting people, nice
A LA CARTE Don 26 y/o chef work at a diriners, like to go two stepping, Vm 6’1 210 dk
restaurant here in town, looking for someone hair/brn eyes, fike to meet all Kinds of pgople
who likes dancing, fine dining ust all like to hang out, lets hook up and go- ,kheever’s
around good time give me a call- out there give me a call+ Northeastern
~Bartlesvi e) =33688 Okahoma) =34691
FEMININE MEN A TURN OFFI GWM,
27, 5’7", 130, physicallyfit, black hair,
brown eyes, seeks straight acting guys, 18-
35, for fun, friendship and maybe more.
Please leave me a message. (Oklahoma City)
=20534
LOOKING FOR A PRINCESS Bi WM,
38, 175, seeks "P/’s or TS’s, disease free for
fun, romance and a at more.- Leave me a
THEY CALL ME RICO! GLM, 21, colle.qe
student, 180, 5’11", varied interests, seel~s
GBM/GLM for fun and more. Peace ya’ll!
(Piedmont) =21351
REAL MEN WANTED GWM, 25, 6’2",
brown hair, green eyes, seeks men only, no
fat’s or fern’s, for fun and pleasure. You
must be a man’s man and not wanting to be
a woman or effeminate. (Tulsa) =25882
BUDDY BONDING GWM, 6’4", 230,
well built, brown hair and eyes smooth,
seeks straight acting males "for general
buddy stuffand more. Give me a call.
(Eastern) =33446
LOCAL AND LOOKING GWM, 20, 6’,
145, good build, long brown hair brown
eyes, seeks local dudes for fun and mare.
Call me. (Fairview) =23276
GliB
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Call: 1-900,786-4865
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Call:-1-800-546-MENN
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Call: the 900 number &
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if you can’t get thru, simply try
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LOCAL ACTION PREFERRED GWM, 28,
6’~ 175, brown hair and eyes, seeks oca
dudes for whatever happens. Leave me a
detailed message. (Muskogee) =32979
YOURS FOR THE TAKING GWM,
feminine, 20, 5’i 1", 180, seeks extremely
dominant and masculine men who know
wh~ they want and know how to get it.
(Muskogee) ~32814
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HOWDY GUYS:) GWM, 28, 6’, brown hair
and eyes,160, seeks local guys fer fen and
mare. (Muskogee) =17409
PLAYTIME GWM, 5’10", 170, seeks others
forfun and more. (Norman) ~33138
BEYOND BAR LIFE GWM, 18, smoker,
seeks lhat Mr. Right for a spe~.ial relationship.
Please be drug/disease/b~r free and be ready
.to:be a friend wilh hopeless romantic
teedencles. (North Central) =18212
JOCK SUPPORTER GWM, 27, 130, 5’7",
black hair, brown eyes, seeks lock types, 18-35
, for pleasure and more. Give me a call.
(Oklahoma City) =20529
HELP ME WITH MY FIRST TIME Tommy 23
6’1 180 blonde/blu bi curious Iookingfor
experienced bi or gayWM 21-35 looking for
someone to be my coach, like outdoor activities
and sports, romantic evenings at home-
(Oklahoma City) =34032
CLEAN CUT GUYS single WM 21,
bin/hazel, 6’1 170 clean cut and athletic,
looking for SWM 19-25 leave a message and I
will get back to you- (Oklahoma City)
~33185
18 YR OLD GUY Brad, interested in Gay
men, between 18-35, I am 18, like to meet you,
anyone out there who’s interested. (Oklahoma
City) =33455
A FINE ROMANCE Aaron, interested in a
man that is romantic and likes to have a real
good time..leave a message- (Oklahoma City)
ATHLETIC MEN Michael 5’10, 145, sandy
blond/blue, like to rollerblade movies and
swim looking for athletic body builder lyre man,
masculine and versatile and have a goal time
give me a call (Oklahoma City) =34176
YOUR PLACE OR MINE? GWM, 5’6",
brown hair, blue eyes, seeks others, 18-30, for
fun and more. This is definitely a no strings
attached situation. Call me. (Oklahoma City)
=11041
NO FAT’S OR FEM’S GWM, 23, HIV-, 6’5",
190, brown hair and eyes~ good looking, LPN,
career oriented, varied interests, seeks others,
20-28 and dominant only, for fun friendship
and ho~fully more. You must me drug an~l
disease flee as well as local! (Oklahoma City)
.=33062
DRUG AND DISEASE FREE ONLY GWM,
42, 5’11, 180; seeks local aggressive men, 20-
42, for fun and pleasure. Give me a call.
(Oklahoma City) e32160
THERE,S MOREl GBM, 21,5’3", 160,
’stache, glasses, muscular, seeks others, 19-30,
for fun and adventure. Call me for mare
information. (Oklahofi~a City) =24106
FIRST TIME JrlTERS Bi Curious WM, 26,
5’8", i60, seeks masculine GHM’s only to teeeh
me the pleasures of man to man fun~ Give me a
call. (Oklahoma City) =26234
WHERE’S MY DADDY? GWM, new to area
and this ti~eslyJe, 5’11", 140, dark hair, seeks
others, 24-34 and dominant. Give me a call
(Oklahoma City) =21422
READ ME GBM, 5’11", 175, very masculine,.
seeks others for fun and more. Once yo~ meet
me you’ll never let me go. Give me a call.
(Oklahoma City) =21904
DUS11N HOFFMAN LOOK-AUKE Bi WM,
39, married, excellent shape and well end’wd,
no~ into cruising, games, CD’s, TS’s or "[~/’s,
seeks mature executives 25-35, straight acting
and masculine. I~ you’ve had mor~ partners
than you have fingers, do not respohd to this!
(Oklahoma City) =21266
message. (Oklahoma City) = 19017
TIRED OF BEING SINGLE GWM, 28,
blonde hair, green eyes, restaurant mana~ter
seeks others into mo~ies, romance and ire~
fulfillment. If you’re ready to pursue a long
term relationship, give me a call. (Oklahoma
City) =19508
FUN AND MORE FUN GWM, 150, 5’7",
good build, brown hair, preen eyes, seeks
same for you know what. Give me a cal!.
(Oklahoma City) =17161
YOUNG LOVE GWM, 19, 6’, brown hair,
blue eyes, variety of interests, seek same, for
fun, fr~’’endship and more. You bust be
straight acting. (Oklahoma City) ~! 9160
NO CLUBS FOR ME GWM, 28, 6’4",
260, new to Ibis, seeks others to show me
mare about bein.q submissive and more.
Give me a call. (Oklahoma City) =6584
ARE YOU THE ONE’/GWM, 24, 5’10",
blonde hair, brown eyes, into fishingand
outdoor adivities, seeks other guys for fun
and possibly more. Call me. (Oklahoma
City) =151SS
LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS GM,
22, varied interests, seeks others for fun and
more. Leave me a message. (Oklahoma
City) ~r18151
CAN WE LEARN TOGETI~IER? Bi WM,
32, 6’, 160, inexperienced, seeks others,
masculine and attractive, to teach me more
and possibly learn these things together.
Give me a call. (Oklahoma ~ity) ~r7550
GROUP ACTIVITIES GWM 25, 190 6’
.qead build, brown hair, ~qreen eyes, clean
shaven, professional, see[cs others for fun,
friendship and more. Let’s get tc~gether soon.
(Oklahoma City) =7657
NAME IS LARRY GM, 6’, dark features,
medium build, into music and romance,
seeks top men only. Call me. (Oklahoma
City) =49966
BOY NEXT DOOR TYPE I’m new to the
area. I’m a 24 year old submissive, boy next
door
tyl~". I’m 5’11,160!bs, smooth skin,
nice bei:h/, HIV negative. I m looking for a
butch boy 25 to 35 for fun and friendship.
(Tulsa) ~34747
ITALIAN AMERICAN I’m a 25 year old
Italian American. I’m 5’9, 1651bs, and very
good looking. I’m looking to meet guys in my
area. (Tulsa) =41112
MY NAME IS STEVE GWM, 6’1", 160,
32, sh~rt brown hair, light blue eyes; seeks
masculine and straight acting GWM s, 18-
35, for fun and friendship. Leave me a
detailed message. (Tulsa) =20475
HI, I’M LEONARD GWM, 195, 6’3",
brown hair and eyes, new to area, seeks
others, 21-30, submissive and hairy
preferred, for hot fun and more. Call me
soon. (Tulsa) =18265
HELLO~ I’M A FUN GUY GWM, 24, 6’,
180, good build, blonde hair, hazel eyes,
clean cut and shaven, Rrofessional, seeks
others 20-30 for fun, friendship and more.
P ease eove a message. (Tulsa) = 17715
NO NONSENSE FUN GWM, 20, 5’5",
blonde hair, green eyes, 110, into afot of
things, seeks bthers, 18-30 for non game
playing fun. Life is too short to waste time.
Callme soon. (:tulsa) =7823
DISCREET DIVERSITY GWM, 6’, early
50’s, varied interests, seeks discreet fun and
more. Call me. (Tulsa) =7728
I HAVE A CUTE SMILE GWM, attractive
36, 6’, 145, dark hair, green .eyes, versatile,
seeks same, !8-36, for fi’iendship and
possibly mare. Smooth body and all natural
end’wdis a big plus! (Tulsa) ~6779
LOOKING FOR YOU GBM, seeks others
in the local area for fun and mare. Please
give me a call. (Tulsa) e2771
~ ..~....~
TWO’S FUN, THREE’S BETTER! GWM
couple seeks singles or couples for
advbnture and excitement. Give us a ca.
(Eureka Springs) =23.$23
TEACH ME THE WAYS GWM, 28, 6’,
130 very straight acting real new to this
lifestyle, seeks older men for fun and
pleasure. (Ft. Smith) =334411
COUNTRY BOY Jim, 5’t0 dk hair, green
eyes, real hairy, country boy, used to work
on the riverlx~ts, now live up here, like to
spend some qual time with someone like
camping swimming riding, like to have 1 on
1 devotion with someone, I’m 29, like to
setlle down- (Utile Rock) ~34920
UALR STUDENT GWM, 28, college
student, seeks others for intimate fun and
more. (Li~e Rock) =26930
MY NAME IS JIM GWM, 39, -
professional, alot of interests, seeks others for
fun, fr endship and more. Leave me a
message. (Russe vi e) ~27949
WOMAN TO WOMAN GWF,
35, 5’6", black hair, brown eyes,
new to area, very romantic, seeks
others for fun, romance and possibly
more. If this interest~ you, please giv~
me a call. (Broken Arrow) ~45158
BI AND BI Bi Female, 5’4", 115,
brown hair, hazel eyes, seeks same.
No exceptions! (Oklahoma City)
~22358 - ~
TOUCHING AND HOLDING
GBF, seeks+BE or Gay females for fun
and friendship~ Please get in touch
with me. (Oklahoma City) e3610
LET’S LEARN TOGETHER Bi
Curious BF, seeks same for learning
.~xperiences. Give me a call.
Oklahoma City) ~49584
FRIEND SEEKER GWF, 5’5", 120,
brown eyes and hair, variety of
interests, seeks other women for fun
and friendship. Please give me a
call. (Oklahoma City) ~45876
HEY GIRLSl GWF, into all sports
and more, seeks others to hang out
with. Give me a call (Tulsal
~48144
++~+~.~ ’+ ~++ :~+ ’+"":~I~
+WOMAN TO WOMAN Bi WF,
29, 5’3", 150, auburn hair, green
eyes, seeks others who are honest
and sincere, local preferred, for a
long lasting friendship and
relationship. Please leave a message
(Jonesboro) ~34470
A
QUALITY
OF LIFE
ALTERNATIVE
WHAT IS VIATICATION?
Viaticatlon is the process through which a person
liviug with an terminal illness can receive a cash pa.wnent
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 ai~"individual tenn, whole
life, or a group policy.
HOW MUCH IS MY
POLICY WORTH?
The value of 3our life insurance policy in a viatical
settlement is detemfined by the specifics of your policy
,’rod your tmique medical situanon. Not every policy is
suitable for viatication, but settlement offers t.vpically
range.from 60% to 90c~ of a policy"s face value; depend-
.ing on the specifics of your policy and medical history.
HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT
WORK?
With 3our writteu permission, we gather medi"cal. mad
insurance records with which to detennine 3our 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. You pay nothing else on 3"our policy, mad
\ou owe us nothing.
IS VIATICATING MY
POLICY THE RIGHT
CHOICE FOR ME?
Many factors influence whether viaticating 3our life
insurance is the best financial alternative available for
you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with
vou and your fanlilv in person, in detail and can recommend
an experienced Certified Financial Plamler to assist
.you in plaxming the best outcome from your umque
financial situation.
HOW IS SOUTHWEST
VIATICAL DIFFERENT?
Today, many companies offer viatical settlements,
doing business o~tly 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 mad the best possible
service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We
are invoh’ed on a conunmlity level, and are responsible
directly to our local commtmity.
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 cml
deliver a settlement in less than a dlird die time other
compmlies’ take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days.
We’ll do what it takes
to find. the best solution for you.
Southwest
Home Office
Dallas, Texas
800-559-4790
Kelly Kirby
Oklahoma Representative
POB 14011
Tulsa, OK 74159-1011
918-747-3320
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
newspaper
periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[1996] Tulsa Family News, May 15-June 14, 1996; Volume 3, Issue 6
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
May 15-June 14, 1996
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Christjohn
Phyl Boler-Schmidt
Barry Hensley
Jean Pierre
Leanne Gross
Pat Morehead
LD Jamett
Rights
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Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
Format
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Image
PDF
Online text
Language
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English
Type
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newspaper
periodical
Coverage
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Tulsa---Oklahoma
Oklahoma---Tulsa
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/510
Relation
A related resource
Tulsa Family News, April 15-May 14, 1996; Volume 3, Issue 5
Source
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
1996
AIDS/HIV
AIDS/HIV drugs
AIDS/HIV research
AIDS/HIV testing
AIDS/HIV treatment
arts and entertainment
attorneys
Barry Hensley
Bars
businesses
churches
Dave Fleischer
Don Nickles
Don't Ask Don't Tell
Eric Lane
estate planning
Follies Revue
funerals
homophobia
Interfaith AIDS Ministries
J.D. Jamett
James Christjohn
Jean-Pierre Legrandbouche
marriage
Nina Shengold
Out and About
Patricia Nell Warren
performing arts
picnic
Pride
Read All About It
Red Ribbon Revue
Republican Party
restaurants
rodeo
Ryan White care Act
Steve Largent
Tom Neal
travel
Tulsa Family News
Unity Gardens Eureka Springs
viatication
war crimes
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/88073056f2827072b9870be931b101d0.jpg
d8fdc9557c15ac479efc121424369e84
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/7c13f359888fb68a2427eb6a06bac2ad.pdf
37679881844b513e2d8f1434a2e90b8b
Dublin Core
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Title
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
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2004-2011
Format
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Images
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PDF
Language
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English
Type
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magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
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Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
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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
}
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Dublin Core
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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
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Online text
PDF
Language
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English
Type
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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.
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Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
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star Media, Ltd
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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
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
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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
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/250
After Dark
Ann Marie Distefano
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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
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2275d17c80c91478905eae575cff8c9a
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
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Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
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Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
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2004-2011
Format
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Images
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PDF
Language
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English
Type
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magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
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magazine
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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<Y
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
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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/733b2f2153340c0152c8ddfe54b6ed5d.jpg
06b85fa3864a1cd9fb22b85f79874359
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/f877c3716f55d1351dd0b5dc72bdb505.pdf
cbaefc1fc50913638b9cd20f6f15b445
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
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
~nty one years ago was a world that many
young people never k~ew or could comprehend.
No openly gay person had been elected
to public office in Oklahoma. Organizations
advocating equality for GLBT Oklahomans
were few and far less influential. Only 3 years
earlier our Oklahoma Legislature had passed
legislation (later ruled unconstitutional by the
Federal court system) that would prohibit a
public school teacher from even making a positive
statement about the GLBT community
in a classroom. Equality for GLBT people was
hardly discussed, and gay marriage even more
remote. Politicians could (and did) make hateful
statements about our community without
any fear that someone would challenge their
remarks. (sorry Sally, you came along too late)
ride
~ganizers of this year’s Tulsa Pride Celebration
are promising the public that this
year’s events will be anything but boring. Nate
Black, one of the co-chairs says the changes
are intended to breathe a new sense of excitement
into the Pride observance and to help
promote the revitalization of downtown. It
may not look the same, but organizers promise
that Tulsa Pride 2008 will be just as incredible
of a celebration as ever. Spanning over two
weeks, with an event almost every evening,
Tulsa Pride 2008 has something for everyone.
"There will be some differences, but the spirit
of the celebration is the same. It is still going
to be a joyful, invigorating experience that xvill
spark the same sense of pride and freedom in
our community,"
Tutso PI IDE ?008
2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
walk or drag yourselfto Tulsa
Pride 2008
By Joey De
It may not look the same, but organizers promise that Tulsa Pride
2008 is a series of events you won’t want to miss. "We have our
three anchor events: the gala, the parade and block party, and the
picnic," explains Pride co-chair Nate Black. "There ~vill be some
differences from the past, but the spirit ofTulsa Pride is as vibrant as
ever."
Here is a brief look at the events ofTulsa Pride 2008. For a complete
listing, maps and details, visit www.tulsapride.org
May 30 - "Sisters in Song" concert at All Souls Unitarian Church.
May 31- Wear your rainbow attire and enjoy a day at America’s favorite
zoo with your friends and family. Tnat night, join the Equality
Gala and celebrate the GLBT community at Cain’s Ballroom.
Jun. 1 - Rev. Barney McLaughlin and members ofTulsa’s faith community
will be hosting "Spiritual Equality," an interfaith service at
Bethany Christian Church.
Jun. 2 - Join PFLAG at the Circle Cinema for a free screening of
"Anyone and Everyone," a film about families struggling to accept
their GLBT youth.
Jun. 4 - Cheer the Drillers to victory and enjoy an old-fashioned
ballpark picnic. Tickets must be bought in advance. That evening,
Lochran Theatre’s "He&vig and the Angry Inch," opens. The show
will play at various locations through the 15th.
Jun. 5 - Enjoy the works of 60 artists at "More Color," a one-night
ex~hibition at the Equality Center.
Jun. 6 - Open Arms Youth Project Fashion Show.
Jun. 7 - Dine at the OkEq Family Taco Dinner benefiting PFLAG,
then join the Pride Parade and Block Party, with two stages of entertainment.
Youth Services ofTulsa will be hosting a concert in their
Coffee House for those under 21 and child care will be available for
those under 12 at the Equality Center.
Jun. 8 - Texas Hold’era at the Equality Center.
Jun. 10 - Leather and Fetish fashion show at the Equality Center.
Jun. 11 - Join the "Gender Avengers" for an evening of monologues
and plays addressing transgender issues.
Jun. 12 - Learn about raising kids in a diverse world at the Downtown
Library. Speakers will be available and books attacked for their
"inappropriate" messages will be displayed.
Jun. 13 - Screen "The ~A’ Word," a film with no audio or subtitles,
about 10 deaf lesbians.
Jun. 14 - Walce up early for the YST fun run before the Equality
Festival at Centennial Park on 6th and Peoria!
www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3
OKC P DE EEKEND
AN EVENT TRULY
’COMING OF AGE"
By Victor Gorin
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It can be hard
to fathom, but OKC Pride is now 21. Had
the event been a child born 21 years ago,
that person would now be ready to legally
enjoy the bars. Instead a spirit of human
determination was born in rocky Oklahoma
soil, with the joyful trappings that come
with living in the Bible Belt’s buckle, q-his
beginning came to Oklahoma through the
brave organization of about a dozen people.
As Paul Thompson recAls, "We didfft know
if there wotdd be 10 people marching or a
hundred." The Ku Klux Klan had promised
to meet the marchers when they came
over the N.W. 39th Street hill with hostile
confrontation. When around 400 marchers
came over the hill, the Klansmen waiting
in Safeway’s (now Homeland) parking lot
promptly left the scene, and a proud tradition
began.
It was a world that many young people
never knew or could comprehend. No
openly gay person had been elected to
public office in Oklahoma. Organizations
advocating equality for GLBT Oklahomans
were few and far less influential. Only 3
years earlier our Oklahoma Legislature had
passed legislation (later ruled unconstitutional
by the Federal court system) that
would prohibit a public school teacher from
even making a positive statement about the
GLBT community in a classroom. Equality
for GLBT people was hardly discussed, and
gay marriage even more remote. Politicians
could (and did) make hateful statements
about our community without any fear that
someone would challenge their remarks.
(sorry Sally, you came along too late)
Today the Pride Festival and Parade truly
showcases the theme by showing how far
we’ve come. Festival booths not only feature
openly gay public office holders (now even
on the State level with the appointment of
Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth), but
also gay political organizations of Democrats
and Republicans, as well as straight politicians
& parties who are proud to speak out
for us and seek our vote. Social organizations
(from rodeo to softball), and religious
groups bring us all together in glamorous
diversity. There are countless more business
organizations proud to seek out the gay
community to make a buck. Last but not
least, nothing compares to the mosaic of the
GLBT community and their friends, people
from all walks of life together in Pride.
EVENTS:
June 14 Saturday OKC Pride at the Zoo
10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
For the first time there will be a gay day at
the Oklahoma City Zoo. It will be a great
way to begin the week’s festivities with
family and/or friends. There is information
about a special reduced rate inside every
OKC Pride Participation Packet, so come
out, enjoy the day and wish the animals a
good week too!
June 15 Sunday OKC Pride Day ofWorship
Cathedral of Hope & Church of the Open
Arms ( both UCC) will be planning special
worship celebrations to commemorate Pride
Week. Ifyou have felt left out or excluded
from worship, these churches are ready to
welcome you just as you are.
June 20- OKC Pride Parade
Now moved to Friday evening stepping off
at 7 p.m. the route is unchanged. Beginning
at Memorial Park ( N.W. 36th & Classen) it
proceeds north on Classen two blocks north
ofN.W. 39th Street, turns around on Classen
and then proceeds west on N.W. 39th.
Our Grand Marshall will be Joe Salmonese,
the chair of the national Human Rights
Campaign.
Preceding the Parade will be a Strip Show (
signifying the N.W. 39th Street Strip)
featuring some of our wildest and finest
entertainers. Then the crowd cheers on as
the parade’s first arrivals enjoy the finest
climax ever enjoyed at any event. As the
Parade concludes those in the mood will
be ready to party, giving new meaning to a
wild weekend while remembering how Pride
brings us together.
June 21- 22 OKC Pride Festival
Still at Oklahoma Cit)?s Memorial Park at
N.W. "36th & Classen, the Festival will run
from noon until 10 p.m. Saturday June 21,
and from noon until 5 p.m. June 22 Sunday.
There will be many booths featuring
organizations you can learn from or even
consider joining, as well as endless types of
merchandise. There will be entertainment
as well
Following the Festival conclusion at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Church of the Open Arms has their
Annual Pride Ice Cream Social, which will
featuring the Therapy Sisters in concert.
There’s no better way to cool off, enjoy the
fun & music and recap the xveekend.
This is an event you don’t want to miss, it’s
there for all of us. For more infornaation
pick up a Pride Guide at your favorite clubs, "
or check out the website at wwv.okcpride.
com
DBAT Celebrates Pride
by Hosting a Diversity
Job Fair
TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Diversity
Business Association ofTulsa (DBAT), a
program of Oklahomans for Equality, is
hosting a Diversity Job Fair on June 13th
from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. The event, being
held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
in Downtown Tulsa, will bring together lgbt
job seekers and lgbt-friendly employers in a
safe and comfortable environment, allowing
for open dialogue and alleviating fears of
discrimination.
The Diversity Job Fair offers a unique opportunity
for diversity-conscious employers
to access the wealth of skilled and talented
members of the lgbt community. Additionally,
job seekers are given an unprecedented
connection to companies that are lgbtfriendly.
F~r more information or if your company
is interested in participating in the job fair,
contact Susan Hartman at dbat@okeq.org
or call 918-698-2977.
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5
By David Benkof
Should gay-rights advances be put on hold
until all LGBT people can be included? On
this question, the position held by the most
prominent voices in the gay community is
so inconsistent it borders on incoherent.
Last year, most leading gay-rights organizations
rejected the advice of congressional
experts including Rep. Barney Frank (DMass.)
and pushed for an unlikely-to-pass
version of the Employment Non-Discrimination
Act (ENDA) that included gender
identity. \Vc~hen the broader bill was replaced
with an ENDA that covered only sexual
orientation, hundreds of gay and lesbian
groups lobbied Congress to vote "no" on
what was the most important piece of gayrights
legislation in a decade. Indeed, seven
Democrats who had previously been reliable
votes for pro-gay bills opposed ENDA
because it did not include protections for
transgender people.
LGBT activists defended this stance in a
variety of ways, but the basic argument xvas
that no part of the community should gain
civil rights at the expense of other parts.
Of course, had that been the approach of
voting-rights activists after the Civil War,
African-Americans would have forfeited the
vote until women gained suffrage a halfcentury
later - and they, in turn, may have
been asked to wait for the passage of the
Voting Rights Act of 1965 before gaining
the right to vote. In any event, supporters
ofwhat became known as "United ENDA"
characterized their position as a principled
one, believing that LGB rights without T
rights were worse than no rights at all, and
that (Evita show tune be damned) politics is
not "the art of the possible."
This pose is simply unsustainable, as an
examination of transgender military inclusion
shows.
The Web sites of the National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force; the Human Rights
Campaign; Parents, Friends, and Families of
Lesbians and Gays; and many other groups
advocate for an ENDA that includes gender
identity, but the T is glaringly missing when
it comes to military issues. ~nese organizations
push for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals
to serve openly in the armed forces, but
don’t lobby on behalf of transgender people
who want to serve their country. They certainly
don’t insist that any repeal of "Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell" (DADT) be linked to
equality for transgender servicemembers.
There are only three ways LGBT organizations
can react to this imbalance with any
sort of integrity:
One, they could refuse to support the repeal
ofDADT unless it is accompanied by a new
policy that prohibits the military from discriminating
on the basis of gender identity.
Two, they could admit that their ENDA
strategy was wrong and agree to accept an
LGB-only workplace bill until such time as
the votes are there to pass a more inclusive
ENDA.
Three, they could articulate pub!icly and
precisely why discrimination against
transgender people in the military is more
legitimate than private-sector discrimination
against them - and why it is more legitimate
than discrimination against lesbians, gay
men, and bisexuals in the military.
I would certainly prefer the second solution,
but I could respect the other two
approaches. My hunch, though, is that none
of these stances will be adopted. The status
quo is strong evidence that the "United
ENDA" stance is not primarily about political
principles. It’s about the internal power
dynamics in the LGBT community, which
have caused gay leaders to draw the line at
an inclusive ENDA. No such mobilization
has taken place over transgender people in
the military, so there has been no perceived
need for an ultimatum on that issue. Yet.
David Benkofwas a longtime gay columnist, historian,
and entrepreneur (as David Bianco). He is openly bisexual,
but as an OrthodoxJew he is guided byJewish law
in the areas ofsexvtality andfamily life. He can be reached
at DavidBenkof@aol.com.
6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
F~E BEER & HOT DO~
For a Family’s Dinner brought by the neighbors after the Death of Bettsie.
Be sure to look on the bottom ofthe dish to see what neighbor brought it!
Original Mo~,ie will be shown @ 7 pm dUl-h’~g dim-let.
Ist Eplsede of Series will be shown immediately fo!!o~d.ug
$10 D~nat~n to OG~,A inc]ludes ~nner
~$1GNING Meet and Greet
Leslie Jordan - From Sordid Lives, Will & Grace
My Trip Down The :PINK CARPET
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7
@
Coming of e
~ulsa PRIDE ar~ 2008
ONE NIGHT ONLY
ThuP~day, June 5, 2008, 5:G0prn to 9:0~m
atthe Dennis R. Nell Equali~ C~nt~r,
Corner of 4th and Keno~, dov~ov,~ Tuls~
the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Directed by David Gatigan
Oklahoma City June 8, 2008 at 8pro
wv~v.ozarksstar.com the 8TAP, 9
interview
Interview by Victor Gorin
eslie Jordan arrived in this world during 1955
in the Heartland of the Bible Belt, born and
grown up in Chattanooga,Tennessee.. AI-
[ho@ ~rowing up was ~ostly nor easy, he
made le~nonade o[it of lemons and marie his
experiences work for him, taking a bus to HoIly~
vood and never looking back. His credits are
coundess, with app~ces on TV shows too numerous m mention
them but in~ih&ag Reba and Will and Grace(which garnered
him an E . Re is an accomplished playwright with
his first success Like a Dog on Linoleum" followed by Hysterical
B redness and other Southern Tragedies. Among his film successes
i~’thd camp} dassic ’Sordid I[ives" (where he portrayed the
drag que~ Brother Boy), which will be a n~w~series
o£ LOGO ~ningJuly 23. His new book, "My, Trip down
the P~~t:’ is 7h~ Slory of his life with his @s dd downs,
tragedies, ~ es and tri~phs, and the story o~a flamboyant
~who has ~yfound hirrisel£ He is portr~iying his life ~lSo in
a one man play of the same title in Olda~oma ~it~ June 8, for this
is a must re~d and a must see. He shares his thoug~is with~E
LESHE: Well I v,~as the Pips Printing guy, and t also was the elevator
operator that took people to Ha~bu}ger Hell in a Taco Bel!
co~ercial, i was the ~h~ck Full of Nuts coit~e boy, a]l kinds of
commercials. ~ ~ ~
10 the,STAR www.ozarksstar.com
ma$~e that possible.
~CTOR~ g,q~.en does your new book COme
*utJune 3~ and Iamso
which is Ga~
~cOholigm and RddiC’
: are some gay" activists wh6
feei that fl~bSya~t gay characters in the
ueenS hinder the s{~u~le
answer to
Ilow iS
tr~sggn:
: and see me, I promise
the STAR tl
Dracula ofFree
Speech, Kirk
Humphreys, Pdses From
the Po litica Grave
by James Nimmo
OKLAHOMA CITY) Just as the mythic
Dracula ofTransylvania came back from the
dead to spread horror among the peasants,
so has the flesh-and-blood Kirk Humphreys
come back from the politically dead to fling
his homophobic horror in the hall~ of Oklahoma
City’s public schools.
Reborn in the blood of his religion and bred
in the desiccated dessert of intolerance, Kirk
Humphreys was recently appointed by the
Oklahoma City School Board to fill the
position of chair until an election is held in
February, 2009.
Coming above ground with his first public
election to the Putnam City school Board
in 1987, he rose to bigger things as mayor
ofOKC in 1998. He resigned during his
second term to run for U. S. Senate which
he lost to Dr. Tom Coburn, 25% to 61%.
Settling back into his businessman’s grave of
multiple real estate dealings, one would have
thought that we had heard the last of Mr.
Humphreys.
So why the concern regarding his reappearance?
During his time as Mayor of OKC, he was
the driving force behind the 2001 attempt
to prevent Cimarron Alliance, a GLBT
advocacy group, from exercising their First
Amendment right to free speech with the
display of banners promoting gay/lesbian
equality.
However, the shining light of Federal
District Court Judge Robin Cauthron,
exorcised the demon of Humphreys and as
she ruled in favor of Cimarron Alliance and
enjoined the City Council from interfering
with Cimarron’s banner display on the
utility poles. Hitherto the sacred utility
poles had been the exclusive marketplace for
hetero organizations such as the Chamber of
Commerce, rodeos, and other civic clubs.
Did I mention the earlier "Tin Drum" video
law suit?
12 the STAR
In 1997, a fundamentalist censorship group
ponied up with an Oklahoma County judge
willing to make an informal ruling that the
"Tin Drum" was child pornography and
that copies of it could be seized in Oklahoma
County wherever it could be found
whether in private homes or public libraries.
Despite the facts that the film had been released
in 1979, received major film awards,
and not anyone prior to Humphreys had
made a legal claim of obscenity against the
film, Humphreys again smelled blood and
was hot on the trail ofwhat he thought
would surely be a victory for fundamentalist
decency. ~hinking that the cross of his
religion would trump all blasphemers and
dissolve the First and Fourth Amendments
he encouraged the court case to proceed.
Federal District Court Judge Ralph ~hompson,
however, found that the film is not
child pornography, and went on to criticize
that the County Judge, Richard Freeman,
had made a serious error in judgment
pertaining to what constitutes pornography
and allowing the OKC police, carte blanche,
to search homes and businesses without a
warrant.
Both of the lost lawsuits backed by Kirk
Humphreys cost hundreds of thousands of
taxpayer dollars in expenses and attorney
fees which resulted in higher property taxes.
¯hough the "Tin Drum" adventure was
publicly lead by former District Attorney
Bob Macy, as mayor and the boss of the
OKC police chief, I feel that Humphreys
was certainly in the loop and should have
had more sense and better advise in calling
off the figurative police dogs.
If the past is prologue, I think we can expect
some more Humphreys hauntings at the
expense of the Oklahoma City taxpayers. It’s
been shown that the Constitution, its Bill of
Rights, and especially the First Amendment,
if applied in time, can counter the poisonous
vapors that waft from Humphreys.
Wockner News Service
Congress’ highest-ranking
vet calls f.or DADT
repeal
WASHINGTON, DC __ U.S. Rep. Joe
Sestak, D-Pa., whose military rank was the
highest of any veteran now in Congress,
has urged fellow lawmakers to join him in
repealing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy
that bars open gays from the military.
Sestak, a three-star admiral who spent 31
years in the Navy, is one of 17 congressional
veterans co-sponsoring the repeal bill.
"It is easy for me to see why Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell should be repealed," Sestak said
May 3. "Once you have served in war and
faced danger with a gay service member,
how can you come home and say gay people
should not enjoy equal rights?"
Sestak’s comments came at the Equality
Forum, an annual GLBT conference and
festival in Philadelphia.
The Military Readiness Enhancement Act
(H.R. 1246), which would repeal Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell and allow GLB personnel to serve
openly, has 142 co-sponsors in total.
"Veterans like Adm. Sestak, who have dedicated
their lives to serving this country, are
leading the movement in Congress to repeal
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," said Aubrey Sarvis of
the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.
"These lawmakers agree with senior
military officers, including former chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:John Shalikashvili
and retired Army Maj. Gen. Vance
Coleman, that when it comes to defusing
IEDs, tending to injured troops, deciphering
enemy codes and flying reconnaissance
missions -- sexual orientation is irrelevant.
Seventy-nine percent of the American
people agree with them and it is time that
Congress finally repeal this law."
Carly Simon: ’I don’t
consider myself"to be
not gay
In an interview published May 1 in the San
Francisco gay weeldy Bay Area Reporter,
’70s pop-music legend Carly Simon said, "I
don’t consider myself to be not gay."
The double-negative quasi-coming-out
occurred when interviewer Gregg Shapiro
inquired: "After speaking with you this
morning, I’m going to be interviewing
Cyndi Lauper regarding her True Colors
tour, which features gay and straight artists
performing to raise money for the Human
Rights Campaign and other LGBT organizations.
I’m wondering if Cyndi called
you and asked you to be a part of the True
Colors tour, might you get involved?"
Simon replied: "Well, the part that I could
be involved in is the gay and lesbian part.
The part that would be hard for me is to
commit to a tour because I’m not very
comfortable being onstage. But the part that
would be easiest for me would be singing on
behalf of all of us. I don’t consider myself to
be not gay."
Shapiro responded: "Wow! Well, it’s great to
have you as part of the family."
"Thank you!" Simon said. "I mean, I’ve
enlarged all of my possibilities. There are a
lot of extremely personal stories to tell about
that, but we won’t go into that right now.
Let’s just say that it just depends upon who
I’m with."
Attempts to contact Simon through her
publicist, record label and MySpace page
were unsuccessful as of press time.
Frank: Transgender
people were terrible lobbyists
Openly gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, DMass.,
says transgender people did a terrible
job of lobbying for inclusion in the federal
Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
A version of the measure, known as ENDA,
that protects sexual orientation but not gender
identity has passed the U.S. House of
Representatives and is pending in the Senate.
"I’ve never seen a worse job of lobbying
done by the transgender community," Frank
told the Oregon gay newspaper Just Out in
its May 2 issue. "They seem to think that
all they had to do was to get the gay and
lesbian community to say ’OK.’ I think they
thought that this was a train, and that they
were a car on the train."
"I said to them, ’You’ve got to work this,
you’ve got to lobby people.’ They did a terrible
job of lobbying, and so we didn’t have
the votes," Frank said.
First ot3enlv Illinois
legislator dle
Larry McKeon, Illinois’ first openly gay and
first openly HIV-positive state legislator,
died May 13 of a severe stroke. He was 63.
McKeon represented a district of Chicago’s
North Side in the state House of Representatives
from 1997 to 2007.
An Army veteran and former cop, McKeon
also served as Mayor Richard M. Daley’s
liaison to the GLBT community prior to his
election to public office.
McKeon retired last year, citing health issues
related to HIV and cancer.
........More U. S. News page 27
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13
recently confessed to the fact that she attracts gays like a moth
to a light, hall the men that like me are gay, k’~ ~e. I have a
really strong gaydar. I do love gay men though,~
Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres are
planning to marD: Ellen has said she is
"thrilled" at the r~ing by the California
supreme court to overturn the state’s ban on
gay marri~e.
Alexander Payne
"Hung" Up at HBO
Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander
Payne (for Sideways, not his litde-usedbut-
stilbcredit-getting screer~ptay for I Now
Pronounce You Chuck & Larry) has a new
pro’ect9 up his ste~we. And it~ about what’s
in one man’s pants. Hung, a comedy pilot
on track at HBO, will be Payne’s [IW-directing
debut, from a script by Dmitry Lip~n.
creator of%e Riches. ~md the subiect
matter? What happens when a~l average,
middle-aged basketbal! coach learns how to
put his exceptionally large’~- penis to better
~e. NO actor has signed on yet to play the
gifted guy, but casting is scheduled m begi n
soon. If picked up for series, it will be, a; the
very least, the first show" of its k5nd. But wi!I
there be a Boogie Nights-style revea! shot?
Or will it remain a mysteiT? Either way,
expect a big deal to made about this one.
Holb~voodactress
edl3
ship only
the closet.
of
True Co .ors
pP g
Cyndi LaUper~ colors are brighter than ever.
F~li~Wing [tie Success of last year’s landmark
tofir, Latimer is back to help the Human
Ri~ts Campaign, theS~ue Colors Fund of
StOnewall C~r~i-nuni~? Foundation, PFLa~G
and the Centertink Network ofBLGT community
cemers.
Famous for just wanting to have fun, Lau per
will be bringing her tour to the Zoo Amphitheater
in Oklahoma City on Jun. 23.
Joining Cyndi wilt be The B-52s,
joan J~tr ~d The Blackhearts, ~mdy Belt of
STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Foster, 45, is believed to have called offher Erasure. Margaret Cho and Girl tn A Coma.
relationship with movie producer Cydney with host Carson r*v~ ressl.ev,.f.or.tic.ket." t.mor-
Bernard after a series of arguments. The marion or a full list ofto[,r dates, visit ~~",.~,,,
couple were together for 14 years and have truecolorstour corn
two children ~x;~om Fosrer g~ve birth to and " "
Bernard adopted, according to the British
Daily Mail tabloid.
Pt~oto by: Bill Gaddis
getting hot out. Tulsa’s
wonderful sprir~g ,h,as played out. Here
are a coupl~ tips I d like {o pass along
that may add to your summer enjoyment
of vino..F,irstly, for white win~S,
you know/get ern ~ld! And as the~e
Wines warm up in your glass, the fruit
flavors open Up to~. I really like this
gradual experience. Many times, we
finish a bottle so fast when sharing
with friends that we don’t even notice.
For red wines, put a chill on ’era
as well. NOT too c.o,ld but just cool
enough so that you’re not drinking
warm glug. Remember, room temperatu~’
e can mean a whole different
thing during the summer. Proper stem
ware can also make a big difference
this time of year. Riedel glasses are
among the best althougt~ not recommended
poolside. Here are some
wines for both red & white lovers.
www.ozarksstar.com
The fo owing is
Calistoga Cellars Chardonnay 2006
This vintage was just released in
ket. If you liked the ’05, this
will really hit the mark. It’s li
beautifully balanced
mix of ripe pear and
the wine is medium bodied
soft finish. A favodte of l
visit McGilrs on 21rst St.
Vincent Pouilly-Fuisse
This Pouilly-Fuisse in several
areas belonging to th~
The wine is created
by Jean-Jac(
celebrated Chateau
nette Vincent
He blends the
well balanced
ers are on t
finish. I first discovered s wine over at
1740/wine bar on Boston n~ear 18th. This
Chardonnay from France i~ quite good.
Michel Picard Vouvray
This is Chenin Blanc from the Loi
of France. Fresh aromas of apricot &
on the nose and the finish is fruity and~~
slightly off dry. Enjoy this from with me,is
that include shellfish to desserts like
apple pies with vanilla ice cream.
oak barrels
owner of the
Made-Antoi-
").
make a
White flow-
Ochoa Garnacha Rose 2006
This Rose wine is made entirely from
Grenache grapes. The color of is a result
of the short maceration period that helps
to maintain the fragrant aromas and
fresh flavors. A well structured Spanish
wine with plenty of well-rounded fruit and
balanced acidity. Food pairings include
pasta, salads and vegetables.
ut the tannins, these producers
make their wines more
their youth. This bottle
is also affordable and has received high
acclaim from wine critics. Serious meat
oriented pastas would go well with this
wine.
Toad Cacophony Zinfandel
2006
This ;I, Hollow Zinfandel
comes ~ ppellation
where Zinf~ les thdve upon the
long h nights. This new
offering i~ ~ 20% Petit
Sirah. It~!a
really great
& jammy wine that’s a
:e~.for barbecued meats.
:i~va/Sparkling wine
NV. Th~ rfclude; 50% Macabeo, ~ 15% Xarelolo. This
iJwhat you may be used
ne or U S sparkling
:he Spanish create a
: old world version from
wine is quite affordable
pleasantly surprise you.
~s ~s a good wine to fall back on as you
;lebrate the summer months.
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.
Produtorri del Barbaresco 2004
I had a chance to visit this winery when I
was northern Italy. The grape is Nebbiolo
and it’s one of the most important wine
grape varieties of Italy’s Piedmont region.
Flavors of violets, tar, cherries, truffles,
tobacco & prunes come to mind. Although ~is.~grape can take years to age and
Mr. D also hosts wine & food events
known in town as the Wine
Tulsa.
References include: the ABC’s of wine by James
Laube/wv,rw.WineSpec~ator.com
www.FoodandWine.com
www.Wikipedia.org
the STAR 15
9t8.585,5898 ® 800.585,5101
West 7th Street (corner 7th & Boulder Ave) ® Tulsa, Ok 74t 19 e www.q plazatulsa.com
16 theSTAR June 2008
TW’s-AFAB Catering
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
LUNA VISTA B & B
"Morltezuma’s Castle"
aJmost knocked us over. At night we saw
more stars in the sky than we ever see
here in the Midwest.
There are fabulous places to visit and there are "beyond Fabulous"
places to visit. Luna Vista in Rimrock, Arizona is such a place.
Driving out to California on a recent trip we were guests of Kala
(pronounced Calla is in Calla Lily) and her husband Frank at their
"beyond Fabulous" Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast. Located just
about 20 miles southeast of Sedona and just about 3 miles offthe
Interstate, this has to be one of the finest and most unusual places
that we have been. However to get there you get off the pavement
and drive about three miles around curvy hilly, rocky and treacherous
gravel and dirt roads to make your arrival. But after arriving,
it is ~vorth the trip. After making the last turn you are aghast when
you see this place. It is like you have arrived at the Ponderosa! Kala
and Frank were residents of the East Coast and after 9111 they decided
that it was time for a major move. They purchased the property
in Rimrock, remodeled, repaired, built on, put in a swimming
pool, Jacuzzi and many more additions and finally opened their new
B and B in February, 2004 and it has been an instant success ever
since.
We stayed in the Don Diego (Zorro)
suite. Our bathroom was 18 feet by 20
feet and included our own Jacuzzi. Our
shower was 6 feet by 8 feet and included
a steam room and a double vanity, bidet
and every kind of amenity that you
would possibly want. Our linens were
400-threat count Egyptian cotton and of
course they were ironed before putting
them on the beds! Oh! Did we mention
that they have heated towel racks in
the bathroom? Each room came with a
DVDITFIVHS, CD player, etc. A bottle
of wine is in every room for the guests.
The grounds are fabulous. They are very pet-friendly and even have
a dog run and a horse run should you care to bring your horse. Not
into driving? Then use their helicopter pad and fly right in!
They serve a full-course breakfast every day and on Sundays’ a
full brunch. And we are not talking a muffin and coffee, but a full
sit-down breakfast with wanes, breakfast steak, eggs, potatoes, etc.
Nothing is left out. Guests have the full run of the house and property
including an office where you can check your e-mails and work
online if need be.
But the most important thing about Luna Vista are the owners,
KALA AND FRANK. Nxey genuinely care about their guests and
cater to their every need. Tney love life and it shows. In all of our
travels, they are the most sincere, heartwarming and friendly people
that we have ever met. On our last night there, Kala and Frank
hosted a party in our honor and invited severn of their neighbors
and area antiques dealers. They fixed enough food for an entire
army. Everyone was so interesting in their own way. The woman
The moment that Kala opened the door to welcome us in,
we I~IEW that we were going in for a big treat and we were! She
is dive, animated, professional, entertaining and a great hostess.
Frank ALWAYS has a smile on his face and is very excited about
everything. Together they make a great team and we know that they
will be in the bed and breakfast business for many years. They can’t
help it if they were born straight! It happens in the best of families.
Everyone is welcome at Luna Vista and we do mean everybody!
We stayed there for three days and didn’t even want to go
anywhere else. However one day we did drive over to Montezuma’s
Castle and on to Montezumgs Lake which was extremely interesting.
But the red enjoyment was taking advantage of the Luna Vista
B and B and the many amenities it has to offer. It is located on 16
acres and you can take a long hike through the woods and river area.
The flowers were blooming everywhere. The sights and aromas Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast
18 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com
Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast
next door to them bakes fantastic desserts and another neighbor is
a spiritual advisor and yet another creams beautiful "cactus" lamps
and objects. She presented us xvith one of her creations. The next
time you really xvant to get away from everything and truly have a
memorable experience, book yoursdf a xveek at the "beyond fabulous"
Luna Vista. Their website is: wxvxv.lunavistabandb.com or call
800-611-4788.
They have been featured in many travel publications from coast to
coast. To get to Rimrock either fly into Flags{aff or Phoenix, rent
an auto and drive. That is unless you’re already driving, then just
drive on Interstate 17 and take the 293 Exit.
We stayed xvith them on a return trip from California and our
"beyond fabnlous" experiences continued while staying there. We
don’t make many promises, but trust us on this one, we promise
that you will have one of the finest and most enjoyable weeks of
your life xvith Kala and Frank.
Alxvays remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and
talk to everyone!
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Les residents want
Wockner News Wire
Nxree residents of the Greek island of Lesbos have filed suit in an attempt
to reclaim the word "lesbian" and stop the group Homosexual
and Lesbian Community of Greece (OLKE) from using it.
Gay women are believed to have adopted the word in memory of
Sappho, a poet who lived on the island in the sixth century B.C.
and wrote about love between women.
The plaintiffs claim the alleged theft of "lesbian" from the island’s
residents amounts to "psychological and moral rape."
An OLKE spokeswoman called the case "ridiculous" but an Athens
court will hear the matter on June 10.
Quotable Quotes
Cuba’s parliament is studying proposals to legalize same-sex unions
and give gay couples the benefits that people in traditional marriages
enjoy. "The freedom of sexual choice and gender identity are exercises
in equality and social justice," said Mariela Castro, daughter of
President Raul Castro,.
www.ozarksstar.corn ~}~eSTAR t9
of Town
B~ A~&’~w Colli~
W-eekend Getaways from
Portland, Oregon
Oregon’s Gannon Beach o~rs some ofthe best sunset-viewing on the
West Coast. (Photo by Andrew Collins)
with a marionberry vinaigreue. For more sophisticated fare, book
a table at the Gower Street Bistro, which presents creative regional
dishes, such as pan-seared sea scallops with roaste&cre~ corn,
eNgplant, and tJancetta.
You might spend the mornings in Cannon Beach strolling along the sand,
admiring the many geological formations just Offshore, such as the famous,
237-~bot-tall Haystack Rocla Do as locals do and grab a cup ofdelicious
java at Sleepy Mgnk C~ff?e Roasters (alofig with £ ~hick sli~e ofch0~latechip
pumpkin bread)before you Set Out[ %nture south of Cannori Beach
and youll pass throt~ Oswald West S~te Park, which is laced with hiking
trails that weave through 01d-gro~f0rest; leading down tO the ~ch.
End your day in fianky itS, with its quirlg, cafes and galleri~i perhaps
enjoying a glass of Oregon wine at Vino, a snaz~ little Wine bar that
also ser~e~ plate~ of delici0u] chkrcuterie and cheeSe. Between Manzanita
and CannOn Beach in tiny Arch Cape, the gay-owned Ocean Point Inn
comprises three oceanfront suites with chic, contempo~ furnishings, fiatscreen
TVs, and gas fireplaces. Guests can enjoy a ~de range oftreatments
at the inn’s spa. It’s one of the most romantic accommodations along the
coast.
I-5}
Within 30 miles of Portland, in Oregon’s verdant Willamette Valley; you’ll
find some ofthe leading wineries in ~e United States - the area ha~ become
especially renowned for iris pinot noirs. Ifyou have only a day to tour the
region, focus your efforts a~ound the rural, hilly Yamhill area, home to such
esteemed vineyards as Willakenzie, Penner,Ash, and Adelsheim. Just a short
drive south, in the Dundee Hills. standouts include Archery Summit, Sokot
Blosser, and Domaine Serene. ~ese are among dozens ofwineries with tasting
rooms open m the public.
Hip and cosmopolitan Portland continues to emerge as a popular urban
vacation destination for gay" and lesbian travelers, thanks in part to its stellar
restaurant scene, liberal social climate, and artsy personalit~: But another
major draw of this charmed city is its proxmaity to so many breathtakingly
beautiful places that make perfect two- to three-day getaways. In an afternoon’s
drive, you can explore the rugged Oregon Coast, tile lush Willamette
Valley wine country, or the high desert outdoor recreation mecca of Bend.
Here’s a look at three ideal weekend getaways from the Portland area, all of
them centered on communities with an increasing number of gay-owned or
gay-friendly accommodations and restaurants.
Camaon Beach and Manzanita (a 90-minute drive via U.S. 26)
~Ihis part of the valley abounds with excellent restaurants, too. An intimate
spot serving relatively affordable French fare, Cuvee sits along the quiet
main drag oftiny Carlton and is a fine place to end a day ofwine-t~asting.
Among the several stellar restauvamts in Dundee, check out Tina’s, a bustling
bistro that features creative American fare emphasizing ingredients from
local r delicious dish is the seared halibut
cheeks with diced
"Ihere
tic and
rooms, each with a
As vou
From downtown Pordand, U.S. 26 leads west over the dramatic Coast
Mountains to northern Oregon’s spectacular and relatively macrowded
coast, a highlight ofwhich is dapper Cannon Beach, a low-keyed
munity set along a striking stretch of beach. Quite a few gays and lesbians
(including Pordand-based filmmaker Gus Van Zant) own or rent summer
homes here or in nearby beach towns, such as funk)" Manzauita and upscale
Gearhart.
The quieter south end of Cannon Beach. known as Tolovana Park. has a
slightly more artsy feel. Here you might spend the night at the delightful
Inn at Cannon Beach, a tasteful complex of contemporar5 two-srory
cottages that open around a central courtyard with fragrant flower gardens
and Adirondack chairs. Itk steps from the beach, and next door to’the
Warren House Pub. a casual, gay-friendly spot that brews its own
excellent beer and serves tast7 comfort food, such as grilled pankocrusted
oysters, and house-smoked-salmon salad
gene. Here
scene of any Oregon city
with parks ~nd ri~:e vci~ opportunities for recreation. A
attraction is the Owen Ros~ Garden, where more than d
Nearb); a former chicken-processing plant houses the Fifth Street
Market, now a complex of fascinati~ shops and enticing restaurants,
mclu&ng one of the regions best dining choices, Marche. Here you can ry
such memorable fare as 0yen-roasted local mussels with a saffron-cream,
and smoked pork chops with rhubarb chum~ From April through De~emher,
check out the neaiby Saturday Market, Where ente~iners pei~form and
close to 200 artisans, farmers, and cooks sell their wares.
20 f~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com
OAXACA RESTAURANT Sed0na, Arizona
Pronounced (Wa-ha&a) this Mexican restaurant in Sedona
offers exciting food. With breath-taking scenery and beautiful
views from their rooftop cantina, Oaxaca has earned it’s title "Local
Secret/Big Find" by Travelocity.com. Tnis old world stTle Mexican
restaurant is located in Uptown Sedona and offers casual dining
with an extensive menu with a taste of every palate.
Carl Butler, the owner and a registered dietitian has created a
delicious menu with a healthy approach. Oaxaca serves up heart
healthy, reduced fat
and low cholesterol
recipes which are
full of flavo!! Oaxaca
serves a wide
range of Mexican,
Southwest, American
and Vegetarian
dishes with authentic
favorites Such
as fajitas and chile
rellenos.
It is no wonder why
people have been dining there for years and years and many people
drive out of their way when traveling, just to dine there! You certainly
will have a wonderful dining experience, enjoying the exciting
flavors of their food and looking at the fabulous mountain scenery.
q-hey are open daily: 10:30 AM to 9 PM. Happy hour: 3 PM
to 6 PM. Breakfast buffet: Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AiM to 10:30
AM. q-hey are located at 321 North Highway 89A in Sedona,
Arizona.
.............................. CHILE RELLENOS Next Page
theSTAR 21
di i g°
New art exhibit feat ring
artist Dennis Olson
at the Dennis Ro 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 5-9pm, Thursday,
June 5, 2008, for the opening of their
June exhibit, paintings by Oklahoma
City resident Dennis Olson.
This event will correlate with the onenight-
only Tulsa Pride "More Color" art
show featuring works by sixty artists.
Dennis Olson’s exhibit will remain up
through the month ofJune, 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 Imsbian, Gay, Bisexual &
Transgender (LGBT) individuals and
families through advocacy, education,
programs, alliances, and the operation of
the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
Quotable Quotes
"I respect the Court’s decision and as
Governor, I will uphold its ruling. Also,
as I have said in the past, I will not support
an amendment to the constitution
that would overturn this state Supreme
Court ruling."
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger:
OkEq Cdebrates
Ca i£ornia Ru ing £or
Marriage Equa ity
TULSA, OK (PR) - May 15, 2008 __
Today, in a 4-3 decision, the California
State Supreme Court ruled in favor of full
marriage equality for same-sex couples. The
decision follows lawsuits by fifteen couples
who challenged the constitutionality of the
state’s marriage ban.
"This historic decision is a victory for
fairness and opportunity for hundreds of
thousands of loving, committed couples
and their families in California," said Justice
Waidner, Oklahomans for Equality Executive
Director. "We continue to work and
hope for the day when families in every state
have the basic protections that come with
marriage."
A growing number of states provide recognition
of same-sex relationships. Including
California, eight states plus the District of
Columbia allow couples to marry or confer
rights and benefits similar to marriage.
However, the Defense of Marriage Act still
prohibits the Federal government from
recognizing same-sex marriages approved in
individual states.
In November, Californians vote on a ballot
initiative to amend the state constitution by
defining marriage as between one man and
one woman. If passed, this constitutional
amendment would overturn the California
Supreme Court’s ruling.
"Many Americans believe that marriage
equality will be a reality in their lifetimes,"
noted Waidner. "Organizations in every
corner of this country are working hard to
achieve the kanerican dream of equality
and justice for all. We are all inspired by
the California marriage decision and look
forward to the day when every American in
every state and territory will have the opportunity
to realize their hopes and dreams
by marrying the person they love."
22 theSTAR w~v.ozarksstar.com
Sound ofMusic
Headlines Lyric’s 2008
Stammer Season
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ Tickets
for Lyric Theatre’s 2008 summer season of
musicals are now on sale. Lyric "Iheatre,
Oklahoma’s premiere professional theatre
company, proudly continues its 46-year tradition
of producing stellar Broadway-style
shows for the people of Oklahoma.
Lyric’s four summer season productions
will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall
in downtown Oklahoma City. From June
24th through 28th, Lyric will open the
season with The Sound of Music, presented
for the first time on the Civic Center stage.
This timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein family
classic tells the story of Maria, a young,
spirited, would-be nun who is appointed as
governess for the seven children of a widowed
sea captain.
Lyric’s next production, Swing!, will run
from July 8th through 12th. Swing! is a celebration
of the music and dance phenomenon
that swept the nation in the ’30s and
’40s. This all-singing, all-dancing evening
of music features over thirty incredible
numbers guaranteed to put audiences "in
the mood!" Lyric will bring a beloved movie
musical to the stage from July 22nd through
26th. Set in Oregon in 1850, Seven Brides
For Seven Brothers is the fresh, wholesome
tale ofAdam Pontipee and his unkempt,
burly brothers who kidnap six townswomen
for the winter in hopes of finding love
and companionship. Their well-meaning,
but hilarious shenanigans of courtship are
played out in boisterous song and dance.
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers will feature
Broadway performers Elisa Van Duyne as
Milly and Jim Sorensen as Adam. (rated G)
Concluding Lyric’s 2008 summer season
is a modern musical hit, Urinetown, the
Musical, fresh off the Broadway stage. The
title might give off the impression that the
play is about nothing more than a town that
indulges itself in bathroom related humor.
In reality, Urinetown, the Musical, written
by Greg Kotis, a New York playwright who
specializes in socially relevant comedies, is a
hilarious melodrama about a town plagued
by drought. In a mad attempt to regulate
,#cater consumption, the government forces
its citizens to use pay-per-use amenities,
monopolized by the Urine Good Company.
Urinetown satirizes corporate and political
greed, the idealism of rebellion, and also
spoofs on the art of musical theatre itself, all
set to a score bursting with a big Broadway
sound.
"Urinetown ~von the 2002 Tony Award
for Best Original Score and is lauded on
Broadway as one of the smartest, most
comical musicals of this century;" explains
Nick Demos, Lyric’s Artistic Director. There
is nothing offensive about it, other than an
unattractive title!" Urinetown plays from
August 5th through 9th, and guarantees a
unique night of unprecedented laughter.
(rated PG)
Single tickets to all Civic Center productions
start at $27. Four-Show Season Ticket
packages are also still available and start
at just $80, as are the Three-Show Family
Packages which include The Sound of
Music, Swing!, and Seven Brides For Seven
Brothers. For more info visit www.lyrictheatreokc.
com or call (405) 524-9312.
TOM KOVACH
MAKES HISTORY
WINNING A SEAT ON NOR_MAN’S
CITY COUNCIL
By Victor Gorin
NORMAN, OK__ Tom Kovach, an out
gay Democrat was elected to the Norman
City Council representing Ward 2 in a
runoff against political consultant Chebon
Marshall. The race began running against 2
opponents, Mr. Marshall and Michael McKee.
Although Chebon Marshall got the most
votes, he did not get a majority of the total
votes. Mr. Kovach was in second place, so as
per Oklahoma election law, this resulted in a
runoff election.
Although vastly outspent, Mr. Kovach made
up for this with hard work and determination,
and making known his stands on issues
to make the city better. As he puts it, "
Throughout the campaign we stuck mainly
to the issues, which were mainly public
safety and storm water." His efforts won the
endorsement of both the Sierra Club and
the Norman Homeowner’s Alliance.
There was rumor mongering about his
sexual orientation, and a literature drop
Photo: Tom Kovach by Victor Gorin
designed to turn conservative voters against
him close to the election named him as
endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats
( explaining for those who didn’t know that
it was a gay rights organization within the
Democratic Party), and a member of the
American Civil Liberties Union (both true).
Despite this distraction from the issues, his
sincerity and practical message carried him
to victory.
He has lived in Norman over 40 years,
much of that in Ward 2. His partner of
over 10 years, Will Weir, is also an activist
volunteer with the Oklahoma Department
of Corrections, P-Flag, GLSEN, and helping
people with disabilities. Mr. Weir won
Norman’s Human Pdghts Award in 2007.
Tom made history being Oklahoma’s 3rd
openly gay elected public official The last
2 were Oklahoma State Representative A1
McAffrey (Democrat District 88, elected
2006) and Oklahoma County Commissioner
Jim Roth (Democrat District 1, first
elected 2002). The first was Dr. David
also elected to the Norman City Council in
2001, who Tom remembers as "Someone
who stood up for many issues which are
now being considered by a more progressive
city council, and we owe a lot to him"
As for his future he is optimistic, stating
that" I have been active in the city, spe~ng
before the city council many times. N~ey
know me well, and I think we have a good
working relationship. I look forward to
working with the seasoned members of the
council, and look forward to working with
Mayor (Cindy) Rosenthal."
www.ozarksstar.com {:h®$TAR 23
Photo’s by Victor G. & Jud / G.
@ The Ledo, Oklahoma City
@Club Majestic, Tulsa
@ Steve’s Hideawa t, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ The Copa, Oklahoma City
24 @Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City
By Greg Steele
Club
Rachael
n downtown Jade Esteban portraying his one man play Inns
III, The Gay and Lesbian History of the Wodd at
OKC’s Indiv dual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery
Laura Belmonte, President Oklahomans for Equality and
OKC Pride Publicity Coordinator Michael Cich at the 2008
LGBT Leadership Summit hosted by Cimarron Alliance
Oklahoma ( Reverend Lo rce
his friend
Alex with their friends at May P-Flag Meeting. Gay ’Star Trek’ actor George Takei is to
marry his partner Brad Altman in California
Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Male Co-Chair Paul Thompson
congratulates Reverend Loyce Newton-Edwards on her ordination
as a UCC minister at Church of the Open Arms.
www.ozarksstar.com ~
Swimsuit C01tect 0n Men From Mensuas
_Mensuas announces their 2008 Swimsuit Collectionfor Menfiaturing swimwear by Bask#,
Mensuas, IV2N Bodywear and Timoteo. Jvat in timefor sumrne~ these new swimsuits are great
for t,6e beach or laying by the i)ool.
TAMPA, FL 0)RWEB) __ Mensuas announces
their 2008 Swimsuit Collection for
Men featuring swimsuits by Baskit, Mensuas,
N2N Bodyxvear and Timoteo. Just in
time for summer, these nexv sxvimsuits are
great for the beach or laying by the pool
Timeoteo Swim Bikini
Mensuas has carried N2N Bod),wear swimsuits
for several years. The N2N Bodywear
2008 Sxvimsuits include the Catalina
Competitor, Corona Competitor, Cosmo
Competitor and the X-Poser. The new and
daring designs xvill sure to get you noticed at
the beach.
Mensuas has team up xvith Tulio to create
the exciting nexv Mensua~ Swim Bikini in
four new styles for 2008. Modeled by Levi
Poulter, these unique swimsuit designs
represent a bold and exciting trend in mens
sxvimxvear.
Mensuas new operations center is located in
the suburbs of Tampa, F1. The new operations
center allows customers orders to be
processed faster and alloxv the
California Muscle Capri Blue Swim
Teaser q-hong
availability of more future products at their
website. Our customer’s satisfaction with
the products they order and the amount of
time it takes to receive their order is number
one priority at Menuas. Mensuas wants to
become number one shopping source for
customers to order their underwear and
sxvimwear for themselves or for the man in
their life.
Mensuas always offer free shipping on all
orders totaling $25.00 or more for US and
Canada customers. We offer great international
shipping rates. All orders received by
3:00 PM EST are shipped the same business
day by USPS regular mail. All items shipped
from Mensuas are tracked from the Post
Office to ensure customers packages can be
traced in case of lost or mishandled pack
Baskit Orange Lucky 7 3.5" Swim Bikini
ages. All packages shipped discreetly to
our customers to ensure privacy. Mensuas
is offering their customers a 10%
discount on their next order, please
enter promotion code undies08 at
checkout and receive the 10% discount
on your order total excluding shipping
charges. Website: www.mensuas.com
Mensuas Swim Bikini
Timeoteo Swim Bikini California Muscle Dolce Swim Brief
26 t~~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com
WEST HOLL,,~Y~VO,OD, CA (,P,R) __ On
June 4, 2008i !G)~atomy star T.R.
K ight will i;i M tthew hepard
Foundation ~ h~i~ kick off National Gay-
Pride month with a symbolic dusk commitment
ceremony at the faamed West Hollywood
hotspot, The Abbey.
At 8pm, couples from aroufid the nation
will "tie the knot" in an event officiated by
the Mayor ofWest Holly~vood and witnessed
by Judy Shepard. Couples will be
wearing the Matthew Shepard Erase Hate
pendant courtesy of Love and Pride jewehy
designer, Udi Behr. Love and Pride is the
first online jewelry destination for people
who believe in equality, diversity and tolerance
for all. www.!oveandpride.com
Behr created the Erase Hate pendant for
Judy Shepard, in memory of her son, Matthew
Shepard, who was the victim of a
brutal anti-gay hate crime in rural Wyoming
ten years ago. His murder brought national
attention to the issue of hate crime legislation
and was a watershed moment in the
fight for gay civil rights.
Behr remarks, "A public commitment
ceremony is a great way to join together and
strengthen our two messages; ’Celebrating
Love’ and ’Erasing Hate.’" 100% of net
proceeds from sales of the pendant assist the
Matthew Shepard Foundation.
v~’~v.ozarksstar.com
Judy Shepard, executive director of the
Foundation, said, "Wearing the Erase Hate
pendant is a great way for people to express
how they feel and promote the values of
understanding, compassion and acceptance
that were so important to Matthew," Adding,
"It has been ten years since the death of
my son. Although we can not replace Matthew,
we can join together to help spread
the message of erasing hate."
Mayor Jeffrey Prang comments, "The City
of West Hollywood supports marriage
equality and continues to work hard for
changes in California law." Adding, "We
will not stop fighting for our rights as no
government can prevent us from loving
whom we choose."
World renowned recording artist Steve
Oliver will perform the classic ceremonial
march Pachelbel Canon in D major.
CEREMONY REGISTRATION FORM:
www.MatthewShepard.org/GetMarried
PRIDE PARADE OF
NW"ARKANSAS
FAYETTEVILLE AR (PR) __ NWA
PRIDE announces the 2nd Annual NWA
PRIDE PARADE, A Celebration of Diversity
and Community, will be held on
Saturday, June 28, 2008 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Parade organizers invite GLBTs aald
Straight allies to come together in solidarity
in support of equal rights for all.
It is NWA Pride’s great pleasure to honor
Chris Harmon as this year’s Grand Marshal.
Chris has been an unsung hero as founder
of the NWA POSITIVE LINKS BUDDY
PROGRAM and is currently a board
member of the NWA GLBT Community
Center.
The Buddy Program provides information
and much needed peer-to-peer support for
people living with HIV and AIDS. Chris
and Program volunteers maintain a food
bank, make personal visits, help with chores,
transportation and provide many other
resources for 1Mng a positive life.
Parade participants and spectators are
encouraged to be artistic, have fun and show
your pride. (Kid friendly and appropriate
for public locations) Paint your face, wear
costumes, dress up your pets, horses,
bicycles, vehicles and especially this election
year, proudly wave rainbow and American
flags.
The parade lineup will start at 10 AM on
Meadow Street, next to the Arvest Bank.
Parade will start promptly at 12 Noon. A
brief Pride rally will be held at the end of
the parade in the V/alton Arts Center Parking
Lot.
For more details, float and or speaker applications,
please go to NWA Pride’s web
site at www.nwapride.org. Volunteers still
needed!
"A Star Studded Night"
Gala in Fayettevillle
FAYETTEVILLE, AR (PR) __ The NXX/A
GLBT Community Center will host their
2nd Annual Fund Raising Gala "A Star
Studded Night" on Friday, June 27 at the
Clarion Inn located at 1255 S. Shiloh
Drive in Fayetteville. The Ball Room ~vill
be delightfully decorated resembling the
glitz and glamor of a Hollywood party. Gala
Guests’ will enjoy the fun and excitement of
a "night among the stars" as guests become
our Celebrities in an evening filled with
great food, dancing and music provided by
Dance Enhance Entertainment.
The evening will begin with a lavish Prime
Rib, Chicken or Vegetarian Buffet entree as
well as silent auctions and special speakers
which include the Rev. Lowell Grisham
of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Shawn
Coker the Chairperson ofThe NWA Diversity
Council and Vice President of Diversity
Business Practices ofTyson Foods. Throughout
the evening guests’ will be casting their
vote for the "Star of the Night" Award
which will be given to the person who raises
the most money through a $1 ballot.
Advance tickets for the event are $50 each
or $400 per table of 8 and may be purchased
on-line at http:/Avww.nwaglbtcc.org
or by calling 1-888-361-9222 or in person
at Tymythy’s Hair Salon located at 130 E.
Poplar St. Suite B in Fayetteville. Tickets
will not be available at the door. Doors open
at 6 p.m. and a Cash Cocktail bar will be
open throughout the night. Formal Attire or
Celebrity Costumes are recommended.
th÷STAR 27
by Jack Fertig June 2008
"Take bo~d risks, Aquarius!"
Everyone is being just a bit too fabulous for words!
Mercury is retrograde, so his alignment with Venus
and the Sun is a bit more like a collision of verbosity
and overaffected efforts at charm. Mars in Leo is feeding
the frenzy. Remember Lucy and Ethel at charm
school? It’s that kind of week!
ARIES (Narch 20 -April 19): Baby wants to play, but you
are atypically given more to talk than action now. Chatty
word games and rambling are not usually your style, but go
with it for now. Don’t be afraid to look silly.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Buying or tossing out household
items could easily be a mistake. Instead try rearranging
things and seeing them in a new light. This is a great
time to locate problems in domestic finances, but solving
them should wait a few weeks.
GEMINI (May 2t - Jun.e 20): You’re going to trip over your
tongue no matter what you’re talking about. Best to keep it
light, nonconfrontational, and all in good humor so you can
laugh with your friends over your own malapropisms and
faux pas.
CANCER (June 21- Ju~y 22): Hide the plastic, and keep
the cash out of reach. Any urge to display your good taste
is best done as tasteful restraint - and no, that doesn’t
mean buying handcuffs that match the bedposts! Take time
out with someone you value most.
LEO (July 23 - August 22): Everyone says you look
fabulous - and you do! You’re all cranked up, looking and
thinking three steps ahead, but are you really three steps
ahead going in the right direction? Check with friends who
care about more than looking fabulous.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Someone behind the
scenes offers to help you up the ladder. Some secrets may
be revealed in the process, but that can also work in your
favor. Everyone’s screwing up some these days, but your
mistakes - and the way you handle them - look good!
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You could charm
anyone into believing your stories and arguments, even
if they contain mistakes. Leave room for later revisions!
Better just to radiate charm and energy; save the important
facts for later.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Seems everybody
wants a taste of what you’ve got! If you do play
around, none of it will be secret. You could get a reputation
as a great lover, but what would your boss and your partner
say?
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 o December 21}): Misunderstandings
with your partner actually open new doors that
could improve your relationship. Explore new pleasures
and possibilities together. If anything seems disappointing,
you might want to try again a few weeks later.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Anyone playing
around should make regular visits to the clinic. When
was your last time? If you have a clean bill of health, you
can have a great time practicing any erotic techniques
you’d like to develop.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Be creative! Be
daring! Take bold risks and be willing to fall down and look
utterly ridiculous. A good pratfall can be endearing, helping
to improve your partnership orto find a good candidate for
one.
PISCES (February 19 - March 19): You have the housecleaning
energy and lack of focus typical of a speed freak.
Try to concentrate on one specific task or goal at a time.
You’ll soon be dissatisfied with the results, but that’s OK.
Housework always needs redoing!
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 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com
DOWNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA
17 West 7th Street
Tulsa, OK
918-585-5898
www.downtownplazatulsa.com
HABANA INN
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VAY
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.ctubmajestictulsa.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 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
Support those who support us.
DIVERSITY PRIDE EVENTS
P. O. BOX 3158
Eure"ka Springs, AR 72631
479-253-2555
www.diversitypride.com
EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowshi
311 S Klein Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
405-761-1878
www.myspace.com/expressionsokc
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
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 NW EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
~’xw,wv.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
OKJAZZ HALL OF FAME
111E. lstSt
Tulsa, OK
918-596-1001
www.okjazz.org
TOLBERT THEATER
400 W. Sheridan
Oklahoma City, OK
405-297-2264
www.tickets.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
9 8-835-?887
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. Lakewood
Tulsa, OK 74112
918-838-7104
www. openarmsproject.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N. Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
KING OF MASSAGE
In or Out Calls
Oklahoma City, OK
405-314-3898
JUDY G. PHOTO’S
Tulsa, OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
918-743-8636
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 rnoneyorder to:
NAME:
Address:
City:.
Phone:
The STAR
PO Box 581718
Tulsa, OK 74158-1718
(Single Copies $3.00 per issue)
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Start Date:
www.ozarksstar.com theSTAR
Chuck Breckenridge
~ether buying or selling
I’)). work hard for your[ ...................
30 tB÷STAR www.ozarksstar.com
We oppose the portrayal of homosexual or
promiscuous behavior in a positive light in
our public schools.
We oppose the erosion of our military
readiness through openly practicing
hornosexuals serving in the military
We oppose the promotion of homosexuality,
the elimination of laws against sodomy,
and the granting of minority protection or
special status to any person based upon
sexua~ preference or llfestyb choice.
We are committed to equal treatment
of all service members and believe all
patriotic Americans should be allowed
to serve our country without
discrimination, persecution or violence.
We support legislation barring workplace
discrimination based on sexual orientation.
We support the full inclusion of gay and
lesbian families in the life of our nation
and seek equal responsibilities, benefits
and protections for these families.
Taken from current platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties of Oklahoma.
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
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[2008] The Star Magazine, June 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 6
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
June 01, 2008
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
Online text
PDF
Language
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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
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Star Media, Ltd
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Star Media, Ltd
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Charles (Chaz) Ward
Victor Gorin
Greg Steele
James Nimmo
Joey D.
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ronald Blake
Ray Williams
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman
Devre Jackson
Judy G.
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
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The Star Magazine, May 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 5
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/250
The Star Magazine, July 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 7
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/247
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/248
After Dark
Barney Frank
Bars
Carly Simon
DADT Repeal
Dennis Olson
dining
Don't Ask Don't Tell
ENDA
horoscope
Joe Sestak
Larry McKeon
Lesbos
Leslie Jordan
Lyric Theatre
marriage equality
MCC church
military inclusion
Night club
Paparazzi on the Prowl
pride Parade
Qscopes
Quotable Quotes
Star Advertisers
Star Scene
starclassifieds
swimsuits
Tom Kovach
TR Knight
travel
wine
-
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897cdc4b95d5e02e0ab111a32bc1d143
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/820049079019edbbc4699ae60584c413.pdf
a000a4191d62824a2816c51d7099c84b
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
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Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
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Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
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2004-2011
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English
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magazine
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Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
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Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
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Ozarks Pride/Star Media
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C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
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magazine
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By Joey De
2008
A new "
for Pride
By Joey De
Ifyou have lived in Tulsa for more
than twenty minutes, you knmv that
there is an impenetrable force-field
separating the city. Most Tulsans call it
Forty-First Street.
Photo: Equality Festival at Tulsa’s New Centennial Park
Sometimes change can be difficult,
however, despite months of complaints
and apocalyptic predictions about the
many "firsts" at Tulsa Pride 2008, it seems
that the only people who had difficulties
were the protesters. For the first time in
the celebration’s history, the protesters
were present for only a minimal time
during the Pride Parade and completely
absent from the Diversity picnic.
"2008 was a },ear of dramatic change,"
says Nate Black, one of the event’s cochairs.
"However thanks to the dedication
of a strong group of volunteers, all the
changes to this year’s events were possible.
It would not have been possible without
each and every person who helped."
Black especially credited his co-chairs
Kristi Freeman and Toby Jenkins with
making the pieces fit together. "Kristi has
an incredible ability to assess and foresee
needs and coordinate logistics. The fact
that everything worked smoothly to host
thousands of people at our events xvas a
testament to her abilities."
"The fact that ~hlsa Pride is able
to remain free to the public is proof of
Toby’s dedication to these events, which
on the low end cost over $30,000. Under
his leadership, we were able to, for the
first time, secure the majority of our
sponsorships long before the events even
took place," says Black.
.......... Continued page-5
Enter the Downtown Plaza Hotel, on
7th & Boulder, who for the first time in
recent memory provided Tulsa Pride an
official "host" hotel.
Staying at a hotel room for your own
city’s Pride ,nay seem a little excessive, but
for a South-Tulsan, it made perfect sense.
Having a place downtown to call "home"
for the weekend saved time and even
money on the celebration’s two largest
weekends.
Anyone who has ever been to a Pride
observance knows that three things are
true. It will be hot. You will be sweaty.
You xvill be drinking. All three of those
can combine to impede a "proper" Pride
celebration, but with the convenience of
the Downtown Plaza Hotel’s location,
neither was an issue.
Through taking advantage of the
special Pride Rate offered by the hotel, it
was effortless to enjoy the day (or early
evenings) festivities,
..........Continued page-5
1-800o535oAIDS (2437)
Ok ahoraa s H~VIST~
2 the STAR ww~v.ozarksstar.com
Dear Editor:
I thought I would add something to the political cartoon in the
June 2008 Star.
Presently I live in Oklahoma City, and much to my surprise have
done so for the last 14 years. Originally from Boston I make an annual
trip home each Christmas to see family and friends and make
a quick pilgrimage to the haunts I was familiar with before leaving
Boston in the mid 80’s. This pilgrimage consists ofwalking the city
to see what is still around that I was familiar with, and perhaps who
is still around that I can remember.
On my most recent trip I was a little saddened to see many places
that meant a lot to me are no longer around, or have been so renovated
for so different a use that they are unrecognizable. As is my
custom, on this outing I stopped in at every gay bar I could remember,
or find, and had drinks and conversations with the bartenders.
Most of the old bars are gone, as are the people.
Politics begins in the bars in Boston, and gay politics was no
exception. The civil rights fought for and won began with many
bar patrons and owners, and in the process of getting what they
were after, the bar owners found that with acceptance came a lesser
need for the safety of an exclusively gay bar with the occasional
straight patron. In conjunction with this the price of living in the
city has made any gay ghetto prohibitive, making it necessary for
what vcould have been the denizens of such an area to move into the
suburbs for affordable housing with the side effect of showing the
majority of the state that Gay people were pretty normal, and not
the screaming stereotypes that isolation seemed to promote. Gay
people were seen as responsible people and not the party animals
who spent most of their lives going to bars to dance the night away
and returning home each night with a different sex partner. They
turned out to be people so normal that marriage did not seem to be
such an improbable thing.
The ultimate goal of gay gights is equality, and that means normalcy
for most. Just as straights have their outlets out of the mainstream,
so do gay people. But both do have their mainstreams. The gay bars
still around are nostalgia for us older gentlemen who want some of
the past preserved for our visits back, or who may feel more comfortable
in one because life had not been all that kind to us, with
just a bit of the specialty shop aura to them. Most have become very
mixed, while some have become the corner bar, the lodge for men
and women of like minds to talk freely among their own, but doing
it willingly as opposed to necessarily.
The lesser the need for exclusively gay bars, the more success can be
claimed by the gay community.
Joe Quigley
Oklahoma City
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3
4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
TULSA PRIDE continued
According to estimates provided by the
Tulsa Police Department, this year’s Pride
Parade and Block Party have become the
largest events of their kind in Downtown
Tulsa. Police estimate that there were a
combined 18,000 people between the two
events.
Many parade-goers were excited about
the new evening-format, celebrating with
glow sticks and sparklers. Some of the
floats even stepped into the spirit embracing
christmas lights and disco balls. Most
route walkers were simply excited over the
fact that they no longer had the sun beating
down on them and that the trek was much
flatter.
Following the parade, the block party
centered around the Equality Center came
into its own, maintaining a crowd until the
scheduled end at midnight. Following the
event, most of the area bars reported record
capacity crowds as the party continued
through the evening.
The following weekend at Centennial
Park, the only thing to be missed was the
heat and mud at the former location. For
many pride-goers, this event was the first
time they had visited the new Tulsa centerpiece.
Most fell in love with its picturesque
setting and more importantly abundant
shade.
According to TPD estimates, 12,000
people visited the Diversity Picnic, which
according to organizers was represented by
a steady flow of people through out the day.
The forty-plus booths at this year’s picnic
xvere the most diverse in memory, representing
non-profit service organizations such as
HOPE Testing Clinic, Fortune 500 companies
such as Best Buy and the traditional
array of Rainbow Retailers.
Picnickers enjoyed the live entertainment
that took the stage off and on through
out the day, while kids entertained themselves
on the inflatable games and climbing
wall. Okay, the kids weren’t the only ones
enjoying the inflatable games. The handsdown
hit of the picnic was the water slide
that both kids and adults rode repeatedly.
While the three major pride attractions
could be considered a successful spl!t, many
attendees expressed a desire for the events
to be recombined onto one weekend. A
common complaint: "I didn’t know what
weekend to tell my friends to come. They
couldn’t take off work both weekends or
afford the gas to come twice."
Black reacts to such criticism openly.
"There were a lot of changes this year. Some
things went very well; some things didn’t go
as well as we had hoped. We are going to
take what we learned, listen to the feed back
we receive and then will make the appropriate
changes for next year."
As for now, Black and the rest of the
Tulsa Pride Committee are happy to place
Tulsa Pride 2008 in the history books as a
success, with a rejuvenated event positioned
to grow in the years to come.
DOWNTOWN PLAZA HOTEL cont.
then quickly retreat to air-conditioning
and a cold shower. This was especially useful
following the parade and block party,
just before visiting the bar,s. Adding to the
convenience was the hotel s on-call shuttle.
With less then a ten minute wait each time
it was needed, the shuttle allowed guests to
leave their cars and avoid parking headaches,
expensive gas and more importantly, DUIs.
The hotel is currently undergoing a
complete restoration, with every room being
completely renovated to sport an almost
TUqnspired blue and gold color scheme.
Furnished with antique-style pieces, the
rooms of the Downtown Plaza Hotel are
uncluttered, yet comfortable and quaint.
Pride guests noticed a little construction
"dust" in the form of the occasional minor
malfunction and missing carpet outside the
elevator, however found their problems fixed
quickly and courteously with a simple call
to the front desk.
Perhaps the most enjoyed aspect of
Downtown Plaza Lobby
the Downtown Plaza Hotel by some pride
guests was their retreat to the New York
City-eque second story outdoor pool.
Tucked quietly between the rooftops of
dmvntown Tulsa, the pool was quiet, clean,
and theperfect place to prepare for, or
recover from the festivities.
Staying at the Downtown Plaza Hotel
gives celebrating Tulsa Pride a new feel. For
those from Tulsa, it creates an enjoyable
mini-vacation, while those who travel enjoy
its close proximity to the Pride events and
Downtown night life. Either way, whether
from in or out of town, it always feels good
to stay where "family" is welcome.
w~,~N.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5
Diversity
Business
Association
of Tulsa
The Phantom Standard
Joey De
For Marni Raab, playing the role of
Christine in the legendary musical "The
Phantom of the Opera," is the fulfillment of
a long time dream. "I started ~vith this show
as an understudy in 2001," recalls Raab,
~vho has played the role for the past seven
years internationally. "I was then promoted
to performing two shmvs a week, and then
when on tour six."
Although it may seem odd to plan alternating
actresses to play a role, Raab explains
it as "just good business sense." "The show
is long and Christine is onstage for almost
all of it," says Raab, who notes that there
is only one scene in the almost three hour
show in which her character doesn’t appear.
"The people they hire to play Christine
are ingdnues," says Raab, who continues
"They put big, heavy costumes on them,
and then thrmv them around. I wind up
falling and running then falling again, a
lot. It’s just better to schedule somebody as
a second principal then to never kno~ving
when your lead will be out."
"The Phantom of the Opera," is Andrew
Lloyd Webbers’ hit musical about Raab’s
character, Christine, and her admirer/kidnapper,
~ll~e Phantom. "He’s a maniac, a
monster, disfigured and he’s a murderer,"
describes Raab, "but he is also a poet, an
architect and a brilliant composer."
Christine on the other hand, is a young
lady on the verge of adulthood, says Raab.
"She was been raised by her violinist father,
educated and probably traveled the world,
which was rare then." Raab explains that her
character is lonely and looking for a way in
life when the brilliant, yet creepy Phantom
enters her life as a mentor. Unfortunately,
Christine’s’ childhood acquaintance Raoul
re-enters her life at the same time, completing
a love triangle that entangles the three.
"She must choose between the passionate
genius who has a horrible disfigurement and
has been led down the wrong path, and the
nice guy."
When asked how the show has endured,
Raab believes that "The Phantom," offers
something for everyone to react to. "I have
done the show across Canada, the US and
Asia, and every audience reacts differently.
There are lavish sets, pyrotechnics and
elaborate costumes. It’s ornate, it’s majestic
and at the heart it’s a love story."
Helping to ensure the quality of "The
Phantom" experience, Raab says that every
production of the show must meet the highest
standards. "Audiences demand a certain
standard," says Raab," but the producers
insist on it. If you xvant to produce the
show, you must have the seal of approval
from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Hal Prince and
al! of the people associated with the original.
This way the show you see (in Tulsa) is the
same as what people in New York and on
the West End are seeing."
Raab says that there is also a standard
the performers in the show must live up to.
"It is humbling and an honor to be in this
show, and I know I have big shoes to fill. It
has been around for so long, audiences feel
a sense of ownership in it, making it even
more important to see it done right. You
(the performers) have a responsibility to
keep the show in shape and do it justice."
According to Raab, the performers have
help from standard’s directors, who guide
their performances to prevent serious character
infractions.
"We dodt have the luxury of’finding’
our characters," the actress explains. "It takes
a different skill set to step into a role that
has been established and place our marks on
it as artists."
If you have not yet experienced "The
Phantom," the show will be at the Tulsa
PAC through July 13. Visit www.myticketoffice.
corn for ticketing information.
Quotable Quotes
Scientists at the Karolinska Institute studied
brain scans of 90 gay and straight men and
women, and found that the size of the two
symmetrical halves of the brains of gay men
more closely resembled those of straight
women than they did straight men, while
the brains of homosexual women were
asymmetrical like those of straight men.
6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Open Daily = High Noon
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7
17 West 7th Street (corner 7~ & Boulder Ave)
Tulsa, Ok 74119
R~tions: 918~5~98 e 800~5,5101
www.downtownplazatulsa:com
8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
JULY 2008 the STAR 9
Oklahoma City Museum
o£Art Presents
Roman Art £rom the
Louvre
Final U.S. venue for rare ancient works from
the Louvre’s esteemed collection
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Otdahoma
City Museum ofArt wil! be the final
North American venue for Roman Art from
the Louvre, June 19 through October 12,
2008. Tile seventeen-~veek exhibition, so
large it will occupy the Museum’s ground
floor special exhibition gallery and the eight
second floor galleries of the Museum, will
feature 184 works, some weighing more
than 6,000 pounds. An unprecedented
exhibition of ancient masterworks, drawn
from the Louvre’s unparalleled collection, it
provides a rare and historic opportunity for
Oklahoma audiences to view these magnificent
works, many of which have not been
seen by the public in decades and most of
which have never traveled to the United
States. Furthermore, many of the objects in
the exhibition have recently been restored,
bringing to light their original beauty and
strength of expression.
"The Louvre, thanks to Napoleon’s megalomaniac
interest in the glories ofAncient
Rome, has one of the finest collections of
Roman art outside of Italy," said Hardy
George, Ph.D., chief curator at the Oklahoma
City Museum ofArt. "The exhibition
of sculpture, jewelry, mosaics, and frescos
will be scrupulously arranged in a thematic
manner that will certainly be visually and
aesthetically pleasing as well as historically
informative."
The exhibition examines the manifestations
of Roman public and private life through
an exploration of several themes, including
religion, urbanism, war, imperial expansion,
funerary practices, intellectual life, and
family. Roman Art from the Louvre shows
the full range of Roman artistry and taste,
juxtaposing "official" art with more modest,
private works.
The portrait busts of anonymous men,
women, and children featured in "The Roman
Citizen" reveal the styles and fashions
popular during the Roman Empire. Clothing,
hairstyles, jewelry and other accessories,
perfume bottles, and cosmetics are examined
within the greater context of the role of
women in the Roman Empire. Other topics
addressed include the art of Roman portraiture;
the Boscoreale treasure; and Hadrian’s
Villa at Tivoli and the Maritime Theater.
Roman Art from the Louvre was organized
by the American Federation ofArts and the
Musde du Louvre. The exhibition is supported
by an indemnity from the Federal
Council on the Arts and the Humanities.
American Federation ofArts: The AFA is a
nonprofit institution that organizes art exhibitions
for presentation in museums around
the ~vorld, publishes exhibition catalogues,
and develops educational materials and programs.
For more information on the AFA,
please visit www.afaweb.org.
VOTER REGISTRATION
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 Hection
Friday, July 4 - Registration Deadline
Tuesday, July 29 - Election
Runoff Primary Election
Friday, August 1 - Registration Deadline
Tuesday, August 26 - Hection
General Election
Frida); October 10 - Registration
Deadline
Tuesday, November 4 - Election
CHANGES IN POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Changes in political affiliation may not
be made during the period from June
! 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 Election
\Vednesday, July 23
Vote early at your County Hection
Board office
Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturda); July 26, 8 AM - 1 PM
Monday, July 28, 8 AiVl - 6 PM
Candidate Filing
for federal, state, legislative
and county offices
June 2 - 4
vavw.ok, gov/-elections/index.html
10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Congressman Frank: WhyJohn
McCain Is \Vdrong for the LGBT
Community
WASHINGTON, DC __ In the May
edition of the Democratic National
Committee’s LGBT newsletter, Democratic
Congressman Barney Frank makes the case
for why electing John McCain would be a
step backward for the LGBT community.
Frank, a member of Congress representing
Massachusetts since 1981, has long been an
outspoken civil rights advocate and a vocal
member of the LGBT community.
While McCain has tried to portray himself
as a "maverick" and a "moderate," Congress:
man Frank makes it clear that on LGBT
rights, like so many issues, McCain offers a
third Bush term.
~-he following are excerpts of Congressman
Frank’s article:
changes taking place in civil life ... Homosexuality
is a behavioral trait, unlike skin
color...
"With one exception, the relevance of which
Senator McCain himself is rapidly diminishing,
John McCain’s record is completely
opposed to our efforts to combat prejudice
and gain legal equality...
"He has of course made it clear that he will
support constitutional Amendments banning
marriage at the state level, including
in his mvn state ofArizona, and he regretted
the fact that Arizona rejected such an
amendment...
"In every other area, McCain has a consistent
voting record against our efforts. In
1996, the only time the Senate voted on
the Employment Nondiscrimination Act,
McCain was one of those who voted no. He
has also consistently voted against extending
hate crimes protection to gay, lesbian,
bisexual or transgender individuals...
"This apparently reflects the prejudiced
view that he expressed in 1993 when he
was helping block President Clinton’s effort
when he said on February 4th, as recorded
in the Congressional Record, "The issue of
allowing open gay lifestyles in the military is
completely different from the kind of
"In addition to strongly opposing same-sex
marriage, suggesting that he could modify
his opposition to a federal constitutional
amendment banning states like Massachusetts
from adopting same-sex marriage,
voting against ENDA, consistently opposing
hate crimes coverage for us, and being
recorded against every other effort in the
Senate to give us fair treatment, Senator
McCain also promised if he becomes
president to reduce those protections we
have been able to achieve at the Supreme
Court level. He has noted his admiration
for those justices who have consistently
voted against any efforts by GLBT people
to establish any right to legal equality, for
example ChiefJustice Rehnquist, a dissenter
in the Lawrence v. Texas case, in which the
sodomy laws against gay and lesbian people
were stricken.
"Given the alignment of Supreme Court
Justices, and their ages, it is virtually certain
that ifJohn McCain is president, he will
appoint justices who will overturn the
Lawrence decision and the leading Supreme
Court opponent of fair treatment for gay
and lesbian people, Antonin Scalia ~vill gain
alhes from McCmns appolntme ts.
Community
Peopte living
50t c (3) b~on Profit ()rganization
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 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
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
hardsmmjr@yahoo.com.
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 1t
~W By Donald Pile and Ray Williams
MY TRIP DOWN THE
PINK CARPET
for Will & Grace in 2006, but Leslie also
is a gifted writer and playwright. He wrote
and starred in the autobiographical play,
LOST IN THE PERSHING POIINT
HOTEL, which was also made into a motion
picture.
He has appeared in dozens ofTV shows
including The Fall Guy, Murphy Brown,
Newhart, Ski Patrol, Lois & Clark "The
New Adventures of Superman", Reba,
Wings, The Pretender, Dharma and Gregg,
Ellen, Caroline and the City, Sabrina, the
Teenage Witch, Nash Bridges, Ally McBeal,
Boston Public, Judging Amy, George Lopez,
Boston Legal, Ugly Betty and Hidden Palms
to name just a few.
Leslie Jordan, the wonderful talented actor,
comedian, writer and playwright has just
come out with his new book, MYTRIP
DOWN THE PINK CARPET which is a
fabulously funny and interesting biography
of Leslie’s life, so far. We are fortunate that
we met Leslie a few years ago and saw his
opening performance of"Like A Dog On
Linoleum" in West Hollywood. He played
to sell out audiences every night, and now
in his new book, he brings his life to readers
throughout the nation to peruse.
What began as a smal! boy growing up
in Tennessee and thru his different trials
and tribulations he now is one of the top
actors/entertainers in the country. Leslie
has written a brutally honest story of his
life and tells about all of it, warts and all,
from his alcoholism, addiction to drugs,
street hustlers and everything in between.
The greatest thing is that he has been able
to overcome most all of his demons (he has
now been sober for over 10 years). Most
people who write biographies like to kinda
forget the bad times and only tell about
the good times. Not Leslie! He deals with
every aspect of his life and takes the readers
through everything.
Most people only know of Leslie either
from the movie, Sordid Lives or from his
guest appearances on Will & Grace. He was
nominated and won the Emmy for Outstanding
Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Yes, Leslie Jordan does have a ministry and
that ministry is to be fun, funny, exciting
and to bring happiness to the world. There
is enough grief and misery in the world as it
is. He brings a breath of fresh air wherever
he goes. It is so nice reading a real biography
where the author tells it just as it was and is
and lets the readers get to know him personally.
This should be a "must read" for all
high school students, both gay and straight.
It is an honest and compelling story of one
person’s struggle with himself and the world
around him, and he won! Leslie Jordan certainly
deserves all the awards and accolades
that he receives. MYTRIP DOWN THE
PINK CARPET is one of the funniest yet
heart-felt books that we have ever read.
Leslie Jordan is real ! and in today’s world
that is really something to say! Leslie Jordan
is not like Paul Lynde, he is not like Truman
Capote, he is not like anybody else. He is
simply himself and that is what makes him
so great. After reading this book we can understand
why his one man performances are
sell outs! We can’t wait for the sequel to this
book! We URGE all of our readers to rush
out and purchase a copy of this book. Leslie
Jordan is taking his "act" on the road again
and will be coming to a city near you with
an exciting one man performance and to
sign his book. Check out his website, www.
thelesliejordan.com for updates. "Love, light
to you, Leslie and the very best!"
Donald Pile and Ray Williarm, Award-winning Celebrity
travel columnists who writefor gaypublicationsfrom
Coast to Coast. Proud members ofthe IGLTA. You can
email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage
at: http://www,hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers
12 the STAR ~vw.ozarksstar.com
Wockner News Service
Two California counties
rebel against marriage
ruling
County clerks in California’s Kern and
Butte counties have stopped performing
all marriages so as not to have to marry gay
couples.
In Kern County, where Bakersfield is
located, Clerk Ann Barnett announced her
decision after county lawyers told her she
could not marry straight couples but refuse
to marry gay couples. Officially, she said
the move stemmed from a lack ofstaffand
space to meet the anticipated demand for
weddings.
But in an e-mail sent to the conservative
legal group Alliance Defense Fund and obtained
by the Bakersfield Californian newspaper,
Barnett’s office wrote: "Our question
is, now that the Supreme Court has refused
to stay its decision, will Alliance Defense
Fund defend the County Clerk if she ceases
performing all marriage ceremonies.... We
fully expect to be sued and our own counsel
is not being of help.’"
In Butte County, north of Sacramento,
County Clerk Candace Grubbs cited money
problems in announcing her decision. ~:he
county’s largest city is Chico, population
87,OO0.
But the president of the California Association
of Clerks and Elected Officials, Contra
Costa County Clerk Steve Weir, said the
money excuse makes no sense.
He told the San Francisco Chronicle that
counties make money from selling marriage
licenses and performing weddings.
Kern and Butte counties still have to issue
marriage licenses to same-sex couples,
but counties are not required to also offer
wedding ceremonies, though most do as a
courtesy and because it brings in income.
Massachusetts governot’sdaughter
comes
out
Katherine Patrick, daughter of Massachusetts
Gov. Deval Patrick, came out publicly
as a lesbian June 12 in an interview with the
Boston gay newspaper Bay Windows.
"We... wanted people to know that it’s
not only something that we accept, but it’s
something that we’re very proud of," Katherine,
18, said.
She said she came out to her parents in July
2007, just before a picnic by the pool at
their home in the Berkshires.
"It was the easiest coming out experience
that anyone could possibly have," Katherine
said.
First lady Diane Patrick called that event "a
nonevent in the sense that there wasn’t any
tension."
"I was just happy for her that she knew who
she was and that she was comfortable with
who she was," she said.
Gov. Patrick told Bay Windows, "I think
when Katherine started to memorize all the
episodes ofThe L Word, there was some
hint that maybe she was sending us."
Big gay gro,ups: Do
marry; dont sue
Leading national gay organizations have
issued a strongly worded advisory al! but
demanding that same-sex couples who visit
California to get married not file any lawsuits
seeking recognition of their marriages
in their home states.
The document also strongly urges married
same-sex couples not to sue for federal
recognition of their marriages.
The lengthy document was issued June 10
by Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties
Union, the Human Rights Campaign,
the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation,
the National Center for Lesbian
Rights, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and
Defenders, Equality Federation, Freedom To
Marry, and the National Gay and Lesbian
Task Force.
"Don’t go suing right away," the groups said.
"Most lawsuits will likely set us all back."
"One thing couples shouldn’t do is just sue
the federal government or, if they are from
other states, go sue their home state or
their employer to recognize their marriage
or open up the health plan," the advisory
continued. "Pushing the federal government
before we have a critical mass of states
recognizing same-sex relationships or suing
in states where the courts aren’t ready is
likely to get us bad rulings. Bad rulings will
make it much more difficult for us to win
marriage, and will certainly make it take
much longer."
The full document can be accessed on the
ACLU’s Web site at tinyurl.com/66z8kq.
N.Y. governor sued over
gay-marriage decision
Five state lawmakers and the right-wing
legal group Alliance Defense Fund sued
New York Gov. David Paterson on June 3,
hoping to block his order that state agencies
must recognize same-sex marriages entered
into in places where they are legal.
The suit claims that only the Legislature can
redefine marriage and seeks an injunction
halting implementation of the order.
Paterson has said he merely complied with
a recent court decision that found that a
community college could not deny benefits
to the wife of a female employee -- the
couple married in Canada -- because New
York policy recognizes marriages performed
outside the state.
Same-sex marriage is allowed in Belgium,
California, Canada, Denmark, Massachusetts,
the Netherlands, South Africa and
Spain.
........More U. S. News page 23
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13
~e~LInside Hol~ood, reports on new
Reese Witherspoon and Ben Stiller Get Secretive
~hen
ifyou dofft get to know what it is.
movie proiecr, and the reason for all the hush
ator, Cameron Crowe. Crowe is known t
tong as he cm~, and this one is no exception.
Witherspoon and Ben Stiller, and it’s a romantic
bytes, the presence of
seem like the most promising. ~they mean that
as Etizabethtown. So the rum re is tentatively bright. For now,
Dan Butler to Karl Rove: I Love You
What happens when
political strategist? 7he consequences of such a strange ~
comedy from writer-director Dan Butler, _Kad Rove: I Love
as Bulldog on Frasier, Butler stars in this seifa
depressed careerist actor in 2004,
creating a one man show about President Bush’s to
goal? The win-win scenario of both swaying the
above the tide for once. The Hollywood/D.(
producer, screenwri ~er, director, and star, and audiences can
makes the tihn-festivai circuit rounds, starting tight about now.
14 the STAR
The fellewing
EarthQ~ke Zin ’05
The Phillips brothers pride th~mselves
farming
on quality. Their efforts
competitions.
with lots zing and flavor.
Earthq
brands under
Chards &
must try.
Orin Swift Cedars The
wine
’Heavenly
It’s rare
and :
pepper and tobacco
wild berry, with some
flavors. Ahint
suggests that
Petite Sirah, Charbono and
St
offering is best from 2009 through 20
Ravenswood Napa Zin ’05
97% Zinfandel, 3% Carignane. Heasing
bright, ripe plum flavors with a fine tannin
structure. This xvine has a lingering finish tha’
tastes ofraspberries, doves and vanilla.
Opolo Mountain Zin ’05
Ifyou are one of those who believe bigger is
better, read on. Appropriately named for its
bountiful bouquet offruit as well as where
the grapes are grown, this full-bodied Zinfandd
has plenty ofripe black cherry, plum
and spice and is framed by soft tannins and
balanced acidity.
,case
Zinfandel, Petit Sirah & Carignanel the
2006 Ner~ Mi~o (Italian for "mixed
black") is deep filackish-burgundy colored
with a nose o~ dried herbs, pepper and
leather. This deii~ious "field blend" styled
wine has flavors 6f pomegranate, black
fruits and figs with a hint
of spice, medium to full
bodied firm tannins,
a long, lush finish/
Italian food, spicy
the rig~ht now, though
critics say it
will next 5 - 7 ),ears.
This to find so if you
see it,
of the better values,
to be a vastly superior
fbr Zinfandel. This wine,
some Petite Sirak, Merlot,
and Grenache blended in/exhibits
ruby color. There is a sweet nose
of peppery black cherry and raspberry,
liqueur intermixed with spring flowers
earth. The wine is medium to full-bodied.
Wine critic Robert Parker gave this one
Points.
Mr. D also hosts wine & food events
i known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts
Tulsa.
References include: the ABC’s of wine by James
Laube/www.WineSpectator.com
’,,~##¢.FoodandWine.com
www.Wikipedia.org
Z A P www.zinfandel.org
Members from ever) 25 club flag
VOTE For Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth & Co.
16 t~$TAR
SSIL~’s HOT Cowboys, Let’s Rodeo!
www.ozarksstar.¢om
JULY 2008
downtown Tulsa. Author Clara Nipper 0fTulga-Her new book, Femme
Noir, has received num~ro~ rave reviews and was nominated
for 2 Lambda Lite~ rds~ Her story backdrop
is in Tulsa a~ the time 6f~h~ i921 rac~ riots, about a
lesbian murder mystery featuring a hardcore black woman
named Nora who finds h~rself ii~,estigating her friend’s
murder, the STAR t 7
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
WEST HOLL OOD, CALIFOrnIA 90069
Special praise needs to be given to Steve Nycklemoe who is the
Director of Operations. He has done an outstanding job in putting
this exhibit together. Actually it is one of the finest exhibits that we
have seen in our travels. We strongly urge all of our readers to visit
this museum.
Steve Nycklemoe & Ray \Villiams
Well, the zip code just about explains almost everything about West
Hollywood! What else can be said except that it is fun and exciting
and ? There is so much to see and do and not enough time. For
those of you who have never been there, \Hest Hollywood which is
known as "WEHO" is located between Los Angeles and Beverly
Hills and the main street is Santa Monica Blvd. which is filled with
gay flags, restaurants, bars and shops. At night time it is filled with
thousands of people partying.
The HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM is located in the historic Max
Factor building at 1660 North Highland Avenue just a few blocks
east of the Kodak Center in downtown Hollywood. They have over
10,000 showbiz treasures. When we were there, they had a special
exhibit of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia including many of the
dresses that she wore in her movies. You can see the chair where
Hizabeth Taylor sat in the movie Cleopatra, view Cary Grant’s
vintage Rolls Royce, Elvis Presley’s favorite bathrobe, Rocky’s boxing
gloves and Indiana Jones’ whip.
As you enter the beautiful Art Deco building you walk directly in to
the exquisite lobby with it’s original art deco lighting fixtures, show
cases and architectural moldings. There are displays of original Max
Factor cosmetics and ads. Browse the different make up rooms
where each has a different color mode It is truly like stepping back
into old Hollywood when it was at it’s peak. There are several floors
of exciting exhibits to see. Actually one could spend a whole day
there and not see everything. Downstairs they have the original
prison setting of Hannibal in Silence of the Lambs.
They have really worked at making this one of the finest museums
in the country. Anybody and everybody who is even remotely interested
in movies should visit this museum. Their hours are 10 AM
to 5 PM, Thursday thru Sunday. Be sure to check out their website
at: www.thehollywoodmuseum.com.
Be sure to visit at least one of the major movie studios while you are
in West Hollywood.
We attended the world premier play, BOISE USA by the extremely
talented playwright, Gene Franklin Smith and masterly directed by
Arturo Castillo. BOISE USA is a character-driven drama about gay
persecution in Boise, Idaho in the 1950’s. The writing is superb!
The casting is perfect! Every actor is sensational. The audience is
mesmerized by all of this. Hopefully it will go to Broadway in the
near future as everybody needs to experience this splendid drama.
We had the good fortune of meeting Gene Franklin Smith and he
is an incredibly talented playwright. We can only hope that he
continues writing for many years to come. It has been playing to
rave reviews. It is presently showing at the Matrix Theater at 7657
Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.
There are of course dozens and dozens of museums and galleries to
visit in greater Los Angeles. As always is the case when we travel.....
too many things to see and do, and not enough time. We did have
"lunch with Holly Woodlawff’ one afternoon. She was one of the
Andy Warhol actresses who now lives in West Hollywood and we
visited with the Countess Alexis who is one of the great Divas of all
times who was also associated with Andy Warhol in New York City
and was in several movies.
One day we visited the new Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing. This
is an incredible high-rise apartment housing project for "seasoned"
gays and lesbian on a fixed income. Complete ~vith a swimming
pool, library room, gym room and a social room this facility offers a
safe and secure place for "seasoned" gays and lesbians to live.
There are literally hundreds of restaurants in the greater Los Angles
Area. Our favorites was the ABBEY which is a huge restaurant and
bar right in downtown West HoltFwcood. The TASTE restaurant
is also a great place that we would strongly recommend. Excellent
food and service as well as ambiance at these bars. For breakfast or
lunch we enjoy the French Market restaurant.
There are dozens and dozens of bars in West Hollywood and on
weekends there are usually long lines waiting to get in. Drink
prices at most of these bars are astronomical! For our readers in the
Midwest, be ready for a shock. It is nothing to pay $10 to $15 for a
drink and we mean just for a regular bourbon and coke or screwdriver.
We are not talking call drinks either! With gas hovering
around $5.00 a gallon and drinks priced that high and with the cost
of housing, it does take lots of money to have a good time.
18 th÷$TAR ~.ozarksstar.com
The Abbey Restaurant and Bar
We stayed at the San Vicente Inn which is just 1/2 block from Santa
Monica Blvd. It is a totally gay resort that has recently been sold
and is now in the process of being completely remodeled. It is the
most convenient place to stay since you can walk almost everywhere,
and if you want to go anywhere else you catch the bus. The staffis
one of the friendliest around.
NOTE: Seepage 22for 7he Abbey’s Tn~ffte Macaroni & Cheese recipe.
Oklahomans for Equality and Breast
Impressions ofTulsa team up to raise breast
cancer awareness.
Breast Impressions "Beauty beyond Breast Cancer" Art on Display
TULSA, OK (PR) __ For the second year Breast Impressions breast
cast art will be on display at the Oklahomans for Equality Dennis
R. Nell! Equality Center gallery through the month ofJuly. Only
breast cancer survivors have been cast in plaster this year, and local
artists have turned the castings into stunning examples of each
survivor’s incredible journey through breast cancer¯ The art displayed
will be auctioned at the Breast Impressions Annual Gala for
the benefit ofTulsa Project Woman, Inc. on October 3, 2008. But
the Equality Center "Beauty beyond Breast Cancer" show allows
Oklahomans to see and experience he inspiration through each
survivor s story.
Breast Impressions is honored to display the work at the Dennis R.
Neill Equality Center gallery because of the higher risk for developing
breast cancer among lesbians and bisexual women.
www.ozarksstar.corn
Due to a variety of social stigmas statistically they have a higher risk
profile than their heterosexual counterparts. Realizing this, Tulsa
Project Woman will hold an educational seminar during the Breast
Impressions art show, to further promote breast cancer awareness
through the communit):
Opening Night of the Gallery showing will be July 3, 2008 from
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at
621 E. 4th Street, in downtown Tulsa. Refreshments will be provided
by Panera Bread, Godiva Chocolate, and Escargot’s. Many of
the artists and breast cancer survivor models will be in attendance to
meet those who visit. The show will continue through July until the
28th, Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tulsa Project
Woman will also host a dessert reception and private showing of
the Breast Impressions Exhibit and then a Breast Health Education
seminar on Thursday, July 17 at 7:00pm. This seminar will include
information on Breast Cancer Prevention, How to do a Self Breast
Exam and the Tulsa Project Woman.
You can contact Judi Grove, founder of Breast Impressions at 918-
691-3874 for more information about the Equality Center gallery
showing, or the upcoming Gala and Auction for the benefit ofTulsa
Project Woman.
theSTAR 19
of Town
By Andrew Collins
Nashville, Tennessee
:was
good idea). The s~ae
THEABBEY FOOD &B£
By Donald Pile & Ray \vq’illiams
The Abbey Food and Bar is located at
692 North Robertson just 1/2 block south
of Santa Monica Blvd. It has been around
quite a few years and it is one of the wonderful
restaurants/bars that just keeps getting
better year after year after year. David
Cooley is the master at the art ofwork and
play. Over the past 15+ years, his creation,
The Abbey Food and Bar, has grown from a
small, West Hollywood coffeehouse to one
of the most popular hotspots in the country.
Locals, tourists and celebrities alike all flock
to The Abbey for its infamous Martinis
as well as its stunning, open-air ambiance
and truly relaxed elegance. In May 2006,
Cooley and The Abbey entered an entirely
new and exciting phase in its partnership
with the Los Angeles-based SBE, which has
fast become one of the pivotal players in the
Los Angeles nightlife and restaurant scene.
Armed with the expertise, infrastructure and
corporate reach of SBE, The Abbey is beginning
its biggest expansion to date - reproducing
the signature Abbey experience in
selected cities nationwide. While no specific
locations have been finalized for national
expansion, Cooley and SBE are exploring
locations where The Abbey’s open-air
concept would work best, including Miami’s
South Beach, Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas,
Las Vegas and Phoenix.
So now you have the background on
the Abbey but you MUST dine and drink
there. It is where it is all happening in West
Hollywood and everyone who is anyone
goes there. Hizabeth Taylor made a rare
appearance there last month to a cheering
crowd. When we dined there, everything
was great...the service, the ambiance and
the food was spectacular! We had the finest
pork chops that we have ever had! The
mac and cheese with truffles were to die for!
There are dozens and dozens of restaurants
to dine at in West Hollywood and this is
certainly one of the finest. Check out their
exciting menu on line at their website,
http://www.abbeyfoodandbar.com/
22 tbeSTAR w~wv.ozarksstar.com
Ca iforni s will vote
on same-sex marriage
They’re gonna vote on whether you are a full
American.
Anti-gay activists have succeeded in qualifying
an initiative for the Nov. 4 ballot to
amend the California Constitution to undo
the state Supreme Court’s recent ruling that
opened marriage to same-sex couples. The
ruling takes effect, and the weddings begin,
on June 16 at 5 p.m.
The activists had to submit 694,354 valid
petition signatures to qualify the initiative
for a vote. They submitted 1,120,801 and,
on June 2, Secretary of State Debra Bowen
said a spot-check of 3 percent of the signatures
found that a high enough percentage
of them ,vere valid to extrapolate that the
threshold would be met if all t. 1 million
were checked.
Tne amendment will state: "Only a marriage
between a man and a woman is valid or
recognized in California."
The latest poll on the issue, a respected
California Field Poll released May 28, found
that 51 percent of registered California voters
support same-sex marriage, 42 percent
oppose it and 7 percent have no opinion.
The poll found that 54 percent oppose
amending the state constitution to ban
same-sex marriage, 40 percent favor an
amendment and 6 percent have no opinion.
The biggest support for same-sex marriage
came from younger voters, Democrats,
liberals, nonreligious people and residents of
the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles
County.
The strongest opposition came from older
people, Republicans, conservatives, bornagain
Christians, Protestants and residents
of the Central Valley and Southern California
counties apart from L.A. County.
Observers predict that the battle may be
won or lost in the populous Southern California
counties of Orange and San Diego.
Women (53 percent) polled more supportive
than men (48 percent) with 8 percent
of each having no opinion and the rest opposed.
A majority of respondents up to age 49
favored sane-sex marriage, while a majority
of people over age 50 opposed it.
The poll questioned 1,052 voters and had a
margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.
Obama cdebrates gay
pride
Presidential candidate Barack Obama said
June 6 that his campaign is actively participating
in more than 60 gay pride events this
summer, as detailed at pride.barackobama.
com/pridemonth.
"I am proud to join with our lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgendered brothers and sisters
in celebrating the accomplishments, the
lives, and the families of all LGBT people
during this Pride season," Obama said in a
statement.
"It’s time to live up to our founding promise
of equality by treating all our citizens with
dignity and respect. Let’s enact federal civil
rights legislation to outlaw hate crimes and
protect workers against discrimination based
upon sexual orientation and gender identity
or expression. Let’s repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell and demonstrate that the most effective
and professional military in the world
is open to all Americans who are ready and
willing to serve our country. Let’s treat the
relationships and the families ofLGBT
Americans with full equality under the law.
"Generations ofLGBT Americans, at once
ordinary and extraordinary, have made
possible this moment in our history. With
leadership and hard work, we can fulfill the
promise of equality for all," Obama said.
Quotable Quotes
Obama told reporters "the Republicans
helped to engineer the distraction of the war
in Iraq at a time when we could have pinned
down the people who actually committed
9-11." He said Osama bin Laden is still at
large in part because of their failed strategies.
Kansas CoupJe Does
IDO.
By Greg Steele
Photo: Donald Pile, Larry IVard, Riverside
County, (Palm Springs) CA County Clerk and
oj~ciating the wedding and Ray Williams.
PALM SPRINGS, CA __ Donald Pile and
Ray Williams long time friends and columnists
for The Star exchanged legal vows in
Palm Springs, CA on June 17, 2008.
The couple drove from West Hollywood,
where they were vacationing, to Palm
Springs for the ceremony. The Star talked
with them about the historic occasion.
"We stopped by Palm Springs early this
morning and were married", Donald told
us. "Mel Haber, owner of the famous
Melwn’S Restaurant in Palm Springs was a
witness. He is a dear straight friend of ours.
The other witness was our good friend,
Stefan Hemming who owns the Liberace
Estate. We were very cool about the whole
thing until the Clerk said, "In as much as .......
Donald and Raymond have thus consented
together in marriage, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the State of California
as a Commissioner of Civil Marriage
for the County of Riverside (Palm Springs,
CA), I now pronounce you to be united in
marriage".
"It was a small wedding as we didn’t have
much time. When we walked out the front
door of the county court house, we were
crying and shouting".
After 37 years we have never been more in
love with each other. We are just sad for
the gays and lesbians in other parts of the
country who do not have the opportunity to
get married".
www.ozarksstar.corn th÷STAR 23
Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G.
@ The Ledo, Oklahoma City
@Club Majestic, Tulsa
@ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa
24 @Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City
June 6, O~n~YoUth Center conducted the r annua
F~hi~~: ,Th~ ~h~ was hosted by 106.9 s Chase and
OK:: There were
different artists in
Pride Prade These ad es are hay ng tooooo~ ~bh fun
www.ozarksstar.com
CaIJaway CD Romanticizes Man to Man AL
RE-ELECTED
D STRICT 88
"You Ain’t Woman Enough’To Take My
Man", a gay man is telling a woman, drag
queen or possible a transvestite, that she isn’t
woman enough to take his boyfriend.
The title song "darn it, Baby, That’s Love"
highlights the collection. Clay and his partner,
Ty Lewis sing it as a duet with passion
and love. Other song selections that will get
you in the mood include "I’ve Grown Ac-
:customed To Your Face", "All ~e Man That
I Need", "Never Loved A Man Before", and
"Come In From The Rain"
In the past 20 years Callaway managed to
find love, work somewhat in the shadows of
"the industry" (as in, behind the scenes) in
Los Angeles, New York, Sweden, Dominican
Republic and all points in between,
boomeranged through Nashville and came
to live in Hilo, Hawaii. It was here that the
muse again came to him. "Hawaii is so full
of music and incredible voices that I found
my self facing this love I have to sing out
loud and once again I felt in love with the
audience, and they seemed to like me too",
Clay says.
Charlie’s, often hosted by Joan Rivers, The
Rose Tatoo, the Palomino Club and other
"interesting" places. All the while making a
living working in television production as
a production assistant and slowly moving
up that food chain. Life was good, met a
few cute guys along the way and a few hot
messes as well. It came a time in my early
20% I was taking voice lessons with Bob
Garrett and we ended up writing a couple
of songs together. On my web site, I have
included a demo of one of those songs from
over 20 years ago for a sneak peek at one
that will be resurrected for my next album. I
can’t sing that high anymore, but it’s a look
back to a day tong past."
"Then a fire in my apartment building left
me homeless and sent me back to stay with
my family in Arkansas for the summer to
regroup. In some ways I felt defeated, but
got chosen to direct the summer musical at
the community theater, the South Arkansas
Arts Center, and while in my home town,
met the love of my life, Ty. He had been
there most of his and my life, but we had
never met."
"I moved to LA at 19 to finish college at
¯ LMU, that was pretty much it for singing
and performing aside from high school chores
and the occasional opportunity to dress
up in a chicken suit. (But that’s another
story.) LA was a big eye-opener, as it would
be for anyone let alone a young gay guy
from south Arkansas. I began to write songs
and performing at lots of fun places on the
Sunset Strip and beyond. Carlos &
Gay Chicago Magazine says "On his debut
album, Callaway takes love songs many
written by men and popularized by women
then turns them on end by singing them in
his distinctive vocal style to other men. It’s
a creative approach that can make for some
rather interesting word play. "
You can purchase the CD online at: www.
cdbaby.com/cd/daycallaway
By Victor Gorin
Keith Taggart congratulates State Representative
AI McAflgrey at a fundraiser for Jim Roth at the
residence of Mike McLain & Richard Ogden.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma’s
first openly gay legislator, Al McAffrey was
re-elected to represent District 88 of central
Oklahoma City. He was first elected in
2006.
At the close of the filing period June 4
there was only one opponent, 27 year old
Dominique Block, who was running as an
Independent. His candidacy was challenged
by the McAffrey campaign on the
grounds that he had not been registered
as an Independent for 6 months prior to
the filing period, and the Oklahoma State
Election Board determined he was not
eligible. As there was no other opposition,
Al McAffrey was automatically re-elected
to of~ce.
Al welcomes this opportunity stating," It’s
a great feeling to know my constituents
have faith in me, and by their support I’ll
be able to serve them for two more years."
Quotable Quotes
The Tonight Show host, Jay Leno decided to
make an appearance in support of the recent
legalization of gay marriage by California’s
Supreme Court.
"He said that he is from Massachusetts and
that the sky did not fall in their state when
marriage equality became the law of the
land there," a rep for the event said.
26 th÷STAR www.ozarksstar.com
NATIONAL NEWS
Task Force Action Ftmd
applauds New York
Assembly £or historic
vote on transgender
rights
"We congratulate the leadership ofAssemblyman
Richard Gottfried, the many
transgender leaders and allies in New York,
and our partner, Empire State Pride Agenda,
for this important victory. We now call on
the leaders of the New York Senate to bring
this bill to the floor so that protections fbr
transgender people and others in New York
are not delayed another day."
Noway adopts gaymarriage
law
OSLO (AFP) -- Norway’s parliament on
Wednesday adopted a new marriage law
that allows homosexuals to marry and adopt
children and permits lesbians to be artificially
inseminated.
WASHINGTON, DC (PR) __ The National
Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund
applauds the New York Assembly’s passage
today of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination
Act (GENDA). The bill, which
passed by a 102-33 vote, now moves to the
state Senate. The measure seeks to prohibit
discrimination on the basis of gender identity
or expression in housing, employment,
credit and public accommodations and
would add gender identity or expression to
the state’s hate crimes law.
New York extended protections on the basis
of sexual orientation in 2002 and the Task
Force has worked with the Empire State
Pride Agenda, legislators and community
activists since then to amend the law to
add gender identity or expression protections,
including by helping draft GENDA.
Among the other contributions the Task
Force made to this effort was a convening
of transgender and allied activists in 2006
at a training in Albany to provide leaders
with skills for how to build coalitions in
support of this bill, and a Power Summit
training on Long Island in December 2007
that attracted more than 100 activists who
were taught how to lobby their legislators
and build grassroots support for the bill.
If the bill passes the Senate, Gov. David
Paterson is expected to sign it and New York
would become the 13th state to explicitly
ban discrimination based on gender identity
or expression. Currently, 39 percent of the
country’s population is covered by such a
local or state law.
Statement by Rea Carey, Acting Executive
Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action
Fund
"This is a very exciting victory for the people
ofNew York, particularly transgender
people. Legislation of this sort is not only
responsible public policy, it also shows the
nation that New York is unafraid to join the
ranks of states that value all of their citizens,
including those who are transgender or who
express their gender in ways that reflect the
broad and beautiful spectrum of humanity.
www.ozarksstar.com
Libertarian Party selects Bob
Barr.as 2008 presidential
nominee
Former Congressman plans to take the
White House as Libertarian candidate
DENVER, CO (PR) __ The Libertarian
Party has nominated former Congressman
Bob Barr as its candidate for president for
the 2008 election.
"I’m sure we will emerge here with the
strongest ticket in the history of the Libertarian
Party," Barr stated in his victory
speech shortly after being selected as the
Party’s nominee. "I want everybody to remember
that we only have 163 days to win
this election. We cannot waste one single
day."
More than 650 Libertarian delegates met
in Denver from May 22 tilt the 26 for the
2008 Libertarian National Convention. After
six rounds of voting Sunday afternoon,
Barr was selected as the Party’s presidential
nominee.
The Libertarian Party is America’s third
largest political party, founded in 1971 as an
alternative to the two main political parties.
You can find more information on the Libertarian
Party by visiting www.LP.org. The
Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller
government, lower taxes and more freedom.
After a heated debate, the members of
parliament adopted the text by a vote of 84
to 41.
The three centre-left coalition parties in
power and two opposition parties, the
Conservatives and the Liberals, voted largely
in favour of the law, while the Christian
Democrats and the far-right Progress Party
voted against it.
Norway thus became the sixth country in
the world to grant homosexuals the right to
marry on an equal footing with heterosexuals,
according to Norwegian television TV2.
"This decision is of an importance comparable
to universal suffrage and our law
on parity," Labour Party rapporteur Gunn
Karin Gjul said during the debate.
The most controversial part of the law is
that which gives lesbians the right to be artificially
inseminated. The sperm donor must
be identified so that the child can seek out
his or her biological father at the age of 18.
Outside the parliament, a handful of opponents
protested with posters reading "Have
fathers become superfluous?" and "Parliament
has no mandate to change the laws of
nature."
Among other things, the new legislation replaces
a so-called "partnership law" adopted
in 1993 xvhich gave Norwegian homosexuals
the right to civil unions.
Health care workers who do not want to
perform artificial inseminations on lesbians
because of their personal convictions will
not be under any obligation to carry out the
procedure.
The new law is expected to enter into force
at the end of this year or eatly next year.
Homosexuality was illegal until 1972 in
Norway, a country which has since become
one of the most liberal in the world in the
field.
~÷STAR 27
by Jack Fertig July 2008
"Nalke like a tourist, Pisces!"
With Mercury, Venus, Uranus, and Eris all in mutual
aspect, efforts at wit and charm are subverted by excessive
impulses and eagerness to take offense. Still,
it’s a good time to hash out friendly disagreements or
to take up arts or crafts projects.
¯ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Before speaking up, try to remember
some bit of wisdom from a wise old woman, probably
your grandmother or a teacher from early childhood.
Her insight could smooth out the rough edges, turning your
initial ideas from disastrous to helpful.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): You may be overly invested
in a set goal that isn’t as realistic as it originally seemed.
We all need to revise plans now and then. Be practical, not
stubborn! Discuss it with friends, and take time alone to
reconsider priorities.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You may be trying too hard to
get ahead and to organize people you see as "your team."
Stand back, think about what’s really important, and listen
carefully to your friends and their aims. Communication is
the key to cooperation.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Arguments that seem to
come out of nowhere are really about your hidden doubts
and fears. Expert opinions can help set your mind at ease.
Try exploring some artistic medium or musical style that
wouldn’t normally interest you.
LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your own ideas of sexual
politics could shake up your corner of the GLBT community,
which can stimulate new thinking. Discussion points that
come from the heart will go over better than battle cries that
sound like P.C. cliches.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Flirtations and
sexual politics can complicate relations with bosses and
colleagues. Acknowledging sexual tension may help to
dispel it, but that doesn’t always work. Think deeply and far
ahead before trying it. Discuss any problems at your job
with friends who work elsewhere.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Cooperation is usually
more productive in the long run than competition is.
Both have their place, but your eager ambitions may blind
you to better opportunities. Careful listening can turn rivals
into allies.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Sexual experimentation
is fine in principle; just be careful that you don’t
land in a bad situation. Think ahead and be cautious! Be
clear about health risks, discuss at length what you really
want, and look before you leap.
28 theSTAR
SAG~TTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Disruptions
at home can make you cranky and argumentative.
Looking for sex to blow off steam may prove more frustrating
than helpful. Competitive games - especially those that
test communications skills (Scrabble, Charades, Pictionary)
- are probably better for releasing tension.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Keep your focus
right in front of your nose. Accidents are just waiting to
happen; being overloaded and distracted only encourages
them! Teamwork is helpful, if you can resist the urge to get
drawn into turf battles.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): The cost of fun
can be a lot higher than expected. Be inventive (you can
manage that!), and have a great time on the cheap. Debates
over aesthetics may seem more heated than they
should be, but welcome the arguments for potential inspiration.
PISCES (February t9 - March 19): Feeling like a stranger
at home isn’t fun, but it can fuel the creative juices. Get
playful, make like a tourist, and let someone take you to
places you’d never go on your own. Take a more objective,
outsider’s stance in community politics.
MCC METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
IRev Steve "IF. Urie
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, IVlO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM
Community Mieal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
MCC of the Living Spring
t7 Elk Street
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479-253-9337
Worship Sundays at 6:00 PMi
Have a God filled and BleSSed Day!
www.ozarksstar.com
Support those who support us.
DOWNTOWN PLAZ__A ofTULSA
17 West 7th Street
Tulsa, OK
918-585-5898
www.downtownplazatulsa.com
HABANA INN
2200 NW39TH 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
ANGLES
2117 NW39th St.
Oklahoma City, OK
www.anglesdub.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.dubmajestictulsa.com
FINISHLINE
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE
11730 E. llTH
Tulsa, OK
918-437-0449
Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am
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
EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowship
311 S Klein Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
405-761-1878
www.myspace.com/expressionsokc
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIWSTD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Saturday 9:30 AM
MCC of the LMNG SPRING
17 Hk Street
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479-253-9337
Worship Sundays 6pm
OPENAR/vlS YOUTH PROJECT
2015 -B S. Lakewood
Tulsa, OK 74112
918-838-7104
www. openarmsproject.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N. Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
KING OF MASSAGE
In or Out Calls
Oklahoma City, OK
405-314-3898
JUDY G. PHOTO’S
Tulsa, OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
9!8-743-8636
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 HEIGHTS-Tulsa
New and Historic Homes for Sale
and Rent For Info:
wv~v.gaybradyheightstulsa.com
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
For { vertisin
Knformation
DALLAS CVB
Dallas, TX
www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com
Want the STAR delivered to your home or business?
12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed
envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form
below and send with a check or moneyorder to:
NAME:
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Keller Williams Realty
Chuck Breckenridge
Vghether buying or selling
I’ll work hard for you.
KING OF
MASSAGE
Great Touch
Man to Man
Futl Bodj Massage
2 hands or 4 hands
available
(405) 3{4o3898
Now Hiring Male & Female
30 t~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com
We believe that homosexuality is not a
genetic trait but a chosen lifestyle.
We oppose the portrayal of homosexual or
promiscuous behavior in a positive light in
our public schools.
We oppose the erosion of our military
readiness through openly_ practicing
homosexuals serving in the military
We oppose the promotion of homosexuality,
the elimination of laws against sodomy,
and the granting of minority protection or
special status to any person based upon
sexual preference or lifestyle choice.
If the Republican message of hate and division
doesn’t represent you, then join us and vote
Democrati’c in support of what we stand for:
LIBERTY, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL,
PROUDLY INCLUDING THE GLBT COMMUNITY.
I~’ol~V~ln ~o~e$~ Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair
I~ Asbe~’ry~ Oklahoma Democratic Party Vice Chair
Undu Sru~’ ~’~ Oklahoma State Democratic Party
Treasurer
¢~’~o g~’d~ Oklahoma State Field Director Democratic
National Commiffee, Fifth District Chair
3~ ~o~’~ Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner
A~ ~{~’e~ Oklahoma State Representative District 88
gob ~.e~o~ our friend who’s straight but not narrow
Taken from current platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties of Oklahoma.
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, July 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 7
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
July 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 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, June 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 6
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/248
Metro Star. August 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 8
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/198
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/247
After Dark
Al McAffrey
Bob Bar
Deval Patrick
horoscopes
Katherine Patrick
Leslie Jordan
marriage equality
mixology
Night club
Obama
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Our House
Paparazzi on the Prowl
pride Parade
project runway
Quotable Quotes
recipes
Star Advertisers
star classified
Star Scene
The National Gay and Task Force
The Phantom of the Opera
Too
travel
wine
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/be0ae56e7062acd8c024758acee9e450.jpg
45f01a058dc724e3b2f96696dfc13337
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/106bd8d97ee140cad2981c547d629591.pdf
8f8be49a6dcbded09162ea9d9b5d96d5
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
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
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"At Century 21 Gold Cas#e our BEST
properties are ourPEOPL~
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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
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
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
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(Single Copies $3.00 per issue)
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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 ,~.
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the STAR 31
°Aid
Dublin Core
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[2008] The Star Magazine, February 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 2
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February 01, 2008
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English
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magazine
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Southwestern Missouri
Western Arkansas
Southeastern Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Subject
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Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
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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.
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Star Media, Ltd
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Star Media, Ltd
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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
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
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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
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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
Dublin Core
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
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Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
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Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
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2004-2011
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Images
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PDF
Language
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English
Type
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magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
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Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
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C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
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magazine
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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 notie. "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/3606d446a128edc1e22445fb1018fdb3.jpg
ade86e8efdac34dbfc792e048a4b85a7
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/794df62bcf7175f9e841fabe5ca9d90f.pdf
cad8e29777e52185f3d966f17f06ee8c
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
2 the STAR C) .. -rohcr 2oncthe
STAR (Jcrohc-r 2006 3
The STAR is published by
Star Media, Ltd.
5103 S. Sheridan,# 153
Tulsa, OK 74145-7627
ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net
www.ozarksstar.com
Editor in Chief, 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) Vicior Gorin 405-947-2048
(Northwest Arkansas) Kay Massey- 4 79-586-1062
National Advertising Representative
Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863
Deadline for ali 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
The Ozarks Star or the Star is published & distrii:nucd mm1thiy
as a c0Jlu11unity service by Star !vfrdi.1, Ltd .. Publica.tion of
the name-: photograph or likcnc,;s of any pcr,on, husint·s,; or
org~nization in this publication is not rn be construed as .1ny
indication of sexual orieotarion or prefcrtncc., <.:f 5uc:h per!-0:-1,
businc~s or organi1ation. -
t)pinions expressed by cnlumni-,t.'i, J.dn.:rtiscr:. or Lt:ttt:r:.t 10 the
Editor arc n,·H nece~,;,~riiy rh{.'. opinion of'Ihc ()z~Hks Sue ir.-.
staff. th~ puhlisher \Jr ir's advertiser~- Content of :1Jn~ni~crncnt-"
and anid~s arc tb.: soi~ rcspvnsibi!iry of dtc s1dnTti~cr ,1nd /n:
author. The P1iillish~r o( thL ();;.1rk.-. Sur or ~c~r rc~~rvc:; d1t riJ;ht
to refuse advertising nuteriai fr>r .u;y rc:,!~on ;vh,at .so c:cc 'ihc
();;arks Sur or ~t.tr anJ all lik;_·no::.s.;-c-;. '11<.:rc of :u,.: .sol 1•
0f Srar l\kdi.1, Lt.d. :\H rn:Ht:ri::l CU}')Tig,h~ 2006
S:,r.
Designed with Pride, Prinkd in Ok!ahom:1, l'',A
JON THE COVER J1r:: Verraros, Americar :do! 1
00 LESBIAN NOTIONS
Banning Books by Intelligent Design:
''in the filrn. I-Titler Youth re,:dcd in
ra~sacking the school ~1nd thought nothing
of throv;ing ac1dc111k frccdo1n into th~ fire·'
Of) OUT In ARKANSAS
New! Lots of news from the Adzansas
GLBT Communitv. BOO BASH for
Capitol Pride at Sidetracks.
Summer OiV(:rsitT \Y/eekend. EUREKA'
00 PAST OUT
A rttrnspecrive of LG BT History. 1728:
.Notorious transvestite Chevalier
d'Eo11 is bom in Burgundy, Fmnce.
OD CIAO TRAVEL
Gav Travelers '·\'{'dcomc to Arizona''
Otit of Town "Vmcotffer, BC"
£)(3 ASK UNCLE MIKEY
!\1ikc\' rcco\·crs frorn a Ion: afE1ir of epic
prop~nion~. I n1c,ff1 ,vhc\V, that tna;1 \v.is
juq too n1uch. It ,,·~1s likl' being at the l)(~
and trying lO take th~n extra dip, knn\v!ng
your body, just ,n)uldn't h~u:dic it.
INDEX
T.O.H.R. in The News
Lesbian Notions ...
People
OUT in lvkansas ..
Past Out
Tulsa GLBT Ce:·ite:- !\Jews.
Dining In
Star Scene
Uncie
... 6
.10
II
. 15
r'
Gold Castle
"At Century 21 Gold Castle our
BEST properties are our PEOPLE"
4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
405.840.2106
c21 goldcastle.com
Let us he '•
( 18) 7 -5
Proud~y serving 1Ulsa &:: ()1<(:'s GL.B1~ C!.Jrnmunities since 1982
6 the STAR.
Isa Mayor Kathy
ylor pond es
. H. R. ncerns.
TULSA, OK_ Laura Belmonte, President, Tulsa Oklahomans for
Human Rights rook the initiative in expressing tne concerns of the
GLBT communities exclusion of civil rights protections in Tulsa.
The following is Dr. Belmonte's letter to Mayor Taylor and :he
Mayor's response.
Dear Mayor Taylor:
I am writing in regard to your call for Tulsans to extol the
virtues of our city in an effort to generate national interest in
our amenities and opportunities. While ! agree entirely with
your faith in Tulsa, I would also like to discuss a much-deserved
negative aspect of Tulsa's reputation.
Many thoughtful citizens think our city is doomed if it does
not take steps to protect and celebrate its diversity. This
is particularly true in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender
(GLBT) community. By some indices, Oklahoma
ranks 45th in the nation in terms of inclusion and civil rights
protections for gay people. While Manford and Oklahoma
County have amended their non-discrimination ordinances
to encompass sexual orientation, Tulsa has not taken this
vital step despite the fact that the city's Human Rights
Commission first began recommending such a change in
1975.
As you undoubtedly know. GLBT people are an integral element
of this city. We own dozens of businesses and employ
thousands of people. We are doctors. lawyers, teachers,
firefighters, poiice officers, and every other occupation
under the sun. Eighty-six percent of Fortune 500 companies
now explicitly protect their GLBT employees. Despite
widespread and iegitimate concern for the city's economic
future, Tulsa has refused to join over 300 cites across the
United States including Cincinnati and Salt Lake City who
have expanded their non-discrimination policies to ensure
that sexual minorities are judged solely on their merits as
employees, tenants, and customers.
in my capacity as a piOfessoi at Okiahoma State University,
I have seen dozens of extremely promising gay people flee
our state or refuse job offers mainly because of the region's
reputation as a stronghold of intolerance. These individuals
include a Rhodes Scholar nominee, two Goldwater Fellows,
and Ph.D.s from universities including Harvard, Yale, and
Stanford. These are precisely the type of professionais we
must keep in and draw to Tulsa if we are to buiid the city to
which we aspire.
You have broad support in the GLBT community and we
very much hope you ,vii! rectify this giaring flaw in fabric of
our city .
Sincereiy,
Laura .A... Belmonte. Ph.D
President. Tu!sa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Chair. Say No to Hate Coa!ition
respo;Jsf.'
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
AIDS WALK.
9:00 arn
Photo: Al McAffrey and Kayne Gillaspie by
Victor Gorin
OKLAHOMA STONEWALL
DEMOCRATS FUNDRAISER
OKI.AHO!v1A CITY, OK_ September 7, a
verv successful fundraiser for the Okiahoma
Sto~cwall Democrats \Vas held at the home
Al l,fcAffrey, who was recently elected
as a State Representative for State House
District 88. Mr. McAJfrey 's election made
history as he is tl1e first openly gay person
to be elected to the Oklahoma Legislature.
Pictured witl1 Al is celebrity guest Kayne
Gillaspie, who also did our state proud on
Bravo's reality TV show Project Runway.
* HERLAND ANNOUNCES
FALL RETREAT
OKLAHO1v1A CITY, OK_1he womyn of
Herland have scheduled cheir Fall Retreat
for the weekend of October 27, 28 and 29.
This year it will be held at Eufala State Park
and .;,iii feature a costume contest, sports
activities, a potluck dinner and a concert
featuring O~hi, a special drummer from
Washington srate.
Heriand's Spring and Fall Retreats have
been held since 1985,and that function
of Herland is their only activity that is for
women only. For over 20 years women have
enjoyed this celebration of empowerment
and feilowship. One can register for the
Retreat on!ine at v,v.-v,.herlandsisters.org or
caii (405l 521 9696.
*
Photo by: Scott Asi1ton
Jim Verraros,
Actor, Recording
Artist Scheduled To
Attend OUT-OK-5
Film Festival.
TULSA, OK_Jim Verraros, American Idol
Finalist, recording artist of the hit recording
"Rol!ercoaster" and star of the award winning
movie, "Eating Out" is scheduled to
appear in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for the
Out OK Film Festival. One of the featured.
fiims to show is the sequei to Eating Out,
called Sloppy Seconds. Jim was cast to
return as Kyle in a leading role.
Jim ,von the hearts all across America as a
featured performer on the 2002 American
Idols Live Tour, but his popularity really
soared after he came "out" in The Advocare
in January 2003. Jim's young fans, both
gay and straight, nor only embraced the
disclosure, bm verily celebrated it, p~oudly
signaling the broader acceptance of gays
among the next generation.
In addition to "Eat\ng Out-2: Sioppy Seconds''
The Oklahoma GLBT International
Film Festival opens with Srewart Wade's
deiightfui!v romamic comedv of errors,
·'ro· r::--Fii f)ATL''' 'W; h ·1· ·{,_,; " peri'o•· .. -.,..,, .a. t' -.. ,, ... , _,_ ~ .L . .1.Ld ll~J...-.,.OuS .tJ. ~'•
rnances from -\Xlilson Cruz So-(~alled
Lif.~, J'-.Joah:-s lire), ()scar-norninatcd Sally
Kirkland, Jonathan Silvt.~nnan, ninede's recn
singing sensation I)cborah C;ibson, and
Jonathan Bray. -n1e l::estival runs ()ctnbcr]
1-15~ 22 (l-i1ls:1) and C)ctober 19-~21
(()klahon1a
also be in "'"'"""''"
the STAR 7
Tulsa's Kris Kohl Host's Bryan
hite Benefit Show.
by Greg Steele
Photo: "Cowboy Crooner" Matthew Heath Fitzgerald.
TULSA, OK_On September 17th, Kris Kohl brought out his top
guns to the Bamboo Lounge Tulsa and raised dose to $500 for the
Bryan White AIDS Fund. Special Guest Entertainers induded Marthevf
I-ieath Fit-zgerald n Oklahoma's Cov1boy c.:roonern, ~frudy Tyler
'' The First Miss Gay Oklahoma Emeritus". Mona Lon .Miss
8 the STAR
Bamboo 2006", Singer's Sam and Lester, Clog Dancer Jay Whiteside
and many other great performers. All donated their time and
talent to this very worthy charity.
The OSU Internal Medicine Speciality Services Department in
Tulsa is one of five State non-profit organizations that administer
the Bryan White Aids fund. They cover 37 Counties in Oklahoma.
With 150 new patients lase year, administraror Midge Elliot told
che STAR in an interview that they are expecting many more for
this year. "45% are minority and 35% are from rural area's. We
help with medical, medicine, dental, transportation and other
necessities as funds wiil allow." she said. " Our mission is to ensure
rhac persons living with HIViAIDS in Eastern Oklahoma have access
to high quality, comprehensive primary medical care, specialty
care, and care coordination services delivered through OSU-COM's
uniquely meaningful, compassionate and state-of-;:he-art programs
and providers in one accessibie location".
The Federal Health Resources Adminiscration manages the Ryan
White Aids Fund and distributes to Oklahoma, who in turn allocates
the money to the state's five approved organizations based on
the number of patients in their care. Both the Health Resources Adminiscration
and the State of Oklahoma's grants have been reduced
drasticaliv since che Bush Administration cut funds to Brvan White
Fund. "Our funds are flat and we are depending on the fund raising
effom of organizations and individuals to keep our door's open,"
Elliot told us.
For more information er how to give a tax deductible contribution
direcc!y to OSU Internal Medicine Speciality Services contact
Midge Eiiiot at 918-382-3507. The clinic is located at 635 West
11th street, east of the Tulsa ]legional Hospitai in Tulsa.
}yfore 1--:JhotoS_frorn the Ben~:fir Shou1 in ST..4.R Scene-page 24-25
\Vlvw.ozarksstar.com
by Libby Post
OCTOBER 2006
Banning Books Intelligent
Design
One of the movies I rented when I got my first VCR (actually, it was
a SONY Beta recorder - remember those?) was Julia. The story was
based on a chapter from Lillian Hellman's memoir Pentimento.
1l1e title character was a childhood friend of Hellman's who became
a leader in the resistance to Hitler's reign of persecution, censorship,
and murder. The scene that has srayed with me all these years is the
massive bonfire in the courtyard of a European university. Not a
typical coilege celebratory bonfire, this conflagration was composed
of books and papers from the school's library and the offices of its
academics.
In the film, Hitler Youth reveled in ransacking the school and
thought nothing of throwing academic freedom into the fire. \'v'hen
one of the professors tried to get in their way, he was thrown over a
railing and killed.
Today we have our own version of Hitler's reign of terror on
academic freedom and thought. It's the radical Christian right's
persistent crusade to ban books from public and school libraries,
and its unfathomable drive to integrate "intelligent design" into our
children's classrooms.
The list of examples is endless. just check out the ,,\merican Librar,
Association's website (www.aia.;>rg), the section about their annual
"Banned Books Weck" (Sept. 23-30), to get an incredible sampling
of the stupidity going on in today's schools and libraries.
In Tacoma, Wash., the school district banned _The Geography
Club_, a gay-themed book about high school bullying and tolerance,
because paren-.:s complained that the protagonist, a gay teen, hooked
up with another <1ueer student oniine and that they e,;enrnally met
face to face.
Tacom;; Schoel Supcrintendcn: Patti Banks wici rl1e two p:.rcms
'.d10 rec1uested the borJk be removed from the school library, "\X'c
·:rnnt to send a strong, cor:sistem message to all our studcn':s that
meet:Jmr ii:di\0 iduals :ia the Imcrnet ;s e~tremelv :ugh-risk behaY:or.
To the ~xtent that this book might contradict cha:: ~essage, I ha,T
determined it should not be jn our libraries, in spite of other positivc
aspecrs a strong :anriharassmcnt thcrne).''
Gee thanks, Patti. \"ou'H buckle to the concerns of t\.VO parents
\vhilc dcpri.,,_--ing hundreds of srudcnts of the book1s real message
~· that bullying and harassing L(;B'T' students isn't acceptable.
Jn response; the book\, author~ Brent f'~larringcr, ~~vho hails fron1
T'acon1a~ said, ~•1·hc reason gay teen~ arc dra,vn to the Internet is
that's a safe place u; explore their identity \Vithout harassed or
builicd. lt\ ironic n1y boc,k_ 1.1.-ould be pulled for this reason~ cuntrib
uung to rh1s
10 ttle STAR
Parents Protecting the Minds of Chiidren. "Il1is Fayetteville, Ark.based
site explains that it doesn't want to pull books from ,he
shelves, just give parents control over what their kids can read.
While these folks have a problem with any book that deals openly
with sexuality, hetero or homo, all you have to do is click through
the site and you'll see just how obsessed they are with books that
paint a positive picture of LG BT lives. The bottom line for them is
rather succinct. In big bold letters, the site deciares, "For those who
didn't already know, now you know what Diversity Means!!! The
promotion ;f the homosexual agenda!!:"
If banning books wasn't enough for radical Christian righr parents,
they also want to integrate intelligent design (ID) imo biology curricula
al! over the country. No, inteliigent design isn't a new show
on HGT\~ It's the push to bring creationism back to our schools
- teaching that the world started with Adam and Eve (cenainiy not
Adam and Steve) and that Darwin's Theory of Evolution is a theory
and never proven.
'The drive for intelligent design lost some steam when, after the
Dover, Pa., school board instituted it, a U.S. District Court judge
threw it our. In handing down his decision, U.S. District Judge
John E. Jones Iii wrote that "overwhelming evidence at rriai established
that ID is a religious view, a mere re-labeling of creationism,
and not a scientific theory." Jones found intelligent design failed
as a scientific theory because it can't be tested. Lucky for Dover's
students, their parents found that the school board failed as citizen
educators and voted all the members who supported ID out of office
last year.
Despite the ruling and the rout, bills to mandate ID as part of a
state's biology curricula continue to be introduced. In Ol<lahoma, a
bill has passed the state Assembly and now heads to the state Senate.
A leading radical Christian right wing nut, New York State Assemblyman
Dan Hooker (who thankfolly is not running for re-election
- instead he's serving his country in Iraq) is the soie sponsor of an
ID bill. Since the state Assembly is controlled by the Democrats, the
bill will go absolutely nowhere.
If only that were true for the rest of Hooker's compatriots across the
coun;ry, who have found our library sheh·es ;md our school rooms
to be 2-venues for their unique brand of censorship. Like ~he Hitler
Youth who burned those books in Julia, the radical Chriscian right
also thinks ii: has God on its sicie.
*
Berland Fall Womya.'s Retreat
Eufaula State Park
Fri.-Sun .. , October 27-29, 2006
Visit v;•.vw.heriandsisters.org fur cornp!ete
de~ils· and a registration form.
For m~e retreat info, ca!! Laura at (405) 602-1538.
Berland Si•ter Resource"
2312 NIN 39th St., OKC, OK 73112
Open Saturdays trom 1~Spm
(405) 521-9696
\'V\V\v.ozarksstar.corn
MICHAEL HINZMAN, aka "UNCLE MIKEY"
Michael Hinzman, author, columnist, and
student oflife, joined rhe Ozarks STAR
family in November 2004. This issue
makes his 24th 'Ask Uncle Mikev" column
published in the STAR. Uncle ~Aikey is our
longest consecutive running non-syndicated
column. As one of rhe most popular with
our readers, we thought vou would eniov
meeting the man behinci rhe big hat. ' ,
Michael hails from the middle-beit of Ohio,
where Michael continues his efforts to bring
humor and comic relief to ,he community.
Michael's goal and passion. second only w
his career in medidne. is :hat of being a
celebrated author. His goal became a reality
in May of 2005 with the publication of his
first novel ''l)rago1nir,'~ available at n1ost
rnajor book retailers. 1v1ichael pushes to
succeed in the ,vodd of \\Titers. Published
through several -venues, Iv1ichael's ~.. .v orks arc
in onlinc publications as -.,veil as in print.
::!~~=:jii~~~:::~~e~:~!~11::.!;1 !D SCYCta! ;;~:rs
lifestyle.
Lv1ichacl ha:;; been
as he continues his
""\JJ;,,.}~f•rg VJO!~cL; to(•
rain his reader:-: ,virh an''","'"-'"'"''.,,
following. " I love to make others
laugh, think, and in general look at
life through a different perspective."
Michael is continuing his education
in the Psychology and Nursing
fields. Michael is a current member
of the Alpha Beta Gamma's National
Honor Society. It is Michael's
experience and twisted
view of life's
issues ;:hat enables Michael to laugh at life's
trials faced by those in rhe GLBT community.
Michael supports the community throughout
manv ch,uitable oudets. An active
sponsor ~f the Life Share Program, \'!ichad
has volunteered his time in order to promore
the much-needed demand for blood
donations. 1vfichael also works with various
charities such as local food banks, Aids
events: youth n1.cntoring, and the specific
field deaiing "vith disabled n1en1ber~ of the
memallv retarded poouiadon. .Michael has
worked 'with the me~ta!iy ii! since 199 J ,
as 'Nell the medically fragile and rnentally
retarded. }.,:fichael encourages others to
back to the con1n1unity bringing
.._:t:s._, ~A ;1il.._ lJre.:1.king U.cJ\-01.
When Michael has down time, he joins his
loving partner Daryl, currently celebrating
their sixth year together. Michael is the
proud father of five beautiful children from
his brief, yet productive, time in the heterosexual
community. Family time is spent
camping, boating; as well enjoying many,
other family oriented activities. Full time
fathers raising their three eldest children,
Mikayla, Michael and Jacob, while the exwife
raises the two youngest; proving that
amilies of diversity can and do succeed.
oined in their extended family circle
by Vicky, AKA-Namn, inspired by her
endless contribution and inspirational
intelligence.
Michael continues to demonstrate
that life does not end with the
dreaded passing of the Twinky-
T wenties. Michael, a 34 year old,
enjoys the pursuits of happiness
in all aspects oflife. Michael's
firm belief; that ones only limit
is ones own will and imagination,
as seen in his continuous
uest. Finding life better in
the second half after surviving
his own 20 something
drama affliction, common•
ly known as the dubbers.
Michael also utiiizes
his character, Uncle
Mikev, in charitv
events withil~ the comdiunity,
in order to bring awareness to gay
issues; equal rights, aids benefits, and the
staggering homeless popuiation within the
gay yomh of America.
'The editor of the S'l;\R congratuiates
]\1ichaci on his 24th issue of 'Ask Uncle
M:kel and extends a huge ''Thank You for
your unwavering support.''
Feedback can be sent to f.!ichael at \vordsbyr~
i~e(~>ao).c~m,: tv1i~hael \\:elcorne! :ny
and :tll feedback Jrorn his readers ana to!kr,
vers and critics alike.
the STAR 11
NW Arkansas GLBT Communi
Center Granted Non
Profit Status.
BENTONVILLE, AR_On August 9th, 2006, the Northwest Arkansas
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trangendered Community Center,
Inc. in Bentonville, Arkansas was granted 501/c)3 Non Profir
tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue service. This action was
retroactive to May 16, 2006.
1he NWA GLBT Community Center recognizes rhe need in
Northwest Arkansas to:
CONNECT: Unite and organize a GLBT community that is fragmemed
and often times disconnected.
SUPPORT: Cultivate a healthy and thriving community for NWA
GLBTs.
PROTECT: Ensure the safety, civil righrs and liberties of all NWA
GLBTs.
EDUCATE: Bring awareness and education to al! NWA community
members.
INVOLVE: Create fun and exciting community events and activities
for NWA GLBTs.
CENTRALIZE: Establish a brick and mortar GLBT Community
Center in NW A.
The website for the NWA GLBT Communiry Center can be viewed
at: www.nwaglbtcc.org
Tax deductible donations may be sent to the N\VA GLBT Community
Center at:
PO Box 1161 Bentonviile, Ar 72712-116L
om1" ng
once
ut"
and
JONATHAN STIERS, COLLEEN JAMESON
SPIUNGDALE, AR~ Coleen comes from Massachusetts to Arkansas
on her Midwest Tour. She is a voice for social justice. and has a
soundtrack for social'activism. You'li be cmem.:n~d bv her skillful
biend of up-beat rhythm guitar and thought-provoki1.lg Her
music brings poiitical issues to light in an accessible and poetic way.
!vfore than jmr another acoustic crooner. Colleen jameson :s the real
deal: the p<;crry of life's sorrcJ\VS set against the 1nelody of litC's joys.
Colleen not only sings about social justice, she has n1ade it her
profession. Working in snelters and with ur,dcr-sen·ed popuhtiom.
C:oHeen writes about real issues our of her O\"-'f1 ,,,,,,,.,,,.,,,-.·•
Jonathan is a t~orth,vest A.rkansas entertainer that has been :~:!c01~~; f~: :~:1~~~11:~:~:1;; ::~lomplished j ;,::;itl~;1;;,\J;~;d,
(:I)~ w1-hc Player & The Pawn" V./3.S part of the official c;L:\.l\.1) "VIP
bag that each attendee received, 'The event v,,ras held on
10th in San Francisco: f'~cver having an)''" fc;rrnal
plays car and sdll docs nor: read sheet nn1sic, ]t
12 the STAR.
when jonathan bought an old, beaten-up, wooden up,ight, that
he started to compose music and lyrics of his own. Jonathan was
fearnred in the August issue of Celebrate Arkansas magazine.
Enjoy an Exciting Revue of Artistic Talem for National COMING
OUT Dav suggested donation is $5.00 ar the door
All proceeds benefit the N\Y/A GLBT Communiry Center
PO Box 1161 Bentonville, AR 72712 W\,w.rrwaglbtcc.org
Concert is \Y/ednesday October 11, 200.6 6:00 pm Jones Center
Auditorium &Chapel, 922 East Emma, Springdale, Arkansas.
nsas
aveA
By Jeremy Pena
ew
iters
ome
October is going to be the start of something spectacuiar for GLBT
writers in Arkansas. A new group for GLBT writers is forming rnd
aH writers from all genres are welcome ro join in. We wcicome all
wrirers, published and non-published. From fiction writers to poets,
songwriters to writers iooking for ideas of where to begin.
'TI1e focus of the group is for socializing with other writers and
discussing various genres and writing styles, to support \'.Titer; in
the GLBT community with any necessary information needed with
regards to pubiishing their works, and sharing our works wirh each
other.
Each month there will be a focus on a specific genre ranging from
fiction to poetry. We will be focusing on novel writing in October to
prepare for a month-long event in November. Nation,;! Novel Writing
1Vlonth will begin No\·ember l and end at midnight November
31. Check out rhe websitewww.NaNo\VriMo.org for more dernils
and updates. Sign-ups for the event begin in October. You will also
find writing prompts each month focusing on our ~opic for i:hc
month on our group sire. 'The first writing prompr is on the site to
ge, re,;dy for our first gathering.
We wili also be focusing 0!1 writing for various publications in the
area and possibly raking on some addition.al n::sponsibiiitic:- to the
( :ommunity Center newsletter in the future.
A.nyonc interested can find more inforn1arion and join the group
on our yahoo groups site at http:/ /groups.yahoo.con1/groups/AJlGl.
BTWRITES.
--I11cn: .. .,,;ill be two n1eetings in ()ctober and ,veekiy n1ecrings in Novernber
to support rhc participants in this noYel c·\t<.:nt. lv1ectrin1t.::
s and h.1cations -..viil he posted on calendar on rhe group
sire and rcn1indcrs ~Nill be sent via c-rnail to group 1nern.bers.
·\:,:te look f(>r\vard to
v.., nrL<
you at our and your
Capitol Pride Boo Bash
Halloween Fund-Raiser
LITTLE ROCK, AR_Sidetracks bar will host Boo Bash, a Halloween-
themed fund-raising event to benefit Little Rock Capital Pride
on October 28th. Festivities will include prize drawings, costume
contesrs, drink specials and a silent auction of items donated by
many area businesses and groups. According to Kamrin Dodd,
fund-raising chair for LRCP, "Sidetracks is well-known for its ghost
sightings and other-worldly occurrences which makes it the perfect
location for our Halloween event. We look forward to a fun evening
that will help support Capital Pride."
NWA Ghost Connection which recently investigated Sidetracks
states, "the building was originally the home of two businesses; a
dirt-floored bar and a brothel. The bar was so dangerous and rough,
it was off limits to the military. The brothel, run by a woman
named Miss Birdie, was a popular night spot due to the building's
location near the railroads.
Early in the l 920's, rhe brothel became the site of an unfortunate
murder. A patron from the bar next door had fallen in love with
one of Miss Birdie's "employees," a 13-year-old girl named Anastasia.
When another man told the love-srruck patron that he had
just "been with" Anastasia, he stormed Birdie's ·establishment and
searched out Anastasia. Upon finding her, he slit her throat, tossed
her body over the baicony, and escaped out the window. 1his murder
was the demise of Birdie's, causing the establishmem to close. In
1923, the building became the home of a mortuary. The undertaker
used the building's basement for all of his embalming procedures.
According ro legend, when the mortuary closed, the undertaker left
all his equipment, ?.nd who knows what else in the basement.
During prohibition, the building housed a "newspaper stand"; a
cover for selling illegal liquors and beer. In an ironic turn of events,
rhe love struck patron who killed Anastasia years earlier was murdered
at the same location. He had his throat slit after getting into
an argumem with another man.
According to Phiilip. the O\V!ler of Sidetracks, there have been
several noted paranormal occurrences since he took over. They
have wic1cssed anyd1ing from water running, lights flickering: and
objects moving arot1:id the bar. On one occasion, a glass shelf containing
crystal stemware feil :o the floor, shattering the crystal. The
5hdf however. did no: break. Witnesses have seen the break.er box
opening and closing repeai:ediy, and occasionally the computer turns
itself on, typing aE som of icners and figures on the screen. Phillip
believes the ghosts of 1\nastasia and her love-stricken murderer stiii
haunr Sidetracks to this day.n
Little }lock (:apit:a.l Pride (http:/ h.vv.,.,vJirderockcapitalpride.org/ ) is
a 501 3 non-profit organization ,nhose rnission is ro host events
that honor the history a~d diversity of Gav. Lesbian) Bisexual and
Tfansgender · individuals i;1 the s;~;te of .A.rkansas and sur!
Oun<l~.ug J.t.~a:, 1Jud. r...r,.,,~ttc wirhi:1 the GLB'l" commun~ty :u,d
its allies by providing sociaJ support and enhancing ;nvareness of the
past an~1~:~~,~~:::, :J~~t~!,~;:~~::~~ i~~~!i!~' ;~~~;,~::~l~;~;;~!~ri~~rnl;
rkansas & Oklahoma~s tnost read GLBT Magazine
FALL DIVERSITY WEEKEND
NOV 3-5, 2006. "THE FIRST
DIVERSITY ARTS & CRAFTS
FESTIVAL"
This Fall is going to be a little different in Eureka Springs,
Arkansas. There are some new and intriguing events.
DIVERSITY COMEDY SHOW at the historic AUDITORIUM
By presenting a lesbian and gay man comic, once again Diversity
Pride Events hopes to entertain and unite our community. We can't
release the names yet, but DPE is very excited to have drawn such
talented and uplifting performers to the Ozarks region. Tickets will
soon be available online at DiversityPride.com
FIRST 'Ti-Talk' "Everything you wanted to know about... the 'T'
& T in GLBTI (Transgender, Transsexual and lntersex)., ... but _
were afraid to ask!" All glbti and pflag welcome. This is the first
of an ongoing series of "Talks" to educate and socialize within our
community. Plans for future talks will be fur, and about, Bisexuals,
Lesbians, Gay men. ''It's amazing how much we really don't know
about each other, savs Diversitv Pride Events, Deborah Rose. We
are fortunate to hav~ some wo;1derful people who have volunteered
to guide these talks and to foster a greater understanding of the true
diversity and size of our community. God was far more creative than
peopie ~ealize!" ·
DIVERSITY BIKERS Charity 'POKER RUN' & 'SHOWN'
SHINE' 1he Diversity 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'. 1l1ere will be a First Place and Run- '
ner-up in each category.
This will be the first Diversity Bikers Charity 'Poker Run', A portion
of the proceeds, along with stuffed animals andior cash donations
will be sent for Toys for Kids of deployed service members to heip
out with the holidays.
BEAR COMIC BOBALOO: COMING BACK Bobaloo wowed
the Diversity Bears this past Summer Diversity 'X'eekend and fell in
love with the Eureka Sp;:ings communit'/. So, Diversity Pride Events
has brought him back ro "jolly things up around Eureka" and MC
the 'GO-GO GUY & GA[ Dance Comest at the 'Golden Oldies'
Dance & Cabaret at Caribc\ on Saturday Nighr afrer rhc shov: at
the AUD.
And by the v...;ay~ you~H see son1e red cans around to\\-'H to collect
donations for those Kids of deployed service rnembers. I"\Jo n1atter
v:here you stand poiiticaHy, re1~,e~ber it's for rhe kids. So, dig into
your pocket and get rid of rhat loose change for a s•Neet cause (and
loose bills are weico::nc Sho,v rhen1 our con1,munity has a big
heart!
COt-~TA{~]~ Ii'•JF(): [)I'✓ E!tsrr·~y PRJI)E EVEt,rrs
Deborah Rose 479-253-2555
dcbor1i:1@:divcrsitypride.corn
tile STAR
Summary : Past Out is a retrospect:i,·e
of key moments, personalities, and
subjects in LGBT hiswry. Each
installment brings the past to life by
exploring rhe diversity of the gay past
and its impact on the queer present.
1728: Notorious transvestite Chevalier
d'Eon is born in Burgundy, France.
Who was Chevalier d'Eon?
Chevalier d'Eon, an 18th-century spy and
diplomat who inspired sexologist Havelock
Ellis to coin the term "eonism" for crossdressing,
was the subject of much spernlation
about his gender both during his
lifetime and in the decades since his death.
Charles Eon de Beaumont was born in
the Burgundy region of France in October
1728, the child of an attornev and a noblewoman.
In a ghostwritten l 779 autobiogrnphy,
d'Eon claimed he was born a girl, but
was passed off as a boy in order to ~suage
his father's grici over a son who !1ad dieci.
and to c!a;m an inhe~.tancc de,ignated for a
male heir. -'Mv father wanted m~ to become
a bad boy and my mother wanted me rn becom::
a good girl,'. he wrote. Later researchers
say he was born male. but his mother
often dressed hi.rn as a girl.
An excellent student, d'Eon graduated in
17 49 from (~c•Hege J\1azarin in Paris} where :::~~!i::j :::;~;':~:c:(~(;;~:~~~::::~~~~;:::: !:;
rhc city's fiscal deparrrnent and a.s a royal
censor. 'I hough slender and sorr1e\vhat delicate
in appearance, there is Hrdc indication
that d'Eon \Vas regarded as particularly
14 the STAR
effeminate as a young aduh.
D'Eon joined a secret network of spies
working for King Louis XV, and in~ i 7 56,
the king sent him on a mission to re-esrablish
an alliance with Empress Elisabeth of
Russia against the rival Hapsburg monarchy.
It was widely rumored that d'Eon disguised
himself as a woman to win the empress's
confidence (according to one version, the
king hit upon the idea after mistaking a
cross-dressed d'Eon for a !adv at a masquerade
ball); there is little c~ntemporary
evidence, however, ro support this tale.
In the early i 760s, d'Eon returned to
France and became a captain of the dragoons,
a light cavalry regiment. After he
was wounded in battle toward the end of
the Seven Years' War, he was awarded the
Cross of Saint-Louis and given the rank
of Chevalier. D'Eon then wem: to London,
where he worked as a diplomatic
minister. During this time. he enjoyed
a lavish lifestyle, amassed a large librar:\
and cemented his connections
bestowing gifts from his
family's vineyards.
Scandal
ensued
a few
years
later
when
d'Eon,
fearing
that he w;;s
about to be
rcn1oved frotn
his position by
a new an1bassad.
or; clain1ed in a
letter to the king
that the ambassador
had atten1ptcd
dn1n an<J kidnaD hirn: he :1is~}' published :.t book. of secret diplon1aric
correspondence, \vhich led ro his exile in
England.
bv ✓
large sums that d'Eon was really a woman,
or. alternarivelv, undoubtedlv a man; still
others though; he was a hen~aphrodite. In
1777, an English court entered the fray to
settle a bet, ruling that d'Eon was a woman;
rhe judge, disgusted at having to deal with
such a case, said he wished he cot.id m,ike
both parties lose. More recently, biographer
Gary Kates posited :hat d'Eon rebvemeci
himself as a woman afcer he had made
political enemies in high places and gotten
himself deeply in debt. For his part. d'Eon
seemed to relish the confusion, sometimes
claiming to have been bori: male, sometimes
female.
After iiving with his mother for a time at the
family estate in Tonnerre, d'Eon returned
to England in 1785. He embraced Cnristianit:
y and, according to Kates, seemed to
regard living as a woman as a for:n of "moral
purification." D'Eon never married. and
there is no record or· any sexuai relations11ips
wirh either women or men. Alt;.,<'ugh d'E;n
continued to dress as a woman, Iflos: reoorts
suggest he did not pass vcrv convind112.iv.
lv1ember of Parliament Ho~ace \Yia!pol~,
nored that "her hands and arms see;11 not to
have participated oc the change of sexes, but
are fitter to carry.~ chair than a fun."' Added
nobiem;;.n James Boswell, "She appeared rn
me a man in woman's clothes."
In 1796. d'Eon w2s seriously wounded
in a fencing match. Aithough an amopsy
after his death in }vfa\· 1810 revealed
ihat d'Eon was a bi~logically normal
maie, he has ncverthdess rce1ained a
subject of considerabic fascination:
Was d'Eon a uansgender woman
who spent half her life as a man.
or a ~an who 5JY.:nt half his life
as a \.vorn.an?
For further reading:
[fEon de Bcaun1onr~ c:haries
(2001). 'Jhc fv1aiden of
'fonncrrc: 'Ihc \/icissitudcs
of rhe (~hevalicr and
;.,,. the c:hcvalien:
I-<:atcs, (;ary. 1995, 200].
a "'•~?on1an: /\. ~Ede of Political ::ll1(1
Photo: The new community center coming soon.
October National GLBT
History Month
Each June, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,
Transgender (GLBT) and allied community
ceiebrares our pride and diversity. It is
a time for parades and parties to celebrate
ourseives, our accomplishments and the
adv«nccs towards GLBT cquaiity. Each
October, we again cdebrate our communitv
· bur from a historical perspective. Octobe;
is recognized as GLBT History Month. In
1979, the first National Marci1 on \Vashington
for Lesbian & Gay Rights rook place.
Tens of thousands of G LBT individuals and
families crov:ded the nation's front yard, the
National Mail, to demand equality: In 1987,
another March on \'vashingwn occurred on
October l i th. The day is now recognized as
Nation .. ! Corning Out Day. 'Jhesc arc the
m;.in reasons whv Oc~ober was chosen as
GLBT History i,1omh. .
()kL1horna bas a rich and varied historv of
the GLBT & ;;,llied community. In 1980,
:1 sn1ail group of people concerned about
human rights and equaiitv for (;LB~r
()klahornans found~d ()klal1ornans for
~:~~f :m~~::::.i1Ii·~~:~;(f EI 1:,:if
In the 1980's~ll)li.R.
advent of HIV/AIDS, TOHR sent a medical
professional to health conferences to
remrn and advise the community on the
transmission of the virus. TOHR then
opened Northeast Oklahoma's first anonymous
HIV Testing Clinic, becoming a state
leader in HIV/AIDS testing and education.
In 1998, H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach, Prevention
and Education) became a separate
organization, allowing both H.O.P.E. and
TOHR to focus on their respective areas.
The new millennium broualu rapid arowth t> t>
for TO HR. Individual support expanded
programming and communitv involvement.
TOHR began its capitctl campaign,
"The Pyramid Project" in late 2000 while
being honored as ~n "OutGiving InCommunity"
host site for 200 l. "OutGiving"
allowed continued growth in education and
outreach as TOHR hosted the Denver-based
Gill Foundation's resource and community
building program. In 2001, TOHR was ·
selected as a "FastTrack" program, setting a
foundation for further growth to take the
community to the next level.
TOHR opened the first Tulsa GLBT Community
Center in October 1996. 1he Center
quickly became a community gathedng
spot with social and support groups, the
PRIDE Store, the Nancy McDonald Rainbow
Library, TV lounges and more. Two
locations later, the Tulsa GLBT Communitv
Center is now located at 5545 E 41st Stree(
in Highland Plaza. Open Monday through
Saturday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the
Center is growing in nearly every direction
and will welcome visitor number 10,000 for
the year by December.
The Tulsa GLBT Communitv Center is also
home to the Tulsa GLBT Hi;wry Project.
Begun in 2002, the Tulsa GLBT Hiswrv
Projecr uncovers, preserves and presents, the
rich contributions of Gav, Lesbian, Bisexual
and Transgendcr peopie ~,ithin the state
of Oklahoma. As we continue to fight for
a future society that more opcniy accepts
diversity and extends equal rights to all, the
sacrifices., contributions and dedication of
the GLBT community and its many SUD·
porters can be understood and apo;ccia;:ed
thr?ugh a:1 i?'portant source ofi~spiration
a n<t kno,v!edge.
·ro celebrate (;I.Jrr I-Iistorv J\.,1onth, T'C)HR
and the 'Ih!sa GLBI' Hist;ry Project are
~~;;;c:;~~! ~;~~;;~ f~1~:rj;;J::~~:~:~~ !il~-
"Center C:inen1a" 1he ()ctober c:~ruer
<:inetna line up of fi!nls includes fi!rn:i
covering the historical momems, places and
people of the GLBT & allied community.
First up is "The Times of Harvev Miik" ~n
Friday, October 6th at 7:00 Plvf. The film
highiights the life and tragic death of the
"Mayor of Castro'' - Harvey Milk, the first
openly gay member of San Francisco's Board
of Supervisors who was assassinated by
Dan White. Next up on the list is "Stonewall"
on Friday, October 13th at 7:00 PM.
"Stonewall" chronicles the events leading
up the famous riots commonly referred
to as the beginning of the modern GLBT
rights movement. 1he history of Fire Island
is documented next on Frid;y, October
20th with "When Ocean Meets Skv." 1he
film traces the history of the gay e1{clave
and how it became the social hotspot of the
Northeast. Last, but cerrainlv not least, is
the classic "Rocky Horror Picture Show."
The cult-classic shows at 7:00 PM on Friday,
October 27th - just in time for the unofficial
national gay holiday of Halloween.
AIDS Walk 2006 Tulsa
The history of the GLBT & allied community
has b~en greatly affected by HIV/AIDS.
Each year, the community comes together
to remember those lost while continuina
h
. t>
t e struggle to end this terrible disease. All
in the area who want to raise awareness of
HIV/AIDS and help meet the needs for
HIV prevention and care, are encouraged
to participate in AIDS Walk Tulsa 2006 on
Saturday, October 7 th. The festivities begin
at 9:00 AM at Veterans Park, 1875 S Boulder,
with the walk stepping off at 9:45 Alv1.
Refreshments and awards will be presented
to rhe top individuals and teams following
the 2-miie walk. Tulsa's 14th annual walk
raises funds to supporr direct HIV/ AIDS
services in Tulsa and receives matching
funds from a National AIDS Challenge
Grant. The Tbisa AIDS Walk is a pro{~cc
of the Community Service Co~:nci! or
rv'r eater ~1· i .l ls a, :,'-l-l 1v' er sponsors are th. e Gay &
Lesbian Fund forTuisa and Starbucks Coffee.
Bronze sponsors arc (:iao, Baby!~ Evan
Tayior Photography, MAC AlDS {und,
1'viiss Jackson's Nenvork-I. Ti1lsa PFLA..C;
andTul.sa Oklahomans for Human Right~
CTC)HR). Please visit 1.v\V\'l.aids\vaiktul~a. :i:!
1
;~'./~~;information ;.nd to sign up for
OUT OK 5 Film Festival ,:.:untiu.,ul
page-16
the STAR 15
(20Z)GREY
(1 OZ) .... ·.. . . .• . . .· ..
(1 OZ) CHAMBORG LIQUOR
(1/2 OZ) HALFc$ HAL;F .
FRESH RASPBERRIES
1. Chill a martini glass with ice· and
water.
2. Combin.e ali ingredients.with lee in
shaker and shake Y~ry .well. · · ·
3. · Strai.n int<> martini gla~s and g~rnisti
with a fresti raspberiy. .
YUMMY!
l 6 the STAR
OUT OK FILM FESTIVAL
OUT OK, the longest-running GLBT film
festivai in Oklahoma returns for another
outrageous year of celluloid fun. From
October 11-22, OUT OK unleashes firstrun,
independem, gay movies in Tulsa and
Oklahoma CitY. In addition to the verv
popuiar ABSOLUT RUBY RED Cock.tail
Parties, OUT OK is proud to announce
CLUB 209's "In Concert with FUNNY
KINDA GUY", following the screening of
the riveting Scottish documentary of the
same name. Direct from Scotland, Simon,
a post-op trans person will serenade us with
his tender, jazz /folk -inspired tunes, which
have captured the Glasgow music and dub
scene by storm.
With more tears and more tears of joy,
OUT OK is evolving, growing, and expanding.
There are more screening days,
more movies, and more beautiful actors
and ralented filmmakers. OUT OK opens
with Stewart Wade's delightfuily romantic
comedy of errors, COFFEE DATE. As
a practicai joke, gorgeous straigh~ man,
Todd, is sent on a biind date with hard and
hot gay man, Kelly. With hilarious performances
from Wilson Cruz (Mv So-Called
Life, Noah's Arc), Oscar-nomi~ated Sallv
Kirkland (Anna, Bruce Almighty), Jona~han
Silverman (Weekend at Bernie's, Death Becomes
Her), nineties teen singing sensation
Deborah Gibson, and Jonathan Bray (King
of Queens, The Practice), dating will never
be the same. Director and actors will be in
attendance.
Arguably the first gay sequel, writer/director
Q.Allan Brocka returns with EATING
OUT 2: SLOPPY SECONDS. Direcror
Phillip J. Bartell re-introduces Brocka's zany
cast of hot sex kittens, Gwen and Tiffani,
man-whore Marc, awkward gay boy Kyle
Oim Verraros -American Idol I). and a hot
bubbling menu of All-American beef and
succulem slabs of Grade-A man. To win
the bulging hearr ofTroy (Marco Dapper),
the new hunk in town, Kyle pretends ro be
straight, only to find himself joining the
campus ex-gay support group and landing
a vivacious girlfriend. Kyle's ex-boyfriend,
~-..farc (Brett Chukerman) is horrified at the
plan and decides to pursue Troy with his
own tactics. Ivfore raucous. More raunchy.
More mouth-watering fun. Fine-dining at·
its dirtiest-best! Actors will be in attendance.
For more information on OUT OK.
please visit wv,rw.out-ok.com or contact
Phiiip Au at 9 l 8.682A654, ext. 3 or pau@
out-ok.com
*
www. □ ZARKSSTAR.C □ M
~TRAVEL
@~
~[ti)@J!ill~~
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
"WELCOME TO ARIZONA"
A colorful tapestry of culrures - from Hispanic and Native
American to the legendary Wild West - is woven throughout southern
Arizona, a land that thrived under
the flags ofboch Spain and Mexico
before becoming part of the U.S.
South of Flagstaff in the beautiful
Verde Valley area of north central
Arizona, Sedona including Jerome and
Prescott is red rock country. Many gay
men and lesbians - once they experience
the friendly atmosphere and small town
charm of Sedona - decide to relocate
here permanently. Women will find numerous
lesbian-owned accommodations.
Although Arizona is a landlocked
state, its desert dwellers cool off in the
warm waters of the state's many iakes. In
fact, Arizona boasts one of the highest
rates of boat ownership in che nation.
Home to che world-famous London
Bridge, Lake Havasu is both a water
lover's paradise and a desert lover's
dream. More than 400 miles of stunning
coasdine offers exceptional water sports,
including fishing and skiing, kayaking,
jet-skiing and houseboating. 1he western
region of the Seate can be amazing.
Northern Arizona is the Southwest at its best. It is a photographer's
paradise, a shopper's delight, a hiker's exploration, a history
buff's treasure trove of cultures and a boater's bonanza. Although
only a matter of hours from Phoenix deserts. Northern Ariz~ma can
be a world away in dimace. With elevations up to n:ore than 12.000
feet. If vou have never visited the Grand Canvon. ir trulv is one cf
the wo:iders of America. Stay at the historic f] ·i~n·ar c.,;c nii::lu. 'lh,
sccnic beauty is beyond description. If you ,ire h:mh0 cno~:gh to ukc
the mule excursion to the bottom. then bv all !1H.:ans de ,o. Or!1-
erwise jus~ stay at rhe hotel and have a drink. look 0L.r t11c wi!1d0".\'
and ~-icw rhe scenery_
\'(le have been to ali five areas and alw«y; l:aH a ;·::n:
ime. AE auto is an absolute :VfUST when visitini:: ;\;-i:wn,i :tr.d he:
St;RE a1:d keep plenty of gas in ,·ot:r ,ankl h I, t:!11:c: le·, abk
I'()\" n'an•, 0-"V owned· Band B's ~lv-r,• -r,· ;11 4ri"()Jl'.' nl,., d-,:-· 01, ! ~ • •>} b<.t,/ ~ ~A ,al.,.,,..., ,1_...., ! _a•'• ,_{ t ~-·• -~,.....,~ •
that arc cxtrcrneiy gay-friendly. Even in the ~tnaH 1cv.-n~, gJ~- iifr· i:cvenn,,
vherc.
Among our favorite places to stay in Arizona arc: LUNA VISTA
B And B in Rimrock (just South of Sedona) Kala and Frank are two
of the most wonderful people in the wori<l .. http:/ /www.iunavistabandb.
com/ An utterly "beyond FABULOUS experience s~aying
there. The ROYAL ELIZABETH B and B in Tucson is wonderful.
Jeff and Chuck know how to keep their guests returning year after
vear. http:/ /www.royalelizabeth.com/ and "The Casa de San Pedro
in Hereford is great: Karl and Patrick have done a wonderful job.
http:/ /www.bedandbirds.com/
In Phoenix, there are literaliy dozens uf gay bars to choose from
so just check out your bar guides before going. Whatever yom into,
there is perfect bar just for you:
There is a very strong gay community
in Arizona and some of the resources
can be found by going ro these:
http:/ /v1'ww.azpride.orgi. http:/ /www.
prescottpridecenter.com/ , http:/ /www,
cochise-pride.net/ , http:/ /www.flagstaffpride.
org/ and http:/ /wwv,. tucsonpride.
com/ Their local gay newspaper is a great
source for information: http:/ hvww,
echomag.com/,
Always remember to haYe a good
time when traveling and TALK TO EVERYBODY
! And, "don't cry because it's
over, SMILE because it happened and
you were a part of it!
* "ESSENTIAL INFORMATION WHEN
TRAVELING"
by Donald Pile and R:;y Williams
~lfavcling is incant to be fi.111. exciting and interesting, and if you
do vour homework ahead ,)f tl:nc it can keep :;Pu ;~,)m gett;:1g into
,rouble in so many vvays. Flyins has ,l~v,ays :1ecn a prob\tm and it of
course has gotrcn rnuch ,vorse since 9/11. If you are Hying sornc\
t·hcrc you just rI.i\VI--: to reaiize th~u you arc ill the rncrcr of the
airiin,:: '~?herhe, c:d,m:d. car:cc;ed o~ whatever d·,crc is i;CTl-iTNC
ti1.1~ vou can do about i! 'Jhen:forc. take 1 bouk . .:;·,,s,·.vnrd puzzlc.
1nag<l.zine, playing card~ or vlhatcver and ju.st ;,go \-Vith rhc flo\v,-
~....jo nt:ed to get upset o,:cr !->On1cthing d1~1t ~;ou have ab:-,oiurely no
cnrurol ov::1a-Yd!ing and and get ring up.,cz i:-- jusr not :1n
option_ /iirpurt food i~ v~:r;--- expensive and not ~dl rhat goqd :-,n tJkc
,dong .-;na1..:k~ or even a ~.u1d\vich ti) l'~U. For n1on: requeq
18 the STAR Arkansa:,; 8. Ok!21;oma's most read GLST lv/agazine
Gay Travelers:
an emergency aisle seat. Don't sit in rhe front of the emergency aisle
or in front of the bulkhead where seai:s may nor recline. If your
luggage gets lost or your flight is canceled, then complain RIGHT
AWAY! Don't wait a couple of days afterwards to complain.
Know how you are going to get into a city before arriving at the
airport. Mose ~ities ha\·e wonderful bus service into their downtown
area but some don't. So be sure to find out BEFORE you get there.
Otherwise a taxi ride an be terribly expensive. Of course anorher
aiternative is ro rem an auto.
If you are renting an auto for your trip, be sure and book it online
as there is a tremendous savings by booking on line rather than
calling their 800 number. Always double check to see if your auto
insurance covers your rental auto. If not, almost all Gold and Platinum
Visa and Master Cards cover the insurance. Always opt om
for filling your own gas thank when returning the auto to the rental
office. And if at all possible, NEVER rent an auto at the airport.
You will get stuck ~ith extra taxes that is imposed there. If you are
driving check with your auto club, (AAA, Costco, American Express
or whatever) and they will send you free maps and coupons for your
travels. Needless to say, if you are driving. NEVER have liquor in
your auto. Lock it in the trunk!
A~ we have mentioned in previous columns, NEVER let a
botcl/ motel/ resort make a copy o!.' your ciriver's license when you
check in. NEVER! Be happy to show them your l.D. bur never let
them make a copy of it. With that copy of your driver's license and
your credit card information any employee has ;:he means and in•
formation to pass along to anyone who wants to steal your identity.
This i5 ger:ting to be a real problem with hotels and motels. Just ask
to speak to the manage: on dt1ty and explain why you will be bppy
co show them your I.D. Howeve:, you will not iet them make a copy
r· 0. It.
If you ,vane to go to bars, find our where they are located before
vou rake off on vour travels. Find the exact locations and hours
for :he bars. The mo;e pre-planning you do the better things will
work for you: trip. \'X,'hether you're going :o be in a city for iust one
day or a week or more, plan ahead and make a scheduie before you
lem:c home. :\luseums, galleries ;md shops are closed different days
or the week. Always purchase :i local newspaper \vhen you get into
a city. They wii: usually have a full foting of things m do and e,·en
sp{.'.cials at local restaurants
Spc:iking of restamai1ts, it 1s always much less expensive re dine
late in che afrernoon ,!r l::mch menu prices rat.hc:r than a couple of
hoc.rs late: at dinf!er time. Alwavs remember the "special of the
dav'' no ione:-er rncans th~t the ,Price is lo'-;;¥cr. i\hvays ask ho\v tnxi.Ch
iris .. It's Y()'i_rR money ~'.1 don't frci embarrassed about asking the
pnce.
\\/e _r\.LSfA :{S pal· for on our trips \vith a credit card.
'Then \vhcn ~.rour l;ill,comes in, Pl/\·- -rI-fE r:tJLL ,:\1vI()L7NT l By
:;,;;~:~c\::: l: ;r~;l:~;~;~~c~;;::~ ct:;;: }::~~.f;r:t:1:::t ~:: ~-~::o~;;,\;
\1j1en a busi~1cs~ charges 50 cents or eve:n a dolbr to use your credit
card. cannot leiJlly do this ::nd •~vhen this docs happen~ call
your credit card ct ,rnpany irrnncdiatcly and rhcY ~. ., :iH rcin1bur:-e you
and fik
~TRAVEL
One time our bill showed oniy a total when we got our receipt.
When we go: home and checked our credit card account on !ine,
we found thev had made a mistake and h,,d overcharged an even
$1,000.00 to.our bill. With a phone call to our credit card company
it was taken care of immediatelv. h was just an honest mistake but it
was a mistake. It is very wise co' take cw~ different credit cards with
you when traveling.
Alwavs have fun when rraveiing, meet new people, see new
things an'd taste new food so that when you rerurn home you can
honestly say that you had a great time. Otherwise it is just money
wasted. Whether rraveling across rhe country or merely a few miles
away, traveling can be fun and exciting. Just don\ go imo the city
with the attitude of"Here I am. What do you have for me?" Everything
about your cravels is not going co be perfect so don't dweil on
it. There weather, the bars or the restal!rants might not be what you
expected so go to another bar or another resrauran:. Lite is too short
to stay someplace not to your liking.
For informadon about traveling e,nail Donaid and Ray at gayrravclers@
aol.com or visit their webpage at: hn:p:/ lwww.::ometown.ao1.
com/ gayrravelers.
Gold Castle
"At Century 21 Gold Castle our
BEST properties are our PEOPLE"
4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
405.840.2106
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the STAt~ 10 j ,_;
One of the most beautiful cities in lvonh America, Vancouver is a
progressive, dynamic, and gay-popular vacation destination. (Photo by
john Sinai, courtesy of Tourism Vancouver)
October 2006
by Andrew Collins
Vancouver,
British Columbia
In V,noo""'• one of tl,, wodd', mos, smnning does, yon an
kayak in English Bay in rhe morning before skiing down Grouse
Mountain later that afternoon - indeed, few cities offer better access
to the great outdoors. The city's glimmering. postmodern city center
anchors a peninsula jutting into the rippling Strait of Georgia, irs
shoreline sculp,ed by bays and inlets. From just about anywhere on
this peninsula, you're within walking distance of two beaches, leafy
Stanley Park, the ultra-gay Davie Village district, and several similariy
diverring neighborhoods. It's for ail these reasons that VancouYer
- whid: is aiso in a country that has legaiized same-sex marriage
- has emerged as one'{)f ~he most wonderful gay destinations in the
world.
For Americans, visiting Vancouver :s quite easy. 'The city is just a
three-hour drive north of Seattle, and it aiso has direct flights from
nutnerous U.S. cities. just keep in Inind that in a couple of years;
you ,vill be required to show a valid passport Vi;hen crossing the
border (right !HW,, technically. you can get by with a driver·, license
but if you don't have a passport. you're likely to be pulh:d aside and
questioned thoroughly). Pi.lso keep in rnind that the lJ.S. dollar has
becon1e increasingly ,veak agajnst the C:anadian doilar in recent
years {US$ I equaled CAi'~$ l. l l as of mid-Septcmb(:f 2!106). ~o
iravding to Vancouver isn't quite the bargain it ~1.vas a couple of years
ago. StHL overalL it's less expensive than New "'Yorkl S;Jn Franc1scoJ
London: and many other place::- of .,,.,a,,w,~ popularity.
Vancouver is a highly progressive place - feminists, lesbians, and
gays piay a prominent role in local politics, have helped rejuvenate
several flagging neighborhoods, and support a compact but potent
restauram and club scene. The West End, which abuts Downtown
and was a prostitution-ridden eyesore in ;:he 1980s, is ;:he city's
main gay commercial and residential sector. You'll find most of the
gay nightlife and social scene along a roughly eight-block stretch of
Davie Street known as Davie Village. Farther north, Davie intersects
with another lively strip of cool shops and restaurants, Denman
Street. At this intersection, you're just steps from sparkling English
Bay Beach, a fine spot to catch a few rays on a warm afternoon.
Davie Viliage is a terrific neighborhood for eating and bar-hopping.
Bin 941 exemplifies the growing popularity of tapas-styie restaurants
in Vancouver. Try the mussels steamed ,vith habanero chi!es.
kafir-lime leaf, and cypress-honey lager, and enjoy a local vimage
from the fabulous wine list. The campy and affordable Cafe Luxy
serves humongous portions of pasta, and nearby Hamburger 1v1ary's
is a fun, !ate-night bet for burgers, fries, and diner fare. Near where
Davie meets Denman, you can sample inventive Pacific Northwestern
cuisine at the Raincit'/ Grill, where dishes like grilled bison strip
loin wirh lentil-and-braised-rib ragout await you. Grab an espresso
nearby at gay-popuiar Delany's or up the street at Melriches, which
is just around the corner from the acclaimed queer book and gift
shop, Little Sisters.
Later in the evening, check out Davie Street's gay bars, the most
popular being Celebrities and the Odyssey, which both draw young,
stylish crowds. Both spots pull their share oflesbians, but Celebrities
is the more diverse of the two. 'The Odvssey has a festive patio
and a great little dance floor. Other fun drinki~g spots along.Davie
include Oasis (an attractively decorated piano cabaret and resrnurant),
Pumpjack (a neighborhood pub with a leather-and-Levi's
vibe), 1181 (an ultra-chichi martini lounge drawing a well-coiffed
crowd), Fountainhead Pub (a fun sports bar with a great patio), and
Numbers (a lovably dive-y cruise bar with three levels). If you're
looking for action, drop by one of the city's popular bathhouses.
F212 Steam or M2M Playspace. 1hc latter is part of the saucy (but
quite affordable) Fahrenheit Hotel, a men's sex-plex with privare
rooms and a steamy vibe (there are rooms on one floor that are
geared more toward guests who want to keep their clothes on and
get a good night's sleep).
1here are severai gay-friendiy bed-and-breakfasts and ho,ds in the
neighborhood, the upscale West End Guest House being among the
best, wii:h its beautifullv decorated Edwardian rooms. Another luxurious
B&B that's highly appealing is O'Canada House, whose rooms
have spacious tile b:.,fa and TVs with VCRs. A bit less prlcey but
,till with ample charm, handsome furnishings, friendiy hosts, and
a great location near Davie Village, Ndson House has six inviting
guest rooms. You'll find 195 spJci<Hs. contemporary s:.:ites with full
kitchens and moderate rates at the Sandman Suites, a popuhr fuliseriice
hotd right in the heart of Davie Village ame:iirie, include
the popular Moxie's Grill restama:u, a spa, and a fitness cenrer. If
v(n/rc on a budget~ the Inn at False C:reck Qualitr Hotel is a repu~
:-,;1~·1·,.~ d,.... ... ,,i alI()'d'1·0· 1',c• ---n' ai1·, ,')pt;O-P n,-, the ,,r-l.,.e (~.F-D-;:~,,',r> 1/ii1'•1cr{"' ~ t,(,.u" ,_...,, ,_!Ji l (,. ._ ~ ~ . > ~i ... ~ ~/ .. ,._ ... us~- , .... ·~ .,_ ~~ ,;._b_,
Just steps fron1 the ~WC-st End discover the beautiful, rugged
Stanley Park, \.vhich occupies a peninsula of 1T101T than 1,000 un~
spoiicd acres of lush greenery, fi)rcsts of cedar ~1nd [)oug!as fir. sandy
beaches, and panorarnic n1aritfrne vistas.
20 Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT A1agazme
From here it's a short drive to North Vancouver, home to Grouse
Mountain ski area. For a great photo-op, stop by the nearby 450-
foot-long Capilano Suspension Bridge, which swings gently (for the
most part) 230 feet above the river below it.
Back in the city center, you'll find some of the city's best upscale
shopping along Robson Street, and you can enjoy a more historic
aspect of Vancouver by wandering through Gastown, the site of
Canada's transcontinental railroad terminus. The neighborhood
boomed throughout the late 1800s, foundered by the middle of this
century, and became a model for urban restoration in the '60s and
'70s. Today you can stroll along Gastown's main cobbled thoroughfare,
Water Street, past dozens of somewhat touristy shops and
restaurants.
Just a few blocks from Davie Village you'll find Yaletown, where
Vancouver's fine-arts-and-fashion elite have converted dozens of
early 20th-century warehouses into chic restaurants, galleries, and
shops (including the stellar gourmet food market, Urban Fare, an
excellent place to pick up picnic supplies). This hip district is also
home to the city's coolest hotel, the Opus, which also happens to be
one of North America's most gay-friendly addresses. 1his swank yet
unpretentious property with 96 rooms and suites is a favorite haunt
of visiting celebrities, who appreciate the super-efficient staff: boldly
designed rooms, and cool lobby lounge. Don't miss the hotel's
sensibly chic restaurant, Elixir, a postmodern vision of a Parisian
bistro noted for its brunches (try the duck hash with poached eggs
and sourdough bread) and superb contemporary cuisine, including
a knockout pan-roasted halibut with wild mushrooms and trufflemarjoram
sauce.
Another cool Yalctown address for sophisticated chow and memorable
people-watching is Blue Water Cafe, whose speciaities include
a sampler of f0tir ceviches with salmon, halibut, rnna, and scallops,
and a wonderful entree of local sablefish caramelized with soy and
sake. A block away, slick Glowbal Grill & Satay Bar can be forgiven
for its slightly pretentious and gimmicky ambience, because this
plays turns out delicious food, including tequila lamb satay with
lime-mint glaze, and spaghetti with truffles and Kobe meatballs.
From Yaletown, you can catch a water taxi to Granville Island, once
the shipping and processing center for the city's logging industry,
and now yer another successful urban renovation with a mammoth
public market and many galleries and artisrs' studios.
It's a 15-minm:e drive east of the citv cemer to Commercial Drive,
a neighborhood thai:'s been reborn in i:he past decade as the cit/s
lesbian hub. Here you'll find several v,roman-owned shops, including
\X!omyn's 'Ware, the definite source: for women's sex coys, lube,
and fetish ',Near. Most afternoons anci evening:,;, you'll see cute dvkes
passing time at the neighborhood's several shabby-chic coffeeho'uses.
lhis is aiso a great area for affordable, he;,Jthfui cuisine. Exceilent
options indude globallv inspired Stella's Tap & Tapas Bar and Havana,
a grea, source for' deli~ious Larin-inf;sed far~.
Finally, if you're looking for some outside fun on a sunny day? rnake
i:he 20-minute drive to \\'est Vancouver to 'Wreck Beach, which is
right by the campus of the l}niversity of British Colun1bia. l'-lot
especia!iy sandy or accessible (you must hike down a steep l 00-foot
trail), it's the cit}'~'s only more-or-less sanctioned nude beach (at ieast
the illegalig.r of Jetting it all hang out is overlooked by authorities).
-n1c south end of""Wreck Beach (to get there ~Yilol.,v the for trail
vvww. ozarksstar: com
number 6) is predominantly gay, and depending on your vantage
point, the views from this secluded swath of sand can be amazing,
whether you're admiring nature - or naturists.
*
health ouu-eaoh pmvention educaflon7 Inc.
1-800-535-AIDS (2437)
Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline
' '>, >>: ' ' ' ,_,. ', ✓
* Free nonjudgmenhlf HlVtesting, inclt1ding the 20
rniJiule OraQwg)( fest.. . .
• Free SyphiHis screening at thi:J GLBT
Center on Tuesdays from tJ.;Bpm
H.O.P~E. Te-1ing Clinic
MensOutreach Program
In Tulsa at (918) s1i..;7045
the STAR 21
he reamhelmet
ould Emily Post
pprove?
--
Recently, the CBS News \Vebsite posed the following hypothetical
scenario and question: "Strangers on a Plane: The stranger sitting
next ro you on a plane ieans over to reads your magazine, takes off
his shoes and socks, or keeps chatting when all you want to do is
nap. The guy in front of you cranks his seat all the way back, while
th: k!~ behind you kicks your seat. What's a polite passenger to
do'. ...
(PRWEB) September 12, 2006 -- Recent!v, the CBS News Website
posed the f<:!lowing hypothetical scenario.and question: "Strangers
on a Plane: l11e stranger sitting next to you on a plane leans over ro
reads your magazine, takes off his shoes and socks, or keeps chat~
i'.1g when all you want to do is nap. The guy in front of you cranks
n1s seat all the way back. while the kid behind you kicks vour seat.
What"s a polite passenger to do? ... " ·
Reporter Tracy Smith, aided by travel journalist Val D'Elia of
TravelWlth Val.com, offered some solutions on the Qune 24, 2006)
Sawrday Early Show. Val, who has endured her share of annoying
strangers on a plane, suggested that one solution to che problem was
~o make use of the Dreamhclmet.
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 moneyorcler to:
Ozarks S1.l\R
5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153
Tulsa, OK 74145
(Single Copies $3.00 per issue)
22 the STAR
Although the report suggested no specific reasons, it appears that average
air travelers of today are less likely to resemble Beaver Cleaver
and_family or Mr. Rogers, and more closely fit the profile of soccer
hooligans and players, or rapper wannabes and entourage. The
upshot is tha::, chances are, your fellow air passengers wi!l exhibit
less manners and grosser social graces than those of an eadier epoch,
when people sought the advice of Emily Post.
A changed view of air travel, from being something awesome and
novel, like going on a grear adventure, to being commonplace, like
riding the bus, may be partly to blame fur more hang-ioose social
behavior aboard. It also may be true that che average American really
does exhibit less well-mannered behavior, in any situation, than
his parents did.
On an airplane, you are a sort of captive participam. Situations can
occur at any time from which you might wish to make a gracefui
exit. So how can a Dreamhelmet save you from this kind of uncomfortable
social dilemma? ,
The Dreamhelmer is a combination sleep-mask pillow that blocks
!ighr and mufHes sound. It has sound-blocking foam sewed into the
pilk,w portion which covers the ears. The Drcamhelmer allows its
user to iean against the plane window or seatback (or uave!incr companion's
shoulder) and fa!] asleep. The pillow portion offer; s:rne
neck support. Secrer pockets located near the temple hide money,
valuables, foidable reading glasses, soft foam earpl~1gs (provided), or
an alarm watch so as not to oversleep.
Putting on your Dreamhelmet is like hanging out a ''Do Not
Disturb" sign. It is a polite, but effective, wav to let others know
you have retreated into your own space, no longer want to communicate,
and do want peace and quiet. It is not necessarv to do or sav
anything rude to anyone. It not only works for Val, b~r we think i;
is also what Emily Post would have done.
Dre:1mhelmet lets you sleep by blocking light with a generous sleep
mask and cradling your head in a soft cotton sound-blocking pillow.
Many amactive fabrics please all tastes. Dreamhelmets cost $29.95
plus $4.95 posrage The direct 24 hour telephone order number is
(888i918-5630.
More OUT in Arkansas
A gay reading group forms,
"LITERARY PRIDE"
by Amos Lassen
LITTLE ROCK, AR_Two years ago a group of gay men met and
organized "The Oscar Wilde Reading Group" which had several sessions
and then became defunct. When I moved to Little Rock after
Katrina, I tried to find a sense of communitv and whiie at Wordsworth
and Company Books, I noticed the ;nnouncement about
the reading group. I called and went to the next meeting. Little did
I know then, that this meeting was to be the last of the Oscar Wilde
group. I was determined that this was not going to happen. After
rwo unsuccessful attempts to get a group together, I finally decided
to hit the bars, the coffee shops and the bookstores and posted an
announcement of a new group to be formed. We finally met in
June--only 2 members of "Oscar Wilde' and a bevy of new faces
set up our organizational framework. Our first two meetings saw us
outgrow our meeting place at Sufficient Grounds in Hillcrest. So we
established the name "Literary Pride" and for our third meeting we
moved into one of the member's homes. 'We began our reading with
"Grief" by Andrew Hollerana book that explains that by grieving we
are keeping alive the memory of those we have loved and lost. Our
second book was ".My Lives" An Autobiography by Edmund White,
a tell ali no hoies barred life story of the pre-eminent gay writer alive
today as he took us on a whirlwind tour of his life as an out gay
man.
Each member has the opportunity to choose a book and the choice
simply alternates from person to person. Reviews of new books appear
regularly at littlerockpride.com.
1be beauty of Literary Pride is that the group is completely independent
of everything else and aside from enjoying reading, we also
enjoy getting together and just talking. Friendships have been made
and the excitement that each meeting generates is exciting. The
books we read are mainiy just a jumping off point to rhe discussions
of matters that affect gay life today. It is such a wonderful feeling for
us to come toged1er with the sole purpose being our enjoyment of
being together.
This year Literary Pride will participate in the Arkansas Literary Festival.
For the first time, gay literature will be part of the festival and
we are presently working to bring authors imo Arkansas for the festival.
We have just received word that one of the finest gay authors
writing today will honor us by attending the Festival. ANDREW
HOLLERAN, author of the gay classic "Dancer from the Dance'' as
well as "Nights in Aruba" and "'The Beauty of Men".
lhe group is open to anyone ( regardless of sex:uaI orientation and
gender) who wishes to participate. The only expense you may
have is the price of the book and members get a discount at a iocal
bookstore. 'Xie are looking forward w a greac year of activity. More
information can be gained by dropping me a line at alassenamos@
yahoo.com. Membershio is alwavs ooen and we look forward to
~vekoming a!L • , '
*
"San Francisco searcher
Discovers
atment
ImmuneS
Infected
roundbre ng
Stren hen
terns in HIVt1.
ents "
Study Featured in Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndromes August issue and Presented at 16th International
Worid AIDS Congress
TORONTO, CANADA_Micronutrient supplementation increases
CD4 count in HIV-infected individuals on highly active antiretroviral
therapy (HA.ART), according to a study published in the
August 15th issue of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndromes. These results were presented at the 2006 World AIDS
Conference in Toronto on August 14th.
The study, authored by Jon D. Kaiser, M.D., demonstrates tl1at the
patients adding a micronuuient supplement while taking HA.ART
are able to increase their CD4 cell count by 24%, compared to no
change in the placebo group. CD4 cells act ro protect the body
against viral, fungal, and protozoal infections. When an individual is
HIV-infected, the virus continually kills CD4 cells. Over time, the
body is unable to replace the lost cells and their number declines,
making the body more susceptible to infections.
With twenty years of HIV treatment experience, Dr. Kaiser has investigated
many antioxidant combinations. "There have been several
recent clinical trials which show HIV-infected patients who begin to
take micronutrient supplements have improved clinical
outcomes,'' said Dr. Kaiser. "This most recem study proves to the
medical community that micronutrient supplementation holds
significant promise as a vital part of standard medical
creatment for people with HIV/AIDS."
Success of antiviral therapy ro date has been limited by a wide range
of debilitating side effects. The micronutrient supplement tested was
also shown to decrease one of the common side effects of antiviral
therapy, peripheral neuropathy, by 42% compared to a 33°10 decline
in the placebo group.
"!he abiiity of this micronutrient formula ro strengthen the immune
systems of people wirh HIV/AIDS - at substantiallv lower cost than
tl1at of anti'...,iral medication could potentially stabilize the health
of millions of people in the developing world until access to antiretroviral
medications improves.
Co-authors indude Adriana M. Campa, Ph.D., Joseph P. Ondercin,
PA-C, Gifford S. Leoung, I,1.D., Richard F. Piess. Ph.D., and
Jvfarianna K. Baum. Ph.D. The scudv was funded by Bristol-Myers
Squibb.
TheSTAR 23
Salutation kittens and loyal love slaves! This mooch Uncle
Mikey recovers from a love affair of epic proportions. I mean
whew, that man was just too much. It was iike being at the
DQ and trying to take that extra dip, knowing your body,
just wouldn't handle it. I mean; it just was not right. While
appealing, some mountains just are not meant to be climbed.
Sadly, I had to cut chat stallion ioose, sending him back into
the wild. I hope he does not do any damage; ralk about putting
your eye out.
I bet the censors arc just on the edge of their seats. I guess, I do
sound a little like a prom date gone bad. That man of substantial
lovin' made more of an impression than I realized. Kitcens, I tried,
really I did. You just cannot gee a twelve in a size ten; I don'c care
how you work it.
Uncle Mikey here once more to spread his wisdom, thought provoking
views, and midnight iove to those who qualify. Yes, like a
true timeless treasure, Uncle is on the scene looking out for those
in Queerdom. Let's get to it as my eighth husband wouid say, the
romantically challenged to say the lease, But I digress.
Dear Uncle },1ikey,
I am an older gay man with 2 children. Because, I take care of
myself, most people do not realize my children are in college. At
my oldesr son's lase cdllege break, he brought home one of his frat
brothers. His friend was a Greek god and I could not stop acting
iike a high school girl around him. I chink he was enjoying
the attention and was flirting with me by the end of the first day.
Because I was so bothered by this beautiful young man, I could not
sleep. Around 2:00 AM in the morning. I recreated to the kitchen
to try to drown my sexual frustration in some orange sherbec.
'When I turned around from the freezer, there was my soP:s friend
in nothing but his birthday suit. I was so shocked; (dropped the
sherbet on the floor. He chuckled and told me that it was all right
that my son had told him all about me and that's why he was there.
he wanted to be with an older man that looked as good as I did. I
couid no longer concroi mvseif and p!ay·ed out mv ~ildesr famasv ,t A / ,-
right there in the kitchent with my son asleep upstairs!
26 theSTAR
I have never done anything like this before and am feeling
tremendously guilty for my lack of seif-control. I am also flattered
because of having a 23 year old come onto me. I am feeling like a
troll! Unde Mikey help! How do I handle this flood of emotions?
Scarcer Troll
Dearest ST:
Darling, troll, I think not. Greek Gods would not mingie; I see the
start of a player extraordinaire. As for the sleeping lamb. this is not
an issue; all were consenting, and aware. I imagine some more
than others however, that is just the icing the way I see it. Enjoy
and cherish the memory of your fling in the night, it shall keep you
warm on those blustery winter eves.
Smooches-Mikey ·
Honey, Uncle can tell you from personal experience, a Twink in the
twilight can keep those batteries charged for a forcnighr. Oh my
nerves, I must have another drink before we go on. I hope chat
houseboy of mine has those batteries charged by now.
Dear Uncle Mikey,
Mv bovfriend has friends who like to partv. He has asked me what
I ~ould think about attending a sex p;rty., where we would not intermingle;
simply perform rhe act in front of each other .. He thinks
this would be hoc, while I think I would be too self-conscious to
enjoy it. Should I do it, as he says it is my duty?
Sexually confused
Dearest confused,
Confused, about what to wear? Kitten, some are bold and risk
takers. The proposal could have been worse, however the decision
remains solely yours. You must decide what you are comfortable
with, making it know you are not going to participate in something
you do nor want. Often couples will find themselves at the road,
where the desires divide the mind. It is important to find a common
ground, where both desires addressed respectfully, allow
personal growth and majority.
Dear Uncle Mikey,
Do you know of any really good sex positions?
Young-one
Dear Young one,
Do you know of any bad ones?
Smooches-Mikey
\'veil Kittens, I must take my ieave hmvever before I do remember
chis; Uncle's law in the sexu;l behavior- Harm none do what ye
wiii, do it well and thee wiil gee rhy fill. Safety comes before the
deed; wrap that meat before pumping chat steed. Smooches-Uncle
Mikey and Tiddles too!
Write to 1Jncic !vHkey at uncien1ikey4you@ao!.co1n
\¥ith those quandaries you dare not ask anyone else, take it to the
gay guru!
*
"The Laramie Project" A
Play About The Affect of
Mathew Shepard's Death.
INDEPENDENCE, KS_"The Laramie
Project," rhe ground-breaking drama by
Mo'ises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theatre
Project, will be performed by the William
Ing~ Center for the Arts Theatre Department
at Independence Community College,
Independence, Kansas.
Featuring an all-student cast, "The Laramie
Project" runs 1hursday through Saturday
Oct. 12-14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Oct.
15 at 2:30 p.m. at the William Inge 'Theatre
at ICC.
The Inge TI1eatre and the ICC is campus is
located south of the town of Independence.
From Main and I 0th Streets, proceed on
South I 0th Street for two miles and turn
right on Road 58. The thearre and campus
is on the right.
Scats mav be reserved by calling (620)
332-5492 and tickets will be hdd at the box
office for patrons until 20 minutes prior to
curtain, after which they are released for
general sale, Seating is general admission.
Tickets are $6 general admission.
"The Laramie Project'' premiered in 2000
and is the moving drama about the residents
of Laramie, Wyoming, and what rhey went
through following the 1998 murder of
Mathew Shepard, a gay college student.
Director is Perer Ellenstein, artistic director
of the Wiiliam Inge Cencer for the Arts.
Independence, Kansas, is located at the
iunction of Highways 75 and 160 in south~
ast Kansas. It is located 90 miles north of
Tulsa, 90 miles west of Joplin, 120 miies
south of Kansas City, and 120 miles southeast
of""Wichita.
The 2006-07 Mainstage seawn li1:: ICC
' · · ! 0 piays COfitlOUe Wlt 1 t1h._ e L•• 0 .n....1 C-d jv .. ..f 1u1 °~· -
Servant of Two \fasrers" Dec 7 - i 0 :md the
, 1 HT mus1ca1 r f appy E--;,d ,· • on ertola_ no re':-'.-.l:-"•
and Kurt Weill, March 15-18, 20<F. lhc
I(:C theater dcpartn1cnt b noted as one of
the outstanding r,;vo-year college thean:r
p·~ograms in th~ tvtid,vest. Spring 2006
~ ... ,,dua:rPs were accepted for transfer to lb~ Bo;to~ Conser:,axory, E1n.crson c:ol- ,''° g---· '•.. ""•p-hens c·O 1b1t •.g•c~. •..: tn r..1... .11.~ ,.. e r... t...,;,.1,a. ...., a. . 5, i..j, ,S-ch~;;i:;f th~ Arts~ Fo~ rnore inforn1ation:
,v,.:ii1,v.ingecenter.org
*
Gay & Lesbian
History Month celebrated
at Missouri
State University
SPRINGFIELD, MO_Dudng October,
Gay & Lesbian History Month wiil ~e .
celebrated on the Missouri State Umvermy
Springfield campus.
Events are planned for the celebration,
including a reception honoring the second
birrhdav of OLGA (Ozarks Lesbian &
Gav Ar~hives), a discussion of health issues
aff~cti~g gay men ~nd le~bians, an ~~plor~tion
or how the M1ssoun State pub11e affaus
mission with its emphasis on communiry
building encourages or discourages mino~iry
inclusion, and an "out on campus" in wl11ch
students, staff, and faculty discuss life at
Missouri State for openly gay people.
With the inauguration of a new administradon
at Missouri State, gay people are
hopeful that this year's program will be
supported campus wide. Holly B:ggett,
History Professor and President ot Lambda
Alliance, one of the co-sponsoring organizadons,
said that she hopes 1',1issouri State will
adopc a new attitude toward gay peopl_e.
"1here is a sense for many reasons havmg to
do with diversiry, hiring and accreditation.
mainstreaming the University, and just common
sense, that the Administration is now
encourai:dng gay men and lesbians to be visible
and\o play an active role on campus."
In addition to rhe Lambda Alliance which
advocates fair treatment for gay and lesbian
neoole ar MSU, Gay & Lesbian History
}.fo~th is sponsored by the MSU History
Departmem, and the MSU College of Humanities
and P:1biic Affairs.
·r·h•·o«o·l, r:"}' & I "Sbi;,n History Month, .l -~ ....._!-,._1 •-_,~,, ~>,- r •• r
rhe U1;iversicv is folfiliing irs goai of seiking
;; produce civil and educated citizens in a
metropolitan co1n1nunity.
I=or rnore infr1nnation contact Holly
Pn.:sidcnt. Oifce; 417-836-5206
Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT ,i.,fagazine
Phone Home campaign!
WASHINGTON. DC_h's a campaign
to mobiiize fair-minded people everywhere
in the fight against the anti-~_GBT co~stitutional
amendments that will be on tl1e
November ballot in eight states: Arizona,
Colorado, Idaho, South Carolina, South
Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and \'?isconsin.
If vou come from or know anyone in any of
th;se states and surely you do then you can
take action today.
Just go to the campaign \Y/eb site, ww~w.
PhoneHome2006.org, where you'll find all
the tools you need to quickly and easily contact
vour relatives, friends, classmates and
for~er co-workers in these states and cell
them vou need them to do the right thing
on N~v. 7. You can also donate to the state
campaigns through this site.
*
Creating
Community for
Peopie living
with
HIV/AIDS
()ur House. Too offers a variety of
activities for people v:ho are HI\/+ and
or living 'Nith A.IDS to heip combat the
social isolation that rnany of our
dE;f ~;~~}if ~::~1=ti:~;e ~~;~~-
and or Hving v.tith ,A.JDS "Nho cannot
afford to ourchase these iteff:s for
thernseh1~s. VVe invite anyone ;,vho
•Nould !Ike to voiunteer or provicit? fi~.
nanciai assistance to piease contact
us by phone 918--585-9552 or
harrisrnmjrt@yahoo.corn
Q Scopes
by Jack Fertig
OCTOBER 2006
"Don't argue, Leo - entertain!"
Mars is already a bit weakened and lacking focus in Libra,
although normally that sign makes him a better team
player. As he trines Neptune in Aquarius, hedonistic indulgences
come easily, but directed, productive activity is
harder. Yoga, martial arts, or other activities tied to balancing
spirit will help.
ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Your partner wants to spend
more time alone with you, but you're feeling more openly
social. There's time for both; be considerate of your partner.
If you're single and looking. try a sporting event. Having
some friends along could help the search.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Lately, you've been uncertain
about what you want to be when you grow up. You can
take some satisfaction that your current job - and especially
your ability to work with others - will eventually help you find
your way to the top.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Try out new and different
entertainments. Iranian movies? Dervish performances?
Kinky experiments you haven't gotten around to yet?
Something with a spiritual twist will be most interesting. Be
very open to new possibilities as they offer themselves.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Never mind the bedroom
- take the fun to the kitchen! There you can imagine brilliant
new uses foi some of the utensils, and find great ingredients
for fun. If you don't have privacy there, pack a picnic
basket!
LEO (July 23 -August 22): The more forcefully you express
your points. the more illogical they seem to others.
If you can argue effectively a!ong emotional lines, using a
dramatic style, your lack of logic may not matter. Better yet,
don't argue. Just entertain!
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Watch out for nervous
tension over any problem, especially money. Nothing
will be solved now. but you can get a sense of how to be
more effective working with others, which wiil he!p in the
long run.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You're unusually energetic
and playfui these days. Be cautious: know your own
!imits and those of your playmates. You're sure to stumble
over them anyway, so just be careful that nobody gets hurt
and that necessary apologies are madei
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Either as a longterm
project or just for a few hours. make your bathroom
into a place of elegant pleasure where you can enjoy a
long, hot, relaxing soak. That's always a healing divertissement,
and now it's an absolute necessity!
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): You have
a sudden burst of energy for either social activity or politics;
stick with the social. !n politics you'll oniy wreak confusion
now. But at other occasions, your whimsical touch should
prove a huge asset!
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): You need reassurance
about where you're going in life and why. A little
confusion is good if it opens you to deeper understanding.
Talk with your boss - or a professional - about your goals
and your purpose.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You're craving
adventure, but what kind? Let it be an adventure in trust.
Try to give up being a control queen long enough to let a
friend iead you somewhere entirely new. That doesn't necessarily
mean sex, but don't rule it out!
PISCES (February 19 - March 19): One fish is swimming
toward mad !ust, the other toward quiet retreat. Invite your
sexiest friend(s) to an erotic retreat where you car.i alternate
games of strip Twister with meditation, massage, and
shared baths.
SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO
FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES
SPIRIT OF CHRIST
MCC SPONSORS
Testing appointmcm 4 '. 7-529-8480.
2902 E. 20th St.,
PO Box 4711
jopbn, fvio 64803
'...." .. \[1. .•.r,.T.l_ :: ·RD.,-1..!:. \.. . ·vi · 1,~,,_·,~· ,.1..'. JCe,. _.9 ·h ")(,\j ,r,\ d7. .. ''l
28 Advet1ising in the STAR is just good business cents.
Arkansas, Bentonville/Rogers (479)
NWA GLBT Ctr - - - www.nwaglbtcc.org- - - - - --479-586-1062
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 Van Buren- - - - - -479-253-8102
Henri's - - - - - - - 19 1i2 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- - - - - - - - 178 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-- - - - - - - - - - 4 79-587-0557
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- -- - - - - - - - - - -501-6642744
Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.dsra.org
Discovery- - - - - 1021 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 11AM
Kansas, Wichita (316)
Our Fantasy/South40- - - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - - - - 316-682-5494
Priscilla's- - - - - 6143 W Kellogg Dr- - - - - - - - - 316-942-1244
Ciub Giacier- - - - - - - - - 2828 E. 31st South- - - - - 316-612-9331
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 - \A.'\Nw.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 W Olive - - - - - - - - - - - 417-864-4572
Missouri, Springfield (417)
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
Blue Dog Liquor- - - - - - -4015 N. Penn - - - - - - - - -405-606-7000
Boom Room- - - - - - - 2807 NW 36th St- -- - - - - - - -405-601-7200
Border's Books- - - - - - 3209 NW Expressway- -- - - 405-848-2667
CD Warehouse- - - - - - 4001 N. Penn - - - - - - - - - - 405-525-7766
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
Naughty But Nice - - - - 3121 SW 29th St- - - - - - - -405-681-5044
Partners- - - - - - - - - 2805 NW 36th St - - - - - - - - - -405-942-2199
Pec's- - - - - - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expw - - - - - - - -405-942-2199
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
Ziggy's- - - - - - - - - - - - 4005 N. Penn- - - - - - - - - - -405-521-9999
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, Ya!e - - - - - - - - - - 918-494-2665
Club 209 - - - - - - - 209 N. Boulder - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494
Club Majestic- - - - - - - 124 N. Boston - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494
Club Maverick- - - - - 822 S. Sheridan - - - - - - - - - -9i8-835-3301
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
Openarms Youth Projt- - - 2015 S. Lakewood- - - - -918-838-7104
Our House, Too - - - -203 N Nogaies Ave- - - -- - - - -918-585-9552
Priscma·s - - - - - - - - -7925 E 41st- - - - - - - - - - - - -918-627-4884
Priscii!a's - - - - - - - - 5634 W. Ske!iy- - - - - - - - - - - 918-446-6336
Priscilla's - - - - - - - 1134,1 E. 11th - - - - -918-438-4224
Priscii!a'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 Aliev- - - - - -3324-L E 31st- - - - - - - 918-7 45-9998
Sterling & Co. Sa!on- - -1606 E.15t!l St.-· - - - - - - 918-742-9999
Titan's Lounge - - 6373-C E 31st St- - - - - - 9rn-836-0299
Tulsa CARES· - - - 3507 E. Admira! Pl- - • - - - - - 918-834-4194
Tulsa Central Library•• - - 400 Civic Center• - - 918-596-7977
Tulsa Eagle· - • - -1338 E. 3rd • - •· - • - - - • - - - -918-592-1188
TNT's - - - - - - • 2114 S. Memcriai- - • - - •· - • - 918-660-0856
YeHow-Brick-Rd- - 2630 E. 15th- - - - - - c, - 918-293-0304
\\~~;~i#~~~:,?~:'.f?;~~¥#~,~?~~ .~i~~~~g,t~?:,~listdbutt\ ~1r~.E ~1:>pJes of ,d:t .~Ti~R, .. contact us at 91 itS35;7887 9anito 4pm mon - fri or email: ozaiksstar@sbcglobaLnet 29
GA•~•t>a
'I'itlsa's GAIBSTNdghborhood'
New and Historic Homes forS~le and Rent.
GREAT HISTORIC APARTiMENTS &
FLATS TOOi. . .
Walk to Brady Arts District, Shovis,
Restaurants, Parks, Glubs}Ba:rs ..
Shops. On the Edge of D:Ovintowri.
For more info Go to:
www.gaybtadyheightstiJlsa.com
1st Annual Gala Celebration
"Linking Togei:her as One"
Friday, Deceinber 15th, 2006 7:00
P.1'.1. Clarion Inn Favettevi!le
1255 So. Shiloh, Fayetteville AR
72701 , '
For more informacion:
w-~"w'.NWAGLBTCC.ORG
Nj55 lorch Tulsa USofA
October 27th, 2006
Openarms Youth Project
Calling all Contestants
Entry fee $50.00
Official Prelim. to
Miss Oklahoma USofA
info@openarmsproject.org
CHECK OUT UNIQUE
EUREKA SPRINGS,
ARKANSAS
www.diversitypride.com
and
www.eurekapride.com
,',,' ' '
~ Full Boqy, Sport;, .f-lot .Stone
** Hand .c. u. rd F... Q..o tiScr.·.u .b s
,arid·Weekends
' : ' " '::·,'. ', :: '. ,,,;'" ,,. ', .
Call for an:app<intment and rates.
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY
ADVERTISING SALES
REPRESENTATIVE
FOR OKLAHOMA, KANSAS
MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS
qualifications ro
ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net
or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153
Tulsa, OK 74145
CONGRA-rOLA'flONS! 1-r•s GAY!
Get results with STAR Classifieds!
NGA
BAR.&GRILL
Sunday Champaqne Brunch
All you can eat soup and salad bar l lam-2pm
$8.99
Monday & Tuesday
Well Martinis $2.50 4pm-7pm
Best Prime Rib in Town'
Friday & Saturday Nights
Bar favorites, restaurant favorites and many
new items for your enjoyment pleasure
NEW WINTER RATES - $45•
* Plus tax, excludes suites
,.; -
'
\ 1
PEC'S
A LEATHER/LEVI BAR
CLOSED MONDAYS
Sun 7pm - 2am,
Tues-Thurs 7pm-9pm wear your leather
and get your well drinks for $2.50
Sun Thur, 7pm-2am
Fri and Sat, 4pm-2am
RUDY'S PLACE
PIANO BAR
Rudy's Place is a non-smoking
establisthment
Early for cocktails. late for a night cap
CLUB ROX
CLOSED MONDAY
SIZZLIN' SUNDAYS
With Whitney Paige
HOLLYWOOD IDOL
Wednesday Nights with Taylor Brayns
Sign up at 9:30pm, Starts at 10pm
Finals Audience Votes (the more people
you bring the more votes you get)
VIXENS
Saturday Nights
with Shantel Mandalay at l 0pm
ALISON SCOTT SHOW
Friday. Oct. I >th & 27th at 9:30pm
MISS HOLLYWOOD US OF A
Sunday Novei11ber J 2. 2006
I st Prize: $1,000.00 PLUS $500.00 credit
towards Kayne Original Gown
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, October 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 10
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
October 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 Hinsman
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Star Magazine, September 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 9
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/243
The Star Magazine, November 1, 20006; Volume 3, Issue 11
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/241
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/242
Advice
Bitter Girl
Bryan White AIDs Fund
Chelsea Boys
Comic Strips
Gay and Lesbian History Month
Herland
HIV research
HIV/AIDs testing
Jim Verraros
Kathy Taylor
Kris Kohl
Lesbian Notions
Literary Pride
MCC
McWillie Chambers
Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats
OUT in Arkansas
OUT of the Womb
Out OK Film Festival
Past Out
Q Scopes
star classified
Star Distributors
Star Scene
The Laramie Project
travel
Tulsa Community Center
Uncle Mikey
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b9c9a6279512a7a10048d90d650483d2.jpg
ccf67a476d394d378caa36f5bfb2fc4a
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1ac048af6377978fa39ed58c5c85b213.pdf
2262c39edbaef673db3eeb5b909bc695
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
=========.
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
@
~~
~
-
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-~'..
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!" 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
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- . ' 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
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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
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/4c8319e0447c1ec74875b926bf62cdef.jpg
91d5b89d12182a6e579f2bb58991f1c1
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/11fd65a0e77b5d0dff4bbc3746c85e58.pdf
4319c8af04e54ca91707cf4faa90fc62
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
,Ur
• LS .. n
ona ale
Scott · row,· Man.:aging Broker
Mc raw Davisson ew:art, R.ealtors
• 1
Langley, Oklahoma
s:cottCrow.mcgr,awok.com
918.782.3211
the STAR, Oklahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine.
The most important
direct-action you can
do is vote. Local and
state elections are this
r, with many close
ttles to be fought by
our strongest allies. In
rtnership with the
nal Association of
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender
(GLBT) Community Centers, the Tulsa GLBT Community
Center annouces Promote the Vote. This program
seeks to enhance the advocacy and organizing capacity
of GLBT community centers by creating a visible, vocal
and voting constituency. More importantly, it gives voice
and power to the members of the GLBT community who
are often made to feel invisible and powerless.
Primaries are fast-approaching with local and state
supporters of the GLBT community in close contests. If
you aren't registered to vote - do it today. You can get
registered to vote at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center,
5545 E 41 st Street in Highland Plaza. It's simple to do,
the form is very short and we'll even send it in for you.
Stop by today and r ter to vote in one easy step
- then vote in every e action. It's important for you and
future generations.
ACLU ASK FOR DISMISSAL OF
REV. LONNIE LATHAM'S CASE
February 1, 2006
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a friend-of-the-court
brief toda}'. urging an Oklahoma court to dismiss charges
against a Soulhern · minister who was arrestea for
soliciting private sex another male.
'The Supreme Court has made it crystal clear that, when
it comes to their sex lives, ults are free to do
whatever the 8 Bell, Executive
Director of th klahoma. "Accordin to the police
report, Rev. Latham did nothing more tha e another
man to his hotel room for consensual sex. It is not a crime
merely to invite someone to have completely lawful sex. If it
were otherwise, every bar in the state may as well shut its
doors."
The Reverend Dr. Lonnie Latham was arrested on January
~. 2006,_ on the misdemeanor cha of "Off!:3ring to Engage
m an Act of ice ne
a ma! ted
r back to otel room for oral sex. It is not alleged
that Latham offered money in exchange for the sex
act.
The brief filed toda in the District Court of Oklahoma
Coun argues , arges should be dismissed against
because non-commercial sex between consentate
is a constitutional!
ACLU it is a violation s
free speech guarantee for the state to criminal
that is mereiy an invitation to engage in lawful
Latham's arrest. which generated a s·
of media attention, forced him to resig
as a board member of the Baptist Generai
Okiahoma.
ut of To~n
MARCH 2006
by Andrew Collins
lbuquerque,
New exico
Q,Jt<::, Mexico's largest city, set dramatically at
the base of the soaring Sandia Mountains, makes a great
- and affordable - base for exploring the rest of the Land of
Enchantment. Albuquerque lies just 60 miles south of Santa
Fe and within an afternoon's drive of countless Indian
pueblos, beautiful hiking and biking spots, and challenging
ski areas. The "Duke City" (named for the city's founder, the
Duke of Alburquerque - the first "r" was later dropped) enjoys
a sunny, mild climate, and it's home to New Mexico's
only gay bars as well as a handful of gay-owned B&Bs and
restaurants. And thr9.ughout 2006, Albuquerque celebrates
its tricentennial with dozens of performances, events, and
museum instaliations that trace its rich and vibrant history.
Albuquerque's once dull downtown has undergone an
ambitious revitalization in recent years, with loads of new
shops, restaurants, and bars along or near the main drag,
Central Avenue between 2nd and 8th streets, and also
along parallel Gold Avenue. From here, it's a five-minute
drive to historic Old Town, which was laid out in 1706 and
contains Albuquerque's earliest buiiding, the San Felipe de
Neri Church, which fronts the serene, tree-shaded Plaza.
The wares for sale at the more than 200 crafts and art galleries
and boutiques in the area run the gamut from fine to
kitschy, and a few very good restaurants are nearby. For an
offbeat experience, step inside the small but venomous
American International Rattlesnake Museum, which contains
the world's largest assemblage of live rattlers.
Within a short stroll of Old Town you'll find a handful of
the city's most prominent attractions, including the recently
expanded Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, which
houses an astounding collection of Spanish Colonial artifacts,
plus traditional and contemporary regional art. Exhibits
on geology, volcanoes, and dinosaurs await you across
the street at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History
and Science. Also check out the Albuquerque Aquarium,
Rio Grande Zoo, and Rio Grande Botanic Garden. It's just
a short drive from Old Town to the Indian Pueblo Cultural
Center as well as the National Hispanic Cultural Center of
New Mexico, both of which have exhibits, cafes, and performances
related to their respective cultures.
Much of Albuquerque's gay scene is focused in the
retro-hip Nob Hill neighborhood, a short drive east of
downtown along Historic Route 66 (Central Avenue), which
glows with the neon signs of coffeehouses. bars, greasyspoon
diners, galleries, and boutiques selling everything
from cool home-furnishings to campy giftsCentral Avenue
fringes the southern edge of the University of New Mexico
(UNM), whose noteworthy attractions include the Maxwell
Museum of Anthropology and the University Art Maseum.
The city sprawls a bit, and you need a car to venture out
to some of the worthwhile outlying attractions. On the west
side of town, visit Petroglyph National Monument to view
some 25,000 rock drawings inscribed as far back as a thousand
years ago along the 17-mile-long West Mesa escarpment.
Drive east across town into the city's lofty foothills
for a chance to ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the
crest of the 10,600-foot Sandia Mountains. The 2.7-mile
ride is the longest aerial tramway in the world. At the top
are observation decks, hiking trails, a visitor's center. and
the High Finance Restaurant.
On the north side of Albuquerque, you'll find the giamorous
new Sandia Casino resort, which in addition to
extensive gaming areas contains one of the city's best
restaurants (Bien Shur, on the resort's rooftop), a brandnew
luxury hotel and spa, and a golf course of considerable
acclaim.
The casino is close to Bailoon Fiesta Park, home to New
Mexico's most famous festival, the Albuquerque International
Balloon Fiesta. This colorful hot-air balloon gathering
- the world"s largest - takes place the first two weeks in October.
At any time of year you can visit the park's AndersonAbruzzo
international Balloon Museum, which opened in
fall 2005. There are also a number of outfitters throughout
Albuquerque offering hot-air balloon rides year-round; one
of the most reliable is Rainbow Ryders.
Albuquerque's already very good dining scene has
improved dramatically just in the past few years. in the
downtown area, don't miss gay-popu!ar Artichoke Cafe for
first-rate Continental cooking in a romantic yet casual ambience.
Thai Crystal is one of the city's top Asian restaurants,
while the cozy Goid Street Gaffe serves up some of the
........ Continued next page.
. Atw:efflsingin lfi~ STAIR/sjustgood business cents. Page6
Out of Town
best breakfasts around, plus iight lunch and dinner fare,
designer coffees, and delicious desserts. When in Old
Town, book a table at elegant Ambrozia Cafe & Wine Bar,
known for its quirky and inventive dishes, such as duck
meatloaf with truffted cream corn, and lobster corn dogs
with chipotle ketchup.
In Nob Hill, the swanky Zinc Wine Bar and Bis~ro
serves a memorable Sunday jazz brunch and terrific
French-inspired dinner fare - try the crisp uck-confit egg
rolls or mango creme brulee. Next door, y Fish serves
tasty proof that it's possible to find super-fresh and creatively
rendered sushi right in the heart of the des~rt.
Talented chef Jennifer James is one of the leading new
culinary stars of the Southwest, and you can sample her
deftly prepared food at Graze, which specializes in affordable
tapas-style small plates (she also owns the more formal
Restaurant Jennifer James, a few miles north). Across
the street, the upscale Gruet Steak House is run by the
city's acclaimed Gruet Winery, which produces S?me ?f the
nation's most respected champagne-style sparkling wines
as well as commendable pinot noirs and chardonnays.
Pre-clubbing gays and straights mix it ~ sophisticate~
Martini Grille which is lauded as much its tasty Amencan
fare as fbr the fancy drinks served up in the schnazzy
cocktail bar.
Hang out among UNM students and other local hipsters
at II Vicino, which serves out-of-this-world wood-fired
pizzas and filling calzones, plus a nice array of leafy dinner-
size salads. Try El Patio for some of the most authentic
(and fiery) New Mexican cooking in town - be sure to sit
on the tree-shaded The no-frills Frontier Restaurant
is a 24/7 institution for its breakfast burritos and
heavenly cinnamon buns - it's a real scene after the clubs
close. Another must-do in Albuquerque is coffee and dessert
at Flying Star, a bakery, restaurant, coffeehouse, and
wine bar all rolled into one, with five locations around town,
the gavest and coolest in Nob Hill and downtown.
Among Albuquerque's six gay nightspots, Pulse draws
th gest and wildest bunch for cruising and dancing
stive patio and compact but fierce dance floor.
Fans of line-dancing and two-stepping head to sprawling
Sidewinders Ranch, which is owned by the same folks as
Sidewinders in Palm Springs. Low-keyed Exhale (formerly
Renea's} is the only lesbian bar in the state, although it
pulls in of guys, too. The expansive Albuquerque
Mining ers to a diverse crowd with its several bars,
small dance area, and full volleyball court. The Albuquerque
Social Ciub, a garden-variety video bar across the
street from Pulse, attracts a fairly local following; guests
are pennitted in this private club but must purchase a
"membership" ( one year). The parking
lot at Foxes ith beat-up pickup trucks,
hints rish, and horny guys inside.
main entertainment
ue's lodging landscape is domin
hotels, you'll find some distinctive
historic properties and art-filled B&Bs, too. the
latter, the beautifully restored Mauger Esta sits
within easy walkin distance of downtown and Old Town.
Anne Victorian has an ornate
exterior, period antiques, wallpapers, and fabrics.
Another property is Hacienda Antigua,
a f ,ldadc>be hacienda northwest
of downtown, filled with claw-foot tubs, wood carvings and
Indian art, and beehive-shape kiva-style fireplaces.
the historic La
p grand dame,
opened in 1939 by Conrad Hilton (who honeymooned here
with Zsa Zsa Gabor). It's a stunning 10-story hotel in the
heart of downtown. A few blocks west, the art deco Hotel
Biue has simple but affordable rooms and a great location,
making it one of the city's best bargains.
Of the city's chain properties, the 17-story Albuquerque
Marriott is a commendable, upscale choice with great views
of the mountains. It's close to two shopping malls and a
short drive from gay nightlife. And a 20-minute drive north
of Albuauerque in the town of Bernalillo, the posh Hyatt
Regency Tamaya offers the most lavish accommodations in
the region. Amenities at this 500-acre resort on the. ~anta
Ana Pueblo include a world-class spa, horseback riding,
tennis, golf, superb restaurants, and ca_sino gaming. If
you're looking for sumptuous Palm Springs-style glamour
in the laid-back Duke City, look no further than this stunning
resort, the perfect place to celebrate an ultra-romantic
Southwest getaway.
The Little Black Book
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (www.balloonfiesta.
com).
Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau (505-842-9918
or 800-284-2282, www.itsatrip.org; www.albuquerque300.
or deta que Tncentennial events).
Al uerque 1 Louisiana Blvd. NE, 505-881-
6800 or 800-334-208 , www.marriott.com).
uerque Mining Co. (7209 Central Ave. NE, 505-255-
que Social Club (4021 Central Ave. NE, 505-255-
Cafe & Wine Bar (108 Rio Grande Blvd. NW,
560).
(424 Central Ave. 5-243-0200).
5 Central Ave., N 232-3474).
arvard St. SE, 50 '
Flying tar 2 Centr;3I Ave. S 633; also
downtown at 723 Silver Ave. SW 99).
Foxes Lounge (8521 Central Av 5-3060).
Graze (3128 Central Ave. SE, 50 .
Frontier Restaurant (Cornell Dr. SE and Cen al Ave. SE,
505-266-0550).
Gold Street Gaffe (218 Gold Ave. SW, 505-765-1633).
Gruet Steak House (3201 Central Ave. NE, 505-256-
WINE). Hacienda Antigua (6708 Tierra Dr. NW, 505-345-
5399 or 800/201-2986, www.hac~ier1da;ar ua).
Hotel Blue (717 Central Ave. NW, 505-9 2400 or 877-
878-4868 www.thehotelblue.com).
9462).
· Bernalillo, 505-
att.com ).
also 11225
t. NW. 505-242-
05 .
, - __ 755 or
-725-2477, WWW.
. NW, 505-343-1554).
1-25 at Tramway Blvd., 505-796-7500 or
.sandiacasino.com J.
nch (8900 Central Ave. :::;E, 505-275-1616).
09 Gold Ave. SW. 505-244-
and Bistro (3009 Central A . . 505-254-
Dive
April
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* Free nonjudgmental HIV testing,· including the 20
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PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
or gays wanting to travel in the United States there are
main gay cities, Palm Spri , California and Ft.
le, Florida. Both cities ve a huge gay populah
are extremely gay friendly. Both have at least
f dozen gay resorts to stay and plenty of gay
restaurants, bars and shops.
n this column we will tell you about Palm Springs, Caliomia.
It is located about 120 miles East of Los Angeles.
hen flying in from the f:Aidwest or_ East you _can ei~her .
y directly into Palm Springs or fly into Ontario, California
hich is less expensive and is only about 50 miles \J\'est_
f Palm Springs. Since you will need to rent an auto It will
ve you money to fly to Ontario.
weather in Palm
ngs is beautiful all
r around except if you
't like weather over 100
grees then it is best not
July and August.
we love the dry heat
we love going there in
he summer when it is hot.
ecember thru April it is
very pleasant there.
e dozens of gay
stay however our
is the TERORT
(www.ter)
and located
st of downtown
Palm Canyon
toll free phone
is: 1-866-837-7996.
and hosts, Tom
nd Doug Sems are
of the best -'<'hen it
to knowing how to
their guests.
he Terrazzo Resort has 12 guest rooms surrounding
heated swimming pool, (clothing optional) of course,
· · and tropical gardens. The resort has
s that includes the finest of linens,
dial phones, Lar TV, DVD, VCR CD player, indiclimate
control, speed Internet access, pre-
Judith Jackson bath amenities and wonderful soft
oiquet robes for their guests. All rooms comes with a
· , refrigerator, wet bar, hair dryer, iron and ironing
rd. Don't have your lap top with you? Don't worry. you
check your emails in their guest services room. Comentary
breakfast is served each momin_g outside at _the
. A complimentary gourmet lunch Is served daily
lside. Complimentary beverages and snacks are
available throughout the day. In addition to their Resort
they also have a condoiapartment just a few blocks from
the Resort which can rented on a monthly basis. Guests
renting that can take full advantage of the Resort amenities
including pool, etc.
This is truly a fabulous resort for the gay traveler. It is the
only gay resort in Palm Springs that we recommend. As
we travel around the country we have noticed that many
owners hire managers and that in itself can be a major
problem. Tom and Doug are the owners AND managers
and they control everything themselves to insure that each
guest gets full attention. And full attention to every detail is
what you at the Terrazzo. They have received many award
and citations for their hi ality of service and accommodations.
Tom and Doug ve their work and what they are
doing and it shows! Be sure to check out their web site.
Downtown is just a few short blocks from the Terrazz<?
and is filled with major shopping, museums, art galleries,
restaurants, bars and even an Indian Casino. They have
about a doz bars in Palm Springs and they run the
range from piano bars, disco bars and just about
any type of bar you are looking for. The one great thing
about staying in a major gay city is that the bars are always
busy! And we do mean ALWAYS! So even if you are kinda
shy you won't have any problems meeti someo~e in
Springs.
o left Melvyn'
aurant)
There is so much
to see and do in
Palm Springs. Lots
of museums to
visit, great restaurants
and tons of
·ng to do.
UST SEE is
the FABULOUS
PALM SPRINGS
FOLLIES located
downtown at 128
So. Palm Canyon
Drive. It is a Las
Vegas type show
with singing, dancing
and plenty of
laughter. What
makes the show
so fabulous is that
all the performers
are over 55 and
they are GREAT!
There are numemus performing arts centers around the
city and plenty of concerts to go to. There are dozens and
dozens of restaurants in Palm Springs. After many years
of going there our very favorite 1s still Melvyn's Restaurant
located in the Ingleside Inn just a couple b!ocks West of
downtown at 200 W. Ramon. It is just like stepping back to
"Old Hollvwood". The food, the service and the atmosphere
is PERF CT!
Mel Haber, the owner knows how to keep h:s guests coming
back year after year. According to Life Styles of the. Ric.
and Famous it is rated one of the 10 best and we certainly
agree!
Continued next page:
the STAR, Oklahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine. Page 10
GAY TRAVELERS:
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the largest vertical
cable in the country and the view from the top is magnificent.
Take your lunch with you and dine right in the mountains.
Other options for Palm Spri are hiking, tennis or
sightseeing in the Joshua National , the Living Desert
or visiting the local Indian grounds. But of course the main
reason to go to Palm Springs is for the people! And what a
FABULOUS collection of friends we have made there over
the years. Our best to Stefan, Millie, Jerry, Jim, Tyke and
Wayne!
Check out www.palmspringsgay.com before making your
travel plans. For more information about traveling, email
Donald and Ray at gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage
at: http://www.hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers.
Willie Nelson
Releases New Gay
Cowboy Song.
NASHVILLE, TN_Willie Nelson released his new song titled
"Cowboys Are Secretly, Frequently (Fond Of Each Other)"
on Valentines Day February 14th 2006.
Are Secretly, Frequently (Fond Of Each Other)"
wa in 1981 by Texas-born, NYC resident musician/
songwriter Ned Sublette, long before gay cowboys were the
current topic of conversation. Nelson recorded the song last
ar during an iTunes Originals session at his Perdernales,
io. This is the first time Nelson's version has been
released.
Dolly Parton did a song for "Transamerica," Emmylou
Harris cut a track for "Brokeback Mountain" and Willie
Nelson released a gay Valentine's song. Is country the new
gay genre?
HIV positive participants,
spectators to be welcomed into
United States during the 2006
Chicago Gay Games
'Designated Event Status· clears
U.S. entrance restrictions
SAN FRANCISCO A U.S. federal blanket waiver has
been approved allowing non-U.S. citizens living with HIV/
AIDS to travel to the United States to participate in or attend
the Gay Games 2006. The Federation of Gay Games
(FGG), an~ Chicago Ga~es, Inc. (CGI), announced today
that the waiver comes with federal approval of Designated
Event Status for Gay Games VII Sports & Cultural Festival
set for 15-22 July 2006 in Chicago, Illinois.
"Many people with HIV/AIDS and other life-affecting health
issues have competed and set Masters-division records at
past Gay Games, and we are happy that all participants
from outside the United States once again will be able to
travel freely to attend the Gay Games this summer," said
Kathleen Webster, co-president of the international Federation
of Gay Games.
HIV positive p · · nts and attendees of Gay Games
VII can now a a sin B-2 travel visa from
their local U.S. consulate. isa, valid 8-28 July 2006,
will be issued on a special form instead of being placed
permanently in the person·s passport.
"Achieving Designated Event Status demonstrates our
dedication to the Gay Games principles of Participation,
Inclusion and Personal Best™ and to our mission adfor
full acceptance and recognition of all LGBT
said Brian McGuinness, Gay Games Chicago
Executive Director. "We are grateful to Chicago Mayor
Richard M. Daley, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (DIL)
and the many CGI and FGG board, staff, volunteers
and allies for helping us meet this important commitment
to the HIV community."
Information regarding procedures on how to apply for the
B-2 visa at U.S. consulates in different countries will be
available shortly on the FGG Web site at \~":N';N-~aygames.
com) and the Chicago Gay Games eb site (www.
gaygameschicago . .erg).
For additionai information, lease contact Aimee Pine at
the ~hi Ga~es, Inc. o,ffic:esat (773) 907-2006 or by
email at mee.pme@gaygameschicago.org.
Grand Opening ai Fort Smith's
Newest Night Club.
RED ROCK CITY
By Bunky Walters
The pizza delivery guy walked in just after 8 p.m. amid
droningeleictnic drills, a symphony of cell phones and frenetic
atter.
But like an episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,"
everything was hammered, painted and plu in
by midnight for the grand opening of Red Rock C Fort
Smith's newest party venue, at 917 N. A St. ·
At 10 p.m., music was already blasting in beat to the din
of finishing touches being made inside the historic two-story
building with a red stone walls - hence the name of the
club. It's attractive yet calm exterior was in sharp contrast,
though, to the play pin being created inside.
Leading the whip-quick renovation was owner Andv
Osburn, who stayed cool as Crystal throughout the evening.
Osburn, by the way, also owns Kinkead's, just a
couple blocks away at 1004 ½ Garrison Ave.
When he wasn't lending a hand or answering his cell
phone, Osburn paused occasionally in the VIP lounge near
the cool metal grate-floored DJ booth, ave the
dance floor. By 11 p.m., some of his friend s
and Kansas City had arrived, and they made themselves
at home in the lounge, which was decorated with leather
chairs and ottomans situated around a large, wide-screen
TV. Roses and orchids were another elegant touch to the
room.
Out the lounge door several steps away was the upstairs
bar area, which has a dance floor, as well. It was
packed with le by 11 :30 p.m., slinging back beer
and sipping them up alongside buttery
nipple and cocksucker shots were bartenders in black
dress shirts, with the word "Rockers'; spelled out in red on
each one.
Not long after midnight, a voice on the mic invited folks
to "shake their tail feathers." They promptly obliged, spilling
down the confetti-carpetted stairs to the new dance floor.
The anced to everything from Salt 'n' Pepa to Depeche
,de, s1~oc1tina b,oots and scuttling about to the
rhythm of the pounding bass. Every now and then, there
were quick whooshes from the fog machine, blanketing the
crowded dance floor.
And it mig~t hav~ been chilly outside,. but it didn't keep
a obv1ol!s gym _memberships from whipping
o d shaking their bottoms under the dazzling
disco lights of the club's exposed rafters.
Not that but I had a ball and a half that night
OK, two. te the nail-biting push of the
midnight deadline, the club threw a flawless party. And I
have no doubt they'!i continue to send folks in Fort Smith
· and sweating to awesome beats and fabulous
for many, many weekends to come.
Speaking of coming, you should. Red Rock City is open
9 p.m.-5 a.m. Thursday-Saturday and 6 p.m.-midnight
Sunday.
· , either call (479) 242-CITY or visit
_GLBT Magazine. . Page 1.2 ..
NINTH ANNUAL RED RIBBON
GALA, SET FOR TULSA
MARCH 11, 2006.
Above left to right: Kim Wood -Chairperson RRG, Shane
Carter - Channel 2 Meteorologist and Master of Ceremonies,
Pat Chernicky- President Tulsa C.A.R.E.S.
TULSA, OK_Aa in the past, a sea of red wili encompass
distinguished guests and friends of Tulsa C.A.R.E.'s
RRG, as they arrive at one of Tulsa's most elegant and
worthwhile affairs. Again this year, the event will be held
at Southern Hills Country Club on Saturday, March 11th.
Set in an atmosphere that only Southern Hills can create,
the room will be ablaze with fabulous flower arrangements
created by board member Toni Garner. Kim Wood, Gala
Chairperson and Peter Walter, realtor extraordinaire, Gala
Honorary Chairperson wiil welcome guests to a feast for
the senses that will include the finest cuisine by Southern
Hills Chef Devin Levine, complimented by fine wines. A
portion of the festivities wili include both a silent and live
auction offering stellar iist of antiques, furniture, original
artwork, masterfully created jewelry, private dinner parties,
special inteiest classes to name a few. A new feature
this year, a special raffle of fine jewelry created by Tulsa
C.A.R.E.S. board member Susan Sadler, wi!I be held during
the event. Ali attending are encouraged to "just wear red"
... the color of AIDS awareness and a symbol of compassion
for those affected by the disease.
The Red Ribbon Gala is the largest fundraising activity
for Tulsa C.A.R.E.S (Center for AIDS Resources, Education
and Support). Ani:i, this year the event has received a
tremendous "kick off'' for 2006 with the generous grant from
the George Kaiser Famiiy Foundation and Bank of Oklahoma
Foundation as Presenting Sponsor. A United Way
agency, Tuisa C.A.R.E.S has been in existence since 1991.
Executive Director , Sharon Thoeie, credits the generosity
of the board members and donors of the difference they
make for some of the community's most needy members.
She states: "the best part of the Red Ribbon Gala is that it
supports the ongoing efforts of Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. to provide
a safe haven for low-income men, women and children
with HIV/AIDS throughout northeastern Oklahoma.
2 marks the 15th anniversary of providing support services
to the individuals no one wanted to serve. Without the
proceeds from the Red Ribbon Gala our ability to provide
these crucial services would cease."
Board President, Patricia Chernickv, adds: "the RRG is not
only a fabulous evening of food, fun and friends, but the
money raised from the event provides the organization with
the financial resources to serve over 450 individuals. HIV
does not affect o up of people, it affects us all." RRG
Chairperson, Kim also contributes: "A tremendous
op · is provided through the RRG to provide support
to Isa CARES so that the organization can continue to
provide the services for those patients and families affected
by the devastating disease."
The Red Ribbon Gala begins at 6:30 p.m. with flowing red
cocktails, stimulating conversation and a Ii silent auction
and raffle. Dinner foilows at 7:30 p.m. w live auction
commencing around 9:00 p.m. Dancing to music provided
by "The Hero Factor" will begin at 9:45 p.m.
Tickets are $150.00 per person. Sponsorship packages
and reservations for priority seating are available. For more
information, contact Bruce Lewis at (918) 834-4194.
PRESIDENT'S BUDGET
PRESENTS MIXED BAG ON
HIV/AIDS
WASHINGTON - President Bush's budget proposal, released
yesterday, presents a mixed bag on HIV/AIDS, with
modest funding increases in care and treatment programs,
additional cuts in Medicaid and a dangerous increase in
abstinence-only programs that keep thorough, scientific
information out of the hands of those who need it most.
"For the sake of hundreds of thousands of Americans
living with HIV and AIDS, we can and we must do more,"
said Human Rights Campaign President joe Solmonese.
"We welcome the president's attention to the critical needs
facing HIV/AIDS programs, yet the new funding does not
make up for the years of shortcomings and huge proposed
cuts that may harm beneficiaries in other areas."
The largest proposed HIV/AIDS increase is for the president's
$188 million domestic AIDS initiative, with money
split between the Ryan White CARE Act and the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
"We need a comprehensive and targeted strategy to
combat this virus - particularly in at-risk communities and
among people of color," said Soimonese. "Attention to this
continually growing trend is long overdue."
There are more African Americans among new AIDS cases,
people estimated to be living with AIDS and H!V-reiated
deaths than any other racial or ethnic group in the United
States.
Continued .. Aids Budget-page 23
IN RESPONSE 1'0 YOUR.
PERSONAL AD LOOKING
FOR. SOMEONE WMO CAN11'
S1"AND GAYS AND LES&IANS.
I L Fl E
- ' Oklahoma City
ur 5th Anniversary
3 Days of Quality Workshops, Vendors, Great Piains Olympus
Contests, Cigar Smoker, Saints and Sinners Costume Contest, Many
Free Prizes, Play Parties, other Social Activities, NLA-1 AGM and
as always, a surprise or two!
Only $125 if registered by April 21 !
Group Discounts for 6 or more!
Vendor Market is FREE and Open to the Public
www. ibalfire .com
the STAR, Oklahoma's Premier GLBT Magazine. Page 14
I
& THE BOYS
Pack'em In At
Club Maverick!
by Greg Steele
TULSA, OK_ Mary, Schellye, Brenda, Paula, &
Valerie known as Tulsa's Moodswing Band certainly
have the art of entertaining down pat. With
st guitarist Betsy Smittle and the Boys, Brad
in, Mark Dodson, Eric Daughtery, and Mike
Busby, entertained a standing room only crowd
at Tulsa's Club Maverick on January 27th. Just
another example of the talent we in Oklahoma
are fortunate enough to have in our GLBTA community.
A five piece all female band, Moodswing has
been together for two years. They have played
at many events including Tulsa Pride Picnic,
OKC Pride Picnic, Tulsa's Mayfest, The Women's
Music Festival in Dripping Springs, Texas, the
Sooner State Rodeo in Tulsa and Diversity Pride ·
Fall Festivai in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. And
continue to draw big crowds at Oklahoma City
and Tulsa nightclubs.
They are currently working on their 2nd CD
and hope to release it this summer. Their 1st CD
"Moodswing" was cut two years ago.
The boys were fantastic! Si · a variety of songs,
delighted the crowd with their ta ent dUiing the band
intermission. A very professional group and a wonderfully
entertaining evening.
Is there a Shelter agent
for you?
Call today to learn more about our services.
Serving the community in Missouri, Arkansas,
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gtainte helterinsurance.com
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Crystal Meth.u The
Satanic Brew Crippling
the Gay Communi
By jimmy pa!mieri
Crystal Meth ... The Satanic Brew Crippling the
Gay Community
Meth, Tina, speed, chalk, ice, rock, glass are all street
names for the dnJa meth amphetamine. This noxious
recipe of chemica s, that may include, but are not limited to.
ephedrine, crystai drain cieaner, bleach, battery acid and
nail poiish remover, among others, has the capability of
destroying lives more quickly than any iilicit drug currently
availabie. It is so addicting to some, that after the first try,
so strong is the craving to use again, that all else becomes
secondary.
Seek Shelter Today!
• urn
Sales Associate
ION DOLL.AR PRODUCER"
8)49~2252
.3Tl tc,1 (918,)491-~?t ' '.,.· ", •, ', ,·',' ,
Crystal meth has taken a strong hold on the gay and
iesbian community, with a particular ven ance on gay
males for a variety of reasons. The of meth make
the user less inhibited, and more euphoric in mindset. This
is particularly enticing to gay men, who may have been
admonished by their families, not accepted by their peers at
school, or have not fit into what even their own community
deems acceptable. Society has continually isolated s
and lesbians, leaving many with the desire or need
into some type of adopted crowd or fa1 Meth is sadly,
the common thread among many of the enfranchised.
Meth a!so has the distinct capability of making men more
libidinous, thereby making their feelings of inhibitions ali the
more exaggerated. This has created a devastating paralle!
between meth addiction, and HIV infection.
www.Tulullaverlck.co111
9111 a Sllarldan, Tulsa, OK
918.aaL3301
THE
T
ith Sp iai Gu t
E CEE
John Pendal
lnternatio I r. Leather
2003
Fri, Sat, & Sun
March :I. 7th - :I.9th
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A History of Violence
Anti-gay violence is on the rise -- not just in the U.S., but all
over the world.
!"- Swt:dish we~site lists 129 well-known gay individuals,
1~cluding pr(!minent actors, musicians, broadcasters, politicians
and priests, and calls for their death. Despite having
one of the world's toughest laws against the promotion of
hate, Sweden's _chief prosecutor says he is powerless to
shut down the site because it frames its death threats in the
form of Biblical quotes.
Britain is in the midst of a homophobic crime wave that
has esc~lated to the PC?int that police have urged the LGBT
?ommurnty to u~e _caution when going out. A young man
m Londonderry 1s rn danger of losing his eye after a recent
attack, and it wasn't the first time he'd been assaulted. A
g~y couf?le_ near London almost lost their home, and pos~
1bly th_eir life, w~en they discovered someone had pushed
1nc~nd1ary maten~I through their mail slot, starting a fire in
their hallw~y. Fortunately, they were able to extinguish the
nre before 1t spread. In another incident a lesbian couple
was pelted with snowballs that had sto~es and broken
glass embedded in them. Police say they believe there
have been dozens of other cases throughout the country
that have gone unreported. Officials believe that the
number of homophobic attacks on has increased with
the publicity over civil partnerships, ich became legal in
December.
In_ New Bedford, Massachusetts, a community about 50
miles south of Boston, a violent attack rocked a lar
gay club. A young man, 18 year old Jacot1 RcJbic struck
a customer in the head with a hatchet before shoo two
others. As I'm writing this, Robida is still on the run ile
his victims remain in the hospital -- one in critical condition.
When police searched Robida's room, they discovered
Nazi a. The teen is being sought on charges of attempt
murder, assault and civil-rights violations.
What is behi~d this.increase in homophobic violence?
Almost certainly, as the British officials stated it's due to
increased publicity as gay rights issues have taken center
stage in countries all over the worid. It's nothi new. Mankind
h_~s a hist?ry of violence. especially concerns
~ trad1t1~:mally do~ntr?~d~n group trying to claim equality.
During the 60 s c1v1I nghts movement it was violence
ag~in~t blacks. '.he ignorant always resort to violence when
their status quo 1s threatened. When the people the bigot
has always demeaned and reviled suddenlv dare to stand
up for themselves and demand rights, the bigot will lash
out.
It's no surprise th~ big~ts are worked up right now. Gay
are one of tne biggest issues in the world right now.
ng almost every state and country around the globe.
Almost every political race is influenced by gay rights, and
barely a day goes by when you don't see some LGBT-related
story in the media.
!n Canada_'s recent e_lec~ion, gay marriage was a crucial
issue. Dun_ng campaigning, qonservative leader Stephen
Harper claimed that overturning Canada's equal marriage
law would be one of his first priorities. The Tory Party did
win the election, but the results were less about rights
than a country unwilling to trust a scandal-ridde ral
;. Fortunately, with a minority government even smaller
he Liberals before them, the Conservatives will most
likely be unable to change the marriage law.
Continuing his homophobic policies, President Bush renewed
his attack on gay families in his recent State of the
Union Address. Addres · a joint session of Congress the
p~esident said that "ma ericans, especially parents,
still have deep concerns about the direction of our culture
and the health of our most basic institutions. They are '
concerned about unethical conduct by public officials. and
discouraged by activist courts that try to redefine marriage."
"Trying to draw comparisons between the reprehensible
~cts of ~nethic~I politicians with fair and independent
Judges 1s both ridiculous and wrong," said Joe Solmonese.
president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). ·
Not is it ridiculous, but by continually demonizing gay
and ian families, President Bush and other outspoken
ns fan the flames of hatred. if someone like
Jacob a already believes that gays are evil sinners
then hearing the president make antigay statements only
confirms that belief in his mind. The crusading Religious
t, with their fire and brimstone wailing, will I fL1rtt1er
rce those feelings. If he is already unbalan or prone
to violence, it's just a matter of time before that hate will
build to the point that it erupts into violence.
What can we do to stem the tide of violence?
There's an old proverb that says something along the lines
of "in order to avoid repeating history, we have to learn from
the past." If there's anything we can learn from the Black
civil rights movement, it's that we have to keep fighting
for equality. We can't let fear defeat us. We have to stand
up against the bigots and hatemongers and demand our
rights.
So how do we do that?
Vote! One of the easiest we can do to make a difference
is elect fair-minded, p ressive officials. The only way to
stop the homophobic cians is to get them out of office.
Support gay-positive legislation and defeat antigay measur~
s. Many st~~E:~ are brin9i gay i~sues to the polls. We
caf'! t afford to sit 1dly oy while ant1gay forces muster
!heir troops with military precision. State after state is passmg
same-sex marriage bans while other states struggle to
P'.3Ss.antidiscrimination laws. Our opponents are well-organized
and we!i-funded, so that makes it all the more important
that we pay attention, spread the word. and vote Also
don't be afraid to contact your representatives and let the~
~now your feelings_ o~ important issu~s. As HRC president
Joe _Solmones_e sa1_? rn,.reterence to the ~tt~cks at the gay
bar rn MassacnuseLts, When a man walKs rnto a bar, asks
Continued next page
HEART TO HEART
if it's a gay bar and starts shooting, there couldn't be any
more glaringly obvious and enraging example that we need
uniform hate crimes law and that Congress has stubbornly
failed to act."
Come out and speak up! This is perhaps the hardest, yet
most important thing we can do as gay men and women.
Coming out is a powerful statement that has been proven
to change hearts and minds again and again. If you're
already out, speak up. If your friends, family, and coworkers
don't understand how these issues affect you, then how
can they care? The mor o know and understand
how homophobia adversely s their loved ones, the
more allies we'll have on our side.
I don't believe we are doomed to repeat history -- not if we
can learn from the past and work together to create a better
future. In 1964, Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Nonviolence
is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions
of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression
and violence without resorting to oppression and violence.
Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which
rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation
of such a method is love." That message is as true today as
it was then. Let's learn from our history and move forward
in love.
The views expressed in this column are my opinions only. You
don't have to agree with them. I just ask that you read them \vith
an open heart and mind.
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oncert eason
2006
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Tulsa Performing Arts Center
For more information and ticket sa!es cai! (918) 748-3888
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Lesbian
Notions
by Libby Post
MARCH 2006
"STRANGE BEDFELLOWS"
The Bush administration's homophobia has gone
international.
At the United Nations recently, the United States joined
with some of the most repressive governments to deny two
international LGBT gro vernmental organization
(NGO) observer status it comes to marginalizing
the LGBT community, this administration will cozy up with
anyone.
Administration buddies like the American Family Association
and Focus on the Family have been joined on the
international scene by countries such as China, Zimbabwe,
and Iran. Yes, you read that right - Iran. We may demonize
that country publicly, but when it comes to privacy issues,
George is a political whore. He'll become political bedfellows
with anyone - an individual, an organization, or, in this
case, a country he considers our sworn enemy - to further
his radical°Christian right crusade against the LGBT community.
Who would have been hurt if the International Lesbian
and Gay Association (ILGA) and the Danish Association
of Gays and Lesbians (LBL) were allowed to speak for the
LGBT community at the United Natio.ns' Economic and
Social Council (ECOSOC), which advises the international
organization on economic and social issues?
After all, there are 634 NGOs affiliated with ECOSOC.
We're talking about groups like the Humane Society, the
American Jewish Congress, and Greenpeace. But we're
also talking ab like Focus on the Family, Feminists
for Life of ica, the National Right to Life Education
Trust Fund, and the Alliance for Marriage. I think it
would only be fair tq balance out some of the homophobic
political perspectives inherent in some of these organizations
with a few LGBT voices
But instead of a fair hearing - which ali othei NGOs
who have requested representation have gotten - ILGA's
and LBL's requests were summarily dismissed without
any discussion. The dismissal, which was done by the
ECOSOC NGO committee, happened after ILGA and LBL
went through the rather exhausting process that got them
to the point where they could even ask for a hearing. All of
this was preceded by the behind-the-scenes maneuvering
of Egypt and the Organization of Islamic Conferences to
exclude the two groups.
Rosanna Flamer Caldera, co-secretary general of ILGA,
which ents a worldwide network of more than 400
LGBT zations, considers the exclusion "a clear violation
of due process and an attempt to discriminate against
LGBT NGOs on procedural grounds."
Some may shrug their shoulders at the U.S. actions. But
as 40 LGBT and LGBT-allied organizations pointed out to
Secietary of State Condoleezza Rice in a Jan. 25 letter, the
United States voted yes when the entire ECOSOC body
voted in 2002 to include ILGA as an NGO.
The groups, including the Human Rights Campaign,
the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Human Rights
Watch, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the
National Black Justice Coalition, asked Rice if it was now
our country's policy to "oppose consultative status for all
organizations working to promote the rights of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender people."
If it is, this flies in the face of the State Department's
own reporting on severe human rights violations based
on sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. The
department's 2004 report on Iran chronicled the executions
of men. Its report on Zimbabwe noted that President
Ro Mugabe has consistently denounced gays and lesbians,
blaming them for "Africa's ills."
So the question begs to be answered - how can the
United States recognize human rights atrocities against
LGBT people in other countries, yet refuse to give those
who are repressed a voice in bringing that repression to
light? We were more than happy to give voice to the Chinese
students in Tiananmen Square who bristled against
the yoke of that country's communist regime. Today, we're
all about building democracy in Iraq. But let LGB
stand up and speak for themselves? Never. And how
make sure LGBT people won't be heard? We get into bed
with our political enemies. If ever there was a situation that
shows how morally bankrupt this administration is, this is it.
I don't think Condi's written a response yet. But this
year, there will be two great opportunities for the international
LGBT community to respond for ourselves and shed
light on the United States' complicity. ILGA's next world
conference will be in Geneva from March 27-April 3, the
same time the U.N. Commission on Human Rights will be
in that city, and where the Commission's on-going discussion
about sexual orientation and human rights is sure to
continue.
Later, in the summer, some 2,000 LGBT activists from
around the globe will converge in Montreal from July 26-29
for the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights,
which is sponsored by OutGames, an international LGBT
sporting event that takes place right after the conference.
"Our ultimate goal with this conference is to adopt what
we're calling the 'Montreal Declaration,' an unequivocal
affirmation that LGBT right are human rights," said Louise
Roy, CEO of the conference and OutGames. "Once
passed, we will do everything in our power to bring that
resolution to the United Nations."
It may be easy for our administration to ignore the
events in Geneva. But when thousands of LGBT folks
g miles north of our border, it wili be a bit more
d turn a blind eye to the injustices we face each
and every day and our collective resolve to stop them. Or,
at least, it should be.
EDITOR'S NOTE: One of Libby Post's firms, OutMarketing.
biz, has been retained by Outgames Montreal 2006 to
coordinate the event's United States' public relations activities.
This column expresses her opinion and not that of her
clients.
The 0zar1<s STAR since 2003
ast Out
by
Liz Highleyman
MARCH
2006
Summary : Past Our is a retrospective of key moments,
personalities, and subjects in LGBT historv. Each
, '
installment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity
of the gay past and its impact on the queer present.
February 1976 (30 years ago this month): British figure
kater John Curry wins an Olympic gold medal.
y is figure skating s
As the most artisti etic events, figure skating is
ely believed to be teeming with gay men - and, indeed,
of the most renowned elite male skaters have been
·sexual. But the sport's fey reputation is I
to the perceived gender nonconformity
ants.
It is impossible to know now whether early champion
ater~ such as Jackson Haines, a ballet dancer by training
o pioneered the modern artistic form of figure skating in
1860s, were queer. Lorrie Kim, creator of the Rainbow
website, has compiled a list of 20 elite gay male skatrs,
but only a few publicly revealed their sexuality while
ey were champion contenders.
American Ronnie Robertson, the 1956 Olympic silver
edalist, was exposed as his former coach Mi-
Kirby, in a memoir the of Robertson's
(2000). The "Nureyev of the Ice, reat Britain's John
reportedly made a little-noticed announcement that
e was press conference shortly before winning
e 19 c gold medal. The bronze medalist that
r, Toller ston of Canada. mentioned affairs with
men and women in his two- · :ihi,es; during
1973 World Championships, , he was se-
Czech skater Ondrej Nepela, who went on to best
red Cranston and win the title. In 1992, another
was next after Cu come out
during his competitive career; Hali ikely holds
re skater to appear
Fallen ngtime
nadian champion Brian Orser was out when
ex-boyfriend filed a palimony lawsuit.
The best-known queer figure skater, Rudy Galindo - who
"an openly gay trailer-trash
ached the highest levels of pairs skating
then-partner, Kristi Yamaguchi, when she decided
on singles competition. After several years of
, ances, a bout with alcohol and drug
and the loss of his brother and two coaches to
alindo went on to win the 1996 U.S. Nationals.
his own HIV diagnosis and the cement of both
Galindo has reoeatedlv challe, conservative
rid - for example: performing to "Somewhere
ainbov( and a medley of Village People songs,
ueer ehte male skaters have included U.S. naRobert
Wagenhoffer (who had long-term
mmantic relationships with former junior champion Billy
Lawe and professional show skater Sylvain Beauregard)
champion ice dancer and choreographer Rob McCall, '
1978-80 Canadian national champion Brian Pockar and
former Dutch n~tional champion Edward van Campen; all
but Beauregara and van Campen died of AIDS. Galindo
once estimated that 98 percent of elite male skaters are
~traight. But "in the real trenches of show skating," according
to openly gay skater Christopher Nolan, "guys are out
all over the place."
Many male figure skaters have described the harassment
they received for pursing a sport considered to be
queer. In reaction, skaters such as Kurt Browning, Philippe
Candeloro, and Elvis Stojko emphasized a macho image
and athletic .style !n the 199~s; others, including three-time
U.S. champion Michael Weiss, regularly show off their
wives and children. Current U.S. national champion and
top Olympic contender Johnny Weir has tripped the gaydar
of many with his flamboyant outfits and effeminate mannerisms,
though he has yet to explicitly state his sexual
orientation.
Despite its queer reputation, the skating establishment
has long mandated strict gender roles. Although things
have come a long way since officials at the 1920 Olympics
scolded Theresa Weld for performing an "uni ke" jump
some judges still look askance at male skate o do too'
many spins and spirals. So strict are the gender conventions
that pie gold and bronze medalists Katarin
mas provoked shock by performing
in nontraditional costumes such as knee breeches and
full-length leotards, p~ompting t~e spo.rt's st governing
body, the International Skating Union (I to institute
a rule that female competitors must wear skirts that cover
their derrieres.
While male skaters are often assumed to be gay, the
sport's requisite femini renders queer women invisible.
There are no openly le or bisexual women skaters
among the elite ranks, though some of today's female
champion contenders are so young that it may be premature
to speculate about their sexuality. But a number
of queer women participate in nonelite adult competition.
including International Gay Figure Skating Union cofounder
Laura Moore, who started skating at age 32 after divorcing
her husband and coming out as a lesbian.
Ironically, no sport emphasizes the appearance of
hete~osexuality more tha~ competitive pair skating and ice
dancing. The ISU regulation that teams must consist of
"a man and a lady" has caused grief for elite skaters who
wish to perform with same-sex partners. The ISU does not
sanction events that do not adhere to its rules, but the inter
nati?nal_ Ice Skating Institute and son:ie national governing
~odIes, _includ I S1:ateis Figure Skating Associat;
on and offer sanctions or waivers for
the Gay Games and similar events. "[T]he thrili of seeing a,
op,enly gay pair team h_as nothi do with triple jumps,"
said Moore, who won tne 1994 y Games ice dance competition
with her partner, Linda Carney.
For further reading:
Brennan, Christine. 1996, _Inside Edge: A Revealing Journey
into the Secret World of Figure Skating_ (Anchor),
Galindo, Rudy, and Eric Marcus. 1997. Icebreaker: The
Autobiography of Rudy Galindo_ (Pocket Books).
Rainbow Ice - http://www.plover.com/rainbowice/
Page22
CITY LIFE:
1930s and 1940s and their successors with 68 works by
artists Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David
Alfaro S ros as well as related works by Luis Nishizawa
and Gu r Gerzso. Mexican Masters expresses the
hopes, desires, idealism, and culture of early twentieth-century
Mexico through its artists. From the Mexican Revolution
and Spanish Civil War to the Second World War,
violent revolution and dramatic social change-both nationally
and internationally-shaped the ideals of Mexico and
its people. The Carrillo Gil Collection was molded by these
principles, and the works it includes portray not only the
artists' reactions to revolution, depression, and industrialization,
as well as the impact of religion and need for social
reform, but also the collector's. Mexican Masters pays
humble recognition to Mexico's violence, war, and suffering,
the United States Depression, and the artists' subsequent
impression of inhumanity in an industrialized nation. For
more information visit okcmoa.com.
AIDS BUDGET:
Among the president's proposals:
Medicaid - our nation's largest provider of HIV/AIDS treatment
and care - would face cuts of $5 billion over five
years and $12 billion over 10 years, forcing those trimmed
from Medicaid rolls to seek care through programs that are
already overextended and under-funded.
also pro cutting $15 million
Nationa Institutes of Health and
increases abstinence-only education funding by $28 million.
State AIDS Drug Assistance Programs would receive $70
million under the president's plan to ease the waiting lists
IDS program would receive
a welcomed increase of $14 million et this is short of
what is necessary to meet s needs.
rge Congress to
edicaid instead of weaken it, and put sound
science over ideology in educational programs," added
Solmonese.
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Advice Column!
Kittens, as the whirlwind month of love has once more
blown its course, Let us wipe the proverbial love awav
from our chin, and move forward. Uncle spent most of the
mont~ exhausted\y entertaining. A man briefly touched me;
so briefly, uncle did not realize he had already reached the
climatic point in the relationship. Alas Uncle finding himself
once more on the hunt while looking for a aood man. Leaving
me asking the uestion, how can someone be so bootylecious
and such ty at the same time? Hmm I have to
ponder that for a while.
After seeing the much taiked about "Brokeback", Uncle
f?und himself_ inspired to take riding lessons. After a positively
productive week at the horse farm, while working with
the trainer, Uncle has joined country riders everywhere. It
took sweat, and teacs. One must be dedicated while working
to achiev:3 ~ goal. ! have decided that next month, I may
graduate to ndmg a horse. You know what they say Rome
was not built in a day, baby steps! '
This mon~h Uncle has received several letters asking
abo~t ~e~mg revenge on a lover's betrayal. Well, Kittens,
Uncie Is Just shocked. A ay man, after revenge; it is just
n?.t donea€l Snicker s · Kittens, taking the higher road
w1il always allow you to mature into a well rounded. wonderfully
developed, lo · responsible adult. Uncle ·encourages
g~od karma, as w spiritual and personal growth.
That said, karma helps those who help themselves.
This month i dedicate my words of wisdom to a!I those
~ho h?ve found tha~ strange strap under the bed, hidden
ooots m the closet, text message from the blonde Twink in
the gym, who despite his physically delicious self, cant not
seem to manage a sentence stiUcture.
Since Uncle has given you pearls, let's get to the good
stuff.
The following is an actual list of carefully planned out exercises
in revenge which uncle has used over the years. I am
sure the men who each were carefully inspired by, will have
a mo~ent of ~ecall whi!e reading a bit of their own history
here m Uncles corner m Queerdom. Each one primed for
specific levels of revenge. Kittens, a side dish served best
when cold, I believe I feel a bitte; wind blowing in as we
speak, bundle up kittens, it is going to be a rather frosty
month of march.
12) Sleep with his best friends. Expected, yet sucker punch
in the gut.
11) Take your self-shopping with his credit cards buying
yourself that well deserved, while also delicious, little outfit
you have always wanted. You have earned it. I mean the
time on your knees alone warrants it.
10) Delivering a message to his co-workers that the clinic
calla~ '.3nd you ~eed to speak to him _urgently, allowing all
gossIpmg hags m ear shot to hear this, will defiantly deliver
a certain message.
9) Informing the mother out of concern, of a horrible drug
problem. Of course, this being the reason you have to
leave him. •
8) Did I mention sleep with his closets and dearest friends?
Oh, come now don't look at me that way. You have been
eyeing them all along anyway.
7) Donate the bulk of his wardrobe to a nearby good will.
Charity begins at home.
6) During conversations of the extreme vibe of hostility he
is receiving from you, serve him a delicious cup of ex-lax
cappuccino. This will allow for a few moments of him-time
he so truly needs.
5) Go on Jerry and tell it all, going for the Emmy , for betrayed
love interest.
4) Enter local hook up site under his name, hooking up with
t~e _troll of all trolls,_ inviting h!m over unexpected by said
vIctIm of course. Kitten, helping others is important.
3) Ciean the oven with his favorite label, leavina it in a pot
on the stove. Cleanliness is next to cherliness. ~
2) Announce to all of your friends, your inability of coping
with on more night of his constant weeping after sex.
~) Deliver his t~ings, in a. box to his job with a note saymg
good-bye, makmg sure his favorite sex toys are leaking
onto the reception desk!
Well there, it is in a nutshell. All is fair in love and revenae
Kittens, I would wear a cup, this could be a full contact ~
sport d~pendinQ on the players involved. Those of you
?etermmed against bette~ advice, to foll~w this vengeful
Journey, now have your flight plan. Sock !t and rock it, until
the cockcrows, or feels your wrath, whichever one comes
first. Until next time, smooches from your favorite guru, and
Tlddles too!
The Ozarks $TAR'slnce 20f)3 ·.
Do Gays Have a Choice?
Whether homosexuality is a genetic redisposition or a
product of environmental factors haE; be,en hotly debated for
the past several decades. The heart of the matter is: Does
a person have a choice about his or her sexuality? Science
att~mpts to answer this compelling question in the feature
article "Do Gays Have a Choice?" in the February/March
issue of Scientific American Mind.
New York, NY (PRWEB) - Whether homosexuality is a
genetic predisposition or a product of environmental factors
has been hotly debated for the past several decades.
The he~rt of the matter is: Does a person have a choice
about his or her sexuality? Science atte answer this
com · g question in the feature article ays Have a
Cho . " in the February/March issue of Scientific American
Mind. In addition to learning the science behind the
matter, one may take the test and find out "How Gay Are
You?" on Scientific American Mind's Web site (www.sciammind.
com).
According to the article's author, Robert Epstein, a Harvard-
trained PhD, sexual orientation is not a black or white
matter; rather, he concludes that sexuality falls on a continuum
with heterosexuality and homosexuality at opposite
ends. People may be attracted to members of both sexes
b · determined by both genetics and
their environment. n explains that genes determine
wh~re '!"~ start but society exerts tremendous pressure on
the md1v1dual to conform. Because the majority of people
are "straight," most of us become heterosexual.
The article also discusses the possibility of an individual
changi sexual orientation. Whereas some people have
as,serted that genes alone determine sexual orientation and
that changing from gay to straight is not possible, others
ha ued that homosexuality is a learned behavior and
th 10ic:e.Epi;tein V11r,tes that changing orientation is
possible for people whose sexuality lies toward the middle
of the Sexual Orientation Continuum, but for most gay people
such a switch would be very difficult if not impossible.
"Do Gays Have a Choice?" presents a new school of
thought that an individual's sexual orientation is not black or
white, straight or gay. Instead an individual's sexual orientation
falls along a continuum.
To take the sexual orientation quiz visit http://www.sciammind.
com, which will be available on Feb. 2, 2006
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Irish Soda Bread
1 cup curants
2 cups unbleached flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon caraway seed
1 /4 teaspoon salt
1 cup nonfat yogurt
1 cup nonfat milk
Heat oven to 375 degrees, soak curants in hot water for
about 5 minutes and drain. In a large mixing bowl, mix both
flours, baking soda, baking powder, caraway seed, salt and
curants, mix well. In a separate bowl mix yogurt plus milk
until smooth, slowly add wet ingredients to the dry mixture
until we\l blended. Flour hands and divide dough into 2
!oafs, slightly flatten dou onto a non stick baki sheet
a~out 8 inches. across. a X on top of each , bake for
about 30-35 minutes or untii you can tap on it and it sounds
hollow, and serve warm.
lip: Serve with French Onion Soup, it's great!
HAPPY SAINT PATRICKS DAY!
Q Scopes
by Jack Fertig
MARCH 2006
"Pay your debts, Aquarius!"
Mercury turning retrograde in Pisces spreads confusion,
and he's squaring Pluto. This makes people dig in their
heels, insisting they are right (which is usually wrong), or
it challenges cooler heads to do research. Venus in Capricorn
eases the stress; do your best to be mature and
serene.
ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Avoid silly arguments by
focusing on your own problems and cleaning out your
baggage. The right balance of humility and confidence and
support from a woman in charge will help you get ahead.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Dares, challenges, and temptations
from friends should be considered very carefully, if
at all. Better to rely on your usual common sense. If you're
hu for a new experience, check out local museums or a
fore film.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If you must make any public
presentations, double-check every detail, and be prepared
to handle any screw-ups with good humor. If you come
under attack, look for underlying motives. You could charm
an apparent enemy into becoming a very good friend.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): You're better off listening to
disputes than participating in them - unless you really want
intense criticism. Still, arguments could be educational, and
being very open-minded will make you look mighty attractive.
LEO (July 23 -August 22): Refresh yourself on safe-sex
information and techniques. Make sure to get the info first!
Other fun and games are especially risky now. Be very
careful of any sort of sporting injury.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Don't argue with your
partner about probl~ms around the home. Take a creative
approach and suggest constructive solutions, even if
they're only only a temporary fix. Or agree to start analyzing
problems so they can be solved later.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Most accidents
happen around the house, but home looks more like your
safety zone now. Still, be careful, and even more so out on
the streets. Stay focused when you drive. Don't let problems
distract you!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21 ): A creative biock
could have · e repercussions. Write a letter to a sister
or aunt - or no·t yc,u have one, and even if you
don't maii. it. The exercise o writing wili help you to focus
on whatever is hanging you up right now.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your
natural reaction to problems at home is to stand firm and
counterattack. Resist that impulse. Shopping, preferably
with housemates, actually helps! Think ahead about what
you need, and take your time looking for it.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Although small
disasters abound, do your best to maintain a calm, mature
demeanor. Every problem has a solution. Track each one
to its roots; consult with whomever you must. The clean-up
process will uncover new strengths, and annoyances may
then prove blessings in disguise.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Dig up receipts
and records, but let any real work on your taxes wait until
late March. Trying to collect on debts from friends can be
even more contentious than usual. Let that wait, too! Paying
your own debts will save a lot of trouble.
PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Be careful of what you
say and where you say it. Your mouth could get you into
trouble with the boss or other authorities. Letting off steam
and preparing important arguments with friends will help.
But avoid those arguments unless they are absolutely
necessary!
You cm :find. oopk-5 c-f ti:...::
S 'J'A Ji :i r rh er.e -1 .mm:!li
AR"'AN:'" .... ~ ICA.N!'tA;t
Arkansas, Eureka Springs
Diversity Pride EYem - www.diversitypride.com
A Byrd's Eye Vie..- 36 N. Main- -479-253-0200
CaribeRcstaurante- -309 W VanBuren-- 253-8102
Henri's- - -19 1 /2 Spring St - - - 479-253-5795
Lumberyard Bar&Grill-105 E VanBuren- -253-0400
MCC Linng Spring - - 870-253-9337
Arkansas, Fayetteville (479)
Condom Sense - -418 W. Dickson- -479-444-6228
Curry's Video 612 N. College Ave- 479-521-0009
Passages 930 N. College Ave- - 479-442-5845
Tangerine Club - -21 S. Block Ave- -479-444-6100
Arkansas, Fort Smith (479)
Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - 479-783-9988
Red Rock City - - 917 N. "N' St. 479-242-2489
Arkansas, Hot Springs (501)
Jesrers Lounge 1010 E. Grand Ave -501-624-5455
Arkansas, Little Rock (501)
Back Street - - -1021 Jessie Rd- - -501-664-2744
Diamond Stare Rodeo Assoc.- - • v.-v.-w.dsra.org
Discovery- 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - • - -501-666-6900
Sidetracks - 415 Main St - -N. L.R.- 501-244-0444
The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- - - - - -501-372-3070
Kansas,•Pittsburg (620)
PSu-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- 620-231-0938
Kansas, Wichita (316)
Our FantaS\'- 3201 S. Hiliside- -316-682-5494
Missouri, Ava
Catus Canyon Campground - 417-683-9199
Missouri, Joplin (417)
Ree's- 716 S. Main - - - - . 417-62'7-9035
MCC Spirit of Chris,-2902 E 20th, - -Sun-6pm
Missouri, Kansas City (816)
Missie B's- -805 W 39th St- - 816-561-0625
Missouri, Lampe
KOKQ]'.fO Campg~ound- - - • - - - 417-779-5084
Missouri, Springfield (417)
The Edge- -424 Boonvilie P•.ve- - - • - --417-83;-4?!)')
GLO Comm. Ctr- - -5i8 E. Commerical- 369-3978
Liquors & Kid,ers- -i i09 E. Commerciai- 873-2225
Martha's Vineyard- 2'.9 W Olive -417 -864-4572
Priscilla's - - -1918 S. Gkcstone .. 417-881-8444
Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial -
Ronisuz Place- --821 College-
4F-831-900l
Oklahoma, Lawton
riangles- - 29 SW "D" Ave- - 580-351-0620
Oklahoma, McAlester
fcPride- - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502
Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405)
merican Crossroads B¾B - POBox 270642-495-1111
om Room- 2807 NW 36th Sr- - 405-601-7200
lub Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy - 405-947-2351
risties Toy Box- 3126 N. May Ave - - 4 05-946-4438
stern Ave Video- 1105 S Eastern Ave- 405-672-6459
inish Line -2200 NW 39th fapwy- - 405-525-0730
ushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp - -4 05-525-0730
ollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- - - 405-947-2351
abana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- -405-528-2221
1221 NW SOth- - - - 405-843-1722
2200 NW Expwy- - - -405-524-5733
armers- - -2805 NW 36th St - - - 405-942-2199
riscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - - - -405-755-8600
d Rock North-2240 NW39th St- - - -405-525-5165
- - 2120 NW' 39th St --405-521-9533
405-528-4690
e Rockies-• -3201 N. May Ave - - - 403-947-9361
Oklahoma, Tulsa (918)
amboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine -918-836-8700
order's Book Store-2740 E. 21st- - 918-712-9955
order's Book Store -8015 S. Yale -918-494-2665
lub Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - - 918-584-9494
lub 1faverick- 822 S. Sheridan -918-835-3301
- 8807 E. Admiral Pl - - 834-1051
ire Bookstore --814 S. Sheridan- - 918-838-85113
,z's Lounge- - 426 S. Memorial-
319 E. 3rd-
: -3007 E. Admi:al Pl
;iscilla's - - - 7925 E. 41 st - -
· scilla's - 5634 \X'. Skc:Jy -
risdla's - --1134 E. 11th -
918-743-4297
- -918-437-0449
-918-7 49-8378
-918-836-8544
- 918-584-3112
-- 918-834-3007
- - 918-627 -4884
-918-446-6336
918-438-4224
riscilla'~ 2333 E. 71 st - - - - -- -918-499-166 i
negades- - - - 1649 S. Main 918-585-3405
b's Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- 918-627 -1505
;,,Isa CARE~- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- 918-834-4194
c1isa Eag:e- - - - - i 338 E. 3rd - - - 918-592-1188
:
1T\ - . - - 2i14 S Memoriai- - - - - 918-660-0856
Jexton Jcwdrv - - -15 E. Brady 918-829-0824
trier Ne\VS Stand- 1 N, Le,vis- ~ -918-592-0767
'ellow-Bricic-Rd- -2630 E. 15,h- - 918-293-031'.i
Yellow Brick Road
2630 E. 15th St, Tulsa, OK
918-293-0304
Yes Munchkins, Kevie is
back as Manager!
Po.ol Tournament- Mondays
Dart Tournament- Thursdays
Now Servitig Chimay Ale 5.00
LEASE
ft.1 bed room
Elect. 66th and
Aprox 1800 sq ft 2
replace
Sheridan
Area sales price $128.000 Possible lease
purchase. ·
Night Club for saleAprox 2500 sq ft. plus
small house and large•storage building
11th mingo area
Tracy 918-625"6377 Keller Williams
I p
3007 E. ADMIRAL PLACE.
TULSA, OK
~~-
Llve Music March 17th,
King Fish Band, NO COVER
50 cent. pool tables. Shuffle Board.
918.834.3007
Open Sunday @ 12:00 Noon
Open Monday-Saturday 11 am
HIDEAWAY
11730 E. 11th Tulsa, OK
918.437.0449
now 12noon to 2am
ed Monday.
MAGICAL MASSAGE
Located in NW Oklahoma City
Full body deep tissue massage.
Call Mark
405-949-1991
Experience Total Relaxation
EMPLOYMENT
□ PP □ RTUNITY
ADVERT,BINC3 BALES
REPRESENTATIVE
FOR WICHITA,
OKLAHOMA CITY,
MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS
guaiifications to
ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net
or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153
Tulsa, OK 74i45
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, May 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 5
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
May 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
Greg Steele
Josh Aterovis
Douglas Glenn
Bunkey Walters
John Patrick
Michael Dee
Paul Wortman
Carlott Carlisle
Libby Post
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman
Chaz Ward
Vicor Gorin
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, April 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 4
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/223
The Star Magazine, June 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 6
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/229
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/240
A Day at the Legislature
A Night Out
Advice Column
Alabama Lemonade
Bamboo Lounge
Bar BQ Pork Loin
Bitter Girl
Chelsea Boys
Christopher Cabaldon
classifieds
Club Majestic
Comic Strips
Gay and Lesbian travelers
Gayco Show
Great Plains Rodeo
Heart to Heart
HIV testing
HOPE
Lesbian Notions
Past Out
Q Scopes
Red Ribbon
Star business center
Star Distributors
Star entertainment
Star Scene
travel
Tulsa Rough Riders
Uncle Mikey
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1d83dd312b49dd3e9bc3a48f8d62741c.jpg
627a3bb469150bff9de1fce15aff2133
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/9ffdd433544ea0d5ea7ac58a9b3e2770.pdf
381e7de93626e21c6ab81a48621030cb
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
This issue of the STAR marks a milestone not only for
our magazine, but for GLBT news publications as well.
We have seen five regional community papers come and
go since ou; inception, most only in publication for a few
months. Weil, this month is our 3rd Anniversary issue. With
the beginning of our fourth year January 2007, we plan to
make some changes, add new features and continue to
bring you our readers, local, national and world news that
affects the GLBT community. A new feature in this issue is
our "AFTER DARK" calendar which list events and special
function announcements from our advertisers. A good reason
to keep the STAR on your coffee table all month.
The Star was launched in December 2003 in Joplin, Missouri.
Our first issue was a digest size black and white
GLBT news and information magazine of just twelve pages.
Our first printing was under 1000 copies and distributed to
Joplin, Springfield, Fayetteville and Tulsa. Needless to say,
the Ozarks STAR had a very meager beginning with just
three advertisers.
I have worked very hard the past 3 years to make this
magazine a vlabie source of community information, news
and entertainment. Our readers are traveling the region to
places that were unknown when we began. I have personally
made many wonderful new friendships and acquaintances
because of this magazine. You are sincerely appreciated.
A big KUDOS to the efforts of our contributing writers Donald
Pile. RayWilliams, Michael Hinzman, Paul Wortman,
John Patrick, Greg Gatewood, Victor Gorin, Josh Aterovls,
Steve Urie and many others who have kept us informed
and entertained. Also to our sales agents Michael Leach,
Victor Gorin, Devre Jackson and Kay Massey who have
contributed tremendousiy to our success. Last but not least
a big thank you to our advertisers and readers.
WE'VE COME A LONG WAN BABY!
Sincerely,
C. D. Ward
Publisher/Editor in Chief
'tlvv-...,.ozarksstar.com
Dear Chaz:
We notice that your publication, (The Star) is approaching its
3rd Anniversary and we are very proud of you. You have brought to
the Midwest a very intelligent and professional gay publicarion that
is now one of the main gay/lesbian publication in the tv1idwest.
Long are the days when so many gay pubiications were merely
"sleaze rags" Your content, articles and columns keeps everyone
abreast about events in the state, the Midwest, the country and the
world!
As we travel around the country, we always take extra copies of
the STAR with us to show other gays and they are amazed at the
quality of your publication.
Congratulations on your 3rd Anniversary and we wish you
continued success with your splendid work for many, many years to
come. We are very honored to be a small part of your success.
Respecdul!y,
Donald Piie
Ray Williams
.',<,<\',:·,,,'\/;,, ·. I.lei us help!
(91 ) - 6
the STAR 3
4 the STAR
Victor Gorin interview with newly
elected 2nd term Oklahoma County
Commisioner Jim Roth.
Election 2006 By Joe Solmonese. HRC
President. Solmonese examines the effects
of the 2006 election on the GLBT
community.
litfi HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA'S
We did some shopping for you!
Something unique, something cheap
and some bling.
Travelers "Savannah, GA"
0 of Town "Fort Lauderdale"
Uncle Mikey finds a Twink that wants
co be fabulous, while a queen ponders
the afterlife.
INDEX
An Interview with Jim Roth ..... 6
Book Review. . . . . . . . . . . ... 11
OUT in Arkansas ........... 12
Past Out. ................. 14
Tulsa GLBT Centei News ..... 15
Holiday Gift Idea's. . . . ... 16
Ciao Travel. . . . ........... 17
Lesbian Notions. . . . . . 22
Star Scene. . . . . . ..... 24
Uncle Mikey. . . .. 26
After Dark . . . . .. 27
Horoscopes.. . .......... 28
Distributors. . . . 29
Cartoons. . . . . . . ...... 30
Classifieds. . 31
STAR DISTRIBUTION:
Jolie Justice in Lesbian Notions
"Christmas in November''- page 22
Progressive Church Shakes Up
Norhwest Arkansas. - page 12
-~•,!!,.~.!';'!~.-.
History of gay motorcycle clubs in
~~pi\ST ()lIT~~ - page 14
OKLAHOMA C!TY .. TULSA"' LAV'/TON ~ t-.,lCA.lESTER ~ EiHD • UTTLE ROCK" NORTH LITTLE ROOK.,
FAYETTEVILLE i' FT SMITH " EUREKA SPRINGS • HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE ~ ROGERS ~ KANSAS
CITY~ SPRlNGF!ELD ",JOPUN " BRA~JSON AREA:!, VVlCHlTA,.. PiTTSBURG • JUNCTION CITY
\/'.f'vvvv.ozarksstar.corn
AN INTERVIEW WITH
OKLAHOMA COUNTY
COMMISSIONERJIM ROTH.
By Victor Gorin
Phoro: Left Viaor Gorin and Jim Roth
In 2002, Jim Roth ran againsr anti-gay incumbent Beverly Hodges
in the race for Oklahoma County Commissioner of District One,
and become Oklahoma's first op~nly gay county commissioner. . He
made the most of rhis opportunity to do an excellent job in this position,
winning the respect of Oklahoma County voters from many
walks oflife. This year his Republican opponent, Dave Mehlhaff,
waged one of the most single issue, anti gay campaigns ever, and yet
Jim was re-elected. Now he shares with us how ir's been, and the
vision he has for che future
Victor: Well Commissioner, you ran a very strong and imeresting
campaign that always looked successful, but did you still feel a sense
of relief when it was over?
Jim: Absolutely. You never know until the last vote is counted. \ve
felt confident, we worked hard, but we didn't want to take anything
for granted.
Victor: Wdl, I'm sure you feel much better now. What do you feel
were the major factors.~hat made your victory so resounding?
Jim: Two things--First and foremost was our job performance. We
worked very hard and deiivered on what we promised, anci I don't
chink anyone has ever done better in District 1.
Second, my opponent's bigotry was rejected by a great number of
people that I think arc tired of that mean spirited side of politic;. l
think people realized from his approach rhat he had lirde to offer.
1/ictor: Truly over the past 4 years, v.rhen one considers the duties of
v;hat a county cotnn1issioner is supposed to do, you have a record
you can be proud of, including a balanced budget.
Jim: 1hat's right. Although all 3 discricts of ()kiahon1a (~ounty get
tht: sa1ne a111ount of n1oney for roads, I have the 1nf)St road n1ileage
6 the STAR
and still was the only one wirh a baianced budget. The pubiic in my
district is now driving over 54 miles of new road and 8 new bridges
with safer conditions. !vfy predecessor, Beverly Hodges, only built 1
bridge during her term.
Victor: You were instrumental during 2004 in impiementing and
keeping, despite a repeai attempt, a poiicy of nondiscrimination
for Oklahoma County employees that indudes sexual orientation.
Even now iI is the only government protection pertaining to sexual
orientation in the state of Oklahoma.
Jim: I serve this office with the premise char all peopie deserve respect
and dignity, and a public employment simation, of all places,
should be free of discrimination of any kind. We changed the current
policy to expand coverage in 3 areas, physical disabiliry, political
affiliation, and sexual orientation. I worked w implement this
policy for 3 reasons, to protect taxpayers from liability from officials
doing stupid things, attracting talent, and because it's the right thing
to do.
Victor: What do you hope do accomplish during your next term?
Our district is on a great rrajectory of improvement with a very aggressive
road and bridge program, a number of major projecrs. We
are also bringing a focus to senior citizens issues. Vie have to be sure
that we are that safety net so that their golden years are truly that.
Also I want to work on issues co help our memally ill in this county
so that they aren'r kept in the county jail without treatment.
Victor: Do you have future aspirations after .:his term of office?
Jim: Not right now, bur maybe in future years rhere will be something
I'll feel challenged w try.
Victor: \V'e!l, you obviousiy won the confidence of the voters in
Oklahoma County. Besr wishes and looking forward to four more
years! *
Two Night Tulsa Event Benefit
For Tulsa Cares Food Pantry.
By Greg Steele
TULSA, OK_Billed as Tulsa's Social Event of rhe year, the Bamboo
Lounge staged a two night benefit show hosted by Kris Kohl. The
5th annual Miss Bamboo Pageant was held on Saturday November
18th and the following night with Kris Kohl's show, The Bamboo
& Faces Present "REMEMBER OUR FAMILY". The two night
extravaganza packed the nighrc'.ub both nights and raised do;;:: ro
$500.00 for the Food Pantry.
The Miss Bamboo Pageant histed by Terry Hood and Stan Smith
dub co-owners is only one event out of 111any that the couple stage
each vear to benefit non-profit organizations in the Tiilsa area. 'The
out g~ing ~1iss Ba1nboo 2006. Mona Lott n:iuctandy reiinquishcd
her crown to Miss Bamboo 2007, Holly Rose, a newcomer to the
scene. Holly Rose campaigned extensiv~!y v.lith her slogan "!es
'Time For l1 l'~c",,v Generationn and sources say her ,veaithy husband
donated quite a sun1 to her success. lvfona Lott, J\.-1:iss Bamboo 2006
in a rage l~Jf despair crov,rned herself "E1npress of the Ban1boo'1 \Vhich
amounrs to nothing bur a cheap ploy to 1nainrain royal sratus in her
aging state! P.._ great time vva.s had by all and for a very gcJod cause.
Photo on page 25.
v1v,.;•.v,ozarksstar.com
Worl
Dece
i
/-,, . i
l_r,,,CJlj}OOtJ
o/1'f.o0 ,-L--/o1~, Lr:i !,•~ R~"L p/'~_?-/r: -1 )j
•'ThYJJ (Jr)g} ~ uikiff@ L1JJ'@:~?Jff i;J Y'ailif1
ORDERS BY 12NOON GUARANTEED S,'l.J,lE DAY DELIVERY
Glenpool Cleaners (inside Glenpool 1.'i,:w:-crsl 91S-29r-3275
Wear the Red Ribbon
on Dece111ber 1st.
Show th<: ,xorld ,-'.)ll c:rc that HIVi
AIDS is srill among us ,rnd du, people,
including manv ,·nuns people, arc cv<:!i
nov.' getting inf~•t'tcd. Let rhosc afF(·c(cd
knO\\' that you undcLStand .. 1nd support
thcn1 and the: figbt ~1gainst l-lI\/"f 1\I [)S.
HAP
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3rd
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(/
from all your pals in
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
,\~ Amber Bock
Sun--Thurs 1 pm---Midnight~
Fri ,-Sat 1 prrl~,,._ 2am
:·,:~:, t..· .2..c,,1., N.- ., M~ a·..1J s/:}--·iV -•~p.. -:,.~
on 'h1p.
New Tulsa
Organization For
Diversity Business
DBAT Means Business
TULSA, OK_Business is all abom connections
and growth, and the newly formed
Diversity Business Association ofTulsa
(DBAT), a program supported by Tulsa
Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), is
working to help GLBT business owners and
professionals in green country form those
connections and succeed in today's competitive
marketplace.
DBAT's mission is to provide a forum to
the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
business and professional community and
its allies for ,he purpose of networking.
professional development, creating increased
visibility and strengthening relationships
among business and professional community
members.
The group meets monthly for the purpose
of networking, development and quarterly
workshops as well. Socials are being planned
for next year. D BAT membership is an
affordable investment at $30.00 annually
for individuals and $50.00 annually for~
business entity. Members receive:
A copy of the annual business guide with
inclusion of a business listing and advertising
opportunities within the business guide.
DBAT Newsletter
TOHR Membership
Reduced fee at quarterly workshops
A listing on the DBAT web site and banner
advertising opportunities.
Join us and connec, with other locai GLBT
business owners and professionals within
your community. For 1hform,1tion contact
Susan Hartman at 918-274-1699 or
through e-mail at slr:artrnan@cox.aer.
* Wear the Red Ribbon
on December 1st.
Show the world you care that I-flV/;\I!)S
is still a111ong us and that people, inc:iuding
rhen1 ::tnd tht
against
10 the STAR
Oklahoma Ci
Couple Exchange
Vo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK_Paula Schonauer
& Pam Trotter were united in a Holy
Union ceremony on the lovely grounds of
the Backdoor Coffeeshop October 7, their
wedding officiated by the Reverend Scott
Jones of the Oklahoma City Cathedral of
Hope Church. Paula is an Oklahoma City
police officer and Pam is a floral designer.
Together they reside in Oklahoma City.
*
Tulsa Group Forms
Womens Supper Club.
TULSA, OK_Heather Hartman and a
group of other iadies have formed a new
club calied "LesDine Supper Club ofTulsa''.
Heather told us, "We meet the first Friday
of every month at Tulsa-area restaurants at
7 PM. For December we will be eating at
Jamil's Steakhouse, and in January we will
be eating at Caz's Chowhouse. For information,
peopie can emaii Lesdinesupperclub@
yahoo.com or visit v,ww.myspace.com/lcsdinesupperc!
ub . LesDine is for lesbianidentified
women in NE Oklahoma who
like to socialize and eat good food.
\,X,'e have been meeting for 6 month, now
and have had a great turn-om. Peopk are
finding out via ~ord-of-mou.t:h ancf thru
-.lahoof chat groups. Last n1onth \VC had 26
\von1cn attend.
The New Oklahoma
Mr. Leather 2007
By Victor Gorin
OKLAHOMA CITY~James Hollingwood
captured the tide of Oklahoma's new fvfr.
Leather at Oklahoma City's Pho~nix Rising
October 21, It was a festive occasion emceed
by California titleholder Mark tvfalon who
kept the evening lively and entertaining
with earchv humor, and even treated us to
his musical prowess with h1s priceless rendition
of a Shirley Bassey dassic, "Dildos are
Forever."
Attended bv;;. capacitv crowd of leather
folk and th~ir friends,' the contest featured
not only entenainmcnt but also education
and wonhwhile fundraising, the highlight
of which was the raffling of;; Garth Brooks
\Yiorld Tour Jacket that will be autographed
by the man himself. Proceeds for that raffie
went to Tulsa's Open Arms Youth Project.
David Tempie~on won the tide of First Runnerup,
and the reigning currelt Mr.Leather,
James Dean Scudder ofTi,is:,, passed the
tide on to Mr.Hollingwood. James wiil go
on to con1petc in the lntcrnationai l\-1r.
Leather Comest held in Cbicago during the
Memorial Day Weekend.
l() the cornrnunity Jarocs. had this to say/'
J fCci very honored that n1y peers have
honored n1c 1:1vith the ti tie of ()kiahon1a ~vir
Leather, and l \vill do rny unnost to support
the leather comrnunitics of'Tu!sa~ ()klahorna
(~ity and statevvide. I ;:1111 looking fon.vard to
the Jntcrnational lV1r. Leather contcsc but
1 an1 still in ~hock, letting this vvin sir1k in.
/tgain I say I ~un. honored that the cornrnu•~
has supported rne in rhis vvay
A Face in the Crowd celebrates the
and challenges of those who identify as gay,
lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
The book, "A Face in the Crowd: Expressions of Gay Life in
America," edited by John Peterson and Martin Bedogne, presents a
diverse group of people living their lives filled with iove, hope, and
happiness as well as fear and oppression. Highlighting stories and
profiles of gay men and women who share tales of families and challenges,
"A Face in the Crowd" poignantly illustrates that gay life in
North America does not fit a single stereotype.
Sponsored by the Matthew Shepard Foundation, ''A Face in the
Crowd" seeks to educate and empower today's youth w actively take
part in developing solutions to problems that are rooted in ignorance
and hatred. In the book's introduction, Judy Shepard, whose
son, Matthew, was the Yicdm of a gav hate crime, convevs, "A Face
in the Crowd is a reflection of Matthew's dreams. He id1ew that
judging people bdc,re knov;ing chem was rhe loss of an opportunity."
"A Face in rhe Crowd" can be ordered di,ectly from the ;\1atthcw
Shepard Foti!ldation, which will be signed by Judy Shepard and
includes the benefo: single "W'hat Matters" by Randi Driscoll. 'Ihe
mission of the ?vfanhew Shepard Foundation is w support divcrsirv
programs in education and ;o help youth organizatio;1s es.:ablish ·
environments where young people can fed safe and be themselves.
The goal of rhc !vfatthe,v Shepard Foundation is to replace hate ,vith
d
,. . . d .. . . ,. .
un erstanct1ng, compassion an acceptance. t-·or n1orc 1r1torn1at1on ;~~:,~;t~~:;~~;;~_Shepard Foundarion, visit their ·website: www.mar-
John Peterson created rhe initial concept for"~,\ 1:;ace in the (~rtnvcr·
and further developed and published the book to rr1eet the goals and
tnission of the ?viatthew Foundation. orders and
discounts on group saies arc availabic through the pubHsher. For
rnon~ inforn1<.,tion~ visit d1(:ir •.vcbsirc at
corn .
.., ,,..,_,w,.ozark.sstar.corn
Election 2006
By Joe Solmonese, HRC President
Tuesday was a watershed moment for our comrnunity. A wave of
pro-equality candidates was swept into office, from Philadelphia to
Fort Lauderdale and from Minneapolis to Tucson, and are now the
majority in the United States House and Senate. To date, 93 percent
ofHRC-endorsed candidates have won their races (210 of225),
with a handful of races still pending.
Perhaps most exciting of all, we had a first-ever win against a
discriminatory, anti-GLBT constitutionai amendment. While we
had heartbreaking losses in seven states, with a near-win in South
Dakota, Arizona made history this week by defeating a ban on domestic
partnerships. We salute everyone who worked to defeat these
discriminarory measures and we especially congratulate Arizona
Together for its successful campaign to defeat that state's discriminatory
initiative. HRC was proud to play a role in helping to achieve
this historic victory. Steve May, co-chair of Arizona Together, had
this to say about HRC's help in the campaign: "When we first got
started, no national organization thought we could win ... except
HRC. They believed in us and we thank them so much."
\Ve have an incredible slate of amazing trailblazers coming to
Washington - people like Congressman-Elect Harry Mitcheli, Senator-
Elect Amy Klobuchar and Senaror-Elect Sherrod Brown. We
fought to get them elected, and now they wil! fight for us. Congress
promises to be much friendlier now that bigots like Rick Santorum
are gone. With your help, we raised more than $375.000 for
Santorum's opponent, Bob Casey, and spent an additionai $200,000
to mobilize hundreds of volunteers to guarantee Santorum's defeat.
It paid off.
Here is what Senator-Elect Casey had to say about us: "HRC
got behind my campaign early and has been a tremendous help.
The energy and commitment they put behind our campaign was
exrraordinary. I iook forward to working with HRC's incredible staff
and membership, especially to advance hare crimes legislation in the
Senate."
All over tht country, anti-GLBT candidare$ and campaign tac.:ic,
were rejected by vorers. Scapegoating and anacking GLBT Amc:ricans
is no longer a winning campaign strategy. At least 21 Houst:
n1embers --~vith O percent votine: records on (;LB1-- issues ~,,vili not be
returning to ·wa.~hingron, and in the Senate, five Fcderai Marriage
A~ 1 .. 11 t r;.or i •,r•• .... nn,e1ia1nen. suppo, ...... s .. c,.,, , h.e ,•r b,'d, <•- .,.fo ,r ,-~n· t...• ih,..., .. .~-1d-·,.v, ... ,~ "•' . .....
Other races aiso mark in1pon::ant shifts in the debate about our
relationships. Supporters of fuH marriage equality \von the governorships
oft~c .. N ~{ork and 1v1assachusetts, and Jodi Rell ;vas rcst}undingiy
re-elected governor of Con.necticut: after signing ~~ civil union~
bilL Furthern1orel no candidate in f'1ev<l Jersey, or '"''·"''•"'·,. in rhc
country for that 1nar:t:erl appears r,,1 ha•le suffered from the f~c;;v
Supre111e Court's decision requiring and benefits
Progressive Church
Shakes Up Northwest
Arkansas.
by Kay Massey
BENTONVILLE, AR_ Amid the conservative
religious congregations in Northwest
Arkansas, an entrepreneurial deacon is offering
something ... a iittle different for Gays,
Lesbians and their allies.
In July 2006, the
Rev. Roger Joslin
moved to Bentonville
from Los
Angeles to start
the Episcopalian
Community of
Bentonville. Roger
is a native Texan,
receiving both a BA
and an MA from the
University ofTexas
at Austin. He did
additional graduate
work in International
Relations at the
University of Sussex
in Brighton, England.
After working
for many years in the
architectural woodwork
business, Roger
graduated from the
Episcopal 1beological
Seminarv of the Southwest in Austin
Texas in 2005 ·.vith a Masters of Divinity
degree.
Roger's bhck o:.nfic .md white clerical collar
mm heads wi11:rever he goes, and for now,
he's everywhere. His mission is dear: Find a
diverse group of people ~o form an Episcopal
congregation with radical hospitality at
its core. Joslin hopes :o offer a progressiv..:
aiternative to other churches in the ilrca.
HI think it 1.vill "vork here in t'Jorth\vest
1\rkansas/J he said of the radical hospjrality,
which focuse5 on meeting p;:<ople':, physical
and spiritual needs. <iit's a ·very friendly
place.'' ~❖7hile h:1s been treated ,vell
here~ he's not sure the reception \Vouid he as
~narn1 for a black, hon1oscxual or
12 the STA.R
poor person. "Ours is the kind of church
where everyone is welcome," he said. That
focus must start from the beginning. Rather
than creating a core group of white, middleclass
people, then expanding the group, Joslin
wants to start wirh a mixed core group
from the beginning. That is exactly what he
has done so far.
One of the local group members says,
"What makes this really special is that we
arc defining what we feel our church needs
to be about. We're all accepting, that's
very important, that ali backgrounds arc
welcome, all types of people, ro be very
hospitable and community-
oriented."
Joslin's church-planting
plans are moving
quickly. The plan is to
create small groups of
roughly 12 adults until
the total reaches about
300 people, which
could take about a year,
Joslin said. Currendv
·there are 4 groups of
adults that meet weekly,
a "Walk and Talk"
group for exercising
and meditating adulr.s,
and a group of children
who are exploring the
"Godly Play" progran1.
Roger stresses that a
person need nor be an
Episcopai ro parricipate
in any of the groups.
Study is designed for
people of any faith. 'Ihere are people from
all backgrnunds involved in the groups.
These are truly diverse groups of people on a
spirimai journey rogei:her.
Roger is continuously seek;ng out Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendcred group
and individuals in the area. hoping to welcome
:hem into the fold. "Many have been
raised in churches and have hj_d devout upbringings~
yet most churches have reiected
themn, Jos_Hn said,-_ Gay's and Lcsb~a1:s arc
an integral part ot our groups, anct tt1e soon
to be church. l\1any are already attending
the "\Ycekly meetings and becorning invoived t)!,~r?~:~~:~a~~~11~~~1:;;~:;:;;(~ Benwr;
other Episcopal churches in rhe area
there is a church in Henton ··~Lz.
progressive Episcopaiian church interprets
the Bible in terms of context and in light of
the times, he said. He believes fundamentalists
interpret the Bibic rno literally.
The Episcopalian church has liturgical
services like a Carhoiic Church, bu: Masses
and Sunday Communion ser✓ices - Eucharists
- arc in English, Joslin said.
The Diocese of Arkansas has been rhinking
about a church in Bentonville fOi about 15
years. Joslin seems rhe perfect fit. "I have a
strong enrreprcneurial bent," he said. "I do
like to create and start things. 'This is abour
creation." After many years of being involved
with the Church, Joslin was ordained
as a Deacon in May 2006. He will be ordained
as an Episcopal Priest on December
2, 2006 at St. Paul's Episcopal; Church in
Fayetteviiic, Ar.
Roger is aiso rhe author of Running the
Spiritual Path: A Runner's Guide to Breathing,
Meditating, and Exploring the Prayerful
Dimension of the Sport. He wrote the
book while a seminarian. He continues w
run and write in Arkansas as a dimension
of his spiritual practice. He is a ,'creran of
several marathons and thousands of miles
of solitary running on trails and back roads
throughout the United States. Rev. Joslin's
book emerged from a running journal
he maintained over the course of the iast
decade. Many years of meditation pr:1.ctice,
punctuated wfth the nurturing rnlitude of
periodic visits to numerous retreat cemcrs
~nd monasteries, led the author, quite naturally,
to combine his love for running with
his spiritual search.
Roger is borh an experienced ,cacher and a:1
engaging speaker and is ;;!ways eager to tab,
on the rask of avvakcning a wider audicnc,·
~o the value of spiriruai pracrict.
For n1orc infonnation about the ,-,,,,,,,,u,_,..,
c=o1n1nunity of Benton C:ounry, contacr
the IZcv. R,ngcr Joslin at 4?9-1~26-1 ')() j or
rogcrioslin@sbcg1obal.net .
V'l\-VV·J_ozarksstar.corn
The show went on and on and
on .... and oh, how we loved it!
ByD. Norman
EUREKA SPRINGS_AR~On Saturday November 4, 2006 during
FALL Diversity Weekend in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, ANT and
Sabrina tvfatthews flew in from Los Angeles, California to headline
Diversity Pride Events' first 'LOL Dive;:sity Comedy' Show and
simply awed everyone at rhc Al.JD!
Sabrina kjcked ofF the evening ddighting the very diverse crowd of
Glbti, straigi~t fricncis and allies. Both men and women were laughing
and nodding chcir heads in agreement at her hiiarious observations
of our lives. Her humor was down to earth and true to life,
covering everything from skim. p1.,rses, pets, job interviews and of
course, love lives. By the time she left the stage, you feit like she v1as
one of your pals.
ANT hit stage in an incredible spar~ling Hight suit covered with
rhinestones, setting the pace for a high energy non-stop ride to hysterical
bughre~. His jokes had u:; roar;ng, and he was at his absolute
bes: ribbing and n•·,.,..,, .. ,, .. ,, v,itb ,he audience. He pulled people
up on stage gettiag thrn1 to say and do things that had us failing
out of our seats and ('l:~tn ht~ ~cerncd an1azed at the quirky Siories he
brought out of Eurckans and her 'Vishors. He told us he just had to
use sorne of then1 ¥h:i-<~:•: Tl '>Vf" r"•~rtf~riranro •·n ,..h,::. "fon1oht 'hov.1 .i ,C_rs.,. {J"'-,. l•-•~. :h,.. .._._ '"' L, ,._., . •t,c" ...__, ,.
,vith Jay Leno
us he
and rhanked us for
i\nt i1rvited Sabrina to
and the audience- can1c
w,l,fr-•l'i.ozarksstar.com
tne cen1ctery
to end. He toid
h fun toe, stop.
con-1plin1ented
stand-up.
their ap~
It ''--Vas
Conservative Christian Group
Boycott almart.
By Staff Reporter
Donald E. \Vildmon, Fotmder and Chairman of American Family
Association, a Tupeio, MS conserntive Christian organization
ordered a mass-emailing to about 3 million recipients, on November
9, 2006. The petition was circulated because of Walmart's support
of GLBT organizations and GLBT equality in the workplace.
W'almart recently donated SS000 to N\'1/l\ GLBT Community Center
in Bentonville, AR. Below is the communication sem to \'1/almart
byWildmon.
Dear President Scott,
This will let you know that I will not be shopping at Wal-Mart or
Sam's Club on the Friday or Saturday following Thanksgiving.
Your decision to financially support groups promoting homosexual
marriage is very unfortunate. You could have remained neutral but
decided to join the battle on the side of homosexuai activist organizations.
With great disappointment, I will help spread the word to my
friends and family about your decision.
*
t
GoldC8stle
"At Century 21 Gold Castie our
•. BEST properties are our PEOPLE''
4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100
pklahoma City, OK 73116
405.840.2106
the STAR 13
Summary: Past Out is a rerrospective of key moments, personalities, and subjects in LGBT
history. Each instailment brings the past to life by exploring the diversity of the gay past and
its impact on the queer present.
Photo: Madon Brando in The W'ild One (1953)
November 1954 (52 years ago last month): The Saytrs
motorcycle club is founded in Los Angeles.
What is the historv of gay motorcvde
clubs? · ,i
Motorcvcle dubs, a ~ainsrav <,f gav culture
since rh~ 19'i0s, ushered in ; ne; brand of
queer masculinity and gave rise to today',
leather.1SM co:wnunity.
Motorcyck culture 1:merged in the ·united
States in the l 920~ and i 930.,, ofteE revolving
around racing, ,viih enthusiasts "'Nho
forn1ed ciubs and vvore distinctive unifonns
and "colors.:,~ The popularity of n1otorcycles
grev; <luring \~1orld War JI - as n1otorcyclists
\vere regarded as son1ething of a n1odern-day
cavalry ~ and cheap n1ilitary surplus
becamt: available after the 1.var.
lJpon leaving n1i1itary si:rvicc in the late
1940s, n1any gay 1ncn in port cities
14 the STAR
ra,her than returning to their hometowns.
Just as the Hell's Angels were purpon:ediy
started by furmer bomber pilots and pararroopers
unwilling to settle into mainstream
life, gay men aiso sought an alternative.
"Only in the swashbuckling motorcycle
culture,'' argues author Guy Baldwin, were
they abie to retain the ''easy camaraderie.
the stress and thrill of real risk raking, and
the 111ascu!ine sexuality that they had kno1.vn
during their n1ilitary da:rs." (;ay and straight
n1cn alike einbraced the irnage of the outLnv
biker as a frcc~spirired rebel, as r.:xen1piified
by the Marlon Brande, fi!n1 The Wild
()ne inspired by an infirnous riot
at a n1ororcycie con1lcntion in Hollister,
in 1947,
The first gay motorcycle dub in the United
States was the Satyrs, founded in Los Angeles
in 1954; the second, Oedipus, was
an offshoot started in 1958. The eariiest
Norrhern California club was the \Y/ariocks,
founded in 1960, fo!!owed by the California
Motorcycle Club (CMC). By the
mid-1960s, San Francisco's Somh of Market
district had become a hotbed of the gay
motorcycle scene, home to clubs such as the
Constantines and the Barbary Coasters.
While California - with irs climate conducive
to year-round riding - continued
to host the greatest concentration of gay
motorcycle clubs, similar groups cropped up
around the country, including, in 1963, the
Second City Motorcyde Club in Chicago,
an early hub of rhe gay ieather scene. 1he
Empire City Motorcycle Club of New York
City, founded rhe following year, claims to
be the oldest ongoing GLBT organization
east of the Rockies. Gav motorcycle culture
also crossed over to Eu~ope, starting with
London's 69 Club. As motorcycle clubs grew
more numerous, they formed imerdub organizations
such as rhe Atlantic Motorcycle
Coordinating Council. ,
Gay motorcycle clubs provided an outlet
for socialization · and often for sex. The
earlv biker scene was closely allied with the
<;m;rging "Old Guard" lea;her/SM culture,
and the clubs watering holes became some
of the first leather bars. Stylized biker gear
became a son of uniform for a segment
of rhe gay community, feamring engineer
boors, crotchless black ieather chaps (designed
by D.L. Sterling in 1960), and military-
style caps. The look - which caught on
even among men wbo had never sat astride
a motorcycle - was embodied by e:av artis,
fom of Finland s characters. Pere; Berlin in
the movie _Nighrs in Black Le:nher (1973),
ana' ("1l enn J1'u ~g.h es o f t he d.i. sco group t he
VilL,ge Peopie.
~vfotorcycle club outings. known as runs,
typically involved n1anly activities such as
can1ping trips. But \vhilc bikers esche·.,vcd
;:~~ era. their ever~;:,·~~'.:!~:::::;~:•;~~~~
pageantry and can1p of a different sort)
including drag shov.-'s. Events such as the
annual (]v!(~ (~arnival becainc popular even
arnong nonbikers, and n1any n1en organized
their social H·ves around annu;-11 runs such as
vvw~lv. ozarkssta r. corn
Photo: lhe new community center coming soon.
Community Celebrations
]he end of a year brings things we all usualiy
like par.:ies, gathering wirh friends
and family, once-;,-year food and drink
- celebrations of all kinds. This year is no
differem. Special events, holiday dinners,
and concem fili foe momh of December
on the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexuai, Ti:ansgender
(GLBT) and allied Community Calendar.
A month full of acrivities begins in Tulsa on
Friday, December 1, 2006. 'w'ith the theme,
"Stop AIDS: Keep Ihe Promise," the annual
Wori<l AIDS Day Interfaith Service remembers
those losr r; HIV/ AIDS while renewing
o~ir cornmiunent to stop HIV/AIDS.
The candlclighr service, scheduied for 7:00
P?vf ar All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952
S Peoria, v.1iU f(~ature rhe n1usic of Council
C>ak Iv1cn's Chorale ((~(}fv1C) and guest
speakers Dr. 1v1clanie Spector and Iarnara
LcBak~ l\ssistant lviinister of/\H Souls lJni-·
tarian Church.
!'~ext up on the 'fulsa (~01nn1uniry C:alendar
is the [)inner on
Monday; l)eccn1ber 11th. ]he annual din~
ner features the presentation of the S..,·J?/t!"~J
.:~wards an.d the rnusic of the \Y/or:nen of
(:ouncil ()ale A. 6:30 PJv{ reception kicks c:fF
the at feilcnvship (:ongregationai
2~100 S I-1t1rYard. ~111e
~u 7:00 Pivt fr:atnn.:~ holiday entree~:
and harn1 drinks and r:~srive table~
~V\.vvv.ozarksstar.corn
side, or dessert. You'll wam to arrive early as
over 200 individuals, coupies and families
are expected for this annuai event co-sponsored
by Tulsa PFLAG and TOHR.
Music of A Snowv Starlit Nie-ht. the annual
COMC Holiday Cone~(, will thriE
you with seasonal fa;orites, as well as new
~unes to warm your heart. SRO crowds are
expected for the performances on December
12th, 15(h & 16th, 8:00 P1v1 each night at
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S Peoria
in Tulsa.
The Tulsa GLBT Community Center will
celebrate the end of the leased space era with
the 41st Finale on Sunday, December 17,
2006. The evening, featuring a free concert,
free food and drinks, and door prizes will be
the last event held in the current Center at
5545 E 41st Streei:.
Ihe 41st Finale features the music of
recording-artist Amy 5(einberg of Orlando,
Florida. With irreverent humor and crafty
intelligence, Amy uses her original music to
promote tolerance, openness and diversity.
Combining a sassy sensibility and loquacious
socio-political and spiritual awareness,
Amy brings forth a fresh and solid energy.
The winner of several honors, including
Songwriter of the Year from the Songwrirer
Showcases of the Year and Best Individual
Performer bv the Orlando lvlusic Awards,
Amv tours ;u over the countrv. Notable
sho~s include performances ~ith Ani Defranco,
Alix Oison, Lisa Loeb, Melissa Ferrick,
Meredith Brooks and Vonda Shepard,
as well as many others.
Classically trained on the piano since age
4, with a degree in rheaue (from studies at
Boston Conservatory, American Musical
and Dramatic Academy and ?\.farvmount
Manhattan) and sclf-t;ught on the guitar,
Amys shows display ,.viid!y inaovative
musicality combined with extraordinary
perfonnance skills to create an arousing
;~nviron1nent like none other. 'Ihen1cs ~f
her 1nusic include sexuality, ,von1an po~,ver,
~-·.:
1
j~·h•.~.".!~~~.-. , ~~:~b~~.~1s~!~,o~1
1
.. ~d love. ·nie audience . ~-: .. :~ ~;_:;:; ;::-.:. t -· _, ~.. sings along, an(1
laughs untH they cry. a soul-shifting and
original n,.r,nnn nt,t "..V,dlt tu
rniss this FR .. EE concert 1.vith
1be 41st Finale marks the last day the Tulsa
GLBT Community Center will be open
before we pack-up, move-our and re-open
in the new location in downtown Tulsa!
The Tulsa GLBT Communitv Center will
close on December 18, 2006. and remain
closed through the end of the year. During
this time, we'll be packing up the last
items, loading up the moving trucks and
heading to the permanent location of the
Tulsa GLBT Community Center at 621 E
4th Street. We'll then re-open in January,
celebrating the Oklahoma-Centennial year
of 2007 - in a new, permanent home for the
Tulsa GLBT & allied community.
1itlsa Okiahomans for Human Rights
(TOHR) seeks equal rights for Gay, Lesbian,
Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) individuals
and families through advocacy, education,
programs, alliances and the operation of the
Tulsa GLBT Community Cmter.
Creating
Community for
People living
vvith
HIV/AIDS
Our House, Too offers a variety of
activities for people who are HP✓+ and
or living with AIDS to help combat the
social isolation that many of our
people live through each and everyday.
·we provide a Toiletry and Household
Pantry for those who are HIV+
and or lh:ing ,,,;Ith AJDS \•Vho cannot
afford to purchase these items for
themsei\.res. \/Ve invite anyone \,vho
vvould Hke to \1olunteer or provide fi-nanciai
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-•rnaH
harrismrnjr@y·ahoo.corn.
\,•. . ._ _________________ /
the STAR 15
BOOK: i<A FACE IN THE CROWD"
Mart
Fore
Introduction
132 pages (150+
images) ·
12" x 12" ISBN:.
Price: $24.95 ~\.
ngle "What Matand
a personal mesISBN
0-9719618-
Can be purchased at any major bookstore,
Prospect Publishing: www.prospectpublishing.
com or www.matthewshepard.org
1 6 the STAR
Give a subscription
rn the STAR.
12 issue $29.95.
Check or Money
Order to:
Ozar~s STAR
5103 S Sheridan Rd
#i53
Tt:!sa, CK 7 4145
ping for you!
ng Unique, Something
eap and some Bling.
"6-Stripe" Stainless Steel and Gold Ring
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"Baked, Hammered" Wrist Band
Coior & Depth. Handcrafted stainless
steel cuff by Spexton. This wide cuff
features hammered edges and a.baked
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choose your wrist size and they will
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Product Dimensions:
3/4 Inch Wide
ssaoce Marines with
perieoce. Nooe are profesSome
of tnc hottest hunks in the i\Iarine
CorJJs are posing for the America's Heroes
2007 Calendar to raise money for •.vounded
service members and their families. Sergea::it
Rodolfo "Rud/' Reyes, and 9 other !T!ember,
of the elite Reconnaissance ?\farincs arc lea1/:
ng \\:omen pantin,2; and :nen wanting ,o enlist.
1◄ hc rcn 1nen ~vho p()~e in rhe :-\rnerica:s f-Icrncs
200--:- c:alendar arc all current or fonner
models (but they could be!) So
move o,·er Matthew McCooaughey
;;nd Patrick Dempsey, "sexiest men
ali..-e'', you ma,· nave some stiff competition.
SKl:: G1-00C,1
Pnce: S14.Ci9
Freedom ls Not Free (Not-Profit)
Tel: 858-847-9999
\V\V\\•:freedomisnotfree.com
1n fo@freedomisootfree.com
www.ozarksstar.com
1 cups
1/2 stic er (melted)
3 eggs (beaten)
3/4 cup light Karo Corn syrup
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
1 /2 cup milk chocolate chips
2 Tbs. Bourbon
-mix pecans, choco1ate chips and bourbon and let
soak for 1 /2 hour. stirring occasional1y.
-blend meited outter into sugar unti: fully irtegrated.
-add beaten eggs and biend.
-add corn syrup and sait and blend ful 1y
-fold in pecan/chip mixtJre.
-pour into pie shei! with edges crimped (we nake
an old fashioned Crisco pie crust for '.his recipe. but
you can use ...vhatever ;::ie :.:rust you 11refer to rna~e \
-bake at 350 for approximately 45 minutes unti
center o: pie rises and c0acks.
-let coo!. best se~ved slightly v,a:n: with eith0r f,esi·
whipped cream or vaniiia :ce crean:
enjcy1
~TRAVEL
by Donald Piie and Ray Williams
"SAVANNAH, GA"
Savannah, Georgia (better known as Savannah GA) is one of the
most historical cities in che country dating back to it's founding by
General James E, Ogiethorpe in 1733, It has a wealth of history and
archircccure that few American cities can match. Savannah has managed
to prcscrvc it', Southern Colonial grace and charm. The ciry's
many rich, green parks are blooming legacies of che brilliance of it's
founder. \¼'hat was already a remarkable city was re-invenc,d when
our friend John Berendr, che author wrote his fabulous book, MIDNIGHT
IN THE GARDEi\! OF GOOD AND EVIL about iifr
in Savannah a frw years ago. John Berendt's book takes the reader
through all che very colorfi.d characters in the town, in particular
with the late Jim \Villiams, the
gay amiqt!Cs dealer who was
said to have shot and killed
· his lrnsder/lover. He owned
the house that fonnerlv wa:,
owned by the song writer
Johnny Mercer. Clint Eastwood
later made the book
into a wonderfol moYic by the
same name ..
SaYannah sito on the
Atlantic Ocean and has a
population of about 140,000.
"fouri,t, Hock to the city
to cake adYantagc of all the
historical and architectural
highlight,. Savannah i, known
:1, the QUEE:-,.,.: CITY of
rhc Snuth, \vhcr~ you enter
,ome<me's home, d1l' FIRST
thing t!\l'\' ask i, "\\'hat cio vou w:mt w drink?'' Everyone there is
t·xtrcn1cl:· h<lspi1ablc.
[\,...: I Iisi<ni-.. i'>i:-itrict of \;1_•:annah i~ buzzing \Vith crcatiYiry) ~HI
\~',:~:.~;/:::j :\\~;lJ~:;~l.'\tl:~~j~,:::~)t:\\~~:'/;~;\''.\'.~:;· ::;~l:~:::i~!;\;:l\;'._,,_,
\Vith .).h':ii1il:ih ~~nLt tilO\'C there to li":t' in or!C or rh\.· oldc:-it ... :iti..:s in
, \111cr1c1 :1 site oi' !11:1nv L1n1lHt> H~z:~·ohllin11~HT &· ( ~ivli \\1ar B~lt.,
' .
Uc:-. }-lund_rcd~ o( int;,.Tl'.,tirq; ~it,_·s :_(1 sec includ;:-., tnon: :h;~c t\'.'cIH~n1onu1n'-'!
lI-'. p~nkl,, l ]i.stnri;,.· 1-•lornc,'l) ( 'hurchc:-i & i:(;rt;,
:<~nion.;~ 1-li;-;tc:·ic l :tr~liin;,1rk l )i~tr(c! in 1hc t "\,;\.
n1ixcd Cr<)\\·d and
Blaine·~ Backd, )1
B,!r, l :i l :, p,_ ,,:,,
St. 1~ rn< }re , )f _:
Cf0\V(1. ,\il th~ h:
an: extrt:1nch· fun
and fricndh'. Tk:;
LOVL their tour
ists in Sav,tnnah,
~rhcrc arc 22
original p:lrk:::. in
do\,·nto\\·n ~J;·.u; ·
g1ganuc n1t ,~:---.
draped u:,ks ,.nd
surrounded i)\"
statch· hornc:-- :1:·1t.i
husinc;,:~(·~< '['his 1s :; great .. ,\·aJking" lU\\'O
\•.:hen: c\·cry, )thcr hlnck~ ukc~ you into
:u1othcr ir11ercsting and hi~torical aspect
o( the cny. Ye 1u '.\·ill :iced td ~pend three
or r-our day--: to ukt: tn c·-.;cryihing:. ~fht:
hnn1c tqur"- :,n: r:.:.dl~- cxccptic;naL Special
pbcc:-, t1 i ,:isit slv)~;ld include the i\1erccr
! louse whcrc the \ruic.JUC~ l)c,1lcr, Jirn
\\-iili:l!H'.', ii\-cd, t !le ( h\·cn-T~1Pin,l~ hou~c.
! c::1uh I ).1\-cnp{ 1n l iou~;: Jnd t!h: (;n.:l'.n.\
L-iurii:1 I h)us1~-. The {:It'. ccn1ctcnc-~ ;~re
"TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD"
"Carlos Fernandez on Bravo TV's TOP CHEF"
By Donald Pile and Ray Williams
In our travels all over the country we are so fortunate
in that we meet so many wonderful and exciting people.
A few years ago in Florida we met Carios Fernandez and
Chuck Smith who are life partners and co-owners of the
Hi-LIFE CAFE which is a very upscale restaurant in Ft.
Lauderdale. It is located at 3000 North Federal Highway.
Chuck Smith who is the excellent host of the restaurant
and his partner Carlos Fernandez, the extremely talented
Chef opened the restaurant 11 years ago and they have
developed a very strong following of devoted follmvers
over the years. \Vhen we were there last time they were
celebrati~g their 10th Anniversary of the Hi-Lit~ Cafe.
rlheir hours are Tuesday-'Thursday 5:30 PM to 10:00
PM, Friday & Saturday, 5:30 PM - 11 PM and Sunday,
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Their website is: www.hilifecafe.
com. After laying in rhe sun all day at the beach and before
heading off for the night to party, be sure and dine
there. You won't be sorr1. It is a must-do for almost all
the gay tourists that goes to Ft. Lauderdale.
www.ozarksstar.com
Carlos is a fantastic Che£ Actually he is now on the
top rated Bravo TV sho\v; TOP CHEF! Filmed in Los
Angeles he is one of 15 chefs from ail over the country
that was chosen to be on the shmv. It airs on \'v'ednesdav
nights on Bravo. Stay tuned to see just how far he gees
on the show One Chef is eliminated each ,veek. The
TOP CHEF a.: the end receives $100,000.00l It's ahv,l\'s
g-- reat to see a .g..,,.,. av_, coup- le own a business together. \'fc (,_
wiil be down in Ft. Lauderdale at the season's finale and
what a grand pany it will be if he gets the top prize: He
will alwavs be our Number 1 Top Chef in Florida! l ,ast
January ,vhen ,ve were 111 Ft. Lauderdale we presented
Chuck and Carlos with a special crystal plate engr:r.. cd
with gold to help them ceiebrate their 10th c\nni,:ersar:,
of the Hi-Life.
the ST/\R 19
Fringing the ocean, Starwood Hotels' glimorous and gay-friendly Adantic
resort has been a key feature of Fort Lauderdale's stunning redevelopment.
(Photo ~y Andrew Collim)
December 2006
by Andrew Collins
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdaie, which has transformed itself into Florida's leading
gay vacation destination over rhe past decade, continues to turn
heads with the spectacular redevelopment of its stunning beachfrom.
1his neighborhood with a number of gay resorts has seen - or
will soon see - the opening of several upscale, gay-friendly hotels,
include the Adamic, the St. Regis, the W Hotel, and the Trump
International. New bars, restaurants, and attractions also continue
to open throughout the city and in the neighboring community of
Wilton Manors, helping to make the region a vibrant and exciting
gay destination year-round.
In deciding where to stay in Fort Lauderdale, consider whether
you'd prefer a gay, dor.~ing-optional resort or a ia:ger mainstream
provertv. Among the latrer is the charming Riverside HoteL set
;lo~g f;shionable Las Olas Boulevard. Ih; natty 1936 property
recendy complered a stunning, multimillion-dollar makeover. ~nw
first of Starwood Hotels' snazzy new beac:1front properties to open
here, rhe dashing Atlantic offers ucobHructed ocean views from the
majority of its spacious, airy rooms, aII of them with Bose CD-stereos,
lovely patios, and small kitchens. Starwood's St. Regis, with
a mid-December 2006 opening, is even more sumprnous: Jviost
roon1s overlook the ocean or Intracoastal \XlarerwayJ and they con1c
"'Nith such deluxe perks as burler service~ a f3.buious spa, and leather
furniture. Starwood·s next big project, th..: W Hord Fort Ltudcrdale,
is expected to open in [)ecember 2007.
LL..:: ~ay resorts, the upscale pro1=1erty that
I .... :1uderdale's gro\vth into a iT1ajor
and it continues
hotels. Perks hen.: ]ndudt'
20 the STAR
and beer, CD players and VCRs in many units, glass-brick showers
with high-end bath amenities, and dedicated top-notch service.
Guests can relax all day around the stunning pool with a waterfall
and fiber-optic lighting. There are several other fine upscale resorts
of comparable repute, including Pineapple Point, a handsome l 930s
spread that has the grace and st:yie of a Caribbean plantation. and
the Flamingo Resor;:, opened by the former direcwr of Paris' famous
Ritz hotel; it resembles a luxury boudque hotei on an exclusive British
West Indies isle, with its hand-carved dark-wood furniture and
sumptuous linens. Relatively new owners have continued ro upgrade
the reson: with improved furnishings and amenides.
The more reasonably priced Eiysium Resort, just 200 yards from
the beach, has p::rfectly comfortable rooms. Here you'll always find
friendly guys lounging on the expansive sundeck, with its hot tub,
hammock, and tropical bar - there are nvo heated pools. Even the
simplest rooms at nearby Villa Venice are warm and attractive, with
refrigerarnrs and microwaves. With its friendly staff and an extensive
pool area where breakfast is served, the resort draws an energetic
fun-in-the-sun bunch. The similarly priced Worthington Guest
House ranks among the cruisier resorts in town, wi,h a playful vibe
and attractive grounds for sunning and swimming au naturale. 1he
same owners opened the neighboring Alcazar Resort in 2006, also
featuring a frisky ambience and lovely rooms. Mode:ateiy priced
Coconut Cove, just a short walk from the beach, is another reliable
choice in the neighborhood.
The gav-resort scene in Fort Lauderdale is constantly evolving, with
rrend/new properties opening seemingly every few months, and
oider ones receiving massive makeovers. A great example of the latter
is the elegam Nev, Zealand House, which was vin:ually rebuilt in
2003; now its sleek rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD/CD piayers,
cordless phones, and Wi-Fi. Orhcr highly recommended properties
include the Grand Resort, whose urbane decorative scheme contrasts
markedly with the tropical beachy ambience of Fon Lauderdale
beach; it's one of the few gay iodgings with a gym. With about
30 rooms, the Schubert Resort, fashioned out of a rerro-cool l 950s
hotel compound, affords a similar level of opuience and alluring facilities,
including a cafc with a full bar. Although it's set a shon drive
inland from the beach, the Coral Reef Guest House is a worthwhile
option thanks to its attractive g.1rdens, massage offerings, and eight
cheerfdly furnis'."!cci, reasonably priced rooms. One of the dosest
resorts to the mar:y gay bar, and restaurants in Wiiton ~Aanors,
Cabanas Guest House appeab w social butterflies, with its l 0-man
Jacuzzi and eight-man aroma,herapy steam room. The posh rooms
h~tvc goose-dov~rn con1fcH·ters~ Wi-I:i, and (=I)ifviP3 players.
Fort Lauderdaic is les~ about sightseeing than ~v1iami or ()rlando
- people come hnc ro relax in rhe sun :-u•~"''""-· and shop. This latter
activity you can enjoy at the fiuncd Sawgrass J\.-iills J\r1a1L whosr
more than .300 designer outlets include l)onna Karan) Saks, Ann
'riy1or; and ()r stroll along Las_
1
_;:~];:;_"_,,:, •• J-\
1~.'-,bich •~.~.. ~~_;:,:~r:
1
•~_:,
1
::
\",'ith fashion boutiques and __ .~ ..,__ --" c__ -~ ~ ---
and around 1-vatcr, and then: are sightseeing
cruises,
and
:-;ailing
rnany <)f the local :Jccornrnodations ,vork closely
outfitters, But if you do have a hanker--
of }\rt Fort I..,auderdaic
vvt.lvvv.ozark.sstar.corn
is also a great place to while away the occasional rainy afternoon.
It's known for its first-rate collection of works by leading American
impressionist painter Wiliiam Giackens.
The city's dining scene continues ro evolve. For creative contemporary
cuisine, it's hard to beat stylish Mark's Las Olas, which has a
chic decor and A-list clientele. Perhaps the hottest venue in town is
Johnny V, helmed by celeb chef Johnny Vinczencz - at this hip Las
Olas restaurant you might try ancho-cinnamon-grilled pork t~nderioin
or corn-dusted yellowtail snapper with smoked-pepper relish.
At the Atlantic hotel, Trina has become a favorite for its signature
Trinatini cocktails (with vodka, lavender syrup, and pomegranate
and lemon juices), such tempting Mediterranean-inspired fare as
Moroccan chicken pizza and tagine-baked grouper with almond
couscous, and the awesome ocean views.
Or consider one of Fort Lauderdale's several gay faves, such as HiLife,
a homey bistro with delicious, sensibly priced pastas, salads,
and seafood and poultry grills - try the grilled bacon-wrapped jalapenos
stuffed with shrimp and cheese. Kitchenetta Tratroria serves
some of the best Italian food in rhe region, including knockout
ricotra cheesecake for dessert. A favorite piano cabaret in Wilton
Manors, Tropics offers above-average Continental fare, such as a
prosciutto-pocket starrer - a pastry stuffed with prosciutro, apples,
walnuts, and mozzarella.
\v'ilton Manors is also home to Rosie's, a former Hamburger
Mary's restaurant that's still a convivial spot for casual pub fare
and socializing, and Galanga, known for its outstanding sushi and
weil-prepared Thai food. For dessert, coffee, and wine, or delicious
sandwiches during the day, be sure to stop by breezy and hip Stork's
Bakery. There's also a Stork's on Las Olas Boulevard, from which
you can book a romantic gondola tour along rhe Himmarshee
Canal. A great, relatively new addition to Wilton Manors is the
Naked Grape, a handsome iittle wine bar with light food and live
music most nights as well as a nice selection of microbrew beers to
go along with the vino.
Fort Lauderdale pulses with gay bars. If you're in the mood to cut
loose at a big-time warehouse disco, head to rhe Coliseum, a glitzy
megaclub with a variety of parties and theme nights. The elegant
China White nightclub has a number oflively parties throughout
the week, and has become quite famous for its giant elephant
sculpture and distinctive leopard-prim carpets and lavish Buddha
~tatuary.
Learher bars like the hard-edged Sr.eel lounge and dance dub and
the dungeoncsque Ramrod, with its Tom of Finland artwork, always
dra1.,v big crcn,vds. BHfs Fiiling Station is a quintessential neighbor~
hood hangout and home t0 one of the city's top happy hours, especially
an1ong the 35~and-older cro-\vd. \Xfilton Manors, a l 5-111inute
drive fro!n the beach resorts, has several appealing nightspots,
. ' •. ~ l 1 ., ~~ 1nclu~1ng a te\~l n:at_cate: ne.a:11r to r'ort .T.. _,au•~ erd' a. .1. _ e•-s CO!lS•H ' .1era• bI. e
over-)0 gay populatton. ln th1s latter group, (_,hardees, a restaurant
and lounge: is queen of the hill; its nightly piano cabaret is always
hie Sidelines Sports Bar dra"'.,v-s a great 1nix of folks to shoot
and vilatch sports on T\1~ and the lesbian-popular i-...Jev1 J\.,1oon~ a
neighborhood joint -.~vith great on Vr'eekends, (:lub
\AJV\.n.v~ozarksstar.com
Boom, Elements, and Georgie's Alibi are slick, happening video bars
nearby, ali three of them good places to meet locals and converse
with friends. There's something for everybody in this constantly
growing gay resort community.
Photo: White-faced (capuchin) monkeys frequently cavort in
the trees behind the beach in Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio
National Park. (Photo by Andrew Collins)
the STAR 21
DECEMBER 2006
"CHRISTMAS IN NOVEMBER"
Jolie Justus, newly elected member of the Missouri state Sena,e
I'm still a lirrle dazed - I was up pretty late on election night - but
I'm cerrainiy not confused. And neither is rhe country.
No longer content to be sv.-ayed by the politics ~f fear and hare,
1 middle Americans came our in record numbers lasr Tuesday ana
shoured from the rooftops - "We want change!" And change is what
they got.
President Bush and the Republican Party have been put on notice.
The Democrats have raken control of the U.S. House of RepresentatiYes,
a change that was 12 years in the making. And the improbable
is no-w reality - both Montana and Virginia have turned blue, giving
the U.S. Senate to the Democrats as we!L "I11e election is welcome
news certainly for us tried-and-true Dems, but also for rhe lesbian
and gay commc:nity.
i'fothing was more satisf1ing than to see Rick "man on dog" Sar,torum,
one of Pennsylvania's two Republican U.S. senators, become
history. Santorum is one of the most disgustingly homophobic
elected officials of ail time. He's been a wp Bush apologist, who carried
the radical Christian right's warer, and he w:11 now be replaced
by Bob Casey, the son of a forn1er Pennsylvania governor.
lust as sweet as Santorum\ exit from office is the fact that his chief
~f staff and coinn1unications director, Robert T'raynham, an
openly gay Af'rican-i\meric:m man, wiH soon b~ om of,,. jo~. L for
one, don't kno,v hovv 'Tfaynham can get up in the morning knov✓1ng
he helped elect and put ·\vords in the ffiouth of one of this counrry:s
biggest gay~haters.
'•X'hen you look at the cndors~:rricnts 1nade the l-!11n1an :Rights
C:an1pajgnt '\VC did pretty ·w·elL ()f !-1R..C:'s 231 endorsecs, 208
22 the STAR
won, while only 16 losr. (At press time, seven races were still undecided.'!
\Y/hen vou break down the numbers, rhere were 18 senators,
179 ~embers ~f r:he House, and 11 governors elected ,vho purportedly
support our issues.
Of the 51 key Congressional and Gubernatorial races tha.: HRC
identified, 15 candidares ,von in the House, and nine were successfui
in the Senate. HRC's president, Joe Soimonese, told me the day
after the election that his group's top priorii:ies were thre<:' Senate
races - Casey in Pennsylvania, Sherrod Brown in Ohio, and Amy
Klobuchar in Minnesota. All three won. But HRC's strategy went
beyond those top races.
"The greatest hope for our community resred in our ability to be a
powerful polirical force in key races and do ir in a way ,ha;: people
felt our oresence," said Solmonese. "We iooked within those states,
and as a 'national organization, considered what else we could do in
each of them to effect change for our community.''
In Minnesota, HRC pm: considerable resources into the state bod1
raising and spending money to organize the community and impact
the race. Klobuchar beat her Republican challenger, Mark Ken:1edy,
in an open race with 58 percent of rhe vote. Tim \Y/a!z, a Democ,r_at
endorsed by HRC, defeated an incumbent U.S. Congressma;:i, Gil
Gutknecht; and furthermore, according to HRC's website, thar
state's legislature will have a "fair-minded majority in 2007 .''
]be Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDNJ did a bit of its
own election analvsis and concluded that all the co-sponsors of the
bill to repeal "Do;1't Ask, Don't Tell" who sought re-~lection were
successful except for one outstanding race in Connecticut. SLDN
also said that no one was thrown out of office for supporting the repeal,
and that, according to a recent Gailup poll, nearly four in f.ve
Americans support gays and lesbian serving openly in the milh:ary.
Perhaps with the new Congression;,J leadership and rhe polii:ically
expedient exit of Secretary of Dei:ense Donald Rumsfeld, we'll actually
see some movement on rhis issue. The military is already hardpressed
to Eli its quotas, so not letting us serve is just plai1: sn:pid.
Unfortunately, all but one of the same-sex marriage bans passed.
i\rizona turned away from hatred and dcfca!ed its anti-gay-marriage
baliot measure, and Sourh Dako,a's vote was surprisingiy verv dose
- 52 percent for, 48 percent against. Virginia passed its measare, but
not after a long, hard fight and the organizing of a terrific coalirion
that \Vill hopefnlly continue ro battle for our rights.
,.;v~hile n1uch attention has been placed on the national scene. 1..ve
can\ forget that politics is aiso local, and that 1.ve did pretty ~~vell on
that levei, too.
v,.11,v,N, ozark.sstar. corn
performed charitable work, sponsorino
holiday toy drives for children and fi.u~draisers
that originally assisred injured riders and
iater helped people ·with AIDS.
While early gay motorcycle clubs were
men-only, some lesbian~ also embraced the
lifestyle, forming women's clubs such as the
Moving Violations in Boston (19851 and
the Sirens in New York Citv 0986): The
m_ost well-known queer wo.men motorcyclJSts
are the Dykes on Bikes. 1he original
group, which rode in the 1976 San F~ancisco
Pride parade, became a nonprofit
offici~lly known as the Women's Mororcycle
Contmgent. After the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office twice rejected the oroup's
application - claiming the word "dyk~" w;s
derogatory and vulgar it finally registered
the name 'Dykes on Bikes" in 2005.
Over the years, the nature of queer motorcycle
culture has changed. With the advent
of gay liberation in the iate 1960s, m.my
men no longer felt the need for secretive
fraternal organizations, and liberal activisrs
rejected the hierarchy anci militarism of the
early clubs. In the 1980s, rhe AIDS epidemic
devastated the gay male motorcycle
com~unity. With the emergence of groups
specifically devoted rn leather/SM, motorcycle
riding and fetish sexuality diverged as,
accor~ing to Bald"".in. ~ome .serious riders
were embarrassed by the irotic visibiliry of
the kinky crowd." ·
w'hile motorcycle dubs no longer plav
as prominent a role in rhe gav world, the
cuiture continues to thrive, 2~1d new dubs
emerge, such as the Stonewall Kniohts in
-Ft. L aua' erd a l' e and t I1 e '1--,:"va•l iers o~°- New
Orleans, both founded '11 2002. Mirroring
trends in the larger GLBT comnumitY,
many of today's motorcycic dubs wclcon;e
members of all genders and scxuai orientations.
In the words of ,he organizc:s of the
annual Queer Biker Invasior; of Dead~ Valley~
being queer is "a state of n1ind~ and vou
know if it fits you." '
For further information:
Baidwin, Guy. 1993. ~~fies ~!hat
(Daedaius).
Bloom, Scott, 2005.
Satyrs iv10torcycie (]ub _
Guggenheirn iv1usetu11. 1998.
fvianhi: 'The Biker Book _ .
w-NW.ozarksstar.corn
All in all. HRC flexed its political muscle in
unprecedented ways. We invested more than
$5 million in these elections and mobilized
our more than 650,000 members and supporters
to participate in campaigns and to
rnte. We placed 84 staffers in 30 races in
more than 18 states and we sent 22 HRC
Youth College campaign workers all over the
country. We also dramatically expanded our
field operations this election cycle, playing
key roles in coordinated progressive efforts
and helping fair-minded leaders take back
the New Hampshire state House and Senate,
the Iowa House and Senate, the Indiana
House, the Minnesota House, the Oregon
House and the Michigan House.
\'i/e were literally on the front lines in dozens
of states. (For a more extensive analysis on
what HRC accomplished, check our HRC
":ice President David Smith's insider postelection
analysis memo here:http:/ /www.hrc.
org/election2006/)
With a new fair-minded leadership in both
the United Srates House and Senate, the
Federal Marriage Amendment is dead! And
we look forward to working strategically ·
with our allies on the Hill to build momentum
and support for passing the Employment
Non-Discrimination Act and making
hate crimes protections the law of the land.
A truly exciting new chapter of GLBT history
is beginning.
I ~vant to offer a very special thanks to all
ot you. Your ongoing belief in rhe work we ?o made these historic vicrories possible.
Your contributions, the time vou rnok to
volunteer and your participation in HRC
evems and HRC-endorsed campaigns are
the reasons we were able to secure a more
pro-equality 11 Orh Congress and Senate. I
feel very iucky to work with such a talented
team at HRC ar;d, as I rravei around rhe
cmmtrv, I am inspired bv vour commirm~nr
to our ·rn.arch t<Y,,;ard full ;quaiitv. i·h~pe ~· ·
vou will rake some time to ~deb~atc o~r
~.,vins. because it trulv is a ne½~ dav for the
(;LR1. con1n1unity ;nd for our c~untry.
*
((3 OZ)GREY GOOSE voott\
(1 OZ) CHAMBORD
(1/2 OZ) PINEAPPLE JUICE.:___.
~~
1. Chill a martini glasses with ice and
water.
2. Add aii ingredients with ice in
shaker
3. Shake well.
4. Strain into the chilied martini
glasses.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU !
TheSTAR 23
Salutations Kittens and welcome to Uncle's corner of the world once
again. Like a friend with benefits, Uncle shall continue to provide
enjoyment to all that seek. Uncle Mikey finds a Twink that wants
to be fabulous, while a queen ponders the afteriife. Never a dull
moment in Uncle's corner, Kittens.
Dear Uncle Mikey,
Wby does everyone think that just because you are deeper than a basket of
hair products. you are a drag? I am so sick of this plastic existence, where
the most important matter of discussion is where the next piece of ass is
coming from. Can't we just pretend there is more to life than just a selfserving
int~rest?
Seeking Depth
Dearest SD,
Kitten, it takes all kinds to keep this world turning. I agree with your
plight of mind-candy. It was just this morning kittens that Uncle, while
sitting on the balcony. was pondering real life issues affecting us ail. Ifl
wear my blonde wig to the winter carnival, will the queens forgive me? Yes,
Kitten as you can see, Uncle Mikey is a twin soul; one seeking fun while the
other is seeking wisdom. Maybe I should call Ru!
Smooches,
Uncle Mikey
Dear Uncle,
I am beginning to wo,,der what comes in the afterlife. I am dating a man
of the church, who is in const211t deniai. He lies to himself, his wife, and
his church. I sit there, 01;. the sidelines in love, with a man who cannot
even walk with me in the light of day. I am wondering if there really is
anything after this !if-:. I mean, every day we hear from those in the church
who are noth:ng more thar, :mpostors living a life oflies. What is to come?
Seeing the jaded gates '\
Dearest Jade.
Kitten, I understmd t:hc bbrn::d iine between iife's happiness and moments
fillt:d wit!1 a fairhfoi search. I myself recall my first love, which happened to
be a priest, at« locai parish. He was the man who taught me passion, romance,
and commitment. A romance that gave uncie Mikey the first taste
oflo,·e and pass1on i,1 the southern skyway. It was the toughest break up of
my life. 'That vear was such a time of change for Uncle, the break up wi.:h
Father Flanagan and starting rniddlc schooi ail in one year. It was rough
but taught 1ne to be strong to say the lease
Smooches,
Uncle
[)ear lJnde fvfikcy,
1-io~~l do you tell someone you just want a booty call so they do not uy to
get aU hon1cn1akcr on your ass?
Booty-Boy
26 theSTAR
You could say something like, ·'Booty; parry of one!" Keep it simple young
player.
Uncle
Uncle Mikey,
I am surviving a breakup after ren years ofioving th:: s;ime and onl, man.
Now I find mvsdf in a world that has chane.ed in that de;::ade of bliss. 1he
men are so m{believably outrageous about tl1eir ways and desires. I fear
time has passed me ieaving me to remai!1 alone. I just do not know how
to be "so'' out there as it seems co be the protocol. Am I just destined to be
alone?
Party of One
Dearest One,
Poor love, iife is on a fast tr2ck rhac ;::an oe a bit unnerving at first. Uncle
has watched the times change, ar!d fads co;ne ;;nd go. \veicome to the
drive through of the booty age. wl1ere or.ce we had to seek out iove in
midnight hidden embraces, we now can't walk a park mile without rripping
over someone's throbbing desire. 111at reminds me of a walk Uncle took
the ocher dav, Kittens. This man was absolutclv Matthew fine! Well he
approached ·me with his! Oh sorry One! Uncle.got lost in the moment.
Back to rhe issue at hand! Kitten, buy a new ,vardrobe, and don a new look.
Tnen hit the town. Just think of the wonders tbat wait. Kitten, this too
shall pass, pd! up a ~cat to Twink :If]. and enjoy the new found,freedom!
Smooches
Uncle
Uncle Mikey,
Do you think it iS, wro~f ro ask a_ coapi~ to have a th,eesome, when you're
related ro one of tnem, tb(:y an: JUSt so not.
Looking for family .:ime
Kitten, I swear I am hearing banjos again. Let us step out of the trailer
court when looking for a hook up - shall we Darling? Remember there are
branches on the Famiiv Tree for a reason.
Smooches Mikey ·
Uncie Mikey, '
What do you tell a friend who is really getting to be: mer weight and chinking
they are still hot? I do not icnow what he sees when he looks in the mirror,
but people are talking. He jt!st seems no; :o care anymore. He never
works out anymore, and he eats anything ar;d evcryrh;ng. l am almost
embarrassed of him. What c,m I do;
Friend of chubby
A fdl-iength mirror v,ith overhead lighting should do the cick. "
Smooches r,1ikey
•Disclaimer - Looking at: oneself in a full-length rnirrnr \vich overhead lighting
may be hazardous to :{ou heahh. l}nck rccornnH:nds having a good stifF
one before doing this. \Ou do not ,varn to go into shock. Be afraid be
very afraid. (~onsult a queen near
Unde discovered
an overhead mirror JS you
has been there ev,:r since!
look best v.ri,Hc looking J.t yoursdf fron1
( 1!: ,r( ?fr ;),cn ... k, 1'.Jccdkss to say lJnde
tJnde is out of sight once nHHe, Until
rnake of itJ so
and. -i Hlct!es too.
v-rvi\N.ozarksstar,corn
FRIDAY December 1
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6.6-12
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
PEC'S: .\faie Dan~m, 9pm
SATURDAY December 2
THE ROCKIES: OGRA Benefit Shew
8:30gm
TH~ COPA: Maie D:rncers 9pm
GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfas: Buffet
1 arn.~.3:30am
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
PEC'S: Male Dancers, 9pm
SUNDAY December 3
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Fr~e Brunch
2pm, Danc~rs 4pm
CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show
8:30pm.
CLUB MAJESTIC: Caria Lee Love
Show 10pm
THE CO!'A: Raci,ac! Erikks Show
10:30pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
MONDAY December4
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9om
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
TUESDAY December 5
PEC'S: Well cirinks 2.50 from 7-9pm
,vcar lc•thcr.
THE COPA: Stip-Off Contest 12am
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
WEDNESDAY December 6
BAMBOO LOUNGE: K:uaoke 9pm.
PEC'S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-9om
wear lcad:er. •
TNT'S: Karaoke 9pm
THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament l 0pm
THE ROCKlES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
THURSDAY December 7
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show
,viRachad Erikks :!,;at=;i:t;:;~ drink~ 2.50 from 7•9pm
THE COP~-'\.: ()pen Taienr ~NiShcrnoanc
~I~;~~;i~};/~f~:~ fotm,amcn, lGp:li
LEDO: Kari-,Okic host. Pancho 9orr:
THE ROCKJE..5: Beer Bust 'lpm~7pm
FRIDAY December 8
TBJ::. COPA: t .. {a!c l)ancers 9prn
THE ROCKIES: Beer Busr 1-6.6-12
CLUB ROX: Alison Scott. 9:30pm
PEC'S: ~\1Jlc l)~u1ccrs, 9pm
wNw.ozarksstar.com
SATURDAY December 9
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
PEC'S: Maie Dar!cers, 9pm
GUSHERS: Lare Niehr Breakfast Buffe,
lam-3:30am ,.
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
SUNDAY December 10
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pm, Dancers 4pm
CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show
8:30pm.
CLUB MAjESTiC: Catia Lee Love
Show 10pm
THE COPA: R;,;.chad Erikks Show
i0:30om
THE 'ROCKIES: Beer Bu!t 1-6,6-12
MONDAY December 11
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
TUESDAY. December Ii
PEC'S: Wdl drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm
wear leather.
THE COPA: Seip-Off Contest 12am
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
WEDNESDAY December 13
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
PEC'S: Wei! cl.inks 2.50 from 7-9pm
wear leather.
TNT'S: Karaoke 9om.
THE COPA· Variety Show i0:30pm
FiNISHLINE: Dart Tourn;smem 10pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bun 4pm-7pm
THURSDAY December 14
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show
w/Rachael Erikks
PEC'S: Wdl dri:-.ks 2.50 from 7-9om
wear leather. ·
THE COPA: Open Talem w/Shcmoanc
Somemore ! 0:30pm
FiNISHLINE: 6an ·fouroamcm 10L>m
LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9p::;
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
FRIDAY December 15
CLUB MAJESTIC: Majestic Kings
Show 10pm. ··
Tl-iE COPA; J-..1:ak Dancers 9prn
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
PEC'S: Male l)ancers, 9prn
SATURDAY December 16
-rNT's: fundraiscr for Susln c; Komen
BreEr Cm1e<::r Foundation, l0;)m
Tl-IE COPA: ~1:.tlt l)311e.:-rs 9i,m
GCSHERS: 1..1,a
larn-J:30am
Brcakf1st Buffer
PECtS: fvfa.k D.1n-..:cc . c;t,,,·,.
THE RC)CKIES: Beer Bust l-6;6 .. 12
SUNDAY December 17
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pm, Dancers 4pm Kris Kohl Show
8pm
CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show
8:30pm.
CLUB MAJESTIC: Catia Lee Love
Show 10pm
THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show
10:30pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
MONDAY December 18
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
TUESDAY December 19
PEC'S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7 -
9pm wear leather.
THE COPA: Sc;p-Off Comest
Midnight.
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
WEDNESDAY December 20
BA..\fBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
PEC'S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-
9pm wear leather.
JNT'S: Karaoke 9pm.
THE COPA: Variety Show I 0:30pm
FINISHLINE: DanTournament 10pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
THURSDAY December 21
CLUB MAJESTIC: Taienc Show
w/Rachad Erikks
PECS: Wdl drinks 2.50 fcOJ:: 7-90::,
wear leathe,. ·
THE COPA: Open 'Ialmr wiShemo;;.nc
Somemore i 0:30pm
FJNISHUNE: Darr ·1ournamcnc l (1pm
LEDO: Kari-Okk host Pancho 9om
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm~7pm
FRIDAY D«.ember 22
THE COPA: Maie Dancers 9pm
PEC'S: lvfoJe I)ancers, 9pm
THE ROCKiES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
CLUB ROX: Alison Scott Show9:30pm
SATURDAY ~mber 23
TNT?s: Chrisrn1as P.anv. Raffle Benefit
for Childrcns f·iospitaL·
1-HE COPA: t.. ..i alc I)anccrs 9pm
GUSHERS: Luc l"J.ighr Bre:1kfasr Bufl{:1
J aJ11-3:30am
PEC'S; :v1ak Dancers, 9prr:
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bmt i--6.6-12
SUNDAY December 24
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pm. Dancers 4om
CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Sh°'"
8:30pm.
CLUB MAJESTIC: Caria Lee Love
Show 10pm
THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show
10:30pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
MONDAY December 25
CHRISTMAS DAY
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Christmas Din:
icr Se:-vcd 3pm. Karaoke 9pm.
THE ROCKIES: Beer Buse 4pm-7pm
TUESDAY December 26
PEC'S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-
9pm wc;;.r leather.
THE COPA: Seip-Off Comest
Midnight.
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust ,ipm-7pm
WEDNESDAY December 27
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
PEC'S: Wdl drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm
·wear leather.
TNT'S: Karaoke 9pm.
THE COPA: VarietJ Show 10:30pm
FINISHLINE: Dare Toarnament l 0pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
THURSDAY December 28
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show wi
Rachael Erikks
PEC':".: Weil drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm
v;car buher.
THE COPA: Open Taicn, w/Shemoane
Somcmorc 10:300::1
FINISHLINE: Darr Tournamcn~ I 0pm
LEDO; Kari-Okie host. Pancho 9pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
FRIDAY December 29
THE COPA: ?,fale Dancer,; 9pm
PEC'S: Male Dancers, 9pm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 1-6,6-12
SATURDAY December 30
Buffer
Lan-3:30am
PEC'S: \faie l);u1et:rs, tJpm
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust i-6,6-12
SUNDAY December 31
t'1£~1YEARS E'✓-E
E'IERY()l~E P1\R1-IES!'.
}i()i~LYWOO[: HOTEL:
Ddarnore, f\1a!c Dan.:e Revm.:.
aHy i{ncnvn Surprise SiJ)gr.:r.
the STi\R 27
"Welcome criticism, Gemini!""
Venus aligns with Pluto (yes, to astrologers he's still a
planet!) drawing us to erotic confrontation and artistic or
financial challenges. Both planets trine Saturn in Leo,
grounding us to more secure personalities or others without
a need to prove themselves.
ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Embrace new adventures
like your life depends on it. The quality of your life depends
on a catalytic change; familiar pleasures aren't cutting it.
Don't be afraid of a challenge. There's more to fear if you
don't go for a big one!
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Review your mortgage or
debts to see if you can get a better deal. New erotic opportunities
will push your boundaries and rouse parental or cuitural
voices - all the better to face them down and be free.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If you want perfection, it's
best to work on yourself, not your partner! Even efforts
at self-improvement may come off as annoying to others.
Perhaps that's a clue to how you realiy need to adapt. Welcome
supportive criticism.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Be careful of your health,
especially when it comes to erotic and culinary indulgences
that could affect your liver. Hard work sustains you - up to
a point. Overwork is very dangerous. Know your limits and
err on the side of caution.
LEO (July 23 - August 22): You need some recreation to
steel yourself against life's challenges. Some light, fluffy
_divertissements_ will not do the trick, but a powerful creative
or athletic challenge is needed to provide the required
release and reinforcement.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Famiiy or roommates
will drive you mad if given half a chance. Take time
out and away from them to be centered and clear on your
own priorities. Then you can stand your ground with unwavering
assurance.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Your nOimally
famous diplomacy seems to be on vacation. Despite your
best efforts, you tend to come across as forceful and locked
onto an immutabie goal. That can be good in the right time
and place, but use your forcefulness wisely!
SCORPIO (October 23 w November 21 ): Having a crisis
of values is just a process of maturing. How you face and
resoive it is more important than the crisis itself. Your approach
to the problem will be on view and couid affect your
career.
28 the STAR
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 ® December 20): You could
seduce almost anyone you want now. The trick may be
keeping away those you don't want. !f you really want to
turn the seduction up, a mature, slightly exotic look will
work for you.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Erotic dreams
(nightmares?) are suddenly very vivid. They may shake up
familiar patterns, but isn't that a!i for the better? Embrace
the challenges and someone, perhaps with more experience,
who can share them with you.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You love a good
debate, now more than ever. You are especially sure of
yourself, but learning is bettei than conquest. The greater
victory would be in keeping an open mind and respecting
whatever authority your opponent may have.
PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Hard work now can
have transformative effects on your career. Expend some
effort, but don't push too hard, to make sure your accomplishments
are noticed. Standing up to the boss may be
necessary. Be calm and open to criticism while holding firm
when you know you're right.
SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO
FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES
SPIRIT OF CHRIST
J\{CC SPONSORS
Testing appoimme:1: 417-529-8.d.80.
2902 E. 20th St..
PO Box 4711
Joplin. I\fo 64803
SA1TRDKY Service 9:?ll:\~\f
Your lnYited to our Cornmunin· Dinner w·cd
6pm iust $4.00. No one is rurned a-.:.JJav.~
Vv\'-Nrozarksstar.com
rokeback (''B
(verb) to brokeback; the
act of affection between
two men in pubiic. Best
done while wearing
cowboy hats.
ex. "Aww, look, they're
brokebacking. Isn't.
that cute?"
Celebri.Vom rn ("sel-EB-ra-vom")
(noun) fast acting \
1
.,_ 1
new diet pill; very ' ,,.__ :; o,-:.
1 -c_.; /.
Popu ar t ./ ""',:.
all h / . ~ 0 t c youn p, , · ; , -
blonde, anorexic ::: O -
and bulimic / 1 \'
Hollywood starlets.
w.vw,joanh!lty.net
30 the STAR
(verb) to hatch;
sentenced
azenly
cheating on your
income taxes.
Also see: fat,
hairv; naked
prison bitch.
•rovtan
(adjective) the act of
being evil, porcine,
and manipulative.
ex. "Jed, that pig's
done gone all
karlrovian on us.
Better go git th' gun!
onna("ma
(verb) to madonna;
technical term used
in the magazine
industry for digitally
retouching the hell
out of deeply wrinkled
faces of middle-aged
ceiebrities.
wv.,w.ozarksstar.com
~
NW Arkansas GLBT
Communit.y, Center
"Linking Together as One"
For more information:
WWWNWAGLBTCC.ORG
r---------
i
V.'\VW.ozarksstar.com
Jay Whiteside
918.902.1461
Tulsa Metro
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
JJall fqr: an -appointment tmd rates.
;,'; i :';'",•, 9~1: ..
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY
ADVERTISINC3 SALES
REPRESENTATIVE
FOR OKLAHOMA, KANSAS
MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS
qualifications to
ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net
or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #~53
Tulsa, OK 74145
the STAR
N
B R RILL
Sunday Champagne Brunch
All you can eat soup and salad bar 1 lam-2pm
$8.99
Monday & Tuesday
Well Martinis $2.50 4pm-7 pm
Best Prime Rib in Town'
Friday & Saturday Nights
Bar fa\orites. restaurant favorites and many
!lC\Y item~ for your enjoyment pleasure
NEW WINTER RATES - $45•
,:, Plus tax. excludes suites
'1 I· ,- '
-,,.,r ~
i j' ,
.
p 'S
A LEATHER/LEVI BAR
CLOSED MONDAYS
Sun 7pm - 2am,
Tues-Thurs 7pm-9pm wear your leather
and get your well drinks for $2.50
Sun - Thur. 7pm-2am
R
Fri and Sat. 4pm-2am
'S PL CE
PIANO BAR
Rudy's Place is a non-smoking
establisthment
Early for cocktails, late for a night cap
NEWYEAR$ EVE
R Delamore, Male Dance
VJ:y-.Known
, .'Surprise Sin"ger.
CLUB
CLOSED MONDAY
SIZZLIN' SUNDAYS
With Whitney Paige
ALISON SCOTT SHOW
December 8th & December 22nd
9:30pm
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2006] The Star Magazine, December 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 12
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
December 01, 2006
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media, Ltd.
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
Greg Steele
Josh Aterovis
Douglas Glenn
John Patrick
Michael Dee
Kay Massey
Paul Wortman
Carlotta Carlisle
Victor Gorin
Greg Gatewood
Libby Post
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzmn
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman
Chaz Ward
Victor Gorin
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
Online text
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Star Magazine, November 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 11
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/241
The Star Magazine, January 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 1
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/206
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/225
Advice Column
Bamboo Lounge
Bitter Girl
books
Border Activity
Chelsea Boys
classifieds
Comic Strips
Diversity Business Association
gay motorcycle clubs
HIV testing
Holiday Gift Ideas
horoscopes
Jim Roth
Lesbian Notions
LesDine Supper Club of Tulsa
marriage
MCC church
Miss Bamboo Pageant
mixology
Mr. Leather
Our House
Q Scopes
Red Ribbon
Star Advertisers
Star Distributors
Star Scene
Too
travel
Tulsa GLBT community center news
Uncle Mikey
Walmart
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/0c8df105d73cb6996da784dabcad6623.jpg
95236ac6539ae57d128911a29cb5e611
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/60f94ba1cf602f7b825dc951e5dbbaf3.pdf
c78acfa197947304180821d86bac8076
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
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Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
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Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
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C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
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lahoma's most read GLBT Magazine
~M@M~
~@@@
~@
~[3@
~~
2114 S. Memorial Dr. * Tulsa, OK * 918.660.0856
2 the STAR, Ceiebrating our 3rd Year 2006.
ontents
06 HEART TO HEART
It ain't easy being green. Or
blind. Or gay. Let's work together
to make it a little easier
on all of us.
I O LESBIAN NOTIONS
Tennessee Burning! Used to be that
cross burnings were the KKK's calling
card against African Americans. Now
cross burnings have a different use.
14 PAST OUT
A retrospective of LGBT
History. This month "How
queer is science fiction?"
I 7 CIAO TRAVEL
Gay Travelers "OGUNQUIT,
1-1AINE" &
Out of Town "Philadelphia"
4
INDEX
Heart to Heart .......... 6
Lesbian Notions ..... 10
People ................... 12
Past Out... .............. 14
Entertainment... ..... 16
Ciao Travel. ........... 17
Star Scene ............ 24
Uncle Mikey .......... 26
The Bistro ............. 27
Horoscopes ........... 28
Distributors ............ 29
Cartoons ................ 30
Classifieds ............. 31
(}av men and lesbians face .... ~, , ', , ,,, , '
situations, whether single oras couples.
Let us help!
I
( 1 ) 7 -5 6
,4rkansas & Ok/ahoma1s 1\Aost Read GLBT ftAagazine
:Executive Director,
y ru::1d Lesbian Task Force
YORK, NY_I never expected New
,~ court to rule for us o:1 marriage,
solid legal reasons, New York
the first tier for marriage test
remember
task 10 years ago of
from going to court to
,en I read the stimmary Friday momtha-
c the state constitution doesn't
the recognition of same-sex mar-
. I expected the body of the decision
to b~ scholarly and well-reasoned, I also
· · · · it :would express sympathy for
· hardships gay
· couples face and that it would
~ge die Legislature to act to add,
tcss these jnjustices ...
:\<Boy, ~was ! ~n& The o~inion w~s m~re
,. ·· poorly.wtitten, illogical and 10sultmg
· · · • d;. it was olainlv homoohoppme
ex~mple'of .th~ failur; of
. . alitgedlf thinking straight people
,• .. · futbis·case judges - to grasp that we
.... f:tfe:fiilly andemially.liwnan.· Sentences like:
:Ji::?,· .. :.,
.ii::a~~~t:i~<;e sQgg~;t that a
· ·· · his or
in
n
cd
they can
ult of acci.dent or
{the inajonty of the New
·Yoi1c.Court6f Appeals sb:ould feel the rest
of their lives. *
F
AGAIN! NOW BY
THE US HOUSE OF
REPRESNTATIVES
WASHINGTON,July 18 _Right-wing
zealots are coming up empty-handed when
they aim to push discrimination into our
nation's Constimrion.
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives
voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment
bv an.o-vcrwhelmiog margin. With 187
Repres;ntatives v~tiog agl!,lllst the FMA, the
extremists pushing the amendment fell far
short of tl;tc two.:tliirds ~ajority needed co
write discrimination 1nto th; Constitution.
You and thousands.of committed Human
Rights Campaign §tipporters.have spoken
up time and time again, urging our elected
officials to stand on the side of equality
and fairness. Together, bur work to combat
discrirrunatlon.has' made a difference.
ive
.. nalGay
"Task Force
"Once ag~ii, a bipartisan bloc has soundly
rejecteq · stimtional iunenclment
. . . .
gay Americans andt:hcir families:.In spite
of intense
to getdris . . . .
the House-just as.it failed in the Senate.
Clearly, thet:e's· no· traction itl this issue.
. . .
''We i::o . Leader Nancy Pelosi,
Min y Hoyer and the entire
minority leadership, and especially Reps.
Tammy Baldwin, Jei:!,'old Nadler, James
McGo~ern and Barney Fr,-..nk for their work
in otgaoizix.ig oppositi~n to this,am,~qd.ment.
as well as all r.l}e others wno stood up
,, : , , ,' -> ,i , ,'' : ~' 1 - ' ' ·-· for our community ana our tamtl1es.
"We hone this vote today will be the basis
for a w~rjqng majority iri Congress to press
forn"ll.rd on basic fairness for lesbian, gay,
· bisexual and transgender people, including
protection from bate crimes and disc~nation
and access to the same protect:J.ons
enjoyed by all other families.
"Finally, as we move beyond yet another
sound defeat of this un-American proposal,
we hope all members of Congress
and the American people think hard about.
what truly is at stake here: Denying one ·
group of Americans the family recogni- .
rion granted to others would r~erse the . .
course of our nation's history oi: expanding
equal rights. It would condemn one group •
to a lesser citizenship and deny them the ·
social support our society has c<;>nsttucted
to help families and children flourish. Gay
and Ie'°sbian families need and deserve the.
kind of protection and support we currently·
extend to other families. Let's start acknowledging
that truth. Let's start talki~g abo'.1tfrj .
and let's start doing it because it 1s the right ·
thing to do."
Creating
Community for
People iiving
with
Our House. Too offers a variety of
activities for peopie \A/ho are HI\/+ and
or living vvith' AIDS to help cornbat the
social lsoiat!on that rnany of our
dE;f ;1;,~~.!:1o~~~1~1=ti::~:s~I~·
and or !!v!ng \.V!th ,A.!OS \.tvho cannot
afford to purchase these !ten1s for
themselves . ..,/Ve invite anyone \Vho
\Vouid like to voiunteer or provide fi·nanciai
assistance to piease contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
harrisrnrnjr,gyahoo_co!T1.
the STAR 5
It Ain't Easy Being Green
It ain't easy being green. The plaintive lament of Kermit the
Frog became this year's theme at the annual meeting of
Blind Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual
People, BFLAG for short. The message was one of selfacceptance,
but the group is also fighting for another kind
of acceptance: inclusion in the gay
is to provide for the betterment of the lives of those who
are visually impaired and who are lesbian, gay, bisexuai or
transgender. Specifically, they're working to help blind gay
people integrate into society.
"LGBT disabled individuals have the same problems as
straight disabled individuals," reports BFLAG president
Butch Arnold. "Sometimes we're totally accepted but, more
often than not, we're assumed to be different and are not
accepted on an even playing field. With the closet factor
added to the mix, disabled people, especially those who
are visually impaired or blind, have major problems fitting
in or simply being accepted by other LGBT individuals.
This makes socializing difficult under many normal LGBT
circumstances."
Jason Perry, vice president of BFLAG and a law student
at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, agrees that
handicapped people are often excluded from gay culture.
'There's a fear, number one, of just 'Goodness, what do
we do?"' Perry explained. "The task iooks so monumental.
The second issue is just logistical. A lot of gay bars aren't
handicapped accessible."
So how do we work together to change that?
The first step, everyone agrees, is education. "Once a
visually impaired or blind individual gets to be known, most
barriers tend to disappear,'' Arnold asserted. •Educating the
general public helps immensely with the acceptance of all
disabled people."
Perry advocates integration. "I'm a firm believer in getting
blind gay people out in the community, in both the gay
and straight community, because if
community.
Many people with disabilities feel
isoiated from society, but gay people
with disabilities often face further
challenges.
It ain't easy being
green. Or blind.
you put a human face on what the
problems are, you help connect the
discussion. The issue becomes tangible
now. It's something people can
relate to."
;The LGBT community is not reaily
inclusive when it comes to the disabled,"
says Ken, a41-year-oid blind
gay man. "While that's not a problem
Or gay, Let's work
together to make it a
little easier on all of us.
"Disabled individuals don't bite and
our disabilities are not contagious,"
stressed Arnold. "People need to get
to know us. As a visually impaired
exclusive to the gay community, it
is made worse with their fixation on
beauty and perl'ection. A disability, no matter what it is,
makes you imperfect."
BFLAG started out as an inforrna! support group for people
who are gay and blind. They first met in 1996 at the nationa!
convention of the American Council of the Blind (ACB).
it was the first of several annual meetings, with attendance
continuing to grow year by year. The group became an
official affiliate of the ACS in 2000. They've grown from a
handful of attendees to about 150 active members
Today, BFLAG states on their Vv'ebsite that their purpose
individual, I'm often perceived to be
a snob when I don't see someone
wave or make eve contact with me.
If i don't know a person is attempting to communicate with
me, I can't respond. I have iost several potential friends
because of this. We al! must !earn to communicate better
and simply do more communicating."
Perry reiterated the importance of eye contact and body
ianguage, especialiy in American gay culture. He reported
that he found it easier to meet people in other countries
because it seemed they valued conversation over the complex
system of eye contact and flirting used in the US.
(:ontinued next page
6 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents.
Heart to Heart
"Everyone must realize thai visually
impaired and blind people simply can't communicate
with body language and such,"
Arnold pointed out. "We still say and feel
the same things, but many of us simply
can't communicate in a visual manner."
Another unique challenge is transportation.
"Mobility seems to be of paramount
importance," Perry said. "My friends like to
go places and I don't drive, of course."
Then there's the common stereotype that, as
Ken put it, "disabled people are not thought
to be sexual." Perry added, "Whenever I
hang out at a gay bar, particularly if I've
never been there before and people don't
know me, a lot of times people look at me
as a casual friend, but not much else."
BFLAG is working hard to educate the LGBT
community. This year alone, four cities saw a
BFLAG contingent march in their pride parade:
Baltimore, MD; Tulsa, OK; Houston, TX; and
Washington, D.C. BFLAG helped organize a
gay pride event in Columbus, OH, and they've
also been accive in Katrina relief efforts doing
everything from providing housing to collecting
food and supplies.
BFLAG is also reaching out to visually impaired
LGBT people. They are currently working on
organizing affiliate chapters in Baltimore, Houston,
and Columbus. Arnold hopes that there will
be even more group,s formed in the next couple
years. They're also hoping to expand the website
(www.bflag.org) and produce a radio web show.
It's not just up to BFLAG, however. LGBT
organizations and individuals need to be more
proactive in reaching om to our disabled brothers
and sisters. More bars and clubs need to be
handicapped accessible. If you see a blind person
at a bar, stare a conversation with them. If you
know a blind person, invite him or her along the
next time you're going out.
Most importantly, let's not forget ::hat blind :ncn
and woman have the same feelings, needs, and
desires as anyone else. "We're just people," Ken
:nsists. "I can accept it if I'm :10t liked fo: my
personality, bat it ticks me off when someone
won't talk to me just because I'm blind.'"
It ain't easy being green. Or blind. Or gay.
Let's work together to make it a little easier
on all of us.
*
c Pride
Announces 2nd
nnual Family
Picnic.
by Carlotta Carlisie
McALESTER, OK_McPride, a McAlester
based non-profit GLBTA organization
who's mission is to create a support group
and provide help for the GLBT community
of Southeast Oklahoma as well as heterosexual
allies v;,ill be hosting the 2nd annual
McPride Family Picnic on Saturday, September
23rd, 11 am to 5pm at Chadick Park, 6th
and Delaware in McAlester.
In addition to picnic space there will be
space available for all pro GLBTA organizations
to sell or display thier resources. This
space must be reserved in advance. Sign
up forms are available at www.mcpride.
org or contact pau!@mcpride.org for more
information. A donation is requested for
this space.
This event is a great opportunity for the
GLBTA community of Oklahoma and
Western Arkansas to get out and meer new
people and show your support for this
Southeastern Oklahoma organization. Although
McAlester is a relitively small town
there is a vibrant GLBT community in the
Lake Eufaula area.
Food and drink vendors are also invited and
shouid contact Elizabeth at 918-423-7015
* Quotable Quotes
A.rka?Jsas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Friday
he hopes the Legisiature considers reimpos~
ing a ban on gay foster parems, struck down
a day earlier by the state Supreme Court.
Arkansas G,n-. Mike Huckabee said !:n.e state
high court was more concer:1ed abom looking
out for gay couples than foster chjldren.
arm Yery disappointed that the court seems
more interested in v,,rhat's good for gay
couples than \vhat's good for children needing
foster care," Huckabee said through his
spokes"..voman ,,;-\Jice Ste\·vart.
a diffaren~•
ct Oklahoma
I E
JOiN US FOR
McPride's 2nd
Annual Family Picnic
Saturday September 23rd
11AM to 5PM Chadick Park
6th and Delware, McAlester
Oklahoma.
Organizations Reserve your
display table now. Contact
paul@mcpride.org
Food and Drink vendors
Contact Elizabeth @ 918-
423-7015
www.mcpride.org
McPride"' PO Box 1515, f\.~ci\iester, OK 74502
the STAR 7
DVD Review
n Legend of Jackie Curtis"
Donald Pile and Ray Williams
We have run across one of the most interesting
and touching biographies that we have seen
in years! SUPERSTAR In a Housedress is a biography
of the late Jackie Curtis of New York City.
It is both a lmok and a DVD. Buv the book and
the DVD comes with it. Everyone should order
one and you can order so easily at amazon.com.
Craig B. Highberger the writer/ director was
a close friend of the late Jackie Curtis and he has
produced a very touching biography/ documentary.
The critics LOVE it! "Bright and entertaining''
writes Stephen Holden of the New York Times.
"Bitchy, catt:y, moving and hilarious" writes the
New York Magazine.
Jackie Curtis was a poet, a playwright, and an
Andy Warhol Superstar. He lived and
the STAR
. ;,
'· I .,/
performed ... sometimes as a man, sometimes as a
woman, but .ALWAYS performed! We think that the
Village Voice summed it up best when they wrote, "A
fabulouslv fond and entertainjng tribute."
The DVD has so many wonderful and delightful
imen·iews with such noted personalities as actor Paul
Ambrose; Penny Arcade the performance artist; Harvey
Fiersrein; Joe Franklin, the TV legend; Silvia Miles,
actress; the extra-ordinary photographer, Jack lvfitchell;
Michael Musto, entertainment journalise; Holly Woodland,
superstar herself;
Lily Tomlin; and our -very dear friend, the Countess
Alexis Del Lago, artist and STAR ! who now resides
in West Hollyv.rood. We always see her when we are in
California. She is indeed the last of a dying breed of
ELEGANT personalities.
Director/writer Craig Highberger has touched
on so many wonderful aspects of Jackie's life and the
many interesting people around him. Craig was a close
friend of Jackie's from 1972 until Jackie's death in
1985. This biography is certainly a true labor of love
and it shows. Craig and his partner Andy of over 30
years lives in Ohio. Craig is coming out with a new
biography on the life of photographer Jack Mitchell.
We can't wait to see that one.
If you want to read and see a DVD about a very
interesting and colorful character then run out and·
buy SUP ERST AR In a Housedress. You can check out
th~ biography at: http:/ /www.jackiecurtis.com/ and ·
Craig's new project on Jack !vfitchell at http:/ /www.
jackmitchellmovie.com/
Congratulations to Craig on not only one but
great biographies. ·
Photo above: Coumess Alexis
ol Arkansas
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NWA GLBT Community Center
To Host Picnic
BENTC)N1/ILLI~~ ,\R. _ ]]1e i'-~\X./\ c;LB-i·· (~canrnanity (:enter \vill
ho]d a HMeet and c;reet'' event 12th from noon to 4pm at
:tvlcCinre Park in Lo\veH. ~.Jc(]ur<:: Park 1::- across tb.e street frorn
the Lowell Elemcntan· Schoc,L It -xill be BYOP (Bring your Ow:~
Picnic) and there \viH b:..: ::1 :n·2jlable. fyfc(]ure Park 1~~ an excel•
~ s l ,r t lent p1aygrounc1 tor tne
MISSOURI
AUGUST 8TH
Be seen with the STAR, Advertise with us! 9
Lesbian
Notions
by Libby Post
AUGUST 2006
Tennessee Burning
Used to be that cross burnings were the KKK's calling card
against African Americans. Now cross burnings have a different
use.
Just ask Brandon Waters. He and his partner, Brian Harmon,
were having a quiet evening at home on Thursday,
June 29, when Waters iooked out a window and saw a
7-foot cross burning on the front lawn of his Athens, Tenn.,
home.
They rushed out and doused the fire. In the morning, they
went back out to videotape the remains. On one of the
bricks used to prop up the cross was scrawled "Better
Leave Now Fags."
Waters called the Meigs County sheriff's department, which
started an investigation and cailed in the FBI to see if the
incident would be considered a hate crime under federal
statute. The feds said no, because under the federal hate
crimes law, there is no provision for crimes against gays,
lesbians, or the transgendered.
Clearly, Sheriff Walter Hickman isn't familiar with the law
- the nation's or his own state's. Tennessee has a hate
crimes law that _does_ cover sexual orientation.
"Why did they call in the FBI when they should have called
in the state?" Waters asked me rhetorically in a recent
interview. •·something doesn't sound right. It seems like the
police are not taking it very seriously."
! couldn't agree more. Even though hate crimes against the
LGBT community decreased siightly in 2005, the anti-LGBT
rhetoric that characterizes this nation's political debate
sends a clear message that we are and should continue
to be seen as second-class citizens who don ·t deserve full
protection under the law.
According to the 2005 report by the National Coalition of
Anti-Violence Programs, the number of anti-LGBT hate
crime incidents fell 13 percent from 2004, and the number
of victims who were tracked fell neariy at the same rate
- 12 percent The number of offenders. however, decreased
only half that rate, by 6 percent.
This paltry decrease. says the report. "signals a truiy retrograde
environment in which years of progress resuiting in
10 the STAR
fewer people willing to violently act out anti-LGBT bias has
been substantially reversed. With respect to hate-related
violence, we are in fact 'back to the future."'
That's certainly true for Waters and Harmon. "We've had
many incidents with people yelling at us - fags, queers. I
can't even sit out on my porch," said Waters.
Clearly, there's no reason for him to have any faith in the
local sheriff's department. "I feel like they're just blowing us
off. This is not the first incident I've reported to the police."
Waters had a hit-and-run with one of the local "yellers."
"When one of the policemen took the report, I told him my
name. He asked, 'How do you spell Brandon? Brandony?' I
was born and raised here, they all know me."
With local law enforcement not taking any of these incidents
seriously, Waters says he is fearful for his life.
He and Harmon have left their home and moved in with
Waters' mother. "I have been waking up in the middle of
the night, having nightmares and smelling smoke that's not
there," said Waters. "I'm really depressed. I just feel like my
civil rights have been violated, like the police are oot doing
what they're supposed to do, and I really don't know who to
turn to."
Despite all this, Waters is willing to fight. His family has no
resources to hire a lawyer, but he is willing to "pursue this
as far as I can take it."
if there was ever a case where nationai organizations could
and shouid come in as knights in shining armor, this is it.
To my mind, this is a perfect opportunity for Lambda Legal
or the ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights Project to make their
iegal presence known in Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's
home state. With both sides gearing up for what will no
doubt be a bruising campaign over the state's proposed
Amendment 1, which seeks to ban same-sex marriage, the
Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign should work
side by side with the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) to
turn this hate crime around to the LGBT community's political
advantage. Not doing so would certainly be an opportunity
lost!
In fact, TEP is now organizing a "Vote No on 1" campaign
against the amendment. !t's time for us to play hardball.
Why not use the image of a burning cross and the story of
discrimination expeiienced by these two men who just want
to iive their lives to underscore the need for marriage equaiity
in Tennessee?
i guarantee you that if the radical Christian right in Tennessee
had visual ad copy like this to use to further its antisame-
sex-marriage agenda, it would certainly use it.
Newly ed's Test
klahoma Tax
ommission.
Photo: Matt and Afichae! at the Cape Cod Wedding Ceremony.
TULSA, OK_ Like most married couples in Oklahoma, Matt
Brumley and Michaei Oaks struggle everyday: they struggle with the
bills, with the children, and with the State of Oklahoma.
But Matt and Michael's struggles are different in many respects
to other married couples in Oklahoma: they are married
to one another. While they hold a marriage certificate
from the state of Massachusetts, they are not recognized by
the State of Oklahoma.
Until Tuesday. The pair decided the family needed a new
car to accommodate both Matt and Michael's new jobs.
Inevitably, paperwork needed to be dealt with, and that included
going to the tag agency. When they produced their
marriage license, the State of Oklahoma waived the state
excise tax on the title of their car - a tax usually waived for
family members.
They met at their former jobs, as empioyees of St. Michaels
Alley in 2001. Both had children when they met. Daniel, 11, and
Lillian, 6, live with Man and Michael. As a family, ,hey take Daniel
and Lillian on fumilv trips. The fumilv relishes holidavs as time to
spend with their kids. · · ,
"I like decorating for the holidays," Matt said. "I love having fun
with the kids.r
They have struggled in the pasr five years, like aH couples do. They
occasionally found working together frustrating, but they managed
to overcome those difficulties.
"V.10 11 '; e got to 1o e _a~ goo ct' coup1i e ,.~r, y~u :-vorK1 togct'n e: an~d: ~,,~ ve
together and not klll each other1 said Kasey Cunun1ns~ a !'ormer coworker
of the couple. 'Td kill my husband if I ,vorke:d with him.
On l',1emorial Dav weekend, l',fatt and Michaei traveled to the East
Coast. During th~ir trip, they traveled to Barnstable, Massachusetts
to tie the knot. First, they flew into Providence, and drove to Newport,
R.I. They stayed at ,Rivera Beach Resor:. After checking into
the resort, the two performed a "tes: rm:" of Ihe trip to where they
would marry.
1he next day, they of course - had ro stop to buy a oattery charger
for their cell phone. After which, they saw the sites in Plymorh,
Salem, and Boston. Finally rhe next day they went to the village
of Barnstable.
They were then referred to the town of Barnstable; they were referred
back to a judge in the village of Barnstable, who would grant
a waiver for the marriage. Once they received the waiver, they went
back to the town of Barnstable, which issued the marriage license.
"The whole process rook about four hours," Michael said.
"The lady was so helpful," Matt said. "She ran her butt off for us."
Although their families were not present, they did gather at .:he ceremony
in Juiy. This time around, about 90 family and friends joined
Matt and Michael v,hen they exchanged vows. The Reverend Diane
Varner officiated.
In addition to attending, Marr and Michael's friends also macie sure
things ran smoothly with the ceremony. One friend, Susan Johnston,
catered the evem. The wedding was a prototype for future
enterprises; Johnston and the couple plan to he!p others in planning
their weddings.
Although the pair lived together for quite a whiie before marrying,
rhey are still making
preparations and attending
to family business. Recently,
both made the decision to
pursue different jobs. 1he
transition is a little bumpy,
but with the addition of a
new car, that transition has
become that much e:~sier.
The couple decided ::o
add Michael to rhe title of
the old car, and this task
required the tag agency.
When they went to th1: first
tag agency-" 17th and Harv:nd - tag agen;,:}' employees wuald add
Michael to rhe tide, but d1cy \vould be required to pay the stare
excise tax) vvhich ,vas $244. f~Jo.,,vever., the st3te ~.;;a!ves the fee fi)r
family members.
!viatt explained I'vfichacl -...vas his husband, ;;.nd tht
the state does not recognize n1arriage. ()n advice
the couple then tra_·,.,weled to t<:ig agency at 9isr and Sheridan. 'Ihe
employees' response \Vas different.
vvere asked fiJr their
rlbey vvere rc~ld •·w,:e
advised sht: -:.:vould ntx'd to
STAR 11
Josh ■ rov1s
Artist, Author, Columnist.
From the Editor:
As recognition for the 18th "Heart to Heart" column published
in the STAR, we wanted to introduce the author to
you. The Aterovis column has become one of the most
popuiar with our readers and hits on many issues important
to our community. 'rhe honesty, sensitivity and hard truth
style in which josh covei's the subject matter in each Heart
to Heart issue fits weil with the philosophy our magazine.
This young man of 20 something, is dedicated to the never
ending equality and everyday struggle of GLBT people. The
evidence 1s in his writing.
Josh Aterovis, a twenty-something artist-author, was born
and bred on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and lives there
with his husband. Jon. Aterovis is a Latin pseudonym
meaning "black sheep."
Whenever anyone asked Josh what he wanted to be vvhen
he grevv up, he aiways said an author. it got him plenty of
strange looks. but he never really expected it to come true:
12 the STAR
it was just one of those things a kid says. In 1999, Josh's
wishful dream became reality when he began to write a
story and post it on the Internet. Bleeding Hearts resonated
deeply with readers, who encouraged him to seek publication.
In 2001, the story was published by Renaissance
Alliance Publishing, !nc. Named the Best Whodunit of 2002
by the Stonewall Society, Bleeding Hearts became the first
book in the Ki!iian Kendall mystery series.
Reap the Whirlwind, his second book featuring amateur
sleuth Killian Kendall, was published in May of 2003 and
the Stonewall Society promptly awarded it the Best Whodunit
of the year. Josh has completed five books in the
series and is currently working on a rewrite and edit of All
Lost Things, the third book on the Killian Kendall series. He
has won numerous awards for his writing and for his web
site, which also features his well-received art gallery.
"In addition to my writing, my primary income is through my
artwork. I work in transparent watercolor. I paint in the purist
form. Sorry to disappoint, but that doesn't mean I paint
in the nude. It means I don't use any white paint. Any white
areas you see in a painting are the white of the paper. I do
take commissions, which means if you don't see-what you
want, tell me and I'll paint it just for you." Josh wrote.
In August of 2003, Josh and Jon publicly celebrated their
commitment with a wedding ceremony. it is not yet recognized
by the state of Mary!and or the United States of
America, but they live in the hope that one day it will be
fully legal.
Thank you Josh for your contribution to the STAR and for
the eighteenth issue of "Heart to Hearf, on the not much
talked about issues confronting disabied LGBT people.
ast Out
by
Liz Highleyn:an
AUGUST
2006
Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments,
personalities, and subjects in LGBT hiscory. Each
installment brings the past to life by exploring the diwrsity
of the gay past and its impact on the queer present.
How queer is science fiction?
A few well-kno\;·n science fiction '.vtiters are gay, lesbian, bisexual,
or transgcndered, and many who are not han: included queer
themes in their work. For GLBT and strai,,ht authors aiii<.e, the C
genre lends itself to exploration of new possibilities in the realms
of sexuality, gender, and intimate relationships.
Science ficrim, is ofren stereotyped as a genre for "geekr'' straigh~
men, and indeeci, much of the ,.vork has historically been sexist
and i1omophoi)ic. Among the first stories to portray horroscxuality
sympatheticaUy was Theodore Sturgeon's "The \X'orid WclJ
Lost" (! 953), ·.;,·hich featared a gay male alien couple \Vho land on a
represfr;e Planet Earth.
\X;ith the ci,·ii rights mo,:ement and sexua; ~evo!uti()n •)f the 1960s
and 1970s, science fiction began to boldly explore sex,.iaiity and
gender. ;\JO[ed (jUCer authors who started writing during this period
include Samuel D:c!an}~ Joanna Ru,s, and Octavia Butler (who died
in Februan' 2006), all of whom received science fiction's i1ighe,t
awards, the Hugo anci Nebula. Russ was among several feminist
writers of :l:e era who exp!ored futuristic sepa!atis~ societies witi~out
men, a~ in "When It Ch;.nged" (197 2) and Ti1c Female Man
(1
Lcsb!an author Marion Zimmer Bradiey recalled that an agent
introduced her to the Daughters of Bilitis after detecting hints of
sarnc-sex croticisn1 in her science fiction and fantasy; i11 the 195th;
and 196Us} she ,vro(e f,,c~r the group\ rnagazinc, 'The I ,,adder, ,1nd
authored lesbian pulp ficrjon. _Arthur C:. C]arkc, one of the fathers
of tht: genre, neady can1c ot1t in a 1986 Playbuy i11tcr,-ie\v; \J~~hen
directly asked if he \Va~ gay, ho'-1,,,-evcr, he replied that he \\:\lS
cheerful.'"
and i\1ciissa Scott.
\\Titers farnous for other Fenres havt· also dabbled in science fi(tion,
Fellce Picano and Katherine \.1_ I::orre~;t~ ~,,.l·hosc
ftatured
14 the STAR
norm. In other cases, the tables are turned on heterosexuality: In
joe Haldeman'~ The Foren:r War (197 4), for exam1:!c, sr:aigh:
time-tra.-elers return to Earth ;1fter an interplanetary war, only t0
discm·er that homosexuality is no'.v the norm due '" m·crpc>pularion
and they are considered perverts.
Gay male rdarions!1ips haYe fascinated the straig!1t women authors
of ''olash" fiction, who envision liaisons bet\vec:: ch,ssic characters
such as Captain Kirk and ;\fr. Speck from Star Trek. ;\!any authors
have explored various a!ternariYe reiariu:1ship srr~JCtL:res, such as
the multi-partner marriages in Robe::t A. Heinleh's S~r«nger in a
Strange Land (1961). "Geniuses and superge,1:uses always make
their o,vn rules on sex as on e\~erything: else," a Hein;ein character
says in Friday (1982).
Gender nriance is also an enduring morif in science fiction; the
Jame~ A. Tiptree Award (named after the pseudonym of author Alice
Sheldon) was created for science fictio;; ur fanusy that ex;nncls
or explores understandings of gender. Sex ci1;111ge is a common
theme, either permanent or back-and-forth as the :nood s:rikes.
Lrsula Le Gui:i's The Lefr Haed of Darkness tl 969) features ;, race
of mutated humans who are i1,>ngcndered except d,:ring brief mating
periods '.vhen they randomh· take on the sexual charac!erisrics
of males or females; Le Gi.iin later said d:e regretted he: failure of
,magination in omitting same-sc:x reh,rionships.
In Delany's Troub!e on Tritc-n (1976), a maci1<> !nan p:.u'.~ucs an
unattainable woman in a sexuaily egalirnriaa society, at>d later
ends up as a woman searci;ing for the kind of man he '>nee xas.
.\Iany works feature aliens ·.vith more than t·.vc sexes, such as lsaac
Asimrx,'s The Gods Themsel-ves (! 972). In Scott's Shadow :vla:1
(1995), most advanced ·.vorlds recognize fiyc lntr.an sexes, but
individuals on the isolated plar:et Harn arc forced to live a~ either
male o;· female.
,\fany autl1ors have explored teciu~olof,rical inno•:ations in the realms
of sex and reproduction. As early as 1932, Aldous Huxley's Braye
New \'{iorld portrayed a high-tech society m ·xhicr1 babies y,:ere
grown in bottles in factories. Cloning anci parthenogenesis allm,·
humans to abandon sexuai reproduction as in Charlotte Perkins
Giiman's Berland (1915), about an all-fema:e utopia - ,ind inevitably
proc:uce talcs of individua:s having sex \.,,;th them~eh·es. Time
travel alkrHs charac~ers to go backwar(::, or fonvarl:s in time, often
having sex with their ancestors or dcscendcnts. 1\urhors have alsc
cn-n~ioned cross-breeding be0.veen species; in BL!tler's ''Blo()cichild"
11984), for example, a ma:e human is impregnated an insc:ct-Ekc
alien. Several authors have explored s:,1do1nasochisn1 or the sex trade
of the future. I)elany included an interspecies gay bathhouse sce:ie
in , __ Stars in lv!y Pock:c-t Like (Jrains of Sand (1984), \vbiic Storrn
c:onsrantinc's F1crn1ctech (]991) featured a
~\£rec~ tc, ha-ve his body
\1.·itb 1nultiple ~ex nrgart~,
/'1.uthor and editor >,;icob (irifhrh has \1,,Tlncn th:tt tjLlfl' rcaclers
different fu.:e:ristic or
dcnv:n1:-::tratt:
their
Photo: The new community center coming soon.
The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender
(GLBT) Community Center, 5545 E
41 st Srreet in Highland Plaza, is the place to
be this August as events, acti:,ities and concerts
keep pace wit!: the heat of Summer.
The highlight of August is the Summer
Concert @ the Center featuring Amy
Steinberg of Orlando, Florida. l\. veteran
of performing with Ani DcFranco, Lisa
Loeb and many others, Amy visits the Tulsa
GLBT Communitv Center on Sundav, August
13. 2006. Am}· takes the stage a(7:00
PM. A cionation or SS :o $i0 is requested at
the door.
The Community Resource Kiosk is filled
with infor1nadQn on comtnunir-v organizarions,
health issues and businej~es tl1at support
the GI.BT & allied communicv. FREE
20-minute HI\r rests are available t:~7"erv
Tuesd,ay (6 t:i 8_ P:\t) an~ Saturday (4 t;, 7
PM). lt you·re hunting for bu1nper stickers~
je,Nelry, fla!:,tS, "'"vindsocks, item~ and
more you'U find them at the Pride Store.
The David Bohnctt ,.:vith 10
flat-panel co1nputer stations is FRJ~l~ for
you to chat \vith friends, finish that
research paper or sin1ply surf the \vcb, 'The
f,,fcf)onald Rainbo\V w;{
1
s
libraries of its kind in the Midwest
- all FREE to check-out.
You can learn more about all
the above by caliing the Tulsa
GLBT Information Line at
918.743.GAYS (429').
twentySomething, a social group
for young adults, the newest addition
to the Tulsa GLBT Community
Center and the future
of the communitv, meets on the
2nd Monday of th.e month at
7:00 P.M. The group joins the
community at the PFLAG Family
Picnic on Monday, August
14th at Whiteside Park, 41 st and
Pittsburg !between Harvard and
Yale).
The Tulsa Arca Prime-Timers,
for mature men and their
admirers, meet at the Tulsa
GLBT Community Center the
first Tuesday of the month at
6:30 PM.
Gender Outreach, a social and support
group for Transgendcr & Intersex individuals
and their friends, meet even· \X'ednesdav
of the month at 7:30 PM. Lockers and ·
changing rooms are provided for your
pnvacy.
The Tulsa Two-Spirit Society, a NativeAmerican
GLBT group, meets on the 1st
Wednesday of the month at the Tulsa
GLBT Community Cemer.
Thursdays bring the Lesbians of Tuisa to
the Center for a rciaxing evening of socializing.
Kick back and visit \Vith friends or
inakc nc\v ones, surf the ,v-eb or catch a
movie.
The last Thursday of the month is the
~rC)HR_ Board of Directors n1ecting. ()pen
to the public, the meetings gi,;c you rhc -=>pportunity
to become n1ore invob.,,-ed 1;virh tht.:
cornmunity, proYiding ·vision for the future.
-You're fabulous ~ and you ha·ve 1he chance
to przy,;.~e it .., :vith r7J\.B! Friday i\ftern{)OD
11ridge is your chance to sbo\\1 your skills
:lnd 1neet other;; in the senior~·--------·-···--·
(:ards and refreshments arc ,1, ailalJle for :11;
Kick your weekend off in style with Center
Cinema every Friday evening. The FREE
GLBT films are shown on a 65" HDTV,
gi,·ing you the opportunity ro get up close
and personal ,vith the scars.
Action kicks in!o high gear on Saturdays
and Sundavs. The I st Saturday of the
momh welcomes the Tulsa U~iform &
Leather Seekers Association (f.U.L.S.A.).
The Board of Directors of TU.LS.A meets
at 4:00 PM while the general membership
meets at 5:00 PM.
The Tulsa Deaf GLBT Group meets quarterly
at the Tulsa GLBT Communitv Center
on Saturdays. Look for a new videophone
at the Center soon, providing another opportunity
to get and stay connected to the
community and your family and friends.
Dinner and entertainment are featured during
Ol3T on the Town on the 2nd Saturday
of the month. You can join the communin·
for an evening of fun whether it's a night ;t
the theatre to a night of bowling.
Faith piays an important role for many in
the community. Ekklesia rhe Gathering,
featuring worship and song in a living-room
setting, meets every Sunday at 10:30 AM at
the Tulsa GLBT Community Center.
TOHR welcomes all in the community to
visit and enjoy the Tulsa GLBT Com~unity
Center, 5545 E 41 st Street in Highland
Plaza. Your Center is open Monday through
Saturday, 3:00 PM 9:00 PM. Log onto
www.tohr.org to learn more of whar's going
on at the Center, the additional programs
of TOHR and to sign up for free TOHR
cncws and Advocac,· Flashes.
MISSOURI
AUGUSTBTH
the STAR 15
TL;LSA, OK_ If rnu caught Bets,· and
the Band in ( )kLlhonu Cin·'s Pride h:stival
performing their first gig as Bersr and
the Edge, \·uu kn<N: the music sizzled tn
match the HOT weather! Some Blues, a
little Rock and a whole !1Jt of Countrr
made the show a roaring success. to
a delighted crowd.
Thri\·ing from Tulsa, ( )klahoma. Bctsr
Smittle is most we!! knmn1 f1 ,r the ::;
years she toured worldwide exclusffeh·
with brother Ganh Brooks. She performed
on Saturdm· \light Li\·c,J;n Leno
and mam· ocher 0'.BC speci:ils. Orhcr
artists that hare depended l)t1 Bet s\·'s numerous
musical rakrns arc: Gus Hardin,
1\1111 Bell and Phoontz and Ronnie Dunn
(of Brooks & Dunn). Her own album
released in [ lJ(J4 on the !\orthSr,uth/ ;\,!
antic label Bets\ "Rough r\mund tht:
Edgt:s'·. ,ms criticalli· accbimed worldwide.
Betsy's fa·,r,rite n·cnt in her career
\vas ha,-ing her O\\'rl float a1 the i 9<14
i\lacr's Da\· P,!ra,k.
BcLs~· is far frorn tr~;in.~ t, J ndc her
brother's ~hin L!ib. :--;he i> ,l ruggedly in
dependent Lid: dct ... -n~1in1-:d
t() car\·c ;t career nt. he;-, J\\'!l. Like li:t lebrother
(_!;1r;h, it i\ 1l1l- \Urcnor
(l( Bl·l~r\ \-{)ict.- :ii:~t '-l'!;s: l:c:.:r ;ir•;tr1 •
!lHi~ic:,tn ::nd ~it:,1.~cr i~\ tTi\h::-., :L·r .,-, ,:c·t.
b;t:.; i)t:t.'t: c- •uq,:tr-__ -d ·ur
b(HI-hr!_·;irh :-,;, ,ur11.! - ·1 H, ,:1::ic R.1'.;:: :tnd
AND
THE dge
B, Greg Steele
grmds. teases and demands in all the right
places. She rocks out as few women or
men can and when she murccrs on.:r tht:
fade of the song Draggin' it Back say
ing, "Drag ir back om· hea' honey, bring it
back to mama,'' you know thar she means
it1 ;\nwme who apprcciares a gut:-:,· female
mice will LO\'!-: Bcts\·1
::inct' t'.n· ,1gc of S. ~!tc hcL:,!!J
!1~_:r f:t1.nily'--: ,i!uspcl uri ,~ip :tnd ,~rh:.
: hr, \l,tEh{)ur her childh, :r ;d
Bili Guinn is :1 na,i,c of Tulsa OK ,md
has been playing the gunar since r:hc
age of I 2. l ic is J product of ::ccing
the J-k,1tk-s on J-:d ::-:ulliY,:r1 and knC\,·
rhc \\"ouk! he ;! gu!r:H· player fro!n rhat
point on, Pla\·intr in ,·:ulous locai bands
since he \\.a'.' I-~ he grc\\. up cxp(Jscd to
The Beatles, Rolling :-;1oncs. Cn:arn,Jimi
Hendrix. (rosh\·, Sti!b. '.',ash. & Young
etc. y.;hcn thl'!r n1u:.:ic \\·as fresh on ~;Jr1\1
\lcJst of hi~~ teen years ,,·ere spen1 in
front of :1 rccnrd pb\·cr \\·lth his guitar
h:tnging out ch< 1rd:-: and copyjng lyric:-:
for hi~ hand'.-,: tu pla:· :-:o:rll· of the grcatcsr
rock and roll in his.tor\·.
~ TRAVEL
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
"OGUNQUIT, MAINE"
. gunquit, Maine is an artsy resort village
(located 66 miles north of Boston) that has been welcoming
gay and lesbian visitors and their families for over 100
years. Ogunquit has three miles of white sandy beaches,
dance clubs and restaurants for every taste and budget.
In summer and even winter, there is always plenty to see
and do! We will begin
with the lodging. Gay
and locally owned
gay Guesthouses,
Inns and B&B's offer
a variety of choices
and values for the
gay traveler. Whether
you're looking for an
exquisite luxurious
suite, condo rental,
or an affordable
summer vacation
at an in town B&B
close to the beach
- Ogunquit Maine
has it all! We stay at
Moon Over Maine
Bed and Breakfast
(Photo right) which is
located at 22 Berwick
Road. It is located
in the center of town
just a block from the nightclubs, shopping, restaurants and
a 5 minute walk to the beach. It features al! private baths,
oalcony rooms, par~ing. cable, dvd/vcr, refrigerators, ale,
iight breakfast and an outdoor hot tub. John. the owner is
extremely friendly and can give you any tips or suggestions
about the area. It is in an oid New England house and is
just wonderful. Their toll free 1umber is Cail 800.851.6837
and you can check out their website at: http://www.
rnoonovermaine.com. There are numerous other gay
ownea B and B's in the area ana you can check them ai!
tnd il:c :irc,t (;!-(er:-: ~'nr!c' 1;( the h·.:s;;'. .'.tHil],it
·ri1c j t,;y) l· 1:-rrL:r~ \];n:1n:,c 1dcntitic~. thi~
,( ~!!,.: bcttt-r !~nn\\-~~ :-:!1, :trc.1-: ic. 1~1t· l :1itcd
:'it.l!t5. ·rhr;.,·c ~ndc~ 1-1f hc:u.ni(~d \\·hue ~.incit." hc~ich. r~ttl·d a:; on~·:;;
iishinF. Dock Square i, as cute a wwri square as one will find in
~cw England. Tber:.:: is an exccilent seicction or· restaurants and it's
()nly 20 minutes awa\·. The Kittery Outlets arc just !5 minut~s aw~y,
with l2(; different stor:.::s, including Banana Rcpui)lic. Calvin Klein:
DK,\;Y and The Gap. Ir· pu like LL Bean, the Frceoorr Outlets l
arc about an hrmr ~orrh. 1\ short walk from downtown is Perkins
~on:, which is rmc of our ,·cry fan>rite places. Ir is a quaint New
Engi.rnd co,-c -_,.-ith bu,n,, shopping and wonderful restaurants. \X'e
arc alwa\·s thinking ,hat Jessica S.n-age from Murder She \Xfrote is
going n, be waH~ing around the corner at am· giYen rime.
,\ walk along the cliffs with dramatic views of the ocean the
i\!arginal \X·;y srart,. on Shore Road. From the center of ~own it's
just _a t:ew block, to the Sparhawk Motel. The Marginal Way srarts
behmc! rhe 5parh;;wk. You'!! see a iittle sign on the left side of the
street that sa,·s ·'Marginal \\'ay" and has an arrow. 1\s you follow
the path, be rnrc w look at the Sparhawk's flower gardens. They
haye an incredible number of flowers, and each type is labeled! The
Marginal Way speaks for itself. It has beautiful views of the ocean
and the rocky cliffs.
t ,·arious points so
ou can sit and enjoy
e beauty'. It's a
worth noting.
plicably, each
ne has the name
f a virrue printed
nit. The Marginal
y ends at Perkins
ve. When we are
Ogunquit we walk
e Marginal Way
very morning and
Nightlife in the
. . . smali town of Oguoc]
LHt !S rcaliv 5pccracu!ar to say the ;east. In this sleepy Little town
(,nc could univ imagine one tiny Ettlc bar, but you are in for a grand
surpri:-::d 1~1.·crythjng is nghr do\vntO\\>-n and you can \Valk from any
.1cco1nrnodation lo do\'-'l1tO\\.~n. ~rhc Front Porch Piano Bar at 9 ·
Shor-..'. Ro;:HJ ha:,;; been in business for O\~Cr 20 vears. Their \Vebsite
1s http:, /\\'YV\\:.thcfronrporch.ncr. 'Their cafc is open for l.,unch
& l)lnncr day:-; a ..._,:eek '\vith a late night rncnu a;·ailablc. Piano
LPU'.'((c open ~ d:ffs fr01°: 0lpn~ :iil ~ .im. h ,,id S,:rv1Cc now available
up~I;lir~. \ 11<..:0).: >;.;:n~:r rcccndy tt1ok ,JYcr and fron1 all reports he is
:1 F:\Bl · L< 1l 'S ]: ;h at tiic Front Porch! 'The ~IaincStreet Bar is
11 •catcd _it l 3 1 :-;~>u:b \lai:1 ~trccr (Route l; ;n do\vnto,vn ()gunquit.
'l'hcir \\-t:hs.t!c i:~: , -.-~.,. ~ .. -• · , - l)J·-~ · K
1('; J: 1,, '.',j,i, !in .. i ::l~'(::·:,'.:i:::c{;~1t1r~1~~;~;~~·;,;t,.l~d;;.:il
.\L1inc:--;:tc~·t > rttY\\' ~>;,u1 ;U . l·cAP_lrine: I Route 1
18 )Arkansas & Okiahorna ·s rno.st read GLBT i\t1agazu1e
GAY TRAVELERS:
W'e have been to both of these wonderful bars and they are indeed
wonderful!
John Lane's Ogunquit Playhouse is one of Soutnern Maine's most
important cultural landmarb and ·will celebrate 74 years of Broadway
at the Beach in 2006. Opening in 1933, the work and vision of
Walter and Maude Hartwig brought an outstanding, star-studded
performing ans company tG Ogunquit. Continuing this tradition
for aimost five decades, John Lane, owner and producer of ~he
Playhouse, sought to pwvide his audience with the finest professional
theatre in our region. In doing so, he successfully placed the
playhouse on the narionai cultural map. The Ogunquit Playhouse
Foundation, formed in 1995, is now the proud owner and trustee
of the Playhouse. This year the;: are featuring BEEHIVE, Andrea
McArdie in CABARffl~ Sally S:ruthers in HELLO DOLLY, Leslie
Uggams in CINDERELLA and MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL
Their website is http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.
There are dozeas of small res~aurants in and around Ogunquit and
most all of them are iocaliy mvned. fr is a sea lovers delight! If you
are im:o sea food you wiil ha,·e a marvelous time.
We have been going ,o 0 6TUnCjuit for se,,eral years and it just keeps
getting better and be0ter and be,ter. It is far better than Ptown, Fire
Island or any of the other gay resort places in New England. We
just can't wait to return. For more information on. Ogunquit go to:
http:/ /www.gayogunc1uit.com. This column is warmly dedicated to
our dear friend Crystlli Chandelier who lives near Ogunquit. He just
happens to be one of the most sincere, honest and fun people that
we have met in oμr tra·;e!s and SO ELEGANT ! We are so l:!appy
that he has found the LOVE of his life.
* WHAT OUR READERS
ARE SAYING!
We enjoyed reading your travel article about Dania Beach
in the STAR July 2006 issue, you were right on point. it is
all that you say and much more. We discovered Liberty
Suites a couple of years ago & wouldn't dream of staying
anywhere else. The accommodations are fabuious and the
guys are just great. We have been looking for a home in
Dania Beach and plan to retire there. By the way, ladies
are also welcome at Liberty Suites. Jack & Joe are the
best!!!!!!!
Annie & Shorty
health outreach prevention a<fucatlon, inc.
1-800-535-AIDS (2437)
Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline
PROTECT YOURSELF
PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(SJ
* Free nonjudgmental HIV testing, including the 20
minute OraQuick Test
KNOW
YOUR STATUS
• Free Syphiflis screening at the GLBT Community
Center on Tuesdays from 6-8pm
H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic
Mens Outreach Program
In Tulsa at (918) 812-7045
Arkansas & Oklahoma ·s most read GLBT Magazine 19
Photo: A view up Broad Street (aka "the Avenue of the Arts'') toward
Philadelphia's distinctive City Hall. (Photo by Andrew Collins)
Philadelphia
o city in the United States played a more critical role in
the nation's founding than Philadelphia, and this progressive
metropolis of about 1.5 million people has also
been a pioneer in gay and lesbian rights. The Philadelphia
Lesbian and Gay Task Force, formed in 1978, guided passage
of the 1982 Philadelphia Fair Practices Act, one of the country's
earliest gay civii rights measures, and countless other gay-positive
laws and policies have been passed or implemented since tl1en.
Additionally, the city's office of tourism was one of the first to enthusiastically
court gay and lesbian visitors. But apart from a warm
welcome, what else about the "City of Brm:herlv Love" makes it
ideal for a summercime·•visit?
Here's a list of just a fe'.v notable things to see or do, chronicied in
no particular order, that make Philad~lphia so appealing:
1. Rittenhouse Square Park
City-planning guru Jane Jacobs called this tiny patch of paradise
tl1e most successful urban park in the United States; indeed, Rit~
enhouse Square is picturesque, socially diverse, highly sak and
1argdy unsullied by post-\'forld War II ,irchitecrurc. Off the Square•~
southeast comer is the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, -;vhere
Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, and Ned Rorem studied, as well
as the Philadelphia .i\,rt 1\Jiiance, -.;,.vhich presents outstanding exhibits
and art sho\vs
The square is also the site of the gay-friendly Rittenhouse Hotel,
a sumptuous 98-room property that hosted the cast of the movie
_Pbladelphia_ during filming. Rooms here are downright ca·:ernous,
averaging more than 500 square feet, and all have iarge windows
framing the park or the city's dramatic skyline. A short walk
from the square, romantic Astral Plane has been a favorite gay-date
restaurant since it opened in 1973 (it's also drawn such fab celebs
as Bette 1,fidler, Liza Minnelli, Barry Maniiow, and Tommv Tune).
From the eclectic menu you might choose slow-roasted pork shank
,vith asiago potatoes, or grilled scallops ,vith lemongrass-and-ginger
butter. It's the perfect spot for a special dinner.
2. Clubbing in the Gayborhood
The city's compact gay district, nicknamed the Gayborhood, contains
the bulk of the Philadelphia's gay bars as well as quite a few
gay-popular shops, restaurants, and hotels. It's right in the center
of downtown, about as convenient to attractions, transportation,
and entertainment as any gay neighborhood in America. Highlights
include the city's premier lesbian club, Sisters, a three-floor establishment
with a restaurant and disco, and long-running \X'oody's,
a youthful video bar that pulis in a mostly male, some\Vhat cruisy,
stand-and-model crowd. The ultra-swank Bump Lounge offers
a more cosmopolitan ambience and is a great piace to chat witl1
friends, sip martinis, and dine on fine contemporary cuisine. Serious
revelers head to Pure, the city's top gay warehouse disco. Tavern
on Camac is a charming gay piano bar, with a cozy restaurant in
the basement. Other friendly options in the neighborhood include
Uncles, popular with players on Philly's lesbian and gay softball
teams; 12th _l\.ir Command, a cavernous cruise bar with fun drag
shows and dance parties; and the Venture Inn, tl1e oldest gay bar in
town, set in a historic cavern.
There are plenty of places to stay nearby. Particularly charming and
well-priced, the gay-owned Alexander Inn is a fine boutique hotel
right in the center of the action. The 48 rooms have a contemporary
look with sleek furnishings and muted tones - other bonu;es
include satellite TY, Wi-Fi, and Continental breakfast buffet. Practically
across from Woody's, the Holiday Inn Express ,\fidtown has
well-kept rooms and reasonable prices. Another excellent choice
that's just steps from gay nightlife is the upscale Doubletret: Philadelphia,
a handsome, contemporary high-rise whose rooms afford
superb city views. Tne hotel is a blocK away fro;n tl1e Kimmel Center
for the Performing .Arts, a magniticem 5-year-olci space designed
by seminal architect Rafael Vinoly.
3. Brunch at the White Dog
There's nothing more rciaxing on a sunny weekend mornini! or
afternoon '.ban .. enjuying brunch :it a lin:l~· w,taurant with g;ear
food and, ideally, some outside seating. Near the campus of the
lipjversity of Pennsy+vania, the gay-popular YXlhite Dog Cafe fits
the bill perfectly. This bric-a-brae-filled eatery set in t¾rce adjacent
\ 1ictorian to,vn houses ser ..... ·es such delicious brunch fare as lemontnascarpone
pancakes '\i/ith raspberry--n1aple syrup, and biack-pcpper-
seared organic beef salad -."vith crurnbled blue cheese and
balsamic "tinaigrette. i\Jso keep in mind that /\stral Plane restaurant~
mentioned above~ scrYes a t,:::rrific brunch on
.- ....... -·······-········(=ont1nucd next page:
20 Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine
4. Cheesesteaks at Geno's or Pat's
It mav sound a bit cliched to search out a cheesesteak in this citv
that's, famous for them. But you're here - and you may as well h;ve a
bite of Philadelphia's quintessential treat. Many connoisseurs favor
two neighboring joints a bit south of downtown, Geno's and Pat's
(of course, plenty of ardent critics deride these two places as rourist
traps and prefer other holes-in-the-wall around town). Pat's is said
to have invented this delicacy in 1930 - the restaurant serves 'em
slathered with Cheez Whiz ~d fried onions, and the steak is finely
chopped. Across the street at Geno's, the steaks are not shredded,
and instead of Cheez Whiz, they come topped with provolone.
Which one is better? You be the judge.
5. The Philadelphia Museum of Art
One of the nation's most esteemed art institutions, the Philadelphia
Museum of Art sits within a dramatic Greek Revival building amid
10 landscaped acres. Standouts in the permanent collection include
contemporary masterpieces by Picasso, Braque, and Matisse as well
as works by a number of post-World War II artists. The outstanding
Marcel Duchamp collection includes renditions of his _Nude Descending
a Staircase_ (fhe "nude," people often overlook, is male).
Check out the fine collection of photos and paintings by gay artist
Thomas Eakins of young, virile men crewing and boating on the
nearby Schuylldll River. There's also an excellent display on Shaker
furniture.
And that's just scratching the surface. The museum is adjacent to
lushly landscaped Fairmount Park, which straddles the Schuylkill
River and comprises nearly 9,000 acres of picturesque gardens,
walkways, and bildng and bridle paths, plus about a dozen historic
(mostly Colonial} mansions, which are open to the public.
6. Reading Terminal Market
For a century; the more than 80 stalls at the cavernous Reading
Terminal Market have sold tantalizing, market-fresh foods, ranging
from local oroduce to international dishes from around the world.
There are (oo many great dining options to mention, but try not to
miss the regionai Mexican fare at 12th Street Cantina, the ddi items
at Saiumeria, Amish treats at Beiler's Bakery, ice cream at Bassetts,
the Pennsylvania Dutch breakfasts at Dutch Eating Place, Italian
hoagies at Carm~ds, and heavenly mac-and-cheese a, Delilah's. But
wherever vou end uD eating, you won': go wrong - around every
corner yo~'ll see, s:~eli, and have the cnance to taste delicio'.ls food.
7. Independence National Historic Park
Even if you're not a big history buff, you can't visit Philadelphia
and not soak up at ieast a whiff or ;:wo of the city's amazingly rich
heritage. The Old Ci:y neighborhood con:aim the bulk of :he pre-
1800s attractions, most them centered around Independence National
Historical Park, which celebrates the verr birth of our nation.
Most famous is the Liberty Beil Pavilion. si:e of America's be!o,·ed
and cracked 2,000-pound bell. Although commonly thought to have
played a significant role in Colonial history, the Jjberty Bell actually
rose to prominence during the 1830s as a symbol of the n1ovement
to abolish slavery.
Nearby Independence Hall is where the Second Continental Congress
met in 1775, the Dec!aration of Independence "·as adopted
in 177 6, the Articles of Confederation ,;verc signed in 1778, and the
Constitution was adopted in 1787. It \,;as also tl1e site of the cirr's
first major civil rights· demonstrations (which included the co1:c~rns
of lesbians and gays). The list of important sights within the park
goes on and on - you could easily spend a full day here.
8. Giovanni's Room
In an age
when independent
bookstores
are struggling
to keep their
doors open,
this wonderful
GLBT
bookswre
that's been
going strong
since 1973 is
a true marvel.
The homey
two-floor
shop on the
edge of the
Gayborhood
has hundreds
of queer titles
plus a wealth
of
(Woody's has long been one of Philadelphia's hottest
gay bars. Photo by Andrew Collins)
feminist works. There are several community bulletin boards, a \Vidc
range of periodicals, and a handful of skin mag,, too. The staff
is extremely helpful and has a real knack for finding out-of-print,
import, or hard-:o-find titles.
9. Coffee Kiatch
;\rguably .the ~ayeft j;,.va )oin_t_ in tuwn~_Yillage Coffrc House
anchors the (_7ayborhooc1, otrertng carte1ne add1cts a cozy 1ntc:rior
space as ,veil .as a ;=harniing cncl(:sed pa_ti:> tha: c~vc~ioo~~~ a ..
borhood garden. 1~{ere you can $1p spec1aJty dnnks (n1ao~: \\~uJ1.
Fair 1·radc coffee beans\ cute patrons, and nosh on cr,okics,
cheesecake, and tasty sand-.xichcs.
1\ short v.walk a~;vay, the
has been a fix.ture in the 'hood fur
insist is the best apple
~~!!~~;: i~~; t~:::::~ ,~~;;\;::t:~~•.,·,d1v0 ,
and plenty of coffee ~1nd tea drink·~. [t\ the bc:sr
\V!-1.ile a,1.·a,,- ~a af. C· ;l( _;{z,
Liuie BhKk Book: Cr;ntzrmed page 22.
Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine
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22 the STAR
Commission would accent Matt and .Michael as family. 1he empioyee
then checked with the Commission. The couple called the
next morning, anci ,hey paid $32.50 for the ovmer transfer title
fee and administrative costs. The State of Oklahoma had waived
1 • me excise tax.
\Vhile Matt and Michael are excited about the situation, ;:hey are
uncertain abour what h means. They realize legally, their marriage
is only recognized in Massachusetts. But this fact raises questions
for the couple, those of family rights and recognition.
Both have chosen to share their experience with others; with Johnsron,
the trio plans to help other gay and lesbian families come
together by offering wedding pianning. They are both ordained
ministers, and Michael also offers therapy of the soul and counseling.
For more information, please go to rhe couples' myspace page
at http:/ /www.myspace.com/equal_luv.
"All should have the right ro experience die joy and happiness that
:Michael and I have experienced," lvian said. "We wane to nelp
them do that."
As this issue of the STAR goes to press Matt and !vlichael are
anxiously waiting for the original auro title to arrive in the mail.
Hoping the state did not disallow the family exemption.
*
437 E. 141st Street
Glenpool, OK 74033
918.291.EARL (3275)
Metro Area for over 21 Years with PRID
ORATING * HOLIDAY SPECIAL
ame day delivery.
Your order is treated with
the upmost confidentiality.
DIVERSITY WEEKEND
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Aug 4-6, 2006
FREE HOME DELIVERY
5 Mile Se.vice Area
918. 734.6847
email lrrol:>o~~aol.,om
COMING SOON!
11Jlld 6Lzdseed
Salutations Kittens' \X'elcomc once more to an unruly addition of
Vncle. Uncle :,like\· suffin:d another faiJulo,1s fourth. This year
Uncle was on a mission to enio:,· the !oYe of the community, and 2J!
I can ~ay is '.vhew - Uncle enjo\'i.:<l the Joye of the communitv!
Au1:,>1.1st is blowing in like a bitter qu.:cn <1t the cad of her reign
forced to release her crown. Cn6e prepares fot the cclebratio:1 of
Fall. Linde has agreed robe th!: speaker at ~cveral celestial e\·ents
this year. Cnclc's left ·vonckring if my thong sbmld be more in the
earth tones for the c,·ents, I shall se<.'.k m:,· fashion guru just to be
sure.
Dear l.inc!e Mikey,
My boyfriend and i have bcec rogether ffJr several years now. \'</hile
we age. I expected changes to take pkcc, howe,·cr :10t to ~he point
where I am embarrassed to be seen \\'ith him. liis fashion se:1se ha5
just been absence for some time no'.v, bur he is really being ro scare
me. He has been adorning tragic r;utfits rhis season of the sun. I
love him, ho\,'eYer not his blataEt disregard for g;.y fashion. Hu\·
can I te1l him about thi~ issue without seemin~ like a birch?
Li,·ing wirh a ia~hion ·.vasrela:1d.
Deare$t F\'(
Bitcn away bttd:! Ir is not only :-·,,ur dut}, bur abo rnur obligation
to queers everrtvhcrc. \X?c arc not kno\1.-n in society for n1any positiYc
attributes~ hcr\VCYe'r our i1npeccable taste and style happens to
be 1no~:.r recognized. \'Ct: 1nust readily ln\~asion of bad
taste. I ha\T: strict orders ft1r thcn1 to if (]1er forbid~ I
eYcr louse mv fashion sen.st·. l kno\1: \vhat you arc thinking~ it could
neYer happen! _Darling I have seen rn<n·e
then one: 1night think,. 1 rncan the bad
don1 couid choke a horse.
Stn<.lochcs-l}nc!e
])ear lJncle \likey.
!\Iv fficnd ha5 been
26 the STAR
a 1on:h f< n· this
jf he can con1c out
Dearest Closeted L.oYc.
Ir is all about mu Eve. Your kner screams self-serving motives. Ki,:ten, if
,·ou trah· hav; fce!ings for this man ,hen you first need to realize d1ac you
:nust decide if you are v:illing to s:and supporti\·cly by, whilst he makes his
way through the \Valk-in. You haYe your way with him if he so agrees after
the emotional task at hand. Besides, sex is alway~ better with a bit of drama
in the recipe.
Smooches-Cncle Mike,·
Dear Cncle,
1 ha\"C been seeing this guy for several months no\,: The orher day while in
che shuwer, I noticed t;1at he has some kind of sores on h1s genital area. I
was too embarrassed ro point this our to him. ! am now worried and do not
kno·,,· about continuing a physical relationship with him, as i am afraid he
mighr have some kind of STD or something, what should I do?
Looking for the free clinic
Dea~est Kitten,
While I sir here holding your lertcr with my old sa!aci tongs, ] find myself
cGnfuscd. Kmen, if Uncle l\likey c;-er suspecred, I would have an agent
form ,he CDC cxamimng my little playmate. Ler me put ir simpler, CSI ain't
got nothing on me, w'1en I was done with the black ligh, search, I would
~now what I was dealmg with. Cncle does not play when it comes to safecy.
i\n old \vise queen once told rr.e, "If ym1 hear the drums of the Congo
e<;ming from a tricks pants, its tune to reach out and wuch your own self."
Good luck to you and rnur enchamed member.
Smooches
Hand shakes,
Unck 1,!ikcy
Dea:: C ncle :vlikey,
Would you da,e your ex-boyfriend's new ex;
Kitten,
Shon and sweet. That reminds Uncle of his 6t!. husbanci. Ok, back on
track why haggle? Date them both'.
Smooches
Dear Uncle,
I am having an affair \,;th my mo:her's boyfriend. I know ,-;hat you're
ti1inking. but j, was an innocent night with too much drink. My feelings for
him !um: deepened. however I ca;rnot deal with what I am dQing. Should I
walk a•.v,iy for hl'.r, or sbo.;ld I tcii her, rhat we are going to be rogethcr? Am
I gcing to hell)
I ,,uvin' \fotn's i\ian
D:.:arcst Jean,
l ~.vanred to kt you knO\\~ your rcscr~:arion is confirmed and rhat you ,v!Jl
be ;ibk· ro get the stnoking ~cction, ~or only is the ans\vcr to your question
yts1 it is undoubtedly yes, in a gasoline Speedo. What planer arc you living
on? .\.for~l rnuch? Thar poor \VOt11en birthed you ,vhi1c also giving you the
bl'.st year.s of her •;..,·astcd Efc. \'ou in turn take her rnaa, •~vho '\Vou!d be your
Step i)addy. \'fell !10'\V, l kno\v that l)eliverancc is 1nore than an
urban legend. l(irten, sec;~ proft'ssional help, and that docs not rnean sleep
\\"ith your Unde'.
rncrnber fatnily reunions arc not the Snuthern version of
Bob tdls you'. lJntii ne:•:t tirne.
P.S.
*
Asparagus Stuffed Dover Sole.
4 Fillets of Sole
1 Bunch of fresh Asparagus
3 TBLSP Real Butter
3 TBLSP Flour
2 Containers Heavy Cream
1 Container Plain Yogurt
½ TBLSP Dry Dill
½ Cup Real Butter
½ TBLSP Lemon Zest
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Cut off ends of Asparagus and roil five
spikes in each fillet and lay in a shallow pan. In a heavy
saucepan melt 3TBLSP butter and add flour to make
roux, add cream, and cook until thickened. Add yogurt,
dil!, and lemon zest, while simmering adds ½ cup
butter. Once done, pour over sole in pan, baked 15-20
minutes (until asparagus is tender). Plate so!e, pour
extra sauce on top and garnish with sprig of rosemary
to serve.
"UNTIL NEXT MONTH, STAY COOL!"
This months recipe is a twist on a summer
classic. Have an outdoor party with
appetizers and pretty cocktails instead
of the same old bar-b-que and beer.
You can find seasonal plastic glasses in
fun colors for a festive gathering. Serve
up this recipe for a good time. Enjoy !
SUMMER MELON MARGARITA
(2 OZ) SKY VODKA
(1 OZ) MIDORI LIQUEUR
(1/2 OZ) TR!PLE SEC
(1/2 OZ) SWEET & SOUR
Fresh LIME JUICE
1. Chilled a martini giass.
2. Combine all ingredients with ice in shaker
and shake very weiL
3. Strain into martini glass and garnish with
A fresh lime wheel.
CELEBRATE The Long Hot Summer With A Cool Drink!
Arkansas & Okiahoma's most read GLBT Magazine
Q Scopes
by Jack Fertig
AUGUST 2006
"Stick to a budget, Libra!""
Sun in Leo squaring Jupiter in Scorpio shows flamboyance,
generosity, and libido all cranked up high.
Venus in Cancer quincunx Neptune in Aquarius
boosts generosity, but dulls judgment in favor of the
easiest option.
ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Your playfulness can easily
get the better of you. Be careful! Getting out of a situation is
a lot harder than getting into it. Some community work may
channel that energy more safely.
. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Stay home as much as you
can, playing with your partner or a good partner-prospect.
Work, on the other hand, requires a serious hand and some
finesse. Listen for hidden agendas, and be only as conciliatory
as you need to be.
GEMINI (May 21 * June 20): Showing off, or feeling you
need to prove yourself, can lead to spectacular accidents.
Stay focused on the job at hand! Arguments over money
come too easily, and you're both wrong. Shelve those issues
until next week, at least.
CANCER (June 21 a July 22): Being as sexy as you are
right now can get expensive. Be clever and resourceful
instead of extravagant. Getting high opens you to dangerous
risks. A clear head and a steady hand are better fun
anyway.
LEO (july 23 * August 22): Your birthday bash will be all
the more fabulous if.jt's a bit more intimate and takes place
at home. Think quality, not quantity. In an even cozier setting,
you and your love can open up to deeper sharing that
can change your relationship.
VIRGO (August 23 * September 22): Rosy notions about
where you'd like to be in the future clash with current
frustrations in your work. You need to adjust both ends of
the problem. Meditation and in-depth conversations with a
trusted friend can help.
LIBRA (September 23 • October 22): Charm and creativity
can further your goals. Focus. which comes on!y with
difficulty nov,1, 1Nou!d a!so heip. Set aside some money for
frivoious games or shopaholic indulgences - but stick to the
budget!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Blowing your own
horn will look overbearing, but it's no time to be shy either.
Your work speaks loudly and clearly for itself. Distant older
relatives can shed light on family mysteries, but will you like
what you learn?
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): You are
not to be trusted with other people's secrets now. Better to
explore your own and share the deepest and darkest ones
with a counselor or teacher who can help you work them
out - or play them out - with an anonymous trick in a different
town.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): It's time to reevaluate
the whole "friends with benefits" business. What's
really important to you in any relationship, especially your
primary partnership? It's too easy to lose track of values
right now. Let your partner remind you of what's really
important!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You're a bit fuzzy
in your self-perception. And, although work offers some
comfort, it doesn't give you any more certainty. Cooperation,
now more than ever, is the key to success. Developing
culinary skills can also bring clarity .
PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Creative efforts heip
to draw out your inner demons. Dealing with those demons
remains a challenge, but you're up for it. Your inner conflicts
can make you touchy and argumentative. Don't shy
away from debate, but stay focused on what the disputes
are really about!
, <
SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO
FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES
SPIRIT OF CHRIST
MCC SPONSORS
Testing appoinrment 417-529-8480.
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joplin, Mo 64803
SATURDAY Service 9:30Aiv1
28 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents.
Arkansas, Bentonville/Rogers (4
NWA GLBT Ctr - - - - www.nwaglbtcc.org- - - - - 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 1i2 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- - - - - - - - 178 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. Coliege Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-442-5845
P;ide 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- - - - - - 479-783-9988
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- - - - - - - - - - - - -501-6642744
Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.dsra.org
Discovery- - - - - 1021 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. Wainut- - - - - - - -Service 11AM
Kansas, Wichita (316)
Our Fantasy/South40- - - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - - - - 316-682-5494
Priscilla's- - - - - 6143 W Kellogg D;- - - - - - - - - - - 316-942-1244
Club Glacier- - - - - - - - 2828 E. 31st South- - - - - 316-612-9331
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 !nn- - - -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 Boonvil!e Ave- - - .. -- - ........ 417-831-4700
GLO Comm Ctr- - -518 E. Commerica!- - - - .. - - --417-869-3978
Martha's Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive - - - .... - - .. - 417-864-4572
Missouri, Springfield (417)
Priscilla's - - - -1918 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 8&8 - 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
Fat Cat Bingo- - - - - - 3130 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - -405-942-8875
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
Elite Bookstore - - - - -814 S. Sheridan- - - - - - - - - - 918-838-8503
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
Nita Spot· -- - - - - -3007 E. Admirai Pi - - - -- - - - - - 918-834-3007
Our House, Too - - - -203 N Nogales Ave- - - - - - - -918-585-9552
Priscilla's - - - - - - - - -7925 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - - - -918-627-4884
Priscilla's - - - - - - - - 5634 W. Skelly - - - - - - - - - - - 918-446-6336
Priscilia'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 Allev- - - - - -3324-L E 3ist- - - - - - - - 918-745-9998
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 - - - - - - - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - - - - - - 918-660-0856
Whittier News Stand- - 1 N. Lewis- - - - - - - - - - 918-592-0767
Yellow-Brick-Rd- - - - - - - 2630 E. 15th- - - - - - - ·· ·· - 918-293-0304
30
Gt.ttJ HAIC,OH
'#M
AUAN NWllliITTH
Gay Marriage, ..
SO NOW THE: GCN''f IS -ri:zYING
-ro i<E:Wl-!lre THI! CONS'fl1U'flON
AGAIN AND 01./rt.AW GAY
MAl<l<IAGE: .•• WHY SHOUl.-0 Y,,'f.
N!:!:D -ro ASK P!::l<M!SSION Of'
S'fl<AIGH'f SOCl!:'fY 'TO G!:i
Ml\1<1'11!:Df:" WHO Al<E: T'H/iY'TO
.JUDGE: THE: VAl.-101-rY OF OUR
1.:!:f..A 'flONSHIPS!:"
l Gl'l!:W UP WITH AN l'fAf..lAN MO-rHE:R WHO
WAS Pl-ANNIN' MY ,\IE:ODING SINCE: THE: DAY
I WAS 801'1N •.• SO IT 'TOOK Mi:: A WHIL-!: 'TO
GE:'f OVl,l'I MY FEAR OF WE:OOiNGS! su-r I
KNE:W I WANreo -ro BE: WITH THIS
FOi.: THE: RE:S'f OF MY f..lFc: •.. I i ---------, r-we
WE:N'f AH!:AD AN'
Gar H/'f'CHl:0/
OF COURSE: I WAN, MY
BROTJ-1!:1'1 ,o B!: HAPPY •.• BU'f
10 BE: HONEST, I THINK GOO
Cl'IE:AT!:D MARl'l!AGE: AS A
GACREC> UNION BE:'TWEE;N A
MAN AND A 1-\-0MAN.
OOGMA,
IFJCATlO
AND f..!:S
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Be Seen With The Star
NWA GLBT CENTER
The Northwest Arkansas Gay,
Lesbian, Blsexuai and Transgendered
Community Center is a
group of like-minded individuals
who have come together to create
a nonprofit GLBT Community
Center in Northwest Arkansas.
www.nwaglbtcc.org
12th page classified
CALL F' □ R RATES
91 B.B35.78B7
11730 E. 11th Tulsa, OK
918.437.0449
Wed. Talent Show with
Bobby Page, 11PM
Girls Nite Out w/Kris Kohl
Sun August 13th 10PM
Open Tues-Sun 2pm-2am
Check out our new Patio!
CHECK OUT UNIQUE
EUREKA.SPRINGS,
AR.KANSAS
www.diversitypride.com
and
www.eurekapride.com
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY
ADVERTISING SALES
REPRESENTATIVE
FOR WICHITA,
MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS
gualifications to
ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net
o: maii to: 5103 S. Sheridan, # 153
Tulsa, OK 74145
' '',',', ' ;
C~L:L r-OR RATES
9lta.S:35.7E1B7
Get resuits with STAR Classifieds!
LICENSED ·MASSAGE
Tulsa, OK
* Full Body, Sports, Hot Stone
* Hand and Foot Scrabs
* In-House Clinic
* Days, Evenings and Weekends
Cali for an appointment and rates.
918-857-2805
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
STANLY SMITH
AUGUST BTH
- L .
IL
Jay Whiteside
918.902.1461
Tulsa Metro
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
** OPEN AUDITIONS
FOR MALE DANCERS.**
Saturday's 5pm. Must be
available to dance Sunday's.
Compensation plus tips for
successful candidates.
31
D 'T RRY ...
hat happens at Hollywood
stays at Hollywoodl
POOL HOURS
10AM - llPM
POOL PASS So A OAi' AL'1 D
t:35 A MONTH
SAT HOT DOGS 2PM"6PM
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, August 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 8
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
August 01, 2006
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media, Ltd.
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Greg Steele
Josh Aterovis
Douglas Glenn
John Patrick
Michael Dee
Kay Massey
Paul Wortman
Carlotta Carlile
Victor Gorin
Libby Post
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman
Chaz Ward
Victor Gorin
Teresa Goodrich
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
Online text
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Star Magazine, July 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 7
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/228
The Star Magazine, September 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 9
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/243
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/224
Advice Column
Asparagus stuffed dover sole
Bamboo Lounge
Bitter Girl
Book/DVD Review
Chelsea Boys
Club Majestic
Comic Strips
Family Picnic
Heart to Heart
HIV/AIDs
Lesbian Notions
marriage equality
Matt Foreman
Oklahoma Tax Commission
Our House
Out of the Line of Fire
Past Out
politics
Q Scopes
Quotable Quotes
recipes
Shantel Mandalay
Star business center
star classified
Star Distributors
Star entertainment
Star Scene
Summer Melon Margarita
Too
travel
Tulsa Community Center
Uncle Mikey
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/aa82cbbda58a8f60a735cb83dfd9d9dd.jpg
2485d9e2417fa32b2d4adde09d9df921
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/4a6a2ca907ad958b0e1ffc2d21c76426.pdf
b0d512826d927ba9a896bbe54263bbfe
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
dAN UARY
~ 1
!Y
~nd Business Building
From
2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
As you brmvse through this months issue, you’ll notice numerous
articles on fund-raisers, benefit shows, volunteers ,vorking to build
and just people helping people. GLBT people who are giving their
time, money and effort to help make another human life better.
Many who need help themselves. Giving, is the key issue. This past
month seeing and hearing about the many events to raise money
for those living with HIV/AIDS, food drives, toys for kids, meals
for the home-bound and ~o many other efforts, all within our own
community, reminded me of how very proud I am to be a gay man.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful ifwe could maintain that giving spirit for
the entire year and not just for the holiday season. The spirit should
not end on December 26th.
Giving, to support those people and organizations who are fighting
for equality not only for GLBT’s, but for everyone is another
important issue we have to face in this new year. I am very optimistic
for 2007. Many have predicted this will be the year we see
tremendous gains in equal rights for Gay/Lesbian people. But, we
must do our part to insure this happens. We voted! And you see the
results. "We can make a difference." This is the year to build on our
past achievements and open doors for future generations.
As we go to press we got the news that the Governor of New
Jersey had signed the bill granting gay and lesbian couples all rights
of marriage but the title. This is the third state offering civil unions
to gay couples and the fifth allowing gay couples some version of
marriage. It’s starting to happen!
On behalf of everyone involved with the STAR, I want to wish
all of you a great and prosperous New Year. May your lives be filled
with the spirit.
Dear Chaz,
It was exciting and thrilling to see your 3rd ,~mniversary Issue
of the Star! Having lived from the Southern most tip of Florida to
Northern California, this is just the best publication ever. Your
smiling personality continues to spread it’s enthusiasm in this tremendous
endeavor.
Our community in Joplin, MO and Eureka Springs, AR benefit
so much from your publication. I have people in both cities asking
~vhen the next issue is coming out almost as soon as they receive the
current one.
Ti~ank you so much for a job well done for the four states.
Rev. Steve T. Urie, Pastor
Spirit of Christ MCC
Joplin, MO
Chaz,
I just saw this month’s magazine and I wanted to send you a note
saying "congratulations" on your third anniversary. It has been an
honor and a privilege to work with you the past few months. I want
to thank you for your important contribution to the GLBT con>
munity and I wish you much success for many, maW years to come!
Joe LaFountaine
Board Secretary
Little Rock Capitol Pride
Dear Editor:
I live in Texas and get to both Tulsa and Oklahoma City on business
about once a month and never know xvhich bar to go to on any
particular night. I noticed in the December issue of the STAR that
you have begun to run a special page "AFTERDARI<[" where the
bars let everyone knoxv exactly what is going on each night. This is
certainly a tremendous help to anyone not living in Oldahoma City
or Tulsa and most likely even a great help for those who do! What
a great idea! I alxvays read the STAR online and enjoy it. Keep up
the good xvork.
Sincerely,
C. D. Ward
Publisher/Editor in Chief
Sincerely,
Randy Cunningham
Dallas, Texas
www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3
NEW# N@N{N, NN~# N~NN,
New Direction, Laura Belmonte,
President of Otdahomans for Equality
Speaks to the Community.
Doug Ireland "Why should being Gay
be a crime"
A retrospective of key moments,
personalities, and subjects in LGBT
history. Who was Joseph Beam?
"The Wine Rack" Cabernet Sauvlgnon
on review- page 16
Gay Travelers "Casa de San Pedro"
Otit of Town "Buenos Aires"
Kitten, it could have been worse, he
could have left you with the gift that
keeps giving, clap on--clap off.
Laura Belmonte.............5
Commentary.............. 11
OUT in Arkansas........... 12
Inspiring Fitness ........... 13
Past Out.................. 14
Tulsa GLBT Center News..... 15
The Wine Rack............. 16
Ciao Travel ................ 17
Lesbian Notions............ 22
Star Scene................ 24
Uncle Mikey............... 26
After Dark ................ 27
Horoscopes............... 28
Distributors............... 29
Cartoons..................30
Classifieds................ 31
STAR DISTRIBUTION:
New Tulsa GLBT Center Opens
This Month - page 15
4 day Celtic Festival Eureka Springs
- page 12
OKLAHOMA CITY * TULSA* LAWTON * MCALESTER * ENID * LITTLE ROCK ~ NORTH LITTLE RODK *
FAYETTEVtLLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVlLLE * ROGERS * KANSAS
CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN * BRANSON AREA* WICHITA* PtTTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY
4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
NEW HOME. NEW NAME. NEW D RECT ON.
An amazing year has just passed for the organization formerly
known as Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights / TOHR! As I
write, a dedicated team of volunteers is putting the final touches
on Phase One of our marvelous new center; Marc Acuff, our new
coordinator of the Tulsa Pride and Diversity Celebration is securing
corporate sponsors; and the Capital Fund Trustees and the Facilities
Committee are drafting new documents and policies to ensure that
our building is financially secure and well-maintained for decades to
come. From our brilliant IT crew to the immensely creative Design
Group, I an awed by the talented and generous individuals who are
helping me lead Oklahomans for Equality into an exciting new era.
Why the name change? Lots of reasons. For one, Tulsa Otdahomans
for Human Rights was an offshoot on an Oklahoma City-based
organization that folded over twenty years ago " hence there is
no need to saddle ourselves with the awkward Tulsa Oklahomans
construct. Another reason is that human rights had a very different
connotation in 1980 than it does now. I have often been asked
whether our organization does work like Amnesty International or
Human Rights Watch.
So, we searched for alternatives. We contracted a public relations
consultant. We formed focus groups. We spoke to key stakeholders.
We listened to a host of opinions. And, after much deliberation and
careful consideration, we adopted a new name, a name that encapsulates
who we are and what we want: Oklahomans for Equality.
Equality is the core of the gay rights struggle. We want equal
employment rights, equal housing and health care access, equal pension
and veteraffs benefits, equal treatment before the law, and equal
legal standing for our intimate, committed relationships.
We want equality for all gay, lesbian, bisexuals, and transgender
Oklahomans, not just Tulsans. Whatever their race, class, gender, religion,
age, or ability status, we want all the members of our diverse
and beautiful community to have the liberties promised each and
every U.S. citizen.
We want equality for our allies too. We cannot expect them to support
us if we do not support them. We cannot ignore our common
interests. We must harness the collective power of our causes and
constituencies.
How will we achieve these goals? By forming new partnerships that enable
us to serve seniors, youth, those in physical or mental crisis. By offering
programs that appeal across the entire spectrum of our community. By
broadening our volunteer resources so that any Oklahoraan can call our
GLBT helpline "the only one in the state" and find a gay-friendly doctor, a
supportive counselor, or simply a place to meet GLBT people. By expanding
our advocacy efforts to include allies throughout the state so that we can
mobilize hundreds of people for elections, lobbying days, and combating
anti-gay and anti-trans discrimination at the local level. We have so much
to do and we’ll soon be doing it in one of the largest GLBT centers in the
United States.
We at Oklahomans for Equality wish you a Happy New Year and express
our gratitude for the gift of your support.
In Solidarity,
Laura Belmonte
President, Oklahomans for Equalit3~ (OkEq)
Proudly serving "i\lisa & OKC\s GLBT communities since 1982
"At Century 21 Gold Castle our
BESTproperties are our PEOPLE’
430t NW 63rd, Suite 100
City, OK 73116
oldcastle.com
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5
JOHANNESBURG, South Afi’ica__ Vernon Gibbs and Tony Halls
got hitched Friday in South Africa’s first gay wedding, a day after the
government made same-sex marriage legal.
The couple, who run a guest lodge and animal rehabilitation center
on the southwestern coast, donned their game-ranger outfits and
went down to the local home affairs office in the town of George.
In front of marriage officer Petro Kruger they exchanged rings and
were pronounced a married couple.
LOAVES AND F SHE8 FUND-RAISER
BRIGHTENS THE HOUDAY8 AGNR
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__On December 4-5 the Copa Club
located in the Habana Hotel celebrated the 16th Anniversary of one
of Oklahoma’s most heartwarming fund-raisers, the annual Loaves
and Fishes Dinner and Show. This year it was dedicated to the
memory of longtime activis.t Keith Smith who passed away November
20,2006.
Featuring community icons Sonja Martinez, John Beebe, ToW Sinclair,
Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald & Debbie Davies, the benefit raised
OVER $5600 for this Catholic Charities ministry which provides
meals & other assistance for those home bound by HIV. Judy Riley
stated. "I am overcome by the generosity of the people who come to
this event every year in support of our brothers and sisters who are
living with HIV/MDS. Words cannot express the depth of our appreciation
and gratitude to Sonja and all the performers, Nick Post
and the Copa Staff, and also all the benefactors."
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The board of directors of the AIDS
Walk of Oklahoma City has awarded grants to nine local non-profit
organizations totaling $50,100. Grantees and their respective award
amounts are: Regional AIDS Intercommunity Network (RAIN)
$5000; AIDS Support Program/The Winds House $5700; Red
Rock Behavioral Health Services/Red Rock North $5400; Northern
Lights Alternative $6100; Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma
$6100; Guiding Right $5400; Other Options $6400; Latino
Community Development Agency $5000; and the HIV/AIDS
Legal Resource Project of Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma $5000.
Since 1998, the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City has distributed more
than $333,000 in grants to local non-profit organizations providing
critically needed services to individuals living with HIV or AIDS.
SAVE THE DATE FORTHE 2007 AIDS WALK OF OKLAHOMA
CITY: Sunday, September 30th at the Myriad Botanical
Gardens.
Joplin Organia÷rs Announce
Formation Of Long Awaited
Gay Lesbian Center.
JOPLIN, MO The Joplin Gay & Lesbian Center kick-offdinner
was a rousing success on November 20th. Fifty people ate & drank
great food, made new friends and saw old ones, and embraced the
Center’s goal to raise money to build a community center. Guests
were entertained by "Queer Duck," the Mike Reiss video shorts,
Charlie Smith, Treasure Love, and the fab-u-lous Miss Latina Carlisle
(Miss Gay Joplin 2002), who brought the house down with her
version of"Somewhere Over the Rainbo~v."
Door prizes included DVD’s of"Dante’s Cove" and "Fixing Frank,"
tank-top shirts from A & E’s original December movie, "Wedding
Wars," and various CD’s, including music from Cirque de Soleil.
Greetings and best wishes were offered by leaders ofUCC Family
Fellowship, the Joplin Junior Chamber (~e Jaycees), Wal-Mart’s
Office of Diversig; and Shekinah Glory Church.
President Lee McDaniel spoke about the need for a center here in
conservative, rural southwest Missouri to encourage people, especially
our youth, to be who they are - and to knmv that we are just
normal, everyday people. He reported that the Center has joined the
national association of gay & lesbian centers and plans to join the
Joplin Chamber of Commerce in order to increase its visibility. The
Center also is a member of GLAAD and HRC.
The Center extends its thanks to all those involved and to all who
attended. Special thanks to all the volunteers, the performers,
UCCFF for rental of its building, Mr. David Garrison for the terrific
food, the Karpel Group, Corporate Edge Marketing, and to
Lee McDaniel at Gold Key Mortgage and Carberry Development
Group.
The Center’s next major fundraising events will be in February and
June 2007. Details will follmv via www.myspace.com/gaylesbiancenter
and http://360.yahoo.com/gaylesbiancenter.
For more info, please email or call the Center’s President, Lee
McDaniel, at gaylesbiancenter@ya~hoo.com or 417-622-7821. The
Center, founded in October 2006, may be reached at PO Box 4383,
Joplin, MO 64803-4383.
New-Jersey Denies Gay Marriage,
Passes Civi Unions.
TI~NTON, N.J. - Nexv Jersey’s governor signed legislation Thursday
December 21 st giving gay couples all the rights and responsibilities
of marriage alloxved under state law, but not the fltle.
When the la\v goes into effect Feb. 19, Ne~vJersey xvill become the
third state offering civil re’dons to gay couples and the fifth allowing
gay couples some version of marriage.
6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7
437 E, i41st Street
Gtenpool, OK 74033
918.291.EARL (3275)
ORDERS BY 12NOON GUARANTEED SAME DAY DELIVERY
8 the ,STAR www.ozarksstar.com
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9
Tu san°s B÷s end With 40
Bikes Chi d ÷n Of Pa ÷nts
Living With H V/A D$o
By Greg Steele
P,6oto: 40 Bikes and over 3"00 other itemsf!lled the main bar of
the climb.
By Victor Gorin
TULSA, OK No it’s not a bicycle shop and it’s not a Walmart
store. It’s the Bamboo Lounge Tulsa. Bar owners Terry Hood and
Stan Smith put the word out in early December that their annual
Christmas Drive for the Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. food pantry would not be
just another food collection. "Ihis year was for the kids. The goal was
a bike for all 30 children of Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. clients. In an interview
with Stan Smith he told us "The response was so incredible
we had the 30 bicycle’s within a week and more were promised. We
then called RAIN to see if any of their clients had children, there
were five he was told. We have 35 bikes and five extra that I’m sure
the two organizations will find homes for." Smith said.
In addition to the bicycles, toys, non-perishable food items, toiletries,
maW other gifts were donated. Well over 300 items filled the
main bar of the club. The Tulsa Rough Riders also held a raffle and
donated the proceeds.
The 30 children of "/\~sa C.A.R.E.S. clients ages are 6 girls and 5
boys under the age of seven. 7-11 years of age, 3 female and 4 male.
Ages 12-15 there are 4 girls and 8 boys. Some are themselves HIV
positive but all are affected by the difficult lives of their parents living
with HIV/AIDS.
The majority of Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. and RAIN HIV/AIDS clients are
living below the poverty line and don’t have the means to provide
a decent Christmas for their children. \VTe talked with Michael at
Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. after the truck loads of gifts and food items had
been delivered and he told us, "We thought it was going to be just
another Christmas for the kids, and then these folks come along
with this wonderful gift. It will certainly make a big difference for
them on this special day of the year for children"
There is going to be a lot of happiness and smiling faces in the
homes of those who have so much hardship.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Club Rox located in the Hollywood
Hotel and Suites held a Masquerade Ball fund-raiser for Red Rock
Saturday, December 16. Featuring entertainer Alison Scott, it was
organized by Hollywood crew member Beaux Leaf, proceeds from
the fund-raiser would go to help Red Rock deliver meals to home
bound people living with HIV/MDS. The event was great success
and for a very worthy cause. Pictured above is an anonymous donor
who gave $100.
SPECIAL WORSHIP
CELEBRATION
HONORING DR. KING AND THE GLBT COMMUNITY
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK___On Sunday, January 14 at 10:45 a.m.
and 3 p.m. Church of the Open Arms will host a special service
with a renowned guest preacher, the Reverend Dr. Randall C. Bailey.
He is a professor at the Interdenominational Theological Center
in Atlanta, has lectured throughout the United States and abroad,
and also has gained attention with his recent article, "Sanctified
Hatred: Why Banning Same Sex Marriage is Wrong."
This service is co-sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign,
P-Flag OKC and the Peace House, and the public is invited. The
theme says it all, "Peace ~vith Justice for M1- God has a Dream."
Human rights leaders Clara Luper and the Reverend Orra Compton
will be honored at the service. ~xis will be a landmark service,
honoring not only the late Dr. King, but all people seeking equality
including the GLBT community. It will coincide with the Oklahoma
City Martin Luther King Parade which will be held the following
day beginning at 2 p.m., at N.W. 7th Street & Robinson.
10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
a crib÷?
In 75 countries being gay is still a crime. French activist
Louis-Georges Tin, founder of the International Day
Against Homophobia, hopes to change that by having
the United Nations adopt a resolution calling for the decriminalization
of homosexuality worldwide. Tin spoke
to The Advocate ahead of a press conference in Paris
where he announced the news.
By Doug Ireland
On November 17 the Paris-based International Day Against Homophobia
(IDAHO) will launch a global campaign for a United
Nations resolution declaring that homosexuality should no longer
be considered a crime anywhere in the world.
The proposed U.N. resolution is the brainchild of IDAHO’s
founder, Louis-Georges Tin, 32, a professor and author of a number
of books (including the Dictionary of Homophobia) who is also a
rising star of France’s emerging black movement for equality.
Tin will simultaneously release a list of hundreds ofVIP endorsers
of the proposed U.N. resolution, including a gaggle of Nobel Prize
winners (among them, Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa,
Dario Fo of Italy, Elfriede Jelinek ofAustria, and Amartya Sen of India);
political leaders, including two former French prime ministers
(Laurent Fabius and Michel Rocard); academics (such as Princeton
University President Shirley Tilghman and world-famous sociologist
Richard Sennett); entertainers (such as Academy Award-winning
actress Meryl Streep, David Bowie, Edward Norton, Mike Nichols,
Lily Tomlin, actor-playwright Wallace Shawn, humorist Bruce
Vilanch, and Spanish actress Victoria Abril); and a host of renowned
writers, including Doug Wright, Jon Robin Baitz, Salman Rushdie,
Gore Vidal, Sir Tom Stoppard, ToW Kushner, Martin Amis, Ian
McEwan, Russell Banks, Bernard-Henri Levy, John Berendt, Lady
Antonia Fraser, Christopher Hitchens, Michael Chambon, Peter
Carey, and Edmund White.
Getting the U.N. to commit to universal decriminalization of
homosexuality is destined to become the central objective of the
international LGBT movement for the next decade. Tin spoke to
The Advocate.
What chance do you think this resolution has of passing the U.N.?
Many people believe such a resolution is beyond reach. I personally
don’t. Why? Because there is already U.N. jurisprudence in our
favor. In 1994, Mr. Toonen, a citizen ofTasmania, who had been
condemned for same-sex relationships, won his case in what was
then the U.N. Commission on Human Rights--it said his arrest
was a breach of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and of
the right of privacy. So we just ask the U.N. to extend this jurisprudence
to other countries--75 in the world!--where same-sex
relationships are still forbidden. There’s recent evidence that this is
not as utopian a project as it might seem at first glance: In October
this year, the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared
that the imprisonment in Cameroon of 11 men who’d been caught
in a raid on a gay bar on charges of homosexuality was "an arbitrary
deprivation of liberty" that violates the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights. That’s encouraging.
How will you and IDAHO work for its passage?
The campaign for the U.N. resolution will have two main components.
An external media campaign to raise awareness within
public opinion and governments will begin with the November 17
unveiling of a petition--for which VIP signatures are now being
gathered--on IDAMO’s \geb site, ww~v.idahomophobia.org. Also,
a host of international and country organizations have already
signed on as cosponsors of the campaign for the resolution, like the
International Lesbian and Gay Association and France’s Ligue des
Droits de l’Homme. The second battle has to be waged within the
new U.N. Council on Human Rights. \re have to lobby the states
that are members and ask them to support the resolution or at least
not to vote against it. We are talking with the government of South
Africa, which is a member of the council to sponsor the resolution.
South Africa was the first country in the world to include the principle
of nondiscrimination against gays and lesbians in its constitution-
and their sponsorship would show that LGBT rights are not
just a "Western issue."
What exactly does the resolution say?
The text I wrote asl~ for a universal decriminalization of homosexuality.
It is very clear, easy, and simple, and based solely on the
articles of the U.N.’s Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights that
were used to justify the decision in the Toonen case. I did not want
to write a philosophical text on the issue, because an argument
that may be relevant in one country will certainly be irrelevant in
another one. We need a common language to support human rights.
What could be more relevant and more international than the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights itself?.
Why did you choose this moment to launch this campaign?
~l}le Toonen case was ruled on 12 years ago, soI thought it was high
time that LGBT organizations decided to take advantage of it at the
U.N. To be honest, I fail to see any issue that could be more important
than this one for LGBT organizations. On May 17, 1990,
the World Health Organization decided that homosexuality could
no longer be regarded as a disease, which is why I chose that date
for the International Day Against Homophobia. The first IDAHO
was only celebrated in 2005, so we really couldn’t do anything
before that--but now our organization has spread to more than 50
countries and been endorsed by the European Parliament, so I think
we are ready to go farther. Look, gays and lesbians around the world
cannot wait any longer for their love to cease being made a crime.
Many are in jail, or at risk of being jailed. Some are being killed.
7his has to stop now.
Ireland is a veteran political journalist who can be reached through
his blog, DIRELAND, at Direland.typepad.com/direland/
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11
Four Day Celtic Festiva
Eureka Springs
EUREKA SPRINGS, AR~ PaperMoon
Attractions presents Celtic Connections
Eureka, a four-day festival celebrating Celtic
heritage, music, poetry, food and drink as
the clans overtake the tiW hamlet of Eureka
Springs January 18 - 21, 2007. Timed for
the birthday bash for the great Robert
Burns, the "Bard of Scotland", Celtic
Connections Eureka calls to celto-philes
from the seven nations hither and yon.
In these Ozark Highlands you’ll immerse
yourself in the color and heritage
of this rich world culture, as entertainers,
crafters and historians from far and
way create an experience designed to
enrich your appreciatior{ and knowledge
of Celtic traditions.
The traditional Robert Burns Night
Suppers are scheduled for Thursday and
Friday evenings, with the Friday night
dinner featuring a few extra touches including
music and stories by Ed Miller,
modern bard of Scotland and Scottish
folksong preservationist.
tartan attire, the seven Celtic nations, demonstrate
musical instruments, and more.
"11artanic, the bagpipe comedy theater band
from Houston who took Eureka Springs by
storm last January; returns for Friday night’s
concert at the City Auditorium. If you’re
not planning to go to Arizona in February,
this may be your last chance to enjoy the
amazing Tartanic experience.
added Eureka Springs to thei~ growing fan
base when they performed last year. Rowan
will also perform Sunday morning at the
Crescent Hotel’s Sunday Brunch. Also joining
the event will be Arkansas Celts Tinker’s
Dam and the Crooked Creek Irish Dancers
from Harrison and award-winning Celtic
Heartstrings Linda Brocldnton and Brenda
Ramsey from Alexander playing traditional
music on mountain dulcimer and flute.
Throughout the weekend guests will
have a chance to enjoy all the workshops,
multiple music sessions and concerts,
"The Gypsy Faire" vendor market, along
with Celtic-flavored special offerings
by area pubs and restaurants. All-Day
Tickets are: $28 for Thursday including
the Burns Night Supper; $25 for Friday’s
events (without the Burns Supper); $45
or $80 per couple for Friday’s events, including
the Burns Night Supper; $25 for
Saturday’s events. For more information
and to purchase tickets online see www.
EurekaCelts.com or call 866-363-9545.
Both evenings’ dinners are hosted by the
historic 1886 Crescent Hotel Crystal Dining
Room where the setting provides the
Castle-like backdrop for all the pomp and
circumstance. This annual, around-theworld
birthday tribute to the life, ~vorks and
spirit of Robert Burns is the 9th year for
this event in Eureka Springs. The evening
promises highland pipes, poetry and pride,
the traditional Scottish dinner with roast
beef and haggis, the drinking of Scotch
whiskey and the recitation of Burns works,
along with general merry-making and songsinging.
"Robert Burns was truly the voice of the
Scots. Any ethnic group will collect around
a cultural voice and for the Scots who
endured British oppression for centuries,
Burns covered the whole spectrum of life in
those ages," says Bruce Crabtree, author and
historian, who will be performing "Robert
Bruce’s March to Bannockburn" in traditional
attire and full brogue. Crabtree will
also present a workshop about the Gads
during the festival, along with other workshop
presenters who will discuss the Scots
and Irish influence in the Ozarks, traditional
"Eureka Springs can look forward to a pretty
unique act," said Adrian Walter, the band’s
lead, who also teaches theatre and dance in
Houston, Texas. "The audience will see that
bagpipes can go way beyond funerals," he
quipped. "It’s like a rock and roll unplugged
bagpipe theatre show without a plot. We do
a fully audience integrated show that goes
against the usual band formula."
Tartanic will be right at home with the
Eureka Springs culture. How does one
describe Tartanic? "hnagine one dancer, six
drums, six drones, 18 notes, fast fingers,
high comedy, flying bagpipes, taste-defying
stunts, scorching hot music played at over
120 beats per minute with driving speed
and high volume, all brought to you by five
men without pants."
Also on the bill with Tartanic is Beth Patterson,
Celtic singer-songwriter from Ne~v
Orleans. Patterson, whose sound and style
has been compared to Loreena McKennitt,
also performs on Saturday night at the
City Auditorium with Ed Miller and with
Rowan, a traditional Celtic trio from Kansas
who
ANNOUNCING 2007
D VERSITY WEEKEND DATES
Eureka 8pdngs, Arkansas
VALENTINE’S DIVERSITYWEEKEND
Friday, Feb 16, 2007 - Sunday, Feb 18,
2007
SPRING DIVERSITY WEEKEND
Friday, April 13, 2007 - Sunday, April 15,
2007
SUMMER DIVERSITY WEEKEND
Friday, Aug 3, 2007 - Sunday Aug 5, 2007
FALL DIVERSITY WEEKEND
Friday, Nov 2, 2007 - Sunday, Nov 4, 2007
For more information go to:
www.diversitypride.com
12 the STAR w~v.ozarksstar.com
in the morning and stress at night; stress is that thing I
just can’t fight. Or can you? Happiness is knowing that you can control
the impact stress has on your life. This is important since stress
has been linked to 70% of all illnesses. In addition, stress is directly
related to negative health behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse,
and to psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression. This
is no good my friends! Pay close attention and I’ll make it all feel
better!
Most stress is caused by inadequate time management. What do you
want out of life? Write it all down on paper and then go back and
prioritize. You can’t do it all so you will need to leave some of the
items on the editing floor. Make a schedule of what you want to do
each day or week and then stick to this schedule like a dutiful liege.
Monitor this schedule and make changes accordingly as time marches
on. It sounds so doggone simple but most of you do not listen
to this sage advice. YOu watch American Idol when you should be
washing the dishes or you gossip ad infinitum with Patty and Selma
when you should be giving the dog his much needed bath. Don’t
waste time on this pettiness unless of course you like this pettiness
and it is part of your schedule.
When you don’t prioritize and you try to force 36 hours into a 24
hour day, the first item up for sale is sleep. Did you know that lions
sleep about 20 hours each day. ~lhat is quite fascinating but you will
not need exactly that much of the forty winks! The average human
adult needs between seven and eight hours of repose per night.
You might believe you can maintain much less sleep than that each
evening but stress will eventually get the better of you over the years.
The Grim Reaper wilt just bide his time. The following are numerous
suggestions for pleasant dreams: 1) Go to bed at the same time
each night. 2) Don’t exercise right before bedtime. 3) Avoid eating
meals shortly before lights out. A light snack is fine.
4) Do not watch TV in the bedroom. 5) Sleep in a cooler than normal
room. 6) Avoid excessive alcohol. It causes restless sleep.
All work and no play make Jack a dull boy! You don’t exactly want
to emulate Jack Torrance at the Overlook Hotel. I could spout off a
whole slew of abominable statistics and enlighten you on how much
more that people are now working than they were fifty years ago.
But I won’t. You are certainly keenly aware of this situation. When
time is at a premium, the factors most neglected are personal health,
relationships with the kiddies, and marriage or romantic time with
the significant other. Recreation and leisure should be important
components of your daily schedule. Why do you think the Japanese
live so long? They work so much less than us Americanos and they
love their play time. You can make your millions by the age of 40
but it ain’t gonna help ya if the stress sends ya packing early for that
plot of land in Boot Hill. Be sure to factor in some moderate sessions
of shenanigans along life’s yellow brick road!
There are several relaxation techniques that might help you push
your stress to the back of the line. The nominees for outstanding
relief methods are the quick fix, prayer, and positive thinking. The
quick fix means taking a five minute time out from the rat race.
Go to a quiet spot, loosen your clothing, remove your shoes, and
shut your eyes. Inhale deeply for about five seconds and then exhale
slowly for about ten seconds. Repeat this several times. Now mentally
picture something pleasant like a lake, a cloud, or Jamaica. Keep
relaxing and breathe deeply. After five minutes, stretch briefly and
head back to the real world with renewed vi.gor.
The next technique is prayer. Studies have indicated that prayer can
decrease blood pressure and can be a tremendous source of comfort.
Prayer can provide confidence to function more effectively and thus
reduce stress from your rigors of life. Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist,
Protestant, Wiccan, or Taoist. It makes no difference. Try embracing
the power of prayer.
Finally there remains positive thinking. This is simple but not always
followed. Do whatever it takes to create a positive mood when
you have excessive stress. You do not want to dwell on any negative
feelings. Always picture the positive side of life. Those that do this
are those who prosper.
Stress can be indeed harmful; stress can be quite a mighty hell;
Stress ye now know must be managed for ye to be well!
Ron Blake is a Certified Personal Trainer and Owner of Blake Fitness
in Phoenix. He can be reached at 480-241-5651 or on the web
at www.blakefitness.com.
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13
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.
was . osepb Beam?
African-American author and activist
Joseph Beam secured his place in GLBT
literary history as the editor of In the Life,
a groundbreaking anthology of works by
black same-gender-loving men.
Beam was born December
30, 1954, in Philadelphia.
With his working-class
parents struggling to
ensure that their only child
received a good education,
he attended Catholic preparatory
and high schools,
where he was one of only
a few black students. He
later studied journalism
at Franklin College, a
small Baptist college in
Indiana. Influenced by
the civil rights and Black
Power movements, he was
an active member of the
Black Student Union. After
graduating in 1976, he pursued
a Master’s degree in
communications and stayed
in the Midwest, working at
odd jobs for a few years, before returning to
his native city.
Back in Philadelphia in the early 1980s,
Beam got a job at Giovanni’s Room, a
GLBT bookstore. He began writing news
articles, personal essays, poetry, and short
stories for publications such as _The
Advocate, Body Politic, Gay Community
News, and the New York Native, Much of
his work reflected on the life experiences of
black gay men, criticizing both the racism
of the mainstream white gay and lesbian
movement and the homophobia of the
black community. In 1984, the Lesbian and
Gay Press Association honored him with
an award for outstanding achievement by a
minority journalist. Beam also maintained
ongoing correspondence with prisoners,
which he later attributed to his "deep sense
ofmy own imprisonment as a closeted gay
m,an and an oppressed Black man."
Having ensconced himself in the GLBT
literary scene - and having met numerous
14 the STAR
authors and community leaders - Beam was
disappointed about the lack of black male
voices. \York by white gay writers addressed
three camps, he claimed: "the incestuous
literati of Manhattan and Fire Island, the
San Francisco cropped-moustache-clones,
and the Boston-to-Cambridge
politically correct
radical faggots. None of
them spoke to me as a
Black gay man." While
some of the leading lights
of the Harlem Renaissance
- such as Langston
Hughes, Countee Cullen,
and Richard Bruce
Nugent - were knoxvn
or believed to have been
{gay or bisexual, Beam
found that contemporary
xvorks by black samegender-
loving men were
fexv and far between.
"By mid-1983 1 had
grown weary of reading
literature by xvhite gay
men," he xvrote. "More
and more each day, as I
looked around the xvell-stocked shelves of
Giovanni’s Room...I wondered xvhere xw~s
the work of Black gay men."
Beam therefore began collecting material
for his pioneering anthology, in many
cases nurturing the budding talents of men
who had never before ~vritten for publication.
He said that In the Life, published by
Alyson Publications in 1986, spoke for "the
brothers whose silence has cost them their
sanitT," as well as the "2,500 brothers who
have died of AIDS."
Beam regarded the book as a tool for organizing
and community building. His oxvn
essa}; "Brother to Broti~er," extolled friendship,
love, and eroticism among black men
as a means of self-affirmation and group
solidarity in the face of the pain and anger
that arose from dealing xvith a xvhite GLBT
movement that failed to address the concerns
of people of color, and a heterosexual
black community, that refused to accept
queer men. "I cannot go home as xvho I am
and that hurts me deeply," he wrote. "Aren’t
aH hearts and fists and min~ds needed in this
struggle or will this faggot be tossed into
the fire?"
and relieving Black women Dom the role
of primary nurturers in our commmxity;" he
wrote. "For too tong we have expected from
Black women that which we could only
obtain from other men...I dare us to dream
that we are xvorth wandng each other. Black
men loving Black men is the revolutionary
act of the eighties."
One source of inspiration for Beam xvas the
work of black lesbian feminist writers such
as Audre Lorde. "I dream of Black men
loving and supporting other Black men, An
activist as well as an author, Beam worked as
a consultant for the Gay and Lesbian ~ask
Force of tile American Friends Service Committee.
He helped resurrect the flagging
National Coalition of Black Lesbians and
Gays - originally founded in 1978 - joining
the executive committee and editing the
organization’s journal, Black/Out.
Beam died of complications related to AIDS
in December 1988, just three days shy of
his 34th birthday. Though his life was brief,
Beam’s influence was far-reaching. He served
as both an inspiration and a mentor, promoting
the idea that "visibility is survival."
After his death, Beam’s mother and his
fi-iend Essex Hemphill completed a second
anthology of black gay men’s writing,
_Brother to Brother_ (1991), which Beam
was working on xvhen he died. Hemphill
also remembered Beam in a memorial
poem, "When My Brother Fell":
He burned out
his pure life force
to bring us a chance
to love ourselves...
Forfiwther reading:
Beam, Joseph (ed.). 1986. _in the Life:A
Black Gay Anthologo,_ (Alyson).
Harris, E. Lynn (ed.). 2004. _Freedom in
this Village: Twenty-Five Years ofBlack Gay
2]/Ien’s Writing_ (Carroll & Graf).
Hemphill, Essex (ed.). 1991. _Brother to
Brother: New IN’itings by Black Gay Men_
(Alyson).
www.ozarksstar.corn
NEW CENTER OPENS
gH S MONgH
It’s been a long journe?; but the finish line is
in sight. O-klahomans for Equality (OkEq)
xvill open the permanent Tulsa GLBT
Community Center, 621 E. 4th Street, this
month January 2007. The new Center, at
18,000 square feet, is one of the largest in
the nadon and will be filled with nexv OkEq
community programs, meeting rooms and
spaces for community organizations, reception
areas, educational, legal 8¢ xvellness
services, the Events Center and much more!
You’ll be xvelcomed in the Robert S. Cisar
Lobby. With 14’ beamed ceilings, the front
hall of the nexv Center features the reception
area, an expanded Pride Store, OkEq
offices and the original safe of the 1920’s
building. Adjacent to the front hall is the
Great Halt. The Great Hall " the living
room" for the community is approximately
1,800 square foot of open space. A great
space for receptions, parties and more, complete
xvith a ~tchen, the space is a warm and
inviting environment for the communi~:
Through the rear lobby and to the right are
the Gallery and Conference Rooms. With
community groups and organizations in
mind, the Gallery and Conference Room
can hold small, medium and large groups.
You’ll be surrounded by the art of coinmunity
members in the Gallery while the
Community Room features a floor to ceiling
glass wall.
Come up the elevator in the rear lobby and
you xvill arrive in the Recreation Lounge.
Around the corner, you’ll be welcomed into
an expanse for the communits: The Nancy
&Joe McDonald Rainboxv Library features
over 3,000 GLBT tides. A new xveekly Legal
Clinic and Counseling office is adjacent to
the library. The David Bohnett CyberCenter
has 10, flat-screen, DSL computer stations
free to the public. The nexv, light-filled
\Vellness Center, with planned yoga and
meditation session and dance lessons \vill
feature many new additional programs for
the communi~:
Past a relaxing lounge next to the Cyber-
Center is the KidsCorner. Featuring xvritable
walls and a mural, KidsCorner also has an
interior window to keep watch of your little
ones. You’ll see history on display in the
Dennis Neill &John Southard History Project
Room, as well as be able to look-over
historical documents.
The Health Testing office offers free HIV
testing 3 times per xveek xvhile syphilis
testing is offered once a month. The Community
Office Area xvill xvelcome small
desk/office areas for organizations, as well
as a meeting space. The sumptuous Board
Room, loo-king out over 4th Street can easily
seat 12 to 25 indMduals.
And there is still another 8,000 square
feet! Back on the street level is the Events
Center. Able to seat nearly 200 people for a
luncheon or dinner, the nearly 3,000 square
foot space comes complete xvith a catering
kitchen, a separate entry, facilities and
a clerestory windoxv nearly the len~h of
the space. The Kenosha Suite, xvith approximately
1,500 sq. ft. of space and the
4th Street frontage of 3,000 sq. ft. of retail
space xvill help invigorate the East End of
downtown Tulsa.
The nexv year of 2007 xvelcomes a nexv
home, a new name and nexv direction for
OHahomans for Equality. We xvelcome you
to visit the new community center, 621 E.
4th Street in downtown Tulsa, be involved
xvith your community and join us as we
continue our 26-year history of working for
GLBT equality.
Oldahomans for Equality (OkEq) seeks
equal rights for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual &
Transgender (GLBT) individuals and families
through advocacy, education, programs,
alliances, and the operation of the Tulsa
GLBT Community Center.
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.
,J
VmNW.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15
CaVe.net
Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in many regions where red wine is made:
Southern France, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria and Rumania in Europe; Argentina,
Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and California in the New World.
Wherever it is grown you find reliable, quality, drinkable wines. Cabernet Sauvignon
is at the heart of most Bordeaux red wines, often blended with Merlot;
they are the benchmark against which other producers judge their products.
At the upper end of the market, the Bordeaux chateaux, such as Margaux
and Haut-Brion, reign supreme, but there is increasing competition from
Australia and California. At the bottom end of the market, Bordeaux is struggling
to compete. Examples from Latin America, Australia and Eastern Europe
consistently offer an excellent drinking experience and value for money.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a fairly small, thick skinned, tannic, dark red grape
that crops well in suitable growing conditions. It survives cold winters and
well-drained soils but does need adequate sunshine in order to ripen
fully. ~he grape’s thick skin makes it resistant to spoiling by rain and attack by
insects, around harvest time, which helps to ensure ripeness before picking and
to maintain yields.
~-he predominant flavor is blackcU~i but it also can exhibit
black cherry, cedar, leather and tobacco notes, depending
on where it is grown. Because of its high tannin content, it has
good ageing potential (five to ten years) and is often matured
in oak barrels to enhance the flavor. ~-he effect of contact with
oak modifies the tannin structure, leading to smoother, elegant,
more complex wines.
Whether as a varietal or blended with Merlot, Sangiovese,
Shiraz or Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon is always a popular
choice for informed lovers of red wine.
Foods that pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon: duck, spicy
beef, pate, rabbit, roasts, spicy poultry, cheddar, blue cheese,
sausage, kidneys, pasta with tomato sauce and foods that are
meaty, pungent or spicy.
This year there are some exceptional Cab’s out there this year
including;
Chateau St Jean Cinq Cepages 2000
Justin Justification Paso Robles 2003
Irony Napa 2002
Beringer Napa 2002
Snoqualmie Columbia Valley 2004
Visit your favorite wine shop, bring a bottle & a dish and
we’ll see ya there!!
Devre
1 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Past m this tiny and we do m~fi TINY ~ommfinity
mVfi;
kitchen j(
they prepare the food. [[he
so ~’0~ V[,ilt leave full. Karl and
In the afternoons, they bake flesh pasrry/pk
One night they drove us m Bisbee which is about 20 miles away.
Bisbee is a very old mining town that has a lot of character. We
dined at the Striped Stocking and had a wonderful evening. Bisbee
~s lust a very small town but has a very" active gay population.
1o800o535oAIDS (2437)
minute OraQuick Test
* Free Syphillis screening at the GLBT Community
Center on Tuesdays from 6-Spin
H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic
Outreach Program
Tulsa at {918) 812-7045
18 the STAR www.ozarksstar.c0m
to P pnngs
By Donald Pile and Ray Williams
ings begiIi on Valentine~ Da?; FebruaD,
rants in .~nerica and we certainly agree.
Friday- Febru;apt 16, 2007 4 pm to 5:30 pm - Readings at the
Melvyr~ is open ~br hmch Monday thru Friday from 11:30 to 3pro. Quee~ 0fHeart~ Hotel.
Dinner is served daily 6 to 1 lpm. Lhampagn~ Brunch is served Saturday 2 February 17, 2007 3 pm - Book Signing at the Pepper-
Saturday a,~d Sunday 9am to 3 pm. "Ilaeir web site is: www.inglesi- tree Bookstore.
deim~.com. For reservations call (760)325-2323. Please contact Joanna or Denise ~br Reservations and information:
By E-maiI:
Casitas@CasitasLaquita.com
Phone: 760) 416-9999 - Toll Free: (877) 203-3410
w~,,~v.ozarksstar.com the STAR 19
Fringing the ocean, Starwood Iqotels’g[amorolls andgay-J}iendly Atlantic
resort has been a keyfeature ofFort Lauderdale’s stunning redevelopment.
(P,~oto by Andrew Collins)
January 2007
\vgith progressive attitudes on social issues and a spirited, chic style
that evokes Paris, Rome, and New York City, buoyant Buenos Aires
has become the GLBT capital of Latin America. In this distinctly
European-feeling city, the worlds of high fashion, haute cuisine,
and tango come together, and an unstable economy has become a
boon for visitors from other nations, because it’s led to favorable
foreign-currency exchange rates. Indeed, what was not long ago the
most expensive capital city in South America has become one of the
cheapest major metropolises in the world.
This city of nearly 3 million (12 million live in the metro region)
sits along the southern bank of the Rio de la Plata, a wide estuary
that forms the border between Argentina and Uruguay. Spanish
conquistadors established a foothold here in the early 1500s, and
the city retains close ties to Europe - many _Portenos_ (as residents
are known) have Spanish and Italian lineage, and significant numbers
also trace their roots to Germany, Great Britain, Russia, and
France. This is very much an international destination, and Buenos
Aires has fol!owed the lead of many European cities by actively
courting GLBT tourists (the tourism office produces an excellent
gay brochure and map) and legalizing same-sex civil unions.
North Americans are sometimes deterred from traveling to Buenos
Aires by steep airfares (which typically range from around $800
to $1,200 round-trip), but once you’re actually in Argentina, the
cost of travel is so amazingly low that you can easily spend less on a
vacation here than you would in western Europe or the Caribbean.
Also consider that during slower times, some airlines’ frequent flyer
programs offer round-trip flights here for as few as 40,000 miles offpeak
(typically March through May and again mid-August through
November, which are perfectly pleasant times to visit).
Prices for most goods - as well as food and cocktails, taxis, electronics,
and many other items - are generally 40 to 70 percent less than
in the United States. Look for especially great deals on leather goods
(from wallets to jackets), and enjoy the shockingly low prices of
fine steaks and wines (two products for which Argentina is justly
renowned) at great restaurants.
Buenos Aires (aka B.A.) is a sprawling city, but because cabs are easy
to hail on the street and extremely inexpensive, they’re a very practical
way to make your way around. This is also a generally safe and
enjoyable city to explore on foot. The central neighborhoods of Microcentro,
Congreso, and Retiro are typical business and commerce
centers, and nearby Recoteta is a wealthy hub of high-end hotels and
ritzy apartment towers. In these areas you’ll find many of the city’s
top museums, performing arts venues, and political buildings, but
you need to venture farther afield to get to know gay B.A.
Start xvith a walk through Barrio Norte, a busy and bustling district
with a sizable gay presence and loads of fine clothing, home-fur-
¯ nishings, and electronics stores along the main drag, Avenida Santa
Fe. The most charming neighborhoods for exploring, however, are
Palermo and the adjacent Palermo Viejo - the latter has the most
pronounced GBLT presence in Buenos Aires. Narrow cobblestone
streets lined with uber-chic boutiques, snazzy wine bars, Euro-inspired
cafes, and offbeat galleries abound in both neighborhoods.
but particularly in Palermo Viejo. Another district with gay cachet is
San Telmo, which is close to downtmvn and whose elegantly faded
19th-century buildings, many of them former tenements, now
contain a fabulous array of antiques dealers plus a growing number
of hip restaurants.
Among the many superb restaurants in Palermo Viejo, don’t miss
Bar Uriarte, a sexy lounge with a convivial garden in back and
outstanding brick-oven pizzas and innovative tapas; and Mott, a
gorgeous, minimalist restaurant with high ceilings, stylish decor, and
fantastic wines and healthful, light food. The beautifully modern
space occupied by Miranda Restaurant fills up each evening with
devotees of the kitchen’s delicious steaks and chops.
Freud & Fabler is an intimate place that’s a great bet for creative
Mediterranean-inspired fare, and sleek Olsen has earned a loyal
following for both its intriguing people-watching and delicious
Scandinavian food (there’s also a huge vodka selection). If you’re just
looking for a spot with free Wi-Fi and light breakfast and lunch fare,
stop by gay-popular Mark’s Deli, a dapper little place with a pretty
garden, or old-world Bartok, a graceful Euro-style coffeehouse with
20 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
sidewalk seating overlooking the edge of busy Plaza Palermo Viejo.
Bartok serves tasty salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
Other gustatory highlights around Buenos Aires - and this is just
a tiny sampling - include Milion, an uber-modern resto-lounge
in Barrio Norte, and Bond, one of the gay-friendliest of the many
excellent restatlrants in snazzy Recoteta, serving an eclectic menu of
sushi, Mediterranean-inspired tapas, and modern Argentinean fare.
To sample the tender steaks for which Argentina is known, head just
around the corner to E1 Mirasol, which is tourist}, but absolutely
dependable for outstanding beef. Owned by the same talented folks
who operate Bar Uriarte, Gran Bar Danzgn is one of Recoleta’s
trendiest wine bars, serving outstanding Continental and Latino
food, too.
As expected in a large, gay-friendly metropolis, Buenos Aires has a
vibrant nightlife scene, although maW bars and clubs are only popular
on certain nights of the week. It’s best to ask around to learn
which are likely to be busy (or even open) on a given evening - also
keep in mind that most places don’t get going until 2 or 3 in the
morning (although they often remain busy until dawn). The majority
of B.A.’s "gay" nightlife options draw a mix not only ofwomen
and men but, in many cases, gays and straights - this is a city where
folks ftom all walks of life seem to revel quite happily together.
Some of the larger dance clubs include the aptly named GLAM in
Barrio Norte, long-running Contramano in Recoleta, and see-andbe-
seen Alsina in the Monserrat district. More intimate yet still
highly popular bars and lounges worth checking out are Kim y Noyak,
a cozy and stylish Palermo Viejo hangout that also serves good
food; Sitges, which is also in Palermo Viejo and presents lively drag
shows; and Bach Bar, a mostly lesbian spot in Barrio Norte. Buenos
Aires also has a few bathhouses, the most popular being Buenos
Aires A Full, in Barrio Norte.
Prices of accommodations in Buenos Aires vary wildly, as the large
and often very impressive international hotels, which appeal to business
travelers and well-heeled tourists, tend to charge rates comparable
to those in other major world capitals. Among the city’s best
high-end hotels, the relatively new Park Hyatt, which opened in
2006, is an absolute treasure, its rooms sleekly and artfully designed,
and its restaurants, courtyard patio, wine-and-cheese bar, and spa
all top-notch. The Hyatt’s well-trained, thoughtful staffwhisks
about, tending to guests’ every need. In the same neighborhood of
Recoleta, the classic Alvear Palace Hotel has been serving discerning
travelers since it opened in 1932 - the elegant rooms are among the
largest in the city.
In Palermo Viejo, Bo Bo is a smart boutique hotel with moderately
priced, avant-garde rooms and an excellent restaurant popular with
models and celebs. The intimate FIVE hotel contains - despite its
name - 16 rooms, each done with handsome, contemporary furnishings,
but the big draw here are the extensive common areas, including
a lovely rooftop sundeck with great city views and a hot tub.
Charming owner Adriana Teplixke and her knowledgeable staff can
recommend great places to shop and eat, and rates here are quite
reasonable, beginning around $100 nightly.
If you’re on a budget, consider Palermo Viejo’s absolutely wonderful,
gay-owned Bayres B&B, where it feels like staying vdth kind (and
knowledgeable) friends in their simple but pleasant home. Rates
(which run from $35 to $65 per night) include full breakfast, and
there’s free high-speed Intemet and cable TV in every room, and
private or shared bathrooms. Considering that Bayres costs hundreds
less per night less than some of the city’s fanciest hotels, it’s
truly an amazing bargain. Aiad with the money you save on rooms,
you can invest in such heady pleasures as haute couture and cuisine
- if you’re a serious shopper, bring along an empty suitcase to fill
with your bounty.
Owasse Community Theatre Opens
The New Year With "StuaR Little"
OWASSO, OK__Rehearsals have begun for the O~vasso Community
Theatre’s presentation of Stuart Little by E.B. White, and
performance dates have been scheduled for January 19-21 and 25-
27, 2007 at the Mary Glass Performing Arts Center in Owasso. All
performances will occur at 7:00PM except the matinee on January
21st which will occur at 2:00PM.
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 21
JANUARY 2007
"Resolve to Take Action"
Well, it’s 2007, but many of us will probably be dating our checks
2006 for weeks to come. Old habits - 365 days worth - die hard, but
soon the 2007 mental pathway will be established, and our dating
habits (the written ones, anyway) will be corrected.
Looking back, 2006 was quite a year. LOGO, the gay cable network,
and the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association
came up with their top 10 stories. It’s an interesting but not too
surprising list, including everything from Outgames/Gay Games
to Soulforce’s Equality Ride to Oscar coming out on Brokeback
Mountain to Ted Haggard falling on his face (let alone from grace)
to Mark Foley’s page folly to the Dems bringing democracy, back to
Capitol Hill.
I’m not about to rehash and recap - you can go to LOGOonline.
corn and watch the four-part series complete with music, graphics,
and Jason Bellini as anchor. My thoughts are on our future - what
2007 has in store for the community and for me, and even better,
what we have in store for 2007.
Personally; once the cast comes offmy ruptured right bicep tendon
(when you’re almost 49, playing with the dog can be dangerous), I
plan to segue physical therapy into future trips the gym. I’m one of
those dykes who can put on weight just by thinking about it, and as
I start my ascent to 50 1 really want to try and get back into some
sort of shape. If any of you girls (or guys) have suggestions or secrets
to share, just let me know. I’m open.
Also, 2007 gives me the opportunity to tell my partner, Lynn, how
much she means to me. Let your partner know how you feel, too
- how important they are to you, how dreary your life wonld be
without them, how much you love them.
The new year also gives all of us the opportunity to let our family,
friends, neighbors, and colleagues know how much our partners
mean to us. I’m not talking about being all mushy all the time at
work or at family gatherings. I am talking about being clear about
your life, who you live with, how you identify.
If there was ever a year to come out and build on our achievements,
this is it.
The more that people know us and feel connected with us, the more
likely they are to stand beside us as allies and fight for our rights. It’s
all about building relationships and normalizing straight people’s
perceptions ofwho we are.
With a new Congress (let’s all pray for Sen. Tim Johnson’s [D-S.D.]
full recovery), and the president’s final two years in a death spiral,
the ability for the LGBT community to make real change is within
our reach. If a lesbian can get elected to the Alabama State House,
anything is possible - ifwe put our minds to it.
"lhis is the year we could overtnrn "don’t ask, don’t tell." It’s the
year we could get the federal nondlscrn-nmauon act and mclus~ve
hate-crimes legislation passed. It’s the year we could see our national
organizations ~vorldng in tandem on the issues that concern us the
most. It’s the year we could see real progress on our issues.
But for al! of that to happen this year, next year, or beyond, we,
as a community, have to support the organizations that represent
us. "lhat support could be a check to your local community center
and!or to your statewide organization and/or to the national organization
of choice. If we are to move forward in 2007, we must put
LGBT human and financial capital to work.
This is also the year for us to point out the lies of the radical Christian
right and hold them accountable for their ,vords.
After Mary Cheney announced in early December that she was
pregnant, _Time_ magazine asked Focus on the Family’s James
Dobson to write an opinion piece. In his usual homophobic, antigay-
family way, Dobson - like other radical Christians - chastised
Mary for bringing a child into the world without a dad. To back up
his arguments, he cited the academic work of feminist scholar Carol
Gilligan and Yale School of Medicine’s Kyle Pruett, M.D.
Instead of just dismissing Dobson’s rantings as those of a rattled homophobe,
Wayne Besen ofTruth Wins Out contacted both scholars
and asked them to repudiate this nse of their work. °II~ey did. Time’s
embarrasment led the mag’s editors to ask Jennifer Chrisler of Fainily
Pride to write a response. Her piece debunked Dobson’s dithering
about how a kid needs a mommy and daddy more than she or
he needs love. Besen plans to keep the heat on Dobson and others
like him with his new website, xw~vw.dobsonlies.org.
Join Besen, and kick off 2007 vdth some action - write Time’s editor,
Patrick Smith (patrick_smith@timemagazine.com), and tell him
that if his magazine is going to let the right rant, it also has to make
them prove their points with facts, not rely on the pseudo-fiction
they’ve been parading behind.
After that, tell your honey you love her or him, tell your neighbor
you’re gay, write a check, and don’t ever forget how important you
are in the next 365 days.
Gayly O ahomar
No Lor ger Pr r t
TULSA, OK The publisher of the 24 year old Oklalxoma GLBT
news paper, Andrew Hicks, announced in the December 15th issue
that the Gayly was shutting down their print version and going digital.
"\V,/e ~vant to take the Gayly into the future and onto new levels
and fulfill a vision that has kept this paper alive for nearly 25 years.
The world is changing and our need for information is changing
with it." Hicks said.
The on-line operation is due to be up and running this month. For
more information go to: wv~v.gayly.com
22 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
GAY R GHTS ADVOCATE
& LOBBYIST KErFH SMITH
PASSES AWAY AT AGE 51
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Keith Smith died at Integris Hospital
from pneumonia on Monday, November 20. Up until the time of
his death he had been a tireless lobbyist not only for gay rights for
also environmental causes, reproductive freedom, and civil liberties.
Lobbying clients included the Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood,
and the ACLU.
He was also the co-chair of the Central Oklahoma Stonewall
Democrats as well as a national board member A memorial service
was held in the rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol, and speakers
honoring him included ne~vly elected State Representative AI
McAffre); State Senators Andrew Rice and Bernest Cain, former
Governor David Waiters, Native American Rights activist Kalyn
Free, Oklahoma ACLU Executive Director Joann Bell & his dear
friend, Linda Gray Murphy.
A native of Alva, Oklahoma, he is survived by his mother Berda
Murrow, and three brothers, Craig, Kurt and Kyle Smith.
www.ozarksstar.com
FROZEN CRANBERRIES
2. Stir well.
3. Chill for at least 1 hour.
When ready to serve...
4. Chill martini glasses with ice and
water,
5. Add club soda to mixture.
6. Pour into martini glasses and
enjoy.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU !
The STAR 23
Congratulations Lawanda Jackson
Miss Gay Oklahoma US of A 2007
by Victor Gorin
Photo: Center LawandaJackson Miss Oklahoma US ofA 2007 & 1st
runnerup Alexia" Nicole
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The Copa was filled with excitement as
the pageant for Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA came together in all its
glory December 7-10. A pageant of Ragfin Productions, this marked
the 20th anniversary of the event. Promoted by Regie Finley (a.k.a.
Raghenna, Miss Oklahoma US ofA 1990) the show featured Alyssa
Edwards, the current reigning Miss Gay US of A. It was emceed by
Rachael Erikks (former Miss Gay Oklahoma & America)& Reghenna
herself, and their campy wit kept it lively.
The winners were 2nd Alternate Victoria Weston, 1 st runner-up
Alexis Nicole Whimey, and Lawanda Jackson was crowned the new
Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA. Both Lawanda and Alexis Nicole will
go on to compete for the national title in Dallas May 22-25 of next
year.
w~#v.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 25
Salutations and ~velcome to Uncle Mikey 2007! Yes Kittens, it ~vas
a holiday triumph once more Kittens, as yours truly entertained,
touched, and brought holiday warmth to those around me. According
to the lucky, Uncle did all three. As we usher in the New Year,
allow us to unite, if only for a moment in holiday cheer.
Uncle Mikey,
Why do so many people turn the holidays into future stories of
drunken escapades? Doesn’t anyone take time to enjoy the true
meaning of the season?
Holiday-Cheer
Dearest Cheer,
Kitten, the holiday,s mean something different to everyone. For
some it is a deep and meaningful time of their personal faith
celebration. W~ile others, look at it as a time for friends and family,
We cannot cheapen it by taking away from someone’s personal
holiday meaning. Uncle sees the holidays as a bit different still yet.
Christmas time for me is a time of white mink against the skin,
while given a reason to dress hunk-a-licious men in red, green, and
sliver holiday strings. Kitten; just remember that everyone has his
or her own reason for the season! Smooches Mikey.
Uncle Mikey,
I thought I was going to get a commitment ring for Christmas and
instead found that my partner is not as ready as I thought after all.
It has been a year and still no advancement in the elevation of this
relationship. Should I lClnd someone who is as ready as I, or hope
that he will come around? Still Looking for Bling--Bling
Dearest Bling,
Can I get an amen? Uncle Mikey never committed to awthing less
than two carats! Smooches Uncle Mikey
Uncle Mikey,
I was out at a club during my Christmas break from school, when I
ran into an old flame from High School. We hooked up and spent
some time together. I though we had renewed some old feelings for
one another, however, the only thing he left me with was a cold release,
when he went back to school, leaving me in the dust. Should
I confront him?
Trick Played
Dear played, ~
Kitten, it could have been worse, he could have left you with the gift
that keeps giving, clap on--clap off. Uncle says count your blessing
and remember it for what it obviously was, a holiday romance.
Smooches Mikey
Kittens:
We all can find drama in our life ifwe try, however the one thing
that we seem to forget is that we allow the drama in our life to begin
with. You were home from school, lonely during the Christmas
rush, and jumped onto stallion number one. You rode him straight
through break, only to complain at the dismount. Kitten, selfanalazation
might point out that we only deal with what we allow
ourselves too. ~-hink about it, you wanted deep penetrating! Well
this is as deep as it gets. Smooches Uncle Mikey
Uncle Mikey,
I started dating this guy a while ago, and while I do enjoy his company
for the most part, I think it is that I am more afraid of being
alone than being annoyed. It is not that I am a loser. It is that I do
not lie to myself. I am not the most intelligent, or even the most
desirable. Therefore, my question is this; is it wrong to settle?
Only the lonely
Dearest Lonely,
Kitten Kitten, get off the cross because Madonna needs the wood!
It is a shame to hear someone cutting oneself. It is not the package
that sells the gift, it is the gift that makes the package. Kitten,
we all begin with the simple package that the Gay Gods deliver to
us. We make our identity. If you want to look better, it’s called a
gym. Want to be a scholar, it’s called education. Want to improve
your attitude, It’s called therapy, Bottom line kittens, it is all about
self-help in a self-serving world. You can be a player or you can be
played. No Kitten, it is not wrong to settle, it is a self-defeating cop
out! Smooches Mikey
Dear Uncle Mikey,
I caught my boyfriend in a lie. After I asked him if he was talking
to people on the PC after I was in the bed, I decided to check for
myself. I looked and found cookies left from him visiting the infamous
site where they pick up booty calls. I didn’t’*=want to tell him
I had been dipping into his business so I waited. Well, sure enough
he told me that he had to be away on business overnight. After following
him to the motel, it was clear what his business was. I have
just been sick wondering what to do. Any advice for the betrayed?
Seeing Red
Dearest Red,
Stalk-much? Kitten, a relationship is not worth it if you have to mistrust
their every move. Kitten, I would strongly recommend some
professional guidance here. I don’t mean spy gear either. Kitten,
relationships are only as productive as the players in them. Ifyou
feel that yours is not what you want, may I suggest the emergency
exit! Smooches Mikey
Well, like the trick in the alley, I must slide out once more. Kittens,
here is to a New Year- May all of your dreams come true. Wishing
you all a very Queer New Year!
26 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
and Combread 2pm, Karaoke 9pm
PEC’S: -"?’Fell drinks 2.50 from 7-9pro
wear leather.
THE COPA: Stip-Off Contest 12am
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro.
PEC’S: \Veil drinks 2.50 from 7-9pro
xvear leather.
TNT’S: Karaoke 9pm.
THE COPA: \~ieD" Show 10:30pro
FINISHLINE: Dart~lburnament 10pm
CLUB IVlAJESTIC: Talent Show
w/Rachael Erikks
PEC’S: \X;dl drinks 2.50 from 7-9pro
wear leather.
THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane
Somemore 10:30pm
FINISHLINE: Dart’l~3urnament i 0pro
LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro
CLUB ROX: Alison Scott, 9:30pro
PEC’S: Mate Dancers, 9pm
THE ROCKIES: OGRA Benefit Show
8:30pm
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro
GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet
lam-3:30am
PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pro
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pm, Dancers 4pro
CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show
8:30pro.
CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love
Show 10pro
THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show
10:30pm
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
PEC’S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-9pro
wear leather.
THE COPA: Stip-OffContest t2am
XgCEDNESDA?f Januaq~" !0
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro
PEC’S: ~Tell drinks 2.50 from 7-9pro
wear leather.
TNT’S: Karaoke 9pm.
THE COPA: Variety Show !0:30pro
FINISHLINE: Dart’Iburnament 10pm
THO~DA~~ Jarmary il
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show
w/Rachael Erild~s
PEC’S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm
wear leather.
THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane
Somemore 10:30pro
FINISHLINE: Dart %urnament ! 0pro
LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro
PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pro
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast But})t
1 am-3:30am
PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pro
BAMBoo LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pro, Dancers 4pm
CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Shmv
8:30pro.
CLUB ~JESTIC: Catia Lee Love
Show 10pro
THE COPA: I~chael Erik~ Show
! 0:30pm
MONDAY Jauuary 15
BAblBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-Tpm
TUESDAY January 16 .....
PEC’S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-
9pro wear leather.
THE COPA: Stip-Off Contest
Midnight.
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro
PEC’S: \Veil drinks 2.50 from 7-
9pro wear leather.
TNT’S: Karaoke 9pro.
THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pro
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show
w/Rachael Erikks
PEC’S: Well drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm
wear leather.
THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane
Somemore 10:30pm
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro
LEDO: KarbOkie host, Pancho 9pm
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pm
CLUB ROX: Mison Scott Shm~X):30pm
CLUB MAJESTIC: Majestic Kings
Shmv 10pro.
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet
lam-3:30am
PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pro
BAMBOO LOUNGE: 50’s-60’s Sock
Hop,
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pm, Dancers 4pro Kris Kohl Show
8pm
CLUB ROX: Whimey Paige Show
8:30pro.
CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love
Show 10pro
THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show
10:30pm
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Christmas Dinher
Served 3pro. Karaoke 9pro.
PEC’S: \Veil drinks 2.50 from 7-
9pm wear leather.
THE COPA: Stip-OffContest
Midnight.
BAMBOO LOUNGE: ICaraoke 9pro
PEC’S: \Vell drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm
wear leather.
TNT’S: Karaoke 9pro.
THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament t 0pro
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show wl
Rachael Erikks
PEC’S: \Yell drinks 2.50 from 7-9pm
wear leather.
THE COPA: Open Talent xvlShemoaue
Somemore 10:30pro
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro
LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pro
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet
1 am-3:30am
PEC’S: Male Dancers, 9pro
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pm, Dimcers 4pm
CLUB ROX: Whitney Paige Show
8:30pro.
CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love
Show 10pro
THE COPA: tLachael Eril~&~ Show
10:30pm
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Christmas Dinnet
Served 3pro. Karaoke 9pm.
THE ROCKIES: Beer Bust 4pm-7pm
PEC’S: V&ll drinks 2.50 from 7-
9pm wear leather.
THE COPA: Stip-Off Contest
Midnight.
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
PEC’S: \Veil drinks 2.50 from 7-gpm
wear leather.
TNT’S: Karaoke 9pro.
THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro
~.ozarksstar.com the STAR 27
"Expect arguments, Sagittarius! ......
Sun and Mercury lining up in Capricorn clash with
Saturn in Leo, making egos more important than actual
ideas. Remember, you’re more often right if you
can admit when you’re wrong! The open mind and
humble ego will win in the long run.
ARIES (r,~arch 20 o Apri~ 19): Your sense of your own
brilliance may lead you to trust in a triumph of your will, but
your confidence is a bit inflated and can get you into big
trouble. Handle authority gently. Intuitive hunches will soon
prove helpful.
TAURUS (April 20 - IVlay 20): Tripping over your religious
roots? Patriarchal authorities from childhood may still intimidate
you or act out through you. See where that’s coming
from and focus on humanitarian ideals to rise above it.
GEi~IN~ (IVlay 21 - June 20): Your mouth is likely to get you
into trouble, but the real problem is your ego. What do you
need to prove? Shrewdly measured, carefully considered
words will get the point across better, and holding back will
nurture your genius.
CANCER (June 21 - Ju~y 22): Fussing about debts, those
you owe or those owed you, can damage a partnership
or friendship. Get those accounts in order, but don’t gripe.
A more philosophical approach to these relationships will
prove helpful very soon.
LEO (July 23 - August 22): Stressing out gets you into arguments
with co-workers. Work smarter, not harder, and be
nice about their suggestions - whatever you think of them.
Success in that.area will help you look and feel sexier
wherever you go.
VlR60 (August 23 - September 22): If you start feeling
old and cranky, try to make a game of it. Exaggerate your
complaints whenever you can to make a joke of them. That
will make it easier to put things in perspective and open up
new opportunities for fun.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You are normally the
world’s greatest hostess. Not this week. Put some energy
into your community, but keep your home a private _sanctum
sanctorum_. Don’t let pessimism get you down; focus
that energy into sensible caution.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your clever notions
are likely to irritate your boss. In order to get ahead,
soften and adjust your ideas to fit the boss’ thinking, but be
ready to backpedal as necessary. Your innovations will be
more welcome, and more effective, very soon.
28 the STAR
SAG~TTARIUS (November 22 o December 20}: Philosophy
and pragmatism are heading for a nasty collision. Your
challenge is to stay true to your ideals and to apply them in
the real world. It will take some severe adaptation. Expect
arguments along the way, and be ready to learn from them!
CAPRICORN (December 2t o January 19): A little leather
or some dominance games can bring up more than you’ve
bargained for. Play with someone you trust enough to step
back and explore those issues with. Switch roles? Aggravating
sexual problems will soon be easily discussed.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Problems in
relationships are bugging you. Take time out to examine the
issues, bur remember you can only make changes on your
side of the equation. Some rigorous introspection can make
others seem more reasonable.
PISCES (February 19 - March t9): Your idea of being a
good team player may depend too heavily on the notion
that your ideas and leadership are best. Focus on humility
and attention to others. Still, offer your input - just don’t
push!
SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPUN, ~O
FREE NIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES
SPIRIT OF CHRIST
MCC SPONSORS
Testing appointment 417-529-8480.
2902 E. 20th St.,
PO Box 4711
Joplin, Mo 64803
SATURDAY Service 9:30AM
Your Invited to our Community Dinner Every Wed.
6pro just $4.00. No one is turned away.
www.ozarksstar.com
Arkansas, BentonvillelRogers (479)
NWA GLBT Ctr .... www.nwaglbtcc.org.........479-586-1062
Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers....479-636-2002
Arkansas, Eureka Sp~’ings (479)
Diversity Pride Events .............. 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 - 17 Elk Street- Service 6PM- - -479-253-9337
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.......479-444-6228
Curry’s Video - - - 612 N. College Ave...........479-521-0009
Passages ......930 N. College Ave- - -479-442-5845
Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave 479-587-9512
Arkansas, Fort Smith (479)
Kinkeads.......1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- 479-783-9988
Klub XLR8 ......1022 Dodson Ave........... 479-782-9578
Red Rock City - - - 917 N. "A" St. 479-242-2489
Arkansas, Hot Springs (50t)
Jesters Lounge .... 1010 E. Grand Ave ........501-624-5455
Arkansas, Little Rock (501)
Back Street ....1021 Jessie Rd...............501-6642744
Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- ................www.dsra.org
Discovery..... 1021 Jessie Rd- -50!-666-6900
Sidetracks - - - 415 Main St - -North L.R., 501-244-0444
The Factory ...... 412 Louisiana St.-- 501-372-3070
Club U.B.U. - ..... 824 W Capitol Ave- 501-375-8580
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 11AM
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..... -316-612-9331
Missouri, Ava (417)
Catus Canyon Campground 417-683-9199
Missouri, Joplin (417)
MCC Spirit o1: Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - ......Sat Service-9:30AM
Joplin Gay/Lesbian Cntr- PO Box 4383, zip 64803- -417-622-7821
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 -w~v.hydeskc.com -- 816-561-1010
Missie B’s....805 W. 39th St -816-561-0625
Missouri, Springfield (417)
The Edge..... 424 Boonville Ave............. 417-831-4700
GLO Comm. Ctr- - -518 E. Commerical 417-869-3978
JR’s Nightclub.... 504 E. Commerical......... 417-83!-9001
Martha’s Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572
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)
Ingrids Bookstore..... 1124 NW Cache Rd......580-353-1488
Oklahoma, McAlester (918)
McPride........... POBox 1515, - .... McAlester, OK 74502
Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405)
American Crossroads B&B - POBox 270642...... 405-495-1111
Blue Dog Liquor- ......4015 N. Penn ......... 405-606-7000
Boom Room........ 2807 NW 36th St......... -405-601-7200
Border’s Books...... 3209 NW Expressway..... 405-848-2667
CD Warehouse...... 4001 N. Penn 405-525-7766
Club Rox.......3535 NW 39th Expwy.........405-947-2351
Christie’s Toy Box.....3126 N. May Ave ....... 405-946-4438
Church of Open Arms......3131 N. Penn...... 405-525-9555
Copa.............2200 NW 39th Exp....... -405-525-0730
Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave....... -405-6726459
Finishline ....... 2200 NW 39th Expwy....... -405-525-0730
Gushers Restaurant.....2200 NW 39Exp ...... 405-525-0730
Habana Inn ........2200 NW 39th Exp....... 405-528-2221
Herland Sisters Resources.... 2312 NW 39th St- -405-521-9696
Hollywood Hotel.... 3535 NW 39th Exp 405-947-2351
Hi-Lo Club ....... 1221 NW 50th- 405-843-1722
Jungle Reds .......2200 NW Expwy- 405-524-5733
Ledo.............2200 NW Expwy......... 405-525-0730
Naughty But Nice .... 3121 SW 29th St ........405-681-5044
Partners......... 2805 NW 36th St -405-942-2199
Pec’s- 3535 NW 39th Expw ....... -405-947-2351
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. MayAve ......... 405-917-1663
Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th -405-947-2351
Tramps- .2201 NW 39th .405-521-9888
Ziggy’s- - - 4005 N. Penn- -405-521-9999
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- 918-584-9944
Club Majestic........ 124 N. Boston 918-584-9494
Club Maverick..... 822 S. Sheridan .918-835-3301
Dreamland Bks .... 8807 E. Admiral PI .........918-834-1051
GLBT Comm. Ctr- - - - 621 E. 4th Street.........918-743-4297
Hideaway Lounge..... 11730 E. 1 lth...........918-437-0449
HOPE Clinic....... 3540 E. 31st - - 918-749-8378
Jazz’s Lounge...... 426 S. Memorial 9t8-836-8544
Midtown.......... 319 E. 3rd- 918-584-3112
Openarms Youth Projt - - - 2015 S. Lakewood.....918-838-7104
Our House, Too ....203 N Nogales Ave- 918-585-9552
Priscilla’s -7925 E. 41st.............918-627-4884
Priscilla’s 5634 W. Skelly - 918-446-6336
Priscilla’s 11344 E. 11th....918-438-4224
Priscilla’s 2333 E. 71st.............918-499-166t
Renegades. 1649 S. Main 918-585-3405
Rob’s Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- 918-627-1505
St. Michaels Alley......3324-L E 31st- 918-745-9998
Sterling & Co. Salon---1606 E.15th St.- 918-742-9999
Titan’s Lounge .... 6373-C E 31st St- 918-836-0299
Tulsa CARES.... 3507 E. Admiral PI.......... 918-834-4194
Tulsa Central Library ...... 400 Civic Center- - - - 918-596-7977
Tulsa Eagle.....1338 E. 3rd .918-592-1188
TNT’s 2114 S. Memorial- 9t 8-660-0856
Yellow-Brick-Rd....... 2630 E. 15th.......... 918-293-0304
NATHAN ANI~ RIBA
WklOf9 NOW
IN AN
UNIT AT
MOM~ AI~ YOU OKAY.~
HOW COM~ YOU~I~ IN
A
bitter girl
email: bittergirl@qsyndicate,com www,joanhilty,net
30 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
NWArkansas GLBT
Community Center
"Linking Together as One"
For more information:
WWV,7.NWAGLBTCC.ORG
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY
ADVERTI SI NES SALES
F;~EPRES E NTATIVE
FOR [~3KLAHOMA~ KANSAS
MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS
qualifications to
ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net
or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153
Tulsa, OK 74145
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2007] The Star Magazine, January 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 1
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
January 01, 2007
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd;
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media, Ltd
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Greg Steele
Josh Aterovis
Douglas Glenn
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
Devre Jackson
Chaz Ward
Format
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Image
PDF
Online text
Language
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English
Type
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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, December 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 12
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/225
The Star Magazine, February 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 2
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/205
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/206
Advice Column
AIDs Walk
Bamboo Lounge
Bitter Girls
Bringing up Baby New Year
CARES
Chelsea Boys
classifieds
Club Rox
Comic Strips
Gay Marriage-Africa
gay-crime
Gay/Lesbian center
H.O.P.E
HIV/AIDs testing
horoscopes
Keith Smith
Lawanda Jackson
Lesbian Notions
Loaves and Fishes
Miss Gay Oklahoma
mixology
New Jersey-Gay marriage
OUT in Arkansas
Past
Q Scope
RAIN
Star Distributors
Star Scene
The Gayly Oklahoman
travel
Tulsa GLBT community center news
Uncle Mikey
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/f73e1cc882517fbc73f44a188871dc1c.jpg
736facac34483a1d66bfce1aa2d830f2
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c9fcdc36b199a9431a34e8478899214d.pdf
963bb2daa16770222e9954db5fb1cdd2
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
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
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Original Format
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magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA
~Idahoma
boasts 2 Gay
Rodeo’s this year.
Sooner State
Rodeo (SSRA)
Tulsa wil! make a
comeback this fall
with the Autumn
Stampede. More
on page-3
VOLUME 7 ISSUE 5 Twitt÷rocom/MetroStarNews
President directs HHS to crack down on
hospitals barring lgbt partners
House ethics committee draft s.ays Congressional staffers with same-se~ spouses
must include them in annual financial ~isclosure statements; Family Research
Council says that violates DOMA
By Lisa Keen
Keen News Service
WASHINGTON, DC President
Obama issued a surprise memorandum
Thursday- night, April 15, calling for an end
to discrimination against gays and lesbians by
hospital visitation policies that limit visitom
to immediate family members.
The timing for release of the memo was a
litde odd- at 7:29 p.m. while the president
was onboard Air Force One enroute back to
Washington from a day of events in Florida.
arrived at the hospital, a hospital social
worker said they would not be able to visit
Pond, even though Langbehn and Pond had
executed a heal~ prox~ and Langbehn had a
friend fax the document to the hospital.
According to a press release from Lambda
Legal Defense and Education Fund, which
is representing Langbehn in a lawsuit against
the hospital, the president apologized to
Langbehn for what happened to her family.
After signing the memorandum onboard "It was very rewarding to hear ’I’m sorry,’
Air Force One, the president then called from the President because that’s what I
Washington State resident Janice ~gbehn have wanted to hear fro,m,,Jackson Memorial
tO express his sympathy for the lossi0fhet since the night Lisa died, Said ~gbehn
parmer of !8 y~s~Lis~Pond:;: m~ ..b..e..statement;" "I hopetha.t.t.a.ki"n"g these
.........Vo.d and Langbehn~ st0~~subject ~tepS make~ siireth~ no ~ily eve;:-h~ t6
~ ~ p~6f\~\as~ rues; ~peri~nce’the pi@tm~re :thatlm ily4~as
illUsiradng one ~£~h~ Urgent ~blemST~ gone ith~o!agh." : i: ....
c ui les face becatise Can fid "Pres~denrObama.s.m...e.m..orandum directs
because some entities still refuse to respect !he,,secr~ 0fHealth and:Human Se~ices
their relationships, to ensure’ ~at hospitals which participate in
During a family vacation to Miami, Medicare and Medicaid "respeCt the rights of
Florida in February 2007, Pond collapsed patients to designate visitors" and ~llow those
with an aneurysm and was taken by visitors the same privileges as immediate
ambulance to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s family members.
trauma center. When Langbehn and their
........Continued See HOSPITALS Page-6
O ahoma Exempdor
£rom Federal Ha e
Crh es Law- stopped
"There are a couple of pastors who wear the
veil of Christianity who were pttshing this
legislation. As a Christian this offends me
because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for
that." State Representative Mike Shelton.
By Victor Gorin
Contributing vcriter
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK When
Barak Obama signed the Mat~ew Shepard-
James Byrd Jr. Federal Hate Crimes
Prevention Act into law last October 22, it
was celebrated by the GLBT community and
their allies as a major civil rights victory that
was the result of almost a decade of loiJbying
efforts and activism. Although some states
already had hate crimes laws protecting the
GLBT community (Oklahoma not among
them) for the first time Arnericans in the
State RepresentativeMike Shelton. Pressphoto
GLBT community nationwide were
protected by hate crimes laws at the Federal
level. Also added by the same action were
Federal protection against hate crimes based
on gender and disability.
Both of Oklahoma’s Senators, Dr.Tom
Coburn and James Inhofe voted against the
bill, along with the entire Oklahoma
........Continued See HATE CRIMES Page-6
e MetroStarNews.com May 1,2010
Gay Rodeo an Oklahoma tradition
25th Great Plains Rodeo Rides Again In OKC
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s a
proud Memorial Day weekend tradition in
Oklahoma City when cowboys, cowgirls and
their fans celebrate the Great Plains Rodeo,
which now has the distinction of lasting a
quarter century. In keeping with long time
tradition, it will be held at the Oldahoma
State FairgroUnds.
From humbler beginnings, the first rodeo
came together when OGRA (Oklahoma
Gay Rodeo Association) joined up with the
Kansas and Missouri Ga~ Rodeo Associations
to form what was then the Great Plains
Regional Rodeo in August of 1986. Joined
by Arkansas in 1992 the event was moved
to the Memorial Day weekend. In 1999 the
4 associations split up to form their own
respective rodeos, thus the word "Regional"
was dropped to make the event simply
the Great Plains Rodeo it is today. This
rodeo ranks among the top 4 rodeos of the
entire International Gay Rodeo Association
circuit, which comprises over 20 rodeos. The
International Gay Rodeo Association is made
up of 28 state/provincial rodeo associations
in the United States and Canada, and OGRA
has been part of that organization since their
first convention was held in 1985.
O.G.R.A. was formed to provide a
welcoming environment for those interested
in the Western lifestyle without regard to sex
or sexual orientation, national origin, race or
any other form of prejudice. In other words, a
way to bring people together to enjoy country
and western life!
This year the fun kicks offThursday
May 27 with a Poolside Reception Party at
the Finishline from 6-8 p.m. for the Rodeo
sponsors and officials, followed by a stick
horse rodeo that’s sure to be hilarious. This
year will also feature a Stick Home Contest
in which organizations can enter a decorated
stick home, with votes for a winner that cost
$1 apiece. The winning organization will
receive a cash prize, and the stick horses will
be auctioned off for charity. For more
........Continued See RODEO Page-8
ere’s More Fun this
Fall at SS ’S 2010
Sooner State Stampede
By Victor Gorin
~m Dic~,,nan, SSRA President. Sta~Cphat:o
TULSA. OK As the OGI~’s Great
Plains Rodeo welcomes summertime fun,
this year more festivities jumpstart autumn
as SSRA ( Sooner State Rodeo Ass6ciation)
hosts another rodeo event, their 2010 Sooner
State Stampede. It will not only feature
traditiona! rodeo events, but also the fnn
trappi,~gs of gay rodeo such as wild drag and
goav dressing. It will mark SSI~k’s first rodeo
with fifll equestrian amenities.
t wvw¢.bridlecreekok.com). Sanctioned by
the International Gay Rodeo Association
I IGRA) this event promises to attract
westerners from all over Oklahoma and
nationwide.
SSRA was formed in 2002 to give men
~d women of rodeo and the western lifestyle
ofTutsa and eastern Oklahoma an association
by which to come together and celebrate
country culture. Like OGRA. SSRA is a
501c3 organization, and likewise is united
~br this cause without regard to race, sexua!
orientation, religion, national origin, or
any other prejudice one might encounten
SSP~ celebrates not only rodeos and horse
relaed activities, but also dogging, western
and square dancing. The}, are also active in
fundraisers that benefit various Oklahoma
charities. Each October they select their
royalty competitions for Mr. SSRA, Ms.
SSRA, plus Miss and MisTER SSRA, who
represent the organization at rodeos and
fundraising events. ~aeir current president is
Tulsan Tim Dickman.
~e winners from this event may go on to
compete at IGRA’s World Gay Rodeo Finals
held this year in Laughlin, Nevada October
2!- 24.
For more information about the event
check out ,a~vw.soonerstaterodeo.com tThe
host hotel will be the Ramada Tulsa Airport
East located at 1010 North Garnett Road,
telephone 918 437 7660
(ww~:ramadaairport.com). Be sure to
mention the Sooner State Stampede when
booking your room for a special rare.
www.metrostarnows.corn
Oklahoma Gay and
Lesbian Political Caucus
elects new o cers
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As
O.G.L.EC. re-organizes, at their April
meeting newofficers were elected: The cochairs
are Steven Dubois & Jeanne Flanigan,
Secretary Victor Gorin and Treasurer Richard
Vreeland.
As a revitalized organization they are
meeting at the Neighborhood Alliance
Building, 1236 N. 36th Street { N.W.
36thand Classen Boulevard) of Oklahoma
City at 7 p.m. the 2nd Monday of each
month, the next meeting on May 10. For~
more infBrmation e-mail Jeanne Flanigan at
Ok.glpc@Tahoo.com or call her at (405) 255
3658.
Openly Gay TeacherJoe
igley to be
trans£erred £rom U.S.
Grant High School
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
TeacherJoe Quigley. Gorin ?hoto
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Joe Quigley
is a high school English teacher who made
history in Oklahoma City not only in the
school system but for the GLBT community.
He became well known when he was teaching
English at Northwest Ctassen High S&ool.
fighting for years to have the ~vords "sexual
orientation/gender identit3:’ included in the
Student Handbook to be among categories to
be protected from harassment and bullying,
His tenacious efforts almost cost him his
iob last August when the OKC School
Board voted to fire him. He not only won
reinstatement in District Court, but soon
after~vards th’e Oklahoma City School Board
finally voted in the inclusive language for the
Student Handbook.
Although he was reinstated, instead of
being returned to his original position at
Northwest Classen he was instead transferred
to U.S. Grant High School. U.S: Grant had
been on the Federal list of schools in need
of improvement and ~vas thus required to
restructure under the guidelines of the No
Child Left Behind Act. ~is would require
that 50% of the teachers be removed.
Joe Quigley was among the teachers to be
transferred, who will receive full pay and
benefits as substitute teachers for a 2
........Continued See O~IGLEY Pag_e-4
Keith Kimmel found
Dead in Norman March
31 following his arrest
by Tulsa Police
By Victor Gorin
TULSA, OK Keith Kimmel, an
activist with the GLBT com.munity was
found de~d Wednesday morning March 31
around 7:45 a.m. by Kerri Logsdon. He had
been staying at her home temporarily, and he
was found seated in front of her computer. In
a posting Monday on his Internet blog he had
written, "I am done trying to love a world
that has no love for me. I am done trying to
believe redeeming things about people who
have nothing redeemable about them." In
accordance with his wishes, after an autopsy
is performed his body would be cremated and
his ashes sent to his family in Indiana.
Tile preceding Friday night he had been
drinking at the End Up Club, and according
to statements he made was upset about a
relationship he had with a dancer there.
According to the dub owner Blake Mterman
Keith had been there earlier that evening,
left and then returned around 11:00 p.m. At
that point Mr. Kimme! was very intoxicated,
became very, combative and angry when the
bartenders refused to serve him at which
point the Tulsa police were called.
During his arrest he claimed to have been
physically and verbally abused at the club,
and that officers had hit his head several
times on the door frame of a patro! car. He
was taken to St. John’s Hospital where he
was given treatment ~br his injuries and bus
tokens to get him back to his car. He returned
to Norma~ the following da); and mailed a
complaint of police brutality to the Internal
Affairs Departmefii~ of the Tulsa police.
Keith ~mmel had been im,olved
with activist causes with the GLBT
community but ,was probably best known
for filing a lawsfiit against the Oklahoma Tax
Commission ~vhen they refused to issue him
a specialized license plate that stated IMGAY.
He had dismissed that lawsuit February 26,
stating that he would re-file it in Federal
court at a later time.
Mthough there was speculation as to what
really happened during his arrest, including
the possibility that his death might have been
caused by the injuries from that night, the
facts of his death are unknown at press time
pending the results of a future autopsy. Mr.
Mterman has urged caution stating," While
I do want to see justice served. I would urge
that as a community we wait until the final
verdicl comes in. giving the police and the
coroner’s office the proper time to do their
invesngation before we make any conjectures
or statements. After that comes out we as
a communitT can move forward and get
through this togethed"
Blake further related that business had
dropped since the incident, and stated that
he’d like to remind the community that his
establishment is still a peaceful party place.
On Monday afternoons beginning around
4:30 p.m. there is still a free dinner courtesy
of Midtown Meats located at 7924 E. 21st
Street in Tulsa, and has morphed into a
potluck supper. Tuesday nights still feature
draft beer specials from open til 7 p.m.
dose (understandably a busy day). The pool
tournament happens on \gednesday nights
at Bingo Thursday nights continues to be
a rocking event, and the weekend features
partying with the hot dancers. ~nis is
follmved by Sunday beer busts. Blake further
stated that business was picking up, and
invited the community to see for themselves
that the Endup is still a happening place to
come together.
Oklahomans for
Equality Award
Recipients 2010
TULSA, OK Each year OkEq recognizes
outstanding individuals who have both
helped change and shape our ever evolving
community. This year we are pleased to
announce the following winners. The awards
were presented at the 30th Anniversary
Equality Gala on April 24, 2010.
Life Time Achievement A,vard
20 years of service to the lgbt community
Kelly Kirby
Russell Bennett Spiritual Inclusion Award
Advocacy for interfaith and lgbt dialogue
Rabbi Charles E Sherman
Temple Israel
Community Hero
Advocacy work for lgbtq youth
Karen L. Davis
Senior Program Officer
Tulsa Community Foundation
and Tulsa Reaches Out
Community Hero
2004 Oklahoma Marriage Discrimination
Lawsuit
Gay Phillips & Sue Barton
Sharon Baldwin & Mary Bishop
Volunteers of the Year
I.T. Team
Eric Vogelpohl
Don Satterthwaite
Andrew Hicks
Grand Marshal
2010 Pride Parade and Festival
Rev Marlin Lavanhar
Advocacy work for the global lgbt community
year period if they cannot be placed in a
permanent position, after which a teacher
could be dismissed without the procedures
of due process afforded tenured educators.
As Joe puts it, "I was deliberately placed in a
sChool where the District knew the teachers
would have to be reduced and I look at this
as yet another attempt to skirt the wilt and
judgment of the District Court."
The Oklahoma City Schoo! District has
appealed his reinstatement, a process that
could take as long as 2 years, so far incurring
over $200,000 in legal expenses as the district
faces a severe budget crisis. But so far Joe
Quigley can say this much. "In the future the
parents and taxpayers of the Oklahoma City
Public School District need to start paying
more attention to the teachers and less to the
highly paid administrators, because there is
documentation both anecdotal and in writing
that the taxpayers have been continually
ripped off in order to make administrators
look good at the expense of the education df
their students. "
Senator Rice: "GOP
Leadership Must Rebuke
Incendiary R etoric"
Oklahoma State SenatorAndrew Rice. File
photo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) April 15,
2010 Senator Andrew Rice (D-Oldahoma
City) said today that the anti-government
rhetoric among some Republican state
legislators" has reached disturbing levels.
Rice pointed to comments by a Republican
legislator running for statewide office
who said on Wednesday that the federal
government is "tyrannical" and said he is
willing to take his challenge of the federal
government "to the max."
Rice said these comments are particularly
disturbing given the fact the remarks came
just days after the Republican state legislator
and others said tile state of Oklahoma should
create a citizen’s militia to protect Oklahoma’s
sovereignty from an "overreaching" United
State’s government.
"All elected officials have a tremendous
responsibility to be careful with the words
xve choose to use in public," Senator
Andrew Rice said. ’~t a time when more
and more people are using words that carry
violent connotations to express what may
be legitimate frustrations with government
policies, you would hope that elected officials
would refrain from feeding into that frenzy."
Rice said that non-partisan experts of
anti-government violence and terrorism
have recently expressed concerns about the
rhetoric. Rice pointed to comments by
David Cid, executive director of Oldahoma
City-based Memorial Institute for the
Prevention ofTerrorism, who was quoted
in the Oklahoma Gazette saying: "People
are angry and frustrated, and among those
who are angry mad frustrated, there is a small
number, but them are a number who will
pick up a gun."
Rice said examples of evidence of antigovernment
violence occurred both in Austin,
Texas and Michigan as one group threatened
violence against the government, and another
person acted out on his anger in an act of
domestic terrorism against the IRS, killing
one innocent citizen and himself.
’°I call on the Republican leaders of the
Legislature to rebuke this inflammatory
language ofsome of their members coming
just days before the 15th anniversary of
the Oklahoma City bombing," Rice said.
’~All Oklahomans should be offended to
hear any elected official use language that is
reminiscent to the anti-government language
used by Timothy McVeigh, especially leading
up to this painful time of year for our state."
Rice explained while McVeigh was on
death row awaiting his execution for the
murder of 168 innocent Oklahomans, he sent
a letter to a London newspaper titled: "Why I
bombed the Murrah building." In it McVeigh
explains: "I reached the decision to go on
the offensive - to put a check on government
abuse of power, where others had failed in
stopping the federal juggernaut running
amok," he said.
Oklahoma Tobacco
Free help
No matter who yot
are on life’s
-Reverend
3131 N. Pennsylvania,0kloh0~ 405.525.9555
4 ~:~,T~:()STA May 1, 2010
Out magazine lists ’most
inEuential’ gays, lesbians
Ellen DeGeneres. GL_~L4D photo
Ellen DeGeneres is America’s "most
influential" gay man or woman, according to
Out magazine’s fourth annual "Power 50" list.
"Since DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul
as a judge on Banerican Idol in February,
millions upon millions of viewers are getting
a double dose of the hugely popular talk
show host and 12-time Emmy winner," Out
said. "The American FLxpre~s and Covergirl
pitchwoman’S rcacb~ is nearly unparalteled~ ...
A passionate advocat( ~br marriage equalit)5
anavid opponent of’don’t ask, don’t tell,’
and staunch defender of animal rights,
DeGeneres’s enormous platform is many an
American’s gain."
Others near the top of the list include
MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow, CNN
anchor Anderson Cooper, singer Adam
Lambert, actor Nell Patrick Harris, Human
Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese
and U.S. Reps. Tammy Baldwin, Jared Polls
and Barney Frank.
For the full list, see out.corn/power50.
Effort to repeal Prop 8
fails to collect enough
signat es. Federal Prop
8 trial remains paused.
A grassroots effort to force a November
2010 ballot-box vote on repealing Proposition
8 failed to collect enough voter signatures by
the April 12~deadline to get the measure on
the ballot.
Groups pushing the 2010 repeal effort
faced an uphill battle from the get-go because
California’s gay-rights leadership refused to
support the project, believing that 2012 will
be a better year to return to the ballot.
The lead 2010 organization, Love Honor
Cherish, did not say" hmv many signatures it
did manage to collect. Just under 700,000
valid signatures would have been needed.
"Tnis is a heartbrealdng moment," said
LHC Executive Director John Henning.
"Despite the dogged efforts of hun&eds of
volunteers across California, we did not get
Wockner News Service
7he #’ial in the.f}dem! tawsu# to overturn
8 as a violation ofthe U.S. Constitution.{ms
been paused in San Francisco sinceJan. 2Z
Famous attorneys DavM Boles, r{~ht, and Ted
Olson are among the l.mwers argui,g the case
for the gay side, Photo @ Rex Wochner
the signatures we needed within the 150-day
window set by the state. Regrettably, Prop
8 will remain as a stain on our constitution
until at least 2012, and perhaps latel:"
Love Honor Cherish was one of 40 mosdy
grassroots groups working for a 2010 vote
within a coalition called Restore Equality
2010.
"Our signature-collection effort may
have fallen short, but we stand tall as being
the only statewide campaign that fought for
repealing Proposition 8 in 2010," said Sean
Bohac, chair of the Restore Equality 2010
Statewide Advisory Panel. "Our campaigners
carried the torch of Harvey Milk, who
showed that change only happens when we
get out of the bars and into the streets. Band
our efforts are reflected in the new polls
that show increased support for extending
marriage to all Californians."
Bohac told The San Diego Union-Tribune
that the number of signatures collected "was
not particularly close" to the 694,354 needed.
"We won’t be making, it public," he said.
Recent polls by d~e Public Policy Institute
of California and by the Los Angeles Times/
University of Southern California have
shown that, for the first time, a majority of
Californians now support same-sex marriage
-- suggesting that top gay rights groups
Equality California and Courage Campaign
may have made a misstep in refusing to
support the 2010 effort. EQCA and Courage
expressed fears that voters would not be ready
to reverse themselves just two years after rebanning
same-sex marriage.
But EQCA Executive Director GeoffKors
said the poll results haven’t caused the group to
second-guess its decision.
"Equality California still believes 20!2 is
the fight time to go to the ballot;’ Kors said.
"Those polls were not oflikely voters for the
2010 election. When you dig deeper into
those polls -- and our internal polls during the
same time period -- what’s clear is young voters
are the ones who move the most. And young
voters make tip a much larger percentage of
the electorate in a presidential race (2012)
than a gubernatorial race (2010), which is why
the L.A. Times said, after looking at their poll
numbers in the article, it’s clear why gay rights
groups wanted to wait until 2012, because
2010 doesn’t provide us the best opportunity
to win due to voter turnout."
Restore Equality 2010 said it now will join
up with the 2012 effort. Signature collecting
for that project is expected to begin in the
summer of 2011.
A California Supreme Court ruling
legalized same-sex marriage in May 2008 and
weddings began June ! 6, 2008. Tiae court
said preventing gay couples from marrying
violated the state constitution. Even more
groundbreakAng, the court also ruled that
sexual orientation is a "suspect classification"
-- which made aW type ofdiscrimination based
on sexual orientation constitutionally subject
to the strictest level ofscrutiny by California
courts.
California governmental entities now
have to prove they have a specific "compelling
interest" -- rather than a mere "rational basis" -
- when they treat GLB people differently in any
way. The change made it dramatically harder
for any level ofgovernment to defend itself in
any arena where gays, lesbians and bisexuals are
not treated the same as heterosexuals.
Some 18,000 same-sex couples married
in California before voters amended the state
constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage in
November 2008. N~e California Supreme
Court later ruled that Prop 8 was a valid
amendment to the constitution.
A federal lawsuit led by famous attorneys
David Boles and Ted Olson to overturn Prop
8 as a violation of the U.S. Constitution is
ongoing in San Francisco. The trial paused
on Jan. 27 after all testimony had been heard
but before closing arguments because Judge
Vaughn ~Walker said he wanted to review the
testimoW prior to hearing the attorneys’ final
statements.
The conclusion ofthe trial apparently has
been further delayed while gay’ groups that ran
the ballot campaign against Prop 8, who are
not parties to the federal lawsuit, fight an order
to turn over some of their e-mails from the
campaign period.
Protestors chained to W/site HousejSnce: PtSoto
b_yjohn Aravosis @A_MERICAblog
N~e LGBT community’s new activist
pit bulls, GetEQUAL, dramatically upped
the pressure on President Barack Obama on
April 19 and 20 over his failure to succeed in
keeping major campaign promises to LGBT
Americans.
Although Obama has taken several small
steps seen as favorable or helpful to LGBT
Americans, he has yet to engineer the passage
of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act,
the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, or the
repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.
GetEQUAIJs latest broadside started April
:....Continued see Get_EQUAL - page 9
www.metrostamews.corn ~)~ETROSTAR 5
More specifically, the memo instructs
HHS to ensure that hospitals receiving federal
funds nor deW visitation based on sexual
orientation or gender identity, along.with the
usual categories of non-discrimination.
Human Rights Fund spokesman Michael
Cole said his organization had been ~vorking
with the Xg~hite House on the memo language
[’or some rime. He said he was unaware of any
particular reason for the timing.
"It was a long process for them to get the
memo language set and al! of their ducks in a
row," said Cole- so my impression is that this
was the point at which it was done."
The April 15 memorandum is the second
memorandum issued by the president to
specifically help LGBT people. In June 2009,
President Obama signed a memorandum to
the ONce of Personnel Management Director
requesting that the heads of all executive
departments and agencies "conduct a review"
of current benefits available to federal
employees within 90 days "to determine what
authority they have to extend such benefits
to same-sex domestic partners of Federal
employees" and submit a report on rMs to
OPM.
Kevin Cathcart, executive director of
Lambda Legal, called the president’s hospital
visitation memorandum a "great leap forward
in addressing discrimination affecting LGBT
patients and their families."
"These measures are intended to ensure
that no family will have to experience what
the Langbehn-Pond family did that night at
Jackson Memorial Hospital," said Cathcart,
in a statement isstled Thursday night.
k federal district court judge dismissed
Lambda’s ta~vsuit on behalf of Langbehn,
saying there was no law requiring the hospital
to allow Lisa Pond’s partner to see her at the
hospital. On Monday, April 12, Lambda
issued a press release saying it had reached
an agreement with Jackson Memorial for
"qmproved policies that are more responsive
ro the needs of the LGBT community." But
Lambda said the agreement does "not provide
as much protection as may be needed in
critical sitnations."
Lambda noted that the president’s
memorandum calls on HHS to take steps to
ensure that hospitals respect legal documents
that some patients have to designate who
can make decisions for them if they become
incapacitated. It also requires HHS to report
back to the president in !80 days with
additional recommendations for actions
HHS can take "to address hospital visitation,
medical decision-maHng, or other health care
~ssues that ~?cr LGBT patients and their
Ironically, the pool reporter on board the
~ighr back to Washington reported there was
No news on the way back" from Florida.
Meanwhile. Roll Call a newspaper
specializing in covering Capitol Hill, reported
Thursday that the House Committee on
Standards of ONcia! Conduct has "drafted
rules that for the first time would define gay
married couples as ’spouses" for the purposes
of filling out their annual Congressional
financial disclosure forms."
The forms are used by members of
Congress and their staffs to make annual
discIosures of any additional sources of
income and investments by them and their
spouses and dependent children. The draft
rules propose requiring that any members or
staffwho have married same-sex spouses in
Washington, D.C. or aW of the states which
provide for equal marriage rights to include
information about their spouse’s finances, the
same as straight members and staff Inust do
about their legal spouses.
Roll Call quoted a spokesman for the
Family Research Council as saying the draft
rules violate the federal Defense of Marriage
Act (DO1VL&), which prohibits federal
recognition of same-sex marriages. The paper
noted that the draft rule had been removed
from the committee’s website.
The Committee’s webs!re currently lists
instructions for filling out the form for
calendar year 2008 disclosures even though
the forms due next month are for calendar
year 2009.
MissoOa bans anti-
LGBT discrimination
The City Council in Missoula, Mont.,
voted 10-2 on April 12 to prohibit
discrimination in employment and housing
on the basis of sexual orientation or gender
identity, the Missoulian reporte&
The vote came at 1:45 in the morning at
the end of a seven-hour meeting.
"Most of us can’t remember civil rights in
action," said Councilwoman Sficy Rye. "This
is it for us."
Gay man elected mayor
ofsmall Colorado town
An openly gay man, Ron Holland, was
elected mayor of Dillon, Colo., April 6.
He received 90 votes to an opponent’s 72
in the mountain town of about 800 people.
Holland, who is serving his first term on
the City Council, told the Summit Daily
News he was "ecstatic" over his victory.
Martina has breast
cancer
Mart!ha NavradIova. Ougames~hoto
Lesbian tennis legend Martina Navratilova
told People magazine April 7 that she has
breast cancer.
The ductai carcinoma was discovered early
and is expected to be fully curable.
"I cried," Navratilova said. "It knocked me
on my ass, really. I feet so in control ofmy life
and my body, and then this comes, and it’s
completely out ofmy hands."
"I went four years between
mammograms," she added. "I let it slide.
Everyone gets busy, but don’t make excuses. I
stay in shape and eat right, and it happened
to me. Another year and I could have been in
big trouble."
Navratilova will undergo six weeks of
radiation treatment starting in May.
Congresswoman Tammy
BaldWin On President -
Obama’s signing ofa.
memorand reNardmg
the visitation rights of
hospital patients
Congresswoman Baldwin. Woclowrphoto
WASHINGTON, DC (PR) "President
Obama’s decision to direct the Secretaryof
Healrah and Human Services to take steps to
ensure that hospitals participating in Medicare
or Medicaid respect the rights ofpatients to
receive visitors and designate others to make
decisions about medical care in the case ofan
emergency is the right one. It follows the lead
ofmany states and makes a strong statement
about who we are as a nation and what we
valne.
No one should face the distress oflying ill
or injured in a hospital bed with the loved one
you designate barred from your bedside for
any other than a compelling medical reason.
For too long, such access has been arbitrarily
denied many individuals, most especially to gay
mad lesbian Americans.
President Obama’s action tonight puts us
another step doser toward our goal ofequal
rights for all Americans and I appland his
decision:
Congressional Delegation, Passage of the
bill intensified conservative religious groups
who had campaigned against the Act and
this was particularly felt in Oklahoma,
although the legislation was hailed by the
GLBT community and civil rights activists
as a progressive measure long overdue. What
followed was an attempt to "opt Oklahoma
out" of this new protection, spearheaded by
State Senator Steven Russell ( Republican-
District 45) with State Senate Bil! 1965.
The bill actually began as an ordinary
measure to start a task force to research public
and private high school athletics, authored
by State Senator Harry Coates (Republicam)
and State Representative "Wes Hilliard
(Democrat). After the bill passed out of
committee, S.B. 1965 was altered by Senator
Russell who removed the original language.
He then added language that would have
prevented Oldahoma law enforcement from
cooperating ,vith Federal authorities when a
hate crime ~vas committed in Oklahoma. ~e
bill then passed the State Senate 39-6.
The ensuing publicity, including a GLBT
lobbying day at the State Capitol focused
mainly on this legislation, resulted in a
re-xvrite of the bill by Senator Russell in an
attempt to make it less offensive and passable.
The rewritten version permitted Federal
authorities to petition State District Courts
for evidence relating to an Oldahoma hate
crime if local law enforcement objected to
cooperating with the Federal authorities.
Among the groups opposed to this
legislation was the Oklahoma American Civil
Liberties Union. One of their lobbyists,
Tamya Cox, spoke to State Representative
Mike Shelton (Democrat District 97) who
"hated this bill, understood the implications
and issues of this from the onset, stated
that we had to do something." Mr. Shelton
persuaded the House author of the bill,
Representative Danny Hilliard to let him
have the bill. Once Mr. Shdton had control
of the bill he withdrew it, thus ldlling this
legislation. Although an unusual strategy, it
was an effective action he stated that he felt
he had to take because as he put it, ’~Mnything
that breaks down the opportunity ro protect
Oklahomans from harm is wrong. Legislation
and resolutions that hurt people only give
a black eye to our state." Although he has
received positive feedback for his action,
predictably he has received negative responses
as well, including some from the conservative
religious community. It hasn’t swayed his
resolve as he relates, "There are a couple of
pastors that wear the veil of Christianity who
were pushing this legislation. As a Christian
this offends me because the Jesus I know
doesn’t stand for that."
GLBT and civil rights activists are
continuing to monitor the situation in case
attempts are made to re-introduce this or
similar measures with another bill.
’uptcv - CivJJ Rights oCriminal
’ment o Family Law o Litigation
625 N. o l th street
Cit% OK 7 105
6 ~KTROSTAR May 1, 2010
contim es "First
ursday" Art Opening
and E ibit ofOriginal
Wbrks by MattJohnson.
Bebe gives her ’Best O£’
for Race!
The reigningD*agRace queen
goes though her list ofseason two
superlatives
TULSA, OK (PR) The May
Oklahomans for Equality (Oldgq) showcase
and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R.
Nei!l Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in
Downtown Tulsa), will feature the Artistic
Nude Photography ofMatt Johnson. The
show begins with a reception on Thursday,
May 6th from 6-9pm and continues
throughout the month of May.
Oklahoman Matt Johnson, owner of
Johnson Studios, specializes in Artistic Nude
Photography and is based in Tulsa. Matt
has always had a deep appreciation for the
human form. He began his art expression
in the color pencil medinm sketching in the
pln-up type format in his teen years. Mfitt
is a neon bender by trade for a commercial
sign company. He has been married to his
wife Denise since 1987 and they have three
wonderful children. In 2006 his artistic
will drew him to the camera. Since then he
has been creating nude art using the lens of
a camera and his imagination through the
editing process.
After developing a diverse portfolio Matt’s
xvork was accepted into galleries in Eureka
Springs, Arkansas. He was the featured
artist in two different Eureka Springs gallery
shows in 2009. Matt is beginning to show
his work in his home town ofTulsa and is
scheduled for two separate gallery shows in
the upcoming months.
Matt’s friendly easy- going manner makes
his photo sessions comfortable, relaxed and
fun experiences for his models. They are
always thrilled with their images and often
come back for additional sessions.
allows Matt to continue to create new and
exciting images from his eyeto the computer
and then the paper. The show begins with
a reception at the Dennis IL Nei!l Equality
Center on Thursday, May 6th fi’om 6-9pm;
Matt’s art will be on displa~v through May
2010.
Founded by a dedicatedgroup ofvolunteers in 1980,
Oklahomansfar Equali~r/OkEq is Oklahoma’s oMestgay
rights o~nization. From testingfor HIV/AIDS and
hosting t/~e annual 7~dsa PHele and Diversi~ Celebration
m operati~ the Equadity Center and documenting the
~tha LGBTcommunity’s rich histor~ OkEq worksfor
socialjustice amtfidl inclusionfor Oklahoma’s lesbian, ga)~
bisccuai, and transgender (LGBT) citizens and their allies.
For more i*{~ormation, see wwt~;okeq.org
By Bebe Zahara Benet
Wasn’t it great to see me on the special
episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race this week? Well,
it was wonderful to sit down with RuPaul
and my season one sisters Ongina and Nina
Flowers to critique season two, but there was
still so much more to be said that I tlmught
I’d dedicate this week’s colttrnn to some ofmy
favorite moments that
we didfft get a chance
to talk about during
the show.
Funniest Moment:
There’s plenty to
choose from, but for
me it has got to be
Jujube during the
reading challenge. I
just loved everything
she said about
everybody - calling
Raven legendary- as
in "leg" and "dairy,"
snapping at Jessica
in Chinese and even
ta~ng smack about
Tyra’s grill - that
reading was hilarious!
A second runner-up moment was Pandora
Boxx playing CarolChanning in the "Snatch
Game" challenge. Ms. Boxx knows how to
mine a laugh.
Biggest Diva Moments: We had more ,
than a few moments to judge this season. 111
skip ranking catfights a~d assess in terms of
performance. I’d say the other Tyra coming
out as sophisticatedlady on a mad shopping
spree was a great diva moment, as was Jujube’s
peach dress in the Old Hollywood fashion
challenge. It was mentioned in the live show,
but it bears mentioning again - Raven’s gold
Cleopatra dress and blonde afro was really,
really fierc!! ~
Best Makeup: Oh honey! Give it to
Raven! I think Raven really s~vitched up her
makeup to go with different looks. Even , ,
~vhen she did the country girl or the rock n
roll look or the whole glamour thing she was
able to create a different persona through
makeup. She is really mastering the craft and
art of drag.
Best Runway: I will go with Jujube. I
really will! She walks with confidence, walks
with so much fierceness, so much attitude
and so much personality. I really love how she
does all levels of her presentation.
Best Lip-sync: It seems like I’m a fan of
Jujube! I love how she lip-syncs. Sometimes
she gives a little too much, but she is more
often right on the money. She is able to catch
the little things the artist does. She’s right on
point with it. ~aat’s someone who has studied
the music and knows what the whole song is
about. I also liked Raven’s lip-syncing. ~aere
is something about it that is a little sassy. I’d
give it to both of them.
Biggest \Vish: To see Jessica \~ild last
longer. She had so much potential! If she had
been given another chance I am convinced
there ~vould have been other things about her
~erfor,mance that would have made us all go
WOW.
Catdh the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race at
9pro (ET/PT) this Monday night on Logo
and visit LOGOonline.com to find out about
vievdng parties in your area. Until next week,
kisses and good luck!
www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 7
H e tension
By Ronald Blake
Contributing ~X~riter
Photo: RonaM Blake, Certified Fitness
Ins~’uctor through ISSA International Sports
Sciences Association
The heart beats faster! Tixe blood vessels
constrict even more! Tixe h<art, lungs, and
brain ache for more help but it isn’t coming
fast enough! There is a shudder and then
complete blackness! This Edgar Allan Poe
moment of chimerical horror describes a
massive stroke for someone that suffered
one day too many from hypertension.
Gather round the campfire and H1 explain
this medical condition, its causes, and
preventative measures to avoid it.
Hypertension is high blood pressure and
one out of five people in our country are
experiencing it. Tile blood vessels constrict
and the heart has to pump harder to get that
blood delivered around the bod?,: The heart
begins to ,yemen from overload and the
constricted vessels become compromised over
time.
Blood pressure changes all the time. It
won’t kill you to have high blood pressure
once in awhile though. Swerving to avoid the
reckless driver on the freeway, climbing five
flights of stairs quickly, or being startled by
the ghastliness of that first and last time drag
queen can all contribute to a spike in blood
pressure. Consistently visiting this elevated
zone is very much a problem. Many people
wofft feel any symptoms from this disease for
10 to 20 years and then it can strike like a
thief in the night.
There isn’t a specific cause of hypertension
but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lack of
culprits calling in and claiming responsibility
for this physiological terrorism. Heredity is
a card we are dealt at birth and is a frequent
contributor to this ugliness~ Hypertensive
parents bequeath their kids a two times
greater likelihood of having this disease
than for those kids of parents without
hypertension. That really sucks and all you
did was be born to the world!
Don’t grab the bottle and give up just yet
if you inherited these lousy hand-me-downs
from morn and pop. There are plenty of other
ways to cotlnteract the ill effects of high blood
pressure. Other causes of this nasty medical
condition are obesity, stress, smoking, and
improper diet and they are al! something you
can control.
Obese individuals are about twice as likely
tO be hypertensive as those men and women
,vho are aren’t in that overweight category.
I’m no Pd~odes Scholar but I think that means
if you exercise and stay lean then you decrease
your risk. That sounds like something you
can control!
S[ress can walk you down the aisle and
give you away to high blood pressure too.
Stop getting angry at all the little problems
in the world! A late bill, rush hour traffic,
the moth~r-in-law visit, and the ripped
underwear at 6AM aren’t worth your
emotional intensity. Relax and take a deep
breath when these moments occur. That
sounds like something you can control!
Smoking always constricts your blood
vessels and raises your blood pressure every
time. Cigarettes aren’t cheap and there are
smoking cessation programs al! over the place.
That sounds like something you can control!
Foods with excessive sodium, saturated
fat, or cholesterol are al! significant donors to
th~ election campaign for hypertension. This
candidate for office can’t win without your
donations. That sounds like something you
can control!
There are also drugs that can Be prescribed
to aid in your efforts against this evil force.
Don’t be scared by this villain of your
vessels! With adherence to these suggestions
you may live a healthy life and worry about
hypertension (Quoth the raven) nevermore!
This purloined letter was brought to you
by that guy who tore up the planks in the
house of Usher. That guy is Ron Blake and he
can be found descending into the maelstrom
at www.myblakefitness.com.
information about the contest contact the
rodeo’s co-directors, Klint Weiden ( 405 408
6140) or Paul Boyd (405 630-4388).
Following on Friday it gets wild with
a Poolside Cookout also at the Finishline
from 3-6 p.m., then it’s registration time
at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds from
6-9 p.m ( Barn #9)., with a cash bar and
snacks provided to make it go better, along
with entertainment from 6-8 p.m. Keeping
the night kicking along is the HomoRodeo
Mixer happening at the Finishline beginning
at 9 p.m., also a All Rodeo Royalty Show at
Phoenix Rising at 9 p.m. as well.
The Rodeo begins the following Saturday
at 8:00 P.m., and after a funfilled day of
events one can unwind or windup at the
Copa’s Texas Tea Party beginning at 6 p.m.
a grand tradition hosted by the Texas Gay
Rodeo Association. At 9 p.m. that same night
there will be a country concert at ~Amgles
featuring recording artist James Allen Clark
among other local muscians. That night the
stick horse contest winner will be announced,
and the stick horses auctioned off.
Then it’s Sunday morning coming
down as the rodeo begins the final day o£
competition, resuming at 8:00 a.m. at the
Fairgrounds. The Finishline that day will
feature a Head Country Barbeque at 6:00
p.m. with a hearty dinner for the price of
$12. followed by the Awards Ceremony at 7
p.m. a,varding bucldes, saddles and cash to
the winners of the rodeo.
To wind up the event Monday a Wind
Down Party will be held at Phoenix Rising
with a hamburger/~bt d6g c86koUt froln
Noon until 2 p.m., with drink specials and
funfilled recollections of the wild weekend.
~ Ifyou or an organization is interested
in being a vendor, contact Larry Foley at
auditor@ogra.net
~ne host hotel this year is the Hilton
Garden Inn, located at 801 S. Meridian.
Telephone (405 942 1400) with special rates
available until May 14 ifyou mention the
rodeo. Come join the fun!
For more information check out their
website at vcww.ogra.net.
8 ~Y~:OSTAR May 1, 2010
CMS now- pays for treatment ofHIV related facial
Lipodystrophy
Disorder must cause depression for individuals to receive coverage
By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing Writer
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS) announced last month that it
will pay for facial injections for beneficiaries
who have facial lipodystrophy syndrome (LDS)
if, in fact, the person suffers from depression
secondary to the disorder. Reportedly,
individuals who take these medications and
experience facial LDS side effects may suffer
psychological effects related to a negative selfimage.
"Ofcourse I am depressed about the way
I look from the way my face looks now;’ said
Allen Leon, an OHahoma City man who has
the disorder. "Looks are very important to
everyone, not just gay people. People stare;
they can’t help it. I feel that I am judged by
people and I am uncomfortable when meeting
new people." The disorder is very stigmatizing.
LDS is a localized loss offat from the
face, causing an excessively thin, hollowed
appearance in the cheeks. In some cases, facial
LDS may be a side effect ofcertain kinds of
Director, Coverage and Analysis Group for
CMS. "These effects may lead people living
with HIV to discontinue their antiretroviral
therapies." Grade four (offour grades) leaves a
person the most emaciated-looking.
The injections are "fillers" that have
been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug
Administration (FDA) to be injected under the
skin in the face to help fill out its appearance
specifically for treatment offacial LDS. Data
show that these injections can improve patient
self-image, relieve symptoms ofdepression,
and may lead to improved compliance with
anti-HIV treatment. The average cost of the
injections is $500 for a two-vial treatment.
Most people require a total of three treatments.
Medicare coverage for the injections has
already begun.
This is an important milestone in Medicare
coverage for HIV-infection therapies by
helping people living with HIV improve
their self-image and treating side effects of
Lipotrophy by grade: Lipoatrophy withfat loss covering a wide area oftheface and the skin is living
directly on thefacial muscles.
medications (antiretroviral therapies) that
individuals receive as part ofan HIV infection
treatment regimen.
"Facial LDS can leave people living with
HIVlooking gaunt and seriously ill, which may
stigmatize them as part oftheir HIV-infecrion
status," said Dr. Louis B. Jacques, MD
medications. Compliance with anti-HIV
treatment can lead to better quality oflife and,
ultimately, improve the quality ofcare that
beneficiaries receive. For more information,
visit http ://,arww.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/
viewdecisionmemo.asp ?id=234.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender aging issues
take center stage at Congressional briefing on
Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, (PR) April 21 The
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and
Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders
(SAGE) are convening a National LGBT
Aging Roundtable this week in Washingxon,
D.C. In addition, the National Gay
and Lesbian Task Force has organized a
congressional briefing on issues facing lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
people as they age. The briefing was held
April 22, 9:30-11 a.m. in Room 121 of the
CannonHouse Office Building on Capitol
Hill.
The injustice facing many LGBT elders
was brought home just this week by the
painfut stoW of Clay Greene and Harold
Scull~ an elderly gay couple separated by
o~ci~s in Sonoma County, Calif., who also
sold their possessions despite the measures the
couple took to protect their relationship.
More details here.
"The needs of the oldest members of
our community have long been invisible to
many of us and ignored by most institutions
in our society," said Rea Carey, executive
director of the National Gay and Lesbian
Task Force, which recently released Outing
Age 2010: Public Policy Issues Affecting
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
(LGBT) Elders. "LGBT elders remain a
highly vulnerable and largely invisible aging
population. We know that invisibility leads
to greater social isolation~ which can lead to
increased vulnerability in many areas. We
also know that discrimination across the
tifespan leaves LGBT people economically
and socially vulnerable as tlaey age. There are
many challenges but we also have concrete
recommendations on how aging advocates,
policy mak,e,rs and social service agencies can
meet them.
Scheduled speakers at Thursday’s
congressional briefing were Laurie Young,
aging analyst and interim director of Public
Policy and Government Affairs of the
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, who
discussed findings and recommendations in
Outing Age 2010; Hope Barrett, director of
Elder Affairs of the Howard Brown Health
Clinic; Harper Jean Tobin, policy counse!
of the National Center for Transgender
Equality; Joyce Pierson, elder rights advocate
and former staffofthe Elder Rights Project
of the National Center for Lesbian Rights;
and John Johnson, SAGE’S federal director of
governmental affairs.
"Most Americans already face challenges
as the~ age, but LGBT older adults have
the added burden of a lifetime of stigma;
relationships that generally lack legal
recognition; and unequal treatment under
laws, programs and services designed to
support and protect older Americans," said
Johnson. We must educate our elected
officials and the public about the facts:
that LGBT elders are more likely to live in
poverty, face social and community isolation,
and lack appropriate health care and longterm
care.
SAGE recently released a groundbrealdng
report representing one of the first major
collaborations between LGBT advocacy
organizations and mainstream aging
organizations to comprehensively examine the
issues facing LGBT older adults.
Improving the Lives ofLGBT Older
Adults was co-authored by SAGE and the
Movement Advancement Project (MAP),
in partnership with the American Society
on Aging, the National Senior Citizens
Law ~er~ter, and the Center for American
Progress, with a foreword from the AARE
The report was formally rele,ased at the
~eri~n Society on ~ing’s national
conference, held last mont~ in Chicago, Ill.
"SAGE’S report outlines the issues and
offers solutions, providing a much-needed
roadmap for creating a society where all older
dults are treated with &gmty and respect,
said Johnson.
The LGBT elder population is growing,
with a large wave of openly LGBTbaby
boomers poised to seek aging-related services
over the next 25 years. Despite that, there is
virtually no government-sponsored research
on aFing that includes sexual orientation or
gender identity variables. This lack of data
results in policy and practices that ignore
the unique realities a~d needs of older
LGBT people, q-his is beginning to shift, as
the corigressional briefing and ISIealth and
Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’
announcement last fall of plans to establish
the first national LGBT elder resource center
indicates.
19 at a fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer
in Los Angeles.
Activists David John Fleck, Dan Fotou,
Laura Kanter, Zoe Nicholson and Michelle
Wright paid their way into the event and then
repeatedly shouted at Obama about repealing
DADT as he tried to address the gathering.
We are going to do that. Hey. Hold on
a second! Hold on a second! We are going to
do that!" Obama responded. ’7~1 right. Guys.
Guys. All right. I agree. I agree. I agree....
What the young man was talking about was
we need to -- we need to repeal Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell, which I agree with and which we
have begun to do. But let me say this: When
you’ve got an ally like Barbara Boxer and
you’ve got an ally like me who are standing
for the same thing, then you don’t know
exacdy why you’ve got to holler, because we
already hear you, all right? I mean, it would
make more sense to holler that at the people
who. oppose it."
A few moments later, more shouting
ensued.
"I’m sorr~ do you want to come up here?"
Obama said direcdy to a protester. "Can I just
say once again, Barbara and I are supportive
of repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, so I don’t
know why you’re hollerin’."
Obama then stepped away from the
microphone and spoke with Boxer. He
returned to the mic and stated: "I just
checked with Barbara, so if anybody else
is thinking about starting a chant, B,arbara
i ’
r d dnt even vote for Dont Ask, Dont Tell in
the first p1ace, so you know she’s goi"ng to be
in favor of repealiiag Don’t ASk, Don’t Tell."
The protesters were eventually removed
from the room.
"President Obama has been AWOL on
DADT," said Fotou. "We had to remind him
of the promises he made to the lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender community during
his campaign and several times during his
~residency--t,hat DAD.T, will be repealed
oecause, as he s stated, it s the right thing to
do.’"
Added Wright, "We made it clear our
community will hold accountable our
president for unkept promises."
In response to Obama’s questioning why
gays are shouting at him over DADT, blogger
Andrew Sullivan explained: "Because, Mr.
President, it is not enough to be ’supportive’
o en&ng DontAsk, DontTell. When you
have the presidency and your party controls
both houses of Congress, it’s a matter of
having the political will to end it. Not all gay
people are HRC fundraisers. Some are even
risking their lives every day for this country;
in uniform, only to be treated like second
class human beings and citizens by their own
government. Their own government? That
means you, Mr. President and Senator Boxer."
The following da~ April 20, GetEQUAL
protesters returned to the White House for a
second round of handctffl:ing themselves to
the fence and getting arrested, a month after
the group’s initial action there.
This rime six people chained themselves
to the gates -- Lt. Dan Choi, Capt. Jim
Pietrangelo II, Petty Officer Larry Whitt,
Petty Officer Autumn Sandeen, Cadet Mara
Boyd and Cpl. Evelyn Thomas.
"We are handcuffing ourselves to the
White House gates once again to demand
that President,Obama sho,w lea,d,ership on
,r,epealing Dont Ask, Dont Tall, said Choi.
Ifthe president were serious about keeping
his promise to repeal this year, he would
put the repeal la%,uage in his defense
authorization budget. The president gave us
an order at the Human Rights Campaign
dinner (in October) to keep pressure on him
and we will continue to return to the W’hite
House, in larger numbers, until the president
keeps his promise to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell this year."
Thomas commented: "A few weeEs ago
I saw Lt. Dan Choi take dramatic action at
the White House and it made me realize that
I needed to do something to stand up for
all the black female soldiers who have been
discharged under DADT. Many people don’t
mow that we black women are discharged
disproportionately more than others under
DADT2
At press rime, acco~&n~ to GetEQUB32s
Twitter feed: "All six servicemembers have
been taken into custody. They have served
their country again today, and they deserve
better than #DADT."
May1, 2010
~.metrostarnews.com
12 S~!T~OSTAR May 1, 2010
JOIN
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ONLY ¥~11)
www.metrostarnews.com RIITIOSTAR 13
We p t
..... ,Church ,~vww,mcctu~sa,org
’uptc~ o CI~il Rights °Criminal
’ment ® Family Law ~ Litigation
625 N.~’. 13.~:h Street
City, OK 73"103
14 ;~ET~©STAR May 1, 2010
Photo~ by Victor G.
@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ Angtes, Oklahoma City
@ The Copa, Oklahoma City
@ Ledo, Oklahoma City
By Chris ~zopardi
Glee: be Music, ~e Power o£Madmma
Gle~ We wet{ alrea&
episode! With Sue Sylvester doing
:! :I11ms out we can love you more, ~[he chee~ d0ach,adds
to one of muSic’s most delicious
uN- if not more
seven
the Vete~fi ~ career classics
him
s~veet as weird ~s it sh0uld be, Out theater
doll Jonathan GroN- one of the Fox show’s fresh faces - joins the
res~ of the ~ast. on ?Like.a Virgin," and Mercedes injects some pf
intro and the choir} moving endrun~.
$6: i~ is, in ~act~ like a dream.. ......
Grade: B+
& Sweet To~,r
@ The End Up, Tulsa
supported on this 2008;09 tom; Madonngs mojo sdl! m~es fBr one
h4cl~ of a show. Over several hours :a couple on DVD; one on CD
@ Finishline, Oklahoma City
Grade: ARufus
7Wainwright, M1 Days Are Nights: Songs for
Lulu
Troubadours like Ruft~ Wainwright get off on being grandiose,
but what happens when you lose something you cant get back. You
scale it down. as he has ~er the recent dead{ of his mother. On his
@ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa
16 NetroSTAR May 1, 2010
by Jack Fertig May 2010
"Your brain wants a chaRenge, Virgo!"
Saturn opposing Uranus is a longrunning
on-and-off aspect that’s
scattering minefields, challenging
us to change structures and goals
through the year. The Sun and Mars
are triggering those with sometimes
violent results. Ideological, "values"-
based attacks are likely at personal and
political levels.
ARIES (March 20- AprR 19):
Your competitive drive can become
obsessive, even self-destructive.
Looking good is not about conquest, but
moving on gracefully. Let go, meditate,
open your creative soul. You can’t do
that while guarding your turf as queen
of the mountain.
TAURUS (Apri~ 20- May 20):
Celebrate your birthday with your family
and your most creative friends, not
necessarily at the same party. Bringing.
them together may get a bit dramatic,
even catalytic. This could be a good
thing, or not. Think it through.
GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): Meditation
will cool your heated brain and help you
to keep your mouth out of trouble. In
that calm solitude, think of ways your
home life can support your ambitions.
They don’t have to be at war with each
other.
CANCER (June 21- July 22): Showing
off to your friends can get expensive
and become a source of fights. If your
love and admiration aren’t enough,
home-baked cookies should do it. If
they want more, they’re not really your
friends, and their arguments aren’t
worth the trouble.
LEO (Ju~y 23 -August 22): Whatever
you do is sure to get noticed. You do
realize that can be a mixed blessing!
Some humility would be in order, but
that doesn’t mean denying your actual
gifts and accomplishments. It’s just a
matter of keeping perspective.
V~RGO (August 23 - September 22):
Your brain wants a challenge. Find it in
a book; don’t go picking arguments. If
you want a good debate, hold yourself
back a bit and make an effort to really
hear what the other person has to say!
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22):
Trying to keep up with peer pressure,
you could worry yourself sick. Balance?
It means they have to meet you half
way, too. Your real friends will do that.
Standing your ground is sexy.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November
21): Immediate concerns- work and
partnersh p - feel like distractions from
your creative engagement with the
world, building the future. In fact, those
quotidian details are exactly how we
do that. Try to channel that aggravation
into creative energy.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22
- December 20): Domestic drama
threatens to disrupt your plans at work.
If you can keep an even keel, handling
those unpredictable upsets could help
you gain confidence in your managerial
skills: Remember, a team leader is still
a team member!
CAPRICORN (December 21
- January 19): Maintain respect for
people even when their questions seem
abysmally stupid. It is tempting to mess
with their heads, or to mock them,
but mellow out that playful streak and
engage them. That could lead to fun for
all!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): Everybody needs to be concerned
about money these days. You may
be more worried than is necessary or
helpful. Don’t take it out on your family
or housemates. The first purpose of
discussion is to get problems into
perspective.
PISCES (February 19- March
19): Flaws and frustrations in your
relationship, however minor, are now
feeling worse than they really are. You
could both make a list now to discuss
later. If you must trash someone, that is
what POliticians and celebrities are for.
METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
Rev Steve T. Urie
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, M0 64804
417-52943480
Worship Sunday 6:00 PM
Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
www.socmcc.org
Have a God filled and BleSSed Day!
1 2; 3 4 ’11 12 13
17
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44 46 47
64
6~667295
66
68 69 !
ofview
Solution page 19
www.metrostarnews.com ~#~<~t~’oSTAR 17
WIT
www.kylecomics.com
RAN INTO YOU.
Chuck Breckenddge
\Vhcther buying or selling
I’ll work hard for you.
597 Magnetic Road
Eureka Springs, _Arkansas
www.magneticvalteyresort. corn
infoOmagneticvalleyresort.corn
800-2t0-8401 479-244-6821
~y,net
18 May !, 2010
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~ THELEDO EXPRESSIONS Fellowship
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597 Magnetic Road
Eureka Springs, AR
800-2i0-8401
wwv.magneticvalleyresort.com
Y~LLY KIRBY, CPA
4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424
Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466
Certified Public Accountant
VALERIE WILLIFORD
625 N.W. 13th Street
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Tulsa, Oklahoma
877.700.9503
405-525-0730
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TULSA EAGLE
1338 E. 3RD
Tulsa, OK
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Open 7days week 2prom 2am
405-761-1878
www.expressionsOKC.com
SOONERSTATE RODEO
PO Box471463
Tulsa, OK74147
www.soone~mmrodeo.com
CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS
3131 N. PENN,
OKC, OK 405-525-9555
Service Sunday 10:45 AM
DIVERSITY CHI~STIAN
FELLOWSHIP
637 S. 131st East Ave
Tulsa, OK
wv~v.realacceptance.com
GREAT PLAINS RODEO
P. O. BOX 12485
Oklahoma City, OK 73157
w~#c.ogra.net
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Sunday 6pro
JUDY G. PHOTO’S
Tulsa, OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
918-743-8636
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 NWEXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma Ci~ OK 73112
405-840-2106
wv#¢¢.c2 lgoldcastle.com
CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE
Keller Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
ANGLES
2117 I’FOF 39th St.
Oldahoma City, OK
wwv.anglesdub.com
BAMBOO LOUNGE
7204 E. PINE
Tulsa, OK
918-836-8700
~wvw.bambooloungetulsa.com
THE END UP
5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE
Tulsa, OK
918-836-0915
Open 7 days a week 2pro to 2am
FINISHLINE
2200 I~FW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City; OK
405-525-2900
ww~v.habanainn.com
THE COPA
2200 NW 39TH ~RESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
MCC UNITED
1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK
918-838-1715 ....
www.mcctulsa.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N. Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
OKLAHOMA STONEWALL
DEMOCRATES
Oklahoma City, OK
vpccw.okstonewall.org
OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY
621 E. 4th Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
918-743-4297
w~vw.okeq.org
LI
~,~w.metrostarnews.com ~{ETROSTAR 19
"We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have
its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative
movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reaf~."
"What matters, as always, is not what w,e can’t do,
it’s what we can and must do.’
Stonewall lemocrats is a recognized group of the
Oklahoma and national Democratic PaR.
Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the
We mee~ the I s~ Tuesday ofevery mon~h at ~he
STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS
4100 N. Li~¢ol~ Av÷~, Okl~hom~ Cill ..... /~05~ 427-3366
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[2010] Metro Star Magazine, May 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 5
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May 01, 2010
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Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
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The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
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James Nimmo
Victor Gorin
Rex Wockner
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Judy Gabbard
Romeo San Vicente,
Andrew Collins
Jack Fertig
Lisa Keen
Steven Petrow
Keith Orr
Chris Azzopardi
Victor Gorin
Judy G.
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Southwest Missouri
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Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
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The Metro Magazine, April 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 4
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/186
The Metro Star Magazine, June 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 6
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/192
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Advice
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anti-LGBT discrimination
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services-facial lipodystrophy
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Don't shop-Adopt
entertainment
federal hate crimes law
First Thursday Art Exhibit
fitness-Hypertension
gay rodeo
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Keith Kimmel
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Metro scene
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Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Caucus
Oklahomans for Equality Award Recipients
Out magazine-most influential
Prop 8
QPuzzle
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Rainbow Pages
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RuPaul's Drag Race-Bebe
SAGE-aging issues
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travel
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Ozarks Pride
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2004-2011
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magazine
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Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
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Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
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Southeast Kansas
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C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
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Steve T. Urie
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THE PREMIER SO,URCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA
VOLUME 7 ISSUE 6 Twi~er,com/MetroStarNews ® MetroStarNews,com JUNE 1, 2010
Coast to Coast, Border to Borde,; fi’om Enid, Oklahoma Cil)
"Simply Proud" the eme ofOklahoma City
Pride Parade t val° this year
By Victor Gorin
Contributing wrker
OKLAHObvL& CITY. OK Oldahoma
Ci@ Pride Festival and Parade is coming
together again this year a’; always, uniting the
GLBT communi~" of the OKC metroplex
and their friends for a }Sbulons weekend of
tim, fellowship, and fi_~r some fond reflection.
Going with it all this year are the Pride
Banners of Cimarron ~Nliance, which will fly
fi’om Oldahoma City lampposts of Classen
Boulevard fi’om June 8 to July 8 to highlight
the festivities.
It all begins with a Block Party
Friday June 25 on the N.W. 39th Street
Strip (beginning at NT~ 39th Street &
Pennsylvania Avenue), this time beginning at
8 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m.
The Festival itself will take place again this
year in Memorial Park, located at N.W. 36th
& Classen Boulevard, opening on Saturday
June 26 at 10 a.m. and dosing at 10 p.m.
It will reopen the next day on Sunday June
27 at 10 a.m., closing down at 3 p.m. as the
Parade lineup begins. N~e festival will
feature a varietT of live entertainment, events,
vendors, and informational booths.
The Pride Parade will step off that Sunday
at 5 p.m. at Memorial Park, concluding
with the Grand Finale over the Hill past
Peunsylvania through the N.W. 39th Street
Strip. For 2010 this event was renamed the
Paul Thompson Memorial OKC Pride Parade
to honor his memory as one of Oklalaoma’s
most renowned activists for GLBT equality
and human rights in general. Mr.~-hompson
had also served for many years as the Male
Co-Chair ofOKC Pride, and had passed
away March 4 of this year.
The Festival and Parade commemorates
Gay Pride Week, which marks the Stonewall
Riots of 1969. Itwas June 28 of that year
when patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar
in New York City, fought baek against the
police after enduring endless harassment. This
was an event unprecedented in American
history where the police were forced to
barricade themselves in the very bar they
came to raid, and the rioting that followed
changed America forever. Straight people
were forced to deal with a gay community
that would no longer accept discrimination,
and the GLBT community was awakened to
........Continued See OKC PRIDE Page-8
Rev Lavanhar took long path to Tulsa Pride Grand
Marshal
By Michael W. Sasser
Contributing gZriter
Reverend Marlin Lavanba~ Pressphoto
TULSA, OK__ Although Reverend
Marlin Lavanhar was surprised and honored
to be named Grand Marshal ofJune’s Tulsa
Pride Parade and Festival, he has his sights set
beyond on a larger objective.
"For me it will be especially worthwhile if
the role allows me the platform to speak on
for the inclusion of all people, regardless of
orientation," said Lavanhar, senior pastor at
All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa.
Lavanhar has been a high-profile advocate
for the GLBT community in a state notably
light on supporters from the clergy for many
years. He has been a tireless supporter of
the local community during his 10 years at
All Souls and has made the inclusion of the
GLBT world key to his ministry.
"I realized early on that this wotdd be the
major civil rights issue over tl~e era of my
ministry," Lavanhar said.
Stil!, l,avanhar’s most recent high profile
effort was a rislo! one even for a clergyman
with a long history of championing human
rights. Just months ago, Lavanhar accepted
an invitation to speak at a conference in
Uganda that was a rallying point against
efforts by that African nation to approve
capital punishment as the sentence for
homosexuality.
"We have a sister church in Uganda
and my colleague there was the conference
organizer," Lavanhar said. "The purpose is to
build grassroots resistance to the anti-GLBT
bil!. They asked me to speak. Honestly I had
to think about it."
There was real danger for the conference
organizers and those who attended.
........Continued See LAVANHAR Page-8
:
A LBT Comm ity Center
opens in Enid; Oklahoma!
773e Cenmr Enid, Oklahoma. Gorin photo
On Saturday April 24 the Center held their first
Stand Awards Ceremony ~br various Oldahoma groups
and individuals who have advanced the cause ofGLBT
equality. Among them was Pastor J,E Wickey’(pa~tor of
Crosswalk United Church of Christ), the M~t~ ~{~r ( m~dia
represent~ti0n ~fthe year)Victor Gorin (journalist oi~ the
year) and ,p,oetess Lisa Herald for her verses entitled "Sally
Sally Ket~ which was a bittersweet lament to that Oklahoma
legislator (to see her read it ~on youtube, type in Lisa Herald
Sally KemP. As an endorsement from beyond, the sky featured
a double rainbow as the ceremonies began.
rl~e Center is almost totally funded by loCal gay and gay
friendly indiViduals and organizations,, arid is appropriately
decorated with gay[icons tl~roughout history. Exi~ansion plans
are already being discussed, including possibly a homeless
shelter. Everyone and their talents are welcomed, so for more
information contact 800-878 5298.
Hate Crime victim leaves State
By Michael x~ Sasser
Contributing writer
TULSA, OK A young gay man who was beaten and
ENID. OK The town of Enid, Oklahoma lies 70 robbed in Claremore and then claimed to have been further
miles north of Oklahoma City, is the county seat of Ga~eld victimized in the subsequent weeks, has left Oklahoma for
County and thehome ofVance Air Force Base. Founded in another state.
1893. Enid has been nicknamed Queen Wheat City because
it has the third largest grain storage capacity in the world.
~I~aeir high school football team. the Enid Plainsmen, has a
longstanding powerful reputation, and the city at present
hasn’t a single gay bar.
Yet amid this setting of Conservatism, a gay scene has
"I just didn’t feel safe anymore," said Phillip Nelson; 24. "I
didn’t feel safe leaving my home. Things are better noxv."
Nelsons story captured local hgadlmes m M~rch when
he was assaulted outside his’Clm~em0re apartment by several
unknown assailants, and when his apartment was broken into
and vandalized. Prior to the more violent incidents, Nelson
Representative - Dis ric 88
Oklahoma Ci,y
Paid for by Committee to. Re’-Elect AI McAffrey 2010,
P.O. Box 60668, OKC 73148.
Recognizing ~he need fbr a welcoming place for the various
At 77~e Center: TJ Re),nolds, Nate Bowen, Bill), Igalke~ Brandon
Bidtve~!, Brandon Ratclifl;" Brandon Lopez, Lisa Heral~ Gorin
ohoao
~5cets ofEnid’s GLBT community, members of the local
P-Flag chapter discovered a vacant site at ! 319 S. Van Buren.
v~qth the group’s determination and a willing landlord, it xvas
leased Mar& !0 and plans went full speed ahead to make it
alt happen.
~,lready several support groups meet at the Center
including no~ only Enid’s P-Flag but alsoa youth group, a
~ransgender support group, a group for bisexuals, and one
~or GLBT parents and &ildren. CoUnseling services are also
cond ucred tixere, with plans for a legal clinic, employmen~
assistance, and health services including HIV testing.
It’s aires@ a place where GLBT and friendly groups can
distribute their literature, and it i)atures a lot more than just
serious activity. Friday nights are dedicated to social activities
such as dances, open mic nights, & karaoke. Social clubs
meet there that are too numerous to mention that include a
chess club, a book club, a gardening club, etc to give some
perspecrive.
"There is something not right there," Nelson said. "They’re
not there to protect people from hate crimes. They are iust
there to hide it under the carpet and to wait fbr it to go awa3~"
Nelson said he finds it most curious that there has been
no progress on the Claremore case because he was able to
provide an obvious, distinct clue as to the identity of one of
his attackers.
N~ings did not improve for Nelson after the story broke.
N~e former Rogers State University student found himself the
target of verbal abuse and hostility in school and around his
apartment complex.
Less than a month after the attack in Ctaremore, Nelson
said that he and a female friend were assaulted in a Tulsa
karaoke bar.
"A bunch of bikers got very- aggressive and hostile ~vith us,"
Nelson said. He said that he believed that the ,alleged harassers
recognized him from television news reports and that they
hurled antiagay epithets at he and his friend.
"\Ve’d been in there before and it wasn’t a problem,"
Nelson said.
This time, Nelson said, it was a problem. He claims that
he and his friend "barely escaped" when the bar management
sided with the aggressors and Nelson and his friend were
instructed to leave.
Nelson said Tulsa Police would not respond to his calls. He
said they did initially respond to his friend’s calls, but he was
not sure if anything ever came of it. His friend Could not be
reached for comment.
rrhe final straw for Nelson was when management asked
him to vacate his apartment iust weeks ago. Nelson believes
he was asked to leave because of his orientation and said that
management representatives had previously made anti-gay
comments to him.
slide."
Toby Jenkins, President of Oklahomans for Equality, said
that everyone xvho comes forward after an assault is a hero
and that he understands Nelson’s frustration with Claremore
Police.
"We admire his tenacity in staying after police to be
vigilant," Jenkins said; "All crime victims have to stay after
police."
Nelson said he does not lmo,v if his move is permanent.
Interfaith Pride Memorial Service
Planned
By Victor Gorin
Contributing Writer
OIC&&HOMA CITY, OK __ Plans are underway for a
community wide service ofremembrance on tl~e evening of
Wednesday, June 16 at 7 p.m., right in the middle of GLBT
Pride Month. This service will be held at Epworth United
Methodist Church, located ar 1901 N. Douglas Avenue in
Oklahoma City.
The purpose of the service is to provide comfort ro those
experiencing grief, and to celebrate those who have touched
our lives, promising to be an uplifting occasion for everyone
who attends.
If you have lost a loved one--partner, relative, or friend
in the past year and want them remembered in this memorial
service, please e-mail their name to scott@cimarronalliance.
org.
www.metrostarnews.com
Bigger and better as
cdebrates 25
years
Grand Marshalls; fonnding members
ofOGRA
By By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing Writer
OKLAHOMA CIT~; OK __ As OGRA
(Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) codirectors,
Klint Wieden and Paul Boyd have
had a busy year. Taking the responsibility on
to produce this annual event means planning
and implementing the entire event; taking
care setting the dates, securing the venue,
contracts, scheduling, securing sponsors,
appointing committees and so much more.
After all this work, the culmination of their
efforts are enjoyed when they direct the rodeo
itself during the entire weekend of the event,
which is each Memorial Day weekend at the
State Fairgrounds (Barn 8).
"Our goals for this year, our 25th
Anniversary Great Plains Rodeo is to make
it a memorable event ~vhile commemorating
our founding members and board," said
Wieden. "We want to increase both contest
participation as well as spectator attendance.
We have planned more entertainment during
rodeo weekend, more parties, and more
things leading up to the rodeo."
Mmualty OGRA is held in Oklahoma
City over the Memorial Day holiday, May 28-
30 for 20!0. Here is the lineup of events;
Thursday, May 27th, 6-8pro VIP
Reception pool side at ~e Habana Inn for all
of our rodeo sponsors and officials. After that,
The Finishline will be hosting a stick horse
rodeo with plenty of events using stick horses.
A stick horse decorating contest ~vill be on
display during rodeo registration and then
all day Saturday at the OGRA booth at the
rodeo-$1 per vote for the best decorated stick
horse with the proceeds going to charity.
Friday, May 28, 10am Board of
Directors Meeting; from 6pm - 9pm is
Rodeo Registration for contestants at
the fairgrounds, Barn #9 in the vendor
area. 7pm - OGP,~k Royalty Team will
be hosting "A Night of Royalty Nikki &
Mark" entertainment during registration, at
the Fairgrounds, Barn #8.10pm - OGRA
Royalty Team will be hosting "A Night of
Royalty Nikki & Mark" at PhoenLx Rising.
Saturday, May 29th, 8am Rodeo begins
with Calf Roping on Foot, Steer Deco, Break
Away Roping, Team Roping, Steer Riding,
Pole Bending. At high-noon is the Grand
EntD" witb~Bronc Riding, Chute Dogging,
Goat Dressing, Barrel Racing, Flag Race,
Wild Drag Race, Bull Riding and the Rodeo
will finish up around 5pm.
Texas Gay Rodeo Association will be
hosting the Texas Tea Party at the Copa
with entertainment and drink specials that
evening. OGP,ak and Angles will be hosting
a LIVE concert performance at Angles
from 9pro til! who knows when! Live vocal
performers are lined up featuring James
Allen Clark, a new Nashville recording artist,
along vdth several popular 16cal performers.
Winners of the Stick Horse Decorating
Contest and then auction offthe stick horses
to the highest bidder to help raise more
money for charity. ~
Sunday, May 30th; OGRA day 2 begins
with, Calf Roping on Foot, Steer Deco, Break
Away Roping, Team Roping, Steer Riding,
Pole Bending, and high-noon again brings the
Grand Entry with more Bronc Riding, Chute
Dogging, Goat Dressing, Barrel Racing, Flag
Race, Wild Drag Race & Bull Riding. At
5pm the Rodeo wraps up and we move to
the Finish line for a BBQ Dinner put on by
Head Country BB% and at 7pro, the Rodeo
Awards CeremoW at the Copa where they
~vill be awardingbucldes, saddles and cash
prizes to all of the winners of the Rodeo.
Monday, May 31st at noon will be a
Rodeo Wind-Down Party at Phoenix Rising
where the), will be serving hamburgers and
hotdogs along with drink specials, relaxing
and recounting all of the fun times of the
weekend.
This year’ charity partners are Other
Options/Friends Food Pantry, Be The
Change, and Expressions Community
Service. "Several months prior to our rodeo, ’
usually in November we request letters from
qualifi/ing 501 (c)3 non-profit charities
stating vchy they want to be considered as one
of our charity partners," adds Wieden. "Then,
as a group, we discuss each organization and
look at their merits and what they do for the
community. We consider their financials and
the services they offer to our community, and
then vote on the ones we want to support."
The amount donated to these charities varies
each year based on participation, events and
overall donations.
"I just want to stress what a vital service
we provide for people in our community to
participate in a sport that they enjoy (rodeo)
while at the same time giving back to our
community in volunteer services as well as
financially," concludes Wieden. "Our local
charities that we support rely heavily on
donations from our local community and we
provide that link through a fun event such
as rodeo. We also help provide a positive
outlook to our city, and state as well by
our conduct and actions, hdping the gay
community at large to be more accepted by
everyday citizens."
The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association,
Inc. (OGRA) is a nonprofit organization
and member of the International Gay Rodeo
Association, Inc. (IGRA) which is comprised
of 28 state/provincial associations throughout
the United States and Canada. OGRA is
proud to be the first association seated at
the first ever IGRA Convention in 1985
For more information check out the OGRA
website at www.ogra.net
Feast to Gain Funds for
HIV/AIDS
TULSA, OK__Tulsa CARgS, a 50!(c)3
nonprofit organization is planning its first
"Feast with Friends®" fundraiser for Saturday,
July 24.
"Feast with Friends°" is an at-home
fundraiser where individuals and groups host
dinner parties in their homes, workplaces and
faith communities on Saturday evening, July
24. In exchange, their guests make a donation
to Tulsa CARES whose mission is "Delivering
social services to people affected by HIV/
MDS" in northeastern Oklahoma. After
dinner, all hosts and their guests are invited to
the fabulous "Dessert Extravaganza" from
8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Central Community
Center, 1028 E. Sixth St. Non-alcoholic
beverages and dessert are provided to guests.
~ose not attending a dinner may participate
in the dessert event for a $10 donation at the
door.
Tulsa CARES’ Executive Director, Sharon
Thoele hopes Feast with Friends ’\vill hdp us
bring to light the fact that the AIDS epidemic
is far from over, and ~ve need everyone’s help
to meet the enormous need that exists in our
community."
"Old friends, ne~v friends, everyone and
anyone who wishes to support Tulsa CARES
is invited to participate in this event - it’s fun
and it’s a great excuse to gather with your
favorite people and help out a worthwhile
cause all at the same time," Thoelesaid.
"Tulsa CARES will use the proceeds to
support our programs as we assist people who
are living with this disease."
In-kind sponsors for the event are: Hla’s
Dell, QuikTrip, Tulsa Parks and Starbucks
Coffee Compan3a
For more information about hosting a
party or about the dessert event, contact
Ally McGinnis, Tulsa CARES resource
development coordinator by calling 834-4194
or by e-mail, allym@tulsacares.org.
Founded in !991, Tulsa CARES, a United
Way Member Agency, delivers services
to low-income people living with HIV/
AIDS. Services include case management
by professional social workers, access to
physicians and prescription assistance,
counseling services, housing assistance, a food
pantry with access to our registered dietician,
and many other forms of support. Tulsa
CARES’ mission is "Delivering social services
to people affected by HIV/AIDS." For more
information about Tulsa CARES, visit ww~v.
tulsacares.org.
Tulsa couple
marry in
By Staff Editors
TULSA, OK__ Erin Taylor McClanahan
and Scott Andre Harper were married
on Friday, May 7th at the Polk County
Courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa at 10:30
AM. The Honorable Judge Robert Hanson
performed the ceremony. Witnesses were
Linda and Jamie Harper, brother and sister-
Erin McClanahan and Scott Harper at their
wed~ing reception May 8, 2010 at the Bamboo
Lounge ~dsa. Stajfphoto
in-law to Scott. The happy couple left Tulsa
on May 6 and made a rest stop in Osceola at
a casino called Terribles.
Following the nuptials on Friday, they
were offto Kansas City were they spent their
wedding night at Harrah’s Hotel Casino.
Then they went back to Tulsa for a rousing
reception at the Bamboo Lounge. The
beautifully planned reception including the
wedding cake, champagne, flowers and all the
trimmings was organized by Philip Simmons
and Tammy Randell.
It was a family affair with Scott’s mother
Evelyn, his brother and sister-in-law, Erin’s
sister Kristen and over 100 friends there to
congratulate and wish the couple a long and
happy marriage.
Although Erin and Scott’s Iowa marriage is
not legal in the State of Oldahoma, same sex
marriages are legal in five states, Connecticut,
Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Three states
recognize same sex marriage, New York,
Rhode Island, and Maryland.
Couples must first apply for a license
to marry in Iowa. You can download
an application at www.polkrecorde,:com/
marriages.htm or call 515-286-3160 in Des
Moines to request the documen~ be mailed
to you. Instructional handouts are available
from county officials, who also serve as
County Recorders in county courthouses.
No matter who
are on life’s jourm
Reeerend Ur. Kathy
3131 N. Pennsylvania,Oklah0 405.525.9555
4 June 1, 2010
Obama selects Supreme
Court nominee
The Human Rights Campaign "hailed"
President Barack Obama’s May 10 selection
of U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan as his
nominee to replace retiring Justice John Paul
Ste,,v.ens on the U.S. Supreme Court.
We are confident that Elena Kagan
has a demonstrated understanding and
cormnitment to protecting the liberty
and equality of all kanericans, including
LGBT Americans," said HRC President Joe
Solmonese.
Gay cases that could come before the court
in the near future include the Proposition 8
federal case by famed lawyers David Boles
and Ted Olson and other same-sex marriage
cases, challenges to the anti-gay federal
Defense of Marriage Act andto the military’s
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on gays who do not
stay in the closet, and cases targeting the new
federal hate-crimes law that is inclusive of
sexual orientation.
.As dean of Harvard Law School, ~C~gan
opposed the Solomon Amendment, a 1996
federal law that allows the secretary of defense
to deny federal grants -- including rmearch
grants -- to universities and colleges that
prohibit military recruiting on campfis.
Some schools banned military recruiters
because Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell amounts to
employment discrimination based on sexual
orientation, which violates the schools’
policies.
At Harvard, Kagan partially blocked
the recruiters in 2004 a~er a federal court
struck dmvn the Solomon Amendment, then
unblocked them after the U.S. Supreme
Court upheld tt~e amendment in 2005.
"~Ihis action (the arrival of military
r~cruiters on campus) causes me deep
distress," Kagan wrote in October 2003.
"I abhor the military’s discriminatory
recruitment policy. (It is) a profound wrong
-- a moral injustice Of the first order."
HRC’s Solmonese said, ’Sg[e applaud Elena
Kagan’s vocal opposition to the Solomon
Amendment andthe discriminatory Don’t
Ask, Dofft Tell law."
In April, CBSNews.com mistakenly called
Kagan "openlygay" and, in,,an addendum
to that post, also called her apparently
still closeted." ~e network later deleted
the column because of its "irresponsible
speculation."
The ~gashington Post reported April 16
that an unnamed Obama administration
oi~cial said "ICxgan is not a lesbian." On May
13, Politico.corn reported that it had talked to
some of Kagan’s friends and they confirmed
that she is "not gay."
Richard Socarides, former President Bill
Clinton’s gay White House special assistant,
told CNN on May 10 that Kagan is "a
brilliant, pragmatic progressive xvho is intent
on hearing all sides to fashion a solution that
works for the most amount of people."
California Assembly calls
£or DADT repeal
The California Assernbly passed a
resolution 51-17 on May 13 urging repeal of
the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on open gays in
the military.
The measure asps Congress to pass, and
President Barack Obama to sign, the Military
Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which
Wockner News Service
would dear the way for LGB service members
to come out of the closet.
"\Ve are proud of our state’s leadership
for championing fairness and equality in the
military," said Equality California Executive
Director Geoff Kors.
EQCA said Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has
led to the discharge ofsome t3,500 service
members, including some 800 specialists
serving in critical operations. More
than 300 language specialists have been
discharged under the policy, "resulting in a
critical shortage of qualified translators in
intelligence-gathering posts," the group said.
The California resolution now goes to the
state Senate, which had passed it last year, for
a concurrence vote.
Christian right leader
went to Europe with
’rentboy’
Prop 8 £ederal trial likely
to conclude in June
~giiami New 7~mes’photo ofanti-gay activist
George Rekers and a rentboycom escort
returning together to _Miami International
Ai,portfi’om a European vacation.
Proposition8 is likely tofinal~ wr~p up in U.S.
Dist~ct Court in San ]~)ancisco on June i~ ~d
Olson, left; and David Boles are lead counsel~r
the gay side. Phow @ z~’x ~ckner
The trial in the federal lawsuit against
Proposition 8is likely to finally xvrap up
in U.S. District Court in San Francisco on
June 16, when Judge Vaughn \Valker has
tentatively scheduled closing arguments.
~ae trial has been paused since testimony
concluded on Jan. 27 because Walker said he
wanted to study the record before hearing the
attorneys’ final statements.
~lhe hiatus dragged on longer than expected
because of sldrmishes between the anti-samesex-
marriage side and the gay groups that ran
the campaign against Prop 8, who are not
parties to the case.
The same-sex-marriage opponents
demanded that Equality California and the
American Civil Liberties Union produce
various documents and e-mails from the
campaign period. EQ~A and the ACLU
fought the demand at length before relenting
on April 27.
Lawyers for the two groups said they
turned over 4,500 documents and "thousands
of e-mails" that seemed to fal! within the
purvie~v of an order Walker had issued.
The opponents also are attempting to strike
from the trial record some of the testimony
of one of their defendant-intervenors, Hak-
Shing William Tam. Walker told the antisame-
sex-marriage side to submit its motion
by May 6 and told the gay" side to respond to
it by May 10.
Appearing on the wimess stand Jan. 21,
Tam said: "I believe that if the term ’rnarriage’
.....Continued see PROP 8 - page 6
www.metrostarnews.com ~IET~OSTAR 5
George Alan Rekers, who co-founded
the anti-gay Fatally Research Council, was
photographed at Miami International Airport
On April 13 returning from a European
vacation xvith a male escort who says the two
met via rentboy.com, Miami New Times
reported May 4.
The escort, who has been called "Lucien,"
"Geo" and "Jo-vanni" in news reports, also
told various media outlets that he gave Rekers
daily massages in the nude during the trip,.
which included genital tonching. Lucien
showed CNN a travel contract between
the two men that mandated daily hourlong
massages, and told the network that Rekers
"basically got excited" during the massage
sessions.
Rekers, 61, has used his professorgeorge.
com website and other online resources to
fight back against the "slanderous" reports,
saying he’s not gay and that nothing "illegal
or sexual" took place during his trip with
Lucien, 20. Rekers told multiple media .
outlets that he will acquire or has acquired a
lawyer and may or will sue for "defamation."
"I have been advised to retain the services
of a defamation attorney in this matter,
because the fact is that I am.not gay and
never have been," he told the Washington
Post on May 6.
On his website, Rekers wrote: "A recent
article in an alternative newspaper cleverly
gave false impressions of inappropriate
behavior because of its misleading innuendo,
incorrectly implying that Professor George
Rekers used the Rentboy website to hire a
prostitute to accompany him on a recent trip.
Contrary to Internet stories based on this
slanderous article, fo!lowing medical advice
Professor George Rekers requires an assistant
to lift his luggage in his travels becanse of an
ongoing condition following surger): ... Dr.
Rekers found his recent travel assistant by
interviewing different people who might be
able to’help, and did not even find out about
his travd assistants Internet advertisements
offering prostitution activity until after the
trip was in progress. ~ere was nothing
inappropriate with this relationship. Professor
.....Continued see RENT BOY - page 6
Pelosi promises votes on
both DADT and ENDA
this year
By Lisa Keen
Keen News Service
House ’Speaker Nancy Pelosi reassured
representatives of several LGBT organizations
this week that the Employment Non-
Discrimination Act (ENDA) and a measure
to repeal Dofft Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) will
get votes this year.
Pelosi made her comments in an
hour-long telephone conference call with
representatives of six LGBT groups on
Monday.
One of those representatives, Kate
Kendell, executive director of the National
Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), said
Pelosi, "in no uncertain terms, without any
equivocation or evasion, stated several times
that ENDA was her priority and that it
would move in this Congress --and there was
no question."
Concern that ENDA might not get a
vote this Congress has been intensifying
for the past several weeks, as the number of
voting days in the House dwindles during
the last months of the 111 th Congress. Some
activists said the 2 I8 votes to pass the bill
are there but that the House !eadership had
not scheduled the bill for a vote. And many
were alarmed that the momentum to pass
a measure to repeal DADT rnay have been
seriously hobbled by missives from Defiense
Secretary Robert Gates and the Vc~nite House
year, on how repeal could be implemented.
But Kendell and others said Pelosi
committed to passing ENDA and repealing
DADT this year.
"St~e seems absolutely committed to
getting that done," said Mara Keisling,
executive director of the National Center
for Transgender Equali*T. Keisling, who
has been a key organizer of support for this
term’s ENDA, which includes a prohibition
of"gender identitT" discrimination, was
another one of the participants in Monday’s
conference call.
Keisling, who said the phone call took
place at about 1:30 p.m. eastern time, noted
that Pelosi talked about there being a "limited
amount of time" and many other things that
have to happen on the House floor before the
end of this session.
"While Pelosi "did not commit to a specific
datg’ for a vote on ENDA, said Keisling,
she lea the impression it could move in
committee as early as this week.
And Kendell said Pelosi reassured the
group leaders that, while a measure to repeal
DADT may move first, "she stated in no
uncertain terms that ENDA is moving and it
will move under her watch and it will move
in this Congress."
DADT could coine up as early as
next ~nursday, when the House begins
consideration of an annual bill on Defense
spending.
Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill
confirmed the call took place and said that,
in addition to Kendell and Keisling, the
participants included several Pelosi staff
members, Joe Solmonese, president of the
Human Rights Campaign; Geoff Kors of
Equality California; Toni Broaddus, executive
director of the national Equality Federation;
and Masen Davis, executive director of the
Transgender Law Center, a California legal
group.
HRC spokesman Fred Sainz said
Solmonese was traveling Tuesday and could
not return a reporter’s call, but Sainz, too,
confirmed that Pelosi made a commitment
to vote on both ENDA and DADT repeal.
He noted this was the first time the Speaker
had had a conference call specifically xvith
representatives of LGBT organizations on this
issue.
Broaddus of the Equality Federation said
Pelosi "didn’t give us any dates" but "assured
us both bills are moving and that she’s very
committed to getting them through."
Several participants in the phone call said
Pelosi expressed concern about the likelihood
that Republicans will exercise their option,
as the minority party, to ask for a vote on a
"motion to recommit" "the bill to committee.
Such motions, which Republicans
have used recently ~to thwart Democratic
legislation, can force votes on whether to send
a bill back to committee with instructions
to either kill or amend it. The amendments
proposed on recent legislation have been
designed to both delete essential language
from the underlying bill and propose
language that could cause embarrassment for
any legislator to oppose. Such was the case
last on a bill to create more jobs. The raotion
to recommit sought to insert language
to prohibit paying any federal employee
"officially disciplined for violations regarding
the viewing, downloading, or exchanging of
pornography, including child pornograph>
6n ~ federai~mpute~ or whil~ ~erf0rmin~
official government duties." Democratic
leaders pulled the jobs bill when they saw that
a sufficient number of Democrats were voting
for the motion to recommit.
"I’m sure they’ll tiT that with ENDA,"
said Keisling, "but they’re going to try that
with every bill that comes along frorn now
on."
So, supporters ofENDA and the DADT
repeal must ensure they have 2 ! 8 votes in
the House, not only to pass each measure
but also to defeat any such hostile motion
to recolnmit. A spokesman for Rep. Barney
Frank (DvMass.), who introduced ENDA,
said last week that Frank was urging LGBT
activists to continue and step up the lobby
effort to secure those votes. Frank was not
available for comment Tuesday, and Rep.
Tammy Baldwin’s office did not respond to a
request for comment.
But several participants in Monday’s
phone call said Pe!osi assured them she has
"no intention of losing either" ENDA or
DADT repeal.
Keisling and others said Pelosi was "very
clear" that one of the bills -but not both--
would see action before Memorial Day.
The House is slated to take up its annual
bill on Defense funding on Thursday and
Friday, May 27 and 28. Frank and others
have said that DADT repeal, like the hate
crimes measure that passed last yea,; would
come up during consideration of the DOD -
authorization bill.
Activists held a rally outside the Speaker’s
office in San Francisco and a press conference
in Washin~on, D.C., on Tuesday to keep the
pressure on for a vote. At the National Press
Club press conference, National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea
Carey said LGBT activists are "at the end of
our patience."
"We have done our work," saidCarey.
"We have provided the numbers and the
stories; and we have endured as we\’e watched
thousands of LGBT workers lose their
foothold in a struggling economy-- not
because of downsizing, or poor performance
or closed businesses but -- because of
prejudice ....
"So today, Congress must step up to its
responsibility, to fully accept its charge to
serve its constituents," said Carey. "To step
up to its moral obligation to preserve the
integrity of the very fabric of our nation
by providing an accessible workplace to all
Americans- regardless of sexual orientation
or gender identity."
Noting that activists have been trying
for 36 years to pass some form of federal
protection against discrimination against gay
workers, Carey demanded Congress pass the
bill "without delay."
Rekers was not involved in any illegal or
sexual behavior with his travel assistant."
As the story unfolded, Lucien learned of
Rekers’ history of anti-gay activism and then
decided to tell media outlets about the trip’s
alleged sexual component.
"It’s a situation where he’s going against
homosexuality when he is a homosexual,"
Lucien told New Times.
Gay activist XX~ayne Besen, whose Truth
\Vins Out group battles the anti-gay
movement, told New Times that Rekers’
"fingerprints are on almost every anti-gay
effort to demean and dehumanize LGBT
people."
"His work is ubiquitously cited by lobby
groups that work to deny equality to LGBT
Americans," Besen said. "Rekers has caused
a great deal of harm to gay and lesbian
individuals."
Reports said Rekers also is a member of the
board of the anti-gay National Association for
Research and Therapy of Homosexuality. He
also recently was paid tens of thousands of
dollars by the state of Florida to be an expert
witness against gay adoption. Florida is the
only state that bans gay people from adopting
across the board.
After Rekers testified in that case, Miami-
Dade County Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman
wrote: "Dr. Rekers’ beliefs are motivated
by his strong ideological and theological
convictions that are not consistent with
the science. Based on his testimony and
demeanor at trial, the court cannot consider
his testimony to be credible a0r worthy of
forming the basis of public policy."
Lucien told The Miami Herald he became
an escort to pay for college, but that he might
have to drop out now. He said Rekers paid
him $75 per day during the trip, which is less
than the $300-$500 he would have charged
for sex. He told CNN there Was no sexual
contact other than the massages.
In a message to the Joe.My.God. blog,
Rekers said no one should be surprised he was
found in the company of a male escort.
"Like Jesus Christ, I deliberately spend
time with sinners with the loving goal to try
to help them," Rekers wrote. "Like John the
Baptist and Jesus, I have a loving Christian
ministry to homosexuals and prostitutes in
which I share the Good News of Jesus Christ
with them.... If you talk with my trave!
assistant that the story called ’Lucien,’ you
will find I spent a great deal of time sharing
scientific information on the desirability of
abandoning homosexual intercourse, and I
shared the Gospel ofJesus Christ with him in
great detail."
Not everyone in the media bought that
explanation.
"Here’s the basic idea about cases like this,"
MSNBC’s IL-tchel Maddow said May 7. "N~e
miserable denial and lying in your own sex
lives is your mvn miserable, in-denial, lying
business -- unless you make it the whole
country’s business by crusading against the
thing that is true about yourself that you hate
so much. Being gay cannot be cured. Being
a contemptible, pathetic hypocrite can be
cured.... Congratulations, you?ve made the
ne~,vs."
can be used beyond one man and one
woman, then any two person of any age or of
any relationships can use the same argument
and colne and ask for the term ’marriage.’
That would lead to incest. That would lead to
polygamy."
Tam said he had learned "in the Internet"
that af,er the Netherlands legalized same-sex
marriage in 2001, it went on to legalize incest
and polygamy. ~
"Another person in the organization found
it and he showed me that," Tam said. "I look
at the document and I think that was true."
~e gay side is represented by famous
lawyers Ted Olson and David Bole), who
attempted to prove that Prop 8 violates the
U.S. Constitutiol~’s guarantees of due process
and equal protection under the law.
Mindfu! of severa! precise legal
considerations or constructs, they tried to
show" that there’s no coherent reason for
the government to ban same-sex marriage,
that Prop 8 passed primarily because
California voters are prejudiced, that gays and
lesbians need government help to fight the
discrimination and persecution that continue
to harm them, that being gay is usually not
a choice and sexual orientation is usually
immutable, that gay couples’ children fare
as well as straight couples’ children, and that
so-called traditional marriage has undergone
transformations throughout history.
Passed by voters in November 2008, Prop
8 amended the California Constitution to
re-ban same-sex marriage just 4 1/2 months
after the state Suprelne Court legalized it.
Olson and Boies’ lawsuit is ultimately
aimeO at the U.S. Supreme Court, where it
could end up as soon as next year, af,er a stop
at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court ofAppeals. If
successful, the lawsuit could bring about the
legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide.
If unsuccessful, it could have the effect of
stopping the movement for same-sex marriage
-- which now is legal in five states and~
Washington, D.C. -- dead in its tracks for
possibly a generation.
The suit is without doubt a high-stakes
gamble, so much so that the gay rights legal
establishment initially opposed it and was,
as a result, blocked by Olson and Boles from
intervening once it became clear the case was
going to happen and was going to be a big
deal.
June 1,2010
Sooner State SoAball Association Games promise an
exciting S~mer
Contributing "~;qiter
Oklahoma Chaos Team ofOklahoma City. Godn photo
pu fhe °’
Sunday Services @ 11:00 AN
CC United 918-8~8-171~
A Metropolitan CommuNb/Church WWWom~et~saoorg
Ot~J_~!OMA CITY, OK __ Sunday
May 9 proved to be a beautiful spring day for
the Sooner State Softball Association ~raes as
they competed at Edmond’s Bickham Field.
Currently comprised of 16 teams, the alliance
provide~ a great opportunity to play ball for
serious or recreational softball players of the
GLBT community in the Oldahoma City
are~. The.Association has joined the North
Lm=bda Leag~e &~mmer
TULSA, OK (PR) __ Lambda League
Summer Bowling Started May t7th and
goes tlwoug}~ August %h. Games are each
Monday 7pro at Andy B~ Riverlm~es, 871 !
South Lewis ~Asa. No gaflae on Memorial
Day. %e Summer league is open to anyone.
~t’s a great way to make ftiends and have fun.
Cost is $14.00 each Monday and a one time
summer league membership fee of $20.00
For more information call 918-637-0889; or
emaiI: bubuinok@yahoo.com or beads4me@
cox.net.
Openarms Youth Center
Hosts Prom, Las Vegas
By Judy Gabbard
Contributing xg~’riter
TULSA, OK__ April 24, 20!0, Openarms
~k>uth Project hosted another successful
Prom Night. ~e theme was Las V%as S@e.
Tim GilIean and Ken Drape1; once again
achieved a successful night of food, dance and
entertainment riot area GLBT youth.
Approximately 80 yom-h were in
a~tendance, dressed in their own unique
finer> Parents and volunteers attended as
chaperones.
~ae highlight of every prom is to cast
American Gay Amateur Athletic Association.
Tulsais in the process of forming a league
as well, although a competition planned
between the two cities, the Turnpike
Challenge scheduled for May 15, was
rained out. For more information or game
schedules check out soonerstatesoftball.
com. or contact Recruitment Director Chad
Previ& at soonerstatesoftbalt@hotmail,Com.
Brenda "Grandma" Bolen and Kim
Whisenhunt. Judy G. Photo
votes and to crown the annual Prom King
and Queen. Openarms selected Royaltywas
beyond special. The 2010 Prom King is
Kim Whisenhunt and Prom Queen Brenda
Bolen. Brenda Bolen is the oldest volunteer
at Openarms Youth Centre: Brenda is a
youthful and loving individual who reaches
out to evewone who comes to the center and
is repectfully called "Grandma". King Kim
~/hisenhunt brings class to the King Crown,
and is highly respected by her peers.
Openarms Youth Center operates on
private donations, and is located at 2015-
B S. Lakewood in ~alsa, OK. For more
information or for donations contact Tim or
Ken, 918-838-7104
;uptcv o ~iVil Rights °Criminal
’ment o Family Law o Litigation
625 N.W. lSth Street
Citg, OK 73103
www.metrostarnews.corn ~ETROSTAR 7:
Month:
By D’~mne Witkowstd
Say you’ve had surgery that renders you
unable to carry luggage and you’re about to
go on a European vacation. What’s a person
to do? Wall, if you’re Family Research Council
co4Ounder and ex-gay therapy champion
George R~ekers, you look no fnrther than
RentBoy.com for a "travel assistant."
And then you get caught at the airport
with this hot young stud while pushing your
own luggage cart. Whoops.
~at’s right, yet another anti-gay so-called
Christian has been caught gay-handed.
Rekers doesfft seem to think so, however.
He’S stiddng very hard to his "travel assistant"
story. According to a statement on his
website, "Following medical advice (Rekers)
requires an assistant to lift his luggage in
his tra:zels because of an ongoing condition
follovdng surgery. His family, local friends,
and even another university professor
colleague have offered to accompany him on
trips to assist him in his travel."
Wow. It looks like he had a lot of people
he could have asked to accompany him on his
trip, and yet he still went with the prostitute
from RentBoy. Maybe his family, friends and
that mysterious other university" professor
don’t give good enough hand jobs.
"Rekers found his recent travel assistant by
intep4ewing different people who might be
able to help, and did not even find out about
his travel assistant’s tntemet advertisements
offering prostitution activiV until after the
trip was in progress," his website’s message
continues.
i reckon "interviewing different people"
means "I looked at lots of hot naked dudes
on RentBoy befi~re deciding on the one I now
refer to as my "travel assistant." It~ kind of
hard to believe that Rekers found out about
the RentBoy profile while the two were in
Europe together, unless of
George
course his so-called assistant said, "Oh, by the
way, want to see pictures of my penis online?"
Rekers claims that there "was nothing
inappropriate with this relationship" and
that he "was not involved in any illegal or
sexual behavior with his travel assistant." He
even went as far as comparing himself to
Jesus and John the Baptist saying he ,vas just
ministering to his sinner of a travel assistant
and trying to save his soul.
Needless to say, it’s all ldnd of hard to
swallow. Rekers can claim all he wants that
he isn’t gay has never been gay and just
wants to save the real gays from their evil gay
selves, but he is definitely one confused and
hypocritical little man.
Rekers has made a career out of
demonizing LGBT folks and doing
everything he can to mal(e this country less
safe for anyone who isn’t heterosexual. For
example, Rekers was paid real taxpayer dollars
to testify for the state in favor of Florida’s
anti-gay adoption ban.
It’s really not a surprise that so many folks
who are rabidly anti-gay have turned out to
be closeted and suffering even as they fight
to keep discrimination against LGBT people
written in this countr)?s laws. It’s as if they’re
thinking, "Gosh, this had better stay illegal
otherwise I’m going to do it al! day long."
You know what, Rekers? You don’t end
up at RentBoy.com by accident and you sure
as hell don’t hire a guy whose credentials
include a "large" and "uncut" cock as a "travel
assistant." I’m not a doctol; but I don’t think
foreskin is usually involved in carrying a
suitcase.
D’Anne Witkowski has been gayforpay dnce
2003. She’s a~eelance writer andpoet (believe
it:9. When she’s not l:aking on the creeps ofthe
worm she reviwws rock and roll shows in Detroit
with her twin sister.
MOREcolor 2010
E ibi ion to Benefit
OkIahomans for
Equality
Contours H by Laine Godsq
TULSA, OK (PR) __ 33he annual
MOREcolor fine art eydfibition organized by
Oklahomans for Equality (Ok~q) was one
of the first art shows in the state featuring
contemporary, and often edgy, art work.
Begun nearly 30 years ago, the show is still
one of the largest of its Idnd in Oklahoma, _
offering work by more than sixty artists.
MO~olor 2010 begins Thursday, May
27 with a free public opening reception
from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Dennis R.
Neill Equality Centre; 621 East 4th Street
in downtown Tulsa, The show runs through
June 5 during the Equality Center’s hours,
3:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday through
Saturday.
A unique feature of the MOREcolor event
is the way in which it works with artists.
Zhere are two categories; an Invitational
categoEr; in which established artists are
explicitly invited to exhibit, and a Juried
category, designed as a way for new artists to
join the exhibition. An uncommon aspect
of the show is that the organization gives
the artist 70% of the price of sold work,
compared with much lower percentages - or
nothing - in other area charitable art sales
and auctions. Audiences find works under
some of Oldahoma’s best-loved signatures, as
well as a number of exciting new works ftom
names they don’t yet kmmv.
"I-his year’s event features dance and
musical performances at various moments
during the opening on May 27~ featuring the
contemporary dance team Ari&:Nina:TuMM.
The exhibition is held in the Equality Center’s
3,000 square toot event center. For event
information, visit vaa~w.OkEq.org.
a sense of pride that could never be turned
back. In June of 1999 the site became a
National Historical Landmark, and reopened
as a bar in 2007.
That consciousness eventually reached
Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City held their
first Pride Parade in 1987. It was a humble
beginning when about a dozen brave souls
put it together not knowing if anyone would
show up, and around 400 marchers actually
did. Now a raajor event marking 23 years of
celebration and an OkJal~oma City tradition,
the celebrating is pulling together. For more
information contact their ,vebsite www.
okcpride.com.
Homosexuality is already punishable by
imprisonment and the Ugandan government
shows little interest in human rights.
Lavanhar, tho@, said he felt like it was a
call he had to accept.
"I’m 4! years old and I’ve never been
called upon to go overseas to risk my life for
freedom," he said. "In some ways this was
that kind of call."
After discussing it with his family,
Lavanhar made the trip to Uganda, spoke at
the conference and avoided any trouble.
"It was about being an ally - using my
power and privilege as an American and as
a minister to try to help," I.avanhar said. "It
was an amazing experience."
Lavanhar said that he has never seen
people living with such persecution and feat:
"it was a profound experience and the
people were so wonderful, so beautiful, so
kind," Lavanhar said. ~
Uganda, facing international attention,
has yet to pass the proposed law: Lavanhar
said there has been some evidence that the
government might instead pass a slightly
watered down version of the legislation.
The capital punishment component, for
example, might be dropped to acquiesce to
external pressure. But the core goal of the bill
- to assail a tiny portion of the population
- remains in play.
Lavanhar said that the Ugandan
government has scapegoated homosexuals
in a t~ical effort to draw attention from its
own failures elsewhere. The government has
characterized in{ernal homosexuality as some
sort of colonialist import from the west, and
ironically lined up behind Christianity which
is also a colonial import from the west to use
scripture as it s battering rmn against gays.
"It seems like they are waiting for
international attention to die down before
they vote," Lavanhm" said.
Lavanhar was lauded by Oklahomans
for Equality for his effort in Uganda, and
subsequently named Grand Marshal for Pride
2010.
"We wanted to honor this wonderfxil
man, and to let people know that they had
this straight minister from Oldahoma as
one of only two ministers who attended the
conference in Uganda," said Oklahomans for
Equality President Toby Jenkins.
For more information on Tulsa Pride or
Oklahomans for Equality, visit mvw.okeq.
org.
OMahomans £or Equality celebrates 30th
By Michael W. Sasser
Contributing writer
TULSA, OK __ Oklahomans for Equality
(OkEq) continues its celebration of 30 years
in existence with several events throughout
the summer.
Future Anniversary Celebration events
include a tribute concert with Eric Himan
at Tulsa Pride 2010 honoring the founders
of Oldahomans for Equality. On July
31st Oldahomans for Equality will host
a regional summit bringing together the
heartland LGBT groups for an afternoon of
networking and a rdationship building party.
On September 15, they will have a daylong
celebration for the
National LGBT
Center Awareness
Day and its 30th
anniversary,
O~q
President Toby
Jenkins said
that the latter
event should
be particularly
improved over
previous years.
"We’re in
a lot better
position this year,"
Jenkins said. "We
spent the entire
year building,,
rdati6n~hips.
Jenkins said
that the goal is to
have every- elected
officiat in the area
to at least visit the
EqualitT Center
for the occasion.
Ot’~q has
expanded and
thrived despite numerous challenges in a state
~;ar behind many others when it comes to
recognition of equal human rights.
Otdahomans for Equality was originally a
chapter of Oklahomans for Human Riglv;s,
based in OKC. Founder Dennis Neill learned
of OHR through his work with the ACLU.
He developed a friendship with Bill Rogers,
one of the [bunders ofOHR. Additional early
organizers were Bob Inglish, Mike Green and
Gary Durst. OHR amended their by-laws
in !979 to allow for chapters and beginning
in 1980 Nalsans began meeting in homes for
recruitment.The first newsletter was published
and the first public general meeting Was in
the basement of Harwelden M~sion on Jan
19, I981 which featured a lecture by a noted
psychiatrist from OU.
In 1985 the Tulsa chapter of Oklahomans
for Human Rights became independent
mad autonomous. They reorganized under
the name Tulsa Oldahomans for Human
Rights (TOHR). ~l-he organizatioffs monthly
membership meetings routinely attracted
100s of participants as the community saw
TOHR as the principal source of information
and support. TOHR hosted man}, nationally
known GLBT spokespersons. The Chicago
Resource Center gave TOHR two grants
which was the first time an Oklahoma GLBT
organization received out-of-state funding
and recognition.
TobyJenkins, President, OhZahomansfor Equali~ and
Ohlahoma State Rel~resenmtive AIMcA~ey at the 30th
Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo by Lia Ingersoll, Mia Bella
In October 1996 TOHR opened
Tulsa’s first Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and
Transgendered Community Center at
1338 East 38th Street in the Brookside
neighboFhood ofTulsa. Vandalism was
common and landlords began to be
increasingly apprehensive about renting to
the gay community, In June 1997 TOHR
organized Tulsa’s first Gay Pride march with
60 participants. Year after year the Tulsa
City Council refused to grant the Tulsa Gay
community a parade permit. Finally in 1999
Tulsa’s first Diversity Parade was held on
Peoria Avenue in the Brookside neighborlmod
ofTulsa and
featured
Rep. Barney
Frank, DMassachusetts,
as its first
Grand Marshal[
The parade
cuhninated
with the
Diversity
Festival at
Tulsa’s Veteran’s
Park.
On
October 31 st
2005 TOHR
purchased the
Property at 621
E~t 4th Street
in downtown
Tulsa
,joining the
revitalization
of the urban
core ofTulsa
County. In
September
2006 the
membership ofTulsa Oklahomans for
Equality approved the most recent name
change and became Oklahomans for Equality.
With the help ofTulsgs top architects and
designers 275 volunteers donated 7000 hours
to renovate an 18,000 square foot facility
now known as the Dennis R. Neill Equality
Center.
In June 2007 Oldahomans for Equality
(OlcEq) moved the Tulsa Pride Festival and
Parade to the premiere dmvntown venue
Centennial Park just 2 blocks south of the
Equality Center, solidifying the organization’s
commitment to the arts and entertainment
district ofTulsa.
In 2009 Oklahomans for Equality had
over 40,000 visitors utilizing the services and
programs at the Dennis R. Neill Equality
Center.
Through batdes with institutions, public
and private, through vandalism and threats
of violence, OkEq persevered to reach this
landmark anniversary. Several events this year
have already commemorated the occasion.
"When I realize hmv heroic and faithful
our founders and members have been for
three decades I am humbled to be at the helm
serving such a great organization," Jenkins
said.
For more info~ation on OKEq, the Equality
Center or 30th anniversary events, visit www.okeq.
Nle David Bohnett Foundation _Awards ’Refresh’
Grants Totalling $500,000 To David Bohnett
CyberCenters Nationwide
Paul Moore, Program Manager at the DavM
Bohnett Foundation. Pressphoto
TULSA, OK (PR) __ In February
2010 Tne David Bohnett Foundation
announced they had selected the Dennis
R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa to be
among the 24 LGBT Centers across the
United States to be recipients of the "Refresh
Grant"~ In establishing the CyberCenters,
technology entreprdneur and ~hilanthropist
David Bohnett’s vision was to provide
LGBT communities with a %Ared" hub
through which its members could network,
communicate, and explore educational,
professional and recreational opportunities.
To keep the CyberCenters up-to-date, in
2004, the "refi’esh" program was started,
where each CyberCenter is supplied with
brand new state-of-the-art equipment on a
consistent basis (approximately every three to
four years).
David Bohnett serves as Chair of the
David Bohnett Foundation, the head of the
private equity firm Baroda Ventures and was
the founder of GeoCities2com, an Internet
based media and e-commerce company in
1994. GeoCities was acquired by Yahoo!
in 1999. His goals are improving lives,
empowering indMduals and building viable
communities by connecting like-minded
people in meaningful ways. Also central
to Bohnett’s vision is his call to action to
aspiring philanthropists to begin their giving
by getting personally involved with causes
with which they identify so that they can
experience service first-hand.
"The Centers provide a safe environment
for members of the LGBT community 2_
from youth who may find themselves without
a support system--to seniors, who may have
little or no familiarity with computers," said
Michael Fleming, Excecutive Director for the
Bohnett Foundation. "In today’s increasingly
Internet-driven world, the David Bohnett
Cyber Centers have proven to be a lifeline for
people of all ages. We are happy to provide
regular ’refresh’ grants enabling groups
to keep pace with the many advances in
computer hardware and software."
Paul Moore, Program Manager at the
Foundation, who oversees the CyberCenter
program will be in Tulsa for the Grand
Opening of the newly refreshed David
Bohnett CyberCenter. The reception and
ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled
for Thursday May 27th at 6:30 pro. The
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located
at 621 East 4th Street in downtown Tul~a
Oklahoma.
The Dennis R Neill Equality Center’s
Technology Team Eric Vogelpohl and Don
Satterthwaite have installed the equipment
upgrades which include Lenovo al!-inone
A70z PCs customized bundle with
Microsoft Office software, Windows Pro
7 - 19" XWidescreen Monitors in addition
to Documate 5!0 Flatbed Scanners and
IBM Infoptint color laser printers. The
Equality Center serves as the headquarters
for Oklahomans for Equality and received a
David Bohnett CyberCenter Grant in 2003.
Dennis R. Neill with Sampson donated 10
new chairs for the computer stations. Over
39,000 visits were made to the Equality
Center in 2009 and more than 53% of
those individuals utilized the CyberCenter.
The CyberCenter is free and open to public
Monday through Friday 3pm to 9pm.
Tulsa 2010 Pride Events
Tulsa More Color Pride Art Show
May 27th - June 5th
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
More info at www.morecolorart.com
Equality Day at the Zoo
Saturday, May 29th :10am - 2pro
PFLAG Night at Circle Cinema
Tuesday, June 1st : 7pm
Pride Night at The LibraIT
Thursday, June 3rd: 7pm
Council Oak Men’s Chorale
Tulsa Downtown City-County Library
PFLAG Spaghetti Dim,er
Friday, June 4th: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Centennial Park- Community Building
Tulsa Pride OYP Youth Night
Friday, June 4th: 5pm -1 lpm
Centennial Park (6th &: Peoria)
Tulsa Pride Festival & Parade
Saturday June 5th:lOam- lOpm
Centennial Park (6th & Peoria)
Equality Night at Light Opera Oklahoma
Friday, June 1 lth: 8pm
Tulsa PAC
Pride Night At theWNBA
Saturday, June 19th: 7pm
Tulsa Shock At the BOK Center
Equality Night At the Philbrook
Tuesday, June 22nd
Philbrook Museum ofArt
w~gv.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 9
be Best Time
To Start
By Ronald Blake
Co~ributing ~rker
When should you start an exercise
program? ~xere are many choices: Saturday
the 22nd, Sunday the 30th, or Tuesday the
18th. Maybe you could aim for next year
in February or April. Time for a powwow
to decide the best time to begin the blood,
sweat, and tears program. We’ll write down
the possibilities and then pick a winner.
The first up for consideration is now. The
good part about starting now is that you will
actually start. The bad part about starting
now is that the holidays are here. You have
the Christmas shopping to do for five aunts,
four brothers, three best friends, two parents,
and that boyfriend in a pear tree. Then there’s
the office party, the hanging of the holiday
lights, and the ~xanksgiving vacation at
,grandma’s house in Indianapolis.
The secondoption is January. The good
part about starting in January is that you will
actually start. The bad part about January is
that you have those two classes you will be
taking at the community college. You need
those classes to finish the Masters Degree
program so you are eligible for a promotion.
Between a 40 hour work week and six credit
hours of business courses there Ittst ~snt t~me.
~ne third option is April. The good part
~bout starting in April is that you will actually
start. The bad part about April is that you are
taking that two week cruise in the Caribbean,
your morn is visiting from Michigan, and
your best friend from Indiana University’s
class of 1991 is making his way west to see
you.
~ae fourth option is June. The good
part about starting in June is that you will
actually start. The bad part about June is that
you are attending your nephew’s graduation
in Evansville and your niece’s graduation in
South Bend. There are also the life insurance
. sales conventions in Schenectady, New York;
Eugene, Oregon; and Joplin, Missouri during
his upcoming summer.
The fiiih Option moves us to September.
7he good part about starting in September
s that you will actually start. The bad
~art about starting in September is that
~ou will travel to Texas for your college
roommate’s wedding, to Chicago for your
iister’s wedding, and to Savannah for the
commitment ceremony for the first guy you
~ad sexual relations with and become such
est friends With after the breakup.
Vghat’s a person to do? N~ere are five
options and none of them work. We are right
back to this time next year and I would bet
that your options ~hen will look just as bleak.
The answer is quite simply to just start now;
There is never a good dine to s~ar~ any fitness
Fb~d a way m ic~corporare fitness into your
daity rourbae. Make some changes, rearra~g¢
difl)rence between ~tarboaM and port. ~lhat
gw is Ron Blake and you can u~uallv find
hira &iAing aimlessly about On somebody
of water. Feel fi’ee to guide him back to
shore by e-mailing him on his sloop at www.
myblakefimess.com.
Controversial OKC
School Board Member
Gail Vines will run for
State House District 85
OKIAHOMA CITY, OK __ Gall
Vines, who currently represents District 2
on the Oklahoma City School Board has
announced that she is running to be a State
Representative for District 85, which is in
north~vest Oklahoma City and extends into
the suburban municipality of Nichols Hills.
The seat is currently held by Republican
David Dank, who was first elected in 2006.
Ms. Vines was first elected to her school
board position in 2005, re-elected without
opposition in 2009, and her actions later that
year stirred controversy when the Oklahoma
City School Board voted to fire openly gay
teacher Joe Quigley. She is well known not
only for her school board position, but also as
the co-owner of Flips’s Wine Bar & Trattoria,
a longtime Oklahoma City eatery and
nightspot.
Gall Vines abstained from voting on the
Quigley firing, stating that she didn’t have
enough information about the situation. After
Joe Quigley was ordered reinstated August
26 by the District Court, the Oldahoma
City School Board appealed that decision,
then voted September 14 not to reinstate
Mr.Quigley pending the appeal despite
the court order, and to stop his salary and
benefits. That vote was 6-2, this time with
Gall Vines voting for his termination.
In Memoriam
Chuck Nugent 1970-2010
TULSA, OK Chuck Nugent, a former
Yale and Cushing resident, passed away on
Monda); April 12, 2010, at his home in
Broken Arrow, OK at the age of 39 years.
The son of Charles L. Nugent and Leora
J. Johnson Barrows. Chuck was born on
May 20, 1970 in Upland, C_&. He came ro
Cusliing as a small child, later moving to Yale,
where he was raised and educated, graduating
from Yale High School.
Chuck was currently a volunteer for the
Dennis R. Neill Equali.ty Center in Tulsa,
where he enjoyed counseling individuals in
a crisis situation. Chuck was th£ Committee
Chair 0fthe Center Cinema program on
Friday evening. His hobbies included cars,
Survivors include his mother, Leora
Barrows of CUshi~; two sisters, Deanna
Couch and her husband Janaes ofYale and
Kristal Kuelll and her husband ToWof
Stillwater; four nephews; three nieces; a half
brother Steve Nugent; a half sister Pamela
Rogers, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father,
Charles Nugent and a half sister, Deborah
Nugent.
A memorial services was held Saturday
May 1 st at the Dennis R. Neill Equality
Center in Tulsa Oklahoma.
Memorial contributions may be made to
Oklal~omans for Equality; EO.’ Box 2687,
Tulsa, OK 74101
10 ~OSTAR June 1, 2010
For
.... lress,com
:
Larry Bourne & David Stevens
Come see us a~d check out
that gets 31 mpg!
www.metrostarnews.com ~TROSTAR 11
Major Sponsom:
12 P~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010
heart-time
flaytime
discovery
breath
.sa~E
"~ have~i ~ever
www.metmstarnews.com ~ETROSTAR 13
UNEocom Celebrating a month of Pride in No~hwest Arkansas
facebook.com/ailoutjune
twitter.com/alloutjune
bON T DUCK AESPONSIBIL 7/
14 ~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010
a~ks of~he So~
By Andrew Collins
{:umacecrcekresort.com) [br tru
Steakhouse ~
w~.metrostarnews.com #~TROSTAR 15
16 ~ET~©STAR June 1, 2010
www.metrostamews.com #~ETROSTAR 17
Photo~ by,Victor G.
@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ The Copa, Oklahoma City
Kelly Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement Award presented by
Nancy McDonald @ the 30 Anniversary Equality Gala,Tulsa.
Photo Metro Star Staff
@ Ledo, Oklahoma City
@ Alibis, Oklahoma City
@ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa
John Southard (Equality Gala Co Chair), Ann Hampton Callawa);
Dennis Neill (Equality Gala Co-Chair) I~_ri Strand @ the Equality
Gala Tulsa, Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella Images
Toby Jenkins President O!~q, Tulsa County Toby Jenkins President OkEq, Tulsa City
Commissioner Karen Keith District 2 @ the Councilor Maria Barnes District 4. @ the
Equality Gala ~ialsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Equality Gala Tulsa. Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia
Images Belta Images
@ The End Up, Tulsa
@ Finishline, Oklahoma City
18 %~÷troSTAR June 1, 2010
By EI Sikov
The "I Dodt Care~at .~uyone
Says" Classic Martini
"It’s early AJzheimer’s," I whined. I’d left
the duck breasts I’d planned to grill at home.
I’d have to rush to the grocery and buy some
more. And th~,’d have no time to marinat!!
"A]zheimer’s jokes arefft funny," Dan
scolded.
"Chipotle-Grapefruit Duck is no .joke
either."
"You k_now what I mean. And it’s not
funny. I know 2dzheimer’s. You don’t have
Alzheimer’s. So stop it." As Director of
Research at CogniTech, a pharmaceutical
company that developed new ~zheimer’s
treatments, Dau didn’t find fake whimpering
about forgotten duck amusing. "I’ll go get
more duck. You start the rest of the stuff."
Just as Dan was leaving, Chipper burst in.
Fie dropped his backpack on the floor and
spouted off. "That train was late - again! So,
I missed the 6:30 ferry and had to wait at
that bar in Sayville, with their watered-down
drinks, and.... Martini! Now!"
’TII make you one," I offered.
"Hell no!" Chipper snapped.. "Yours are
lousy."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Your proportions suck." He stripped off
his sweaV T-shirt and sprinted to the liquor
cabinet. I admired his moist, wide, delightful
lats while resenting his stupid opinion as he
reached t:or the Beefeater.
"They da no~U I make the classic ma~tinL’:
I was
"If~u like a little gin With your
vermouth."
I watched Chipper in speechless rage as
he grabbed the cocktail shakm; filled it with
ice, poured in a full martini glass full of
Beefieater, then added precisely five drops of
d® vermouth and stirred wildly.
"If you want straight gin," I said coldl>
%vhy bother with that silly nod to tradition
and just go the W. C. Fields route? I’m sure
some perv in the Pines gets off on guys with
gin blossoms."
?Jag-off," Chipper muttered as he leR the
room clutching his martini. Chipper had
lived in New York for 20 years but reverted to
Pittsburgh slang when he got mad.
I was still stewing when Dm~ returned
vdth the duck and a botde of Sancerre. He
was accompanied by Paolo, who had stopped
at BarHarbor, right off the dock, for - yes - a
martini, the dregs of which he carried in a
red plastic cup. I offered to make him a real
martini in a real martini glass.
"Thanks, no," Paola said. ’Tll make my
OWD
"W/~? Aren’t mine good enough for you?"
"Good that you brought that up," he
said with business school tact. "I prefer my
proportions."
"Here we go again," I snarled, then told
him about Chipper, who had shut himself
inside the room he shared with Paolo.
"It’s actually quite the reverse," Paolo
explained. "You should taste the vermouth
clearly. Otherwise there’s no point in adding
it." I watched in piqued fascination as Paolo
made a distinctly wet martini.
"Well," I huffed, ,if you want to drink
straight vermouth..." vchereupon Dan
swatted my behind, then shoved the paper
bag full of duck breasts into my ribs. "ShUt
up and grill."
This is a Cla~ssic Martini; Paolo aa~d
Chipper cm~ write their o,w damn columns:
4 parts Beet~ater gin (If you want to
use Absolut, fine; just don’t call it a Classic
Martini.)
1 part dry vermout!~
Fill shaker with ice. Pour liquors in. Just
let it sit on the counter to chill - no need
to shake. Stir just once, put the lid on, and
strain your Classic Martini into the proper
glass. Add an olive or a lemon twist; a cocktail
onion turns it into a Gibson.
w~¢.metrostarnews.com ~4{E°HgOSTAR 19
Chuck Breckenridge
Whcthcr buyin~ or scllin~
I’H work hard for you.
~nsas~ Bxc1~sive
........ 597 Magnetic Road
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
www.magneticvalleyresort.com
info@magneticvalleyresort.com
800-210-8401 479-244-6821
email: bitterglrl@qsyndicate.com www.joanhilty.net ’ .~14
20 I~?~ETROSTAR June 1, 2010
By Jack Fertig
JUne 2010
"Be careful with your money, Pisces!"
Mars in Leo is triggering crises,
mostly in the form of fights and misunderstandings
that show where we
need to wrap things up and move on.
Clear away worries and doubts. Analyze
problems realistically to find novel
solutions.
ARIES (March 28 - Apri~ 19): Asserting
yourself too forcefully can show people
not what you want them to see, but
things you’d rather they didn’t. Working
to be more truly yourself can be very
humbling. That humility will win you
great respect.
TAURUS (April 20 - Nay 20): Can a
person have too many friends? You
may find too much quantity and not
enough quality in your social circles.
Take some time alone to sort out in your
mind who are the ones you really want
in your tribe.
GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Examining
the provocations to arguments and
staying silent (one can dream!) can
prove more educational than actually
arguing. Review goals that have
recently been accomplished and think
carefully about your next steps.
CANCER (June 21- July 22): Are
your priorities and ideals proving
dysfunctional? Be willing to grow and
adapt. The time for planning career
moves is endiing. Make big, bold
choices or events will force difficult
changes. Even in those there may be
great opportunities. Maybe.
LEO (July 23 -August 22): Pressuring
your partner to make a decision will
backfire. Physical play - maybe, but
not necessarily sexual - will help work
off frustration. Be careful with the
rough stuff and keep your head clear.
Accidents. are looking to happen.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22):
You can meet somebody very hot and
sexy while doing charity work. Not a
mercy date, but another volunteer.
That milieu will also get you out of
your own head, which is a dangerous
place. Worry only undermines your own
health.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22):
What do you want tonight? What do
you want in 14 years? Answer the latter
question; then think hard about the first.
Somewhere in there is a clue about
your next big relationship, or necessary
changes in your current one.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November
21): Demands at work are keeping you
from home and family. If that sounds
like a good thing, you need to make
changes around the house. Whatever
work offers that home doesn’t suggests
the changes you need to make.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22
- December 20): The best way to avoid
arguments is to think twice about what
you’re hearing and about how others
might hear what you’re saying. Or
maybe you’d rather not avoid them. The
interchange can open you up to new
perspectives.
CAPRICORN (December 21
- January 19): Sex and money are the
biggest sources of domestic disputes.
Work on money issues first and be
willing to bend on sex. Take the initiative
on flexibility. Clearing the air can be
rough, but is necessary for a happy
home.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): With a little help from your partner
or a counselor, your money troubles
should alleviate soon. (Given the times,
that’s relative!). Acting spacey and lost
and trying to deny it could upset your
partner. Admitting to being vulnerable
and a bit confused will help.
PISCES (February 19 - March 19):
Worrying about your health only makes
it worse. Take positive steps. Moderate
exercise is good; overdoing it is not.
Your ~nances should be going up, but
like that first rise on a roller coaster. Be
careful with mone
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~ET~OSTAR 21
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405-525-0730
wvvxv.habanain n.com
TULSA ~EAGLE
1338 E. 3RD
Tulsa, OK
918-592-1188
Open 7days week 2pro to 2am
RED ROCK B.H.S.
4400 N. LINCOLN BLVC
Oldahoma City, OK 73105
405-425~0473
Toll Free 1-877-339-3330
OR TIONS:
CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS
3131 N. PENN,
OKC. OK 405-525-9555
Service Sunday 10:45 AM
DI\q~RSITY CHRISTIAN
FELLOWSHIP
637 S. 131st East Ave
Tulsa, OK
wmv.realaccepmnce.com
GREAT PLAINS RODEO
E O. BOX 12485
Oklahoma City, OK 73157
~wv~:ogra.net
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa. OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Sunday 6pro
MCC UNITED
1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK
9t8~838q715
www.mcctulsa.org
OUR HOUSE. TOO
203 N. Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
OKLAHOMA STONEWALL
DEMOCRATES
Okl~oma City, OK
wv~c.okstonewall.org
OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY
621 E. 4th Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
918-743-4297
mvw.okeq.org
ADULT~
CRISTIE’S TOY BOX
1039 S. Meridian
Oklahoma Cit> OK 73108
405-948-3333
CRISTIE’S TOY BOX
3126 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma Cit3~ OK 73112
405-946-4438
PHOTOG~PHY:
JUDY G PHOTO’S
Tulsa, OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
918-743-8636
RFAL ES
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 NW EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
www.c21 goldcastle.com
CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE
Keller Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
RagSTA
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 N~" 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
E
E
June 1, 2010
www.metrostarnews.com ~4ETI~©STAR 23
4}00
"We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have
T T
We meet the
STATE
Tuesday ofevery month a~ ~he
EMOCIATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS
Lincoln Aven~Je, Oklc~hc~mc~ (ity (4~5) 427-3366
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[2010] Metro Star Magazine, June 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 6
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June 01, 2010
Subject
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Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
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The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
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Star Media, Ltd
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Star Media, Ltd; Tulsa, OK
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James Nimmo
Victor Gorin
Rex Wockner
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Judy Garland
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Jack Fertig
Lisa Keen
Ed Sikov
Keith Orr
Chris Azzopardi
Victor Gorin
Judy G.
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magazine
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Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
East Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
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The Metro Star Magazine, May 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 5
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/194
The Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 7
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/191
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/192
anti gay activist
Barack
Bitter Girl
cocktail chatter
DADT Repeal
David Bohnett Foundation
Don't Ask Don't Tell
Don't shop-Adopt
employment non-discrimination act (ENDA)
Enid-GLBT community center
Fitness-Exercise: The Best time to start
Gail Vines
George Rekers
Hate Crime-victim
HIV/AIDs fundraisers
HOPE
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
Lambda League Summer Bowling
legal marriage-Iowa
Marlin Lavanhar
Metro scene
MOREcolor exhibition
National news
Nightclub and Bars
Obama
Obituaries
Oklahoma City Pride
Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association (OGRA)
Oklahoma News
Oklahomans for Equality-30th anniversary
Openarms Youth Center
Pride Parade and festival
Prop 8
QPuzzle
Qscopes
religion
Sooner State Softball Association
Supreme Court
travel
Tulsa Pride Events
Tulsa Pride-30 year celebration
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/f84336b0e3de61787d7eed56a322aa31.jpg
6df2d20ac875d76ec030127efbfd8d1f
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/099864f51cbe8b772fddc5de916c42a5.pdf
8eda96cae8247fd07c51fb8de2ce6a79
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
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Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
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Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
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2004-2011
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magazine
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Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
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Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
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Ozarks Pride/Star Media
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C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
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LOCAL NEWS ~ NATIONAL NEWS ~ V¢ORLD NEWS @ LIFESTYLE ~ FITNESS TRA~¢~L ~ ADVICE ~ ENTERTAINMENT
THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA
Page-!4
VOLUME 7 ISSUE 7 Twitter.com/MetroStarNews ® MetroStarNews.corn JULY 1, 2010
.sa to
By Michael W. Sasser
Contributing Writer
Tulsa Ci~ Council votes to include sexual orientation to ci~y policy. Photo by Mia Bella Images
Oldahom s
have a chance
difference By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
17th meeting.
While most rank and file GLBT
Oldahomans have no protection against
discrimination, Tulsa city employees will
enjoy codified defense.
"This makes such a strong statement to
the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and
sensible island in a state that is often ridiculed
for being intolerant and unjnst towards
marginalized populations," said ~is Wilmes,
OHahomans for Equality (OkEq) Director of
Advocacy.
The policy has been a long nine in coming
- 35 years, in fact.
In !975, then Mayor Robert Lafortune
commissioned a report that recommended
the city adopt this polic?; but the report was
rdected. In 1994 the Tulsa gay community
Commission has recommended that Tulsa
adopt an inclusive policy.
Wilmes and Oldahomans for Equality
worked in collaboration with Nancy
McDonald ofPFLAG Tulsa and Alice
Blue and Tommy Chesbro of the City of
Tulsa Human Rights Commission worked
with City Councilor GT Bynum and City
Councilor Maria Barnes to bring about the
formal vote by the Tulsa City Council.
"Tonight, PFLAG parents celebrate with
the LGBT community," said McDonald. "No
longer can a city employee be discriminated
against based on sexual orientation. The
majority of City Councilors are to be
applauded for their vision and vote for Tulsa
to be an inclusive city."
....Continued See CITY COUNCIL Page-11
BrittaW NovotW and
Kern to face off
November 2 for State
Ho se District 84
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The
smoke has finally deared and the race is on.
Although the filing ended with 4 candidates
vying for the State House District 84 seat,
the two others will not be on the ballot.
Republican Garrick Voth was challenging
Sally Kern for her party’s nomination for
the General Election. Voth, a 34 year old
Oklahoma City resident who described
himself as a conservative Republican, also
Brittany Novotny andLt. Governor Candidate
Kenneth Corn. Pressphoto
described Ms. Kern as ignoring the needs of
her district. When publicity surfaced shortly
after the filing that he had been arrested in
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ This
election cycle is offering GLBT Oklahomans
and their allies a major opportunity to vote
for real change. Although Oklahoma has
the dubious honor of being the reddest state
in the country; we have never had so many
candidates to vote for who are either GLBT
or allied with us.
In this issue of the Metro Star there is a
candidate for District Judge (Jackie Short),
2 candidates for U.S. Representative District
5 (Tom Guild & Billy Coyle) and an
Oklahoma County Commissioner District
1 ( Willa Johnson) each directly asking for
your vote by advertising in the Metro Star.
running for State House District 71,
Democrat Amy Corley running for State
House District 53 and Democrat Mike
Shdton running for District 97. In the State
Senate we can vote to keep Andrew Rice
(Democrat District 46), who has always been
one of the GLBT community’s strongest allies
in the legislature. All of them face opposition
from Republican and/or Independent
candidates in the General Election.
Last but certainly not least, Brittany
Novomy is running against Sally Kern to
represent State House District 84. Sally has
made history and garnered international
attention as one of the most anti-gay
In addition there are 2 candidates running laxvmakers in the country. Brittany, has
who are 0penlygay, Tom Kovach running for already made history.as ~k]ahoma~s first
Stat~ Rep~es;~}~[ti~e Di~tricv ~4 and Andrew transgendered candida{e aud Sheis ready
Willi~ for Si~di~e Representative in District tO fight for GLBT equality. GLBT and
66. fair ~inded Voters of that district have
There are also 2 DemoCratic Candidates an Opportunity to give Ms. Novomy a
running for the Oklahom~ City State Ho~e vict(Jr} ~at W~uld likewise no doul~t get
DiStrict 93 seat allied with the GLBT
community, former legislator Wanda Jo
Peltier and Wilfredo Santos Rivera ( formerly
of the Oklahoma City School Board, one of
only 2 members who voted not to fire openly
gay teacher Joe Quigley.)
There are other candidates allied with
our community we will be able to vote for in
the General Election November 2. There is
our only openly gay State Representative Al
McAffrey- Incumbent Democrat District 88
of Oklahoma City, and our allies Democrat
Dana Orwig running for State House District
87 also of Oklahoma city, JeffTracy in Tulsa
international attention and give Oklahoma
a better image, besides getting better
representation. For more information or to
contribute to her campaign, her website is
brittany4HD84.com.
On a further positive note, our allies
Anastasia Pittman ( Democrat District 99)
and Richard Morrissette (District 92) have
already been elected by acclamation ( no
opponents filed.)
Check out the voting instructions on page
9 if you need any information about voting
in this upcoming and future elections. The
GLBT community has never had as many
candidates seeking our vote, and it’s up to us
to make that worthwhile.
Will Rogers Park last September, charged
with attempting an act of public lewdness
with another man ( the case is still pending),
he withdrew from the race.
The other candidate was Ray Prewitt,
aged 40 and a resident of Bethany running
as an Independent. Ms. Kern successfully
challenged his eligibility before the Oklahoma
State Election Board, and he was stricken
from the ballot as he had not been registered
as an Independent at least 6 months before
the filing period as the law requires to be
eligible.
Brittany faces a three time incumbent who
has for better or worse, undoubtedly attracted
national and even some international
notoriety. She replaced another conservative
Republican, Bill Graves who was likewise
famous for anti-gay sentiments, when she was
first elected in 2004. She was re-elected
without opposition in 2006, and defeated
Ron Marlett to win a third term in 2008. She
is married to Steve Kern, the Pastor of Olivet
Baptist Church and has 2 adult sons. She had
been a teacher at Oklahoma City’s Northwest
Classen High School, teaching American
Government and coaching the girl’s golf
team. She led opposition to the book "King
and King" being in the children’s section of
Oklahoma County libraries, daiming that the
American Library Association is "trying to
sexualize your children." She has made public
statements stating that homosexuals are a
bigger threat to our nation than terrorism,
resulting in countless public demonstrations
and demands for an apology; even generating
a phone call from Hlen Degeneres placed
........Continued See BRITTANY Page- 17
No matter who
are on life’s journ~
3131 ~. Pennsylvania,Oklaho
Straight but not narrow.
believe in equality for everybody
fight for that in Washington.
and I’ll
I NEED YOUR VOTE JULY 27.
Bi!Iv Covle is orga nized, well
fUnded and his beliefs are right in
line with the fair minded
people of the Fifth District.
-Richard Ogden
Organized by:
leave a message please
Major Sponsors:
h o m a
New Report Shows Surprising
Gains for Gay O ahomans
P/~oto: Laura Belmonte, President ~e
Equa[i~ ~work (TEN).
TULSA, OK
(PRy June 16,
2010 __ g/ith the
Ttflsa City Council
poised to add sexual
orientation to its
nondiscrimination
policies fi3r public
employees, a new
report by the
TEN Institute, the
research arm ofThe
Equality Network,
reveals that *
several Oklahoma
municipalities
already extend these
protections to their
gay employees.
Preliminary data
from an ongoing
project documenting
municipal policies
on lesbian, gay,
adopted
inclusive
t.heir public
explains
*Williarns,
president
Network.
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens challenge longstanding
assumptions that LGBT Oklahomans have virtually
no legal protections at the local level.
"W~nen we began this research, we expected o.nly to
validate the widespread belief that few communities protect
their ~ ~ LGBT citizens
here. To Update: Late Thursday
surprise evening the Tulsa City
~bund Gounc~ "qoted 6-3 in
favor of adding sexual
orientation to the
nondiscrimination policy
v. for public employees....,
our great
mad joy, we
that maW
cities have
already LGBTpolicies
fo[,
employees.
Ph.D.,
ofThe Equality
Del Cit)~ Altus, McAlestm; Miami, Noble, and Vinita al!
have nondiscrimination policies including sexual orientation
among the categories protected in the hiring, promotion, and
retention of public employees.
Another group of municipalities do not offer employment
protections for their LGBT public employees, but does
include sexual orientation in their anti’harassment personnel
policies. ~aese include Muskogee, Chickasha, and Perry.
Oklahoma City" is the only municipality xvith an ordinance
outlawing harassment, intimidation, or assault based on sexual
orientation. ~is protection is particularly significant because
the states hate crimes taw does not currently encompass sexual
orientation.
Currently, there are no municipalities in Oklahoma that
include gender identity or expression anaong the protected
categories for either public employees 6r the general citizenry.
2qae study, also shows that Ponca City, Cushing, and
Sallisaw appear .to sanction housing discrimination against gay
people. For example, in defining what constitutes a disability,
Cushing’s housing ordinance states "’handicap’ does not apply
to an individmd because of sexual orientation or the sexual
preference of the individual or because that individual is a
transvestite." qThe Ponca City and Sail!saw housing ordinances
are worded similarly.
"~9{fe were stunned to discover such bizarre and offensive
assertions enshrined in public policy in 2010. These three
communities are clinging to the characterizations 0f LGBT
people that the medical and psychological establishments
rejected ahnost fi3rty years ago. \~ghile we agree wholeheartedly
that being gay is not a disability, we believe that allowing
landlords to bin" LGBT people from renting an apartment f6r
which they qualify as tenants is blatant discrimination." stated
Williams.
TEN Institute will continue to analyze municipal policies
on LGBT Oklahomans and will integrate them into its
Municipal Equality Database. The pre.liminary findings
may be accessed at http:/l~aw~/v.scribd.com/doc/33127989/
Municipalities-Database
~e E,q.uali~ Network. works, to achieve equali~y and to secure legal
*vmcuonjbr /esbmn ~y bzsexua[ and trans ender Oklahomans
d;~rough advocao,, coal~)on building, and in~i,idua/ empowerment in
the polidcalprocess..
3 GLBT Organizations honored
as U.S. Census Partners at the
O ahoma State Capitol
SundayJune 12
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
TobyJenkins receives the U.S. Census Bureau’s Partnership Award
on beaalfofOk~homansfor Equalio,. ~ his l@ is D,: Robert
Groves, National ~& Census Bm~au Direcm,; and w his right
Re~onal Dimcmr DennisJohnson. Gorin phom
OKLAHOMa\ CITY, OK __ In the Blue Room of
the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City maW
organizations were honored for their work helping the
U.S. Census Bureau obtain an accurate count with correct
information for 2010. A tradition every decade since the first
tally in 1790, the U.S. Census proves increasingly important
as the data gathered may determine ?vhere government
resources are allocated, where companies locate, as well as
countless other factors affecting the life quality ofAmericans.
Working to achieve this goal for 2010 the Bureau worked
with a wide variety of diverse organizations to help them
reach out to various demographics of society, especially those
who might be fearfu! or and/or otherwise reluctant to be
counted. In his address Dr. Robert Groves, the Director of the
U.S. Census Bureau, thanked the honorees for their efforts
that truly paid off, as this year’s operation is already ahead of
schedule and under budget. This involved a ~vide variety of
faith communities, social groups and advocacy organizations,
included among them alliances from the GLBT community:
This was significant also in that for the first time, GLBT
couples could be counted as married.
The three GLBT organizations honored that day were
Oklahomans for Equality from Tulsa, Oklahoma City’s
Cimarron Alliance, and the Metro Star. Feeling privileged
to be included among the honorees on behalf of Cimarron
Alliance, Director Scott Hamilton stated "XWe were so
honored to be part of it. XWe felt it was a big step forward.
The Census people were extraordinary partners, and were so
encouraging of our work in the community. I think that in
the long term the comraunity ,/viii benefit substantially from
the work that we were able to do."
N
OGRe’s riderless horse ceremoW
honors community leader
By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing Writer
7he riderless horse ceremony lends respect th# year to Cookie
Arbuckle w/so diedApri119th , 2010. Picmred above (r to 0 #
K/int Weiden, co-director OGRA 2010 leading t]~e horse with
Lina Hineman and ~Ia,y Arbuckle. Photo by Denise Whithorne
ofishoo~ru.com
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Once again OGRA
(Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) served the community
by hosting a better-than-ever event for their 25th annual
rodeo over Memorial Day xveek-end. Nais year’s rodeo charity
partners were midtown OKC based - Other Options/Friends
Food Pantry, Be The Change, and Expressions Community
Center. The amount donated to these charities varies each year
based on participation, events and overall donations.
"The event went just a smooth as it always does,’ said ....
Steve Sublet, a returning visitor to the annual event. ~’OGRA
has a history of being a well run rodeo and they sure proved
that again this year." Sublet is former IGRA (International
Gay Rodeo Association) Royalty as well as a performer who
has been selected for the 2011 season of’Americgs Got
Talent.’
The Riderless Horse Ceremony was dedicated to Other
Options and Friends Food Pantry founder Coolde Arbuclde
who died on April 19th of this year. "q]ae saddle is the one we
used in our family years ago when we showed Arabians," said
Mary Arbuckle, Coolde’s daughter who is now tile Executive
Director of Other Options and Friends Food Pantry. "The
colors symbolized - blue, for Oklahoma as mom died on ¯
April 19th, the green was for mother earth, which is where
we placed her ashes and the red was for the tireless work
morn did for the HIV/AIDS community." This ritual adds
such poignancy to the event which manually includes this
observance.
The history of the gay rodeo dates back to 1975 when
Phil Ragsdale of Rend, ix~, came up with this most creative
idea to raise funds. He thought an amateur gay rodeo would
be fun, raise money, and even erase a lot of gay stereotyping.
Over 125 people took part in this event and the winners were
crowned; first, "King of the Cowboys," second, "Queen of the
Cowgirls," and third, "Miss Dusty Spurs" (the drag queen).
It was great fun and a minor success. It wasn’t until 1985 that
gay rodeo came to Oklahoma.
The IGPvA has a rich history of supporting associations
that support their communities. They help other groups
provide quality events. Naey promote, in a positive way,
the GBLTQ country western lifestyle and support amateur
sportsmanship through participation, competition and
recognition. They are comprised of numerous regional Gay
Rodeo Associations from across the United States and Canada.
07.01.2010
Openly- Gay
Candidate
running for State
Represe tative in
Norman’s House
Dis ric 44
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
No,vnan CiO, Coucilman TOm Kovach
NORMAN, OK Tom Kovach ~vas ~
glad but not totally surprised ~vhen he
became the 2nd openly gay man elected to
the Norman City Council. He’d lived most
of his life in Norman, his family locating
there when he was only 1 1/2 years old. His
father was a philosophy professor at OU, and
after graduating from Norman High School
Tom earned a undergraduate degree in letters
from Oklahoma University. While attending
college he worked in a Safe,vay Store, and as
a union member there with the United Food
and Commercial Workers (UFCV¢) he won
his first election to be the Secretary/Treasurer
of his local. Later going on staff for the union
he found he enjoyed advocating for people.
He and a friend opened and operated a
successful bakery called Jason D’s, for over
!0 years. He then joined Astronomics, a
company that sells quality optics worldwide,
where he ~vorks today. Only two years ago
he joined the race to be on Norman’s City
Council to reprelent \Vard 2, and his victory
in 2008 not only made him the 2nd openly
gay person to serve on the Council, but the
4th openly gay elected official in Oklahoma
history. In 2010 he ~vas re-elected to his City
Council seat without opposition.
Tom is 47 and has been with his partner,
Will Weir, for over 11 years. He takes pride
that Will is listed as such on the Normaffs
city website, and credits Will for helping him
through the tough times and giving him the
strength for much of what he has been able to
accomplish.
Mr. Kovach believes his city council
experience will serve him well in the
Oldahoma Legislature. As he puts it, "My
ward is about 1/2 the size of the district,
and I’ve advocated for people and helped
constituents with their problems. You also
deal with larger issues that affect the whole
town. You learn how to work to make things
happen."
Pleasantly enough, he found that
his sexual orientation wasn’t much of a
campaign issue, and proved to be a nonissue
during his time in office. In 2010 his State
Representative Bill Nations would be forced
out of office due to term limits, so Mr.
Kovach decided he wanted to run for that
office where he felt he could make positive
change happen on the state level.
" I learned at the city council that one
person can make a difference, and even if
you’re in the minority speaking out can
help change direction. The s{ate is facing
monumental problems, especially the budget.
We are falling behind in many areas that
would make a state proud, such as education.
We’re last in the nation in the area of women’s
health and 1st in the rate ofwomen in prison
per capita. These are things we should be
working on, and when there is a problem
there is also an opportunity to address it,"
and he elaborated to say, "Instead they have
been scapegoating, Randy Terrill with the
Hispanics and Senator Russell trying to
exdude GLBT Oklahomans from Federal
hate crimes laws. You can’t just sit by and let
that go."
If elected he wants not only to be an
advocate for working Oklahomans. He is
also pro-choice, and as expected has stated he
xvill advocate in favor of equality for GLBT
Oklahomans. He has been endorsed by the
Victory Fund (a national organization that
funds campaigns of GLBT candidates), and
on July 27 he will face 3 Democrats in the
Primary Election. 2 are OU law students.
Emily Virgin who is 23 years old and Isaiah
McCaslin who is 26. The third Democrat is
Robert Murphy who is 52. This 4 way race
will result in a runoff if no candidate garners
50% of the vote. There are no independent
candidates, so the winner will face the sole
Republican in the race, Kent Hunt, in the
November 2 General Election.
Although Mr. Kovach feels he has a strong
following and is fairly confident, he stresses
that no election should be taken for granted,
and he isfft going to.
N
Friend ofOklahoma’s
GLBT Community Reelected
by Acclamation
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
rote Representative Anastasia Pittman
J~iend Rachelle Taylor (left). Gorin photo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Anastasia
Pittman, a longtime friend of not only the
GLBT community but also an advocate of
equality and justice for many progressive
groups and causes, has won re-election to the
Oldahoma State House of Representatives
with the closing of the filing period June 9
when she drew no opponents.
She represents District 99, first elected
to that position in 2006. Prior to holding
office she had earned a Bache!or’s Degree in
Journalism at Oklahoma University and a
Master’s Degree in Education and Behavioral
Science from Langston University in 2002.
She garnered legislative experience worldng in
the State Senate from 1999 through 2006 as a
clerk, media assistant and legislative assistant.
She has also worked as a Spanish instructor
and has hosted a radio talk show: She has
one child, Ayshia, and among her many
mi!estones she was honored as Legislator of
the Year in 2009 by the Cimarron Alliance.
Tom Guild-Democrat
for Congress
By By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As
candidate filing is completed and political
season is upon us, community leader and
Professor Tom Guild, an Edmond Democrat
has filed for U.S. Congress. He hopes to
be the Democratic nominee to represent
Oklahoma’s Fifth District, which includes
most of Oldahoma County, and also
Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties. Guild
is currently the Secretary of the Oklahoma
County Democratic party.
"The 5th Congressional District has not
had a Congressman who represented all of the
district in quite some time,"
said Guild in an interview
with The Metro Star. "We
are becoming a very diverse
district and as time passes the
district will become even more
so. I’m the only candidate with
progressive values ~vho will be
open to the ideas and needs
of all of the people in our
district."
Guild taught 27 years
at the University of Central
Oldahoma in Edmond,
where he was conferred the
title of professor emeritus by
the Board of Regents; and
three years at Oklahoma City
University. He taught political
science and legal studies
at UCO, and in the MBA
program at Oklahoma City
University. He earned a BA
in political science from OU
and his juris doctor degree
from SMU School of La~v.
Guild was a Robert Dean Bass
- Memorial Scholar ar OU and
the Maurice E. Purnell Scholar
at SMU.
Guild is proud of the
support he has received from
various diversity groups. "It
was gratifying at our first
campaign event we had leaders
from at least nine different
groups represented," added
Guild. "The diversity of that
event reflects the diversity of
our campaign and hmv we will
serve our constituents once
As a candidate who supports diversi~ Professor
TOm Guild will make his ,vtn at the 7he 5th
Congressional District seat in Oklahoma. 7he
seat is being vacated by Mary Fallin. Robin DTownsendphow
background, which includes 30 years of
teaching experience at the college level, taught
me how to value different people, different
cultures and different ideas and to work with
a wide range of individuals." In a previous
run for office, Guild had strong support from
a diverse coalition in the state’s largest county.
Guild plans to work hard to protect
and expand the middle class and make
the American dream a realistic possibility
for everyone in the 5th District. For
more information, please visit www.
guildforcongress.com.
N
"At Century 21 Gold Castle our BEST
proper#es are ourPEOPL
3627 NW Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
07.0’i.2010
By Samantha Fields and Lisa Keen
Keen News Service
An informal survey by the Washington
Post published June 18 asked a tiW number
ofwell-placed experts -six-- to say what they
think will happen if federal Judge Vaughn
Walker overturns California’s ban on same-sex
marriage. Two of the six pointed to existing
polling data to warn of the potential for a
negative impact.
Scott Keeter, director of survey research at
the Pew Research Center, said Pew’s previous
polling data predicts "bacldash." ~lose
polls, and others, have historically shown
LGBT victories in court lead to an increase
in public opposition to same-sex marriage.
It happened a~ter the U.S. Supreme Court
struck down state sodomy laws (in June
2003). It happened after the Massachusetts
Supreme Judicial Court ruled gay couples had
a constitutional right to marriage equality (in
November 2003). And even before ~Talker
issues his decision, said Keeter, polls indicate
the public opinion climate "remains chilly"
for same-sex marriage.
Joe Mathews, a senior fellow at the New
America Foundation, a political think tank,
said that, while public opinion is trending
m £wor of marriage equaht~, a d,ws~ve
court decision that gets too far ahead of
voters could prolong the fight over same-sex
marriage for a generation or more...."
"Ifjudges strongly support overturning
Prop 8 at each stage of the appeal, this
emerging judicial consensus that gay-marriage
bans are unconstitutional would speed
acceptance of such unions across the country,"
wrote Mathews. "But if Prop 8 is overturned
by a narrovdy and nastily divided U.S.
Supreme Court, say 5 to 4, such a decision
could conceivably do more harm than good."
So, where is public opinion on same-sex
marriage right now?
~¢o recent reports shed some light on
that, and some doubt.
First, the light: ~e 2010 Values and
Beliefs survey, which Gallup conducts every
May, indicated that 52 percent of adults
surveyed consider "gay and lesbian relations"
to be "morally acceptable," compared to 43
percent who said they are "morally wrong."
Five percent had no response or had some
other opinion. The results were based on
random telephone interviews with 1,029
adults conducted between May 3 and 6,
2010. Hie margin of error is plus or minus 4
percentage points.
¯ne 52 percent saying "morally
acceptable" was up three points over 2009,
when 49 percent said "morally acceptable."
And the percentage saying "mora!ly wrong"
was down four points -from 47 percent in
2009 {o 43 percent this year. (Five percent no
opinion or Other response in 2009.)
~is year was the first time since Gallup
began asking the question that more than 50
percent ofAmericans said they believe "gay
and lesbian relations" are morally acceptable.
"W~at’s different this year is that the
spread between ’morally acceptable’ and
’morally wrong’ is a whole lot bigger," says
Lee Badgett, a professor of Economics at
UMass Amherst, and the research director at
the Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation
Law and Public Policy at UCIA. It was a
nine-point spread this year, compared to only
a two-point spread last year.
"The question is," said Badgett, "will that
turn out to be a tipping point or not?"
Gallup polling data shows the "morally
acceptable" response has been on a steady
trend upward since 2004. It took a sixpoint
dive in 2004, .just six months after the
Massachusetts high court issued its landmark
marriage equality decision.
The percentage ofAmericans who
consider gay relations to be "morally wrong"
--43 percent-- is the lowest it’s been in a
decade. And also for the first time, a larger
percent of men said "morally acceptable" than
women ~- 53 percent of men and 51 percent
ofwomen now believe "gay and lesbian
relations" are morally acceptable.
The change in men’s attitudes was striking.
tn May 2006, 39 percent of men polled
said they felt "homosexual relations" were
morally acceptable. By this year, that number
had jumped to 53 percent. That’s a 14-point
iump, while, over the same period, acceptance
among women increased just 2 percent.
Gary Gates, a demographer at UCLA
who studies the LGBT population, cautions
against putting too much stock in one
poll But, he Says, "a varietT ofpolls have
been showing, depending on the wording,
increased amounts of acceptance towards
LGB and, in some cases, T people. That
acceptance has gone up in both men and
women.
To a certain degree, the improvements
could have something to do with the fact
that Gallup’s wording changed in 2008, from
"homosexual relations" to "gay and lesbian
relations." According to Gates and Badgett,
people respond differently in polls on gay
issues depending on the way questions are
asked. Questions about "homosexuals" tend
to receive more of a negative reaction than the
same questions about "gays and lesbians."
~The closer you get to people having to
think about sex," said Gates, "the worse gay
people do in polls."
But experts agree, saying there is probably
no single reason for this change in how
men are polling, but rather a number of
contributing factors.
"Some of it is exposure," says Mark
Stevens, a psychologist at California State
University in Northridge. "Guys are growing
up where they have friends who are gaF: There
is a little bit more in the media, on the
And it’s kind of cool to be a little bit more
liberal and a little bit more accepting."
Gates agrees that exposure is likely a big
part of it, though not just for men.
"We know that a higher proportio~ of gay
people are being more open and being more
open at younger ages. And we do know that
1mowing gay people or having a relationship
with an LGBT person does actually have an
impact on people’s broader attitudes."
Age is, and always has been, a factor,
something that was clear in the surveys
results. Younger men (like younger women)
are generally more accepting than their
parents and grandparents.
In addition to the increase in acceptance
among men, the Gallup poll also found
improved attitudes towards gays and lesbians
anmng every other sub-group polled: from
Catholics to Protestants, Democrats to
Independents, moderates to conse,watives.
Though the degree to which those views
shifted differed greatly, it’s evident that
there is a stead}; gradual shift raking place
. in the way Americans view gay and lesbian
relationships and civil rights for gay people.
In fact, Gallup’s polling this year shows the
public views "gay and lesbian relations" as
more morally acceptable than doctor-assisted
suicide (46 percent) and less than having a
baby outside of marriage (54 percent).
But what about legalizing marriages for
same-sek couples?.
While the Gallup poll showed 52 percent
of people said they consider "gay and lesbian
relations" to be "morally acceptable" and 58
percent said those relations should be "legal,"
only 44 percent said such marriages should
be recognized. ~hat is up four points from
2009, and up 16 points since 1996, when
Gallup first began astdng about gay marriage
specifically. The Gallup polling on gay
marriage is now approximately where it was
for interracial marriage in the late 1970s and
early 1980s. The balance in favor interracial
marriage crossed its tipping point with the
1991 survey -when 48 percent approved and
42 percent disapproved marriage between
blacks and whites.
But do people’s attitudes necessarily
translate into how they are likely to vote on
an issue? Not as reliably a~s one might expect.
Political scientist Patrick Egan, who has
done considerable polling on gay-related
political issues, examined the results of 167
pre-election polls on 32 different ballot
measures concerning either same-sex marriage
or domestic partnerships. He found that preelection
polls "consi"stently underesn"m’ ated"
the number of people xvho would vote for a
ban on same-sex marriage -by all average of
seven points. And, "the share of the public
saying they intend to vote for or against these
measures typically chaiages very little over the
course" of the ballot measure campaigns.
This gap between how voters say they
will vote and what they actually do in the
voting booth does not appear to be a product
of wanting to give the a poll-t~er a socially
desirable response of supporting equality for
all, said Egan. He could find no evidence
for that. For instance, he said, in states ~vith
large gay populations, one would expect
many people who wanted to ban gay marriage
would tell a pollster that they were against the
ban. Voters in California, for instance, would
be more likely than voters in Mississippi to
say they ~vere going to vote against the ban
and then vote for it. But there was no such
correlation and no other evidence emerged in
Egan’s analysis to explain tile gap.
Still, it’s clear Americans are becoming
inc~reasingly open and accepting and experts
and polling data suggest this trend will
continue -unless something happens to set
opinion back.
"You never know how socie9, is changing,
and sometimes it’s not very obvious because
it’s very subtle," says Stevens. While the
reasons such a shift is occurn"ng now "mi"ght
not be necessarily explainable," he says, "it’s
really good to see."
State House candidate openly supports GLBT
inclusion
By Michael W. Sasser
Contributing Writer
Jefl~Tracy candidatefor Oklahoma House District 71 with wife Stacey and
son Eli. Pressphoto
TULSA, OK Hes stralg t, has a
beautiful family, wants to be the next District
71 State Rep. - and JeffTracy would be
supportive of GLBT issues even if he weren’t
already" committed to inclusion issues on
principle.
"I believe in equality issues but even if for
some reason I didn’t, I would still represent
the GLBT community’s concerns because you
don’t pick and choose who you represent,"
Tracy told the Metro-Star. "District 71 has
the highest density population ofGLBT
persons in Oklahoma. The support I have
received has been fantastic. I have the moral
obligation to support equality issues."
Tracy is the son of a police officer and a
Registered nurse. He is an Amarillo, Texas
native who graduated from the University of
Tulsa law school. He said that he has long
been interested in politics but finally decided
to run as a result of being parent of a son
almost two-year old.
"Being a parent cha.nges your perspective,"
he said.
At just 27 years old, the attorney hopes to
unseat Republican
Dan Sullivan in
what has historically
been a GOP
stronghold.
Tracy, though,
said the campaign is
going well.
"We’ve looked
at the numbers and
the numbers took
good for us," TracT
saKt. It s atway
tough to take on
an incumbent but
I believe that if you
have good idea, you
can do well."
Inclusion issues
aren’t the highest
profile issues in the
campaign. On his
website Tracy addresses issues of wastefu!
spending, education, healthcare and the need
to support the energy sector while developing
green job technology.
"I am so sick ofwhat’s going on in the
State Legislature," Tracy said. "They have no
concern for kids well-being. ~xey’re talking
about different abortion bills and carrying
guns at work."
Tract has built a warm relationship with
the GLBT community and recognizes that
this could be used against him.
"I know I will take flack for it - that’s
almost a given in Oklahoma," Tract said.
"But that doesn’t mean that they are right. It’s
a moral issue. We have the moral obligation
to respect people. If people don’t elect me
because of what I believe in, that’s fine. My
family will still love me. They won’t take away
my birthday. What would be worse is if I
didn’t remain true to what I believe in."
For more information on JeffTracy, State
House candidate, District 71, visit wvcw.
jefftracy.org.
Attorney Richard Ogden appointed by Governor
Brad Henry to the Board of Regents
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
Attorney Richard Ogden sworn in by Districtfi~dge Barbara
Swinton and wittnessed @partner Mike McLain. P~vss ghoto
OK3~&HOMA CITY, OK __ Attorney
Richard Ogden, an openly gay and longtime
activist for the GLBT community has been
appointed tothe Board of
Regents for the Regional
University System of Oldahoma
(RUSO) June 10, sworn in
by District Judge Barbara
Swinton. He is currendy
vice-president and manager
of the Mulinix Ogden Hall
~amdrews and Ludlam PLLC
Law Firm of Oklahoma CitT.
He has previously stowed as the
Chair of the Cimarron Alliance
Foundation.
AS a Regent, Mr. Ogden
is part of that governing
board responsible for the
hiring of university presidents,
employment and budgets along with other
aspects of administration pertaining to
Oldahomgs system of higher education.
Governor Henry expressed his confidence
stating, "Richard Ogden is a proven leader
with the judgment, skills and commitment
necessary to make a positive difference for
the universities and students in the RUSO
system. Richard has dedicated his life to
making Oldahoma a better place, and I know
he will be a great addition to the RUSO
board. I greatly appreciate his willingness to
serve that state in this capacity."
His appointment is for 9 years, serving
six regional universities, East Central
University (Ada), Northeastern State
University(Tahlequah), Northwestern
State University(Alva), Southeastern State
University" (Durant), Southwestern Oklahoma
State University(\Weatherford) and the
University of Central Oklahoma(Edmond).
As for Richard he is glad to serve stating, "I
would like to thank Governor Henry and the
leadership of the House and Senate for their
dedication and continued financial support
for higher education, especially during these
difficult economic times. I took forward to
worldng alongside my fellow regents and
regional university presidents, as well as the
governor and legislature. "
Billy Coyle-Democra t
for Congress
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
Born in Oklahoma City in 1974, his family
moved to Florida when he wag a teenager
and he graduated from Fort Lauderdale
High School in 1993. He then enlisted in
the United State Marine Corps, made it
through boot camp at South Carolina’s Parris
Island, followed by 7 years of se~ice until
honorably discharged in 2001 at the rank of
E-5 Sergeant.
After graduating with a bachelor’s
degree from Florida State University, he
later returned tO Oklahoma City where he
graduated from the University of Oldahoma
Law School in 2003¯ He has since been a
practicing attorney’ with OKC’s Coyle Law
Firm. He is married, and his wife Heather is
an assistant district attorney for Oklalmma
County: Together they have a 2 year old son,
Jack.
Understandably, veterans issues are
important to him. As he sees it, "Right now
we have veterans who are unable to get the
attention they deserve from the very country"
they fought for."
Another area is jobs. On this he states,
"We continue to have American jobs going
overseas while our elected officials have
become complacent. That’s wrong and un-
American. Very litde is Made in America and
I want that to change.
And while it may be rdatively easy to
be a straight family man in the Bible Belt,
he is among only a few candidates willing
to openly ask for the support of the GLBT
community in the reddest state in the
country. He has not only advertised in the
Metro Star, he is scheduled to speak to the
Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats, and has also
rented a booth to meet widi potentiad ;corers
at the Pride Festival al0ng wi~ ~ent~ i~
the Pride Parade. Asked if he feared the wrath
of Republicans and rightwingers he replied
¯ to this reporter, "I don’t care, they’re going to
pick on me anyway."
For more information about his
campaign, or hove to contribute and/or
volunteer Call 405 (600 9161) or access his
website wwcw.bill)~coyle2010.com
Billy, Heather and their son Jack. Press photo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It isa first
for Oklahoma when we have not one, but
~vo candidates running for Congress that
are openly asking for the support of the
GLBT communitT. Billy Coyle, a veteran and
straight t~mily man is one of them, ready to
take on "Washington for what he believes is
dest,3,erately needed change. ,
This campaign is about the common "
,nan. I m not running because I nee
a job, nor am’I a politician looking for
a government career. I want to be a
Congressman looking out for the people
of O~dahoma, and Billy also added, I m
tired of big government, big insurance, and
big politics. I am convincedI can make a
difference."
SAGE (Servi°ceS &
Advocacy [’or GLBT
Elders)
TULSA, OK (PRy __ The Dennis R.
Neill Equality Center is launching day time
programing for those who are retired or free
during the day.
OkEq ~vill be establishing a SAGE chapter
(Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders)
which is a national program geared toward
individuals over 50.
Each Tuesday the Center will open at
10 am for Coffee and Bagels followed by a
computer class taught by Don Satterth~vaite
at 1 t:00 am in the Cyber Center’. Lunch will
be provided at noon for a donation. At 1 pm
there will be a book Study on classical gay
authors such Edward Albee, Oscar Wilde,
James Baldwin, and Armistead Maupin.
"Pne Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th
Street, Tulsa.
The following corresponence on ENDA
from Senator Coburn should be of interest to
your readers
Dear Editor A ick Tutoria{
on the Gay/Lesblan
Equality Decisions o£the
Kende! Powers Supreme Court
Moore, OK
Dear Mr. Powers,
or Frank Rich can be the Best Man at
my Marriage
Thank you for writing me about S. 1584,
the Employment Non-Discrimination Act
(ENDA). I enjoyed reading your message
and learning about your family’s history of
in~olvement with tt~is issue.
I hope that you wiil accept my sincere
apology {or the delay in my response. A
tenfold increase in mail volume has made
it difficult for me to stray current in my
correspondence. Even so, I am sorry to have
kept you waiting.
Let me be clear: I believe discrimination
is wrong and I am committed to fighting
prejudice. As a businessman and a family
physician, I believe employees should be
judged upon their individual merits and
work ethic, and should not be dismissed
without proper cause related to their actual
performance. I know we can agree that each
of us deserves to be treated with respect and
without bias. Nevertheless, I have concerns
about the Employment Non-Discrimination
Act (ENDA).
As currently drafted, the bill is
ovedy vague and broad, and will spur
by James Nimmo
O~tHOMA CITY, OK __ As the
time draws near for the final arguments of
Perry v. Schwarzenegger, aka the Prop 8
trial, we’ll come to the close of chapter four
in the ongoing saga ofAmerica’s love-hate
relationship with diversity, be it based on sldn
color, gender, or sexual orientation.
I’ve numbered this as chapter four
because there have been three previous
chapters in our gay/lesbian history that have
been decided by the United States Supreme
Court, the first one going against us, vdth the
subsequent two keeping us in the game.
Bowers v. Hardwick (1986) ruled 5-4
against us, claiming" ... a rig!~t to engage
in such conduct is ’deeply rooted in this
Nation’s history and tradition" or ’implicit
in the concept of ordered liberty’ is, at best,
facetiotts." ( http://tinyurl.com/jus3e )
Romer v. Evans (1996) reared its ugly
face in an attempt to further keep gay citizens
away from full indusion in the political and
needless liti~t~on. The bi!l~ text creates , ,.............
mcons~stencles w~m ex~st,ng te{aera~ civil , ~
for us, Justice Kennedy wrote ~hat {he passage
rights starutes. I am atso concerned that
a discrimination claim could be based
on ’real or perceived" sexual orientation
characteristics. ~][hese terms will require a
court to decide their raeaning. Issues such as
these require the Senate Health, Education,
Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to
};arther study this legislation and amend these
vague terms so Congress does not abdicate its
legislative duty to the courts. In addition, ~
also am concerned that ENDA would impede
the religious liberties ol:’churches and of
other non-proifit religious groups. The current
religious exemption in the bill is not robust
enough and should be expanded.
tn addition, I believe states are already
appropriately working to address this issue. In
fact, thirty-one state~ have some form oflaw,
regulation or executive order that requires
protecting employees from discrimination
based on sexual orientation including some
states that protect transgendered individuals.
When a majority of the states have shown
a propensity to address an issue as they
see fit, Congress should not intervene and
unnecessarily preempt state law. I believe
government is at its best when it is closest to
the people and our states should continue to
decide how best to protect employees from
discrimination.
Again, thank you for writing me on this
issue. If you have any additional concerns,
please fed free to write again. I look forwad
to hearing from you in the future.
Sincerely,
Tom A. Coburn, M.D.
United States Senator
of Colorado~ Amendment 2 disallowing any
recognition of gay people under the laws of
Colorado was unconstitutional.
He wrote in the ma ority opinion that
"laws of the kind now before us raise the
inevitable inference that the disadvantage
imposed is born of animosity toward the class
of persons affected." The Court implied that
the passage of.&nendment 2 was born of a
"bare...desire to harm a politically unpopular
group". ( http:/Itinyurl.com/49m9er )
Turning the page we get to tbe decision
striking down sodomy laws with the Supreme
Court’s decision in Lawrence v. Texas (2003)
that helped immensely in removing the
uncharged felon status every gay man and
woman carried with them as these laws were
selectively enforced to intimidate us in our
public and private lives. ( http://tinyurl.
com/br2tj )
The Prop 8 ruling, regardless of~vhich
gay or homo-hating party it favors, will
eventually make its way to the US Supreme
Court where for many years the decisions
have been 5-4 with the 5 going mostly to
the regressive sides of the arguments, be they
social justice or economic equality questions.
I was tickled pink when Olson and
Boles took up the clarion call from the Equal
Rights Foundation ( equalrightsfoundation.
org ) to make a full court argument on our
behalf~br civil rights in marriage. Even as the
purpose of the trial has been to reverse the
unconscionable passage ofCalf" fo~rm"a’s Prop 8
that disallows same gender marriage
after a favorable California Supreme Court
ruling, there’s no doubt in my mind that
the extensive media coverage and social
conversation of the nearly four-year hist~iry
of this latest action to remove gay/lesbian
discrimination has been effective in diluting
the homo-hating potions and superstitious
invectives thrown at us. The echoes of
previous court decisions that have been heard
across the country will prove too powerful for
the cobwebs of prejudice and animositT to
resist.
Frank Rich, op/ed columnist for the New
York Times and first pick for best man at my
marriage, has written an optimistic essay (
http:lltinyurt.com/38gornv ) I recommend
for anyone down in the dumps
over our on-again/off-again progress for civil
equality. Mr. Rich writes that approval of
same-gender marriage is higher now than the
approval for inter-racial marriage a year after
i{ was supported by a Supreme Court ruling
in 1967 (Loving vs Virginia), I think thanks
to the vastly easier modes of communication
now available with social networking and the
Internet.
If Limbaugh can have Elton John sing at
his fi~urth marriage can my first marriage be
far behind?
* CiVi Rights *Criminal
’ment * Family Law * Litigation
625 13,th Street
: City’s, OK 73103
07.01.2010 ~’J’~R
Celebrations during
Hard Times Benefit
Our House Too
By Judy Gabbard
Contributing Writer
]:~rogr~m Director Steve [Vissen and 7E~,rT~
owner Margarita Chand~e~ Judy G. photo
TULSA. OK __ Xghen our :ountry and
particularly O~ahoma was in the grip.s of
severe hardship during the Great Depression,
people in their communities came together
for hard times dances, bake-offs and rummage
sales with the proceeds going to help those
in need. %ese events not only made things
better for the beneficiaries, but also gave a
spirit of community solidarity to those who
contributed as welI.
Carrying on this proud tradition is Our
House, Too. Located in Ttdsa at 203 N.
Nogales Avenue, assistance is available there
for people living with HIV/AIDS providing
household and toiletry needs, weekly meals,
food baskets and general support. The
weakened economy has affected charitable
organizations in Oklahoma and natiomvide,
with declining donations combined with
ever increasing needs. Our House, Too is
also feeling this dilemma, so in the spirit of
coming together as a community they are
organizing 3 events to generate awareness as
wall as raise much needed funds.
~ihere will be benefit shows at TNT’s on
both Friday Jtfly 2 at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday
September 4 also at 9:30 p.m., ~vhere you can
enjoy cold beer, fine drinks, tasty snacks and
great entertainment to support this worthy
cause. TNT’s is located at 2114 S. Memorial
Drive in Tnlsa.
In addition to these events is their Sixth
fimnual Drag Queen Bingo (bingo like your
mother never played). %is grand event of
course features female impersonators, but
also "all kinds of cmnpy fun. It all happens at
Tulsa’s CaMs Ballroom located at 423 Main
Street at 8 p.m. on Saturday August 21.
Our House too would like to thank
their Program Director Steve Nissen, TNT’s
owner Margarita Chandler and all those
who work hard to make these events happen
and keep Our House Too operating to serve
our community. Our House Too is a 501c3
organization so donations are tax deductible,
and 100% of donations received benefit
their clients. For more information about
their services, donating or volunteering, or
about these events contact Our House Too at
918 585 9552 or visit their website at www.
ourhousetoo.com.
N
Obdahoma Tobacco
Domestic Abuse in the
GLBT Community
A secret shame £or us
"We learned that 40% of gay men
wind up in abusive relationships.
Clearly this is a huge problem we’re
just not talking about. I was excited to
see people come out for this workshop. It
,vas a chance to inform and educate, and
to hear firsthand ka~owledge from those
who had been in abusive relationships.
I hope this opens the door for more
conversations in our comrnunit):’ Scott
Hamilton. Cimarron Alliance Director
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
Erin Walker OKC ~CA Director ofOutreach
and Vo&nteer S~ice~: Gorin photo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Domestic
abuse has never been easy for our society to
talk about. Family loyalties ("what goes on
here stays here"), guilt of the victim ("If I’d
been a better ,vife, he wouldn’t hurt me")
and the ego of the abuser ("She made me
do it.’) When the women’s movement of the
late 1960s and 1970s brought what had been
and is still somewhat taboo out into the open
these were some of sentiments expressed.
However, at the very least some of these
beliefs are now being questioned, and there
are more options now for victims of abuse to
change their lives with more assurance that
they don’t need to feel ashamed to get help.
As the GLBT community has made
great strides towards equality, xvith open
relationships more widely accepted and
even marriage (a concept not even fathomed
only 20 years ago) what inevitably followed
were many problems and taboos coming
out of the closet as well. In response to this,
when Cimarron Alliance held their monthly
educational discussion group on June 3 they
focused on domestic abuse in the GLBT
community. ~eir special guest
was Erin Walker, the Director of Outreach
and Volunteer Services of the YWCA,
which has provided help for domestic
violence victims since the late 1970s.As she
pointed out during the discussion, domestic
violence in the GLBT community occurs
with relationships of all types of people and
lifestyles, rich and poor, various educational
levels, religions and cultures just as it does
among heterosexuals.
As Erin put it, "Domestic violence is an
equal opportunity epidemic." Erin pointed
out that as same sex relationships have
become better known, so has the veil of
secrecy been lifted about domestic abuse that
happens there as well.
Paula Sophia Schonauer. an Oldahoma
City police oi~cer and activist with the
GLBT community, has answered hundreds of
domestic disturbance calls during her 18 year
career with the department, including many
involving same- sex couples. Concurring with
Ms. Walker’s experience, she saw that the
dynamics were the same. Likewise through
the years she has seen increased awareness
and better handling of these situations by
law enforcement. Legislation such as the
Domestic Abuse Act has made procedures
easier for victims and does not differentiate
between heterosexua! or same sex couples.
Erin did relate that currently the ~VCA has
an excellent relationship with the Oklahoma
City Police Department. which is helpful
as domestic violence intervention is almost
always stressftd and frequently dangerous to
the o~cers responding as well..
While recognizing that abuse in same
sex relationships follows most of the same
patterns as their straight counterparts, there
are unique aspects as well. Often a controlling
partner will threaten to "out" their partner to
their employer or family, k has been reported
that occasionally police departments will take
same sex domestic violence calls less seriously
than those of heterosexuals. Whether valid of
not, people abused in same sex relationships
may fed they aren’t resources that can help
them.
The YWCA maintains a 24 hour hodine
for victims of domestic abuse which has
expanded their services to include assistance
for same sex victims as well. As with any
caller, the listener at the hodine will try
to obtain as much information as the
caller wants to give, with priority on safety
planning. In the case of a lesbian in need of a
place to stay, she could be taken to a women’s
shdter. At present there are no facilities for
male victims, however a man in this situation
would not be turned away, in some cases a
hotel room could be provided as a temporary
refuge.
Erin most stressed this point, " No
matter what type of relationship people
find themselves in, we want to reach all
communities, .especially those that are under
served."
N~eir 24 hour hotline-- 800 522 SAFE.
N
to
NE~07.0’!.2010
Voter Registration in
© ahom
Eligibility: A person who is eligible to
register to vote must be at least 18 years old,
a United States citizen and a resident of the
State of Oklahoma.
How to Register: ~bu must fill out a
voter registration application form. Voter
registration applications are available at
your County Election Board, post offices,
tag agencies, libraries and many" other
public locations. You will be offered a voter
registration application when you get your
driver’s license and when you apply for
assistance at some government agencies. You
also may" down!oad an application form.
~bu must sign and date the oath printed
on t2qe form. "g’nen yon sign the voter
registration application form, you swear that
you are eligible to register to vote.
Changing Your Registration: Ifyou need
to change your name, your address or your
political affiliation, you must fill out another
voter registration application form. You may
change your registration at any time xvith
one exception. You may not change your
political affiliation during the period from
June 1 through August 31, inclusive, in any
even-numbered year. The last day on which
you may change your political affiliation
before the closed period is May 31; the first
day on which you may change your political
affiliation after the dosed period is September
t.
Submitting Your Application: You may
mail your voter registration application to
the State Election Board, The card is already
addressed, but you must add a first-class
postage stamp. If you fill out your voter
registration application form at a tag agency
when you get your driver’s license or vchen
you apply for assistance at a government
agency, the agency will mail the form to the
State Election Board for you.
~,bter Identification Card: You do not
become a registered voter until the county
election board in the county where you reside
has approved your application. \~en your
application is approved, the county election
board will mail a voter identification card to
you. Your voter identification card lists your
name, address, political a~liation and the
polling plaee for your voting precinct. When
you receive your voter identification card,
look at it care~hlly and report any errors to
the county election board immediately. Keep
your voter identification card in a safe place
and always take it with you when you go to
vote.
If your voter registration application
cannot be approved, you wilt receive a letter
from the county election board. ~lhe letter
will tell you why your applicatior~ was not
approved and explain the steps you need to
take to become registered. You may be able
to return the letter with some additional
information, or you may need to fill out and
send in another voter registration application
forn!.
Closed Primary System: Oklahoma has
a closed primary system. O~fly voters who are
registered members of a recognized political
party may vote for the party’s candidates
in primary and runoff primary elections.
Registered Independent voters may be
eligible to vote in party’s primaries and runoff:
primaries if authorized by the party.
However, nonpartisan judicial offices,
state questions and county questions often are
included in primary elections. All registered
voters, including Independents, are entitled
to receive those ballots. At general elections,
all voters receive the same ballot and may vote
for any candidate or question on the ballot.
When to Register: You may submit your
voter registration application form at any
time. However, voter identification cards
cannot be issued during the 24 days prior to
an election. If your registration application is
received by the county" election board during
the 24 days before an election, you will not
receive your voter identification card until
after the election.
tf you will become 18 during the 60 days
before an election, you may apply for voter
registration between 25 and 60 days before
the election.
Additional Information: For additional
information about voting in Oldahoma,
contact your local county election board or
the State Election Board.
Oklahoma State Election Board
PO Box 53156
Oklahoma City, OK 73152
(405) 521-2391
Download and print application: www.
ok.gov/elections/Voter_Registration/Voter_
Registration_Application_Form/info@
elections.ok.gov
Church ofthe Open
Arms to host
Homosexuality and
Scripture Confederence
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Church
of the Open Arms-UCC ( United Church
of Christ) of Oklahoma City is hosting a
Homosexuality and Scripture Study on
Sunday, July 18 from 4 pm until 6 p.m.
Tt~e Reverend Kathy McCallie will lead this
workshop, shmving ways to defend the belief
that homosexuality is neither sickness nor
sin. ~ae study will focus on the history of
the scriptures and the cultural settings of the
texts in the spirit of faith and understanding.
In particular "clobber passages" (scriptural
references used to demonize or "clobber"
GLBT folks) will be clarified. ~is conference
is flee, hmvever to RSVP is encouraged.
Childcare is available if reselwed no later
than July 12. To RSVP or to obtain more
information call (405) 525-9555 or check
out the church website at wccw.openarms,
org. ~he church is located at 3131 N.
Pennsylvania Avenue in Oldahoma City.
By Steven Petrmv
Stewen Petrow. is the author of"7~e Essential
Book ofGay Manners &Etiquette. "Send
him your questions at queeries@live.com.
Can I break up with my boyfriend by
text?
By Ronald Blake
Contributing Xg~riter
RonaM Blake, Certified Fimess Inst~wtor
through ISSA International Sports Sciences
Association
Sun Tzu ~vas a management conflict
philosopher and author who lived in a time
and land far, far away. He’had many grand
things he laid out in his writings but we shall
focus on only one of his wise sayings: "All
battles are won before they are fought." My
task today is to make this relevant to your
health and fitness mode in your life.
X~bu are on lunch hour and are driving
down the boulevard of broken diets and yo~
are hungry. %ree of your best work buddies
are in the car with you. "W’e don’t have much
time and we need to just grab something
now," is the consensus from the backseat and
shotgun positions. You’ve already !ost this
battle and you’ll end up eating out of that
fat trough with Ronald, Hamburglar, and
Grimace. This could have been avoided with
a little pre-lunch menu planning or the sack
lunch fi’om home.
You havefft run in over five years but you
used to be the All-Conference runner back
in your university day]. You grab those dusty
Asics shoes and decide to give that five mile
race the old college try at the old college
pace. You’ve already lost this battle and will
end up limping and muttering obscenities
for the next four score and seven hours while
you nurse that sore Achilles. This could have
been avoided with a gradual training regimen
and the purchase ofsome new shoes before
entering that Charity 5K race.
After one round ofJose Cuervo you
announce your retirement from cigarettes
beginning tomorrow. After three rounds of
Jose Cuervo you announce with mucho gusto
your intention to banish Joe Camel from your
life beginning tomorrow. After five rounds of~
Jose Cuervo you boisterously and vehemently
declare your partnership with nicotine to
be dissolved beginning tomorrow. You’ve
already lost this battle even before the seventh
round of Senor Tequila. This could have been
avoided by making a signed declaration to
stop smoking while you weren’t half in the
bag with agave juice. The sober prover of pen
to paper has a great effect on action.
Your class reunion is three months away
and you want to shed that freshman fifty that
you’ve put on since being named most likely
to blah, blah, blah in the Quill and Scroll
Yearbook. You’ve joined the health club and
you want Donna Dixbottom to rue the day
she turned you down to the prom. You’ll
show her the error of her ways with that great
body and that rented Sebring convertible.
You’ve already lost this battle and Ms.
Dixbottom will only treat you to a haughty
cursory glance at the festive soiree. You need
more than just a health dub membership and
a desire, You need a daily workout routine
and a trusty companion to guide you to your
fitness goals.
Think about what you want to accomplish
in life. You don’t need to be Chinese, have
a two syllable name, or be a philosopher to
achieve successes in your time. You only need
a well prepared plan and action.
Chmarron Alliance hosts art show to kick-offPride
month By By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing Writer
Pride in Art, an art show presented by Cimarron Alliance Foundation m kick-offPride
month, was held at the Istvan Gallery in Oklahoma City. Pictured above are (l to r)
foyer Cima,ron Board member Terry Gatewood andMargaret Cox, Cimarron Board
member andpast chair ofthe organization. Robin D-Townsendphoto
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__To ldck-off an art show, sale, and reception held earlier
LGBT Pride month, the Cimarron Alliance this month at OKC’S Istvan Gallery. The
Foundation hosted "Pride in Art," event showcased the creativity and diversity
among LGBT and LGBT-supportive artists.
The festive, casual evening also featured
entertainment provided by Mary Reynolds,
Louise Goldberg, and Jamie Bramble.
"We came to enjoy the art, celebrate
diversity and to support other organizations
that do the same," said John Greer, President
of the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma. "It is helpful
to businesses, the community and those in
need when the organizations work together in
support." A fundraiser for tile AIDS Walk wil!
be at the COPA on July 19th, from 6-10.
Pride in Art artists participating in
the show include: Jennifer Barron, Gary
Bates, Rick and Tracey Bewley, John Carter
(Orlando, FL), Sue Clancy (Norman), Sam
Echo!s, Ron Ferrell, Richard Ydeffman,
Christina Kovash, Kenny McCage, Monty
Milburn, Bernadette Martinez, Cindy Mason,
Louis Scott, Joe Slack, Sue Moss Sullivan,
Frank Troutman, Rhonda Polen X~ernick
(Nashville, TN), Cynthia Daniel Wolf- and
others. Each artist will provide up to five
pieces or original art for the show. Sales will
benefit both the artists and the Cimarron
Alliance Foundation. Event sponsors were
Premium Beers of Oklahoma - Bud Light,
Iguana’Mexican Grill, Istvan Gallery, and Art
Fusion Studios.
Since the incorporation of the Cimarron
Alliance Foundation, the organization has
operated under the leadership of a dedicated
volunteer Board of Directors. From the
very beginning, Cimarron’s Board has been
comprised of people within the LGBT
community and straight persons supportive
of the organization’s mission. For the past 13
years tile Cimarron Alliance Foundation has
served as a powerful resource for individuals
and organizations vcithin the LGBT
community.
The mission of the Cimarron Alliance
Foundation is to support educational
efforts that validate personal identity,
promote public enlightenment, and advance
equality for LGBT Oklahomans. For more
information about Cimarron Alliance visit
vcww.dmarronalliance.org.
"First " ursday" Art
Opening and Exhibit
ofOriginal Works:
Verisimilitude -New
Paintings by Michael
Christopher
TULSA, OK (PR) _The July
Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase
and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R.
Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in
downtown Tulsa), will feature the Art of
Michael Christopher. "lhe show begins with a
reception on Thursday, July 1st from 6-9pm
and continues throughout the month.
Michael Christopher began figurative
painting as a young teen - dropped it by the
time he turned twenty - and started again
thirty years later. Michael’s other creative
pursuits have included professional acting,
theatrical production design, composing
incidental music for the theatre, writing
scores for musicals and an opera. Michael
helped organize the Tulsa Artists Coalition
and he founded the Tulsa Center for
Contemporary Art (TuCCA).
What started a few years ago as a handful
of illustrations for a graphic novel project
became a more serious return to painting.
The works in this show reflect an eye for
photorealistic rendering and a vision that
loves and understands the human form. ~xe
works in Verisimilitude spread open the time
frame, drawing on the idealized realism of the
early oil paintings, touching on themes from
his 1987 "Living Arts ofTulsa" shmv, Boys
in the Machine, infused with a poetry earned
from life as an artist working across many
disciplines.
The paintings in Verisimilitude raise
interesting questions about artistic values.
Some viewers have .expressed an initial
feeling of disappointment when learning
that the works, which seem so realistically
to be painted with a physical brush, were
really made in the computer as if the digital
medium is somehow beneath fine art. The
works are not from photographs, but using
drawing software similar to programs used
in architecture and engineering. After a
computer drawing is made it is "painted"
using brushes, smudge sticks and other tools,
each tool a small computer script written by
the artist. These digital paintings take at least
as long to create as "wet paint" works. This
new dimension within realism is one of the
fascinations that drove the creation of these
paintings. Follow the progress of new projects
and experience Michael’s art and music, at
wv#cc.michaelfire.com.
2010 Primary Tues.
July 27° General E ection:
Tueso November 2. ese
Democratic candidates
gear up £or an important
campaign £or O ahom s
f t re:
GOVEI~2qOR
Lt. Gov. Jari Askins
Attorney General Drew Edmondson
LIEUTEN~T GOVERNOR
State Sen. Kenneth Corn
ATTOP&qEY GENERAL
Jim Priest
STATE AUDITOR & INSPECTOR
Steve Burrage
STATE tNSUR~qCE COMMISSIONER
~m Holtand (incumbent)
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC
INSTRUCTION
State Sen. Susan Paddack
Jerry Combrink
Larry Huff
STATE T~SURER
Stephen Covert
STATE L&BOR COMMISSIONER
Lloyd Fields (incumbent)
U.S. SENATOR
Jim Rogers
Mark )vgil~S ..... .....
U.S. CONGRESS
District 2: Dan Boren (incumbent)
Jim Wilson
District 3: Frankie Robbins
District 5: Billy Coyle
Tom Guild
STATE SENATE
District 2: Sean Burrage (incumbent)
District 4: State Rep. Nell Brannon
Mark Cornell
District 6: Jay Paul Gumm (incumbent)
District 8: Roger Ballenger (incumbent)
District 10: Dale Christenson
District 14: Donna Spring, Daryl Roberts
District 16: John SparEs (incumbent)
District 18: Janice Aldridge
District 24: Susan Brooks, John Branum
District 26: ~Tom Ivester (incumbent)
District 32: Randy Bass (incumbent)
District 42: Mike Kelly
District 44: Randy Rose
District 46: Andrew Rice (incumbent)
District 48: Constance Johnson (incumbent)
Steven Davis, Mark E Temple, Clyde E.
Maddon
STATE HOUSE
District I: Dennis Bailey (incumbent)
District 2: Glen Bud Smithson (incumbent)
District 3: Jake Leming, James Lockhart,
Jarrod Ridenour, Matt Webb, David Hogan
Traci Barnes
District 4: Mike Brown (incumbent)
District 6: Chuck Hosldn (incumbent)
District 7: Larry Glenn (incnmbent)
District 8: Ben Sherrer (incumbent)
District 9: Eric Cullen
District 10: Nick Brown
District 12: Vc~ade Roussetot (incumbent)
District 13: Jerry McPeak (incumbent)
District 14: Brad Clinkenbeard
District 15: Ed Cannaday (incumbent)
Annie J. Goolsby
District t6: Jerry Shoemake (incumbent)
James Bo Delso
District 17: Brian Renegar (incnmbent)
District 18: Donald Condit, John M.
Freeman, Carolyn Hilt, Roger Shirly
District 19: R.C. Pruett (incumbent)
District 20: Paul Roan (incumbent)
District 21: Oden Grube, Chris Pierce,
Nathan Williams, Jerry Tomlinson
District 22: x.X/es Hilliard (incumbent)
District 23: Mark Manley
District 24: Steve Kouplen (incumbent)
District 27: Chris Odneal
District 28: Ed Smith
District 29: David Narcomey
District 30: Donna Marie Vogelpohl
District 32: Danny Morgan (incul-nbent)
District 34: Cory Williams
District 35: Rodger Ensign
District 36: Greg Brown
District 37: Ken Luttrell (incumbent)
District 43: J. E Hemminger
District 44: Isaiah McCaslin, Emily Virgin,
Tom Kovach, Robert Murphy
District 45: Wallace Collins (incumbent)
District 49: Samson Buck (incumbent)
District 53: Amy Corley
DiStric~ 56: Maya To~ralba
District 58: Wilson John Adamson
District 60: Purcy Walker (incumbent)
District 64: Michael J. Corrales
District 65: Joe Dorman (incumbent)
District 66: Eli Potts, David Phillips, Andrew
Thomas Williams, Melani Hamilton
District 68: Troy Zickefoose, Seth \gatkins
District 71: JeffTracy
District 72: Seneca Scott (incumbent)
District 73: Jabar Shumate (incumbent)
Kevin Matthews
District 77: Eric Proctor (incumbent)
District 78: Jeannie McDaniel (incumbent)
District 84: Brittany Novotny
District 85: Gall Vines
District 86: John Auffet (incumbent)
Jeff Collyge, William Fourkiller
District 87: Dana Orwig
District 88: AI McAffrey (incumbent)
District 89: Rebecca Hamilton (incumbent)
District 9 t: Hollis Harper
District 92: Richard Morrissette (incumbent)
District 93: Wilfredo Santos Rivera, Wanda
Jo Peltier, Jeff Pecld~am
District 94: Scott Inman (incumbent)
District 95: Michael A. Walker
District 97: Mike Shelton (incumbent)
District 98: Dennis V/. XWeese
District 99: Anastasia Pittman (incumbent)
District 101: Johnny Laudermilk
Creep of he Month ByD’AnneWitkowski
"Family Research CounciF’
yes. N~e fabled "Gay Agenda."
Having invested so much in the fight against
it, anti-gay groups will leap at anything that
they can hold up as proof that a sinister gay
agenda exists.
So when the Gay and Lesbian Activists
Alliance ofg[ashington, D.C., released
"Agenda: 2010," the Family Research Council
pounced, cla,vs out.
GLAA calls "Agenda: 2010" an "electionyear
briefing paper on local LGBT issues."
FRC calls it a veritable blueprint for a hostile
LGBT takeover.
In a June 16 W’ashington Update post,
FRC posits, "What’s left for homosexual
activists to do after they’ve trampled voters on
their way to the altar? tn Washington, D.C.,
where same-sex ’marriage’ is legal (for now),
the gay and lesbian crowd is just getting
warmed up."
The post is accompanied by a graphic
reading of the ’,Homosexual Agenda"
alongside a list of things like innocence,
family and public health. Through each item
is a blurry red line with a few drops of red
here and there. Presumably it’s supposed to be
spray paint (Vc~at, is the gay agenda written
on the xvall of an abandoned warehouse?) but
it cotfld also be blood. AIDS blood, of course.
"Apparendy, their updated political
agenda spans everything from classroom
infiltration to legalizing prostitution," FRC’s
message continues.
I have to ask- what does "classroom
infiltration" even mean? Sending in
undercover homos to high schools like a gay
"21 Jump Street?" And I have a follow-up:
"Will there be a reality show?
So just what is the "everything" this new
agenda covers?
"Local groups will try to elect more
homosexuals to places of power, push
in-school gay-straight alliances, support
D.C. sex-oriented businesses, defend adult
entertainment, grant special perks to crossdressing
prisoners, force same-sex adoption
and legalize sex tra~cldng," claims FRC.
\Voah: Sounds ambitious. But let’s address
some of these claims.
First of all, what FRC calls "cross-dressing
prisoners" are often actually transgender
people, some who have broken the law, others
who have been victims of crimes. "Ihe "special
perks" include not throwing them into jail
cells based solely on what’s between their legs.
GLAA also doesn’t want to see them "denied
appropriate health care, sexually assaulted,
abusively strip-searched, (or) placed in
protective custody that amounts to punishing
the victim," which are some of the current
"perks" of being a trann>
As for legalizing "sex tra~cMng," that’s
not quite it. GLAA does advocate legalizing
prostitution. While a controversial position,
they’re hardly calling for a sex-for-mone>
free-for-all. GLAA raises a lot of important
issues, i~cluding "survival sex," where people
- ~’requently gay runaways and transgender
people - turn to prostitution
out of desperation, when it’s the only option
they have left. Throwing them in jail doesn’t
address the core problems.
"If (policymal~ers) want to provide safer,
healthier and more sustainable alternatives
to survival sex, you can support the creation
of drop-in centers, transitional housing,
job training, counseling, addiction recovery
programs and other services for at-risk
populations," GLAA’s agenda reads.
Oooh, counseling and transitional
housing. Really racy stuff.
"Lots of people in this country mistalcenly
believe that this community will be satisfied
when it redefines marriage," FRC claims.
"That’s not the case. Homosexuals and
transgenders (sic) won’t be happy until they
sever every moral underpinning in America."
That’s right. Because LGBT people have
no morals and fantasize every night about
living in some kind of lawless neo-sexual
apocalyptic hellscape. You hear that, FRC? It’s
right here, in writing. It must be true. And
it must be true for all LGBT people ,vithout
exception. Feel free to use it in your next
fundraising letter. Tell your members we said,
"Boo!"
Ttae occasion prompted OkEq to hold a
supportive Town Hall rally at the Dennis R.
Neill Equality Center.
"It is a great day to be gay in Tulsa
Oldahoma!" said OlcEq President Toby
Jenkins, echoing a slogan he has often
employed at Pride and on other occasions.
"This time I am serious."
While the city council vote has been
met with optimism throughout the GLBT
community, some residents still see the need
for progress.
"IfI get beat up tonight, will the police
actually come help?" pondered one young gay
Tulsa man who did not want to be identified.
"We can still be fired without cause and
we can still be abused and lmow there’s a
good chance authorities won’t be interested in
helping," said Rogers County’s Brett Peason.
"This is a great step but it doesn’t really affect
most people in the community."
Others suggested that the city should
address the issue of equal protection at
companies that do business with the city
- thus xvidening the scope of the new policy’s
effects.
Oldahomans for Equality said that it
would continue to press the City ofTulsa
to add gender identity to the employee
non-discrimination policy and also begin
the dialogue with other Tulsa County
municipalMes.
OkEq encourages supporters of the new
policy to personally contact City Councilors
GT Bynum, Maria Barnes, Roscoe Turner,
Jack Henderson, Chris Trail and Bill
Christiansen and express appreciation.
Tulsa elected ot~cials can be contacted at
~ax~¢~.~v.cityoftulsa.org/ourcity/elected-oNcials.
aspx,
07.0’1.20’!0
For D~r~c~ Judge Vote...QuMity &Experience
in 2010
35
45
$5,000 Face Value
Cost
Call
918o695o1806
$10,000 for accede a~
death
H~V Coverage
T
For
uildforcon,
Congress
ressocom
forby G~itd for Congress, PO Box @21, Edmond, OK 738~s
07.01.2010
Photo’s by Judy G. Photography
Downtown Tulsa, Oldahoma June 5, 2010
.................................................................................Continued on page-!8
By Andrew Collins
Andrew Collins covers gay travelfor the New
Drk Times-owned website About.corn and is
the author ofFodor’s Gay Guide to the USA.
t
Exploring Coasta Maine
Maine’s classically quaint seaside towns
and breezy beaches seem tailor-made for a
rela~ing vacation and sure enough, the state’s
coastal sections are invaded by pleasure
seekers ai! summer. Prestigious, blue-blood
retreats like Kennebunkport and Camden
overflow with magnificent estates, while the
pristine scenery" ofAcadia National Park and
Camden Hills State Park draw scads of hikers
and bikers. Artsy and gay-popular Ogunquit
makes a wonderfully low-keyed alternative
m Provincetown. while hip Portland and upand-
coming Rockland offer sophisticated arts
and dining.
The state’s shoreline twists and turns for
an astonishing 3,478 miles - counting every
inlet, cove, and bay; only the states ofAlaska,
Florida and Louisiana can claim more miles
ofwaterfront. You could spend all summer
exploring the dozens of inviting hamlets up .
and down tile coast.
The southwestern edge of the state - just
70 miles from Boston and about 300 miles
from both Montreal and New York City - is
not only the most accessible, it has the most
to offer gay and lesbian travelers. The region
extends from the bustling outlet-shopping
hub of Kittery north through Ogunquit and
tip to Ken.nebunkport.
Fringed by a lovely 3-mile beach, tiny
Ogunquit first developed a discernible gay
following in the 1930s, with the opening of
one of the country’s first successful summer
theaters, the Ogunquit Playhouse. It still
presents first-rate theatrical productions
today. The gay presence grew in the ’60s,
when hippies and beatniks started regularly
renting cottages and homes here. By the
following decade the scene fully blossomed
with the opening of a gay guest house, as well
as a disco called Anabelle’s (still open but now
called 02).
U.S. 1 and Shore Road, the main drags
through the village, bustle with funky shops,
ar~ galleries, boutiques and several good
restaurants. It’s a very short walk to the beach
from iust about any point in town. Ogunquit
supports a pair of lively gay nightclubs, a
piano lounge, and several restaurants with
inviting bars. In a state xvhere beaches can
sometimes be pebbly or difficult to access,
Ogunquit has one of Maine’s most celebrated
ones - tile northern reaches of this fine,
golden spit of sand draw a predominantly
lesbian and gay crowd.
Consider an excursion south to Kittery’s
hundreds of mid- and high-end outlet shops.
Or check out York’s Stonewall Kitchen -
nearly 20 years ago, a local gay couple named
Jonathan KAng and Jim Stott started selling
their fabulous jams, mustards, relishes and
sauces at a farmers market. They soon formed
this now-internationally renowned emporium
and mail-order company of delicious gourmet
foods. For the best scenery on this trip, follow
Shore Road south from Ogunquit through
York’s Cape Neddick, where you can stop
[:or a picnic at the park that overlooks the
diguified Nubble Lighthouse (built in 1879).
There are about a dozen gay-oriented
accommodations in Ogunquit, most of
them male-owned but catering to a mLx of
women and men, Jtist a fe~v of the excellent
possibilities include Moon Over Maine
(http://www.moonovermaine.com), a fully
restored 1830s Cape-style house with perioddecor,
well-chosen art, and a great location
in the heart of the village; and the reasonably
priced Ogunquit Beach Inn (http://www.
ogunquitbeachinn.com), a handsome litde
1920s compound comprising a main house
with five guest rooms, as well as two cottages
with full kitchens (rented weekly). A bit more
upscale are the lovely Gazebo Inn (http://
www.gazeboguesthouse.com), a handsome
14-room property with two hot tubs and a
gym and sauna; and the beautifully situated
Rockmere Lodge (http://www.rockmere.
corn), which is just offthe famed Marginal
Way walking path - most rooms have ocean
views.
Charming Portland lies within striking
distance of Ogunqnit, perfect ifyou need
a dose of urbanity. Don’t overlook this
youthful, progressive city as a base, either,
especially ifyou’d rather browse museums and
stroll along shop-filled streets than loi1 about
on the beach. Portland daims a dynamic arts
scene and some of the best restaurants in
Maine. You can also check out a few very fun
GLBT nightspots.
The city crowns a hilly peninsula,
surrounded by rivers and harbors - you’ll
see water from many points and find the
bulk of the city’s best restaurants, shops
and bars in the histgric Old Port district, a
warren of cobbled lanes and vintage redbrick
warehouses fringed by a phalanx of wharves.
A short drive or moderate walk puts you
square in Portland’s West End, where grand
sea captains’ mansions mingle with smaller
row houses. More than two decades of intense
rehabilitation have given the neighborhood
a graceful countenance, and lesbians and gay
men have restored many of these homes.
In the heart ofdowntown’s arts district,
the gay-friendly Eastland Park Hotel (http://
www.eastlandparldmtel.com) has tastefully
appointed rooms with handsome colonialinspired
furnishings - several units have
kitchens. Amenities include a well-equipped
fitness center, and a rooftop lounge with
great city views. More intimate gay-popular
options include the historic Inn at ParkSpring
(http://www.innatparkspring.com), which
Boats in Camden Harbor
is just steps from the Portland Art Museum
and six warmly furnished rooms; and
the Morrill Mansion B&B (http:/Avww.
morrillmansion.com), a 19th-century
mansion on a picturesque West End Street
- the seven tasteful room contains period-style
furnishings.
To see a less-developed side of the state,
it’s about a two-hour drive from Portland
- much of it along a very scenic stretch of
U.S. 1 - to the resort comnaunities along
western Penobscot Bay; including Rockland
and Camden. You’re not going to encounter
as many gay travelers out this way, but
there are a handful ofvery gay-friendly
accommodations. Maine’s Mid-Coast is
a place for quiet vacations, ideal if you’re
a hiker, photographer, fishing enthusiast,
or sailor. Camden is home to a fleet of
Windjammer sailing ships (http://www.
mainewindjammercruises.com), which can be
booked not only on multiple-day excursions
throughout the region but also for afternoon
jaunts along Penobscot Bay.
The craggy 1,000-ft peaks of Camden
Hills State Park are a regional highlight; you
can tread along more than 20 miles of rugged
nature and hiking trails through this dramatic
5,500-acte paradise, and overnight in a
112-site camping area. The once-workaday
town of Rockland has blossomed of late, with
several outstanding restaurants and cafes. The
key draw here is one of the foremost small
art collections in the nation, the Famsworth
Art Museum, which contains works by many
noted Maine painters, including the George
Bellows, Louise Nevelson, and the Wyeth
¯ The on-site Wyeth Center explores that
famous family of painters.
Rockland’s elegant, yet reasonably
priced LimeRock Inn, is operated by a
lmowledgeable and friendly couple Frank
Isganitis & EJ. Walter, who prepare a
delicious breakfast each morning. Rooms in
this handsome Queen Anne Victorian are
done in period style, but with such modern
perks as flat-panel TVs with HDTV/DVD
and clock radios with iPod docks. First-
Andrew Collinsphoto
rate restaurants and galleries are just steps
awa): The gay-owned Camden Harbour Inn
(http://www.camdenharbourinn.com), with
its spectacular location overlooking the town’s
harbor, is ideal for a luxury getaway - the 18
rooms and suites are sumptuously appointed,
and the on-site restaurant, Natalie’s, serves
exceptiofial contemporary American fare.
Still about 75 miles farther "down east"
(Maine lingo for in the direction of the
Canadian Maritimes - "down" refers to the
fact that longitude decreases as you travel
east), lies Mr. Desert Island. Here you’ll
find the resort town of Bar Harbor and the
adjacent 40,000-acre Acadia National Park.
A 27-mile Loop Road meanders through the
park, accessing trailheads and many scenic
vistas. Some.hiking trails climb up to 1,530-
foot Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on
the Eastern Seaboard, and still others hug the
granite-strewn shore. In Bar Harbor, the Abbe
Museum, set in the 1893 former YMCA
overlooking the village green, contains an
enormous trove of artifacts and exhibits that
trace the state’s Native American history.
Bar Harbor has dozens of motels, hotels
and inns, among them the gay-friendly
Anne’s White Column Inn (http://www.
anneswhitecolumns.com) and its sister
property, the larger and more elegant
Clefrstone Manor (http://www.cleftstone.
com). ~ae advantage ofAnne’s White
Column Inn is its close proximity to area
shopping and dining. One other excellent
LGBT-friendly option in Bar Harbor is the
Aysgarth Station (http://~vw~v.aysgarth.com),
which is quite affordable and located very
close to several good restaurants.
With so long a shoreline and so relatively
small a population, Maine offers one
precious commodity that’s all too rare in the
northeastern U.S.: space. Although parts of
the coast has been developed with mini-golf
centers and condo colonies, the majority of it
remains beautifully preserved and ideal for a
memorable getaway.
07.01.2010
help
Demented Inc.’ Tour graces the Copa to promote
their new DVD ofmadness ’Memoirs ofDmentia"
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
Jenna Zdia, Dmentia Divi~yl and OKC’s Bearded Lad3,. Gotqn photo
OKLAHOMA CI~L OK On Sunday
the 13th ofJune Rachae! Eik~’s Sunday
night show had a special treat as Dmentia
Diviw1 / a.k.a, director Glenn Storm) and
his sid&dck Jenna Telia performed and
promoted Dmented Inc’s new film, "Memoirs
of Dmentia.:" With Drnentia showing up in
the style of Dawn Davenport. she and Miss
Telia put on quite an act promoting this work
of art.
Nxis 90 minute film is not for everyone,
bur &finitely a must for those who love
artistic dysfunction, insanity and pure white
trash truly in the style ofJohn Waters, who is
credited with inspiring this epic. Various ideas
and concepts show up clearly with obvious
influences from the xT~qzard of Oz, the
infamous Female Trouble movie, the Rocky
Horror Picture Show, the classic Deliverance
fli& ~ a real squealer) among maW others.
With only 4 people in the cast, it tells the
story of mad Scientist Dr.Frankemveenie
who creates the lead hermaphrodite, she male
Dmenria Divinvl. Dmentiahas ahard life
running a bordello, fights off the advances of
Hillbilly Cousin Earl only to be impregnated
by Officer Baloney Pony. She sells her baby
for cat’fare to Cousin Earl, who falls for her
neighbor Petunia.. Meanwhile Officer Baloney
Pony happens into a gay bar, falls into a
slumber, and in his subsequent dream follows
the Yellow Bri& Road to see the Queen of
Zoe who tells him how he can come back to
earth as a gay man. All of these happy events
are entered into Miss Divinyl’s diary, who
wonders about her lost child. Will there be a
sequel???
For cultist movie fetishists, this movie is a
Godsend. For more information or to order
this DVD check out www.Dmentedlnc.com.
deadCENTER film depicts reversal o£Cali£ornia
gay marriage law
By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing Writer
Oldahoma City, OK In the film ’8:
The Mormon Propositioff’ a former Mormon
missionary. Director Reed Cowan depicts the
events supporting the passage of Proposition
8. He chose to leave our opinions but rather
chose to tell the story objectively without
opinions, which he felt the public cleady
wanted. ~e film was originally premiered
at the Sundance Film Festival and received
the longest standing ovation in the histmw of
that festival., despite that it was held in Utah
where Mormons number well above 60% of
the population.
"I am honored to present this film at
deadCenter", said Melissa Scaramucci,
deadCenter Board Member and Director/
Producer with Crazy Diamond Productions.
Scaramucci and the organizing group invited
Oldahoma’s own TEN ( The Equality
Network) to talk to the crowd about the fight
in Oklahoma toward equality for all.
For those who dofft remember, on June
17, 2008 the California Supreme Court ruled
that California’s ban on same sex marriage
was discriminatory, thus making same sex
marriages legal in that state. Following
this ruling thousands of gay couples got
legally married in California, but this new
matrimonial freedom would not last long.
Anti-gay groups hired companies to
obtain signatures to put Proposition 8 on
the ballot of the November 4, 2008 election.
Successful at obtaining enough signatures,
Proposition 8 was on the ballot and simply
stated, "Only a marriage beva,een a man and
a woman is valid or recognized in California."
This proposition passed~ not only ending
the right of same sex couples to marry in
California but also leaving the marriages
of those same sex couples ,vho had already
married in lega! jeopardy
~e film depicts the astonishing approach
of the Mormon Church and their leadership,
primarily from Utah, using their tax free
financial support to get this measure passed.
"Ihere is proof by documentation and video
Emotions ran high during thefight to allow gays
to retain the right to marry in California. Their"
~orts were in vain.
in the film that this information is not
fabricated. This documentary follows
the activities of the Mormon Church,
questioning the legality of their actions
supporting Proposition 8 as a tax free entity,
donating millions to promote its passage.
The passage of Proposition 8 was a
crushing defeat for gay rights activists who
had hoped that public opinion on dais issue
had shifted enough to help them defeat dais
measure. The film depicts addition irony in
that the Mormon Church claimed to take
this action in the name ofJesus Christ. This
exploration of the Chur& ofJesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints’ involvement in the passage
of Proposition 8 reveals their secretive,
decades long campaign against same sex
marriage. More information about the film
can be found at wv#;v.mormonproposition.
com.
Business is booming for
Sean Hayes
Things were looking tough for Sean
Hayes for a minute there - his coming-out
interview in The Advocate came off as cranky
and too-late, and then that Newsweek piece
suggested he was too gay to be convincing
as the hetero leading man of the Broadway
revival Promises, Promises. It looked for a
second like he was damned if he did and
damned if he didfft. But the one-time Will &
Grace star is having the last laugh: He scored
a Tony nod for the show, reviews for his gig
as host of the Tony Awards were glowing, and
his prodnction company scored a hit with the
sitcom Hot in Cleveland, which premiered.
to high ratings on TV Land. Hayes will be
keeping his TV mogul hat firmty~in place,
with NBC Universa! signing a two-year deal
with Hazy" Mills (his company with Todd
Milline0 to develop new shows for network
and cable. (Yoglt recall Hayes showing off his
sitcom-creating acumen On Bravo’s Situation:
Comedy.) So yes, naysayers, this gu)?s
officially a litde more than "Just Jack~"
from her national TV talk show. During
July of2009 she issued her "OHahoma
Citizen’s Proclat~aation for Morality" at the
Oldahoma State Capitol in which she blamed
our nation’s troubled economy on "same
sex marriage, divorce, pornograph)~ sex
trafficking and other forms ofdebauchery’.
On economic issues she iS likewise far to the
right, opposing a minimum wage increase
in Oklahoma in 2006 ~vhen it was $5.15 an
hour, even requesting that a study be done
to see how people living on that wage could
better budget their money.
Although Brittany has already made
history by being the first transgendered
person to run for public office in Oklahoma,
she isn’t running for that reason. She has
publicly stated, " I understand that there
are going to be some folks who try to make
this election about the fact that my medical
history includes a gender transition, but I’m
running for office because I believe I’m the
best candidate to fight for jobs, education and
transportation."
Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Ms.
Novomy graduated from the University of
Arts and Sciences of Oldahoma and went on
to get her law degree from the University of
California-Hastings and is now a practicing
attorney. She is an active member of the
Young Democrats, who elected her as a
national committeewoman and also honored
her as their 2010 Woman of the Year.
Oklahoma House District 84 indudes
parts of northwest Oklahoma City, Bethany
and Warr Acres. She’s ready for the fight and
feels "I think our chances are really great.
People are ready for a change."
07.01.2010
Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G.
Out &Aboa~t in Oklahoma
@ Tulsa Eagle. Tulsa
Tasha Carrington and Billy Jackson per[orming to the smash
hit of Lady Antebelliums’. "Need You Now". tt was well
received by the overflow crowd in attendance. Photo by
Ernest Atchison
@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ Angles, Oklahoma City
@ The Copa, Oklahoma City
@ Tulsa Pride Parade 2010
@ Finishline, Oklahoma City
Mayor Oscar Goodman oI~cially welcoming the award ~vinnmg celebrity
Gay Travel Columnists, Donald Pile and Ray Williams to Las Vegas.
@
@ Tulsa Pride Parade 2010
@ Tulsa Pride Festival 2010
@ Tulsa Pride Festival 2010
07.01.2010
By Ed Sikov
for Me, Marg itff’
Craig was giddy on the ferry: "Margaritas
are my tCavorite drink!" He clapped his
dimpled hands in excitement and began singsonging,
"Goodie goodie gumdrops!" He was
still jolly because I had withheld my controlfre~
Msh plan. I had no intention of using that
sticky-sweet frozen concentrate he loved, and
I was too much of a food snob to even let the
bottled pigswill variety into the house. Once,
in a notorious act of radical foodie-ism, I
poured Sa!’s bottle of Yucatan Yuri’s Primo-
Papi Mix off the de&. Before I had a chance
to tel! an outrageous lie about Yucatan Yuri’s
whereabouts, Sal saw me, rushed outside in
a fuD4 and punched me in the shoulder. We
didn’t speak for a month.
"Vge need frozen concentrate, of course.
W-e do have orange liqueur...."
"I have to tell you something," I began,
but the two nasty Pomeranians owned by the
cable sex show hostess Raven Wren - who
apparently didn’t have enough smarmy gay
men around her in the city, so she bought
a place in the Pines - suddenly defined
the term "bad canine karma" by attacking
a distraught muscle-boy’s twin white Shih
Tzus. The ensuing screeching and yelping (by
Raven) drowned out further discussion.
Vge were in the grocery’s frozen foods
section with one of Craig’s giant-size
Cabbage-Patch-Ydds fists engulfing a can
of corn syrup with artificial lime flavor
when I yanked it out of his hand; declared,
%XZe’re not using that"; and threw it back
into the freezm: Craig looked stricken. "Let’s
make our Margaritas from scratch, OK?" I
demanded, none too consolingly. "I don’t
_want_ scratch," Craig whined; "I want my
Margaritas! V/hy are you so mean? Why
can’t I have what I want?" "l-hen came big
whopping tears streaming down his colossal
face, which rippled with despair.
whopping tears streaming down his colossal
face, which rippled with despair.
At first I was mortified. But I’m here
to tell you that mortification is preferable to
the near-suicidal guilt that followed. I Wasn’t
on the ferry any more so I couldn’t jump
off. I could do nothing but hate myself to
the bone. "Don’t cry! Get what you ~vant!
I’ll make Margaritas my way, and you make
yours your way." I pulled the can of frozen
concentrate out of the freezer. "See?" I said,
putting the wretched junk into our cart. Then
I took one of Craig’s soft hands in mine and
led him toward the unsweetened lime juice.
"Ihe Margarita, Two Ways
Craig’s way: Dump a can of children’s
frozen concentrate into a blender, add ice
and enough tequila to keep everyone from
realizing how crummy the drink tastes, and
press "ultra-high"; if you’re lucky you’ll forget
to put the top on the blender.
My way- makes four cocktails:
3/4-cup inexpensive white Tequila (it’s
dumb to waste fine tequila by drowning it in
a Margarita, but then I’m a cheapskate)
1/3-cup unsweetened lime juice
1/4-cup orange liqueur (we had Orange
Curacao on hand - you can use any tTpe)
l/4-cup Really Simple Syrul5 (you can buy
Simple Syrup ready-made, or you can boil
sugar and water and stand around staring at a
candy thermometer, or you can make Really
Simple Syrup by putting equal parts sugar
and water in a jar and shaking it until the
sugar dissolves)
Pour some flaked salt onto one small plate
and a thin layer of lime juice onto another.
Add all ingredients to a large cocktail shaker
with some ice; shake. Dip the rim of each
glass first in the juice and then in the salt,
then pour the Margaritas in the center.
N
AWeekend ofPageantry at Angles Newly Crowned
Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA Newcomer and Miss
Gay US ofA at Large
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
Miss Gay US ofA Oklahoma at Large 2009 Lindsay Paige,
winner Bianca LeBlanc, April Reign Miss Gay US ofa A at
Large and 1st alternate Cordillia 3/Ionroe. Gorin photo
OKI~HOMA CITY, OK__ Jack
Calcote, Steve Davis and Nathan Thomas had
a busy weekend as they put on two pageants
back to back Friday June 11 and Saturday
June 12. Angles came back to life as the girls
competed for their titles, retaining the usual
glamour of yesteryear while also reflecting
changes in the field of female impersonation
in Oklahoma.
The trio of Calcote, Davis & N~omas
owns both pageants as well as the Mr[ Gay
Oklahoma US ofA Contest ( men competing
as hot men, not to be confused with Mr. Gay
US ofA MI, which is for male illusion). The
nationwide Gay US ofA system differs from
the Miss Gay America System in that while
that system does not allow surgical alterations
below the neck, the Miss Gay"
US ofA system allows unlimited
alterations except that one must
have male genitalia. The At Large
US ofA system in addition
requires that the contestants
weigh at least 200 pounds.
The weekend marked a
special occasion as the Miss Gay
Oklahoma US ofA Nexvcomer
contest was premiering with
their first pageant. Emceed by
the team of Rache! Erikks( Miss
Gay Oldahoma America 1994
and Miss Gay America 2004)
and Jozlyn Welch ( Miss Gay
Oklahoma US ofA at Large
2008), the winner was Carmen
Deveraux with 1st alternate
Ferrah Mikals. N~ey will both go
to on compete in the national
Miss Gay US ofA Newcomer
Pageant held August 11-13 in Indianapolis.
The following Saturday Lindsay Paige passed
on her title as Miss Gay Oklahoma US ofA
at Large to Bianca LeBlanc, with Cordillia
Monroe as 1st alternate. That festive night was
emceed by the lovely Latina Tillie Laine, who
herselfwas a Miss Gay Oklahoma America in
1983. The winners of that contest will go on
to compete in the national Miss Gay US ofA
at Large Pageant which will also be held also
in Indianapolis October 6-8 of this year.
3-he Mr Gay US ofA Contest will be
held this upcoming August 25 at the Copa.
For information about that contest e-mail
Mr.Calcote at calcojack36@yahoo com.
N
07;0"1.2010
E-.~ail- KylesBrd3@aol.eom
Chuck Breckenridge
Whcthcr buying or sclling
I’lI work hard fi~r you.
Private Me=~s Reso~
597 Magnetic Road
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
www.magneticvalleyresprt.com
info@magneticvalleyresort.com
800-210-8401 479-244-682:1
Abutting Downtown,
::Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Center, Tulsa Gay
Cente,: Affi3rdable Homes amd Aparmaeuts.
For more L.~fo~ation visit:
www.gaybradyheightsmlsa.com
English Garden Paradise with
Private Tree Top Balcony
6365 S. 84th E. Ave., Tulsa
web site with full information
www.Tulsa4Bedroom.com
With outer planets hanging out near the
cusps, Mercury entering Leo and Venus
into Virgo kick off a lot of issues. Being
cute, outspoken and constructively
cdticat (let’s hope!) wilt have broad
ramifications. Modesty, compassion and
forethought are atways good to check
before speaking.
ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19): Playful
banter can help stimulate a better work
environment, but not [oo playful lest
your intentions are misunderstood.
Spontaneous provocation has its place,
but strategic consulting with colleagues
will probably prove more effective.
TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20): Your
new playful streak could come off as
critical and bitchy. Sometimes a Bette
Davis impression just can’t make it
right. One should never let go of the
Golden Rule - but’cha are, Blanche!
Well, you easily could. Be extra mindful
and considerate!
GEN~N! {Nay 21- June 20): You have
a lot to say and it feels very important
to you. Your family and boss may
disagree. Look for a new perspective
and tweak your message a bit. Listen
to friends with radical, challenging
suggestions.
CANCER (June 21- July 22): Even if
changing jobs seems risky these days,
con sider taking the chance. Staying
where you are could be worse. Any
current dissatisfaction with your job
invites self-sabotage. Seek advice from
a friend experienced in the work you
want to do.
LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): However
you identify with your words, some
separation is good. Your partner can
help open you up to powerful new
ideas. Look past long-held notions to
your most basic values; it’s better to
take in those fresh notion s.
WRGO (August 23 - September 22):
Step out of the social whid for a bit.
Focus on taking care of yourself inside
and out. A new look should honor your
age, not hide it. Knowing your limits can
help you zero in on your strengths.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22):
Conflicted about social opportunities?
You may be better off in quiet retreat
with fewer, better friends. Favor the
more productive and creative ones.
Save time and energy for your partner,
even if you don’t have one - yet.
SCORPIO (October 23- November
21): Balancing friendly conversations
with the boss, and maintaining
friendships with colleagues, and could
get you a huge promotion. Never forget
where you came from and that going up
the ladder helps you to pull others up
after.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 -
December 20): Showing off newfound
wisdom could quickly force you to admit
to the limits of your recent learning.
Instead, ask thoughtful questions of
a real expert. Don’t be shy! An outr4
creative approach could spark new
directions and insights for both of you.
CAPRICORN (December 21 -
January 19): Sex seems to be shifting
from practice to theory. That’s OK,
especially if you consider deeply what
it’s all about. Old messages on the topic
take sudden relevance. Tapes to erase?
Valuable but forgotten lessons? You
could be surprised.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
t8): Your sex life should be picking up
pretty well. What does your partner say
about that? A discussion on the topic is
at least in order. People do change and
grow. Even if everything is hunky-dory,
it’s good to talk.
PISCES (February 19 - March t9):
Being playful is important, but for now
focus more on the actual work and
responsibility of your relationship,
real or hypothetical. When you feel
uncertain and use your partner for
grounding that may be unfair to him or
her.
Community for
People living
with
H V/A DS
50I c (3) Non ! rofit Organization
Our House, Too offers a variety of
activities for people who are HIV+ and
or living with AIDS to hel p combat the
social isolation that many of our
people live through each and everyday.
We provide a Toiletry and Household
Pantry for those who are HIV+
and or living with AIDS who cannot
afford to purchase these items for
themselves. We invite anyone who
would like to volunteer or provide financial
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobat.net
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Solution page22
07.0t.20t0 @~ 8T~
SuppoR those who suppo~ us. Their ads allow us to distribute your communi~ news FREE to you.
HABANA INN
2200 NW 39TH EXPW
Oklahoma Cit?; OK
405-528-222t
www.habanainn.com
MAGNETIC \(~LEY !?~SORT
597 Magnetic Road
Eureka Springs, AR
800-2 I0-8401
ww~v.magneticvalleyresort.com
ACCO
I~LLY KIRBY, CPA
4815 S. HAR~v~ARD, SUITE 424
Tulsa, OK * 9!8-747-5466
Certified Public Accountant
VALERIE WILLIFORD
625 N.W2 13th Street
Otdahoma CiV, OK
405-226-8585
AUZO
PdiYNOLDS FORD
LanT Bourne & David Stevens
600 *X’: Memorial Rd
Oklahoma CitT; OK
405-639-9940
BAR HELP *IX!ANTED
OKC: %e Copa is
currently seeking a bar
manager ~or ~e Copa and
a bar manager for ~amg!es,
for appointment
[405) 525 0730
ALIBIS
1200 N. PENN
Olda.homa City, OK
405-605-3795
Open daily 3pm
ANGLES
2117 NW 39th St.
Oklahom~ Cit); OK
w~:anglesclub.com
THE LEDO
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
wv,~v.habanainn.com
TULSA EAGLE
!338 E. 3RD
Tulsa, OK
918-592-1!88
Open 7days week 2pm to 2am
oa
CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS
3131 N. PENN,
OKC, OK 405-525-9555
Service Sunday 10:45 AM
EXPRESSIONS Fellowship
4010 N Youngs
Oklaboma City, OK
405-761-1878
ww~v.expressionsOKC.com
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahomds HIV/STD Hotline
For dvertis[ng
CRISTtE’S TOY BOX
1039 S. Meridian
Oklahoma City; OK 73108
405-948-3333
CRISTIE’S TOY BOX
3126 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-946-4438
PHOTO D
JUDY G. PHOTO’S -
Tulsa, OK
judygphotos@sbcglobaLnet
918-743-8636
OKLAHOlvIA STONEWALL
DEMOCP,ATES
Oldahoma City, OK
w*a~aokstonmvall.org CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 NW ~RESSVTAY
O~HOMANS for EQUALITY Oklahoma City, OK 73112
621E. 4th Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
918-743-4297
w~vz0keq.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N. Nogales Ave .................
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
405-840-2106
www.c21goldcastle.com
CHUCK BRECENRIDGE
Keller Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-188g................
RED ROCK B.H.S.
4400 N. LINCOLN BLVC
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405-425-0473
Toll Free 1-877-339-3330
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma Cit).; OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Sunday 6pm
BAMBOO LOUNGE
7204 E. PINE
Tulsa, OK
918-836-8700
wwwv;bambooloungetulsa.com
THE END UP
5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE
Tulsa, OK
918-836-0915
Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am
FINISHLINE
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
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405-525-2900 ’
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THE COPA
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSVgAY
OkJahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
wv~*~:habanainn.com
E L
T A
T
A N
o
L R
¢ D
~’m p~oud of the
Stonewall Democrats on my 234th Birthday!
"We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have
its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative
movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality."
"What mailers, as always, is not what we can’t do,
~ it,s what we can and must do."
Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the
Oklahoma and national Democratic Par~.
Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the
comr~uni~y, we are working to make change and shape
NEXT MEETING iS TUESDAY JULY 6, 7:00 We meet the 7st Tuesday ofevery month at the
k~OMA STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY kIEADQUART
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2010] Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 7
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
July 01, 2010
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
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Star Media, Ltd
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Nimmo
Victor Gorin
Rex Wockner
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Judy Gabbard
Romeo San Vincente
Andrew Collins
Jack Fertig
Lisa Keen
Ed Silkow
Keith Orr
Chris Azzopardi
Victor Gorin
Judy G.
Format
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Image
PDf
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Language
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English
Type
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,agzine
Coverage
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Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Metro Star Magazine, June 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 6
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/192
The Metro Star Magazine, September 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 9
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/197
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/191
Adopt
Anastasia Pittmam-Oklahoma House of Representatives
Bitter Girl
Brad Henry-Board of Regents
Cimarron Alliance
cocktailchatter
Creep of the Month
deadCENTER
Domestic Abuse
Don't Shop
Family Research Council
First Thursday Art Exhibit
Fitness-Sun Tzu
funnies
Gay marriage
General Election
Jeff Tracey-District 71
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
Memoirs of Dmentia
Metro scene
Miss Gay Oklahoma
Miss Gay US of A
Movies
Nightclubs and Bars
non-discrimination-orientation
Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association (OGRA)
Our House
Pride Month
QPuzzle
Qscopes
Sean Hayes
Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE)
Supreme Court
Tom Guild-Congress
Tom Kovach
Too
travel
Tulsa Pride
US Census
Voter Registration
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2a03c0c75cdfbe0b5346eab05261ba0b.jpg
9c8ceace2661d22e3da206cba5abd49a
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/dabb8fc3797f90350cd8f80fcd06e1ff.pdf
36874c7ef06b4655add7bdccadb95643
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
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
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Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
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2004-2011
Format
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Images
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PDF
Language
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English
Type
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magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
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magazine
Text
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LOCAL NEWS N NAT[ON&L NEWS N WORLD NEWS ~{ L[FEST}[Lg ~5~ [~’[~ N , N
THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA FlashBack
The STAR Exclusive Lily Tomlin Intervie~v
Front Cover March 2007......>
Oklahoma News Flash Backs -Page 3-4
Photo Flash Backs - Page 8 & 11
VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1 Twitter.corn!MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com ~EE ! JANUARY 1,2011
Ask, on’ Tel heads
By Rex Wockner
Obama plans to sign the bill quickly,
but that will nor end the ban. Gay
servicemembers will need to stay in the closet
for a few more months.
After Obama signs the measure, he and
the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must certify that
the military is ready for the change and
that it will not harm military readiness or
effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting or
member retention.
Then after that DADT repeal will take
effect 60 days later. Xhe process is expected to
proceed relatively smoothly.
"No longer will patriots be forced to lie
in order to serve the country they love and
are willing to die f?r," said Human Rights
Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "~his
vote gy:the United Sta{es Senate will have
Presi&nt Barack Obama. ~Wockn~rphoto extremely pOsitive rippl~ effects well b~yo~d
" Dont Ask; Dont Tell. Our government has
,WA~SHINGTON, DC Don’t Ask, sent a powerful message that discrimination,,,
Dont %11, the military’s ba~on open gays, " on any level, should not be tolerated
lS "
headed for the dustbin of history. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
The Senate voted 65-31 on Dec. 18 to
authorize the policy’s repeal and sent the
measure to President Barack Obama for his
signature.
Eight Republicans joined all but one
Democrat in voting to repeal the ban. They
were Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe
of Maine, Scott Brown of Massachusetts,
Richard Burr of North Carolina, John
Ensign of Nevada, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Lisa
Murkowski ofAlaska and George Voinovich
of Ohio. Democrat Joe Manchin of West
Virginia did not vote.
Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis called on
the Pentagon to cease DADT discharges
during the months between now and when
repeal is finalized.
"I respectfully ask Defense Secretary
Robert Gates to use his a[tthority to suspend
all Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell investigations
during this interim period," Sarvis said.
"Until the president signs the bill, until
there is certification and until the 60-day
congressional period is over, no one should
........Continued See DADT Page-5
Enid P-Flag Presents the
2011 Winter Bal
ENID, OK On Saturday Night,
January 22, 2011 Enid’s Symphony Hall
will coine alive with the festivities of P-Flag’s
(Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
gala major event, the Winter Ball. N~e event
runs from 8 p.m. until midnight and will
include a live DJ, light food, a catered ba,;
and a professional photographer to take
photos of the partiers upon request. Tickets
for the Ball are $10 and can be ordered
by contacting Enid P-Flag. Xhis event is
sponsored by Cross~valk United Church,
Enid’s only official open and affirming
church.
Since opening in March of this year a~
1319 S. Van Buren Enid’s GLBT community
center, which is named simply, "N~e Center",
has been busy and activities are growing.
Through the Center Enid’s P-Flag chapter
provides free counseling find mediation,
and recently added free rapid HIV testing.
Enid’s P-Flag is also partnering with other
organizations through their Bridge Building
Program for which GLBTWA youth and
young adults sign up to assist people in
need of help with tasks such as raking
leaves, putting up or taking down holiday
decorations, delivering hot meals or other
useful activities. Not only does this program
help provide needed volunteers, it also
connects GLBTQA youth and young adults
to the mainstream community and allows
them to share their stories of diversity as the
beneficiaries get to know them.
During this holiday season food has been
donated ftom the Center to the Horn of
Plenty, which is Enid’s largest food bank.
........Continued See ENID Page-15
Metro
to Retire
F .er &
By Victor Gorin
Metro Star Team
Chaz Ward Founder and Publisher ofthe 7hlsa based
Mewo Star Newspaper retires at 71.
TULSA, OK __ "It’s the right time to
retire. The business is changing and needs
younger blood with nexv ideas. It’s been
hard work but very rewarding to inform,
unite and entertain the GLBT community
of Oklahoma and the surrounding region."
Chaz Ward
When Mr. Ward decided ro start a GLBT
focused newspaper he did so with mixed
hopes, appropriate apprehensions, and small
beginnings. The purpose for starting this
enterprise as the Ozarks Star in 2003 was to
provide the unrepresented gay community
of southxvest Missouri, northeast Oklahoma
and northwest Arkansas with a viable voice.
It was just a digest size black and white news
and information magazine with just 12 pages,
four advertisers and a circulation under
700 distributed in Joplin and Springfield,
Missouri, Fayetteville, At’kansas, Pittsburg,
Kansas and Tulsa. Even then he lmew he
~vas getting into a challenging fidd where
countless entrepreneurs had come and gone
in that region alone. Then as now in this area
of the United States gay newspapers deal with
limited advertising revenue because so many
business owners are reluctant to be seen in a
gay focused publication. "The limited revenue
forced us ro rely on part time staff~vorking
primarily as a labor of tove, which makes ir
tough going," said Mr. \Yard.
He would also be dealing with
fear and animosity towards the GLBT
community, but he had seen toughe~~"
times. Growing up in Oklahoma City
as a teenager in the mid 1950s he
faced what was then a different world.
Oklahoma City had only one gay bat’,
the Mayflower, and even that oasis of
GLBT life was subjected to constant
police harassment for which there was no
recourse. Homosexuality was considered
a mental illness, sodomy laws were
tstilt on the books, and gay rights (let
alone marriage) weren’t even considered
worthy of discussion by mainstream
society. Understandably, along with
many other GLBT people, he moved
to California where the environment
was at least a little better, working in
management with a nationa! building
services firm until his retirement in
1994.
He then began buying and
remodeling old homes ro resell, one of
which he turned into a bed & breald’ast
in Joplin that he operated and where the
Ozarks Star was born in 2003. Although
he knew from firsthand observation
what he was getting into, he began his
publication xvith lots of encouragement from
the areas GLBT community. After selling the
bed and breakfast in 2004, he moved to Tulsa
and renamed the paper simply, "The Star."
At that time the largest publication was the
Gayly Oklahoman, which focused primarily
on local news, while the Star dealt more with
entertainment and syndicated columns.
When the Gayly ceased publication in
2006 after 22 years as the primary news
source for the GLBT community and a
restart failed that same year, The Star became
Oklahoma’s largest GLBT newspaper with
a new role to fulfill. Victor Gorin, formerly
with the Gayly Oklahoman, began working
at the Metro Star serving as Copy Editor,
writer, working in ad sales, photography and
distribution primarily for the Oklahoma City
area, joined by writers Robin Dorner and
Jeanne Flanigan. Also coming on board in
Tulsa were writer Michael Sasser, distributor
Bill Francisco and photographer Judy
Gabbard. Later becoming the Metro Star in
2007, the paper had grown to a circulation
of 4000 to 5000, changed from a magazine
to a tabloid, had gained credibility as a
viable source of news and information for
the GLBT community of Oklahoma which
included national news along with local
events and entertainment features.
........Continued See METRO STAR Page- 15
22
o5
est Gay Rese
S~rvice Road
banain
.C
2221
Follow us on Fac~book Major Credit Cards Accepted
2 January 1, 2011
[] []
Paul ~ompson passes
Away Leaving a lifetime
ofService
( 93 o20 0)
Oklahoma Gay Rodeo
Association ~des Again
For 25th ye~ars the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo
Association has held this annual Memorial
Day weekend event which celebrates gay
cowboys & cowgirls with their friends. Held
as always at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds,
the rodeo is like any other with regular roping
and riding events, and unlike most others
with campy "Drag Races" and goat dressing
competitions. This rodeo now ranks among
the top 4 rodeos of the International Gay
Rodeo Association, which comprises over 20
rodeos in the United States and Canada.
Kelly Kirby receives the
Equality Oklahoma’s
Lifetime Achievement
Award
Paul ~hompson was a well known activist
for the GLBT community, starting from the
early 1970s when he w~s arrested for public
lewdness for publicly kissing a man on the
neck. He fought his case and won, and he
continued the rest of his life working to
make things better not only" ~br the GLBT
community but also other marginalized
minorities. He had co-chaired OGLPC
fiom 1992 until tis death on March 4 o~:
this year. He also had co-chaired the OKC
Pride Parade and Festival for many years,
and was instrmnental in arranging the first
one in 1987. In addition he was a tireless
activist with the Oldahoma Democratic
Party:, was an active board member ~vith the
Oklahoma City chapter of the NAACP and
also served on the Martin Luther King Parade
Committee. His life made a major impact on
the lives and future of GLBT Oldahomans
and others seeking justice and equality.
Cimarron Alliance
Foundation acquires
new once and gets a
new Director
Cimarron Alliance dates back to its
original formation in 1995, beginning then
as a Political Action Committee striving
to promote gay or gay friendly candidates
and legislation in Oklahoma. In 1997 the
Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed
in order to enable the organization to accept
tax deductible contributions and work
towards educational efforts for the GLBT
community and Oklahomans in general
about their issues.
They acquired their first office this year
at 729 N.W. 17th Street, and also hired
their first fulltime Executive Director, Scott
Hamilton. He strives to keep the Foundation
going strong during these tough times
stating, "You keep going because the needs
do not abate just because money is tight. If
you bdieve in social justice that doesn’t stop
until there is justice."
At their 30th annual Equality Gala
Banquet, Equality Otdahoma bestowed their
Lifetime Achievement Award on Kelly Kirby.
A veteran and successful businessman xvith
his own accounting firm, he was honored
for over 20 years of activism on behalf of
the GLBT community in Tulsa. Not going
overboard he stated modestly afterwards, "
I would have to say that at 56 years old the
word lifetime is a bit daunting."
Oklahoma City holds
their 23rd Annual Pride
Parade and Festival
From humble beginnings in 1987, the
Oklahoma Pride Parade and Festival once
again brought people together to parry,
reminisce, and stand together. N~is year it was
accompanied by the banners of Cimarron
Alliance displayed on the lampposts along
the parade route on Classen Boulevard. N~is
time it also began with an outrageously fun
block party on Friday night June 25th on the
39th Street Strip, follmved by the Festival in
Memorial Park Saturday and Sunday which is
the beginning point of the Parade. The Parade
~cked off on grand style at 5 p.m., much
glamorized by this year’s Grand Marshall,
Ginger Lamar.
Miss Lamar ( a,k,a, Queen Supreme,
Beauty with a Bite, Queen of the F---king
Universe) has been a mainstay in the OKC
entertainrnent scene for over 30 years. A wild
emcee never caught short for a wisecrack
or snappy comeback, she has delighted
audiences in a style all her own. Today she
still reigns as the emcee Saturday nights at the
Boom, a proud Oklahoma tradition that truly
did it her way.
Pride Parade and Festival
Celebrated in Tulsa
On June 5 Tulsa held their 14th Pride
Parade, followed by their biggest festival yet
in Centennial Park. N~is year their Parade
Marshall was the Reverend Martin Lavanhar,
Senior Pastor of Allsouls Unitarian Church
ofTulsa. He was honored for his courage
shown when he spoke at a conference in
Uganda rallying against efforts by that nation
to make homosexuali.ty a crime punishable by
the death penalty. Aiding a sister Unitarian
church in Uganda for this cause was a very
risky undertaking but he felt he had to make
a stand saying, "I’m 4! years old and I%e
never been called upon to go overseas to
risk my life for freedom. In some ways this
was that kind of call." When he returned
safely Toby Jenkins, the Director of Equality
Oldahoma stated, "We had to hono~ this
wonderful man, to let people know that
this straight minister fi’om Oldahoma was
only one of m,o ministers who was at this
conference in Uganda."
Enid gets their first
GLBT Commtmky
Center, and holds their
first Pride Celebration
One might not think a town like
Enid, well known for its conservatism,
grain elevators and their powerful football
team( the Enid Plainsman) as a place for
a gay scene, but yet this has emerged. Enid
High School has a Gay/Straight Alliance, a
local P-Flag Chapter ( Parents and Friends
of Lesbians and Gays), and now a GLBT
community center called simply the Center
at 1319 S. V3n Buren. Everything fi’om HIV
testing to dances are held there, ~long with
many groups now forming tip.
~ihis year Enid celebrated their 2nd Pride
Festival as Meadowlake Park came to life
with vendors and entertainers followed by an
evening firewor~ sho,a: This time over 400
people came to savor the solidarity and enjoy
the fun.
SSRA Rodeo -Back a~er
5 years in Grand Style
Back after 5 years, the Sooner State Rodeo
Association was again in full swing. Hosted
this time by the Ramada Inn East, the event
was held on October’s first weekend at the
Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort in
Sperry. Founded in 2002, SSRA is a member
of the International Gay Rodeo Association.
0 Y
A CONGREGATION OF THE ~N~T~D CHURCH OF CHRIST
Join us Sundays at 6pro
3901 NW 63rd St
www.cohokc.com
God
is still
speaMng,
Ban
Empi~
’uptcv ® Civil Rights ~Criminal
’ment ® Family Law ® Litigation
January 1, 2011 i 3
School Board
As a well known activist who has proudly
marched in OKC’s Pride Parade carrying a
sign that says "Gay Teacher", Joe Quigley has
for years been a tireless advocate for equality
and safe schools for all students, including
those GLBT or perceived to be. For this he
has gained the respect and admiration of not
only the GLBT community but also that
of countless of fair-minded Oklahomans.
A teacher with the Oklahoma City School
District since 1994 with 10 years of
satisfactory appraisals, he was at Northwest
Classen High School when in May of 2009
the Oklahoma City School Board voted to
fire him. Although they claimed it was for
poor performance, Mr. Quigley and his
supporters saw it as a ruse to get rid of him
due to his advocacy for GLBT students.
With the help of the American Federation
ofTeachers he took them to court where
District Judge Barbara Swinton not only
ruled in his favor, but apologized to him
on behalf of how he was treated by the
district. The District appealed, and. Judge
Swinton’s ruling was upheld. The Oklahoma
City School Board has now appealed to the
Oklahoma Supreme Court. At this time
Mr.Quigley is now in a permanent position
teaching English at Douglass High School;
N
O ahoma attempts
Exemption from Federal
Hate Crimes Law
In October of 2009 Presiden{ obama signed
into taw expanded Federal Hate Crimes
protections to include real or perce@ed
sexual orientation or gender identity as well
as disabilit)’ and gender. Although this was
hailed by the GLBT community and other
activists as a long overdue step forward, it was
also condemned by some religious groups and
other conservatives nationwide who claimed
that this measure promoted homosexuality
and stifled fi’ee speech.
Oklahoma was no exception, and in
early 2010 State Senator Steve Russell
introduced legislation to exempt Oldahoma
from this provision, prohibiting Oklahoma
law enforcement authorities from
cooperating with the Federal government
investigating these ty-pes of hate crimes. After
overwhehning passage in the Senate, it went
to the State House of Representatives where
State Representative Mike Shelton, in a
brilliant procedure of legislative maneuvering,
got this legislation stopped. He had this to
say as to why-- "There are pastors who wear
the veil of Chrisrianity who support this
legislation. As a Christian this offends me
because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for
that." Mr. Shelton later received Cimarron
Alliance’s Legislator of the Year Award, an
honor shared with State Senator Judy Eason
McIntyre ofTulsa.
Oldahoma Gay and
Lesbian Political Caucus
Moves from Surv "va
Mode back to Recovery
During late 2009 and into this year, the
Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian
Political Caucus ( known as OGLPC) was
in survival mode. Formed in the early 1980s,
the group had a long history of advocacy and
education for the GLBT community, and was
most famous for their voter guides mailed out
to GLBT voters and their allies. However,
during 2009 and into this year attendance
had fallen to the point that the group could
not function. Paul Thompson, who had been
the male co-chair of the group since 1992,
was trying to revive the group when he passed
away during March of this year.
Determined to carry on the legacy
of OGLPC, co-chairs Jeanne Flanigan
and Steven Dubois have been working to
rebuild the group, and to reform it as a
PAC ( Political Action Committee) that ~vill
enable OGLPC to do fulfill their goals more
effectively.
They look forward greater milestones
ahead.
N
Brittany Novomy
made history when
she ran against State
Representative Sally
Kern
Sally Kern had already made a name for
herself long before she sha@d a spotlight
with Brittany. First elected in 2004 as a
self described "Kernse~-~ative", she gained
international notoriety’ after a speech she gave
to a Republican gathering was secretly taped
and posted on youtube. This speech stated
that "gays are a bigger threat than terrorism or
Islam"and that "no societ~r" that has embraced
homosexuality has lasted for more than a few
decades."She led the charge to get the book
"King and King" ( ~ story" for children about
a gay prince) removed from the Children’s
Section of Oklahoma County- Libraries,
labeling it "obscene." She also graced
the front page of the Metro Star when she
presented her Proclamation for Morality at
the Oklahoma State Capitol, which claimed
that America’s economic woes were due to
"abortion~ pornography, same sex marriage,
sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births,
child abuse and other forms of debauchery."
In 2010 Brittany Novotny threw her hat
in the ring to give District 84 voters a choice.
An Oklahoma Cite~ attorney and activist
with the Young Democrats, she was the first
transgendered person ever to run for public
once in Oklahoma. However she made it a
point not to focus on that issue, but rather on
things that she felt mattered more for average
raional Oldahomans like jobs, education and
transportation that Sally had neglected due to
her focus of social issues. AJthough she lost to
Ms.Kern in the Red Sweep of the November
general elections, BrittaW still made history
and will no doubt make more in the future.
Tramps continues the
Proud Tradition ofHave
a Heart
An annual event of love happens .
appropriately each year around Valentine’s
Day at Tramps with their Have a Heart
Benefit Show and Auction. It began as the
creation of the late Larry Crosby, then a coowner
ofTramps and Sister Gall Addis who
was then with Catholic Charities’ Loaves and
Fishes Program, which provided meals ~’~r
those living with HIV.Although Larry has
passed away his sister, Canaille Rohn who
is still a part owner ofTramps, along with
the stat~" and many volunteers again made
this event a fabulous success. This year over
$8,000 was raised.
Richard Ogden sworn in
an Oldahoma Regent [
Openly gay attorney and longtime activist
Richard Ogden was appointed by Governor
Brad Henry to the Board of Regents of the
Regional University" System of Oklahoma on
June 10. He was sworn in by District Judge
Barbara Sxvinton.
As a regent Mr. Ogden will be part of that
governing board which is responsible for the
hiring of university presidents.
Tulsa adopts Non-
Discrimination Policy
for City Employees
On June 17 the Tulsa Cit-y Council voted
6-3 to adopt a nondiscrimination policy for
municipal employees on the basis of sexual
orientation, ,~though in 1975 then Mayor
Robert LaFortune commissioned a report
recommending adoption of this policy;
the report was rejected Iia 1994 the Tulsa
GLBT community participated in formal
hearings in favor of this policy, only to be
denied again. The Tulsa Human Rights
Commission had been recommending this
change for over 15 years. I~a-is Wilmes,
Oklahomans for Equality’s Advocacy Director
stated, "This makes such a strong statement
to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming
and sensible island in a state that is often
ridiculed for being intolerant and unjust
towards marginalized populations." Tulsa now
joins other Oklahoma cities who have this
policy for their employees, Del City, Mtus,
McAlester,Miami, Noble and Vi.nita.
Tulsa School Board Votes
for GLBT clusive
Nondiscrimination
Policy
During September the Tulsa School Board
voted unanimously to include GLBT persons
in their nondiscrimination/anti-bullying
policy for teachers, students and parents.
Tami Marler, a spokesperson for the Tulsa
Public Schools, stated that this change was
made in accordance with recommendations
by the Civil Rights Office of the U.S.
Department of Education. With this measure
they now join the school districts of Norman
and Oklahoma City ~vho also have this policy, .
although Oklahoma City’s policy goes further
in also protecting gender identity.
"At Century 2t Gold Castle our BEST
properties are our PEOPL~
3627 NW Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
By Rex Wockner
Dan Choi hospitalized
Activist Dan Choi. Wocknerphoto
Leading Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell activist Dan
Choi said Dec. 14 that he was committed to a
veterans hospital psychiatric ward on Dec. 10,
the day after the U.S. Senate again refused to
authorize repeal of the DADT ban on open
gays in the military.
On Dec. 18, the Senate reversed course
and voted 65-31 to authorize the repeal. (See
separate story.)
In an on-the-record e-mail sent from his
iPhone, Choi said he had experienced "a
breakdown and anxiety, attack."
"(T)he failures of government and
national lobbying carry consequences far
beyond the careers and reputations of
corporate leaders, elected o~cials, high
powered lobbyists or political elites." Choi
wrote. "They ruin lives. My breakdown was
a result of a cumulative array of stressors
but there is no doubt that the composite
betrayals felt on Thursday, by elected leaders
and gay organizations as wel! as many who
have exploited my name for their marketing
purposes, have added to the result."
Choi was released from the hospital
several days later and sounded like himself in
a telephone interview with CNN on Dec. 18.
Activists hope to force
teaching ofgay history
A bill introduced in the California
Legislature by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San
Francisco, would require that LGBT people
be fairly and accurately included in school
teaching material.
~ihe measure is sponsored by Equality
California and the Gay-Straight Alliance
Network.
~ae bill also prohibits the State Board of
Education from using instructional material
that discriminates on the basis of sexual
orientation or gender identity.
EQCA said that if enacted, the law
"would add LGBT to the existing list of
underrepresented cultural and ethnic groups
(that) are covered by current la~v related to
inclusion in textbooks and other instructional
materials in schools."
"LGBT people should not be pushed into
the closefwhen it comes to what students
learn about history," said EQCA Executive
Director Geoff Kors. "Educating youth about
the contributions ofLGBT Californians and
our state’s rich diversity will help foster true
acceptance of LGBT students and will
ultimately create a safe school environment
for all students."
GSA Network Executive Director Carolyn
Laub added, "LGBT youth are denied a fair
education xvhen they are exposed to harmful
stereotypes in classroom materials and are
excluded from learning about their history."
Leno said that "most textbooks don’t
include any historical information about the
LGBT movement."
"Our collective silence on this issue
perpetuates negative stereotypes ofLGBT
people and leads to increased bullying
of young people," he said. "We can’t
simultaneously tell youth that it’s OK to be
yourself and live an honest, open life when we
aren’t even teaching students about historical
LGBT figures or the LGBT equal rights
movement."
UN secretary-general,
US ambassador attend
LGBT event
United Nations Secretary-General Ban
Yd,moon and the United States’ U.N.
ambassador. Susan Rice. joined a high-level
U.N. panel Dec. 10 that condemned anti-gay
violence and the criminalization of same-sex
relations.
The Human Rights Day event was hosted
by several nations and organized by the
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights
Commission, Human Rights Watch and
other organizations.
"Violence will end only when we
confront prejudice," Ban said. "Stigma and
discrimination will end only when we agree
to speak out. That requires all of us ro do our
part -- to speak out at home, at work, in our
schools and communities."
"Where there is tension between cultural
attitudes and universal human rights,
universal human rights must carry the day,"
he said. "Personal disapproval, even society’s
disapproval, is no excuse to arrest, detain,
imprison, harass or torture anyone -- ever.
... Human Rights Day commemorates the
Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights. It is
not called the Partial Declaration of Human
Rights. It is not the Sometimes Declaration
o~Human Rights. It is the Universal
Declaration, guaranteeing all human beings
their basic human rights, without exception."
Rice told the gathering: "The story ofmy
country is, in part, a story of the expanding
boundaries of rights and dignity -- of the way
that discrimination and prejudice have been
countered by acceptance and equality. I feel
dais deeply and I feel it very personally. Even
at a time of profound challenges at home
and abroad, we dare not give up on the great
causes of equality and fundamental rights.
And that includes the pursuit of full and
equal rights for the millions of people in this
country and around the world ,vho are gay,
lesbian, bisexual or transgender."
"Change," Rice said, "comes from people
... who refuse to move to the back of the bus.
It comes from the leaders, the activists, and
the ordinary men and women who believe
that all human beings have equal worth,
equa! dignity, equal consequence -- and
equal rights. This conviction underpins the
significant steps that the United States has
taken over the past two decades to advance
the human rights of all of those who are gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender."
The event was sponsored by U.N.
missions from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil,
Croatia, France, Gabon, the Netherlands,
New Zealand, Norway, and the United
States and by the Delegation of the European
Commission.
Illinois passes civil-union
law
The Illinois Legislature passed a civilunion
bill Dec. 1 and Gov. Pat Quinn said he
will sign it into law.
Gay or straight couples wilt be able to
enter into a civil union starting in July. The
unions will carry the san~e state-level rights as
marriage.
~ae vote in the Senate was 32-24. ~e
vote in the House of Representatives was
61-52.
"(These days), legislator after legislator
talks about ’my gay daughter;’ ’my gay
brother,’" Equality Illinois Director of Public
Policy Rick Garcia told Windy City Times.
"The most politically powerful thing gay
people can do is to come out to family and
friends.... Illinoisans are middle-of-the-road,
very steadfast folks, so [ think {’this bill~
passage) bodes well for our community across
the country."
Freedom to Marry Executive Director
Evan Wolfson ~velcomed the new iaw as a
"step," but said "civil union is no substitute"
for marriage.
"States that have created civil union as
a means of both giving and withholding --
providing legal protections wMle withholding
the freedom to marry and all its meaning
-- have found that civil union falls far short of
marriage vcith al! its tangible and intangible
significance in our lives," Wolfson said.
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley
sounded a similar note Dec. 2, saying:
"Eventually marriage will take place. It has to
be.... We have to move faster."
Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut,
Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Vermont and Washington, D.C. In addition,
New York and Maryland recognize same-sex
marriages that take place elsewhere in the
nation or world.
Civil-union or domestic-partnership laws
that grant all state-level rights of marriage
are in place in California, Nevada, New
Jersey, Oregon and Washington. Laws that
grant same-sex couples some of the rights of
marriage are in place in Colorado, Hawaii
and Maine.
California is a further case unto itself.
Same-sex marriage was legal from June to
November 2008, when voters amended
the state constitution via Proposition 8 to
put a stop to it. The couples who married
then are still legally married, as are other
same-sex couples who live in California and
got married anywchere in the world before
Prop 8 passed. Gay couples who married
somewhere else after Prop 8 passed, or ~vho
marry elsewhere in the future, receive every
state-level right and obligation of marriage
in California except for the legal right to call
their marriage a "marriage" when they are in
California. They are not recognized under the
state’s domestic partnership law, but rather
are married.cou,p,les who are denied use of the
word "marriage.
N
January 1, 2011 5
O ahomans Eqt ality
hires new Execrative
~e Board of Directors of Equal:t).
Oklahoma hired Toby Jenkdns as their new
Execut@e Directoi; beginning his duties
October 1 .He had served on their Board
of Directors since 2008 and has a 13 year
history of volunteering for the organization.
He has been employed at the Tulsa County
Courthouse :[))r 18 years and has for the past 11
years served as the Civil Appeals Court Clerk
to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He holds a
BS degree in Criminal Justice and a BA degree
in Biblical Linguistics and Pastoral Studies.
He also holds a masters degree in theolo~~
and has done graduate work in the Sociology
of Aging. He has 2 married children and a
granddaughter. He is glad to be there stating,
"It~ a great honor to work for an organization
that saves lives every day. I believe we must do
more tO address to needs of our community
and challenge them to step up to volunteer
service."
Norm Teenager
commits Suicide af,er
Ci W Co nci Meeting
Abo t GLBT History
On September 27 the Norman City
Council voted 7-1 to approve a proclamation
~br GLBT History Month. The Norman
Human Rights Commission wrote the
proclamation after much deliberation, and
there was a great deal of positive publicity
concerning the Council’s action. Howevm;
this approval met with strong opposition
from some Norman residents who showed
up at that meeting to air their protests, many
using stereotypical and negat@e references to
homosexuality.
This was wimessed by Zach Harrington,
a 19 year old gay Norman resident who had
heard similar sentiments when he had been
bullied as a student at Norman North High
School. Although his parents, Van and Nancy
Harrington and his sister Nikki were aware of
and supportive of his lifestTle, the sentiments
he heard expressed yet again apparently were
too much and he took his life at his parents’
home October 10. A candlelight vigil was held
for him October 13.
Margaret Cox, Don
& Mick
Schirron honored at the
Cimarron Alliance
Awards Gala
Margaret Cox was honored with the
Cimarron .Alliance Lifetime Achievement
Award for many years spent to help women
achieve equality through her work with
the Oklahoma Chapter of the National
Organization for \7~/omen, and for ~vork
helping the GLBT community through
Herland Sister Resources and Cimarron
Alliance. Also honored as Legislators of the
Year were State Representative Mike Shelton
and State Senator Judy Eason Mclntyre.
Don Hawkins and Mick Schirron
received the Media Avcard as former owners
of the Gayly Oldahoman, which began
operation in 1983 and was Oklahoma’s
longest lasting and largest GLBT
newspaper. Beginning as a monthly paper
with a circulation of 4000, it later grew to
a biweekly publication with a circulation of
10,000. Due to a changing business climate
and personal commitments, Mr. Hawkins
and Mr. Schirron sold the Gayly in 2006 to
Andrew Hiclcs and the late Heather Harp
ofTulsa. Although reincorporated, the
paper resumed operation in March 15 2006
and ceased publication in December 15 of
that same year. Currently the Oklahoma
Historical Society is copying an entire set of
the Gayly OHahomans on microfilm.
@
AIDS Walk O ahoma
"Each Step Brings Hope" was the theme
for the AIDSXX/-alk 2010 which took place
September I9 for the 12th year of this
event. Previously held in October, the date
,vas moved up and the location changed to
the Sonic Plaza in Bricktown, this time also
accompanied by a 5K run that morning.
Money raised from this event goes to help
those in the OHahoma City area infected
and/affected by HIM
Arnold ’%rna Lee"
Smith passes away at 83
As a longtime club owner, activist and
entertainer Arnold Lee Smith, best known
as Arna Lee, left a legacy of pride, hope and
fond memories for GLBT OHahomans.
He was a pioneer, spearheading efforts that
won Oklahoma City’s GLBT community
many freedoms they now take for granted.
When he was a club owner, with a club
called Lee’s Lounge in the early 1960s, he
endured relentless police harassment and
never backed down. Longtime partiers
remember police raids where he was arrested
along with his customers, and he would
bail them out along with himself and
re-open his bar that same night. Later he
opened Oklahoma’s first premier showbar,
the Roadhouse, where many big name
Oklahoma entertainers got their start. Later
he also owned a steamy dance club called
the Outrigger from 1979 until 1981.
After a sojourn in Florida, he opened
another bar complex also called nostalgically
the Roadhouse in 1995, which closed after
a year of operation, and then went partly
into retirement, still doing shows in various
clubs for many good causes. \ghen his heath
failed and he entered the Norman Veterans
Center Nursing Home, he passed away
October 3 I. He was missed by his many
friends, and honored because he madea
difference for the GLBT community of
Oldahoma.
be investigated or discharged under this
discriminatory law. :.. Certification and the
60-day congressional requirement must be
wrapped tip no later than the first quarter of
2011."
Sarvis called the repeal of the ban "the
defining civil rights initiative of this decade."
Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin
Cathcart called the I7-year fight to overturn
the ban "a heroic political battle by LGBT
advocates who refused to give up."
In a statement Defense Secretary Robert
Gates said: "Once this legislation is signed
into law by the president the Department
of Defense will immediately proceed with
the planning necessary to carry out this
Change carefully and methodically, but
purposefully: This effort will be led by Dr.
Clifford Stanley, Undersecretary of defense
for personnel and readiness. The legislation
provides that repeal will take effect once
the President, the Secretary of Defense
and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff certify that implementation of the
new policies and regulations written by the
department is consistent with the standards
of military readiness, military effectiveness,
unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention
of the armed forces .... I will approach this
process deliberately and xvill make such
certification only after careful consultation
with the military service chiefs and our
combatant commanders and when I am
satisfied that those conditions have been met
for all the Services, commands and units. It is
therefore important that our men and women
in uniform understand that while today’s
historic vote means that this policy will
change, the implementation and certification
process will take an additional period of time.
In the meantime, the current law and policy
will remain in effect."
Obama issued-a statement that said:
"Today, the Senate has taken an hist~oric step
toward ending a policy that undermines
our national security while violating the
very ideals that our brave men and women
in uniform risk their lives to defend. By
ending Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell, no longer
will our nation be denied the service of
thousands of patriotic Americans forced to
leave the militao; despite years of exemplary
performance, because they happen to be ga}~
and no longer will many thousands more be
asked to live a lie in order to serve the country
they love. As commander-in-chief, I am also
absolutely convinced that making this change
will only underscore the professionalism of
our troops as the best led and best trained
fighting f6rce the world has ever known.
And I join the secretary of defense and the
chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; as well
as the overwhehning majority of service
members asked by the Pentagon, in knowing
that we can responsibly transition to a new
policy while ensuring our military strength
and readiness. It is time to close this chapter
in our history. It is time to recognize that
sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more
defined by sexual orientation than they are by
race or gendm; religion or creed. It is time to
al!ow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their
country openly."
"First ursday" Art
Opening and E ibit
of Original Works by
Tulsa World Editorial
Cartoonist o Bruce
Planteo
TULSA, OK (PR) __ The January"
Oldahomans for Equality (OlcEq) showcase
and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R.
Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in
downtown Tulsa), will feature works by Tulsa
World Editorial Cartoonist Bruce Plante.
Bruce lcnew, while growing up in
Texarkana, Ark., that drawing and humor
were in his future: He began drawing
cartoons in the second grade and began
performing standup comedy in the sixth
grade.
As a sophomore at the University
of Arkansas Bruce became the editorial
cartoonist for the Arkansas Traveler, the
school newspaper. He graduated the
University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of
Arts in 1977. In 1985, Bruce became the first
staffeditorial cartoonist for The Chattanooga
Times and held that position for 22 years.
On Oct. 22, 2007 Bruce was lured
away from Chattanooga to Tulsa, taking the
position of edit0i:ial cartoonist.for the Tulsa
World, replacing the late Doug Marlette.
In 1989, he creatdd Plante Ink syndicate
which distributes his editorial cartoons to 40
subscribers throughout the United States.
His cartoons have been reprinted in The New
York Times, USA Today;The %~ashington
Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los
Angeles Times, Newsweek, Newsweek
International (Europe), Newsweek Japan,
Playboy; Sports Illustrated, Discover, CBS,
CNN, college and high school textbooks and
even the Iowa Achievement Test.
In 1985, Bruce won Showtime’s Funniest
Person in Aa’aerica Contest. He performed
standup for 4 years for audiences as large
as 3,000 and speak~s to more than 30 civic
groups and schools every year.
The show begins with a reception on
~lt~ursday, JanualT 6th from 6-9pm and
continues throughout the month, www.okeq.
org
Free help
By Steven Petrow
&even Petrozv is tt§e author of"The Essential
Boot: ofGay Manners &Etiquette. Send
him your questions at qUeerieS@live.com.
"Too affectionate at the mall?"
is not to hook-up; you’re making a political
statement.
¯ Follow the leader: Breal~ only one rule
at a time. Don’t go rogue on your comrades,
(i.e. no name-calling, clashing with police).
° Be clean and kissable: Bring your breath
mints; you may be kissing a lot of strangers.
Don’t hog the best kissers. If everyone else is
moving on to a new partner, it’s time to let
go.
Elton John to sing
against Prop 8
Elton John will perform a private concert
in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 19 to raise
money for the ongoing federal lawsuit against
Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional
amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage
in California.
~tle concert, to benefit the American
Foundation for Equal Rigi~ts, which hired
the gay side’s superstar attorneys, Ted Olson
and David Boles, will take place at the Green
Acres estate of billionaire political fundraiser
Ron Burlde.
"We are deeply honored to have the
support of Sir Elton John," said AFER Board
President Chad Griffin. ’!The American
Foundation for Equal Rights stands for the
enduring principle that all Americans are
created equal, and believes that ending statesanctioned
discrimination is a critical step we
must tal~e toward ending the hate crimes and
suicides that continue to claim the lives of
young Americans."
John has not always been a supporter of
same-sex marriage. On Nov. 12, 2008, eight
days after voters passed Prop 8, he told USA
Today: "What is wrong with Proposition 8 is
that they went for marriag.e Marriage is going
to put a lot of people off, the word ’marriage’.
... I dont want to be married. I m very happy
with a civil partnership. If BY people want to
get married, or get together, they should have
a civil partnership.... Heterosexual people get
married. We can have civil partnerships."
Prop 8 was struck down as
unconstitutional at the federal district court
level. The ruling is currently on appeal at the
U.S. 9th Circuit Court ofAppeals, which
heard oral arguments on Dec. 6.
For concert ticket information, e-mail
events@afer.org.
3131
January 1, 2011 I 7
Tulsa Eagle Staffready to serve the crowd at thier 2009 New Years Eve Black &White Ball,
and did they ever!
Sooner &ate Softball Association Games promised an ex’citing summer 2010. Shown above is
Oklahoma Chaos Team ofOklahoma Ci~ Gorin photo
.............MORE Photo’s on page 11
8 January 1, 2011
AffirmingChurch
in Owasso expands
ministry to gay
OWASS0;OK (PR)~ ~.Table
UCC h~ ~0urd~ and ~fi~ort for
G~TQS~yo~t~ ~i~i~)~e
Youth gr~U~ is c~i~ ~nPlace.
~ey m;et0n F~i~ay ev~fiings from
6:30pm t0 8~00pm. B~ginning the
3rd Monday in Janua~ they will have
k PF~G meeting from 7’8 p.m. Rev
Melinda Foster leads the congregation
and they meet at 202 S Cedar, Suite
E, Ow~so OK 74q55. Rev. Melinda
Foster can be reached at 918-693-
0458. For more information visit:
http://opentableucc.com/
Nommanons
Comm ity Heroes
TULSA, OK (PR)
Oklahomans for Equality is now
taldng nominations to recognize
individuals or groups who have made
an impact on the work for equality
for the LGBT community. These
awards are presented at the annual
Equality Gala on April 30, 2011,
Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom.
The following awards are presented:
Lifetime Achievement Award-
Recognizes a lifetime dedication
tothe cause of equality for LGBT
community in O~ahoma. Past
recipients include Nancy McDonald,
Dennis Neill and Kelly Kirby.
This award is nor always presented,
annually.
Community Heroes- Recognize
~hose individuals and groups who have
represented or served our community
in the previous year. Many of these
hdroes have "taken a bullet" for our
cause. Past recipients include Council
Oak Mens Chorale, Jim Roth, Carol
Crawford, Tim Williams, and Kelly
Carter.
The Russell Bennett Award
for Spiritual Inclusion - Presented
to a faith leader who leads and
supports affirming the faith of the
LGBT community in our local
congregations. Past winners include
Rev. Leslie Penrose, Rabbi Sherman
and Rev. Richard Ziglar.
Grand Marshal for the Tulsa Gay
Pride Parade June 11 th- Recognizes
an individual who has supported the
LGBT community in a courageous
and visible manner. Past recipients
have been 11 year old Noah Blatt
and the Rev Marlin Lavanhar for his
advocacy work for the gay community
in Uganda.
You can download a form at
http://www.okeq.org/wp-content/
uploads/2010/12/nominationform.
pdf Please return completed form to:
Oklahomans for Equality PO Box
2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 or email paul.
allen@okeq.org
Rev S eve uric
spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Sunday 6:00 PM
Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
www.socmcc.org
Have a God filled and Blessed Day!
January 1, 2011
Creep ofthe Month
By D’Anne Witkowski
D’Anne ~tkowski has been gayforpay since 2003.
Shes aJ~eelance zortter andpoet (believe ~t:9. When she’s
not taking on the creeps ofthe world she reviews rock ~’
toll shows in Detroit with her ~oin sister
"John McCain"
10 January 1, 2011
I wish I still had my dog-eared and
tattered copy of Conduct Unbecoming so I
could send it to John McCain. Not that he’d
bother ro read it. The U.S. military’s vicious
anti-gay history with its vcitch-hunts and
outright persecution of gay service members
probably isn’t of much interest to McCain.
Especially since "don’t ask, don’t tell" solved
everything. Don’t you dare try
to tell him anything different.
During a Nov. 28
appearance on "State of the
Union" with host Candy
Crowley, McCain actually
had the audacity to claim that
"don’t ask, don’t tell" is an
effective policy that doesn’t harm anyone, gay
or straight, and that the call for its repeal is
just politics.
"There was no uprising in the military," he
said. "There were no problems in the military
with ’don’t ask, don’t tell.’"
"If you were gay it was a problem,"
Crowley interjected.
"No it wasn’t," McCain snapped. "It’s
called ’don’t ask, don’t tell,’ okay? Ifyou don’t
ask them, you don’t ask somebody, and they
don’t tell."
Got that? It works. End of story.
Crowley tried to ask McCain something
else, but he cut her off.
"I understand your point of view. I
understand the poil~t of view by the majority
of the media," he said. "But the fact is,
this was a political promise made by an
inexperienced president or candidate for
presidency of the United States."
In other words, it’s all Obama’s fault. He’s
too young to know what a good idea it is to
discriminate against homos in the military.
Why, when McCain was Obama’s age he had
to walk 15 miles in the snow uphill both ways
in order to make a campaign promise likd
that.
"The military is at its highest point
in recruitment and retention and
professionalism and capability," McCain
continued. "So to somehow allege that this
policy has been damaging the military is
simply false."
Tell that to the thousands of gays and
lesbians who have been booted out of the
military since "don’t ask, don’t tell" was
enacted. According to Servicemembers Legal
Defense Network, that number is upwards
~s"R’s cal~ed ’don’t ~
k, don’t te~,’ okay?
you don’t ask
Ithern, you don’t ask
IsorneSody, and they
~.on’t tell." ~
of 14,000. You may recall
that in 2002, amid a severe
shortage of Arabic-speaking
translators, the Army fired
six linguists trained in
Arabic simply because they
were gay.
Apparently McCain sees
this as some kind of success. "The fact is that
this system is working," he told Crowley.
McCain repeatedly stressed that he
wanted to know what the effect ~vill be of
letting gays serve openly - and that’s the
operative word, "openly." Because gays
already serve in the military, they just have
the weight of a government-mandated closet
on their backs threatening to tumble open
and ruin their careers ar any moment.
"I believe we need to assess the effect on
the morale and battle effectiveness of those
young Marines and’Army people I met at
forward-operating bases that are putting their
lives on the line every day," he said. Never
mind that some of these "young Marines and
Army people" are probably gay.
McCain Said he has had "a number of"
military folks come up ro him and say, "Look,
we fight together, we sleep together, we ear
together." His choice of anecdotes illustrates
one of the main concerns ofhomophobes:
that homosexuality is contagious, and the
best way to guard against it is to make sure
you never l~ow when and if it’s around you
and to punish gays and lesbians who dare
make such an enormous sacrifice to serve the
country.
A
L
G
A
T
S
L
0
T
A
T
L
L
A
C
Y
N
Y
T
Miss Bamboo 2011 @ the Bamboo Lounge
~dsa November 2010. Staffphom
@A~tes OKC]anuary 2010. Godn photo
Hot Dancers @ 77~e End Up, ~dsa March
2010. ~affphoto
F ash Back
TobyJenkins, President, Oklahomansfor
Equality and Oklahoma State Representative
Al 3/IaAd~ey at the 30th Equality Gala, Tulsa.
Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella [m~es
@the Copa, OKCfidy 2010. Gorin photo
@ Finishline, OKCJanua,y 2010. Gorin ghoto
@Alibis, OKCJune 2010. Godn ghoto
April 2010 Open Arms Youth Project hosts
P?vm Night. P,vm Queen, Brenda "G,andma"
Bolen and Prom I~%tg, Kim W,§#enhunt. Judy
G. Photo
Best Wishes For
Kel~ Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement
Award, p,~sented by N,znoy McDonald @ the
30Anniversary Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo
3det,v Star Staff"
Ginger Lamar, Grand 3darshall 2010 OKC
Pride. Do,werphoto
Untertaine. @ Ledo. O {C 20 OI Gon,,
photo
@ Club Majestic, TulsaJanuary 2010, fi~dy G.
photo
Sooner State Rodeo Association at the 2010
Tulsa Pride Parade. Judy Gphoto
2011, From The Metro Star Team @ Club 209, ~dsaJanua,7 2010, Ju4y G.
photo
Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association @ the
Habana hzn Pool Party 3day 2010. Godn photo
By Rex Wockner*
Judges hint at Prop 8
case twists and turns
9t,§-Gtvuit Federal Court, APpoolphoto @Eric Risberg
The effort to undo California’s Proposition
8 inched forward Dec. 6 when a three-judge
panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of
Appeals entertained nearly three hours of oral
arguments from the attorneys in the case.
In an ornate courtroom on the third floor
of San Francisco’s historic James R. Browning
U.S. Courthouse, amid murals, stained glass
and statues dating to 1905, the attorneys
replayed some of their main arguments and
the judges offered hints of where the case
might go.
The gay side’s lawyers, who include
famed attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles,
sought to defend U.S. District Judge Vaughn
Walker’s ruling from August that Prop 8
violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of
equal protection and due process.
They also argued that the parties who
brought the appeal to the 9th Circuit -- the
activists who created Prop 8 and the deputy
county clerk of Southern California’s dusty
Imperial County -- have no legal "standing"
to have mounted this appeal ofWalker’s
ruling.
Those parties are trying to defend Prop
8 because all the public ot~cials who were
sued in the case -- including Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger and Attorney General (and
Gov.-elect) Jerry Brown -- have refused to
defend the voter-passed state constitutional
amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage
in November 2008 after it had been legal
for 4 1/2 months and after t8,000 same-sex
couples had married.
It is unclear if the court will grant the
Prop 8 proponents or Imperial County
standing to allow the appeal to move forward.
~e judges seemed unimpressed by Imperial
County’s desire to be let into the case. Among
other things, they seemed annoyed that the
deputy county clerk rather than the actual
clerk is pursuing the move.
As to whether the people who put Prop 8
on the ballot should be allowed to step into
the shoes of the state government and defend
a piece of the state constitution that the state
itself refuses to defend, the judges hinted
that they might bounce that question off of
the California Supreme Court to see hmv it
feels about the idea. If the 9th Circuit does
that, it could delay appellate rulings on both
the standing issue and the merits ofWalker’s
decision.
On the merits, Olson told the judges that
California has unconstitutionally "taken a
class of citizens and put them in a separate
category."
California gives same-sex couples all the
of marriage under
a domesticpartnership
law,
but prohibits
gay couples from
marrying. Under
another law. gay
couples who
go get married
somewhere else
also receive all
the California
rights of
marriage but
are prohibited
from calling
their marriage
a marriage
in California.
Yet other gay couples, who got married in
California or somewhere else before Prop
8 passed, are considered to be married in
California and are permitted to use the word.
It’s very messy.
All of this is discriminatory, Olson said.
It harms gay Californians. ~here is no legal
rational basis for it. It cannot be "justified,"
he said. "California has built a fence around
its gay and lesbian citizens and around the
institution of marriage," Olson told the
judges. "That is a violation of the equalprotection
clause and it’s a violation of the
due-process clause."
Attorney Charles Cooper for the Prop 8
proponents told the judges that his case in
defense of Prop 8 centers on "procreation."
In Coopers view, it is rational for the
state to limit marriage to men and women
because the reason marriage exists in the first
place is because sex between men and women
produces children. ~e state, he suggested,
has a unique interest in human unions that
are procreative.
At the end of the day, court-watchers were
talking about three things that piqued their
curiosity during the oral arguments:
* Will the case be delayed so the 9th
Circuit panel can sound out the California
Supreme Court on the question of whether
people who put initiatives on the ballot
should be able to defend those initiatives
when they are struck down by courts?
Regardless of whether the judges seek advice
from the California Supreme Court, the case
¯ cannot proceed if the 9th Circuit decides that
neither the Prop 8 proponents nor Imperial
County has legal standing to appeal. If they
do not, Walker’s ruling striking down Prop 8
would come back into force.
* In hearing the appeal of Walker’s ruling,
will the 9th Circuit rely solely on Walker’s
expansive trial record, which seems to
demolish most of the myths, lies, arguments
and opinions that historically have been used
to oppress gay and lesbian people? Or will
the 9th Circuit look at additional sources of
information and seek out other facts . ine
court hinted that it may review more than
just the District Court’s findings.
* And has the 9th Circuit perhaps hinted
that it plans to uphold \Valker’s decision but
in a way that would limit the case’s impac~ to
California, the only state that ever let gays get
married and then later took that right away
from them? The court spent a fair amount of
12 January 1, 2011
Ed Sikov is the author ofDark l/icto*_7; 7be Life
ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!lms and
fihnmakers.
"Kahlua, Cream and Fiasco:
-he White Russian"
My cold lasted another week, so
forget about literary reticence. Let the gross
descriptions fly: Shot spewed out of my nose
like raw scrambled eggs, only darke,; more
translucent, and graced by tiny bloblets of
blood. My lungs hacked up a hocker so gray
it could have come out of an old coal miner.
When I wasn’t wiping smears of sputura
off my hands, sheets and nearby skin mags,
! contemplated my recent poor behavior.
Dan was right: I’d become "an old-fashioned
asshole." Dan was nothing but affectionate
with me, even after I spat goose-shit-green
mucous onto his pillow while he slept. He
deserved better from me. So did my friends.
When I stopped being viral, I invited
Craig and Kyle to dinner. Surprisingl); Craig
didn’t hang up on me when I called. "I’m
sorry..." I began. He cut me off: "Listen,
dollface - I’ll forgive you anything as long
as you keep your tongue off my boyfriend."
"Right-O!" I sang out, amxiery turning me
strangely into Terry-Thomas in some British
war comedy. "How about dinner here on
Saturday? It’s Chicken Cacciatore and an
after-dinner drink that doesn’t suck." All was
well.
Dinner xvas a disaster. Dan was late, so
I had to wield the vacuum cleaner and a
can of Pledge and set the table while trying
to make what turned out to be an absurdly
complicated "hunter’s style" chicken with
only half the ingredients the recipe called
for. (I hadn’t bothered with a shopping list.
"Calling Dr. Freud! STAT!") The result
was a greasy; taste-free horror - no wild
mushrooms, no fresh sage or thyme, clumpy
years-old garlic salt instead of garlic....
"Hunter’s style?" What were they hunting
- something outof Oliver Twist?
Having tasted the cacciatore, I downed
some Tormore Single Malt and became
morose. But when Dan waltzed in mere
minutes before Craig and Kyle were supposed
to show up, my irrepressible life force
returned. [ became hostile. Craig and Kyle
thus entered during the second act of _Who’s
Afraid ofVirginia Woolf_, with me playing
both George and Martha. I behaved terribly;
Dan was rightly embarrassed. I might have
summoned enough dignity not to spend the
whole evening staring at the gap between
Kyle’s bottom shirt button and his belt. a
space out of which a perfect tuft of soft hair
emerged. Craig noticed, much to his giee and
my continuing disgrace.
But dessert was fiibulous! Ttxe White
Russian is one of my favorite cream-based
cocktails because of its subtlety, simplicity
and relative lack of.sweetness. It’s got a little
Kahlua for a cafd au lair effect, vodka for
some kick and thick, chilled heavy cream
for the mouth-to-belly bliss that only cold
dairy fat can provide. Still, two rounds of
White Russians wasn’t enough to make up for
hurling lettuce fragments and bacon chunks
in Craig’s face after discovering that puppy
Kyle had been gobbled up by Jabba the Hut.
Am I still bitter? You bet your elephantine
ass I am.
~-he White Russian
1 part Absolut
1/2 part coffee liqueur
1 part chilled heaW cream
Put some ice in a shaker and add all
the ingredients; put the cap on and swirl it
around a bi{ rather than shake it. (After all,
you’re not trying to make liquor butter.) Pour
through strainer into a good-looking glass
and serve.
time discussing a 1996 case from Colorado in
which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a
state constitutional amendment that deprived
gay people of anti-discrimination protections
that Colorado governments previously had
extended ro them.
A "narrow" ruling against Prop 8 by the
9th Circuit could bring same-sex marriage
back to California but possibly thwart Olson,
Boles and the American Foundation for
Equal Rights’ desire to take before the U.S.
Supreme Court the proposition that samesex
couples have a constitutional right to get
married in all states.
Lesbian becomes Colorado
Supreme Court justice
Monica Marquez became the first openly
gay or l~sbian member of the Colorado~
Supreme Court when she was s~vorn in Dec.
10.
Her partner, Sheila Barthel, helped her
put on her black robe at the ceremony.
Marquez, 41, previously served as deputy
attorney general.
Spacey won’t discuss
sexual orientation
Actor Kevin Spacey told The Daily
Beast on Dec. 15 that he’s not interested in
discussing his sexual orientation.
"I have not given up my right to privacy,"
Spacey said. "People have different reasons for
the way they live their lives. You cannot put
everyone’s reasons in the same box. It’s iust a
line I’ve never crossed and never will."
"You have to understand that people who
choose not to discuss their personal lives
are not living a lie." he continued. "That
is a presumption that people jump ro.... I
iust don’t buy into that the personal can be
political. I just think that’s horseshit."
ING AROLINI~ NOW...BECAIJSE
OF THE. CHANGES
IF "/OIJ WANT TO RMIN
THEN GO.
e~il: bittergirl@qsyndicate,com ty.net
Chuck Breckenridge
%q~cther buying or selling
I’!1 work hard for you.
!~-rk~_ra~~
597 Magnetic Road
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
www.magneticValleyresort.corn
info@magneticvalleyresort.com
800-210-8401 479-244-6821
Abutting Downtown
Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Centel; Tulsa Gay
Center. ~M]rordable Homes and Apartments.
For mo,:e Info~wmtion visit:
www~aybn~dyheightsmha.com
By Jack Fertig
Janua~ 20tl
"Take a cSance on ~ove, Gemini!"
Sun squaring Saturn adds the weight
of age and responsibility, but Venus
enters Sagittarius, leading affections
and aesthetics toward new adventures.
She gets in the middle of that square
offering frivolous escape that can too
easily complicate problems at hand, but
she also offers some creative solutions.
ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19):
The responsibilities of work and
relationships can feel oppressive. A
romantic adventure is much needed. If
partnered, plan a getaway. If single, a
stern attitude can be sexy, but balance
it with playful warmth. (Think gym
coach!)
TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20}: As hard
as you’ve been working, you’re entitled
to a much-needed release. Find an
appropriate place to scream and let it all
out. If you really need to beat someone
there are eager victims. Just keep it
safe and consensual.
GEN~N~ (Nay 21o June 20): Play only
for funsies. Don’t take any bets. but
take a chance on love or a passionate
facsimile. Incredible sex is no basis for
a solid relationship. Take it one day at a
time and see what else there is.
CANCER (June 21o Ju~y 22): A strong
sense of responsibility at home can be
a millstone or a motivator. Go with the
latter. Once you drag your tush into
action, momentum will make the rest of
it a lot easier.
LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): Even you
may have inarticulate moments, but just
take them as a creative challenge. A
little playfulness can boost morale and
productivity. Too much, not so good. If a
few jokes and your dazzling smile aren’t
enough, turn it up slowly.
V~RGO (August 23 - September 22):
Your best investment of time, energy
and money is in your own home and
community. Think ahead before taking
on responsibilities. Spreading humor
and good will at home or close by will
help build your standing.
L~BRA (September 23 - October
22): The weight of the world seems to
be on your shoulders. Opportunities
can be hard to find, but they’re there!
A lighthearted chat with a sister
(genetic or otherwise) can help you get
perspective.
SCORHO (October 23 - November
21): Life is tough, but don’t let current
troubles wear you down. When you
catch yourself worrying, channel that
into constructive thought toward a
solution. Stick to basics and remember
what’s important.
November 22
- December 20): The money crisis
will hit everyone. You may be worrying
too much on a personal level. Focus
on your personal assets, the kind
you would still have even if you were
penniless and naked. Never forget: You
almost always fare better than most.
CAPRICORN (December 21
- January- 19): You’re at the top of your
game, but what’s next? The answer to
that is not as urgent as it may seem.
Relax, indulge in a romantic or sensual
retreat, and the hard questions will gain
perspective,
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): The world’s troubles are the
world’s, not necessarily your own.
Discussing global and personal worries
with friends will help balance it all out.
For answers to the world’s problems
and your own, look across borders and
oceans.
HSCES (February !9- Narch 19):
Put your deep, dark imagination to
work. Even in a bleak future there are
opportunities. You can be inspired to
find them for yourself and to guide
others. Even if the light at the end of the
tunnel is an oncoming train you could
ride it out.
Community for
People iving
with
H V/A DS
A 50I c (3) Not] Profit Organization
Our House, Too offers a variety of
activities for people who are HIV+ and
or living with AIDS to help combat the
social isolation that many of our
people live through each and everyday.
We provide a Toiletry and Household
Pantry for those who are HIV+
and or living with AIDS who cannot
afford to purchase these items for
themselves. We invite anyone who
would like to volunteer or provide financial
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net
’1
14
/7
20
27
34
37
43
46
2 3 4 5 : 6 7 8
I
48
11 !2
24 25 26
33
53 54 55
Across
56
63
57 58
49
Down
"i[hree-men-in-a-tub event
Oral attention getter
So,s0 grade
14 Point of View intr0, at Gay.c0m
15 "Oh, ~,X?hat a Beautiful Morning" sin er
16 Prayer Stm~&r
!7 Hides ofhai~T guys?
t9 ~orkers under Barney Frank
20 He had a crush on Beatle John
1 Lettuce variety
2 US citizen
3 The king in N~e ~ng I. ~br one
4 Time for Frida
5 Fireplace rods
6 Bounds gaily
7 Deadly septe[
8 HIV exam, e.g.
9 One that reproduces without sex
34 "l~wo to one, }~r one
35 Cat on Tin RoOf
36 LacldngToc"ks ~,
37 E~rly g~atle song that expressed how 20-
Across irelt :
t3 ’60s radical org.
18 Type of tool
2! .M.use for Millay
24 My Cup Runneth Over s~nger
Whitrnan’s dooryard bloomers
the shaft
a hottie
14 January 1,201t
During the Metro Star’s time in
publication Oklahoma and America has
experienced great changes including two
major elections, inclusion of GLBT persons
among those with Federal Hate Crimes
protection, the OKC and Tulsa School
districts adopting policies protecting gay
students from harassment and bullying, the
tremendous growth of Oldahoma’s gay rights
advocacy organizations and at presstime
finally the end of legal discrimination for
GLBT Americans in the US military.
However as 2010 concludes on this
happy note Chaz \gard, at age 7t, has made
the decision to retire after publishing the
newspaper for over 7 years. "It’s time for me
to relax, I want to do some traveling, and will
continue to help advance total equality for
GLBT people."
In conclusion the Metro Star wishes to say
that they were proud to be part of the GLBT
community of Oklahoma and the region,
thanking our advertisers and readers for 7
great years. We come to a close xvith a recap
of the highlights of 2010, and in this last
issue we say thank you and we appreciate
the support everyone has given us.
Another endeavor has been their Cooking
for Ct~ange Program which has been selling
freshly made homemade tamales as a means
for fundraising. A dozen tamales are only
$24 and are available in pork, chicken or
vegetarian style. Contact P-Flag to order
some!
P-Flag Enid also wants .to announce
that nominations are open for their 2011
Stand Awards, which are open to GLBTQA
individuals, businesses, organizations, media,
artists and other categories of Oklahomans
~vho have improved life for the GLBT
community in the state. They are also seeking
similar groups interested in partnering with
P-Flag as a Communty Parmer sponsor
to keep the work of the Center going and
growing. Enid P-Flag is a 501c3 organization
so contributions are tax deductible.
To contact Enid P-Flag one can call
toll free 1 800 878 5298, or logon pflag@
enidglbt.org..
Flash Back
I~cmr & Chaz 200~
January 1, 2011
Dublin Core
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[2010] Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 1
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January 01, 2010
Subject
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Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
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The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
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Star Media, Ltd
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Star Media, Ltd
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James Nimmo
Victor Gorin
Rex Wockner
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Judy Gabbard
Romeo San Vincente
Andrew Collins
Jack Fertig
Lisa Keen
Devre Jackson
Steven Petrow
Keith Orr
Chris Azzopardi
Victor Gorin
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English
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magazine
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Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
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The Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 12
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/130
The Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 2
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/188
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189
activism
advertisements
Advice Column
After Dark
AIDs Walk
Bamboo Lounge
Bike fundraiser
Bitter Girls
Celtic festival
Chelsea Boys
civil unions
classifieds
Club Rox
Comic Strips
commentary
controlling stress
denies gay marriage
Fundraiser
Gay/Lesbian center
grants
horoscope
Joseph Beam
Lawanda Jackson
Lesbian Notions
Loaves and Fishes
marriage equality
Miss Gay Oklahoma
new Jersey
Our House
Out of Town
Owasso Community Theatre
Past Out
Q Scopes
South Africa marriage
Star Distributors
The Gayly Oklahoman
The Star Scene
The Wine Rack
Too
travel
Tulsa news
Uncle Mikey
vacation
Why should being gay be a crime?
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/a507a047bc22141cbe17fde66b58ce9b.jpg
077340619b82598559e876b48d895e5e
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/5bb63104bb30356402cc8cb05fd7d679.pdf
a18db0a08906cd2698eed2395edddec1
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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/.
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
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Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
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Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
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2004-2011
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English
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magazine
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Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
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Ozarks Pride/Star Media
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C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
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magazine
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THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA
VOLUME 7 ISSUE 2 Twitterocom!MetroStarNews
Prop 8 federal trial continues in San Francisco
News analysis
By Rex Wockner
Famous atto~v,eys David Boies, le_~ and Ted Olson are infederal court in San Francisco t~sving to
kill Prop 8. Also picuwed: Olson’s wife, Lady Booth Olson. Photo by Diana Walker
At press time, the trial in the federal
lawsuit against Proposition 8 was continuing
in U.S. District Court in San Francisco before
Judge Vaughn \Valker.
Famous heterosexual attorneys Ted Olson
and David Boles are trying to convince
Walker that Prop 8, which amended
California’s constitution to re-ban same-sex
marriage, violates the U.S. Constitution’s
guarantees of due process and equal
protection under the law.
Leading gay-rights groups have been
sidelined in the case, limited to filing "friend
of the court" briefs, because they didn’t play
nice with Olson and Boles early on. They
publicly dissed the case as unwise and poorly
timed.
~e lawsuit, which likely will end up
before the U.S. Supreme Court, could lead to
the legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50
states.
Convemely, it also could possibly stall the
movement for same-sex marriage for a
generation, should the U.S. Supreme Court
uphold Prop 8.
Judge Walker had wanted to beam video
of the trial to other federal courthouses and
post it on YouTube, but the U.S. Supreme
Court, in a 5-4 ruling, put the kibosh on that
idea Jan. 13, saying officials in the federal
courts’ 9th Circuit hadn’t followed proper
procedure in lifting the ban on cameras in
federal courts.
Olson and Boles strongly supported
broadcasting the trial. The pro-Prop-8 side
vociferously opposed the plan, ultimately
filing an emergency appeal to the Supreme
Court to stop it.
Gay activists and commentators suggested
that Prop 8 defenders were horrified at the
idea of the trial being broadcast because they
lmow that their anti-gay rhetoric, which is
being analyzed in detail at the trial, is hateful,
false and, when exposed in f~l, so
........Continued See PROP 8 Page-5
® MetroStarNews.com FEBRUARY 1,2010
OkEq Celebrates "Wi d Hearts
Week nd" with p ans for ree Events
for Valentines -
TULSA, OK (PR) __ Oklahomans for
Equality, Oklahoma’s preeminent Gay Rights
Organization will host three separate events
beginning Friday February 12th, Saturday
February 13th and Sunday February !4th at
the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 621 E.
4th Street in Downtown Tulsa.
FRIDAY, February t2th, from 7-9pro,
the first of the "Wild Hearts Weekend"
events: Relationship Recognition Reception
- an effort to mitigate the discrimination
against the GLBT Community due to a lack
of Equal Marriage Rights will be held in the
Great Hall of the Dennis R. Neill Equality
Center beginning with a lecture series by
Tulsa’s top legal and financial professionals
Saturday, February 13th, 2010, 7-11pm,
the second of the "Wild Hearts Weekend"
events: Wild Hearts Ball 10th Anniversary
Celebration and Dance - the annual fundraiser
and social event to benefit Otdahomans
for Equality will be held at the Dennis R.
Neill Equality Center with dance music by
DJ Zeke with video graphics set to the best
mobile light show in town. Also available are
Party Pictures with Cupid by Steven Michael
Hall Photography, party appetizers and
desserts along with raffles and door prizes plus
a silent auction. Cash Bar available for guests
21 mad older.
Sunday, February 14th, 2010, 1 lam-2pm
- The third of the "Wild Hearts W-eekend"
public. with Debby@okeq.org or call 918-743-4297.
State Representative AI McAffrey to introduce
Legislation for Domestic Partner Benefits for
Ol ahoma State Employees
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
OKLAHOMA CITY,
OK In the upcoming
legislative session, State
Representative A1 McAffrey
plans to introduce legislation
to allow domestic partners of
Oklahoma state employees to
obtain health care benefits.
Mr. McAffrey, Oklahoma’s
only first and only openly gay
state legislator, a Democrat
who represents District 88,
stated that it would enable the
partners of state employees to
obtain the benefits currently
available to spouses and
dependents. A domestic
partner is defined as someone
Darters
whom on is involved in
and would include
heterosexual couples as well as those in same
sex relationships.
This is the first
time this has been
proposed in the
Oklahoma legislature.
He related that
this would not
only help provide
those eligible better
access to healthcare
coverage, it would
help attract and
retain talent among
Oklahomas workers
as well as raise
consciousness in
Oklahoma about
that issue. It will be
introduced when
the session begins
February 1, where it may or may not get out
of committee, and if it does it may or may
not pass. But he promised that if it doesn’t
succeed, "I’ll introduce it again next year"
~entine’s Day started in the time of
the Roman Empire: In ancient Rome, February
!4th was a holiday to honour Juno.
Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods
and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her
cancelled all marriages and engagements
in Rome. The good Saint Valentine (photo
above) was a priest at Rome in the days of
Claudius II, He and Saint Marius aided the
Christian martyrs and secretly married couples,
and for this kind deed Saint Valentine
was apprehended and dragged
as the Goddess ofwomen
and marriage. The following
day, February 15th,
began the Feast of Lupercalla.
The lives ofyoung
boys and girls were strictly
sep~ate. However, one of
the customs of the young
people was name drawing.
On the eve of the festival
of Lupercalia the names of
Roman girls were written
on slips of paper and placed
into jars. Each young man
would draw a girl’s name
from the jar and ~vould
then be partners for the
duration of the festival with
the girl whom he chose.
Sometimes the pairing of
before the Prefect of Rome,
who condemned him to be
beaten to death with dubs and
to have his head cut off. He
suffered martyrdom on the
14th day of February, around
the year 270. At that time it
was the custom in Rome, a
very ancient custom indeed,
to celebrate in the month of
February the Lupercalia, feasts
in honour of a heathen god.
On these occasions, amidst a
ceremonies,
names ofyoung women
were placed in a box, from
which they were drawn by the
men as chance directed.The
pastors of the early Christian
Church in Rome endeavoured
to do away with the pagan
element in these feasts by substituting the
the children lasted an entire year, and often,
they would fall in love and would later
marry. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius
II Rome was involved in many bloody and
Unpopular campaignS: Claudius the Cruel
was having a difficult time getting soldiers
) join his military leagues. He believed that
reason was that Roman men did not
want to leave their loves or families. As a
result, Claudius,
RDI R.AS
celebrations include lots offeasting, partying
and parading on the big day, also kno~vn as
Shrove Tuesday - just before Ash Vdednesday
- when the Church rules offasting and sacrifice
take effect. It’s been that way in Christian
countries around the world sinCe the Middle
Ages. Today most of the world’s celebrations
occur during the week ofFat Tuesday, which
falls on February 16th this year.
Fat Tuesday in New Orleans
It’s been five long years since the devastation of
names of saints for those of maidens. As
the Lupercalia began about the middle of
February, the pastors appear to have chosen
Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of
this new feast.
So it seems that the custom ofyoung men
choosing maidens for valentines, or saints
as for ; year, arose in this
Hurricane Katrina, and the biggest party town
in America ~vill pick itselfup for the 2010 Fat
Tuesday celebration with even bigger crowds -
and more parades - expected this year. The New
Orleans Mardi Gras parade schedule began on
January 6, that is when the first King Cakes are
socially avafl~biel k ~onti~ues thr0tlgh to Fat
Tuesday, February 16, 2010.
Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras and Carnival
Celebrations around the world
The biggest and loudest ofthem, as always,
are in Rio and New Orleans, although the
Karneval, or Fasching, festivities in Cologne
and Berlin get pretty wild, Carnaval in Nice
shows offthe ~vackier side ofthe trendy
Riviera scene, and the Italians in Venice are the
worldwide experts on the art ofstreet theater.
Ban
Empl
uptcv * Civil Rights Criminal
ment * FamilV Law Litigation
Street
)ma cit% OK 73103
2 ~ETROSTAR February 2010
PFLAG OKC joins with Edmond
By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing Writer
OY,ZAHOMA
CITY, OK __ A
merger with PFLAG
Oldatloma City and
PFLAG Edmond has
been in the works
over the past fe~v
months. Officially, the
two ioined forces on
October 12th, joining
to make both a single,
stronger group. People
often come. to PFLAG
to find acceptance
and support for
GLBT issues and
understanding. Some
people just become
involved to offer Bobbie and Georgie co-facilitate the Transgender support group in
support. Oklahoma City. Townsendphoto
"We are now
PFI~G, OKC/Edmond under one name,"
said Louise Baker, President of the group.
"One of the reasons we became OKC/
Edmond PFLAG is that OKC has many
gay-straigi~t alliances and Edmond has none.
Those gays will have parents who want to
look for support. We feel it is a win-win and
a good move for both groups."
The combined groups ofPFLAG OKC/
promoting family involvement. The benefits
of membership; you get an email vote for
officers, you are a part ofPFLAG poll by
national quarterly. There are educational
programs and you help create a safe
environment for people.
The group is also actively working to
promote equality in schools. "We are very
dose in one of the three high schools in
Edmond will be hostinga ~ndraising event Edmond to ~:et a GSA (gav-strai~t alliance),"
to sppp0rt the cause. The event wilJ b~ ~e!d said B~er. One student said~they wanted
at ~he Boom (on the O~C strip); Saturday it. They wrote the bylaws and sent it to the
FebruaW 27th at 7 pm. Emcee will be student cotmcil~ There is dso a r~ need for
Heather Scott, PFLAG Secretary, ~raoke
by Shown Elmore, PFLAG Vice-President,
Stand-Up Comedy Louise Bakel; PFLAG
President. The group promises fun for
everyone!
"It’s not i.ust about going to a comedy
act. We really want people to come out and
support PFLAG," adds Baker. "We need
to be here fore support and advocacy." The
group is also looking for members. Family
membership is $40 and single is $35, thus
GSA’s in the middle school also but ~ve are
taking this one step at a time."
.PFI_&G OKC/Edmond would also like to
add that they applaud the OKCPS board for
passing the passing the anti-bullying policy to
include GLBT’S.
PFLAG OKC/Edmond meets the first
Tuesday of each month. For questions, or if
you would like’ to attend a meeting, please call
(405) 525-3800 or write to pflagokc@yahoo.
com.
ahoma Gay
Caucus, over ?
By Victor Gorin
Contrib[lting writer
Lesbian
OKL~MOMA CITY, OK When
current O.G.L.EC. male co-chair Patti
~hompson was first elected to that post
in 1992, he inherited what was then
an orgaafization on the move vibrantly
working for change against tough odds.
The Oklahoma Gay mid Lesbian Political
Caucus, ( kamwn better as O.G.L.EC.) had
been formed and incorporated in 1985, with
chapters in both Oklalmma City and Tulsa.
~ae organization became a major
institution of the Okdahoma GLBT
community, usually present whenever there
was an opportunity for action to affect
change. Their purpose was to educate the
GLBT community about voting and taking
part in the politic~ process, and also to
educate dected officials about issues of the
GLBT community. O.G.L.P.C. held annual
dinners to celebrate accomplishments and
future hopes, issuing annual awards of merit
to deserving individuals as well as "Phobie
Awards" towards those who deserved that
distinction.
O.G.L.EC. continued to grow, their
tables often seen registering voters, signing
up members and passing out literature at
community gathering places and events.
Amassing a mailing list of over 3,000 gay
or gay friendly Oldalloma households, they
issued voter guides during major elections
letting these voters know who their friends
were.
When O.G.L.EC.’S Membership/Mailing
Chair John Calhoun moved to Canada in
2007 it was a major loss for the organization,
which was already strained from a lack
of active membership for the past several
years. This came to a head in 2009, when
Treasurer Diana Faulkner’s term expired and
there to nobody to take that office, which
is currently administered in the interim by
Paul Thompson. Consensus of the group at
the point was that the group must change
course or dissolve. A letter was sent out to
the general membership advising them of a
Final Meeting taking place Monday, February
8 at 7 p.m. located at Okdalloma City’s
Neighborhood Alliance Center, 1236 N.W
36th Street ( N.W. 36th Street and Classen
Boulevard).
As Paul Thompson relates, "It’s gotten
to the point where so few of us are actively
engaged that it (O.G.L.P.C.) simply cannot
be sustained as it is. Without enough people
we cannot accomplish any meaningful work.
There’s no point in going on if we’re not going
to do a good job." Regardless of the outcome,
Paul stated that he will no longer serve as
male co-chair following the February meeting,
Also currently serving as officers are
Female co-chair Jeanne Flanigan and
Secretary Victor Gorin. Pending the outcome
of the February meeting, based on the
attendance, commitment and interest shown,
a decision will be made as to the future of
the organization, which has a long history
and legacy. For those interested in seeing
O.G.L.P.C. continue, it wil! be imperative
that they are at this final meeting.
AuthOr Rouse in
Tulsa for his neW book
s gnmg.
TULSA, OK (PR) On Tuesday,
February 2nd at 7:00pm, Oklahomans for
Equality and Booksmart Tulsa ~vill host a
literary event and book signing at the Dennis
R. Nell! Equality Center, 621 East 4th Street,
Tulsa Oldahoma with xYgade Rouse for At
Least in the City Someone Would HearMe
Scream.
Finally fed up with the frenzy of city life
and a job he hates, Wade Rouse decided to
make either the bravest decision of his life or
the worst mistake since his botched Ogilvie
home perm. He uproots his life and tries as
Thoreau did some 160 years earlier, to "live a
plain, simple life in radically reduced
conditions." Wade and his partner, Gary,
leave culture, cable and consumerism behind
and strike out for rural Michigan-a place
with fewer people than in their former
spinning dass. AtLeast in the City Someone
Would Hear Me Scream is a sidesplitting and
heartwarming look at taking a risk, fulfilling
a dream, and finding a home-with very thick
and very dark curtains.
"Firs sday" Art
Opening and Exhibit of
Origina Works by Robb
ConoYero
TULSA, OK (PR) The February
Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase
and exhibit of local artists ar the Dennis R.
Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street
in Downtown Tulsa), will feature an array
ofworks by artist Robb Conover. The
show begins with a reception on Thursday,
February 4th from 6-9pm and continues
throughout the month of February.
Robb Conover’s art is influenced by
some of the world’s greatest POP Artists,
Watercolorists, Realist and Sculptors plus
Film as an art media. His work is driven
by a method to his madness. He works out
a calculated plan to arrange expression and
soul into all forms that end up on his canvas.
After studying in New York, Los Angeles and
Phoenix, Robb states "there are no accidental
meetings, not even in art. There’s a reason for
every inch of paint that you see on my canvas.
Ifwe are to tmderstand art as an experience
we cannot fear what the artist brings back
with him from his journey~ to other planes
and planets". Robb’s art will be on display
through February 2010.
wwv¢,metrostamews.corn ;OETROSTAR 3
Compatible Odd
Couple
by James Nimmo
OFd~AHONLA CITY, OK__ I’m
compatible with Sally Kern! Yup, you read it
right. ~hough Kern and I are polar opposites
religiously, politically, orientationally,
and educationally, I’m compatible with
Oklahoma GOPer Rep.~ Sally Kern and her
newly introduced HB 2279 which, if passed,
would not allow incompatibility to be used
a~ grounds for a divorce between opposite
gender (of course) adults.
Kern who has hyperventilated while
sniffng in gay and lesbian closets has nmv
turned her big nose m sniffing between the
sheets of the hetero marriage bed. ( http://
tinyutl.com/yc45mhh )
Pre-existing conditions such as minor
children in the household, a marriage of
ten years or longer, or written objection
by the other spouse would prevent using
incompatibility as grounds for an Oklahoma
divorce.
I’m so compatible with Kern over her
non-divorce bill I could be the son she almost
had. Not only that, I’!1 see her bet and raise
her one.
Tlais being Oklahoma, the third hole
in America’s Bible Belt, I ~vouldn’t bet the
rent on this bill dying in committee, the
fate of most of the worst of Okie legislative
submissions. N~erefore, I’m proposing a bill
that would take Kern’s aspirations a step
higher.
Since a judge, in effect, examines the two
people engaged in a divorce proceeding to
see if at least one of the parties has suNcient
grounds for divorce, why not have a judge
examine the proposed bride and groom at the
beginning of the procedure when they apply
for an Oldahoma marriage license? Why not
head off any incompatible marriages before
they become incompatible divorces?
In Iny bill, the hopeful newlyweds would
have to prove to the examiner not only their
undying love for each other but also have
to prove that their financial prospects are
propitious, their religious beliefs are rooted
in the Christian Bible, their educational
backgrounds are conducive to a lifetime
of constructive pillow talk, and above all,
both parties are willing and able to produce
children as fast as physically possible. A
failing grade in any of these aspects would
disallow the issuance of the marriage license.
If Kern wants to meddle in straight
people’s private affairs just as she has in gay
people’s affairs shouldn’t she be willing to
fully insert the police power of the state right
from the beginning of a proposed marriage?
In fact, Kern should revise her divorce bill as
a state question needing approval from the
voters. If marriage is so important that it
must be denied to same-gender ta~xpayers, as
it is in Oklahomii, why not let straight voters
police themselves?
As a staunch and starchy "kernserwative",
as she bills herself, shouldn’t
she be strong enough to impose the state
government into all aspects of married life?
She claims her bill will alleviate many of
Oklahoma’s societal ills. ’She proclaims "If
~ve eould reduce divorce in Oklahoma we
would also reduce our prison population and
welfare rolls while
benefiting families and children. That’s a goal
xvorth pursuing." This link includes the text
of the Kern bill, http:/Itinyurl.com/ydq9fgd
She continues, "Ifwe can lower our
divorce rate, our quality of life will improve
and we will also reduce the need for many
state services in this time of budget shortfall,
freeing tip money to go to core services such
as schools and roads."
Who knew that keeping children in
a warring household with two unhappy
parents was the solution that would help
reduce Oklahoma’s budget deficit? Again,
Kern is using children as a shield for her
schizophrenic view of privacy. Remember
in 2009 she proposed and passed a legislative
resolution objecting to a United Nations
project to protect children from violence. If
she wants to protect children from the harms
of divorce, why is she against protecting
children from violence? ( http://tinyufl.
com/y8ujchv )
Remember the joke that was going
around concerning the mock acceptance of
same-gender marriage? It went something
like, "Why should gays and lesbians be spared
the pitfalls and expense of married life?" My
new version of that joke is, "Why should
straights be spared the intrusiveness of Sally
Kern poking her nose into their marriages or
divorces?"
Or here’s another joke, this time from
one of Kern’s heroes, Ronald Reagan. In one
of his speeches, he said poking maliciously
at government programs, "I’m from the
government and I’m here to help you." Isn’t
Sally Kern from the government? Is she here
to help you?
Among many religious fundamentalists
and political conservatives (Butt repeat
myself) there is the thinking that America is
an exceptional country. Now I know what
they mean by that. They’re saying "America
must play by the rules Iset down, but when
it’s convenient, I get an exception)’
In Kerffs case she claims an exception for
her divorce bill and its intrusive meddling in
the private matrimonial affairs of adults.
Transgender support
group meets in OKC
By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing Writer
Each Monday of the month, the
TWOFOLD (Transgender With Out Fear
Of Lifestyle Disapproval) meets in NW
Oklahoma City. This peer support group is
designed to allow attendees the opportunity
to share their feelings, frustrations and coping
mechanisms for those experiencing common
identity changes that accompany gender
identity issues.
"We are pretty lucky here because I think
people are really accepting," said Bobby,
one of the co-facilitators of the group. "We
have had two particularly interesting people
recently come to our meetings. One was 19
and one was 9 years old. She [9 year old] had
the support of the morn, but not really the
dad or the school."
"The 19 year old and fought with her
morn about wearing dresses and not wanting
to grow her hair long," added Georgie,
another group co-facilitator. "Then she
realized and understood now that we have
this anti bullying law."
Transgendered people often live with the
fear of being lonely, unlovable and, more
practically, unemployed. According to the
traqsgendered news source, ’Topix,’ sixty
percent of transgender people in one 2006
study were unemployed, for example. Many
relationships end during and after transition.
Dating can be painful; several people
interviewed said it xvas nearly impossible to
find understanding partners.
"We want to be there to help the
counselors as Well as family members and the
transgendered person looking for help and
acceptance," added Georgie. "We ~vant to be
a resource for the public schools, PFLAG and
other of thgse types of organizations."
If you would like to attend the meetings,
you must call (405) 443-4131 or email info@
twofoldgroup.org. Visitors are screened for
authenticity to protect those truly seeking
help.
Lifestyle Fitness column
by Ronald Blake returns
to Metro Star in next
months issue.
Photo: RonaM Blake, Cet~fied Fitness
Instructor through ISSA International Sports
Sciences Association
The best New Year’s resolution to have
is the one that works for you. Don’t have
a resolution just for the sake of having one
or just to keep up with the Joneses. Find
something that needs improvement and
take it to task. I have parted the Red Sea
and several health and fitness resolution
suggestions are malting their way to the
Promised Land.
Use social networking sites to find ten
other peoplethat are resoMng to do the
same thing as you. Use these people as your
support group to keep your resolution on
track. It is much better to have a group of
individuals striving for the same goal. Stay in
communication ~vith these team members as
frequently as possible for the best results.
Purchase a diary and start using it. Forget
about all the normal nonsense that authors
usually pen. inside these autobiographies.
Just keep tabs on all the exercise you get
throughout the year. Make a daily notation
even if you didn’t have any physical exertion
on a particular day. This Catholic guilt
method should keep you feeling the need for
some form of exercise each day.
After a years absence, fitness guru Ronald
Blake returns in the March issue.
Pucker Up and Take It
from TwoLips Burlesk
A Valentine’s burlesque performance
on matters of the heart.
TULSA, OK (PR) __ TwoLips Burlesk
will be performing their debut show, Pucker
Up and Take It, on Friday, February 5th,
2010, 9:00pm, with an encore performance
Saturda); February 6th, 9:00pro at the
Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. 4th Street,
Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Brand new in 2010, two years-before
the apocalypse, Tulsa has a new kind of
performance troupe in town: ~¢¢oLips
Burlesk! This Valentine’s show, encompassing
the true spirit of burlesque, vaudeville,
cabaret, tease--and even a little drag to
sweeten things up~T~voLips Burlesk treat
you and your loved ones to the tastiest treats
to hit the streets since chocolates in a box.
Founded by Tulsans Amanda Storms,
Tarynn Archer, and Chris Dailey, TxvoLips
brings you a performance spectacle that will
dazzle, excite, and prove to be the finest of
its kind--raising the bar for local burlesque.
Featuring the talents of Poppy Pie, Honey
Du Jour, Sinna’ Bunnz, and Tangy Tart
along with other local favorites, the show is
¯ packed full of sugary goodness, and will have
you laughing hysterically and drooling vdth
excitement.
Still hungry? There’s more: drag-lesque,
audience participation, topless antics---even
a kissing booth! And to top it all off, the
evening will be hosted by non5 other than
Tulsa’s own National Midwest Entertainer of
the Year, Drag Emcee Extraordinaire Nildd
Le’Chapelle.
Come and support Tulsa’s sweetest troupe!
Pucker Up and Take It from TwoLips Burlesk
runs February 5th and 6th at 9:00pm. Tickets
are $10 at the door. Intended for mature,
like-minded audiences only.
For more information:contact
Amanda Storms at TwoLip~Burlesk@gmail.
corn, call (918) 232-1448, or visit the
TwoLips Butlesk page on Facebook.
Free help 8 89
February 2010
U.S. HIV border ban
lifted
Bozeman protects gays
and transgenders
New policies that removed the United
States’ 22-year-old ban on HIV-positive
immigrants and foreign visitors took effect
Jan. 4.
Three days later, HIV-positive Dutchman
Clemens Ruland and his partner Hugo
Bausch arrived at New York’s Kennedy
Airport and were met by a representative
ofHuman Rights Watch and the Dutch
Embassy’s cultural attache.
"Travel restrictions on HIV-positive
people fundamentally affect their human
dignity," said Boris Dittrich from HRW’s
LGBT Rights Program. "Lifting the HIV
travel ban was a victory for human rights."
Bausch won the trip for himself and
Ruland in a Dutch AIDS Foundation contest
to celebrate the ban’s demise.
In announcing the change last October,
President Barack Obama said: "We talk about
reducing the stigma of this disease, yet we’ve
treated a visitor living with it as a threat. We
lead the world when it comes to helping stem
the AIDS pandemic, yet we are one of only
a dozen countries that still bar people with
HIV from entering our own country. Ifwe
want to be the global leader in combating
HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it."
In a joint statement at the time, the
Global Network of People Living With
HIV, the European AIDS Treatment
Group and Germany’s Deutsche AIDSHilfe
"congratulate[d] the United States
government on fulfilling its promise and
completing the legal procedure that was
started by former President Bush on World
AIDS Day 2007."
"This is a great victory for the fight against
the worldwide discrimination of people living
with HIV," said AIDS-Hilfe’s Peter Wiessner.
"I remember times where we never thought
that this ,vould happen. This is an emotional
moment and it feels a bit like the fall of the
Berlin Wall."
EATG’s David Haerry called the ban’s
demise "groundbreaking" and said it sends "a
strong message to other countries maintaining
stigmatizing restrictions today, such as Russia,
China, Australia and Canada."
The groups’ statement said that more than
60 nations, including some in Europe, have
sugmanzmg entry or residency restr,cnons
and that "27 countries deport people on the
grounds of having an HIV infection."
Xhe three organizations said they hope the
U.S. government will take one final step in
relegating the ban to the dustbin of hist0ry:
"Erase all information with regards to the
HIV status of people ftom its immigration
databases."
Trans priso to. open
Italy
About 30 inmates wilt be moved to a
prison near Florence, Italy, that will house
only transgender prisoners, local media
reported Jan. 12. The facility in the town of
Pozzale is nearly vacant at present, holding
two female inmates.
~e City Commission in Bozeman,
Mont., on Jan. 11 added ~sexual orientation"
and "gender identity" to a policy that protects
city" employees from discrimination. The vote
was 3-0.
The policy also will officially extend
spousal benefits to employees’ same-sex
partners.
Gay couple ’marries’ in
China
State media reported Jan. 13 that a
gay couple got "married" in a gay bar in
Chengdu, China.
Zeng Anquan, 45, and Pan Wenjie, 27,
tied tile knot before 200 gay friends.
"We are no !onger hiding anymore,"
Zeng told China Daily. "The wedding is our
happiest and most precious moment. We
don’t care how others consider us, as long as
we are together. (W)e are deeply in love and
will never desert each other."
Zeng’s brother responded to the wedding
by freezing Zeng’s capital in the company the
two own, he said, and Zeng’s sister told him
she won’t acknowledge him as her brother
again until he breaks up with Pan.
Mayor Sanders and gay daughter
talk to reporters after mayor’s
Prop 8 trial appearance
AFER Board President Chad Gdfli.n, Mayor
Sanders and a~ughter Lisa. Wocknerphoto
Republican San Diego Mayor Jerry
Sanders and his gay daughter Lisa talked to
reporters in San Francisco on Jan. 19 after the
mayor testified in the federal trial seeking to
overturn Proposition 8 as a violation of fl~e
U.S. Constitution. Here’s some ofwhat they
had to say.
Before I becan~e mayor I spent 26 years
on the San Diego Police Department, and
I’m very proud of the career that I had, and I
witnessed, in the early years, discrimination
in both the department and thee city and, as
I’ve said, I’ve seen discrimination and hate
crimes occur in the city of San Diego.
I think denying marriage equality is
just as ~vrong as telling blacks that they
couldn’t use white-only drinking fountains.
It’s government action that’s founded in
prejudice. The first step towards equalityin
society is equality under the law. So, I’m
.....Continued see MAYOR - page 6
Wockner News
Gay weddings to start in
D.C. March 5
Gay marriages will start in the District of
Columbia, the latest locality to legalize "samesex
marriage, on March 5.
That’s when the bill passed by the Council
and signed by the mayor xvill have completed
its mandated congressional review period and
any couples who obtained a license on the
first day possible, March 2, will have made
it through the mandatory three-day waiting
period between getting a license and getting
married.
Same-sex marriage is legal in Belgium,
Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South
Africa, Spain and Sweden; in Argentina’s
Tierra del Fuego province; and in the U.S.
states’of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire and Vermont. It will become
legal in Portugal in April.
unpalatable and embarrassing that it could
turn the public against them.
Information introduced during the trial
on Jan. 13, for example, revealed that one
defendant in the case, Hak-Shing William
Tam, wrote a letter to voters during the Prop
8 campaign saying that once gays have the
right to marr)~ they will pursue legalization of
pedophilia.
"On their agenda list is: legalize having sex
with children," the letter said. Ir a!so claimed
that legal same-sex marriage in California
would cause "other states (to) fall into Satan’s
hands."
Prop 8’s lawyers claimed they didn’t ~vanr
cameras in court for, among other reasons,
fear that their witnesses could face nasty
retaliation from militant, if not violent,
homosexual thugs who saw the video feed.
~xe anti-same-sex-marriage side also
objected to the playing in court of their
successfully alarmist TV ads from the Prop 8
campaign, which suggested that gay marriage
could lead to schoolchildren being,aught
inappropriate, bad or wrong things.
Many analysts and commentators believe
the gay-marriage-will-harm-your-kids TV ads
may have tipped the balance against samesex
marriage in the minds of voters both in
California and, more recently, Maine, where
some of the California ads were recycled.
~e Prop 8 trial is being Iive-blogged,
tweeted and analyzed to within an inch of its
life by an army of bloggers, activists and news
reporters.
Prop8trialtracker.com is a good place to
start. The San Jose Mercury News also has a
good live-blog of the case at mercurynews.
com.
On Jan. 15, the Courage Campaign,
which operates prop8trialtracker, refused
to alter the site’s logo after the group was
hit with a cease-and-desist demand from
protectmarriage.com. The two sites’ logos are
identical except for one minor, huraorous
variation. See tinyurl.com/logosgate. Courage
Campaign said its logo qualifies as permissible
parody.
www.metrostarnews.corn ~{ET~OSTAR 5
The Bitch is Back
By Michael W. Sasser
But Bego said Hton is not going to be out
of the public spodight.
"He does not plan on retiring," Bego said.
"We can look forward to music from him
for die rest of his life. He is just one of those
kinds of artists."
Hton John: The Bitch is Back by Mark
Bego is available at booksellers nationwide.
In Memory ofDavid
Marshal1 Beavers
March 17, 1968.....December 19, 2009
Elton John biographer Mark Bego at 7~e Abbey in West Hollywood,. Photo by: John Klinger
ne of the first albums that
author Mark Bego bought was an Elton
John LP on viny!. Later, one of the first
album reviews that Bego wrote for his college
newspaper was on an Elton John release.
"In a wa)~ I’ve been writing about Elton
John for almost 40 years," Bego said. "I’ve
always been interested. I fed like I’ve been
£ollowinghim for my entire career.’,
It therefore comes as no surprise that Bego
refers to his latest book, Elton John: The
Bitch is Back as "a labor of love."
The book was long. in the planning.
"About six years ago I talked to my agent
about doing a book on Elton, he asked
around and at the time there wasn’t a lot
of interest," Bego said. Instead, Bego was
engaged to write a book on Billy Joel.
"Billy Joel and Elton John have a lot of
people in common," Bego said. That rene,ved
his interest and finally the unauthorized
biography of Sir Elton wa~s underway.
In Elton John: ~e Bitch is Back,
renowned celebrity author Bego has rounded
up a fascinating group of interview subjects
for this unique biography of one of the music
world’s biggest superstars.
"~ specifically wanted to talk to people
who personally know Etton," Bego said.
"Tnese people’s insights into Elton m~e this
quite e~citing."
Interviews include Mice Cooper, Bill
Wyman ofThe Rolling Stones, Mary Wilson
ofTne Supremes, Angela Bowie, Sarah Dash
of LaBelle, Randy Jones of the Village People,
Duncan Faure ofXhe Bay City Rollers, Gary
Brooker of Procol Harum and the colorfi~
and outrageous RuPaul.
"One interview really led to the next
one," Bego said. "I interviewed a lot of people
who aren’t normally sought out to talk about
Elton. So a lot of die stories in the book are
ones that fans of Elton won’t read anywhere
else."
~Ihe book focuses on Elton’s public and
private life and the absolute intersection of
the two.
"Usually creative people use inspiration
from their personal lives in their work," Bego
said. "Elton has certainly lived a colorfi~
life and you can’t ignore that. He has been
through so many stages. Gay and not gay,
married, drugs. All of these changes had to be
induded."
John is widely embraced by the gay
community, even at stages of his public life
where he denied his homosexuality. Bego
said that he believes that John’s flirtation with
heterosexuality and his brief marriage to a
woman were a response to die early days of
the AIDS epidemic.
’7~ lot of people, induding Elton, freaked
out and I think he decided tie had to daange,
had to stop having sex with men or else he
was going to die," Bego said. "I think that was
the inspiration for his marriage."
Heterosexuality did not take, Bego said.
"He was having three-way gay sex the
same week he got married," the author added.
Bego was surprised to learn other things
about the estimable Sir Elt0n as well.
"He has always been so charitable so it
was surprising to discover that he and his real
father never got along wel! - even when his
father was dying," Bego said. ~lat contrasted
with Elton’s close relationship with his
stepfather and many other people and causes
of which he was supportive.
Bego was also surprised to learn j~at
the famed collaboration between Elton
and Bernie Taupin was a distant one
geographically.
"q-hey were never in the same place at
the same time," Bego said. "One of them
would write the music, then send to the
other for lyrics. They collaborated but were
never together. W~nen they met, that’s how it
happened and it just became their formula for
Success."
Today, Hton is in a new phase of his
career - bum/composing music for movies
and for Broadway. He has also, Bego said,
settled down personally, free of drugs and
partnered with his true love.
OKZAHObcD~ CITY, OK__ David
Beavers passed away shortly before Christmas
at Deaconess Hospital after a batde with
pneumonia. Born in Mooresville, North
Carolina, he is survived by his naother Emily
and 2 brothers, Frankie and Mark. He spent
d~e last years of the life in Oklahoma City, a
well knmvn personality in the gay nightlife
scene.
He had been affectionately niclmamed
Uncle Fester due to an uncanny resemblance
and ability to imitate that electrifi!ing
charac{er of the Addams Family YV show of
the 1960s. He loved cooldng, computers and
Patti LaBelle. As he was born on St..Patrick’s
day, he loved the parties the bars held on
his birthday. During his life he had worked
for the State of Oklahoma, Levi’s and the
Habana, made many friends and touched a
lot of lives. A Memorial Service was held at
die Finishline January 24.
In Memoriam: Pdcky
Lee Miller
OK_LAMOMA CITYY, OK~Ricky Lee
Miller passed away January 11, 20 I0 in
Holdenville, Oklahoma at Boyce Manner
Nursing Home after suffering from a long
illness. He was born in Oklahoma City
February 13, 1957 to Karl and Darla Miller.
Predeceased by lfis mother Darla, he is
survived by his father and stepmother, Lou
Mae Miller. Ricky was well known as an
expert in Ichthyology ( study of fish/marine
life). Memorial services were held on January
14 at Rose Hill Burial Park of Oklahoma
City. He will be missed by many longtime
friends.
proud to say that my daughter Lisa got
married to her wife Meaghan in Vermont
last month. I’m very proud of both of them
and I only wish that she could be recognized
as equal under California law. Hopefully the
court will do the right thing so that loving
couples like Lisa and Meaghan don’t have to
travel 3,000 miles to get their marriagglicense
-- away from family, away from friends and
away from coworkers."
"We need to boil this down to people
instead ofman and woman and everything
else. We have two people who have a loving,
caring relationship, who can have a family,
who can do all the same things that a married
couple have, and yet we have said, ’Since
you’re not heterosexual, we’re not going
to recognize you as being as important as
heterosexual relationships.’ I think that’s
fundamentally discriminatory and I think
that’s wrong."
February 2010
~outhwest
v~v.metrostarnews.com I~4;;4:~oSTAR 7
No matter who ~
.... are on life’s
405:525.9555
o Cho
o ~ Un ~ A Metropo~ita~ Community Church
Out &About New Years Eve 2009
~dsa Eagle Staff:ready to serve the o’owd at thier New Years Eve Black & White Ball, and
did they ever[
These three were zoay out ofcontrol at the Bamboo Lounge, 7;alsa.
Clint ofthe Copa Resolution- Lose weight
and be better with my money For 2OlOWishfor
more gay marriages[
Jenna atAngles, OKC with group. Resolution- to getfit
and work out every day. To be happy and notgive af--k
what anyone thinks[
ChefSuzie Lopez @ the Boom, OKC. New
Year’s Resolution- ~y to loose some zoe~ght,
exercise and be morefit. 2010 wish-fbr the
economy to come back
Cheyenne andAmanda Daye at Tramps New Year’s
Res’oltution- ~ love my husband more than I have. Wishfbr
2010- For rny husband to love me more than he hast
KerL~ Susan & Casey@ Partners, OKC
Photo Jay
Murray with
his part~ter
Bill Greedier at
Phoenix Rising.
New Year’s
Resolutions- To
strivefor another
30years togethe~
Wishfor 2010-
Peace in the
world
Resolution- to Live life, Robert at the Park,
OKC with dancer Sam. Wishfor 2010- A/lore
civil rights, and special rightsforpeople like me[
page 12
~.metrostarnews.corn #~ETROSTAR 9
February 2010
Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy
Out &About New Years Eve 2009
Derrick with his 3 gir~ends De~ tv’t"cks’ Resoluti"on: To be a betterperson and not
get too screwed up allyear long &201O-Worldpeace. @Alibi’s, OKC
Regina Ledotgv at the Park, owner of.PINKS New Koar"s
Resolution- To get my bigger store open a~ make it successfiaL ’
Wishj~r 2010- For evetTone to be more gayfiqendly!
@ Club 209, Tulsa
Garre#t at Finishline-blonde in center. Resolution- to be happier than I am now
Wishfor 2010- For everyone w get along and worldpeace.
Richard at the Park OKC. Resolution- have more
tim and make more mono,. Wishfor 2010- To be
@Club Majestic, Tulsa
"Tot Eq
2010"
bigger and better than 2009!
February 2010
by Jack Fertig February 2010
"DoWt take anything for granted,
An aspect between Venus in Aquarius
and Mercury in Capricorn is supposed
to promote charm and flirtation, but
carries the risk of trying too hard and
coming off as inauthentic. To make it
worse, Eris is aspecting both, offering
bitchy, competitive undertones. Be
careful where you pull out that Margo
Channing attitude! Just be your own
sweet self, darling.
ARIES (March 20-Apri~ !9): "Your
keen vision of future possibilities and
your competitive spirit can help you talk
out tough issues with your boss - or
as the boss. You may need to rein it in
a little to keep your inspiring speeches
realistic.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Knowing
better than those around you is no
challenge, but does that really matter?
The real trick is to excel in serenity. To
do that, you have to take time alone to
cultivate your cool with meditation and
inner exploration.
GEMIN~ {May 2% June 20): Speaking
in a foreign language or exploring new
ideas and possibilities could make
you even sexier. Your friends will play
along, up to a poin,.t. They have their
own agenda. Don t take ~nything for
granted!
CANCER (June 21- July 22): Being
adept in dealing with authority is not the
same as being a control queen! If you
need help distinguishing the two, your
partner’s insights - or any advice you
receive in bed - can prove very helpful.
LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): A little
humility would help you develop those
teamwork skills. Just remember~
all your brilliance is really based on
effectivenes!! Making others look good
will reflect better on you than selfish
efforts.
WRGO (August 23 - September 22):
A playful attitude at work can help boost
morale and productivity, but keep that
playfulness squeaky clean!Responses
to naughty provocation will backfire!
OK, a little double-entendre in the right
places is good, but be very careful with
that!
LIBRA (September 23 - October
22): "Family fun" is supposed to be
just that - fiJn. Getting too competitive
can spoil it for everyone. Bringing your
clan together as a team can strengthen
bonds, but remember: friendship first, .
competition second!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November
21): Eager to learn new things, "
especially at work, you could
unintentionally come off as snippy or
provocative. Imagine you’re hosting
a party with your great-aunts present
(or your colleagues’), and behave
accordingly.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22
- December 20): Money’s tight, but
getting out to play is necessary for
mental health. You can socialize on the
cheap! What you really have to offer
is your strong sense of values and
playfulness. Remember that, and you’ll
be rich in the things that count.
CAPRICORN (December 21
- January 19): Before you say what
seems to matter, think about what really
matters. Kindness and truth are high
on that list. Work harder on kindness.
Being kinder to family members could
prove much to your advantage.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): Your efforts at imitating Dorothy
Parker or Bette Davis could end up
hurting friends’ feelings. Those old
clever bitch imitations have been done
to death. You have it in you to be a
charming original.
PISCES (February 19 - March 19):
Charity is not a competitive sport.
Give what you can, but remember the
airplane drill about putting on your own
air mask before helping others. Focus
on your own needs and take care of
yourself. Then you’ll be in a better
position to help others.
MCCo METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
Rev Steve T. Urie
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Sunday6:00 PM
Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
~ ,18 19
20 2"1 22
30 ! ;$1 32 33
55 56 57 59 60
Have a God filled and BlesSed Day!
www.metrostarnews.com ~(~t~’oSTAR 13
Sy&ey Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
This massive celebration began in 1978 and takes
place over about four weeks and includes a huge
laun& party, a Mars Gras Film Festival, several
big parties, and the incrediblycolorfiA Mardi Gras
Parade. New this 2010, M~di Gras began holding
its massive Mardi Gras tk party aweek after the
parade (as opposed to directly after it, as it has in
the past). More than a half-million observers and
tourists have colne to watch the parade in past
years, and the party can draw another 15,000
revelers. Log on to w~w~.mardigras.org.au for a full
description of ~ents as well as tickets.
You LIKE THIS
COLOR T
THINKING IT’.6 A
L|-r’TLE
FOR
email: bittergirl~qsyndicate.com :
[~®troSTAR 14 February 2010
Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you.
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TULSA EAGLE
1338 E. 3RD
Tulsa, OK
918-592-1188
Open 7days week 2pm ro 2am
CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS
3131 N. PENN,
OKC, OK 405-525-9555
Service Sunday 10:45 AM
DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN
FELLOWSHIP
637 S. 131st East Ave
Tulsa, OK
www.realacceptance.com
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Sunday 6pm
MCC UNITED
1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK
918-838-1715
www.mcctulsa.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N. Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
OKLAHOMA STONEWALL
DEMOCRATES
Oklahoma City, OK
vw,vw.oksmnewall.org
OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY
621 E. 4th Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
918-743-4297
www.okeq.org
JUDY G. PHOTO’S
Tulsa, OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
918-743-8636
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 NW EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
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CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE
Keller Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
RESTA~NTS:
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma Ci~, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
TRAVEL
<
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P
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Northwest Arkansas
Center For Equality
"Linldng Together as One"
For more information:
888-391-9222
www.nwacenterforequality.org
179 Church Ave, Fayetteville, AR72703
~.metrostarnews.com
Chuck greckenridge
Whether buying or selling
I’ll work hard for you.
sales
required.
based.
NETROSTAR 15
HELP US BRING OKLAHOMA iNTO THE 2] ST CENTURY!
"We are at a moment now when liberalism is poised to have
its biggest impact since Roosevelt, because the conservative
movement has been thoroughly repudiated through reality."
"What matters, as always, is not what we can’t do,
it’s what we can and must do."
Stonewall Democrats is a recognized group of the
Oklahoma and national Democratic Party.
Working to educate voters and politicians about issues of the GLBT
community, we are working to make change and shape history.
T
We meet the 1st Tuesday ofevery month at ~he
OKLAHOMA STATE HEADQUARTERS
!
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2010] Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 2
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
February 01, 2010
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
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Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
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Star Media, Ltd
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Nimmo
Victor Gorin
Rex Wockner
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Judy Gabbard
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Jack Fertig
Lisa Keen
Steven Petrow
Keith Orr
Chris Azzopardi
Victor Gorin
Judy G.
Format
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Image
PDF
Online text
Language
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English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Coverage
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Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 1
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189
The Metro Star Magazine, March 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 3
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/193
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/188
"At Least Someone in the City Will Hear Me Scream"
"Wild Hearts Weekend"
Advertisment
Al McAffrey
Australia
Bitter Girl
Bozeman Montana
China-Same Sex Marriage
classifieds
Comic Strips
David Marshall Beavers
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Domestic Partner Benefits
Don't shop-Adopt
Elton John
Fat Tuesday
First Tuesday Art Opening
heath care
History of Saint Valentine's Day
HIV border Ban
Italy
Jerry Sanders
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
Lifestyle Fitness
Mardi Gras
Metro scene
national-world news
Nightclubs and Bars
Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus
Oklahoma News
PFLAG
PFLAG OKC
Prop 8
Pucker Up and Take it
QPuzzle
Qscopes
Rainbow Pages
religion
Ricky Lee Miller
Ronald Blake
same sex marriage
Supreme Court
Sydney
The Bitch is Back
The Little Black Book
Trans Prision
Transgender With Our Fear Of Lifestyle Disapproval
travel
TWOFOLD
TwoLips Burlesk
US HIV border ban lifter
Wade Rouse
work discrimination
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c7641729331198cf80878d1d621281e2.jpg
216b9c8ff0503606252ceeef63779479
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b310cde7c20101c7d372a18f34483f0e.pdf
c52538920077b3300b717fc407c32658
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
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THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA
VOLUME 7 ISSUE 4 Twi~er.com/MetroStarNews
to exempt Oklahoma
Ha e Cr mes Law protecting GLBTs
State Senate
It is very sad that any lawmaker in Oklahoma would introduce legislation that would
force Oklahoma law enforcement officials to violate ground brealdng Federal law that
would extend legal protections to LGBT Oklahomans who may become victims of
violence motivated by bigotry." Statement by State Senator Andrew Rice who was
one of the 6 Senators who voted no.
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ SB 1965,
introduced by State Senator Steven Russell
( Republican-District 45) deals mainly with
the Fede~aI Hate Crimes expansion signed
into law by President Obama in October
22,2009, which added Federal Hates
crimes protection to include gender, sexual
oriei~tation, gender identity and disability in
addition to the already covered categories of
agencies from sharing evidence or providing
assistance ro Federal authorities if they are
im~esrigating a hate crime in Oklahoma. It
has passed the State Senate 39-6.
Oklahoma Hate Crimes laws (Section 850
Title 21) cover race, color, tel igion, gender,
disability, familial status and national origin.
As sexual orientation and gender identity are
not covered, hate crimes against GLBTs in the
state of Oklahoma could not be prosecuted as
such under state law, yet such a crime could
be punished as a hate crime under Federal
[axe; which passage of SB 1965 would attempt
m change. However Constitutionally Federal
Law supercedes state law.
As Tamya Cox of Oldaboma’s ACLU puts
it, "For example, if a bloody baseball bat was
used in an Oklahoma hate crime against a
gay person and it was held by state authorities
who are most likely to be first on the scene,
if this bill becomes law it could not be
given to Federal authorities as evidence for
prosecution." Since Oklahoma State Hate
Crimes laws don’t covering GLBTs, SB 1965
would make it virtually impossible for hate
crimes against GLBTs in Oklahoma to be
successftdiv prosecuted as hate crimes.
Scott J. Hamilton. Executive Director
of the Cimarron Alliance stated, "\g)~e are
appalled that the Oklahoma Senate would
pass legislation that, in effect, green lights
violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgendered citizens in this state. Not only
is it unconstitutional, it is unconscionable.
In the meantime our state vdll spend without
limit to defend this in court. Oklahoma is
in the midst of a budget crisis of historic
proportions. I find it hard to believe that
bigotry is so pervasive in our state that our
policymakers would rather pass hate filled
legislation than addressing failing schools and
reductions in services for seniors."
........Continued See BILL 1965 Page-5
T lsa M tary Veteran
Kelly rbv honored
by O ahomans for
By Michael xYZ Sasser
TULSA, OK Oklahomans for Equality
(OkEq) is set to h--~nor Tulsa accountant Kelly
~rby with a Lifetime Achievement Award on
April 24 at their 30th Anniversary Equality
Gala.
"I have to say that at 56 years old the
word ’lifetime’ is a little daunting," says the
aftable longtime activist.
Kirby is being honored for 20 years of
major activism for the Oklahoma GLBT
community.
"I appreciate the fact that they are
recognizin,g my accomplishments," Kirby
says. I think what I have done is important
and I would have done it without aW
recognition of it."
Kelly WKirby 1974 at age 20, United States
Air Force, honorguard dress uniform.
® MetroStarNews.com APRIL 1,2010
Pau Robert ompsor
A lifetime ofservice-forever a
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
(1939-2010)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Among
Oklahomans who take an interest in equality
and justice there are very fe~v who didn’t
know about Paul Thompson, and many
knew him xvell as he -worked hard to make
Oklahoma better until his life ended. At least
2 generations ofactivists worked beside him,
enduring the heartbreak ofsetbacks and the
joys ofvictories as history marched on. His
energy was tireless, chairing meetings, working
with bureaucracies, organizing events, making
speeches, doing mailings, and on and
gacy
on. Although he had his own
business, PRT Designs (interior
decorating), his true passion
was working with people for
justice. He was well known
for his outspoken pride clearly
shown by his trademark outfits,
which included xvearing a
different rainbow color with
matching socks every day. He
co-chaired the Oklahoma Gay
and Lesbian Political Caucus
from 1992 until 2010, and was
active for many years with the
Oklahoma Democratic Party.
He also played a significant
role in organizing Oklahoma
City’s first Pride Parade in 1988,
a true ~ilestone not only for
Oklahoma City but rather the
entire GLBT community of
Oklahoma.
That event was a major
turning point in Oklahoma,
with the KKK waiting in the Safexvay (now
Homeland) parking tot on N.-W. 39th Street
to stop the "queer parade." But that event had
a happy ending as fellow activist Jim Ninamo
put xt, "When they saw how many participants
were marching, they tucked their tails and left."
The rest was history, with that proud tradition
continuing today. Paul served as the Male Co-
Chair for the OKC Pride Parade and Festival
for many years until 2009, when he was given a
Chairmanship Emeritus Award for his service.
........Continued See THOMPSON Page-4
For more than two decades, Kirby has been a
visible activist for GLBT issues with an emphasis
on marriage equality and for gay
and lesbian service members. It
hasn’t always been an easy role to
play.
On \Vorld A~DS Day in 1991,
Kirby participated in a smal!
demonstration in Tulsa on a wet,
rainy night. Unbeknownst to him,
his photo was taken and the next
day appeared in a newspaper.
"1 lost a relationship
that had been long
term when he was
discharged from the
Air Force for being
gay," Kirby says.
"I got a phone call from my biggest client the
next da)~" Kirby remembers. "q-he mvner of the
company asked me ifI had the opportunity to
make a statement for my cause, if I would do it. I
hadn’t really thought about it until then, but I said
that yes, I probably would. An hour later, I was
fired and lost two-thirds ofmy business. I basically
had to start over from scratch building my business.
I guess that was my activist wake-up call."
_*Kirby said that "he hasn’t shut up"" since then,
giving well over 100 interviews and malting
sure his clients know he might end up in the
media.
"A lot of people in Tulsa
feel that they can’t speak
up because of family or
community or work," Kirby
says. "I had to get past that."
Still Kirby said he
believes different people
should be featured by
media as representative of the state GLBT
community.
........Continued See KIRBY Page-7
Cimarron Alliance Moves Forward with new- O ces
and a Dynamic Director
By Victor Gorin
Contributing writer
Margaret Cox proudly cutting the ribbon held by the new Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, with
Lisa Ptsiri of the Oldahoma City Chamber of Commerce looking on. Gorin photo
OKLM-IOMA CITY, OK__ Cimarron
Alliance Group was formed in 1995 as a
political action committee (PAC) focused
on equality for the GLBT community in
Oldaho,na. Although other groups existed at
that time, anaong them the Oldahoma Gay
and Lesbian Political Caucus, the Mliance
was a venture of successful business people
and professionals who would be able to
give serious financial backing to deserving
candidates seeking public office as well as
put on events for the GLBT community.
First chaired by the late Bill Rogers, the
organization became a major force for the
GLBT community and the Oldalxoma
political landscape.
In 1997 the Cimarron Alliance
Foundation was formed as a 501(c)(3)
organization, a nonprofit status which enables
an organization to, among other things,
accept contributions which are tax deductible
to the giver. While this type of organization
is prohibited fi’om most political activity,
including contributing to or promoting
candidates or political parties, the CAF was
focused on educational issues facing the
GLBT community, informing not only them
but also straights as well.
In this endeavor they have held events
such as their annual Leadership Summit,
which is a convention of leadership from all
GLBT groups. They made history in 2001
when their Gay Pride banners for Oklalmma
City light poles were oMered taken down
by then Mayor Kirk Humphreys. They took
the city 1:o Federal court and on September
13,2002 Judge Robin Cauthron ruled
that the banners were protected by Federal
free speech rights mandated by the U.S.
Constitution. Redesigned in 1997, the Pride
banners still fly on special occasions.
Now as we face a new decade with pride
facing prejudice, especially with opposition
to GLBT equality clearly shown to be alive
and kicking in Oldahoma, Cimarron is
facing challenge as they undergo change. For
the first time they have an office, !ocated at
729 N.gi. 17th Street in OHahoma City.
Likewise they now have their first fulltirne
Executive Director Scott J. Hamilton, a
native Otdahoman. A~er many years in New
York City with many ventures he has returned
home to fight for equality. Born inI960 in
south Oklalmma City, he graduated as a
valedictorian of Capitol Hill High School in
1978. He later graduated from OU with a
Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and his first
job was being a promoter for the Oldahoma
Opry, an Oldahoma City venue for country
and western musicians. He later took a far
better paying position with an oil company
but lost that job during the oil bust of
1983, actually driving to the unemployment
office in a Mercedes. What followed was a
variety of ventures to pay the bills, ranging
from teaching junior high school chorus to
painting garage doors to makJng doughnuts,
among other endeavors. Finally he flew to
New York City (the Mercedes long gone)
with 3 suitcases and $200 to meet a friend
awaiting he could stay vdth. Doing writing
and consulting for an import/export business,
he moved on to success with the advertising
agency Charron, Schwartz and Partners.
Walking through the subway one fateful
day beneath Grand Central Station he saw
Wayne Johnson, a gentleman that would
prove to be a soulmate. As the relationship
came together, Scott came out at work
(no problem) and they legally married in
Connecticut.
Following this, he got involved working
with nonprofit organizations. Finding himself
laid off, he began checking around for other
....... Continued See ClMARRON Page 5
2 April 1, 2010
is T.E.N?
By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing Writer
7he Equalily Network, or TEN. is comprised of
three organizational entities: TENPAC, TEN,
and TENInstitute. Pictured above is Laura
Belmonte. an activist who is also i4ce President
and Co-Founder ofTEN. Townsendphoto
TULSA. OK TEN, or "The Equality
Network" is a non-partisan statewide
organization working to achieve equality
and secure legal protection for tesbian.
ga)~ bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
Oklahomans through advocacy, coalition
building and individual empowerment in the
political process. Founded in 2009. TEN is
comprised of three organizational entities:
TEN PAC, TEN, and TEN Institute.
"Over the last decade or so that I’ve
worked for LGBT equalityin Oklahoma
I’ve become increasingly impressed with the
amazing progress statewide LGBT advocacy
groups are having elsewhere," said Laura
Belmonte, Vice President and Co-Founder of
TEN. "Last year a number of positive forces
converged and we concluded that the timing
xvas right to implement a three-pronged
strategy of ’educate, advocate, elect.’"
Belrnonte also has a PhD amd is currently
Director ofAmerican Studies and associate
professor ofArnerican History at Oklahoma
State University.
"The launching ofTEN is the fulfilhnent
of a personal dream and I feel very fortunate
ro have the opportunity to work ~vith such
a committed and talented group of people,"
adds Belmonte. "Each day, we are hearing
from people all over the state - most in places
where there is no organized effort for LGBT
equality - and we are quite encouraged by
the alliances that are developing. With time,
effort, and a lot of help we think that TEN
can help make some positive changes for
LGBT Oklahomans."
TEN is affiliated with the Equality
Federation (vrww.equalityfederation.org),
the national alliance of state-based LGBT
advocacy organizations. Collectively these
state groups have compiled a remarkable
string of pro-equality victories on a range of
issues including workplace fairness, antibullying
and relationship recognition. Even a
small group ofw!!l-prepared constituents can
make a powerful impression on a legislator.
Legislators need to hear from people who
support LGBT equality all the time, not only
at times when the LGBT community is being
targeted.
"The board combines people with
professional and non-professional experience
in lobbying and advocacy at the state and
local levels on causes as varied as LGBT
rights, animal protection, HIV/A.IDS,
economic injustice, and gender equality," adds
Belmonte. "This wilt be a continua!, longterm
effort. It is going to take time and effort
to move Oklalaoma toward more inclusive
~nd just public policies for LGBT people."
For more information you may contact
Belmonte at lbelmonte@theequalitynetwork.
org or 918.906.2134. Our web site is ~wcw.
theequalitynetwork.org. You can also find
TEN on Facebook and Twitter (follow
TENEquality).
Openly Gay Norman
City Councilman wins
re-election but now is
running for State House
NORMAN, OK (PR) __ When Tom
Kovach was first elected to the Norman City
Council in 2008, he wasn’t the first openly
gay person to do so. That milestone was
achieved by David Ray in 2002, but Tom did
have the distinction of being the second, and
of being re-elected unopposed this year. He
represents Ward 2.
However, as State Representative Bil!
Nations of District 44 is leaving office due to
term limits, Tom Kovach has announced he
is running for that office as a Democrat, His
stated reasoning, " Sometimes government
produces ideas that in the light of day lack
common sense. I have always been willing to
speak out on those occasions as the voice of
the people, and I remains so."
"Throughout my years in Norman I
have worked with people from all walks
of life, helping them find solutions to the
problems they faced. I have done so as a
union leader, a smal! business owner and now
as a local business executive. I accomplished
these things through honesty, respectful
communication and a willingness to hear
all sides of an issue, the same qualities that
will mark my service as your next state
representative."
He has lived in the district more than 40
years, graduating from OU with a degree in
Letters. He currently works as a Customer
Service Manager for Astromomics, a leading
U.S. dealer and producer of quality optics.
He and his partner Will Weir are active in
many social service agencies in the Norman
area, and look forward to doing more for their
fellow Oklahomans.
A Toast to Life
It’s time to Paint the Town Robert!
By Robin D-Townsend
Contributing W-riter
Other Options andFriends Food Pantry board
president, Robert Painter tu,ws 40 in Apriland
isplanninga huge_f!~ndraising eventfor t,§e
organization to celebrate the occasion. Townsend
photo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s a birthday
bash like none other. Turning 40 is Robert
Painter, famous for his ’best little tact stand
down by the tracks,’ (a.k.a., ~lhe Iguana
Mexican Grill). Painter is also the board
president of Other Options, Inc (OOI) and
has chosen to celebrate ’the big 4-0’ in a very
unique way.
"Our Toast to Life event is the signature
fundraiser for Other Options and it is
held annually in April?said Painter. ~Ttpril
also happens to be the same month as my
birthday. I really w~tnted to take advantage
of the name Ihave made for myself to help
an or,ga,~)ization who has done so much for
people.’
Painter became acquainted with OOI
when his dear friend, Tim Wade ~vas
diagnosed with HIV. The only place he could
find immediate help at no cost in Oklahoma
City was at Other Options. This is where
Painter met Mary Arbuclde, Executive
Director ofOOI and Friends Food Pantry.
Wade found assistance with medication, food
and other support services at OOI. Sadly,
Wade passed away in 2009 but Painter has
kep,t, his memory alive by giving back.
The bigge,,st thing we [O~I] need is our
own building, adds Painter. That is why our
goal is $40,000 for this event and
I think we can do it." Forty seems to be the
magic number.
Since 1989 Other Options in Oklahoma
City has provided professional, consistent
services to people who are HIV positive and
disabled individuals, focusing on the impact
HIV/AIDS has had in the lives of those they
serve. The mission of Other Options is to
create a better understanding of HIV/AIDS,
provide training, guidance and provide
educational directories that link the affected
community to services.
The venue will include live music,
various artists and entertainers, dancing, and
deadCenter will be showing films on the big
screen, there will be a fashion show and a
silent auction will be held. Another unique
part of this event will be the art gallery
featuring Oklahoma City artists Debbie
Curtis, Joe Slack, Ben Potter, Brent Weber
and Bryan Boone. Other surprises are also in
store.
~Toast to Life; Paint the Town Robert,’
vdtl be held on April 10th at 7:40pm at 25
NW 9th (just \grest ofNae Iguana). Tickets
for the event are $40 and will include food,
drink, entertainment and parldng. For tickets
or to make a donation please call (405) 605-
8020. Reserve tickets are requested; the event
is free to clients of Other Options.
1st Annual Tulsa
Violence Symposium
In Memory of
Joseph Walker-Hoover Jaheem Herrera
TULSA, OK (PR) April 16, 2010
hosted by Youth Services ofTulsa. Nae event
will take place at Langston University Tulsa
starting at 9AM. Registration to attend this
event is not necessary.
The event will address national and local
concerns about the growing problems of
student-on-student abuse in our communities
- Bullying, Dating Violence/Date Rape, and
Domestic Violence.
Ifyou would like to schedule a booth for
your organization, please contact Michael
Merryman at 918.382-4429, or email to
mmerryman@yst.org.
’uPtcv - Civil Rights *Criminal
ment Family Law - Litigation
625 N.W. t S.th Street
a City, OK
www.metrostarnews.com [vIETROSTAR 3
Dear Editor, from hatred and discrimination? X~y is Sen.
I wanted to share the letter
Congresswoman Mary Fallin sent to me in
response to my letter regarding EDNA and
The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill and
the reaction of the Oldahoma Legislature.
Russell afraid of gay/lesbian equality under
the law?
Senator Russell just can’t stop fighting
wars and looking for enemies. He should reenlist
and put his life back on the line, for his
country of course.
Kendell Powers
Oklahoma Civ/
James Nimmo
Oklahoma City, OK
March 8, 2010 Dear Editor,
Mr. Kendel Powers
600 Northwest 23rd Street, Suite 101
Oklahoma City, OK 73103-1464
Dear Mr. Powers:
that still mean something to the people of
Oklahoma, the law is so vaguely defined and
so unenforceable that it seems to be more of a
handout to trial lavo,ers than anything else.
As your Representative, I stand for
religious liberty and people of all faiths
and oppose a convoluted, vaguely defined
and unenforceable set of new regulations
governing personal behavior and hiring
practices. Thank you again for taking the
time to share your ideas and concerns. As
the 11 lth Congress addresses the man),
challenges facing our nation, I hope you will
continue to share your thoughts and vie,vs
with me. However, due to increased security
measures, mail delivery may be delayed for up
to two weeks. Accordingly, I encourage you
to visit my website at ,aw~v.fallin.house.gov
to contact me via email in the future. While
visiting my site you may also sign up for my
e-newsletter as well as find usefu! information
about the 11 lth Congress.
Sincerely
Mary Fallin
Member of Congress
Dear Editor,
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Hunting
season is on for gays and lesbians as long as
the Oklahoma Legislature is in session. If
the rednecks don’t get us the suit-and-tie boys
will.
Not content with passing SQ 71 ! in
2004 making marriage only bet~veen one
man and one woman as many times as they
like, the Senate has just passed 39-6 a bill
(SB1965) to opt out of the recentl~ passed
federal Shepard/Byrd Hate Crime~ I[aw.
~e bill nmv goes to the House side of the
Capitol.
Senate Bill 1965 seems optimistically
numbered in that I’m sure Sen. Russell,
the sponsor, and 38 of his colleagues on
both sides of the aisle would like to return
to the year 1965 ifno~ earlier, when gays
and lesbians knew that our place was not
alongside other Americans but rather in the
closet of narrow, scared shadows with the
door hinges well rusted. ~e voting record is
located here: http://tinyurl.com/ycgog86
It’s odd that many of these legislators
weren’t even born then or were very young.
Where did they learn such animosity towards
strangers that never did them any harm?
Surely not in their church pews or at their
dinner tables, do you think?
After all, African-Americans had just
achieved a legal victory in 1965 with the
’passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Acts
for which white bigots thought the sky would
fall in. The sky did not fal! in and it won’t
fall in when gays and lesbians achieve our
social and legal victory over the bigots of
Oldahoma. 2q~e only thing lost will be the
legal right bigots so jealously retain to impose
their ignorance over the rest of us.
According to Sen. Russell’s legislative
webpage he has a serious military record
and several medals. If medals are a mark
of bravery why is Sen. Russell so afraid of
gays and lesbians that he sponsors bills that
remove them from the protection of the law
and maintain their second-class status as
taxpayers--second-class in that gay/lesbian
money is ACcepted for payment of taxes yet
we are EXcepted when it comes to protection
Thank you for taking the time to
contact me about the Employment Non-
Discrimination Act. Understanding your
ideas and concerns is important to me, as it
helps me to better represent you and the Fifth
District of Oklahoma.
The Employment Non-Discrimination
Act, or ENDA, would extend existing
provisions of Federal law to prohibit
employment discrimination on the basis of
"actual or perceived" sexual orientation. The
bill expands civil rights protections on the
vague basis of perception, requiring courts to
determine an employer’s thoughts when an
employment action is taken. Currently Title
\HI prohibits workplace harassment that is
based on race, color, religion, sex, or national
origin.
This legislation is anotber example of
political correctness gone wrong. This bill
is constitutionally questionable, weakens
both state and federal marriage laws, and
creates a legal trap for businesses, schools,
and people of faith. I have long opposed the
government’s creeping assault on the faithbased
values our country was founded on, the
flaws in this bill are numerous and obvious.
ENDA is inconsistent with the rights
guaranteed by the Religious Freedom
Restoration Act (PdaRA), which prohibits
the Federal Government from substantially
burdening the free exercise of religion. It
nullifies the rights of some religious schools
which, although not "controlled, managed
or owned by a specific religion," may still
consider religious faith and traditional
moral values to be an essential part of their
curriculum. This opens some of Oldahomds
most successful faith-based institutions to
unconstitutional government involvement
and supervision. Without a blanket
exemption for all religious educational
institutions, nondenominational religious
schools will be forced to operate under
government review of curriculum and
constant fear of litigation.
The.proposed legislation makes a
protected class based on sexual behavim;
which will jeopardize our constitutional
rights to freedom of speech and religious
expression. ENDA is a direct attack on
individual religious freedoms and creares a
lega! tightrope for employers over which law
to follow and violate. Employers with rnoral
or religious beliefs opposed to homosexualiV
will be forced to lay down their rights and
convictions at the door, creating a hostile
work environment. In addition to ENDA’s
blatant disregard for traditional values, values
Hawaii’s Garden Isle: Kauai, In terms
of scenery, the one Hawaiian island that
comes closest to living up to the expectations
of many first-time visitors is Kauai, a
comparatively small but magnificently lush
isle of rain forests, towering seaside cliffs and
seduded beaches. Sumptuous full-service
resorts to quaint B&B’s. A list of where
to stay and things to do now online in our
Travel Section @ www.MetroStarNews.com
TULSA, OK__ Senate Bil! 1965 has to be
defeated. This bill would restrict Oklahoma
law enforcement from complying with the
federal justice department during a hate biased
crime investigation.
The bill’s author, State Senator Steven
Russell, has suggested the Federal Hate Crimes
Prevention Act would restrict free speech (aka
ministers preaching against homosexuality).
So the Oklahoma Senate has refused to
hear bills that would assist victims ofliate
biased crimes but have tentatively approved
another bill that would remove any hope of
justice for LGBT victims ofviolence.
This is unacceptable and I strongly urge
everyone to contact their State Senator and
challenge them to not approve Senate Bill 1965
on it’s final hearing.
Visit this website and find out how to reach
your senator.
http:llwww.facebook.comll195662;www.
oksenate.gov/Senators/maps.htm
TobyJenkins
President,
Oklahomans for Equality
Tulsa; OK .......... ......... : ...... ........
Metro Star Travel
Column Now Online
Kauai’sfamedNa Pali Coast, with its 4, 000-
foot cli~ rMng big,§ above the sea. Photo by
Andrew Collins
He was born in Oklahoma City on
November 19, 1939. AaCter growing up there
and graduating from Central High School
he worked maW jobs before creating PRT
Designs, His road to activism began when he
was arrested after leaving a gay bar over 40
years ago on bogus charges of lewd conduct.
Unlike almost any of his peers, he fought
the charge and won. He continued to fight
injustice wherever he saw it. In addition to
activism in the gay community he also helped
African Americans, serving on the board of
the Oklahoma City NAACP for over 15 ),ears
as well.
A memorialput up on the Nix/2. 39th Street Strip
Median at N.14z. 39th andPennsylvania by
NathanidBatchelder qfthe Peace House
Paul passed away March 8 at Baptist
Integris Medical Center due to a stroke and
subsequent heart failure. A memorial service
was held for him at the 1st Unitarian Church
March 14. Speakers included Laura Rhoads,
who knew him as "Unde Paul" when he
was her childhood friend, as well as former
Oklahoma Commissioner Jim Roth.
Followed by a potluck supper a multitude
of his friends and fellow activists shared
memories, lamented how far he’d brought us,
and how to make his legacy live on.
No ma#er who yot
are on life’s journ~
3131 ,R. Pennsylvania,Oklaho 405.525.9555
4 tsv{~£T~qOSTAR April 1,2010
jobs in a nationwide search. By chance he
found an executivedirector’s position open
with Cimarron Alliance and his first thought
was,, A gay organization in Oklahoma CitT,
how is that possible?"
He applied for the position and got it.
With the encouragement of his partner
’,Wayne (still in New York but who will join
him later) he has plans for a new direction fi~r
himself and for Cimarron. One of his major
concerns, as it is for all nonprofits, is how to
achieve objectives or even survive in this type
of economy. His answer, "You keep going
because the needs do not abate just because
money is tight. If you believe in social jnstice,
that doesn’t stop until there is justice. "
He has been pleasantly surprised at the
financial contributions people have made
recently to the organization, and those
volunteering their time and talents as well.
He also realizes that for a long time there was
a perception that Cimarron is an organization
primarily focused as being an elite group of
white,~ wealthy, handsome gay men. When it
was formed in 1995 a membership cost $250.
Today there are no dues to join the
organization, and the Cimarron Alliance PAC
no longer exists. Currently the Foundation
hosts an annual Stop Hate in the Hallways
summit, which has been a major factor for
school systems in Oldahoma considering
or implementing anti-bullying policies that
protect students who are GLBT or perceived
to be from harassment, q-he main objective
now is more outreach.
As Scott stated, " One of my goals for "
this year, besides raising enough money to
pay the bills, is to demonstrate with sincerity
and conviction that this is an organization
that is approachable and dedicated to serving
everyone in the community."
Beginning in April Cimarron Alliance
Foundation will begin a "411 Series" ofg0
minute presentations on various aspects of
problems facing the GLBT community.
Topics covered could include living with
a partner who is an addict, tax problems,
domestic violence, health issues, inheritance
laws, situations usually faced by people in
general with unique aspects for GLBTs.
How does it feel to be directing an
organization like Cimarron in the reddest
state in the country? Scott feels encouraged
stating, " ~ have found pockets of folks who
are progressive in their thinking, deeply
committed to social justice in a personal way.
W~ile this is m~ incredibly red state I think
there’s hope because I see work being done,
quietly moving forward. That lets me kmow
justice is not an insurmountable problem."
~fhere will be monthly meetings at the
office, encouraging networking with officers
from other GLBT organizations. ~Ihey will
happen at 5:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every
month. Now located at 729 N.W. 17th
Street in Oklahoma City, they can be reached
e-mail at info@CimarronAlliance.org or by phone (405) 495 9300. Their website
warw.cimarronalliance.org
tn addition to the obvious intention to
deny protection to GLBT Oklahomans,
Senator l~dce pointed out that the bill, ,-is it
was written, likewise prohibits Oklahoma
law enforcement from providing evidence to
Federal authorities investigating any category
of hate crime committed in Oklahoma,
including those committed due to the victings
race or religion as well as all categories
covered by Federal law. As of press time, the
bill was headed to the Oldahoma State House
of Representatives, but may undergo changes
before it is voted on there. Senator Rice
stated that he hopes the bill is stopped in the
House or vetoed by the Governor. Pat Sund,
a spokeman for Governor Henry, said the
governor is watching the bill but has not yet
made a decision as to whether he will sign it.
Memori , David
Osthoff
OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ David
Henry Osthoff lost his battle with an
extended illness ~aursda~; February 25, 2010,
in Oldahoma City. He was born September
26, 1953, in Hopewell, Virginia to Charline
Ehrlich.
David had several jobs through the years,
but will mainly be remembered as a server at
Gusher’s Restaurant for many years before
returning to Cookson, OK to care for his
mother. He enjoyed reading, gardening and
playing pool in the Family Pool League.
David was a very caring and
compassionate person. He never judged
people, never met a stranger and never forgot
anyone’s birthday or anniversary.
He was preceded in death by his loving
mother and father Charline and Billie Ballew.
He is survived by two brothers and a sister;
six nieces and nephews, and many close
friends. Special thanks to the staff at North
Winds Living Center in .O,KC.
A celebration of David s life is planned for
Sunday; April 18th in The Finishline located
inside The Habana Inn at 4:30 p.m.
Londerm D, Raine
captures the title
ofMiss Gay Lawton
By Victor Gorin
Contributing Writer
~nner Londenn Raine with ~l[ie Laine, Miss
Gay Lawton 1982 andMiss Gay Oklahoma
1983. Gorin photo
OKd_AHOi~cb~ CITY, OK__ It was a
glamorous nigl~t at Angles March 5 when
the Londenne Raine was crowned the new
Miss Gay Lawton 2010, with 1st alternate
A_lanna Paige. As a preliminary to the Miss
Gay Oklahoma Pageant, they wil! go on to
compete in that event. Also performing at the
occasion was our current Miss Gay Oklahoma
Shantell Mandelay.
Miss G~ Lawton is one of the longest
running preliminary competitions to Miss
Gay Oklahoma, which began in 1978. Now
29 years young, the first Miss Gay Lawton
was Lady Paris in 1981.5 winners of this
pageant have gone on to win the title mCMiss
Gay Oklahoma, and one (.Jacqulyn DeVaroe)
has won the title of Miss Gay America. The
current promoter is Aubrey Stone, who is
Miss Gay Lawton of 2004.
Eureka Springs Diversity
2010: THE GAYLIEN
EKEND
EUREKA SPRINGS, AR (PR) __ Eureka,
the little city in the hills of the Arkansas .
Ozarks that has become the pride of diversity,
is gearing up for 2010. Spring Diversity will
be held on April 9 -11. The same weekend
as the annual U~EO. Conference. You’re
invited to come join the Gaylien invasion of
NOT just a few city blocks, NOT just a small
handful of business, but one entire city.
What’s to do? Say "I DO" and register
your love with a Domestic Partner Certificate.
The Courthouse is closed Saturday and
Sunday so come early Friday or hangover till
Monday. Tnere are over 150 unique shops
and galleries to browse or max out your credit
card.
To start your weekend drop by the Pizza
Bar. The Pizza Sluts will host their third
Diversity X~¢elcome Mixer there at 13 N.
Main, on Friday, 6-8 PM. You can pickup
a complete schedule of Diversity Weekend
For more information visit wvc~v.
eurekapride.com or diversitTpride.com
Art Opening and Exhibit
ofOriginal Works by ’
Dennis R. Scott..
TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Apri! exhibit at
the Dennis tL Neill Equality Center Gallery
will feature works by Dennis 1L Scott. If
there were a simple way to describe his art,
it would be called "accidental art" since art
is the accident of discovery - the unexpected
result of the meandering mind. Dennis Scott,
a retired English teacher, resides in Tulsa,
Oklahoma.
He is ~ writer, lyricist, poet, craftsman,
and artist. He has previously exhibited and
sold his art at Utica Arts in The Square
Show, Blue Dome Festival, Dennis R. Neill°
Equality Center Gallery, River Walk Arts
Festival, Cherry Street Arts Festival, Brook
Arts Festival and the Parsons, Kansas Art
Walk. His art has been sold to clients as far
away as Florence, Italy. Dennis Scott has been
creating in the medium of digital "art" for the
last six years. His work is unlike typical digital
or computer art because his art depicts his
own way of seeing life and interpreting what
he sees. One could easily peg Dennis Scott’s
art abstract, impressionistic, or surreal but
categories are of little concern to him.
The art exhibit at the Dennis R. O’Neil
Equality Center Gallery in April titled "Les
Belles Dames Nues" (Lovely Nal(ed Ladies)
,vill feature over 65 nude prints of Dennis
Scott’s art with over 40 of the works never
having been printed before. Dennis Scott’s
nude art is tasteful, yet evocative. Please join
us to visit with Dennis Scott at the Opening
Night Reception on Tnursday, April 1, from
6 to 9pro. Refreshments will be served.
Dennis’s art will be on display throughout
April.
Free help
www.rnetrostarnews.com ~1ET}~OSTAR 5
Supplements
By Ronald Blake
Contributing writer
Haotv: Ronald Blake, Cerdfied Fitness
Instructor throz<gh ISSA International Sports
. SciencesAssociadon
My best fi’iend said I should do it. My
brother said t should definitely do it. My
co-worker said I don’t need to do it. My
neighbor has never done it. Everyone has an
opinion on taking supplements for health and
well being. Should you do it? I have an easy
but nebulous answer: I don’t knovd Let me
gather some information from you.
If you have a food allergy then you
might want to consider taking supplements.
Someone lactose intolerant will not drink
milk or eat dairy products. This aversion
to Betsy the Cow could cause a deficiency
in calcium. Someone with a gluten allergy
might miss out on the benefits of thiamine
and riboflavin. This too could require
supplementation.
Ifyou are very athletic and push
your body to the outer limits of sanity
then you’re a likely candidate for extra
nutrition. This would certainly include
triathaletes, marathoners, or bodybuilders.
A 40 hour work week, intense training, and
housecleaning when you get home might
lead to insipid intercourse intertwined
with irascibility in the evening. That isn’t
fun! These uber athletes should strongly
consider supplementation to get those needed
nutrients that lead to late-day copacetic
copulation.
If the ornitho!ogy creatures gathered at
your birdfeeder are eating more than you
then it might be time to purchase meal or
drink supplements. It isn’t safe to take in less
than 1000 calories per day and it can zap
your energy xvhile depleting valuable mineral
reserves like iron from your body. Consult the
family doctor or a nutritionist for suggestions
on getting what your body needs to function
properly.
If you drink like Karen Walker, Captain
Jack Sparrmv, or Mayberry’s Otis Campbell
then you are an excellent candidate for
supplemental drinks or shakes. Alcohol can
adversely affect the body’s absorption and
metabolism of nutrients. Excessive alcohol
ravages the liver and pancreas too. This al!
means that the body doesn’t get the nutrients
it really needs.
tfyou take a blow torch to all your foods
and frequendy use adjectives such as charred,
burnt, crispy, or well done to describe your
meal it is a good bet that supplements on
a store shelf have your name on them.
Overcooking foods usually destroys B-group,
C, and E vitamins. Boiling vegetables can also
denude beneficial vitamins and minerals and
le,ave you needing rnore nutritional assistance.
Light steaming of vegetables can keep the
good stuffin and taste just as good.
Dieting can cause a need for supplements
too. Many dieters are now eliminating entire
food groups fi’om their plates. That means
these folks aren’t getting important vitamins
and minerals that would normally come
from these food groups. Eliminating all
carbs, all fat, or all protein just isn’t wise. Talk
with your medical experts about nutritional
replacements for these lost foods. You could
also just go back to being a regular human
being and sensibly eating carbs, fat, and
protein togethe~:
MI of this information should really
guide you toward a professional opinion
now. Consult your doctor, a certified fitness
trainer or a nutritionist to assist you with
deciding if supplements are necessary for
you. Your brother, your co-worker, and your
neighbor probably aren’t doctors, a certified
fitness trainer, or a nutritionist. With that
advice and lmowledge move your thimble five
spaces to GO and collect your nutrients and
vitamins for improved health and wellness!
¯ N~is health and fitness column is brought
to you by that guy ycho enjoys visits to
Hooters despite his non-breeder status. That
lover ofwings guy is Ron Blake and he can be
reached at www.myblakefimess.com.
Tony Kushner Pulitz&
Prize-Winning Playwright,
To Appear On Sunday,
April 18 .
TULSA, OK (PR) __ Renowned
screemvriter and creator ofAngels in America,
playwright Tony Kushner will make his first
live appearance in Tulsa on Sunday, April
18, 20!0 at the Synagogue: Congregation
B’nai Emunah. He willbe interviewed on this
occasion by noted actor and filmmaker Tim
Blake Nelson.
The Synagguoe is located at the corner
of Peoria and Seventeenth Street. Details are
available on the Synagogue xvebsite: www.
tu!sagogue.com.
3rd Mr. Gay US ofA
Contest held at Angles
Amadeus York ofTexas
gets the tit]e
By Victor Gorin
Mr Gay US ofA MI in white Amadeus York
with theprevious winner Richard Cranium.
Gorin photo
OKI.~AHOMA CITY, OK__ For
aficianados of male impersonation it was a
night in heaven March 14 when the new
winner was crowned Mr.Gay US ofA M!
( male illusion). Beginning March 12 the
contest opened with 50 contestants, narrowed
down to 12 finalists on the Sunday night
conclusion. Promoted by Brenda Quayle,
the contest is part of the US ofA pageantry
system which is now in its 26th year of
operation. Accompanying the contest was
a silent auction benefitting Camp Kindle,
an organization providing free camping
programs for children and young adults
infected or affected by HIV.
Giving up his tide was Richard Cranium
ofTexas. The new winners were 2nd
runnerup Windz ofNew York, 1st runnerup
Chad Meridian ofArkansas, and the new Mr.
Gay US ofA M! Amadeus York ofTexas.
6 NETROSTAR April 1, 2010
"It would be good if readers and viewers
see a different face each time there is an issue
in the community," Kirby says. "The broader
community should see different people."
Kirby has always been willing to speak out
on issues. He and his partner of 11 years are
legally married in California and Kirby has
been a tireless advocate of marriage equalityan
issue that has gained momentum around
the country in recent years but not budged in
conservative leaning Oldahoma.
Ending the ban on out GLBT
servicemernbers in the US military has also
been a cause near, dear - and personal to
Kirby. He served in the Air Force at the end
of the Vietnam War and several of his friends
were discharged because they were gay. One
of those friends was particularly special.
"I lost a relationship that had been long
term when he was discharged from the Air
Force for being gay," Kirby says. "I don’t
lmow if it would have worked out for life, but
I felt a very personal pain."
Kirby became active in the military issue
after former President Bill Clintoffs efforts to
lift the ban on GLBT servicemembers evolved
into the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy
that stands today. Since then he has joined
in on lobbying efforts of the state delegation
and lobbied organizations to which be
belongs - the American Legion and the
Non-Commissioned officers Association -- to
support repealing the ban.
With the current debate on repealing
DADT, Kirby feels there is some progress
being made (~ward equal rights to serve.
’ Each time the issue comes up, there are
more and more people willing to support
repealing the ban," he says. "Whether or not
there are enough people now I don’t lmow. I
think right now there is as good a chance as
there has ever been. I wish the military
would look at the other countries who have
removed that ban - none of them have had
any problems."
Kirby says he is committed to continue
pushing for his causes and for the
advancement of the community. ,
For more information on OkEqs 30th
Anniversary Equality Gala, visit www.okeq.
org.
Your life an open book
on Drag Race
The autobiography challenge sends the
latest queen packing on Ru-Paul’s Drag
Race
By Bebe Zahara Benet
As I travel
all around
the country
to promote
my new
single,
so many
people have
told me that
this season’s
Jessica Wild
reminds
them of me.
I told my
mija this
during our
interview
this week,
many things I loved about watching her
on RuPaul s Drag Race. ticAll reca~ ~foweek
7andprevious shows ate online now. All 12
weeks will be posted on our website at: www.
mewosta~ews.com
’~,,~,~v. metrostarnews.corn ~(~t~°oSTAR 7
April 1, 2010
~v.metrostarnews.com
10 April 1, 2010
Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G.
O~t &About in OKC & Tulsa
@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ Angles, Oklahoma City
@ The Cop& Oklahoma City
@ Finishline, Oklahoma City
@ The End Up, Tulsa
Club Maverick Hosts 19th Annual
Straley. Gorinphoto
, will be goin~ to the
this coming
April.
The Leather Lifestvle has been around awhile in OHahoma, and
@Club 209, Tulsa
com.
puf "
in Chri
@Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Ledo, Oklahoma City
12 ~®t~oSTAR April 1, 2010
by Jack Fertig April 2010
"Go back to basics, GeminW’
Saturn backing into Virgo reminds
us to clean up old business before
starting new relationships. Aspecting
Uranus and Neptune, she’ll dig up
complications that must be dealt with to
make progress. Go slowly and carefully.
You have until late July to get it right.
ARIES (March 2(}-Apri~ 19):
Recalculate the equation of any
partnership that’s troubling you. Can
or should it be saved? Strong instincts
and inspiration could lead you astray,
but probably contain a kernel of truth.
Friends can help you reconcile those
with reality.
TAURUS (April 2(} - May 2(}): Feeling
stuck at work can push you back to reexamine
your goals. Where do you feel
most creative, and what doyou really
have to offer? If professional goals feel
nebulous, frame the question in terms
of your social ideals.
GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): While your
goals and ideals seem to be in flux,
go back to basics, The most relevant
questions about reaching out to the
world around you ar6 taught early in
life. Be nice, share and try to learn.
Community service can also help clear
your head:
CANCER (June 21- July 22): Discuss
longstanding family issues with
siblings, or community problems with
neighbors. Things probably aren’t as
dark and complicated as they feel. New
perspectives will help if you’re willing to
be _very_ open-minded.
LEO (July 23 - August 22): New
ideas and skills can help get you out of
financial trouble, but first understand
how and why you got into that trouble.
You won’t get that on your own. Your
partner or an advisor can help you
figure it out.
VIRGO (August 23 - September
22): Taking the weight of the world on
your shoulders is bad for your health.
Discussing problems with your partner,
or a trusted friend or counselor, is
necessary even if it’s aggravating. A
mild exercise program (swimming?)
and meditation help,
UBRA (September 23 - October 22):
It seems you can’t catch a break, so
make one for yourself. Take time off to
meditate and play. Settle your nerves
and charge up your batteries. You need
this. in the long run it’s the responsible
thing to do!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November
21}: Take a hard look at your future
and get ready to clear out the clutter in
your life. Mending fences could mean
quitting some friendships and groups,
but offers you a chance to make it clean
and amicable.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22
- December 2(}): Clean up any loose
ends and nasty rumors affecting your
reputation. Helpful inspiration comes
from your home and family. Advice
from siblings and neighbors can seem
confusing, but don’t take it too literally
and it could prove valuable.
CAPRICORN (December 21
- January 19): Coming toward a peak
of your professional reputation, now is
the time to get the word out about your
achievements and services. Typos and
snafus lie in wait. Be very attentive to
those details!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): You’re coming into a phase of your
life where your ideas and your mind will
be much challenged. Review what you
believe and why. Confusion about who
you are and what’s important can be a
healthy stage of growth.
PISCES (February 19 - March
19): Feeling unsure about sex and
relationships can be a good step
toward greater awareness. OK, it’s
uncomfortable now. Meditation and
other quiet secluded retreats - some
with your love, some without - will ease
the exploration.
METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
Rev Steve T. Uric
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Sunday 6:00 PM
Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
www.socmcc.org
Have a God filled and BleSSed Day!
69 Spread
70 Boston cager, briefly
771 Social customs
72 silence ~r Copland
,Output
role fbr fodie
63 Initial stake "
65 Plumb of The Brady Bunch
Solution page 15
:~Nw.metrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 13
by Greg Fo×
,,wme.kyleeomics.com E-Mail -
Chuck Breckenridge
"~&cd~er buying or selling
I’ll work hard for you.
You determine your
own hours,, your own
pace aRe your own
compensation. Great
way to work around
your current scnedule,
earn extra money.
and try. new financial
services career.
597 Magnetic Road
Eureka Springs, Ark~ansas
www.magneticvalteyresort.corn
info@magneticvalleyresort.com
800-210-840~ 479-244-6821
2116 N~7 43rd
CULLENS PENNSYLVANIA AVE.
Contact the owner to
view this wonderful
home.
~=~. (405) ~4-5~52
April 1, 2010
Support those who support us. Their ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you.
HAB.A~A INN
2200 N%%r 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-528-222!
www.habanainn.com
MAGNETIC VALLEY Pd~SORT
597 Magnetic Road
Eureka Springs, AR
800-210-8401
,a~aw.magneticvalleyresort.com
NELLY KIRBY, CPA
4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424
Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466
Certified Public Accountant
VALERIE WILLIFORD
625 N.VZ 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK
405-226-8585
PR~MEPdCA
Dana
~hlsa, Oldahoma
877.700.9503
THE END UP
5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE
Tulsa, OK
918-836-0915
Open 7 days a week 2pm to 2am
THE LEDO
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
TUI~A EAGLE
1338 E. 3RD
Tulsa, OK
918-592-1188
Open 7days week 2pm to 2am
CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS
3t31 N. PENN,
OKC, OK 405-525-9555
Service Sunday 10:45 AM
DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN
FELLOWSHIP
637 S. 131st East Ave
Tulsa, OK
www.realacceptance.com
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIWSTD Hotline
EXPRESSIONS Fellowship
4010 N Youngs
Oklahoma City, OK
405-761-1878
www.expressionsOKC.com
JUDY G. PHOTO’S
Tulsa, OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
918-743-8636
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 NW EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
www.c2 lgoldcasde.com
CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE
Keller Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
~srA
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
~A~GLES
2117 ?’PgZ 39th St.
Oklahoma City~ OK
ww,v.anglesclub.com
BAMBOO LOL~GE
7204 E. PINE
Tttlsa, OK
9!8-836-8700
www.bambooloungetulsa.com
CLUB 209
209 N. BOULDER
Tulsa, OK
918-584-9944
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Sunday 6pm
MCC UNITED
1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK
918-838-1715
www.mcctulsa.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N. Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
OKI_AHOMA STONEWALL
DEMOCRATES
Oklahoma City, OK
vaw#.olcstonewall.org
OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY
621 E. 4th Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
918-743-4297
www.okeq.org
CLUB MAJESTIC E N Y A ~R[A N S E S
124N. BOSTON P O tO P ~EIR O CAR D O
Tulsa, OK ~--A O 0~-0- E N T 918-584-9494 ,--
,,~wv.clubmajestictulsa.com H ~ k J J g I O N T A O
2200 NW 39TH ~P~SSWAY
405-525-2900 L A P S E ~O A T I H~S T O P
o THE COPA
2200NW39THE~P~SSWAY O V V O ~glo L ~ AIR C H E O ahom ci ,O S S
405-525-0730 A R S
AL EVE OREO CE L T
~ORE S~ REST TA L E
M~Si Bl~ke’s ~uying’ from 2:00
7:00 p,m, Dancersat 16:00
$,75 i~ome~tic drafl~,from noom2:00
&.m. !’Blak8 s Buyhg from n0omTi00
p:m. Dancers at ;t0:00
$6.00 BEER BUST from 2:00 p.m..,2:00
a.m. "Blake’s Buying" from 2:00 p.m.o
7:00.p.m. Dancers at 10:00 p.m.
...........$4.50
Windex....................................................................................$4.50
EndUp Shot...........................................................................$2.00
EndoUp-O>The-Floor Sho{...................................................$&O0
RaRlesnake, ..............................................................................$3.00
w~av.metrostamews.com ~ETROSTAR 15
~s ~i~gesl i~pad since Roosevelt, ~ecause the conservative
7
4100 No L]~e]~ Av÷nu÷, Oklahome Ci~ 140S) 427-3366
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2010] Metro Star Magazine, April 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 4
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
April 01, 2010
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media, Ltd
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Nimmo
Victor Gorin
Rex Wockner
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Judy Gabbard
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Jack Fertig
Lisa Keen
Steven Petrow
Keith Orr
Chris Azzopardi
Victor Gorin
Judy G.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
PDF
Online text
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Metro Magazine, March 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 3
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/193
The Metro Star Magazine, May 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 5
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/194
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/186
Advice
Art Opening and Exhibit
Bitter Girl
David Osthoff
Don't shop-Adopt
Drag Race
employment discrimination
federal hate crimes law
fitness-supplements
funnies
Kelly Kirby
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
Miss Gay Lawton
Mr. Gay USA
Obituaries
Paul Robert Thompson
QPuzzle
Qscopes
Rainbow Pages
Robert Painter-Other Options and Friends Food Pantry
T.E.N.- The Equality Network
The Gaylien Weekend
Tom Kovach
Tony Kushner
travel
Tulsa Violence Symposium