[2007] The Star Magazine, June 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 6

[2007] The Star Magazine, June 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 6

Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics

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.

Star Media, Ltd

https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19

Star Media, Ltd

June 01, 2007

C.D. Ward
Victor Gorin
Greg Steele
Jeanne Flanigan
Paul Wortman
James Nimmo
Joey D.
Victor Gorin
Greg Gatewood
Libby Post
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ronald Blake
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman
Devre Jackson
Michael Leach

The Star Magazine, May 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 5
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/210

The Star Magazine, July 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 7
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/207

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magazine

https://history.okeq.org/items/show/208

Southwestern Missouri
Western Arkansas
Southeastern Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)

2 the STAR
www.ozarksstar.com
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3
STAR DISTRIBUTION:
OKLAHOMA CITY*TULSA* LAWTON * MCALESTER * ENID* LITTLE ROCK*
NORTH LITTLE RODK * FAYETTEVILLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT
SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE * ROGERS * KANSAS CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN
¯ WICHITA* PITTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY
4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
OKLAHOMA COUNTY COMMISSIONERJIM ROTH
APPOINTED TO THE OKLAHOMA CORPORATION
COMMISSION
Exclusive by Victor Gorin
to complete his term which expires in 2010.
Commissioner Roth hopes that the work
of preparing the county’s 2008 budget will
be completed by the time he leaves office.
As specified in the Oklahoma Constitution,
as an appointee to a statewide office, he
must run in the next general election to fill
the balance of Ms. Bode’s unexpired term,
which also ends in 2010. If elected, he plans
to run for re-election for a full six year term
at that time.
He will be serving on the Corporation
Commission with Republicans Bob Anthony
and Jeff Cloud. A giant step up from
his county commissioner position, he stated
that he fully understands the challenges of
this statewide office.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK___’Tm grateful
to Governor Henry for his vote of confidence,
I’m grateful to for the public that has
employed me these past years, and I look
forward to making a difference for the state
of Oklahoma."
On May 14 Governor Brad Henry appointed
Oklahoma County Commissioner
Jim Roth to the Oklahoma Corporation
Commission to succeed Commissioner
Denise Bode, who is resigning her seat for
a job in the private sector. The Corporation
Commission functions in Oklahoma state
government to regulate telecommunications,
utilities, the oil & gas industry &
transportation providers. It consists of 3
commissioners elected statewide that serve
6 year terms. As the Governor stated, "Jim
Roth has the intellect, the integrity and the
dedication to public service needed to be an
outstanding Corporation Commissioner."
When he was elected to be Oklahoma
County Commissioner of District 1 in
2002, he was the second openly gay elected
official in Oklahoma. Despite a rough campaign
where his opposition, the incumbent
Republican Beverly Hodges, played the antigay
card to the max, he still won based on
a campaign of efficient, trustworthy county
government that would serve all the citizens
www.ozarksstar.com
of the district. After his victory he and his
stafffound that his predecessor had left
the office with the computers crashed, files
shredded, and a card with men in drag
that said, "Don we now our gay apparel"
that gave new meaning to the concept of
sore losing. Despite this rock), welcome he
gained the confidence of the district’s voters,
achieving a balanced budget and getting 8
new bridges built in his district during his
first term while the previous commissioner
had built only one. He also was able to get
Oklahoma County to adopt an employment
nondiscrimination policy for their employees
that protects them from discrimination
based on sexual orientation, the first and
only such government policy in Oklahoma.
His job performance won the respect and
support not only of the GLBT community
and traditionally progressive groups, but
also a surprising number of conservative
Republicans. This showed clearly when he
ran for a second term in 2006 and his opposition,
Republican David Mehlhaff, ran a
campaign almost entirely based on anti-gay
rhetoric, and he still won handily ~ith 63%
of the vote.
He will retain his office until May 31.
Unless she declines the position his chief
deputy, Linda Simpson, will serve in his
place pending the outcome from a special
election that will be set by Governor Henry
" I spent the last 3 weeks doing my due
diligence exploring the position, finding out
if it was something I could make a positive
impact with. I also explored the idea about
leaving a job that I loved and a county that
relies on me. My partner (Worth Ross),
my family and I all discussed my original
intentions for public service, and that is to
change people’s lives for the better, and we ,
decided that if the governor were to offer
it this would be a tremendous opportunity
to do that higher goal of helping change
people’s lives for the better across the state. "
"As for my skill sets, I feel I would be up to
the challenge,
"I feel that in the last 5 years I have learned
a lot ofwhat it takes to be successful as a
member ofa 3 member board, pushing for
progressive change even in contentious,
difficult environments. My record for being
fair and honest made me a good candidate
in the governor’s eyes for that statewide
position. Beyond that I would say that it is
a huge honor to be able to take an oath to
serve the state of Oklahoma just as I have
felt it an honor to serve Oklahoma County".
And as for the challenge of his upcoming
statewide election?
"I have always approached public service
based on job performance, I work hard, I
work long hours to make a difference. That
will be my same strategy, that in the next
year and a half that I will work so hard for
the public that given the chance to rehire
me, I hope they say yes."
the STAR 5
Dear Editor,
Thank you for publishing information about
the recent $24-miltion class action settlement
with EMD Serono, the maker ofAIDS
-wasting drug Serostim. The lawsuit had alleged
that EMD Serono promoted the use of
an unapproved medical device that improperly
diagnosed people as having AIDS wasting;
provided doctors with travel stipends
in exchange for their agreement to prescribe
Serostim; and marketed the drug for uses that
were not approved by the FDA.
The U.S. Attorney in charge ofa government
case against EMD Serono asserted
that "nearly 85% ofprescriptions written for
Serostim ~vere not medically necessary."
It is important that anyone who paid for any
of the cost ofSerostim know that they may
be eligible to receive a payment from this
settlement. The deadline to make a claim is
approaching fast! Claims must be submitted
byJune 19th, 2007. Claims forms and more
information are available at www.serostimsettlement.
com.
Thank you,
Mark D. Snyder
Prescription Access Litigation
www.prescriptionaccess.org
Dear Editor
I’m concerned about the takeover of my
country by the
Alice-in-Wonderland anti-Democratic
nature of the religious far right.
It’s my contention that fundie religious
observance and stridency are a brake on
natural human progress and diversity.
As we’ve seen with the
latest Supreme Court
decision on privacy
and women’s bodies,
the opinions of six
lower courts, logic,
precedence, and rule
of law are put aside
when the observance
of these important
elements in human
civilization would run
counter to the biblical
barbarism many people would prefer to
humanist progress.
In that same light, our gay equality--despite
some advancement in the area of civil
unions and civil equality for same gendered
couples--can be canceled by a Supreme
Court decision should it decide that unanimity
of a legislature is never to be had,
and therefore, the law must bow to the least
common denominator of human reason:
bigotry.
This is the logic that was used by the Supreme
Court in denying any allowance for
the health or life of the mother in the case
of an abortion after consultation with the
patient and her medical professional. The
Court said that because the legislatures have
a "right" to pass laws, and even should those
laws be passed in contradiction to scientific
fact, the ignorance shown by the law must
be upheld.
This reasoning is driven by religious fear and
not sound jurisprudence.
Let’s remember the slogan from a prior
presidential election: "It’s the Supreme
Court, Stupid!", and vote accordingly in
November 2008 for the enforcement of the
Constitution and not the Bible.
James Nimmo
Oklahoma City, OK
6 the STAR w~wv.ozarksstar.com
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7

SATURDAY ,JUNE 23, 2007
THE JAZZ DEPOT
’lST AND CiNCINNATi
FREE
VVW’W.OEJAZ7-ORG
OKLAHOMA JAZZ
HALL OF FAME
Creating U~ity Throu~ab Music
"’A¸ t Century 21 Gold Castle our BEST
properties are our PEOPLE’
430t NW 63rd, Suite 100
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
405.840.2106
www,c21goldcastle.com
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9
Old homa Stonewa l Democra,s
The LGBT Voice ofthe Democratic Party
10 the STAR
Stonewall Democrats Work to Raise Awareness that
LGBT Democrats Care and We VOTE!
We Seek Equality andHuman Rightsfor ALL Peoplefrom
within the oMv Political Party that Endorses LGBT
Inclusiveness at All Levels ofPolitics and Governmen~
Help us elect Democrats who will welcome YOU into
their campaigns, their lives, and their offic!s!
We’re Proud ofOklahoma Stonewall Members
~State Corporatwn Commissioner dim Roth
~State Representative Al McAffrey
~State Senator Andrew Rice
(Congratulations on the new baby, SenatorO
Join us at wwwook~tonewallo~rg
www.ozarksstar.com
Pinkie and the Snakeshokers,
Sa~rday Evening
Come check out the improvements made to the festival
as we~l as the many interactive activities such as Pride
Idol, Pet Contest, Return of the Children’s Area,
Two Stages of Entertainment plus a DJ Tent, Food,
Shopping, Historical Exhibits, Karaoke
m Q
ClMARRON
g a zi n e,,~
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11
Unprecedented series
of" gains coast
tO coas for lesbian,
gay, bisexual and
transgender people
’The tide is clearly shifting.’ Matt
Foreman, Executive Director, National
Gay and Lesbian Task Force
WASHINGTON, May9 " ~{~007
state legislative season has b~ ~{ ~ost
productive in the history of the lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights
movement and, as a result, for the first time
more than half the U.S. population will live
in jurisdictions that outlaw discrimination
on the basis of sexual orientation, according
to an analysis of Census data and current
laws released today by the National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force. In addition, nearly 40
percent of the population wilt now live in
jurisdictions that protect transgender people
from discrimination -- a sevenfold increase
since 2000, and one-fifth of all Americans
will live in states that offer same-sex couples
broad rights under state law, more than
an eightfold increase since 2004. The Task
Force said the 2006 elections and years of
dogged work at the grassroots level were
responsible for the surge in legislation.
"This is a historic and long-overdue milestone.
At long last, a majority ofAmericans
will now live in jurisdictions that protect
people from discrimination on the basis
of sexual orientation," said Matt Foreman,
executive director of the National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force. "As important, protections
for transgender people and broad
rights for same-sex couples are surging from
coast to coast. We still have a very long way
to go, but the tide is clearly shifting."
Nondiscrimination Protections Surge
Since Jan. 1, 2007, the legislatures in four
states -- an all-time high -- have passed
nondiscrimination laws. Three of those
states -- Iowa, Oregon and Colorado --
moved to extend protections to lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender people, and the
Vermont Legislature passed a bill amending
its existing nondiscrimination laws to
include transgender people. As a result, the
percentage of
the U.S. population
living in
jurisdictions
protecting lesbian,
gay and
bisexual people
from discrimination
will rise
to 52 percent,
crossing the halfway
mark for the
first time. The
laws of Iowa,
Oregon and Vermont
prohibit
discrimination
in employment,
housing
and public
accommodations,
among
other categories;
Colorado’s law
covers employment
only.
I7
Oregon GoT.
Ted Kulongoski
is scheduled to
sign his state’s ...............
bill into law
today; the governors in the other three states
have pledged to sign their bills into law.
Protections for Transgender People Growing
Rapidly
nondiscrimination laws covering gender
identity/expression grew 32 percentage
points (from 5 percent to 37 percent), more
than five times the rate of growth for sexual
orientation protections.
When the four state discrimination taws go
into effect, 37 percent of the population will
live in jurisdictions that protect transgender
people from discrimination.
Protections for transgender people have
grmvn much more quickly over the last decade
than those for lesbian, gay and bisexual
people because of a commitment of the
LGBT movement to insist that transgender
people be included in new nondiscrimination
laws and to go back and add protections
for transgender people to existing
sexual orientation-only laws. Since 2000,
the percentage of the population living in
jurisdictions with nondiscrimination laws
covering sexual orientation grew 14 percentage
points (from 38 percent to 52 percent).
During the same period, the percentage of
the population living in jurisdictions with
The "Eask Force created and staffed its
Transgender Civil Rights Project in 2001
with the goal of increasing the number of
transgender-protective discrimination laws.
Since the project’s inception, the proportion
of the population covered by transgenderinclusive
laws has increased from 6 percent
to 37 percent.
"It’s clear that legislators recognize that
transgender people face widespread discrimination
and deserve the same protections
as other minorities," said Foreman.
"The common wisdom used to be that
including protections for transgender people
would kill a bill -- that’s obviously not the
case." Foreman noted that last week the
U.S. House of Representatives passed a hate
crimes bill containing explicit protections
................... Continued nextpage
t2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
for transgender people by a vote of 237-180
and that this year the Employment Non-
Discrimination Act (ENDA) was amended
to prohibit discrimination on the basis of
gender identity and expression. There is
widespread expectation that both houses of
Congress will take up ENDA before the end
of the calendar year.
Gains in Broad State Protections for Same-
Sex Couples
Over the last five months (December
through April), legislatures in three states
New Jersey, New Hampshire and Oregon
passed laws granting same-sex couples the
same rights and responsibilities afforded
married couples under state law through
civil unions or domestic partnerships. As in
the nondiscrimination arena, this is more
states taking such action than in any previous
state legislative season. As a result, onefifth
(20 percent) of the U.S. population
will live in states that offer broad rights and
responsibilities to same-sex couples. (Other
jurisdictions, including \Vashington state,
Hawaii and the District of Columbia, have
passed laws that give significant but not
comprehensive rights to domestic partners.
These jurisdictions are not included in the
calculations.)
Five years ago (in 2002) just one state,
Vermont, ~vith 0.2 percent of the population,
offered broad protections to same-sex
couples. When the bills passed this session
take effect, seven states (California, Connecticut,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
New Jersey, Oregon and Vermont), with 20
percent of the population, will offer broad
protections to same-sex couples.
The Task Force said Oregon’s new law was
a particularly satisfying turnaround from
2004, when voters approved a constitutional
amendment banning the recognition
of same-sex marriage by a margin of 57
percent to 43 percent, the narrowest margin
among the 13 states voting on anti-marriage
measures that year. The Task Force donated
nearly $900,000 in cash in the attempt to
defeat the amendment and sent 10 organizers
to help staff the campaign.
"While the 2004 loss really hurt, it’s now
clear that our campaign really did convince
people that all families deserve broad protections
and relationship rights," said Thalia
Zepatos, director of the Task Force’s Organizing
& Training Department. Zepatos,
who played a major role in fighting every
anti-LGBT measure in Oregon since 1988,
will attend today’s bill-signing ceremony in
Salem, Ore.
2006 Elections and Years of Grassroots
Work Credited with Surge in Protections
The results of the 2006 election played a
pivotal role in four (Colorado, Iowa, Ne~v
Hampshire and Oregon) of the six states
passing nondiscrimination or family protection
laws since December, the Task Force
said.
Before the November elections, Democrats
held control of both houses of the state
legislatures in three of the states taking
pro-LGBT action: Vermont, Colorado and
New Jersey. As a result of the November
elections, however, Democrats picked up
control of both houses in the other three
states: Iowa, Oregon and New Hampshire.
Before the elections in Iowa, the Senate was
evenly divided and the House was Republican-
dominated; in Oregon, Democrats
controlled the Senate and Republicans
controlled the House; in New Hampshire,
both houses were controlled by Republicans.
In Co!orado, Democrats strengthened their
control of the Legislature, and Democrat
William Ritter succeeded Republican William
Owens as governor, who had twice
vetoed the nondiscrimination bill.
The change in control of the state legislatures
was due to Democratic gains nationwide,
as well as specific work to elect
pro-LGBT state legislators spearheaded by
Colorado philanthropist Tim Gill.
"The lesson here? What a difference an election
makes!" said Foreman.
In Oregon in 2006,
then-House Speaker
Karen Minnis was singularly
responsible for
blocking nondiscrimination
and family
recognition legislation
bills. With Democrats
taking control of that
chamber, Minnis has
since lost her leadership
position.
Although it took Democratic control to
move the bills, each passed with Republican
support (although Colorado’s employment
nondiscrimination bill passed with only one
Republican voting for it).
The Task Force stressed that while the
change in party control was an essentia! factor
in moving bills this year, grassroots
activism over many years made it possible
for legislators to vote on the pro-LGBT
measures. In Oregon, for example, activists
had been pushing a nondiscrimination law
for nearly 30 years, and work on the comprehensive
domestic partnership law began
immediately after the 2004 election. Similarly,
the LGBT community in Vermont
has been pushing to include protections for
transgender people for eight years, and New
Hampshire’s civil union law is a direct result
of marriage equality organizing by the New
Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition.
"These bills would have never passed
without the dogged work of state and local
leaders and organizations over many,
many years," Foreman said. "Our national
community owes them all its respect and
gratitude."
Since Jan. 1, the legislatures of all 50 states
have been in session. As ofMay 8, 29 legislatures
remain in session.
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13
By D. Rose
Photo: Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Wilson.
EUREKA SPRINGS, AR~"Zhis is a
monumental occasion for our town,"
proclaimed Mayor Dani Wilson. "I am so
incredibly proud that our c0uncil has had
the courage to stand for equality for all."
She concluded, "It reinforces the fact that
Eureka Springs was founded upon equality,
inclusion, and love for all, and still holds
those principals true today."
Diversity thrives in a Victorian village
wedged in the rocky Ozarks hills. On May
14, 2007, Eureka Springs, Arkansas added
another jewel to her crown with the passing
of the Domestic Partnership Registry, standing
in the company of many astute cities
choosing to push aside religious oppression
to progress equality for all couples. For
many, the benefits of the Registry may be
more symbolic in nature, but it is a monumental
step toward enlightenment.
young and old, gathered in sister-brotherhood,
while others spoke for us inside. We
held our signs aloft, talked, laughed, and
waited for the Counci!’s final vote. From
an open window, two of our elders signaled
victory and we roared with joy in our hearts!
We hugged each other, we cried and fett"
as ONE community. It was a wondrous
evening!" -- Marie Howard, age 73, retired
teacher
"As a gay father and spouse raising two
children, I see this action by the Council
as a major step in the ongoing process of
attaining equal rights for citizens that are
unduly discriminated against. For couples
who can’t otherwise be married or have a
Civil Union, the Registry will give us a small
way to publicly recognize and help solidify
our loving families. And for some couples
fortunate to work for an employer that offers
Domestic Partner benefits, it will help
them attain much needed spousal benefits."
-- JT Williams, Arkansas
"Eureka shows us LOVE is for everybody!"
-- Joney Harper
"Who does DP benefit? Any adult couple
who, for whatever reason, chooses not to
legally marry or who, because of antiquated
and discriminatory laws, can not legally
marry. Every woman, man and child in Eureka
Springs, in Arkansas and in the rest of
the nation. Anything that inches those who
have been disenfranchised and marginalized
closer to full citizenship, emancipation
and equality under the law is a benefit for
society." -- Michael Walsh
"As a mother of a deceased gay man, my first
thought was Robert would love this. My
second, he would be so proud of his mother
for standing in for him to celebrate the life
he fought so hard for. EQUALITY! Parents’
love never dies, but grows because he/she is
your child as well as God’s." - Jude Murphy
For more details about ordinance 2052, go
to www.Diversitypride.com
Center for Artistic Revolution Blog
BENTONVILLE, AR The father of two
teenage boys has asked city Officials to fine
the Bentonville Public Library for keeping
The Whole Lesbian Sex Book by Felice
Newman on the open shelves where his
sons could find it. Earl Adams said his 14-
and 16-year-old sons discovered the book
in January while browsing for literature
on military academies and were "greatly
disturbed," causing "many sleepless nights in
our house."
Adams wants the city to pay him $10,000
per child, the maximum allowed under
Arkansas obscenity law. "God was speaking
to my heart that day and helped me find the
words that proved successful in
removing this book from the shelf," Adams
said in the April 20 Springdale Morning
News.
City Attorney Camille Thompson said the
book was not pornographic and Adams has
no "valid legal concern." After receiving
his original complaint, the library advisory
board voted April 3 to remove the book
from circulation and look for a similar, less
graphic resource for the open stacks. "I
thought we had a very intelligent I almost
want to say high-minded--discussion about
the book," said board member,
George Spence.
Library Director Cindy Suter said that she
disagreed with Adams’s conclusion that having
Newman’s book in the library follows an
"immoral social agenda," adding, "My focus
was to develop an inclusive collection and
not an exclusive collection."
"In the parking lot outside of City Hall,
an amazing combination of people: gay,
straight, mothers, fathers, nurses, teachers,
14 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com

Anal PAP Smear
For Men, Ana.1
Cancer Prevenuon
SAN FRANCISCO, CA If you have
followed the news, you’ve heard about
advances in preventing cancers caused by
HPV (human papilloma virus). The Food
and Drug Administration has approved a
vaccine for women and girls th~lt is expected
to prevent up to 70 percent of cervical cancers
caused by HPV. Unfortunately, there
have been fewer advances in prevention and
education for gay and bisexual men who
face alarmingly high rates of another cancer
caused by HPV, anal cancer.
Most men and women who are sexually active
acquire HPV at some point. Most HPV
infections don’t cause cancer~, but some do.
Rates of anal cancer among gay and bisexual
men are 35 times greater than the general
population -- comparable to rates of cervical
cancer in women before routine Pap smear
screening for cervical precancerous cells.
HIV-positive men and women are even
more susceptible, with HIV-positive men a
staggering 80 times more at risk. Anal cancer
rates have doubled in the last 10 years
and are expected to continue rising. Black
gay and bisexual men have seen the sharpest
increase and have lower survival rates.
The National Cancer Institute estimates
that 4,650 people in the United States will
be diagnosed with anal cancer this year and
690 people will die from it.
Early detection of precancerous cells can
save hundreds of lives each year and spare
thousands of people from radiation therapy,
chemotherapy and a lifetime of painful side
4ffects.
The good news is that anal cancer is potentially
preventable and highly curable. An
anal Pap smear is an inexpensive and relatively
painless screening procedure that can
detect abnormal cells. A follow-up exam,
which includes a high-resolution anoscopy,
helps determine whether abnormal cells are
precancerous. Specialists believe that treating
anal precancerous cells, often through a
simple in-office procedure, can prevent anal
cancer.
Despite the experience of specialists, these
potential preventive measures are not part of
routine care for those at risk. One reason
1 {5 the STAR
is a disturbing lack of large-scale studies and
research funding on anal cancer prevention.
Without these studies, policymakers and
medical associations are hesitant to recommend
preventive measures. In contrast,
cervical Pap smears became part of women’s
health care before conclusive studies were
published, yielding an 80 percent reduction
in cervical cancer.
Another reason that preventive measures are
not in place is the limited number of providers
trained in high-resolution anoscopy
(HRA). Further, if pre-cancers are detected
through the procedure, no guidelines exist
for optimal treatment.
This potentially preventable cancer is
needlessly advancing among thousands of
Americans each year. Some specialists are
screening for and treating anal pre-cancers,
but without randomized clinical studies,
it hasn’t been proven that these measures
prevent anal cancer. Required studies are in
the planning stages and will take years to
conduct.
The STOP AIDS Project, a San Franciscobased
community project that works to
prevent the transmission of HIV among gay
and bisexual men, supports evidence-based
standards of care. However, until standards
of care are implemented, something needs
to be done. STOP AIDS advocates that
policymakers and medical associations
support and fund research on anal-cancer
prevention, including the efficacy of HPV
vaccines in males. In anticipation of published
guidelines, a health-care infrastructure
should be developed that includes provider
training. Policymakers should also consider
piloting screening programs to collect data
and determine efficacy and feasibility.
Gay and bisexual men and those with HIV
should talk with their health-care providers
about their risk for anal cance.r and HPV.
Men can decrease their risk for HPV by using
condoms. Those at risk should consider
getting an anal Pap smear annually if they
are HIV-positive or every two to three years
if they are HIV-negative. At minimum, they
should have a rectal exam to detect abnormal
growths. Also, men at risk can !ower
their risk by stopping smoking, because
smoking is a risk factor for developing anal
cancer. Men at risk can advance prevention
efforts by volunteering for clinical trials or
advocating for research funding and health
insurance coverage. Additionally, providers
can Seek training in preventive anal cancer
procedures.
The San Francisco Department of Public
Health STD Control Branch and STOP
AIDS are convening an expert panel to
evaluate existing data on anal cancer and
develop recommendations. Last month,
New York’s MDS Institute became the first
Department of Public Health in the nation
to publish such recommendations. Other
organizations, counties and states should
follow this lead.
Dr. Joel Palefsky is a professor of medicine
at the University of California, San Francisco.
Jen Hecht, Jason Riggs and Michael
Scarce are staff members of STOP ,adDS
Project, an HIV prevention and health
promotion organization for gay; bisexual
and transgender men. For more information
visit www.stopaids.org and www.analcancerinfo.
ucsf.edu/
Doctors in Bay Area, San Francisco are encouraging
ga), men to have pap smears, after
a significant increase in cases of anal cancer.
In the United States, the number of people
diagnosed with anal cancer has increased
by close to forty percent since 1996. This is
in contrast to the overall increase of cancer
diagnoses of just one percent.
Although the cancer can be easily treated,
660 people died ftom the disease last year,
with over 4,500 new cases.
Doctor Joel Palefsky, Director of the Anal
Neoplasia Clinic at the University of California,
spoke of how anal pap smears could
detect legions before becoming malignant.
"We haven’t proven it yet, but we believe
that we are likely to be preventing anal
cancer."
Although women are more likely to be
diagnosed with anal cancer, gay men and
those who are HIV positive are also at
risk. It is now believed that 35 out of every
100,000 gay men in the United States has
anal cancer.
A report is currently being prepared on the
introduction and promotion of pap smears
for gay men.
www.ozarksstar.com
You want to be
healthy. Go to bed and
sleep on it. Sleep is a great
way to maintain your
health and it’s not that
complicated. You just
need to sleep. So, why is
that everyone seems to get
so little of it?
People are always
rushing about. There’s the
nine to five job. There’s the one hour commute. There’s the grocery
shopping. There’s always something that seems to eat away at your
precious sleep time. Let me give you some good reasons to make
room for the pillmv and mattress.
First, you just simply need to make the time for sleep. The average
adult needs seven to eight hours of sleep. This is a priority and
you need to allocate a period of your day ~vhen you can accomplish
this. If you can’t schedule it then you are doing too much during
your daily routine.
Cornell psychology professor James B. Maas provided research
that shows that if you get less than eight hours of sleep per night,
you are operating impaired; and your alertness, productivity, creativity,
and general health are all affected.
The body is able to restore itself during REM sleep. ~lis is when
the body can process the emotional moments of the day through
dream imagery. ~is explains why I have such a hard time sleeping
after watching movies like The Grudge, White Noise, or Gigli. The
brain tries to interpret and process this information so that we can
forget and then move on for a new day.
Try to mix and match these hues with the d’cor of your boudoir and
serenade yourself into a lullaby.
Some people tell me that they need to do as much as possible
while they are alive. They tell me that there will be plenty of time to
sleep when they’re knocking on heaven’s door. True but why not try
to get as much quality out of your awake time as possible? Proper
sleep equates to much more energetic and productive awake time.
I opt for quality in lieu of quantity. "Goodnight, you princes Of
Maine. You Kings ofNew England."
Ron Blake is a personal fitness trainer and owner of Blake Fitness
in Phoenix. He can be reached at 480-241-5651 or blake.fitness@
yahoo.com.
Owasso Community
heatre’ Season Opens.
OWASSO, OK__The O~vasso Community Theatre’s Season "It’s
All About Family" will be opening on June 22, 2007 with a musical
production of Ruthless! directed by Bruce Lewis. Season Tickets
for all five shows are now available from the contacts listed below,
and cost $25.00 for access to all four shows which include the mysterious
Arsenic and Old Lace, the heartwarming Cheaper By The
Dozen, and the entertaining Babes in Toyland. For further questions,
please contact:
Tammy Quick, tammylq@cox.net, (918) 851-3830 Bruce Lewis,
brucel@tulsacares.org, (918) 906-8992
It becomes easier to fall asleep when you get in a routine. Watch
the nine o’clock news each night and then head off to the bedroom.
Notice I said head off to the bedroom. That would mean that you
were watching the news in another room. Very good! The bedroom
is just for sleeping and occasionally some carnal indulgences. Keep
the television and DVDs out of this sacred slumber sanctuary. The
more you associate this part of the house with somnolence, the
easier it will be become to fall asleep quickly when your head hits
the pillow.
Don’t engage in disruptive activities just before being summoned
by the sandman. Headbangers ball, a cup of joe, a row with
your partner, and a tintinnabulary tango are bad ideas. Soothing
music, non-caffeinated drinks, and a rendezvous with your favorite
book are great ideas.
Make your bed as comfortable and appealing as possible. There
are certain colors that have that hypnotic effect on individuals.
Green coos peace and serenity and helps lower the heart rate. It is a
great comforter and stress reliever. Blue entices you to fantasize and
daydream. Its cerulean effects cause the brain to emit tranquilizing
hormones. Purple has the capacity to pacify frayed nerves and slow
muscle activity. Pink just has a way with calm, cool, and collective.
www,ozarksstar.com the 8TAR
OK .AHOMA
SHAKESPEARE IN
THE PARK MOVING
TO THE HEART
OF DOWNTOWN
OKLAHOMA CITY
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Oklahoma
Shakespeare in the Park (OSP), Oklahoma’s
premiere classical theater, announced at the
Myriad Botanical Gardens that beginning in
2007 and beyond, it will stage its summer
seasons in the heart of downtown Oklahoma
City.
The inaugural 2007 season will kick-offJune
14 and continue through Sept. 1. It will be
staged on the Myriad Botanical Gardens
Water Stage, which the Myriad Gardens
Foundation (MGF) in a partnership with
OSP will renovate. OSP has partnered
with the MGF to raise private funds for
the renovation. Improvements will include
new sound and lighting, seating and a stage
structure. The renovated theater will add a
new premiere venue to doxvntown Oklahoma
City and will be available for other
bookings when OSP is not in residence.
OSP has also moved its offices to Stage Center
in Oklahoma City’s Arts District.
The 2007 Summer Season opens June 14
with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, followed
by Cyrano de Bergerac and Macbeth.
The final summer performance will be
September 1.
The announcement came on the day that
OSP’s three-year lease with the Myriad
Gardens Authority and the City of Oklahoma
City for use of the \rater Stage was
unanimously approved by the Oklahoma
City Council. It had previously been
unanimously approved by the OSP Board of
Directors and the Myriad Gardens Authority.
This approval represents the culmination
of a process that began in the spring
of 2005, when OSP’S stage in Edmond’s
Hafer Park was burned down for a second
time. Because of that tragedy, OSP staged
its summer seasons the past two years at the
University of Central Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park 2006
Season "The Temioest at Stage Center"
Photo Subjects: Left: Holly McNatt (Miranda)
and Rig/st: J. Shane McClure (Prospero).
Photo by: Andrea NotTis
O’Meara. The past 22 summer seasons have
been staged in the City of Edmond. Oklahoma
Shakespeare in the Park traditionally
mounts a summer season consisting of three
plays; a winter season of one play, which is
traditionally performed at Stage Center in
downtown Oklahoma City; a production
ofA Christmas Carol, which will remain at
the University of Central Oklahoma; and
statewide touring productions year-around.
Educational outreach is also a core part of
OSP’S mission.
OSP is supported in part by the Oklahoma
Arts Council, Allied Arts, Chesapeake Energy,
OG&E, the Kirkpatrick Family Fund,
the Kirkpatrick Foundation, the Inasmuch
Foundation, and is in alliance with the
University of Central Oklahoma’s Department
of Theatre, Dance and Media Arts.
For more information, visit www.oklahomashakespeare.
com.
Thi~
drink ! Yummy
1½ oz. Vodka
1 oz. Creme de Banana
1 oz. Dark Creme de Cacao
½ oz. Light cream
Pour ingredients into mixini~
glass. Add ice, shake and
strain into your Martini Gl~ss.
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park was
founded in 1985 by current Artistic Director
Kathryn McGill and the late Jack
1 8 the BTAR
www.ozarksstar.com
By Joey De
The boys are back in town, and for the
2007 Light Opera Oklahoma season, they’re
behaving badly, beginning Jun. 15.
Presented as a repertory festival and
in conjunction with the Tulsa Performing
Arts Center Trust’s Summerstage festival,
the 2007 LOOK season features a classic, a
contemporary and countess, in addition to
three cabaret performances.
"We select our shows and obtain rights
about a year and a half to two years in advance,"
says Eric Gibson, artistic director of
LOOK. "Then we take a look at the shows
and ifwe can, hopefully find a theme or a
common element to tie them all together."
This year’s presentation of bad boys are
Meredith Willsoffs "The Music Man," the
dark opera/musical "Sweeney Todd" and
the more light hearted operetta "Naughty
Marietta."
Kicking off the festival Jun. 13 and running
through Jul. 8 is "The Music Man," a
golden age musical about Professor Harold
Hill, the most charming of con artists, and
his descent upon River City, Iowa. Hill convinces
the town’s youth that they are in so
much terrible trouble the only way to keep
them safe is to introduce the boys to music
and join a band.
The con’s plan includes getting unwitting
parents to buy instruments and band
uniforms and then skipping town with the
proceeds. The plan hits a snag when Harold
falls in love with the local librarian Marian
Paroo. Resistant at first, Marian sees Harold
transform the citizens of River City into
exhilarated, musically challenged people.
"This show’s a classic," says Gibson,
"High schools everywhere do it, but rarely
is it performed ’right,’ with professional
talent."
Following the feel-good frivolities of
Music Man will be a trip to the dark side
xvith Stephen Sondheim’s "Sweeney Todd,"
about the wrongfully imprisoned barber,
Benjamin Barker. Barker, who returns to
London to reclaim his life and reunite with
www.ozarksstar.com
his wife and daughter, finds that his judge
has taken his wife and child, and swears
revenge. Known on the streets as Sweeney
Todd, Barker kills a street mountebank who
recognizes him, and makes it that much
more easy for him to kill anyone who gets
in his revengeful way. His accomplice Mrs.
Lovett, a fledgling pastry cook, has the
brilliant idea of popping Todd’s victims
into meat pies, boosting her own sagging
business.
Although it is a more contemporary
piece of musical theatre, Gibson says that
Sweeney Todd is very operatic, and is in
fact performed frequently in opera houses
throughout the United States.
Rounding out the main stage season
for LOOK is a light hearted return to the
operettas that the company was built on.
Although it is not Gilbert and Sullivan, as
many have come to expect from the troupe,
"~xe Naughty Marietta" is full of the same
wit and charm that makes light opera fun.
The show, which opens June 28, tells of
the escape of the Countess D’Altena of Italy.
D’Altena finds herself on a ship bound for
New Orleans, but once there must escape
the pirate Bras Pique. To join her in these
escapades, Marietta enlists the aid of Captain
Dick Warrington, a ranger in the US
Army. They quickly fall in love and in order
to foil the plot of Bras Pique, they enlist
the aid of a French fop, marionettes, a jilted
lover and many others!
Through out the season, LOOK will
also be offering three intimate evenings of
cabaret-style entertainment, billed with the
show "Trial By Jury." "Jury," a one act Gilbert
and Sullivan Operetta is about a philandering
man who cheats on his intended and
gets sued for breach of promise. An equally
badly behaved judge presides over the case,
and, you can guess the rest.
All four shows have rotating schedules
which can be found at wvw.tulsapac.com or
at www.lightoperaok.org. For ticket information
visit www.myticketoffice.com.
LANG & LOVETT
CONCERT
COHING TO
OKC AND TULSA
TULLSA, OK Musician, singer, songwriter,
and actor, Lyle Lovett, together with
K.d. Lang is in concert at Oklahoma City’s
ZOO Ampitheater Saturday July 7th and
in Tulsa’s Historic Brady Theater on Sunday
July 8th, 2007. By breaking the rules and
experimenting with music, each has earned
a cult following around the world with a
modern, eccentric sound coupled with literate,
witty lyrics.
K.d. Lang was inspired, at an early age, by
the music of country western diva, Patsy
Cline, and released a string of albums with
a decidedly country flair enjoying moderate
success in both sales and airplay. It was not,
however, until the release of"Ing~nue" that
K.d. Lang hit it big. Hailed as her "crossover"
album, critics praised her work even
as her country fans were feeling alienated.
Lang further removed herself from her
country/western fame by publicly declaring
her lesbianism, shortly after the album’s
release.
the 8TAR www.ozarksstar.com

down and T;ad.K TO EVERYBODY! When that
was in
harurally,, no one knOws y0u; s~ it is YOUR
responsibility to start a conversation,

The colorful gutchart Gardens rank among !~ctoria’s most memorable at~actions. (Photo by
Andrew Collins)
around the city and its environs by car. A
favorite excursion is so-called Marine Drive
- not the name of any one street but a scenic
coastal circuit extending from Ogden Point,
which is southwest of the Inner Harbour, to
Cadboro Bay.
Dignified, historic, studded with
parks, and packed with some of the nation’s
most notable cultural attractions, Victoria
offers the perfect recipe for a short getaway
in western Canada - it’s also easily reached
from Vancouver or Seattle by way of regular
ferry service. At the southern tip ofVancouver
Island, this leafy capital of British
Columbia has also become a popular spot
for gay honeymoons and weddings since
Canada legalized same-sex marriage in
2005.
Great Britain’s first colony on the Pacific
Coast of North America, Victoria was
established in 1849 as a trading outpost.
By the end of the century, when the now
much larger city ofVancouver was still a
mere blip on the radar, Victoria had become
B.C.’s capital. The city remains an important
political center, but tourists definitely
butter the bread these days. The formal,
lmndon-inspired Parliament buildings and
the Fairmont Empress Hotel edge the harbor,
set against a commanding backdrop of
snowcapped mountains.
With its tow skyline, downtown is compact
and user-friendly, and fine shopping and
care-hopping abound. The south end of the
Inner Harbour contains Victoria’s provincial
government buildings as well as the
imposing Fairmont Empress Hotel, which is
famous not only as a place to stay but for its
regal afternoon high teas. Few museums in
Canada are more fascinating than the Royal
British Columbia Museum, whose artifacts
and exhibits document life 12,000 years ago
in xvhat is now Western Canada. Around
the corner, the Crystal Garden Conservatory
contains more than 65 endangered species
that make their home in this re-created
tropical forest.
just south of here, off Douglas Street, the
185-acre Beacon Hill Park is typically filled
with joggers, strollers, and sun-worshipers
soaking up the atmosphere and the
floral aroma. Nearby you can visit the Carr
House, which affords a glimpse into the life
of British Columbia’s most beloved painter,
Emily Cart.
Walk 15 minutes or drive a short way east of
downtown along Fort Street, which is lined
for several blocks with fine antiques shops,
to reach one of B.C.’s greatest house-museums,
Craigdarroch Castle. From the top
(fifth) floor you’re treated to outstanding
views of the city. Just west is the Art Gallery
of Greater Victoria, one of the top art
museums in Western Canada. Once you’ve
exhausted Victoria on foot, consider tooling
Victoria and the surrounding area are also
idea! for outdoorsy activities - in fact, it’s
been named Canada’s fittest city, owing
to the high percentage of residents who
regularly participate in outdoor recreation.
Favorite activities include diving, kayaking,
fishing, mountain biking, and hiking.
A number of local outfitters lead tours
through nearby old-growth forests, up rugged
mountain peaks, and on whale-watching
expeditions - visit Tourism Victoria’s
helpful website (www.tourismvictoria.com)
for a full list of providers.
Victoria lies at the southern tip of the Saanich
Peninsula, a fertile strip of land dotted
with family farms and a growing number
of esteemed wineries. It’s worth spending
an afternoon exploring this region, whose
most famous attraction is Butchart Gardens,
a half-hour northwest of the city. The
Butchart family made its fortune manufacturing
cement in the late 19th century;
when they finished mining their quarry,
they transformed it into this magnificent
collection of gardens. Among the 55 acres
you’ll see every imaginable flower, and there
are concerts as well as Saturday-night fireworks
displays in July and August.
From Butchart, there are several wineries
within an easy drive. As you motor around
the countryside, keep an eye out for farm
stands and roadside markets, many of them
selling fresh jams, baked goods, flowers, and
produce. They often operate on an honor
system - pick out your goods, and leave
behind payment. Wineries of particular note
include Marley Farm, a family-run establishment
that specializes in some quite unusual
fruit wines, including kiwi, pear, loganberry,
and quince varieties. You’re apt to see sheep
and horses wandering the 5-acre grounds.
Tiny Chalet Estate Vineyard is well-regarded
for its high-quality, unfiltered vintages, from
syrahs to viogniers.
Where there are wineries, there are virtually
always wonderful restaurants, and Victoria
is no exception. Probably the most gaypopular
of the city’s up-market restaurants,
Cafe Brio is a sophisticated little chef-owned
........Continued next page.
vwvw.ozarksstar.com
bistro that’s an absolute delight for romantic, intimate meals. The
contemporary West Coast cuisine has Tuscan overtones - you might
start with crispy roasted sweetbreads with poached rhubarb, followed
by tomato-and-molasses-braised lamb shank with fresh-mintpotato
gnocchi. For some of the best modern Italian food in town,
including fantastic wood-fired pizzas with such creative toppings
as smoked ahi tuna and marinated artichokes, dine at I1 Terrazzo,
whose airy dining room resembles a cloistered courtyard. It’s steps
from the diverting shopping along Johnson Street and features one
of the city’s best wine lists.
been refitted into a distinctive all-suites accommodation. Groups
of friends traveling together will find Swans a bargain - up to six
people can easily fit into its huge rooms. Each has a dining nook, a
patio or a terrace, and many have skylights. There’s a microbrewery
and an excellent restaurant, Wild Saffron Bistro, on the premises.
Also worth consideration is the Magnolia Hotel and Spa, a snazzy
and modern boutique hotel with a first-rate spa and a great location
in the Inner Harbour neighborhood. Rooms receive plenty of sunlight,
with their floor-to-ceiling windows and views of downtown
and the waterfront.
With a memorable setting inside a former schoolhouse in Canada’s
oldest Chinatown, Brasserie I2Ecole is the domain of talented chefowner
Sean Brennan, who utilizes local produce in his innovative
regional fare, such as local trout with escarole and Jerusalem artichokes.
Well-seasoned, imaginatively prepared vegetarian fare is the
specialty at Re-Bar Modern Food, an offbeat spot on downtown’s
Bastion Square, where you might dine on shiitake-tofu potstickers
or Thai coconut-cashew prawn curry.
For lighter dining and snacking, grab a latte or cappuccino at gaypopular
Bean Around the World Coffee, a Chinatown java joint
that uses organic coffee beans. Or nosh on eggs Benedict, hefty
burgers, and other short-order fare at Rosie’s Diner, a downtown
cafe with a festive ’50s-inspired retro look. The city’s sizable Asian
community ensures a wealth of first-rate Chinese, Thai, and Japanese
restaurants. For sensational Tixai fare, try Siam Thai.
If you’d rather stay out in the country, but still within striking
distance ofVictoria, consider booking into the swank yet low-keyed
Sooke Harbour House, which is a 45-minute drive away. This is the
ultimate luxury hideaway, complete with 28 imaginatively decorated
rooms, many with views ofWashington’s Olympic Mountains and
the Strait ofJuan de Fuca. There’s also a splendid restaurant serving
fantastic four- and seven-course dinners, complete with wine-pairing
options. One signature dish is the trio of garden-inspired sorbets
(which might include quince-lemon-verbena or rhubarb-fennel).
Indeed, this perfectly tended inn is surrounded by some of Vancouver
Island’s most beautiful gardens - a night or two here will leave
you totally refreshed and relaxed.
Victoria is by no means a major hub for gay nightlife, but it does
have a couple of friendly; laid-back gay hangouts. There’s the "
popular (at least on weekends) dance club, Hush, as well as Prism
Lounge, a basement space with fun drag shows and karaoke nights.
The two bars lie within a short ,valk of one another, on the north
side of downtown. You might find the ambience and vibe a bit hipper
and more upbeat at some of Victoria mainstream but perfectly
’ gay-friendly social spots, such as the ornately decorated Temple Bar,
known for its extensive lists of wines and martinis. Other good bets
include Lucky Bar, a convivial beer hall set inside a historic building,
and the Mint, a vaguely New Age-y space with Tibetan and
.Nepalese food, and DJ music and dancing many evenings.
In Victoria, there’s no fancier lodging in town than the Fairmont
Empress Hotel. This 1908 Edwardian hostelry is the most sumptuous
grand dan~e on Vancouver Island, and its Empress Room is a
superb restaurant. Newer rooms are larger than those in the original
section but keep with the hotel’s tradition. Celeb spotting is not
uncommon. The hotel is also notable for its beautifully decorated
Bengal Lounge, which serves traditional Indian cuisine in an oldworld
Colonial ambience. Abigail’s Hotel is a great bet, in part for
its enviable location - it’s at the end of a quiet, residential lane, yet
it’s just three blocks from the Inner Harbour. The 23-room gayfriendly,
hotel consists of two Tudor-style buildings, one with more
traditional decor, and the other with more modern-feeling units.
Many of the accommodations have wood-burning fireplaces and Jacuzzi
tubs, and rates include an extensive full breakfast (enjoy it on
the sunny patio, overlooking the English gardens, when the weather
is cooperating).
Set inside a former warehouse near Victoria’s Market Square and
within ,valking distance of downtown attractions, Swans Hotel has
www.ozarksstar.corn the ~TAF~ ~. 5
GAY TRAVELERS from page-22
town for th~ weekend. Later in the day we did meet some ~vonderful
people at the bar and they invited us to a big party that they were
having the next day. The Dallas businessman lost out on a lot!
We make friends wherever we go, both gay and straight. Most
people enjoy talking ~vith other people but sometimes you just have
to make the first move. For us, we enjoy traveling to see interesting
and new places, try new food, enjoy the sights and sounds of an area
unknown to us but it is the people that we meet that are our real
memories. We hear from way too many of our readers who return
from their vacation and say that they didn’t have a good time, that
they didn’t meet anyone and no one talked to them. Well, you cafft
just go and sit like a bump on a log. Remember the immortal words
ofAuntie Marne, ""Life is a banquet and most people are starving
to death". Don’t be one of those people! Have good safe fun when
traveling, enjoy life and TALK TO EVERYONE.
We have been so fortunate in our travels to meet authors, poets,
writers, entertainers, movie and TV actors. We get invited to a lot of
parties in Hollywood, New York, Chicago, Florida and everywhere
we go only because we make the first move and talk to everybody.
Life is just too short to do it any other way.
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 \Vi!liams, Award-winning Celebrity travel
columnists who write for gay publications from Coast to Coast. You
can email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage at:
http://www.hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers
Diversity Business Association of
Tulsa Hosts First DBAT After Hours
During Tulsa Pride Week
TULSA, OK A vital aspect ofDBAT partidpation is the opportunity
to meet with and learn from other LGBT business owners and
professionals. Such an opportunity is offered through DBAT After
Hours, our own version of a business after hours event. Join us for
June’s DBAT After Hours and network in an informal atmosphere,
make new contacts or to get reacquainted with former contacts.
Nibbles and beverages provided.
DBAT After Hours
Thursday, June 7th
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th Street, Downtown Tulsa
"TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD"
by Donald Pile & Ray Williams
Featuring Cuisine From Coast to Coast
Harry Caray’s Restaurant, Chicago
Harry Caray’s, named for the late, renowned baseball announcer,
has become one of the most nationally recognized restaurant
groups in the Midwest. Opened on October 23, 1987, this legendary
Italian Steakhouse serves the finest prime, aged steaks and chops
in a truly warm "Chicago" atmosphere. The friendly, energetic
atmosphere embodies the amiable personality of the restaurant’s
namesake. The combination of mahogany paneling, white tablecloths
and a veritable museum of baseball history creates a warm
and casual elegance. It is located at 33 W. Kinzie in downtown Chicago.
They are open for lunch, Monday thru Saturday from 11:30
to 3:00. They are open for dinner Monday thru Thursday from 5:00
to 10:30 and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 to 11:00. Sunday they
are open from 4 to 10 and their bar is open everyday from 11:30 to
closing. The food served here is steak and Italian. The price range is
from the $10’s to the $30’s per meal. Service is great. Each server is
personable and enthusiastic. There is also a bar on one side of the
restaurant with plenty ofTVs.
They also have a second location at the O’Hare International
Center, 10233 West Higgins Road in Rosemont, Ill. In August
2007, Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group will open it’s third Harry
Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in Lombard, Ill. And although it is not an
Italian Steakhouse, Harry Caray’s Seventh Inning Stretch premiered
in 2001 and is the largest restaurant and bar at Chicago’s Midway
Airport. This restaurant is ideal for travelers looking to take a delicious
sandwich to go or those who have a short respite while waiting
for their flight. We have always enjoyed our meals and had a great
dining experience at Harry Caray’s.
26 the STAR w~v.ozarksstar.com
JUNE 2007
ExpoSing Hate
World Congress ofFami/ies, a gathering thatfocused on "naturalfamilies. "
No longer content with the obscene political and monetary profits
they realize in the United States, the radical Christian right is now
exporting its number one product - homoph0bia - to Europe.
A few thousand zealots from the United States and other countries
converged on Warsaw, Poland’s Palace of Culture and Science in
mid-May for the World Congress of Families, a gathering that
focused on "natural families."
"Natural families"?
Just more spin - another euphemism for degrading LGBT families.
These folks only consider assembly-line-produced families using
eggs and sperm - introduced to one another through that old heterosexual
standb); the missionary position, engaged in by a married,
heterosexual couple - to be the real thing when it comes to producing
progeny.
How hateful of our -kids and our f,mailies. But let’s face it - hate is all
these folks know, even though they couch it all in "Jesus’ love."
The usual cast of radical Christian right characters was on hand for
this particular love-to-hate fest. James Dobson from Focus on the
Family was joined by folks from the American Family Association,
Concerned Women for America, the Family Research Council, the
Helcitage Foundation, and the Discover), Institute, which isn’t about
designing good, intelligent television programs, but instead about
programming youth to believe in intelligent design.
The World Congress was organized by a group I hadn’t heard of
- the Howard Center for Family, Religion, and Society, whose president,
Allan Carlson, declared, "The cultural battle has gone international.
The American religious right, instead of being isolationist,
has in fact gone global."
Oh, joy.
But what about their destination? Why Poland? Why not Rome,
to be near their buddy, the pope? Or Nigeria, where Archbishop
Peter Akinola is masterminding a homophobic schism within the
Anglican Church?
Nope, they chose Poland because of its state-sponsored homophobia.
I’m not talking about the run-of-the-mill "we ~von’t pass a probill
gay bill if our lives depended on it" homophobia. This is a government
that bans Pride celebrations, speaks openly about purging
"homosexual propaganda’’ from the country, refuses to recognize the
rights of lesbians and gays, and is now considering a bill that would
make it illegal for any teacher in any classroom, public or private, to
discuss homosexuality, LGBT rights, or safe-sex practices,
The bill would bar LGBT organizations from schools, and lesbian or
gay teachers who come out would automatically be fired.
7his is a government that does nothing to stop sldnheads and other
nationalistic groups from targeting its LGBT citizens.
This is a government that is tailor-made to be the only elected Western
European ally ofAmerica’s radical Christian right.
So what canoe out of this love-to-hate lest?
Poland’s education minister, Roman Giertych, a leader in the
country’s right-wing League of Polish Families party - who also happens
to be a Deputy Prime Minister - became the politico celebre as
he told the group that combating the "propagation of homosexuality"
was just "something I have to do." His remarks were echoed by
Polish President Lech Kaczynski
Rallying around the homophobic flagpole, World Congress participants
cheered at the news that the Polish government would not be
cowed by the European Union, which has warned Poland that its
antigay policies might cost the country its voting rights.
They listened to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Hlen Sauerbrey
bring greetings fromW and thank the Howard Center "for all of
their hard work in organizing this wonderful opportunity to celebrate
and reflect upon the family and its vital role in society."
No question that the current administration stands firmly alongside
homophobic repression.
They heard Ben Bull of the Alliance Defense Fund say, "Marriage
will be destroyed by making all relationships equal," and Brigham
Young law professor Lynn Wardle chime in with, "Legalizing samesex
marriage will drain marriage of its social meaning."
They also came together to embrace the "natural family manifesto."
I think it’s kind of funny that a gathering in a former Communist
country attended by those who hate Communism would support
something called a "manifesto."
But yes, there is a manifesto. It encourages mothers to stay home
and have many children. It fervently opposes LGBT people and
abortion in a single breath.
"It is not enough to stop public recognition of ’gay marriage,’ nor to
oppose ’safe-sex education’ in the public schools, nor to ban partialbirth
abortion, nor to create ’covenant’ marriages. Victory for the
natural family will come only as we change the terms of the debate."
If changing the terms of debate means the wholesale exporting of
hate, they’ve offto a good start. I just wish folks would stop bwing
it here in the States.
An endnote of worth: While all this homophobia is defining Poland
to the LGBT world, Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz Walz defied
the country’s president and ultra-right-wing organizations by
letting a Pride parade take place in her city on May 19. More than
5,000 marched amid bystanders who waved and were generally supportive.
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 27
May 1920 (87 years ago this month): Erotic A~-tist Touko Laaksonen (Tom of Finland)
is born in Kaarina, Finland.
Who was Tom of Finland?
Photo’s courtsey of:
www.eroticartcollection.com
28 the STAR
The erotic art ofTouko Laaksonen - better
known as Tom of Finland - shaped the
erotic fantasies of countless gay men and
helped redefine the popular image of male
homosexuality.
Laaksonen was born May 8, 1920, in Kaarina,
a rural village in southwest Finland.
Both his parents were schoolteachers, and
he developed an early appreciation for art
and music. Aware of his same-sex attractions
from a young age, he created homoerotic
drawings - often featuring farm boys and
laborers - for his own enjoyment.
At age 19, Laaksonen moved to Helsinki
to attend art school, but was soon drafted
into the Finnish army, which allied with
Nazi Germany to fight the Soviet Union
in World War II. Serving as a lieutenant,
he began having sex with fellow soldiers
and developed a fetish for men in uniform,
which he reflected in his drawings.
After the war, Laaksonen completed his art
degree and studied piano at the Sibelius
Institute. By day, he worked as a commercial
graphic artist, then played the piano
at cafes and private parties in the evenings.
Feeling little affinity for the flamboyant and
effeminate men who frequented Helsinki’s
homosexual venues, he traveled often and
became familiar with the gay leather scenes
in several European cities. In 1953, while
cruising in a Helsinki park, Laaksonen
met his sole long-term romantic partner, a
dancer named Veli (whose last name is not
publicly known); their relationship endured
until Veil’s death from cancer nearly 30
years later.
Encouraged by friends, Laaksonen submitted
some of his sketches to the Los Angeles-
based bodybuilding magazine _Physique
Pictorial_. Publisher Bob Mizer was
impressed enough to feature a drawing of a
lumberjack on the cover of the spring 1957
issue, dubbing the artist "Tom of Finland."
In 1973, Laaksonen had his first public
exhibition in Hamburg, Germany,
and was able to quit his job at an advertising
agency and live offhis art. In 1978, he
visited Los Angeles for his first U.S. exhibition,
where met Durk Dehner, who became
his friend and manager; after Veli’s death in
1981, Laaksonen split his time between Los
Angeles and Helsinki.
Laaksonen is credited with introducing
the masculine homosexual into gay, and
eventually mainstream, culture. His drawings
of stereotypically macho men - bikers,
cowboys, cops, sailors - were almost photographic
in their detail, but grew increasingly
idealistic in their portrayal of perfect male
specimens with protruding nipples, exaggerated
bubble butts, and enormous penises.
As censorship laws loosened, his drawings
also became more sexually explicit. He was
among the first artists to portray manly men
engaging in joyous, guilt-free sex; even his
sadomasochistic scenes had a playful aspect.
"I work very hard to make sure that the men
I draw having sex are proud men having
happy sex," he once declared.
According to author Ron Suresha, "Tom
of Finland’s visions of happy, masculine,
loving men projected forth from the collective
unconscious of gay men’s liberation
and increasingly, through the second half of
the 20th century, defined much of its erotic
substance and style." Indeed, Laaksonen’s
work helped bring the underground leather
culture to light, and the "Castro clone"
look - black leather jacket, cap, moustache
- became a new gay stereotype.
But Laaksonen’s work was not without
controversy. Some critics accused him of
harboring an affinity for Nazis, though he
disavowed fascism and racism. In the ! 970s
and 1980s, his work was caught up in gay
and lesbian community debates about
pornography and sadomasochism, as well
as the charge that his idealized images were
impossible for real men to live up to. For his
part, Laaksonen maintained that his work
reflected his own erotic sensibilities, not a
.......... Continued nextlaage
www.ozarksstar.com
Tom ofFinland continued:
larger politica! statement. "If I don’t have
an erection when I’m doing a drawing," he
said, "I know it’s no good."
As his work grew more popular, Laaksonen
became an international celebrity. His images
spawned an industry, and in 1979 he
and Dehner co-founded the Tom of Finland
Company. In addition to several books
of collected works, Laaksonen produced
a multi-volume series of comics featuring
Kake the leatherman and did private
commissions (including a revisioning of
Michelangelo’s David for Italian filmmaker
Franco Zeffirelli). "Tom’s men" became
cultural icons and inspired many imitations,
including the "Tom Girls" series by
punk artist G.B. Jones. Today, his work is
included in the permanent collections of
several museums, including the Ne~v York
Museum of Modern Art and Finland’s Kiasma
Contemporary Art Museum. The Tom
of Finland Foundation, initially founded
in 1984 to preserve Laaksonen’s work, now
offers a "safe haven" for all erotic art.
Laaksonen continued to frequent the leather
and dance club scenes well into his 60s. Diagnosed
with emphysema in 1988, he was
forced to cut back on his travel, but continued
to draw. In 1991, his life and work were
chronicled in the documentary Daddy and
the Muscle Academy. In November of the
same year, he died of a stroke in Helsinki.
"I know my little ’dirty drawings’ are never
going to hang in the main salons of the
Louvre," Laaksonen said shortly before his
death. "But it ~votfld be nice if...our world
learns to accept all the different ways of loving.
Then maybe I could have a place in one
of the smaller side rooms."
For further information:
Hooven, E Valentine. 1994. Tom
of Finland: His Life and Times (St.
Martin’s Press).
Pohjola, Ilppo. 3.992. Daddy and the
Muscle Academy_ (documentary film).
Ramakers, Micha. 2000. Dirty Pictures:
Tom of Finland, Masculinity, and Homosexuality
(St. Martin’s Press).
OKLAHOMA
ACTIV ST, KE TH
Bo SMITH
HONORED
By James Nimmo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Stonewall
Democrats (OKSD) posthomously have
presented the 2007 Mary Lou Lemon
Humanitarian Award to Keith B. Smith,
the well-known and effective professional
lobbyist and activist who died suddenly in
November, 2006. A memorial service was
held on December 1 in the Oklahoma Capitol
Rotunda.
Mr. Smith’s tireless advocacy for gay equality
and other progressive issues was legendary.
His ideas and techniques live on in the
many grassroots activists who continue to
push back the stultifying limits of the ignorant
and bigoted.
No Oklahoma legislator, however recalcitrant
in thinking, was immune to Mr.
Smith’s wit, charm, and stunning strategies
at passing progressive legislation.
The award is named for the late Mary Lou
Lemon, matriarch of a prominent Oklahoma
Democratic family, who believed
fervently in an American society free from
discrimination directed at minorities,
especially gay and lesbian citizens. It has
been presented formally at the Activist Hall
of Fame Dinner on Saturday, May 19, during
the Oklahoma Democratic Party State
Convention.
Previous award recipients have been Oklahoma
County Commissioner Jim Roth, and
Governor David and Rhonda Walters.
OK Stonewall Democrats ( www.okstonewall.
org) is a constitutional club of the
Oklahoma Democratic Party and a chapter
of National Stonewall Democrats, Washington,
DC (www.stonewalldemocrats.org)
NEW GALLUP
POLL SHOWS
68 PERCENT OF
AMERICANS
SUPPORT HATE
CRIMES BILL BEFORE
CONGRESS
Poll Shows Overwhelming Support Includes
Majority ofRepublicans, Conservatives,
and Religious Voters
WASHINGTON, DC_. A new national
poll conducted by Gallup shows an overwhelming
support of the American people
for passage of federal hate crimes legislation
currently being considered in Congress.
The poll, conducted on May !0-13, shmvs
that 68 percent of all Americans believe
that current federal hate crime laws should
be expanded to include "sexual orientation,
gender and gender identity." Even more
impressive is that this support cuts across
partisan, ideological and religious lines with
a majority of each of those demographic
groups supporting the legislation.
"This new national poll continues to reiterate
how incredibly out-of-touch rightwing
organizations are with the will of the
American people and underscores the need
for the Senate to pass this bill," said Human
Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.
"I hope President Bush will look at this poll
and realize how unbelievably out-of-line a
threatened veto of this critical crime-fighting
piece of legislation is with a majority of
Americans. President Bush’s threatened veto
isn’t even supported by his base. The writing
is on the wall and it is past time for President
Bush to stop bowing to the pressure
ofJames Dobson, Pat Robertson and other
right-wing, anti-gay leaders and join the
majority of Americans who want to see this
bill become law."
On May 3, the morning of the House vote
on the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes
Prevention Act (H.R. 1592), the White
House put out a "Statement ofAdministration
Policy" stating, "IfH.R. 1592 were presented
to the president, his senior advisors
would recommend that he veto the bill."
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 29


By Joey De
She’s known by only one name, has
fabulous hair, incredible skin, the carefree
spirit of the 80’s, and is mounting a tour
to benefit gay rights. Cyndi Lauper, who
has spent her career as the quintessential
gay icon, is once again showing her fearless
dedication to equality with her 15 city nation
wide "True Colors" tour, presented by
The Logo Network, kicking offJune 8th in
Las Vegas.
Cyndi and special guests Erasure, Debbie
Harry, The Dresden Dolls, The Gossip
and The Misshapes will be taking the stage,
with emcee Margaret Cho to present five
hours of non-stop music benefiting the Human
Rights Campaign. Also joining the bill
on select dates will be Rufus Wainwright,
Rosie O’Donnell, Indigo Girls, THE
CLIKS and Jeffree Star.
We caught up with Miss Lauper between
breaks on her busy rehearsal schedule
to find out more about the tour, her views
on the gay community and why she still
looks so good.
STAR: Oh my god, I’m talking to Cyndi
Lauper, I can’t believe this. You’re a gay
legend. You have been since the beginning
of your career. \re’hat do you credit with
making you such a gay icon?
CL: It’s a natural fit. When I came onto the
scene, I guess what the community related
to was my overall vibe, not just my music. I
was and still am very colorful and animated.
I was also a bit left of center in my artistic
approach and I think that really resonated.
I have always been in tune with gay people,
even before I became famous, so I think the
relationship was just another extension of
Cyndi the person to Cyndi the artist.
STAR: You first made your first big mark
in the 80’s, a time when musical tastes were
totally different. To what do you owe your
continued success?
www.ozarksstar.com
CL: I’ve stayed at it and I’ve strived to
continue to grow as an artist. I still love
to write, produce and perform and am still
inspired by the world around me to create
my music. I’m really fortunate to have the
platform that I do and I don’t take that for
granted.
STAR: As a performer and gay rights
advocate, ho~v would you say that the world
has changed in the time since you began
performing, in relation to equality?
CL: I think that the visibility of the GLBT
community has come further than 20 years
ago, but, as we can see by the past few years
under this administration, things are going
backwards. It outrages me. The further
ahead the community has gotten, the more
resistance and push back to progress it encounters.
We have to keep pushing forward.
STAR: Would you care to share a story
about a favorite gay companion who inspired
you to take on the fight for equality?
CL: I wrote the song Boy Blue for my friend
Gregory. He passed away from AIDS and
his life and death affected and inspired me
deeply. He still does.
STAR: What was your inspiration behind
the "True Colors" tour?
CL: I’ve been trying to do the tour for the
past five years. It came from my outrage
about what is going on in this country
and specifically what is going on with the
erosion of GLBT civil liberties and rights.
It has affected my family, my close friends
and my fans. Your civil liberties are my civil
liberties. If yours are being taken away or
going backwards, so are mine. I’ve been a
part of the women’s movement and the civil
rights movement for the African American
Community. I feel like what is happening
in this country with the GLBT community
is outrageous, and this tour is a reaction to
that,
STAR: Why did you select the Human
Rights campaign as your benefactor?
CL: Their have been some rumblings from
the right about it, but that’s the whole point
isn’t it? I have the right to do this tour and
get the issues out there to be debated and
discussed via music. They have the right
to criticize, disagree and debate the issues.
The more discussion the better as far as I’m
concerned.
STAR: You have an incredibly impressive
line up of guest performers, how did you
select them?
CL: I’m glad you like the line up. I’ve
worked with some of the artists before and
I’m excited to be working with some of
them for the first time. It’s really great to be
sharing the stage with such talented artists.
STAR: Will we get to see that fabulous
rainbow statue of liberty dress?
CL: I actually had that dress custom made
for the Gay Games. I’ve got a few tricks
up my sleeve in regards to outfits for the
tour...a girl’s gotta have some secrets (haha).
You’ll have to come on down to the show
for my runway action.
STAR: Your gay audience transcends
generations and even includes the current
generation of youth. What, as an ally, do
you think is the biggest challenge facing
them and what do you think is their greatest
strength?
CL: I think the gay youth of today hold
great promise. You can look at the way
they connect and interact on myspace and
other community sites and they know that
they are not alone. I also look at PFLAG,
GLSEN and the many local youth organizations
out there that provide support and
outreach. They are vital. Ifa kid can come
out and be accepted by his family then he
should cherish that, not every kid gets the
love and support they need at home. That’s
why PFLAG is involved in this tour, if
coverage of it can open a difficult discussion
then I’m doing my job. This tour is as
much for gay engaged family members and
friends as it is for GLBT people.
for parents of gay youth increases. It starts
at home.
It’s (the tour) all about opening up the
discussions on the home front, the political
front and the music and entertainment
front, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that
this is a great musica! celebration. It’s going
to be a kick ass party...
STAR: In addition to this tour, you have a
new album coming out. Would you care to
share a little bit about it?
CL: It’s definitely NOT a mellow album.
It’s an ass shaker.
STAR: Can tour-goers expect to hear their
favorite hits, or will there be a lot from the
new album?
CL: I’m still mulling over what the set list
is...so we’ll see...I may sneak in a few new
songs.
STAR: Most importantly for gay men and
drag queens everywhere: You look fabulous,
and haven’t aged a bit! Please, tell us your
secret.
CL: Yoga and keeping up with my son’s
energy level.
STAR: What can we look for from Cyndi
Lauper in the future?
CL: I’m wide open. I’m in a great creative
space and looking forward to touring and
finishing the new CD. Once that’s done,
I’m sure I’ll be on the hunt for my next
creative endeavor. Right now, it’s all about
the True Colors tour.
STAR: Miss Lauper, thank you for your
time. We wish you the greatest of success
with the tour and the album.
The True Colors Tour will be visiting
Dallas on June 23 and Houston on June 24.
For more information or for a complete list
of tour dates visit www.truecolorstour.com.
CL: I have ahvays admired and respected
the work that the HRC has done. They are
working on a federal level and a local level
for issues that are important to me.
STAR: Have you received any back lash or
criticism about the tour?
www.ozarksstar.com
I do want to say that I hope some of the
apathy around HIV with the younger generation
changes. We’ve made great medical
advances and people are living with HW
and MDS, but people are still dying. I
hope that the kids wil! be responsible if they
are having sex and I hope that the education
the STAR 33
"Easy does it, Sagittarius!"
Mercury is in Cancer, which normally facilitates sweet
expressions of genuine affection and swapping old
family recipes. But as Mercury clashes with Saturn
in Leo, that "affection" may now seem overbearing
and critical. Try to be modest and sincere, and offer
healthy, low-fat recipes - or chocolate.
ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Efforts to show off your
home in a good light can be a major source of irritation.
Can you just relax, and let your place be comfortable and
fun? Your real friends don’t care how it looks, as long as it’s
happily lived in.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Do you really need to call
your family now? Let it wait until next week. It’s bad enough
hearing one of your parents in your own voice. Play that up
for satirical effect and you’ll learn something useful, if not
entirely pleasant.
GEMINI (May 21 - Jun~ 20): Getting caught up on bills
may be a hassle, but do what you can now to avoid trouble
later. Advice from an older sibling - or a "sister" - can be irritating,
but well worth heeding. At least think about it!
SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 o December 20): Your eagerness
to tweak and provoke is dangerously high, tempting
you to much more trouble than you’re ready to risk.
New games in the bedroom may require innovative safety
awareness. Slow and easy does it, Tiger!
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): If demands
(or lack thereof) in the boudoir are dampening your relationship,
discussing the issues now could make or break it.
How much courage, patience, and love do you have? Be
very clear on your issues before taking on your partner’s.
AQUARIUS (January 20 o February 18): Your clever innovations
at work could irritate your colleagues. At least
include them in some discussion before you make any
changes. Mollify dissent by keeping your mind and ears
open for further improvements.
P~SCES (February 19 - March 19): Try to focus those
playful urges into some modest, constructive activity. Showing
off is too likely to get you into an awful accident. The
more annoying you find criticism, the likelier you should
heed it!
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Trying to sound authoritative
just makes you sound bitchy. Let your words follow the law
of supply and demand. The less you say, the more valuable
it is. Writing is safer than speaking, but scrutinize e-mails
carefully before you send them!
LEO (July 23 - August 22): Being cranky and bossy is
largely a cover for doubts and worries. To be more truly
your sweet, lovable self, take time out to meditate or talk
with a confidante about what’s bugging you. An imaginary
conversation with Mom will help.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): The future may
seem dark and hopeless, and the next few years are challenging,
but still you worry too much. You can make the
most of it; use your instincts to figure out a way through the
dark labyrinth ahead.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Your foresight is
especially sharp, but without caution, so is your tongue.
Nagging undermines the effectiveness of your prescience.
Imagine that everyone is your boss and be careful of what
you say. That will heighten your own authority.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Any discussion
can turn into an argument much too easily. What are you
trying to prove and to whom? If you must assert your authority,
keep it cool and simple. Overreacting will undermine
others’ confidence in you.
34 the STAR
MCC METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
Rev Steve T. Urie
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
4!7-529-8480
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!
vwvw.ozarksstar.com
HIDEAWAY: Male Dancers 10pm
Jur~e3,0
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pm. BIG Pride Party:
(~LUB !vIAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love
Show I0pm
THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show
10:30pm
HIDEAWAY LOUNGE: Dominique
LaRue Show 10:30pm,Dance wtDJ Colt
6-12, Dancers 9:30
MO J~m~ ll
BAMBOO LOUNGE: K~araoke 7pro
B .... LOUNGE . . ,
ES Jtme~2
tllvmuu : tree brunch T’ HE C..O..P.A..:.S.tr.ip.-O.ff"Contest 1 2am zpmm.2.
CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love
Show 10pm ~DNESDAYJtme I3 THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show
10:30pm BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 7pro
HIDEAWAY LOUNGE: Dance w/DJ THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pm
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 7pro
ii~ T DAY June 1~i
~r~E €OVA: Strip-O~Contest 12~m CLUB MAJESTIC: VaCant Sho~
w/Rachaet Eri~s
THE COP~ Open Tflent w/Shemoane
BAMB00 LOUNGE: ~kaoke 7pro. Somemore 10:30pm
THE COPA: 2008 Miss Gay New-
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm
comer lOpm
HID~WAYLODGE: Bobby P~e
Pride Sh~ w/sp&id guest 10~30p~ 15
10:30pro
HIDEAWAY LOUNGE: Dance w/DJ
Colt 6-12, Danders 9:30
HIDEAWAY LOUNGE: Kris Kobi ~)how 10:30pro, Dance w/DJ Colt 6-12,
ancers 9:30
THE COPA:
Midnight.
!~ Kara0ke 7pm. BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 7pm.
THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest
Midnight.
~: Ka~a~ke 7pro B~MB~0 i~ouNGE: Karaoke 7pro
THE COPA: Variety Show 10:30pro
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm
HIDEAWAY: Bobby Page OpenTalent
Show 10:30pro
~28
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/
Rachad Erikks
THE THE COPA: Open Talent w!Shemoane
Somemore 10: S0memore 10:30pm
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament !0pro FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro
LEDO: Kari-Okie host. Pancho 9pro LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pm LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro
FINISHLINE: Dart Tot~nament 10pm THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
HIDEA\VAY: Male Dancers 10pm
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm
HIDEAWAY: Male Dancers 10pro
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro
GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast BUffet
lam-3:30am
HIDEAWAY: Male Dancers 10prn
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
GUSHERS: Late Night BreakaCast Buffet
lam-3:30am
HIDEAWAY: Male Dancers 10pm
After Dark is a flee service to our advertisers and is the responsibility of the advertiser to inform the STAR in
writing of updates, additions or discontinued events, qlae STAR is not responsible for accuracy, t~lO {~TAIR 3~
"MONEY, IF I WANT TO WATCH SOME
MIDDLE-AGED WOrN WITH A
BAD DY~ JOB, TOO MUCH
MAKEUP1 AND
DISCO-WEAR ?~KE A
FOOL OF
Z~LL JUST ~O
CLUB-HOPPIN~
"I ~URE DO! ~UT I NAVE
TO WARN YOU, IF YOU
~ ~
~0 H~T ~T OFF, THIS
WILL DEFINITELY BE
PRESENTS LARGER-THAN-LIFE ~ A LONG DISTANCE
DRAG SUPERSTAR ~ RELATIONSHIP...
~ ~ ~A ~EE, HE
L~ IN
ANSWERING YOUR
QUESTIONS ABOUT
I/V~PORTANTGAY
TOPICS TODAY...
bitter gid
email: bittergid@qsyndicate.com www,joanhilty.net
36 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Arkansas, BentonvillelRogers (479)
NWA GLBT Ctr .... ~twv.nwaglbtcc.org- .888-391-9222
Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers- - - -479-636-2002
Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479)
Diversity Pride Events .............. ~w.diversitypride.com
A Byrd’s Eye View..... 36 N. Main. 479-253-0200
Caribe Restaurante.... 309 W VanBuren....... 479-253-8102
Heart of the Hills Inn .....5 Summit St......... 479-253-7468
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
Flames Bar - - - 40 E. Center- ............... 479-251-1922
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 (501)
Jesters Lounge ..... 1010 E. Grand Ave 501-624-5455
Arkansas, Little Rock (501)
Back Street ....1021 Jessie Rd.............. 501-664-2744
Diamond State Rodeo Assoc. www.dsra.org
Discovery..... 1021 Jessie Rd...............501-666-6900
Sidetracks--- 415 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..... 6!43 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 of Christ- - -2902 E 20th, - ......Sat Service-9:30AM
Joplin Gay/Lesbian Cntr- PO Box 4383, zip 64803--417-622-7821
Missouri, Kansas City (8t6)
40th Street Inn....www.40thstreetinn.com.......816-561-7575
Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton Bird ........ 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, 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- 417-831-9001
Martha’s Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive ........... -417-864-4572
Ronisuz Place....821 College............... 417-864-0036
Oklahoma, Enid (580)
Hastings Books....104 Sunset 580-242-6838
Priscilla’s........ -4810-A West Garriott- ...... 580-233-5511
Oklahoma, Lav~on (580)
Ingrids Bookstore...... 1124 NW Cache Rd......580-353-1488
Oklahoma, l~,~cA~ester (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........
Border’s Books...... 3209 NW Expressway- --
CD Warehouse...... 4001 N. Penn
Club Rox........3535 NW 39th Expwy.........
Christie’s Toy Box.....3126 N. May Ave ......
Church of Open Arms......3131 N. Penn....
Copa.............2200 NW 39th Exp.......
Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave.......
Finishline ....... 2200 NW 39th Expwy.......
Gushers Restaurant.....2200 NW 39Exp ......
Habana Inn ........2200 NW 39th Exp.......
Herland Sisters Resources.... 2312 NW 39th St- -405-521-9696
Hollywood Hotel.... 3535 NW 39th Exp
Hi-Lo Club ....... 1221 NW 50th
Jungle Reds .......2200 NW Expwy-
Ledo -2200 NW Expwy.......
Naughty But Nice .... 3121 SW 29th St ........
Partners- 2805 NW 36th St
Pec’s 3535 NW 39th Expw .......
Priscilla’s 615 E. Memorial........
Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St
Rudy’s Place......3535 NW39th Expw.......
Phoenix Rising .... 2120 NW 39th St-
The Park. 2125 NW 39th St
The Patio........ 3201 N. May Ave
Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th
Tramps- .2201 NW 39th--
Ziggy’s- -- 4005 N. Penn-
--405-601-7200
--405-848-2667
405-525-7766
405-947-2351
-405-946-4438
--405-525-9555
-405-525-0730
-405-6726459
--405-525-0730
405-525-0730
405-528-2221
405-947-2351
405-843-1722
405-524-5733
--405-525-0730
405-681-5044
-405-942-2199
-405-947-2351
---405-755-8600
405-525-5165
--405-947-2351
405-601-37tl
405-528-4690
405-917-1663
-405-947-2351
405-521-9888
-405-521-9999
Oklahoma, Tulsa (918)
Bamboo Lounge....7204 E. Pine
Border’s Book Store- - - 2740 E. 21st-
Border’s Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale
Circle Cinema...... 10 S. Lewis-
Club 209 ....... 209 N. Boulder -
Club Majestic........ 124 N. Boston
-918-836-8700
918-712-9955
918-494-2665
918-592-3456
918-584-9944
918-584-9494
Club Maverick..... 822 S. Sheridan ..........918-835-3301
Cosmo Dell & Bar - - 6746 S. Memorial .........918-459-0497
Dreamland Bks .... 8807 E. Admiral PI -918-834-1051
Equality Center ..... 621 E. 4th Street- 918-743-4297
Hideaway Cocktail Lounge--- 11730 E. 11th......918-437-0449
HOPE Clinic....... 3540 E. 31st 918-749-8378
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- .918-499-1661
Renegades. 1649 S. Main ........... 918-585-3405
Rob’s Records---2909 S, Sheridan Rd- 918-627-1505
Sappho’s........ 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 -9!8-592-1188
TNT’s 2114 S. Memorial. 918-660-0856
Yellow-Brick-Rd....... 2630 E. 15th.......... 918-293-0304
HELP WANTED
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Communi~ Center
"Linking Together as One"
For more information:
888-391-9222
WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG
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AVAILABLE
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9t8-625-6377
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Tulsa, OK 74145
38 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
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