[2007] The Star Magazine, May 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 5

[2007] The Star Magazine, May 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 5

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

May 01, 2007

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

The Star Magazie, April 1, 2007; Volume 4, Issue 4
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/202

The Star Magazine, June 1, 2007; Volume 4, issue 6
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/208

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PDF
Online text

English

magazine

https://history.okeq.org/items/show/210

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

The
2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
:Survey in history, an(i help emonstrats the
growing Power in Our Pri(leo
Everyone who completes the survey by May 15, 2007 will
be entered into a drawing to win one of FOUR free airline
tickets from/to any of the participating airline’s destinations
in the 48 continental U.S. States, plus Canada, Mexico and
the Caribbean. Restrictions apply.
Please take the survey today, and tell your friends!
Tremendous strides toward full equality have been achieved by our communities over the past decade. There’s
Power in Our Pride. Power to make a difference:
Gay and lesbian survey studies have opened doors (and minds) in leading corporations and organizations, which in turn have
recognized the value of their LGBT employees through the establishment of equal hiring policies and domestic partner
benefits. This has been a catalyst, leading to sweeping changes in political and social inclusivity.
Demographic reports also influence marketing investment. Virtually absent until recently, we now see a growing variety of
products and services represented in gay media, celebrating our diversity. Ads keep LGBT publications and websites
in business, serving their communities with independent news and information.
Beyond simply advertising, though, these companies support us in many ways, including sponsoring community events
and funding community-based charities in order to earn our loyalty.
Taking an annual pulse on market trends through surveys helps demonstrate the LGBT community’s growing power, and
influences positive change.
We respect your privacy. All personal survey data is held confidentially by Community Marketing, Inc., an independent marketI
research and communications firm based in San Francisco (founded 1992, and proudly 100% gay-owned and -operated) and will not
be so d to third parties or used for marketing purposes. Thank you!
www.CommunityiVlarketinglnc.com
® 2007 Community Marketing, Inc., 594 Castro St. #834, San Francisco CA 94114 USA
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3
~.DV~CACY
Activists Launch Statewide LGBT
Advocacy Efforts. CAF Host OHahoma
Summit 2007
OkJahoma County Commissioner
Brent Rinehart from District 2, a practicing
public homophobe, was formally
arraigned earlier this month.
4© PAST OUT
The murder of gay sailor Allen Schindler
in October 1992 contributed to a
national debate about GLBT people in
the military that remains unresolved to
this day.
Gay Travelers "Indianapolis, Indiana
Out of Town " Denver, Colorado"
~ D~V~N$~ITY Wl~l~l~ND
Good, clean, Christian fun...is not the
way to describe the "Gayco" comedy
show that took the stage of Eureka
Springs’ Auditorium during the spring
Diversity xXi’eekend.
GLBT Summit..............5
Let’s Rodeo ...............6
James Nimo .............. 11
OUT in Arkansas........... 12
Past Out.................. 14
The Wine Rack............. 16
Ciao Travel ................ 17
Lesbian Notions............ 22
Star Scene................ 24
After Dark ................ 27
Horoscopes............... 28
Distributors............... 29
Cartoons..................30
Classifieds................ 31
Let’s Rodeo Oklahoma - page 6
Mr, C~ntinental 2006
Simba R. Hal! at Club Majestic Tulsa
- page 15
DISTRIBUTION:
Fine Dining at Hotel Bel Air
- page 17
)KLAHOMA CITY * TULSA * LAWTON * MCALESTER * ENID * LITTLE ROCK * NORTH LITTLE RODK *
FAYETTEVILLE * FT SMITH * EUREKA SPRINGS * HOT SPRINGS * BENTONVILLE * ROGERS * KANSAS
CITY * SPRINGFIELD * JOPLIN * BRANSON AREA * WICHITA* PITTSBURG * JUNCTION CITY
4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
¢ ARRON ALLIANCE FOUNDAo
T ON (CAF) HO$1" OKLAHOMA
LGBT LEADERSHIP 2007
By Jeanne Flanigan
Photo:Josh Hammers, Paul 7horn?son male co-chair Oklahoma Gay
and Lesbian Political Caucus, Mike McLain u~ith Hardnezvs Online.
Community Partners were OKC Community Foundation, Respect
Diversity Foundation, Herland Sister Resources, Winds House,
P-FLAG OKC and Norman, North Care Mental Health Center,
Cathedral of Hope, Progressive Alliance, DBA Metro, Central
Oklahoma Prime Timers, Red Rock Behavioral Health Services,
Hard News Online, OKC Pride, Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political
Caucus, Oklahomans for Equality, OSU Sexual Orientation
Diversity Association (SODA), OCU Gay and Lesbian Law Student
Association, Log Cabin Republicans of Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma
Stonewall Democrats, OKC Chrysalis Education Affirmation
Network, ACLU of Oklahoma, AIDS Walk OKC, Heartstrong, the
Trevor Project, Central Oklahoma Human Rights Alliance, and OU
GLBT & Friends.
For more information contact the Cimarron Alliance Foundation,
website www.cimarronalliance.org, e mail RCO@lawokc.com or
telephone (405) 495 9300.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Cimarron Alliance Foundation (CAF)
hosted the Oklahoma LGBT Leadership Summit at the beautiful
Ron Norick Downtown Library Saturday, April 14 with over 140
attending representing 33 organizations. The conference featured local
presenters in the areas of politics, education, and the issues of the
LGBT community, women, seniors, Pride events, religion, health
and organizational processes and development in 18 breakout sessions.
CAF was able to tackle this huge project with the help of 27
Community Partners and a National Sponsor, the Human Rights
Campaign (HRC).
Breakfast and lunch were served, allowing participants an opportunity
to meet and greet others and net-work with other organizations.
Several people from Tulsa attended, sharing with OKC their success
with the recent opening of their Dennis R. Nell Equality Center
and other projects. There were attendees from other places as well,
as far axvay as Tennessee and Wyoming.
Official greetings were extended from Oklahoma County Commissioner
Jim Roth, OKC City Council members Sam Bowman and
Ann Simank, State Senators Connie Johnson & Andrew Rice, and
Oklahoma State Representative Al McAffrey.
CAF President Richard Ogden and DBA (Diversity Business Association)
President Monty Milburn facilitated the opening and
closing sessions, geared to open discussion and responses to the
education presented. A survey was gathered to assess the conference
and to guide planning to make the next one even more responsive
to community needs and desires.
Activists Launch Statewide
LG Advocacy
By Laura Belmonte
TULSA, OK__On March 24-25th, activists from across Oklahoma
gathered at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center to formulate plans
for statewide LGBT advocacy efforts. Sponsored by Oklahomans for
Equality, the Creation Weekend meetings were facilitated by Toni
Broaddus, Executive Director of the Equality Federation, Mickey
Maclntyre of Real Change Partners, and Jeremy Pittman, Deputy
National Field Director for the Human Rights Campaign. The Gill
Foundation provided financial support. Representatives from several
organizations including the Cimarron Alliance, H.O.P.E. Testing
Clinic, OSU’s SODA (Sexual Orientation Diversity Association),
Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., and RAIN attended.
Throughout the meetings activists discussed their hopes and
expectations of statewide LGBT organizing. They identified longrange
political goals including non-discrimination in housing and
employment, relationship recognition, safe schools, hospital visitation
rights for same-sex partners, and hate crimes laws that include
sexual orientation and gender expression. They also discussed
possible strategies for statewide coalition-building, lobbying, voter
registration and education, and electing LGBT and LGBT-friendly
public officials throughout Oklahoma.
A steering committee to direct these efforts is currently being
formed. Interested organizations and activists are urged to participate
and can contact Laura Belmonte, president of Oklahomans for
Equality, at center@okeq.org for more information. For complete
video coverage of Creation Weekend, see http://okgnn.net/
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5
DBAT Hosts First Business
After Hours
by Suzan Hartman
TULSA, OK__Business is built on relationships and what better
time to start developing those relationships than during Tulsa Pride
2007! The Diversity Business Association ofTulsa, a program of
Oklahomans for Equality, will host their first Business After Hours
event on Thursday, June 7 from 7:00 to 9:00pm at the Dennis R.
Neill Equality Center.
Business After Hours offers excellent networking opportunities for
area glbt business owners and professionals. All members of the
business community are invited to attend and refreshments will be
provided. There is no cost so join us at this wonderful social gettogether
and make new contacts or to get reacquainted xvith former
contacts.
DBAT provides a forum to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
business and professional community and its allies for the
purpose of networking, professional development, creating increased
visibility and strengthening relationships among business and professional
community members.
We’re the heart of LGBT networking and business growth. We
support. We lead. We promote professional development, business
diversity and personal enrichment - so get involved today! For more
information contact Susan Hartman at slhartman@cox.net or 918-
274-1699.
GET READY [:OR THE 22nd
ANNUAL GREAT PLAINS
RODEO
By Greg Steele
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__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 offa fun filled weekend May 25 through May 27th 2007. The
event will be held in Oklahoma City at State Fair Park, 333 Gordon
Cooper Blvd. Registration will be Friday 6pm to 9pm at State Fair
Park Barn 3.
Rodeo performance’s will begin Saturday morning 8am with the
Grand Entry around noon. The event will wind down with the
awards ceremony 8pm in Barn 3. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes
will be awarded. The 2007 Rodeo has added money for Bull Riding,
Bronc Riding, Steer Riding, Calf Roping on Foot, Breakaway
Roping, Team Roping, Barrels, Poles and Flags will only be awarded
to the top three place winners for combined scores Saturday and
Sunday. Awards will also include Saddles for Top Men and Women
Roping and Speed Events.
The host hotel is Hollywood H~tel and Suites, 3535 NW 39th
OKC, OK 73112 405-947-2351.
Events Schedule .........Continued page-23
6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7
8 the STAR ww~.ozarksstar.com
Tulsa Pride
United for Equality
June 2 -
Pride Festival Saturday June
9th at Veteran’s Park - 18th &
Main in Downtown Tulsa 11:00
AM -5:00 PM Over 15,000
expected to attend!
Parade begins 10:00 AM - 15th
& Utica to LGBT Pride Festival-
Veterans Park
presented by oklahomans for equality (OkEq)
621 E 4th Street* Tulsa, OK
lent Outdoor Living
Mitchell Savage
Smith
Hid-(:entury Nodern Gem
Home of Rex Ball and
Stephen Edwards
Iplewood Secret ~3arden
Home o1: Harcy Smitl~
Welcl~
wwN.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9
LoPA~GE
by Hr. Continental 2006
S~MBA HALL
& Special gues~:
SANTANA & TRIXIE DELUXXE
CAYNE
wihh Zsane’ Braxton,
Ebony Hall, Krystal DeKanter, Bobby Paige
!21 to dria~k www.OKContinental.com No Video Recording
"At Century 21 Gold Castle our BEST
prope~ies are our PEOPLU’
4301 NW fi3rd, Suite 100
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
10 the STAR
405.840.2t06
www. c21 goldcastle.com
w~v,ozarksstar.com
Commissioner Brent Rinehart’s
a Piece of.olToast,
(his future, that is)
By James Nimmo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Oklahoma County Commissioner
Brent Rinehart from District 2, a practicing public homophobe, was
formally arraigned earlier this month for serious Oklahoma campaign
law violations (ten by my count) ranging from perjury and
filing false campaign reports to accepting illegal contributions from
third parties and conspiracy against the state during his campaign in
2004.
According to Attorney-General Drew Edmondsoffs office Rinehart,
and his campaign manager Tim Pope (Pope, a former state legislator
who carried a gun in his boot on to the floor of the House because
he said gay, were after him, he was also found guilty of illegal campaign
telemarketing in March for calls directed against Commissioner
Jim Roth) are charged in Oklahoma Count), District Court
with one count of conspiracy against the state, two counts of money
laundering and three counts of knowingly accepting a contribution
to a political candidate through an intermediary or conduit with
unlawful intent. Additionally, Rinehart faces four counts of perjury.
Run-of-the-mill political shenanigans you might yawn, but stay
with me.
If you’re LGBT or an ally, you know that Mr.. Rinehart, only just
past the half-way mark in his first term, is finally getting his comeuppance
as a public figure. From day one of his term he has ragged
on Commissioner Jim Roth, District 1, for advancing what Rinehart
thinks is the much talked about but seldom seen, "gay agenda".
Why does Rinehart think he’s had a look at the "gay agenda"? I
haven’t seen it and I’ve paid lots of dues in time and money. Does
Rinehart know somebody I don’t? Does he have a secret handshake?
He seems to walk and talk in the normal way.
The only gay agenda I’ve seen is my own: to be treated under law
in the same way as any other tax-paying citizen, irrespective ofmy
sexual orientation, and according to my own observance of existing
law. I’m paying the same fare as a straight man; I expect the same
first-class ticket.
In January 2005 Rinehart was one of 3 on the Oklahoma County,
Budget Board (al! 8 county elected officials) who voted to rescind
Oklahoma County’s policy of non discrimination for County employees
that incudes sexual orientation. (The repeal efforts failed)
There have been numerous articles in the Oklahoma City media
about Rinehart being unable to work effectively with the other OK
Count), officeholders. All the County elected officials issued a
group letter the same day,
as Rinehart’s arraignment
in which they promised
to maintain character and
integrity in the face of
these serious allegations
of misconduct by Rinehart.
In his defense, Mr..
Rinehart has spoken of a
personal vendetta being
directed against him by
the Attorney-General and
the "good ’ole boy" system
he claims is responsible
for his predicament. At a
press conference Rinehart
(Phonto right) said, "I
will continue to serve the
public despite the good
old boy demands that I abandon public office. I look forward to
my day in court where the facts ~vill reveal that I am innocent of the
politically motivated charges made by Drew Edmondson."
Does the "good ’ole boy" system include the Oklahoma State Bureau
of Investigation which did the ground work for the indictments?
Does it also include the OK County District Attorney David Prater
who, on April 11, 2007, made the legal determination that there is
no current law which can remove Rinehart from office under only
allegations of wrongdoing Prater concluded that conviction must
first be found in court concluded DA Prater.
It’s so easy to tease Rinehart as he leaves himself so wide open, and
his delusions are indeed grand. In an interview with TV-4 he said
(and I paraphrase) "the good ’ole boys want to get me, want to get
me, right now, want to get me, take me down, because they know
one day I’ll be governor."
These words are nearly verbatim, repetitions included. His mantra
of referring to the "good ’ole boys" so often makes me think no
one played with him as a child. He still feels like an outsider. He
prides himself on his role as a maverick yet he has nothing constructive
to show for it. He never learned to socialize and he’s carrying
this grudge even now as he digs his hole of seclusion ever deeper.
Who would have thought he wanted to be governor? Would such a
mark of victory expunge the feelings of exclusion from his psyche?
Does he need something bigger than a county commissioner’s office
to assuage his private demons?
Personally, I can hardly wait for Rinehart’s days in judicial court
as well as the court of public opinion. Even should he be found
not guilt), I doubt if the voters of District 2 will want to continue
Rinehart’s employment for another term as commissioner.
Challengers from all political viewpoints now have a good lead time
to establishing themselves with the voters of District 2.
\Vho wants stale toast to represent them at the County office?
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11
Eureka Diversity
Rains Supreme
by Joey De
EUREKa, SPRINGS, AR~IfDisney
Land is the happiest place on earth, Eureka
Springs, Arkansas, must be a close second.
Nesded in the Ozarks, an hour away from
Branson, MO, Eureka has made its name as
a tourist destination with its eclectic array
of nick-nack shops, historical architecture
and southern hospitality. The community’s
dozen-plus annual festivals help to attract
a diverse crowd of visitors from across the
country, including the ’iGaylien beings" who
landed there from Apr. 13 - 15.
Going a step further than hand holding,
organizers arranged a public display of affection
in the town’s Basin Park, during which
a young lesbian proposed to her partner.
As a living memorial to a lost friend of one
Diversity Pride Committee member, the
weekend featured a "Recovery in Pride" forum
hosted by Mr. Marty Perry, the CEO of
The Pride Institute. Followed by a self-help
style meeting, the forum allowed participants
to discuss how their sexuality may
have influenced substance abuse
or support healthy ways
for them to overcome
it.
evening when the younger crowd to finally
show it’s face.
Although inhibited by a lack of sunshine,
the 2007 Eureka Springs Diversity Pride
Celebration followed through with a promise
made to all of its visitors. All beings were
welcome.
Coinciding on the same weekend with
Eureka’s annual UFO convention (yes, you
read right), the Spring Diversity celebra- For
tion welcomed beings of all.types to inhabit visithe
streets of the quiet town. Although tots
attendance was significantly reduced due who
to weather through out the region, visitors did not
came from as far away as Ohio to explore
the streets of Eureka Springs.
As laid back as the town itself, Diversity
Pride offered a mix of events designed to
appeal to couples who are past the up-allnight
party phase of their life and to those
who still don’t go down until the sun comes
up (take it as you will). Many of the events
showcased the town itself, spotlighting the
forty five gay owned restaurants, dubs and
businesses. Locals happily hosted tours of
the area, diversity meals and spiritual events
for the mostly 28-35 crowd who braved the
rain, snow and ice.
Advertised as a "Diversity Pride" festival,
the weekend was more about embracing
diversity than it was celebrating pride.
With no major central event such as an all
day picnic or parade, visitors were more
integrated through out the community then
at most Prides, where celebrants flock to one
location. Although there was a visible show
of pride in rainbow feathered boas and flags,
the refreshing attraction of the weekend was
its lack of spectacle.
"It’s nice to be able to come to a town where
you feel like you’re the ’norm’" expressed
one gaylian visiting from St. Louis. "It’s
refreshing to see people walking around
holding their partner’s hand on the street."
12 the STAR
participate
in
organized
events,
the shops
of Eureka
opened their
doors, with
many offering a
"family discount."
leries, jewelers and a puppet
shop welcomed were browsing,
buying and in some cases trying to escape
the rain.
Highlighting the weekend for visitors of all
ages ~vas the return appearance of Chicago’s
"Gayco" show, who offered two performances
in the town’s historic "Auditorium."
The group, who specializes in improvisational
comedy offered a master’s workshop
for visitors and even posed for pictures with
gaylians after their show.
For those who grew tired of shopping (or
the endless up-hill walking) the bars of
Eureka provided an impressive array of
entertainment choices for a town its size.
Whether visiting Henri’s, Jack’s Place or
Chelsea’s for live music, Karaokeing with
"Tiny" at Uncle Tuckers; or dancing the
night away at The Tiki Torch, the liquor
flowed and the good times rolled into the
De
Good, clean,
..is not
way to describe
"Gayco" comedy
the
of Eureka
Auditoduring
the
i Diversity
Following the success of the
’ appearance last year,
Organizers of diversity weekend brought
the troupe back to tackle pressing issues in
the gay world such as marriage, don’t ask
don’t tell, adoption and coming out. With
a well articulated mix of low and high brow
humor, the seven Gayco players entertained
audiences with their unique blend of improvisational
and sketch comedy.
Originating as a gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender outreach project of the legendary
Second City Comedy Club in Chicago,
Gayco has been entertaining communities
across the nation for almost eleven years.
"Second City saw us as a one maybe two
show outreach to the GLBT community,"
says Andy Eninger, one of the group’s
founders. According to the performer,
although there is no formal relationship between
the two groups, they maintain a close
working friendship. "We outgrew them, and
they xvanted us to spin off and do our own
thing, but they still watch us closely."
Continued page-26
www.ozarksstar.com
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13
Who was Allen Schindler?
The murder of gay sailor Allen Schindler
in October 1992 contributed to a national
debate about GLBT people in the military
that remains unresolved to this day.
Schindler was born in December 1969 and
grew up in Chicago Heights, Ill. A mediocre
student, he joined the Navy right out
of high school to obtain G.I. Bill money
to attend veterinary school. He was first
stationed in San Diego, where he frequented
gay clubs and found a boyfriend. In 1991,
he fulfilled his dream of serving aboard the
aircraft carrier USS Midway, a ship with a
relatively tolerant atmosphere. But after the
Midway was decommissioned a year later,
he was reassigned to the USS Belleau Wood,
which had a reputation for a rough and
rowdy crew.
Schindler and other sailors suspected of
being gay xvere routinely called "faggots"
and shoved as they walked the ship’s halls.
One night in September 1992, as the ship
was en route from San Diego to Sasebo,
Japan, Schindler, a radioman, broadcast an
unauthorized message, "2-Q-T-2-B-S-T-R-
8" ("too cute to be straight"), which led to a
month-long disciplinary confinement. Soon
thereafter, he admitted to commanding officers
that he was gay: Though aware that the
disclosure would likely lead to his discharge,
Schindler nevertheless felt a sense of relief:
"Ifyou can’t be yourself, then who are you?"
he wrote in his diary.
14 the STAR
As word spread that Schindler was gay and
discharge proceedings were underway, the
abuse increased. "It scares me a little," he
wrote. "You never know who would want
to injure me or cease my existence." By late
October, the Belleau Wood had reached
Sasebo and Schindler’s confinement had
ended. He began frequenting local bars,
where he met a group of gay American
entertainers, including dancer Eric Underwood,
whom he told about the harassment.
On the night of Oct. 27, after spending the
evening drinking, two of Schindler’s shipmates,
Terry Helvey and Charles Vins, followed
him into a public bathroom in a park
near the base. Helvey began to beat and
kick Schindler, with Vins also joining in;
Helvey finished off the attack by stomping
on Schindler’s throat. As the assailants fled,
wimesses arriving on the scene summoned
the Shore Patrol, and medics tried to revive
Schindler without success. The pathologist
who conducted the autopsy reported that
Schindler’s injuries were "similar to a highspeed
auto accident or a low-speed aircraft
accident." His face was beaten so badly that
his mother could only identify him by tattoos
on his arms.
Helvey and Vins were identified by wimesses
and arrested the next morning. As Helvey
was being led awa); he told a shipmate, "The
bastard deserved it." Vins received a quick
court-martial and was sentenced to just four
months in exchange for testimony against
Helvey.
The incident received little press coverage
until Underwood and his associates wrote
a letter to several publications exposing the
antigay harassment Schindler had faced.
The military newspaper pacific Stars and
Stripes printed the lettel; and a reporter
from the paper investigated the story, but
the Navy tried to cover up the nature of the
killing, going so far as to leak a rumor that
Schindler and Helvey were gay lovers who
had had a falling out.
Gay activists raised a furor over the murder,
at a time when the issue of gays in the military
was high on the national agenda due to
Bill Clinton’s campaign promise to lift the
ban on GLBT service members. Michael
Petrelis of Queer Nation - who vowed to
make Schindler the "gay Rodney King" -
organized a press conference at the Pentagon
in December. Friends and supporters held a
memorial in San Diego, while the Human
Rights Campaign flew Schindler’s mother,
Dorothy Hajdys, to Washington to speak
at a candlelight vigil.
Hajdys, a fundamentalist Christian who initially
had trouble accepting that her son was
gay; became an unlikely activist for GLBT
civil rights. "If you would have told me I
would have been at the March on Washington
standing before a million people and
being seen all over the world, I would have
told you you were nuts," she later told an
interviewer.
Schindler’s killing remained front-page news
throughout the spring of 1993. In May,
Helvey was court-martialed in Japan, with
his defense focusing on his abusive childhood
and use of steroids. He admitted the
crime, first claiming that Schindler had
made a sexual advance in the bathroom and
later saying that he found homosexuals "disgusting,
sick, and scary." The incident never
would have happened, he added, if gays
weren’t allowed to join the military. Helvey
pleaded guilty to murder with intent to
commit great bodily harm, thereby avoiding
the death penalty for premeditated murder.
In 2002, Hajdys and gay activists successfully
opposed his parole, and he continues
to serve a life sentence at Fort Leavenworth,
Kan.
Schindler put an individual face on the
debate about gays in the military, with both
sides pointing to his murder to justify their
positions. In November 1993, President
Clinton signed the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell"
policy into law, after Congress and the Pentagon
opposed lifting the ban. According to
the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
more than 10,000 men and women have
been discharged from the armed forces since
the policy went into effect.
www.ozarksstar.com
Simba Ro Ha l To Host Miss
Oklahoma Cor dnenta At Club
Majestic Tulsa.
TULSA, OK__Simba
R. Hall is a creation
and alter ego of
LeSean D. Lewis.
Simba was introduced
to the field of
pageantry in 2001 at
Mr. and Miss Renaissance
in Atlanta, GA.
A good friend had
heard him sing in the
professional arena and
needed some vocals to
back his poetry. When
Simba hit the stage,
he was mesmerized.
From there, he went
to compete for Mr.
Liberty, Mr. Renaissance,
Mr. Duval, and
Mr. Continental. He captured the title of Mr. Renaissance in 2004.
This was followed by his win of Mr. Duval 2005 hosted in Jacksonville,
FL.
Simba R. Hall has always wanted to give back to his gay community.
With this in mind, he used Renaissance as a platform to form the
King’s Alliance. The King’s Alliance is a compilation of all the male
representatives holding National titles. ~Pney perform a National
show every year called M.E.N.S. (Male Entertainers of National
Systems) Night. They donate all proceeds to a non-profit organization.
Over the past three years they have raised over $4000.
~xis was recognized by the elite system that he now represents, Mr.
Continental. It took Simba three times to capture this title. Each
time he stood in the top five next to the winners, Ray Matthews and
Tony Desario. \~qxen Simba won, he started using his popularity
throughout the community, adding more benefit shows and fundraisers.
He started a couple’s night which 7will feature duets from the
kings and queens representing National titles. This is to be held at
the Baton in June. He also had a Continental Christmas in Atlanta
that raised over $3500 for Child Kind, an organization that cares for
terminally ill children.
Simba wants to be remembered for bringing the community to the
forefront and showing the world that being gay is just a preference.
\re are just as human as the next individual. Simba is also working
on an album that ~vill be available in the fall.
At the current time he is touring the US as Mr. Continental where
he receives raves reviews and standing ovations. Simba Hall will
Host the Miss Oklahoma Continental on Friday May 25th at Club
Majestic in Tulsa at 8pm. This will be the fourth Miss Competition
in Oklahoma produced by Monica Freeman.
THE AUSTK LIAN BEE GEES SHOW
at Tulsa’s Historic Brady Theater
TULSA,
OK___Having
received nothing
less than fantastic
reviews, "The
Australian BEE
GEES Show"
is coming to
Tulsa’s Historic
Brady Theater
on Friday May
4th.
Ttxe house lights
fade slowly and
there is a cheer
of excitement,
then a brief
moment of
anticipation. It
begins with a single bass note, then a chime that dances around the
room, a whisper of strings, a stab of brass and percussion, a flash of
light and the image flickers to life.
"The Australian BEE GEES Show" is a multi-media concert event
with the state-of-the-art sound, superb lighting and giant screens,
featuring video clips, live camera images and stunning graphics.
"The Australian BEE GEES Show" has captured the look, the
sound and the personality that defines one of the most successful
and adored acts in musical history. The show is presented from a
contemporary perspective and has evolved to become the definitive
live celebration of four decades of wonderful music written by the
Brothers Gibb.
Ten years in the making, a lot have been said about "The Australian
BEE GEES Show", including some kind words from one of
the Brothers Gibb’s niece, Deborah McLane, "When I first saw
the show I had high expectations of what the performance would
be like, those boys did more than exceed my expectations. I was
completely moved by their harmonies and the way they perfected
the whole Bee Gees image. This is the most outstanding Bee Gees
tribute show I have experienced."
For one night only, experience the magic, "The Australian ~BEE
GEES Show." In concert at Tulsa’s Historic Brady Theater Friday
May 4th, 2007. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and show starts at 8:00
p.m. Tickets cost $27.50 and $32.50 and went on sale beginning at
10 a.m. on Monday March 26th at www.bradytheater.com, w~vw.
etix.com, Tulsa’s Historic Brady Theater at 105 West Brady, or by
calling the Brady Theater Ticket Office at (918) 582-7239.
w~v.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15

Tuna Soup with Orange and Avocado
Fresh tuna meat is easy to overcook and can sometimes be
disappointingly dry and chewy, but in this juicy mixture it stays
succulent and delicious.
Ingredients:
2 - 3 tbls. Olive Oil
2 Onions (peeled, halved, and very thinly sliced)
2 Garlic Cloves (peeled and finely chopped)
1 tspn. Ground Cumin
Pinch of Cinnamon
2 tspn. Chopped Fresh Parsley
Finely Grated Zest and Juice of 1 Lime
2/3 cup Orange Juice
1 1/4 Fresh Tuna Steaks (cut into 3/4 inch cubes)
1 3/4 qts. Fish Stock
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
6 Large Tomatoes (cut into short pieces)
2 firm but Ripe Avocados (peeled, pitted)
40 oz. Sugar Snap Peas or Green Beans (cut into
neat cubes)
Sprigs of Fresh Flat-Leafed Parsley (for garnish)
Procedure:
1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions and
gently fry until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and
gently fry for 2 minutes.
2. Add the cumin, cinnamon, parsley, lime zest and
Juice, orange juice, tuna, stock, and a little salt and pepper.
Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, cover the pan,
and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, soak the tomatoes in boiling ~vater for
several minutes until the skin xvill peel easily away. Cut
away the hard cores and chop the flesh. Add to the
pan ~vith the sugar snap peas or beans. Simmer for 4-5
minutes.
4. Just before serving the soup, stir the avocado cubes
into the pan. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley.
Serves: 6
More on the Hotel Bel Air, page 1.19.

"TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOL
by Donald Pile & Ray Williams
Featuring Cuisine From Coast
HOTEL BEL-AIR
70! Stone Cmnyon Road Los Fmgeles;
"~e dining room at the Hotel BeI-Mr is, ~vithout doubt,
the most romcamc restaurants on, the planet, and one
beautiful ! We dine
As it is terribly expensive, we always order
consists of a lovely Salad, soup of the day" mad finger sandwiches.
And this costs $3~3.00! bur W~rth every pelmy o~it.
nitelv the most
~¢~rwiOzarksstar:com
Phe drag-themed Petticoat Bruncheon at Bump & Grind is one ofDenver’s best excuses to get out
ofbed on weekwnd mo,~vings. (Photo by Andrew Collins)
By Andrew Collins
Denver has long been one of the country’s
great centers of lesbian and gay culture. The
GLBT community here is highly visible
- socially, professionally, and politically - and
gay-friendly restaurants, bars, hotels, and
other businesses are easy to find in a number
of prominent neighborhoods. With several
new or expanded high-profile museums,
easy access to skiing and hiking, a sunny
climate, and relative affordability compared
with other big urban centers, the Mile High
City makes for a highly appealing vacation
destination, whether for a couple of days or
a full week .of exploration.
The city’s bustling, modern downtown
skyline is dominated by soaring skyscrapers.
Here you can wander along 16th Street, a
popular pedestrian mall filled with mostly
upscale chain shops. Or explore artsy Larimar
Square, a restored Victorian block of
hip boutiques and cafes - be sure to check
out the Market at Larimer Square, a coffeehouse-
bakery-deli where a cool crowd enjoys
mocha lattes, hearty breakfast burritos, and
hefty pastrami sandwiches.
Larimar Square marks the edge of dapper
LoDo, which began as the city’s shipping
20 the STAR
and retail center in the late 19th century.
As recently as the 1980s, however, the
neighborhood had been reduced to slums
and abandoned brick warehouses. LoDo’s
comeback began v,;hen artists started converting
these classic redbrick buildings into
galleries and studios. A flood of restaurants,
coffeehouses, and shops followed, as did
stately Coors Field, home to baseball’s
Colorado Rockies. You can easily spend a
few hours exploring this attractive district,
perhaps dropping by the Tattered Cover,
one of the country’s most beloved independent
bookstores, which has an outstanding
GLBT section. Another retail must is Rockmount
Ranch Wear, a circa-1940s outlet
for authentic Western shirts, belts, hats, and
bolo ties - this is the very shop that provided
those down-home sexy shirts worn by Heath
Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback
Mountain.
South of downtown you’ll find Capitol Hill,
which is anchored on one end by the giltdomed
State Capitol building. It overlooks
a grassy mall surrounded by the Colorado
History Museum and the spectacular
Denver Art Museum, which underwent a
dramatic expansion and redesign in 2005.
The Capitol Hill neighborhood, which
extends east from the Capitol building, is
where many of the city’s GLBT residents
live. On sunny days, check out lovely
Cheesman Park and the nearby the Denver
Botanic Garden.
If you’re keen on shopping, head a few miles
southeast of downtown to the Cherry Creek
area, where you’ll find numerous opportunities
for browsing and bargain-hunting at
upscale Cherry Creek Shopping Center and
Cherry Creek North. Tnese two premier
shopping destinations contain a mix of
top chain and independent stores. In the
evening, try out one of the neighborhood’s
fine restaurants, such as trendy Ocean, a
haute seafood eatery, or North, which serves
exceptional modern Italian fare.
Dining is one area where Denver has truly
come into its own in recent years. If you’re
a serious foodie, sample one of the restaurants
run by Denver’s acclaimed expert
on innovative Mexican cuisine, Richard
Sandoval. Best bets include Tamayo, near
lively Larimer Square, and trendy Zengo, a
boldly decorated space just north of LoDo,
where Sandoval fuses the best ofAsian and
Latin cuisine, serving everything from sushi
to ceviche.
A good bet for dining in LoDo is Vesta,
which operates on a quirky premise: you
choose three sauces (perhaps pistachio-mint
or grilled onion jam) for dipping with whatever
entree you choose, from grilled venison
to harissa-roasted half chicken. You’ll find
simpler fare at Dixon’s Downtown Grill, a
nice choice for fish-and-chips and bluecheese
burgers, and the festive Wynkoop
Brewing Company, which serves the best
green chile stew in town, plus a wide range
of handcrafted beers. Near Larimer Square,
chic Rioja serves creative, world-beat
cuisine, such as Dungeness crab-and-shiso
spring rolls, and grilled maple-cured pork
chops with Calvados sauce.
Favorite restaurants on Capitol Hill include
I1 Vicino, which turns out creative pizzas
and salads along with microbrewed ales,
and Sparrow, a convivial neighborhood spot
serving such inventive regional American
fare as pumpkin-chicken served with pancetta
risotto, sage, and cider. The local java
chain Diedrich’s Coffee has a particularly
gay-popular branch in Capitol Hill, too.
www.ozarksstar.com
The city has some great places for breakfast fare, including the gay
lave Racine’s, which is open late and serves three meals daily. For
amazingly tasty pancakes, head to Snooze, an offbeat storefront
space near Coors Field where you might start the morning offwith
pineapple-upside~down pancakes or vanilla-almond oatmeal brulee.
On weekend mornings, don’t miss the legendary drag brunch, called
Petticoat Bruncheon, held at Bump & Grind, a colorful bakery and
care.
One of city’s great strengths is its cultural scene, with maW of the
top events held at the esteemed, high-tech Denver Center for the
Performing Arts (DCPA), the second-largest such space in the nation
(trailing only New York City’s Lincoln Center). tt comprises
several performance venues and hosts everything from nationally
touring musicals to acclaimed opera. Before a performance, plan to
have dinner at DCPA’s top restaurant, Kevin Taylor’s. In this elegant
basement space, sample such creative fare as Black Angus carpaccio
with white-truffle oil, or charbroiled Colorado lamb chops with
braised lentils and black olive jus.
Denver has a friendly, eclectic gay nightlife, with a pleasing mix of
hip cocktail lounges, pulsing dance clubs, and friendly neighborhood
bars. One of the most popular hangouts is J.R.’s, an upscale,
bi-level video bar in Capitol Hill that hosts such entertaining events
as gong show karaoke and Broadway musical sing-alongs. Nearby
Charlie’s is a famously fun country-western club with line-dancing
and two-stepping, plus a restaurant serving decent American fare.
The Denver Detour is a mostly lesbian-oriented hangout that’s popular
early in the evening for happy hour cocktails - it’s right by the
State Capitol. Other good women’s options include tHERe Denver,
a lesbian-owned coffeehouse and lounge, and Ms. C’s, a long-running
lesbian dance club a 20-minute drive east of downtown.
Just south of Capitol Hill, the South Broadway area has several
notable locals joints, including B.J.’s Carousel, which has its own
volleyball court and a casual restaurant. You’ll find a somewhat
cruisy bunch at the Compound, a low-attitude dance club that’s
popular with everyone from collegiate hipsters to middle-aged bears.
The Triangle, for the serious leather crowd, has a big after-hours following
and a notoriously frisky basement. And Boyztown is one of
the better places in town to watch strippers strut their stuff.
Weekends are the best time to check out Denver’s most happening
gay nightclub, the always-packed Tracks Denver, a massive warehouse
disco with two pulsing dance floors, one spinning the latest
club music, the other featuring classic tunes from the ’70s and ’80s.
Denver has a number of memorable gay-friendly hotels. The
swanky, pet-friendly Hotel Monaco is a top choice for its hip,
Parisian-inspired aesthetic and remarkably friendly and helpful
service. Vibrant, stylish decor and quirk), in-room touches, such as
animal-print robes and pet goldfish, make this downtown boutique
property a fan favorite. The on-site restaurant, Panzano, serves firstrate
contemporary Italian fare.
A new kid on the block that’s earned praise for its stylish look as
well as its location across from the Denver Center for the Performing
Arts, The Curtis opened early in 2007 and looks like just
another high-rise from the exterior. But inside you’ll discover a
www.ozarksstar.com
whimsical, retro-fabulous hotel that looks like something out of an
Austin Powers movie. Each floor of guestrooms is themed differently
- rooms on the eighth level have a sci-fi look, while those on the
12th are done with a get-your-groove-on dance-floor theme. Moderate
rates, VW Bug-shaped alarm clocks, and a cool eatery called the
Corner Office Restaurant and Martini Bar are among the Curtis’
many charms.
If you want to be close to the fabulous shopping of Cherry Creek,
consider booking a room at the posh JW Marriott Denver, a
contemporary 11-stoW hotel whose cushy accommodations have
32-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD/CD players, marble-and-granite
bathrooms, and plush bedding with custom duvets and linens. The
sterling service is another plus.
One of the most romantic options is the gay-owned Capitol Hill
Mansion B&B, a stately Queen Anne Victorian on an attractive
residential street. Owners Jay Hadley and Carl Schmidt serve a lavish
full breakfast each morning as wel! as refreshments and snacks
in the afternoon; guests enjoy such pleasing amenities as free Wi-Fi
and fresh flowers in every room, and gas fireplaces, whirlpool tubs,
and private balconies in the top units. In the same neighborhood,
the gay-friendly Castle Marne B&B offers similarly cushy, antiquesfilled
rooms. The imposing 1889 building is one of Denver’s most
distinctive houses, with its elaborate turrets and stonework.
Probably no Denver hotel is more famous than the prestigious
Brown Palace Hote! & Spa, which has hosted such dignitaries as
Teddy Roosevelt and Sun Yat-sen during its 115-year tenure. Even
if you don’t have a chance to stay in one of the hotel’s lavish rooms,
consider dropping by for the daily afternoon high tea or evening
cocktails in the famed Atrium Lobby, or for the decadent Dom Perignon
brunch held in Ellyngton’s Restaurant on Sunday mornings.
the STAR 21
MAY 2007
Gay LoA. All the
One of the perks of being a "nationally
syndicated columnist," which is my newest
personal brand, is getting books in the mail
to review.
As the latest volume slipped out of its padded
envelope, I saw "sexual outlaws, power
politics, and lipstick lesbians" set in small
caps across the middle of the cover. Mmmmm,
this book is for me. Gay L.A.: A
History of,.. (insert those three descriptors
that caught my attention here), written by
award-winning historians Lillian Faderman
and Stuart Timmons, turns on its ear the
notion that the lesbian and gay movement
started in any one particular city.
L.A.’s gay roots go way beygnd the emergence
of Hollywood in the 1920s. We need
to go all the way back before California was
a state, before we were even a nation, and
we find the raale native Americans who
inhabited these lands to be quite fluid in
their sexuality.
California’s name came from Hernan
Cortes, the explorer who discovered the
tract of land now lmown as the Golden
State. It seems that Cortes was taken with
the 15th-century "protolesbian tale," as
the authors put it, about a mythical isle
called California, where Queen Califia
lived among strong, butch women. Just like
in the Amazonia legend, Califia’s women
"waged bloody war on other lands, killing
most of the males but carrying a few so that
they might copuJate with them for the sake
of procreation."
For some reason, Cortes put that myth
together with this new land and wrote
"California" across the map of what was
to become North America. The name
stuck, but the legend - like those of most
who come and go in this town known for
making legends - faded into obscurity until
Faderman and Timmons connected their
gay dots.
It wasn’t until Hollywood happened, with
its star-making quality, that L.A. and gay
really started to become synonymous. We
flocked to this city of creativity and makebelieve
because we could do just that - create
and make believe we could be whatever we
Way
If only that was totally true. When it comes
to the relationship between the community
and the notorious LAPD...well, let’s just say
it wasn’t a Hollywood love story.
"The LAPD in the years after WW~I and
into the 1960s was really particularly vicious
in regard to lesbians and gay men," Faderman
told me in a recent interview. "The
police hired Hollywood rejects - handsome
young men looking to break into the movie
industry - who would then go to the places
gay men cruised, hang out, strike up conversations,
and then the handcuffs would come
out, and the gays would be arrested."
It wasn’t only gay men who were victim~-
ized by the cops. "Butch women had a hard
time, too," said Faderman. "They were very
often arrested for ’masquerading.’" \Vghat is
this "masquerading"? Being butch and dressing
that ~vay. It seems that there was a laxv
on the books, in response to how outrageous
the puritanical city fathers thought things
were getting, that men couldn’t be seen
in public in women’s clothes, and women
couldn’t don men’s clothes either.
Reading this, I was disgusted by how those
we pay taxes to for protection - in a city,
the police, for the nation, the armed forces
- victimize our community. While "don’t
ask, don’t tell" is still in place, the LAPD
has changed its tune to some degree. Now
they’re recruiting us to their ranks - us
meaning lesbians and gays; transgender
people need not apply.
"The West Hollywood sheriff’s department
really wants lesbian and gay folks," explained
Faderman. "But on the other hand,
I read about a trans person who supported
herself by prostitution. The police would
take her in the back alley practically every
night and rape her."
As someone who grew up in L.A., Faderman
seems to be particularly proud of the lesbian
and gay firsts of her native city. Honestly,
these were things I never knew. I always
considered Stonewall to be the "start" - that
is, after all, what we celebrate every June.
In 1947, for example, the first lesbian
magazine, Vice Versa, was started in L.A. A
few years later, the Mattachine Society was
born - the child of Harry Hay. Ten years
before the Stonewall Riots, drag queens
and hustlers in downtown L.A. took to the
streets to protest the LAPD’s consistent harassment
of them at their hangout, Cooper
Donuts. In 1968, Troy Perry founded the
first gay church, the Metropolitan Community
Church, and in ’71 lesbian and gay
Jews had a welcoming place to worship at
the nation’s first gay synagogue, Beth Chaim
Chadashim.
"With L.A., there were all these incredible
firsts," said Faderman. "It’s sort of incredible
that no one has observed that before, and
no one has tried to make a history out of it."
Until now, that is.
This book is a great read that is both entertaining
and educational. The nonfiction
addict that I am, Gay L.A. gave me my fix
of facts and fun that kept me turning the
pages. I really xvanted to kmow what happened
next. I can’t wait until we all write the
next chapters as we continue to tear down
the barriers to our freedom.
22 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Rodeo Schedule
Thursday, May 24, 2007, from 9pm till
?, The Great Plains Rodeo Kick off Party,
featuring the current royalty and all former
royalty we can encourage to attend, at the
Finishline.
Friday, May 25, 2007, from 6pm till 9pm,
The Great Plains Rodeo Registration Party,
featuring contestant registration, a silent
auction, and a fundraiser shiny, at the Oklahoma
State Fair Park Barn 3.
Saturday, May 26, 2007, from 8am till
?, Rodeo events with grand entry around
noonish at the Oklahoma State Fair Park
Barn 6. Tickets are $10.00.
Saturday, May 26, 2007, from 6:30pm
till 9pm, The Texas Tea Party, featuring
the IGRA Royalty, The Texas Royalty and
the Oklahoma Royalty, and others, at the
COPA.
Sunday, May 27, 2007, from 8am till ?, Rodeo
events with grand entry around noonish
at the Oklahoma State Fair Park Barn 6.
Tickets are $10.00.
Sunday, May 27, 2007, from 8pm till ?,
Rodeo awards ceremony, at the Oklahoma
State Fair Park Barn 3. BBQ Dinner $10
per plate advance purchase by end grand entry
Sunday see any OGRA royalty member
or Officer.
You’re guaranteed a fun filled and exciting
weekend at Oklahoma’s largest Gay Rodeo.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate. For
more information go to: www.ogra.net or
call 405-290-8779
Jays ModelAgency
Talent Search ~ Males 18 to 21
Jays Model Agency is Seeking
New Faces for our 2007 Online
Gallery ofArtistic Nude, Casual&
Formal Wear Models. We Pay Our
Models $300 to $500
Call Today (405) 946-5297
See Our Display Ads in Frest~rn~: & Men Magaaine
Creating
Community for
Peop ÷ :ving
with
H~ViAIDS
50t c (3) Non Profit Organizatio,:t
Our House, Too offers a vadoty 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 23

www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 25
GAYCO From page 12
With seven players at their Eureka appearance,
the troupe delivered a performance
that would make the raunchiest of comedians
and the driest of analysts proud.
Opening their show with a stirring anthem
of "gay recruitment" the comedians set the
precedent that over the next hour and a half
nothing, not even death, would be sacred.
Blending lesbian issues and gay issues, the
comedy of Gayco had a little something for
everybody. Whether it was a widower admitting
her secret love for her best friend or
the gay man dating the barely eighteen year
old, the situations that Gayco created were
as real as the performers themselves (even
though it may take a few years to see "Baby
Time Share" become a reality).
’%V4e like to take hot topics of the day, but
also what is going on in our lives," explains
Eninger. "Sometimes we’ll have a sketch
completely written and sometimes we’ll
just improvise it. We use the ensemble to
improve each idea and make it better."
Eninger says that thanks to the unique backgrounds
of each of the core cast members
and their crew of artistic associates, that
the show is able to have such a wide ranging
appeal. "A lot of people in the comedy
and improvisational tend to have a broad
background, most everyone has some
kind of theatrical training and has worked
with some kind of improvisational group.
You add on to that having a broad based
understanding of things like politics, anth.
ropology and cultural references to make
your jokes as on top of your intelligence as
possible."
"We all (the cast) have an activist streak in
us," Eninger continues, "we all have a message
we want to get across that’s paramount,
but we’re also not afraid to get a little low
brow. Gay people like that too. It’s nice to
show a human scene with a couple and just
flip to show something like ’Club Uranus.’"
During the show, the Gayco Performers were not
the only ones who had fun on stage. Participants
from an improvisational workshop held the day
before xvere invited to become a part of the act.
According to the group, one of their favorite
parts of touring is reaching out to the communities
they visit to help aspiring performers (or
those wbo just want to do it for fun) learn a little
bit more about their craft.
If and when Gayco will returns to Eureka Springs
is not yet known, but for the group that travels
the world, Diversity Pride is a favorite stop. Be
sure not to miss them if you have the chance.
26 the STAR
DBA METRO OKC
PRIDE EVENT A
SUCCESS
By Jeanne Flanigan
Photo by I~ctor Gorin: Left to Right, Reverend
ScottJones ofCathedral ofHope Drag Emcee
Ivana Deville, Jeanne Flaniagn.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK~Xhe Diversity
Business Association of Metro OKC
hosted the Second Annual Silent Auction
and Benefit for OKC Pride on March 29 at
the Copa. Nick Post and his staff provided
a banquet buffet, a festive ambience, and
space for 6 locations throughout the club
for auction items. The auction included approximately
60 items, ranging from original
art to tools and electronics. The benefit
made over $7000 for the OKC Pride Festival
and Parade, which is celebrating their
20th Anniversary in June.
This time the event raised over twice as
much as it did last year, thanks largely to
entertainers Alison Scott, Lady Spencer, and
the magnificent Ivana Deville. Three large
items were raffled off, with several generous
people buying over 100 tickets each. The
club was filled to capacity with many DBA
members, a!ong with other movers and
shakers of the community.
DBA Metro meets twice monthly for
networking and educational opportunities.
For more information !og on to
www.dbametro.org.
Drag Queen
Bingo _At Cains
Ballroom, Tu]lsa.
By Randy Vineyard
TULSA, OK__On May 4th the Cains Ballroom
will play host to yet another historic
event. Drag Queen Bingo, benefiting Our
House Too sponsored by Regional Aids
Funds Ameri-Corp and the Cains.
An annual event in Tulsa, this years theme
will be "Tulsa’s Dream Girls Present Motown",
the 60’s remember. Local celebrities
will be performing and a show stopping
appearance by Tulsa King Ty West. The
event will be hosted by Kris Kohl, a veteran
performer of 31 years. Twenty additional
fantastic female impersonators will be
entertaining you.
Prizes for Bingo and door give-a ways have
been donated by local business and associations.
Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are on
sale now, Milton Harris 918-585-9552.
All proceeds will benefit Our House Too a
Tulsa area aids outreach activity center.
A LANDMAP K GONE
\Vho Remembers the Free Spirit?
By Victor Gorin
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__Maybe it wasn’t
so long ago, or maybe longer ago than some
of us might xvant to admit, when OKC’s most
fabulous place to dance and party was the Free
Spirit. Located at 3121 N. Classen, originally an
Episcopalian Church, it first changed to an upscale
restaurant called Dino’s Steak & Spaghetti
before it became the Free Spirit disco in 1977,
owned by Steve Sixbey & managed by Michael
Tarr. Affectionately nicknamed "the Spirit"( and
its regulars "Spirit Queens") it became the "in"
place to be featuring cutting edge dance music,
some of Oklahoma’s early fabulous pageants,
and even appearances by major artists including
Sylvester & Disco Tex/Sex-o-Lets.
In 1982 the club became Jazzy’s, a straight club
with a predominantly black clientele. It changed
back to the gay focused Free Spirit again in 1984,
competing head on with Angles which had just
opened in 1982, and the war began as to who
would be OKC’s premier gay dance dub. The
partiers !oved the battle, which resulted in all you
could drink for $5 on Fridays and Saturdays at
both venues, but the Free Spirit finally capitulated
in August of 1984. Again going through a series
of straight ventures, it emerged again as a gay
club in 1986 renamed "~he Bar," even though it
was still referred to as "the Spirit." ~hat venture
failed as well, and after a long run as the straight
club" Infinity" it made a few more changes before
finally closing the doors for good. The building
sat abandoned for many years before finally being
demolished in March of this year.
"Now a vacant lot with a future unforeseen at
this time, memories of that place will always
inspire priceless memories for some of us to
treasure and pass on.
www.ozarksstar.com
THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest 12am
MO
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
"~DNESDAY May 2
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro.
THE COPA: Varie9" Show 10:30pro
FINISHHNE: Dart Tournament I0pm
THURSDAY May3
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show
~v/Rachad Erikks
THE COPA: Open Talent wtShemoane
Somemore 10:30pro
LEDO: Kari-Okie host. Pancho 9pro
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm
THE COPA: Mate Dancers 9pro
THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest 12am
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro
THE COPA: Varlet7 Shmv 10:30pro
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show
wtRachael Erikks
THE COPA: Open Talent wlShe~noane
Somemore 10:30pm
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm
LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro
SATU May5
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9prn
GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet
1 am-3:30am
SUN
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro
CLUB MAJESTIC: /vlajestic Kings
Show 10pm.
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
LUB b~JESTIC: Carla Lee Love
Show 10pm GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet
THE COPA: P,achael Erikks Show lam-3:30am
10:30pm THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pro,
CLUB MAJESTIC: Carla Lee Love
Show 10pm
THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show
10:30pro
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm.
THE COPA: Strip-OffContest
Midnight.
BA!vIBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
THE COPA: Varieq, Show 10:30pm
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro
THURSDAY M~v 17
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/
Rachaet Erikks
THE COPA: Open Talent wlShemoane
Somemore 10:30pro
FINISHHNE: Dart ~bumament 10pm
LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pm
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro
THE COPA: \4trieiy Show 10:30pro
HNISHLINE: Dart Tournament !0pro
THURSDBX May 24
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show wt
Rachael Erikks
THE COPA: Open Talent w/Shemoane
Somemore t0:30pm
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pro
LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pro
\ May [25
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro
CLUB NL&JESTIC: Miss Oklal~oma
Continental 2007 - Doors open 8pro
OGRA: RODEO, OKC
OGRA: RODEO. OKC
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro
GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet
lam-3:30am
SUN 27
OGRA: RODEO, OKC
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Brunch 2pro
BIG Memorial Cookout.
CLUB MAJESTIC: Catia Lee Love
Show 10pm
"H-IE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show
10:30pm
MEMORIAL DAY
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pro,
THE COPA: Male Dancers 9pro
GUSHERS: Late Night Breakfast Buffet THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest
lam-3:30am Midnight.
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Free Brunch
2pm, Kris Kohl Show 8pm
CLUB MAJESTIC: Catia Lee Love
Show 10pm
THE COPA: Rachael Erikks Show
10:30pm
DAY May 30
BAMBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm
THE COPA: gariety Show 10:30pro
FINISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm
www,ozarksstar.com
BA~MBOO LOUNGE: Karaoke 9pm.
CLUB MAJESTIC: Talent Show w/
Rachael Erildcs
THE COPA: Strip-Off Contest
Midnight.
After Dark is a free service to ou~ advertisers and is the responsibility of the advertiser to inform the STAR in
writing of updates, additions or discontinued events, q’he STAR is not responsible for accurac):
THE COPA: Open Talent wlShemoane
Somemore 10:30pro
HNISHLINE: Dart Tournament 10pm
LEDO: Kari-Okie host, Pancho 9pm
the STAR 27
"Doodle, Capricorn!"
Mercury aligned with the Sun in Taurus makes us
stubbornly attached to our ideas. Both orbs clashing
with Pluto bring those ideas under harsh scrutiny.
Arguments are inevitable but offer chances to learn.
ARIES (~arch 20 -April 19): Holding fast to your principles
doesn’t require arguing with everyone who disagrees
with you. Better to challenge yourself and see if your ideals
are strong enough to encompass more than just the ideas
you’re comfortable with.
TAURUS (April 21) - May 21)): Little disagreements can feel
like major personal attacks. Try to shrug them off and relax.
A little sexual exploration can take the edge off, although
that might also feel like a challenge. Still, it should be a
challenge you can rise to!
GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)): An erotic retreat with your
partner can relieve pressures that are making you feel
paranoid. Even if you (~an’t get away, stop imagining hostile
agendas behind every conversation. Meditation or a dream
journal can help unravel what’s really bothering you.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Your long-range vision may
cause clashes with colleagues who are locked into accomplishing
the task at hand. Helpful as your ideas may be,
arguing about them won’t help. Bite your lip, go with the
flow, and save your inspirations for later.
LEO (July 23 - August 22): Eager to get ahead, you may
be pushing too hard. Sit back a bit, strategize, and try to
cultivate finesse. Getting into everyone’s face about your
brilliance is counter-productive. Let your creativity speak for
itself.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Being terribly certain
in your ideas can put you at odds with your family or your
community. It may well be that you have something important
to tell them, but you need to listen in order to be heard.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): The more you
struggle against scandal, the more it grows. A bemused
response - "Mercy! Who’s telling such silly stories?" - wilt
help facilitate a quick change of subject. Or you may prefer
a smug, quiet smile that enhances a wicked mystique.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): If you’re partnered,
arguments are nearly inevitable for you, with money
being the likely trigger. If you’re single, your feistiness will
make or break the interest of a potential mate. Arguments
now can foreshadow a bigger struggle in six weeks.
28 the STAR
SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 o December 20): Safe
sex is as important now as ever. Your health is extremely
vulnerable right now, especially in erotic situations, but also
while you’re at work or exercising. Re-examine your habits
at work, working out, and "working it." There’s always room
for improvement!
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Your efforts at
playful repartee may seem a bit artificial, as if you’re trying
to hide something that is bothering you. At an unconscious
level, you probably are. Doodling, humming, or singing in
free association can help provide clues to what’s behind the
banter.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): How far do your
ambitions and dreams lead you away from the comfort of
family or tribe? And how far away do you really need to go?
Those questions seem important now. The answers are not
comfortable, but neither are they final.
PISCES (February 19 - Nlarch 19): The stronger your
opinions, the more they’ll be challenged. Do some homework
to back up your arguments. You may even learn
something that wil! push you to grow and change. Remember,
it’s only resistance to change that makes it difficult.
FREE NIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES
SPIRIT OF CHRIST
MCC SPONSORS
Testing appointment 41%529-8480.
2902 E. 20th St.,
PO Box 4711
Joplin, Mo 64803
SATURDAY Service 9:30AM
Your Invited to our COITIITIUI~ty Dinner Every Wed.
6pm just $4.00. No one is turned away.
www.ozarksstar.com
Arkansas, Bentonviile/Rogers (479)
NWA GLBT Ctr .... www.nwaglbtcc.org.........888-391-9222
Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers- - - -479-636-2002
Arkansas, Eureka Springs (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 !/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- -501-6642744
Diamond State Rodeo Assoc. - www.dsra.org
Discovery-~--- 102! 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..... 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 of 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....w~w.40thstreetinn.com.......816-561-7575
Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton BIvd ........ 816-231-1196
Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs -www.hydeskc.com - - 816-561-! 010
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, Lawton (580)
Ingrids Bookstore..... 1124 NW Cache Rd......580-353-1488
Oklahoma, McAlester (9~i8)
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........405-525-9200
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-
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
Topanga Grill & Bar-
Tramps-
Ziggy’s-
-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
-405-601-3711
-405-528-4690
3201N. MayAve ......... 405-917-1663
--3535 NW39th -405-917-1663
-2201NW39th. -405-521-9888
-4005 N. Penn- -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...... !0 S. Lewis-
Club 209 ....... 209 N. Boulder -
Club Majestic....... 124 N. Boston
Club Maverick..... 822 S. Sheridan
Cosmo Deli & Bar- - 6746 S. Memorial
Dreamland Bks .... 8807 E. Admiral PI
Equality Center ..... 621 E. 4th Street........
Hideaway Lounge..... 11730 E. 11th
HOPE Clinic....... 3540 E. 31st
Midtown 319 E. 3rd-
918-836-8700
918-712-9955
918-494-2665
--918-592-3456
918-584-9944
918-584-9494
918-835-3301
-918-459-0497
.918-834-1051
-918-743-4297
918-437-0449
---918-749-8378
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 ................918-592-1188
TNT’s ......... 2114 S. Memorial- - - 918-660-0856
Yellow-Brick-Rd....... 2630 E. 15th 918-293-0304
AT A POWNTOWN CHUB,
:20 MINUTES hATeR_.-
bitter girl
email: bittergid@qsyndicate.com
30 the STAR
www.joanhilty.net
www.ozarksstar.com
NWArkansas GLBT
CommuniW Center
"Lin-ldng Together as One"
For more information:
888-391-9222
WWW.NWAGLBTCC.ORG
1st furnished or
N.W. Oklahoma City gay male residence.
Attached ½ bath access to full
bath. Laundry facilities available, cable
TV. $275 per month all bills paid with
12 month lease. Employed person only,
references required
Call (405) 521 2131
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 31

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